NO
c
o,
7^>'
Past and Present
OF
Appanoose County
IOWA
ILLUSTRATED
I , L , "^ I , , . - ■ • 5 <■ ■
VOLUME II
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1913
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A8T0B, LENOX AND
TILO-N FOUNDATIONS.
R '813 L
fi^Anir; i;. i-ou-n:!;
Biographical
CLAUDE R. POR lEH.
Prominent amon^' the- democratic leatlers ot Iowa, distinpiished bv rea-
son of his patriotic and progressive service in the assembh- and honored by
reason of his abiht\ in the practice of huv, which he has made his chosen
life work. C'huuie R. Porter has left and is leaving the impress of his indi-
viduality upon the history of the commonwealth. He was born in Moul-
ton, Iowa. July 8, 1872, his parents bein>,' George D. and Hannah (Rod-
man) Porter. The father was born in Williamstown, Perry county, Penn-
sylvania, September 18, 1846, and was a son of the Rev. George D. and
Sarah Jane ( McCo)) Porter, the former of Irish and the latter of Scotch
ancestry. In 18^1 George D. Porter accom[xinied his parents to Tipton,
Cedar count), Iowa, where his father, who was a Presbyterian clergyman,
became pastor ot the church of his denomination there. In that city George
D. Porter was reared to young manhood and in the interim pursued his
education in the intermediate and high schools. When eighteen years of
age he began teaching school in Cedar count)- and later followed the pro-
fession in Ray county, Missouri, until 1870, when he entered upon the
study of law in the office of the Hon. George \\'. Dunn, of Richmond,
Ray count)-, Misso\iri. The same xcar he wa> admitted to the bar And
located at Moulton, .Appanoox- count), Iowa, where he practiced until
the fall ot 1877, when he came to Centerviiie, where he was accorded a
liberal clientage. He gave his political support to the republican party
until 1877, when In- joined the independent movement. In 1S70 lie IkuI
been elected city solicitor at Richmond, Missouri, and served for one term.
In 1883 he was cho.sen mayor of Centerviiie and as its chief executive
guided the interests of the city through one term. On the 6th of June,
1871. he was married in Richmond, Missouri, to Miss Hannah R. Rod-
man, a daughter of J. H, ind Lydia (Jennings) Rodman. The)- became
the parents of five children. Claude R., Sadie L., Northa I., (ieorge McCoy
and .Anna M. George D. Porter diet! in Centerviiie. Februarv 11. i8()C).
5
6 HISTORY OF .\l-r.\.\(K)SE COUNTY
Passing throuj^'h const-turive grades in the public schools Claude R.
Porter was graduated from the CVnterville high school with the class of
i8(S9, and for one year was a student in Parson's College at Fairfield,
Iowa. He also spent a year in the St. Louis (Mo.) law school and follow-
ing liis :uinii>si()n to rhc bar in 1893 has practiced continuously in Center-
ville. The date of his admission was the 6th of October, of that year, at
which time he became junior member of the firm of Porter >5i: Porter, of
Centerville, whicli became one of the strongest law firms in southern Iowa.
Time brought changes in the partnership relations, he being now senior
partner of rlie firm of Porter .^ Greenleaf. The ability and careful man-
ner in which he prepares his cases is evidenced in the strength with which
he presents his cause before court or jury. He seems never at a loss for
a reply and prepares tor defense as well as for attack. Moreover, he
holds to a high standard of professional ethics and leases his reasoning
u[)on a connjrehensive understanding of the [)rinciples of jurisprudence
and correct application thereof to the points in litigation. In addition
to his professional interests Mr. Porter is connected with various finan-
cial concerns including the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Piano, the Exline
Savings Bank of Exline, and ftie Mystic Intlu.strial Savings Bank of
Mystic, Iowa. Mr. Porter, however, has perhaps become even more widely
known through his jwlitical activity, at least to the people at large through-
out Iowa. Elected to the state legislature, he took his seat in l8g6 and
the indorsement of his first term's service came in reelections which con-
tinued him in office until 1900. He was then chosen state senator for a
four years' term and again took active and helpful interest in shaping
Iowa's legislation through another four years. In 1898 he was the candi-
date of his [)arty for secretary of state and was gubernatorial candidate in
K)o6 and 1910. On three difierent occasions in igoB, 1909 and 1910 he
has received the democratic support of the Iowa legislature for the office
of I'nited States senator. He was one of the members of a committee
apjiointed by the state legislature in 1897 to visit the state institutions
of Iowa, out of which grew the present board of control law. His mili-
tary record covers service as sergeant major of the Fiftieth Iowa \'oJun-
teer Infantry during the Spanish-American war.
On the 27th of December. 1899, Mr. Porter was married to Miss
Maud L. Boutin and to them have been born four children, George, Julia,
Northa and Dorothy. 'I'lic faiuilx atti ini the Presbyterian church in which
Mr. and Mr>. Porter tiold membership.
In its various lines of work he ha> been active and helpful, serving
as one of the elders of the church and as superintendent of the Sunday
.school. He has taken high rank in Masonry and is a member of the Mystic
HISTORY Ul" AI'l'AXOOSE COUNTY 7
Shrine at Davenport. He also belon;js to the Elks lodge ot Centerville.
Mr. Porter has tigured prominently before the [)ublic tor many years for
when he wa.s first candidate for state legislator on the populist and demo-
cratic tickets in the fall of iSg^ he was but twenty-three years of age.
Since that time he has been a leader in public affairs and he has never low-
ered his standard for the sake of public policy or to cater to public ojiinion
in any wav. His ideals of citizenship are high and his efforts to embody
these in practical service have been untiring. He commands the respect
of even those opposed to him politically while his ability and pergonal
(|ualities have won liim popularit} among a large circle of friends.
WILLIAM KENNETH CIRRIE.
William Kenneth Currie is a member ot the tirm oi Currie &: Dewey,
owners of the Journal of Centerville, Mr. Currie devoting his attention
to its management and to editorial duties. He was born at Oak Grove,
Dodge count)-, Wisconsin, December 18, 1870, his parents being John and
Sarah Ellen (Byersj Currie. The father was a native of the state of New
York and was of Scotch descent. The inotlicr was born in \'irginia and
was a representative of one of the old families that settled near James-
town at a very early epoch in the colonial history of the country. John
C. and Sarah E. Byers were married at Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1868,
and removed westward, becoming residents of Wisconsin. Subsequently,
however, the) established their home at Mount .\\ r, Iowa, and there in
the public schools William Kenneth Currie pursued his education. In
early manhood he became connected with hotel interests and remainetl
in that business for a number of years as proprietor of one of the hotels
at Mount Ayr. Subsequently he became connected with journalistic inter-
ests and was associated with the Hearst newspapers in Chicago for six
years. He severed that connection in January, 1910, after which he
engaged in promotional work for a year and a half in central Illinois and
northern Ohio. In November, i()i i, he came to Centerville and entered
into partnership with Walter H. Dewey of Chariton for the publication
of the Centerville Journal which is the only democratic paper in Appan-
oose county. During the pre-convention campaign of 1912 the Center-
ville Journal was one of the strongest newspaper sup[)orters of NN'oodiow
Wilson in that state and Mr. Currie was one of the executive board of
the Iowa-Wilson league. In his editorials he clearly sums up the situa-
tion as he sees it and presents concisely and forcibly the vital principles
8 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
and questions at stake. He cast his tirst presidential vote for Grover
Cleveland, supported William . Jennings Br^an three times, and in the
fall of 1912 as a progressive democrat voted for Woodrow Wilson. His
fraternal relations are with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and
with the Masonic lodge. He is a typical American citizen of the present
age, alert and enterprising, keeping in touch with the significant questions
and situations of the country and casting his influence on the side of
advancement along the lines of reform and improvement.
]U)BKHr CUAWFORD FORSYTH.
Robert Crawford Forsytii is one of the oldest among the merchants of
Appanoose count}, having passed the eightieth milestone ot life's journey,
but he still remains an active factor in commercial circles as the senior
partner in the firm of Forsyth & Son, druggists, and as such has con-
tributed largely to the commercial activity and consequent prosperity of
Mystic. He was born in Ajrshire, Scotland, June 2, 1832, a son of James
and Margaret (Crawford) Forsyth, who always remained residents of
the land of hills and heather. The father was a weaver, working at a
hand loom throughout his entire life. Their son, Robert, was the youngest
in a family of twelve children, six of whom reached years of maturit}-
but he is now the onh one surviving. He remained at home imtil he
reached the age of seventeen 3ears but \\hen fourteen }ears of age he
entered a drug store where he was emplo)ed tor three years. .\t the end
of that time he went to sea to improve his health which had become great!}-
impaired, and for nearly ten years he remained upon the water. In 1857
he was married to Miss Betsy Stewart Butter.
Leaving his bride at her old home, Mr. Forsyth two weeks after his
marriage came to ,\merica on a sailing vessel as a ."^eaman. He left the
ship, however, at Quebec and went to Montreal where he joined a pro-
peller, sailing on the Great Lakes until winter caused a cessation ot navi-
gation. Mr. Forsyth passed the winter in Kingston, Canada, after which
he sailed on the lakes until June, but thinking to find better business
opportunities in the interior of the country he made his way to Rock Lsland,
Illinois, where he lived with his sister and brother-in-law. Soon after-
ward he secured employment in a stone ijuarrx in Mercer county. Illinois,
at seventy-five cents per da} and also took out the coal which was used
in the operation of a grist mill. For twent}-three years he engaged in
digging coal through the winter seasons and spent the summer months at
IIISTORV OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 9
farm labor. In two years he had saved enough to send tor his wite who
joined him in Mercer county, Illinois, and in 1866 he came to Iowa and
for three years met with different experiences in mining and farming in
Mahaska county and then removed to What Cheer, where he continued
for twenty-four years. There he followed coal mining and also general
agricultural pursuits and during the latter part of that period purchased
a farm, which he found was underlaid to some extent with coal so that
he again engaged in mining as well as in the development of his fields.
Eventually, however, he entered the drug business and for twenty-eight
years has been engaged in that line of trade in this country. It was the
business to which he first turned his attention on starting out in the world
and his earl}- experience served him in good stead when he once more
became a druggist. In 1893 he removeti to My>rit-. where his son David
h:ul located in a drug store and, joining his son, has since been carrying
on business here as a member of the firm of Forsyth & Son. Following
the disastrous fire which occurred in Mystic he erected his present building,
a fine two-story brick structure, twenty four by one hundred feet, at the
corner of Second and Main streets. He also owns a half interest in two
other business blocks and has, furthermore, become identified with business
interests in this town as a director of the Mystic Savings Bank, to which
jjosition he was elected on its organization, becoming at that time one ot
its stockholders. He and his son are also interested in farm lands in
Texas and Iowa and in city property in Mystic.
To Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth were born nine children: James, who is
engaged in the drug business at Xuma. Iowa; Donald William, who is a
hardware merchant of Mystic; David, who is in partnership with his
father; Isabella, who became the wite ot Tliomas Glendenning, and died
in Minnesota. leaving four children; Mar), the wite ot Robert Maxwell,
of Keokiik count}', Iowa; Robert, a tinsmith ot M\stic; Mrs. Jessie Cooji,
who is with her father; Elizabeth, the wite of William Keffner, of Jerome,
Iowa; and Dougald R.. who is engaged in the drug business at Redfield,
Iowa. In \(.)\ I the taniih were calletl upon to mourn the h)ss ot the
wife and mother, who died on the 6th ot January of that year.
Mr. Forsyth has been a life-long republican, supporting the party
since becoming an .\merican citizen. He has never held otHce. however,
preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business duties which have
been ot constantly growing volume and importance. Mr. Forsyth is a
Master Mason ami also an (Xid Fellow. He belongs to the Presbyterian
church, to the teachings of which he has ever been loyal. No history
in this volume, perhaps, indicates more clearh' what can be accomplished
through a resolute will, unfaltering perseverance and carefully directed
10 HISTORY OI- APPANOOSE COUNTY
efforts. He worked hard iiml persistently year alter jear, scorning not the
earnest toil which is the basis ot all success. Gradually he advanced until
his industry and econoni} placed him on the high road to success and
from that point forward his progress has been assured, bringing him at
length to a prominent position among the successful business men of his
adopted country. His record may well serve as a source of inspiration
and encouragement to others, showing what nia\ he accomplished when
energy and determination lead the way.
GEORGE WEST NEEDELS.
George West Xeedels who has been instrumental in making the Center-
ville Citizen a prosperous daily paper, in which connection he has become
widely known in this city and county, was born December 3, 184Q, at
New Albany, Franklin county, Ohio, his birthplace being about sixteen
miles northeast of Columbus. His father was a member of the state
board during the Civil war and his occupation was that of farming,
which he carried on about tour miles from New Alban)'. Two sons of
the family, John and S. I. Needels, are residing near the old home. The
four sisters are: Mrs. Eve Whiten, residing at \'an Wert. Ohio: Rene
Kirts, of Johnstown, Ohio; Mrs. Sarah Ross, of California: and Mrs.
Alice Ross, of Portland, Oregon.
George West Needels supplemented his education acquired in the dis-
trict schools by a term's study at the Albany school. When seventeen
years of age he started westward and was employed at railroading in
Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas and Te.xas, being connected with the con-
struction department as one of the superintendents for five years. He
afterward traveled for the Kilbourn-Jacobs Compan)-, a wheel scraper
company, for three years through Indiana. Illinois and Iowa, and it was
this which led him eventually to settle in Centerville. for being pleased
with the city and its future he resolved to locate here, and did so in 1879.
On the 31st of July, of that )ear, he purchased a livery barn which he
conducted successfully until it was destroyed b)- tire. He next entered the
Citizen's office and in i8c)2 he erected his present business block. In the
meantime he gave careful study and attention to the [niblication of the
paper which at that rime was iirought out as the Centerville Weekly
Citizen but at tlu- present writing a daily paper is published, having an
extensive patronage and thereby returning to the owner a good jirotit.
On the 2()th of August. 188^. in Centerville. Iowa. Mr. Needels was
HISTORY OF Arr.AXOOSE COUNTY 11
married to Miss Margaret Crosby Jones, a dauj^hter of Mrs. Eleanor
(Crosbv) Jones, and their children are three in numbt-r: Otis Crosby,
born November 17, 1886; Kieanor C, July 13, 188S; and Samuel Lyman,
who was born February 12, i8gi, and died in infancy. Mr. Needels
holds to the Unitarian faith and he is a charter member of the Knif.;hts
of Pythias Lodge, No. 64, in which he has held all of the chairs. In poli-
tics he has ever been a republican since age conferred u|)on him the right
of franchise. He has been a member of the city council for two terms
of three and two vears each, and h<- has been a member of the build-
ing and loan association, ^^'hether in oHice or out of it he stands for
that which has most to do with the welfare and upbuilding ot the city,
advocating at all times progressive measures which work for the material,
intellectual, social and moral progress of the community.
WILLIAM BRADLEY.
No history of Centerville would be complete without extended ref-
erence to William Bradley who for many years was a controlling factor
in business circles not onh ot this city hut ot this section ot the country,
his operations covering southern Iowa antl northern Mi.ssouri. In tact he
became one of the successful business men of the state and his lite record
illustrates most clearly what can be accomplished when determination
and energy lead the way, although one is ham|)ereil at the outset by lack
of opportunities. He was, indeed, a self-made man, deserving all the
praise and honor which that term implies.
A native of Pennsylvania, William Bradley was born near Pittsburg,
on the 18th of December, 1825, a son of James and Phoebe Bradley.
The father was a carpenter in very moderate circumstances ami as his
son William was the eldest in a family of seven children it became nec-
essary that he early provide for his own support. As soon as old enough
to assist in the work of the farm he took his place in the fields and was
occupied with the plowing, planting and harvesting in sjiring. summer
and tall, leaving him only the winter months in which to atteml school
and ac(]uire .such education as the schools of his locality afforded, i !•
was about twelve years of age at the time of his mother's death and tor
two months thereafter he worked on the Weatherspoon farm near his
old home. He atterward went to Lrankfort .Springs, where he remained
two years in humble labor that left him no leisure. He washed dishes,
aided in the cooking and |)erformed the work of a hostler. \\'hile his
12 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUXTY
services brouj^hr liiin lirrlc pa) the spirit ot industry and diligence was
developed in him with a recognition that earnest, persistent effort will
eventual!} win. As a tarm hand in the employ ot Robert Patterson, near
Burgettstown, he earned three tlollars per month during the summer season
anti in the winter worked tor his board and the privilege of attending
school. There he remained tor three years when he received an increase
ot a dollar per month for his services as a tarm hand with a man living
near Florence, Penns) Ivania. Again he utilized the winter seasons in the
attainment of an education. .Atter a }ear and a half there passed he
entered the government emplox in carrying the mail trom Washington
to Georgetown, the distance made during the week being two hundred
and forty miles, while his compensation was six dollars per month and
board. He remained in this .service for six months and saved all his
earnings, ambitious and eager to avail hiniselt ot better opportunities,
and when he thought he saw a chance tor improving his condition he
eagerly embraced it. Leaving the government service, at which time his
capital consisted of thirty-six dollars, he began peddling. Going to
Pittsburg he invested twenty-tive dollars in novelties and started out to
dispose of his goods, traveling trom house to house. Four years thus
passed, during which time he sold his goods at a profit, and he thus made
an upward step on the journey of life. .After he ceased peddling he
spent a year in Burgettstown, Penns)lvania, and then turned his attention
to the buying and selling of live stock.
Like hundreds of other }oung men Mr. Bradley was attracted to
Calitornia by the discovery ot goki and the consequent increa.sed business
activity along various lines resulting from the great influx of settlers.
In the spring of 1S49, therefore, he started for the west by the overland
route and atter a wearisome journe}- of ninetj- days reached Sacramento
on the 15th of July, 1850. He then sought a favorable business opening
and purchased an interest in a fisher}-, but after a short time sold out and
purchased a team and began hauling hay to the mountains. With him.
liowcver, as with the great majority of others, the mines proved an ir-
resistible attraction and he made his wa} to what was known a> the
Yankee Jim mines. In his search for the precious metal he met with
fair success but after twenty-one months disposed of his interests there
and returned to New York b}- way of the isthmus, reaching his old home
at Burgettstown, Penn.sylvania. on the ^th of December. 1892. There
through the following year he engageii in b\i} ing and shipping wool and
stock but in the spring of 18^4 determined to remove to Iowa, having
heard tavorable reports of the countr} And its opportunities. .\t Pitt.s-
burg he purchased watches, jewelry ami table linen and at Cincinnati
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNT V 13
added to his stock some oilcloths. Thus equii)[)ed he arrived at Keokuk,
Iowa, about the first of May and tor a month pedtlled goods in that city.
He then sent part ot his stock to Kddyviile while he started on foot,
peddling his goods along the way. He had disposed of the entire amount
before he reached F^ddyville and then taking the goods that he had shipped
to that place upon his back he started for Des Moines, reaching that city
with nothing of his stock remaining except one watch. He then traded
watches with a hack driver who agreed to take him in his hack to Iowa
Cit\. From that point he walked to Muscatine, proceeded b) boat to
Rock Island and thence by train to his old Pennsylvania home. At
Steubenville, Ohio, he had built a peddling wagon according to his own
ideas, calling it the Star of the West. By this time his peddling business
had reached considerable proportions and he admitted a partner, John
Fugate, an old California friend. Purchasing a stock of goods at Phila-
delphia they shipped them with the Star of the West to Keokuk and
after reaching that city purchased a team of horses and started out upon
the trip which brought them through southern Iowa, visiting en route
Bloomfield, Centerville, Corydon, Leon and Garden Grove. At the last
named place Mr. Bradley purchased his partner's interest and con-
tinued in the peddling business until he had disposed of all his stock.
The next spring he again purchased a stock in Philadelphia and once
more went upon the road. Later he traveled for two years with Mabrj's
Menagerie and Sands & Nathan's Circus, auctioneering goods at the
various towns visited. After leaving the show he shipped his stock trom
place to {)lace where he did an auctioneering business.
It was about that time, or in the fall of 1855, that Mr. BratlU) was
married to Mi.ss Amanda T. Campbell, who was born in \irginia and
in the spring of 1855 accompanied her parents to Iowa, the family settling
near Winterset, in Mailison county. In the spring following their mar-
riage .\Ir. and Mrs. Bradley arrived in Centerville where he purchasetl
a lot and erected a store building twenty-two by one hundred teet. During
the course of its construction lie rt ntcil a room ami sold goods. His
business had increa.sed to such an extent that he now employed several
salesmen and two men drove ox teams in hauling his building material
and goods from the river. With the completion of his store he went to
Philadelphia where he purchased a stock of goods valueil at rhiri((ii
thousand dollars. He then continued merchandising until the tall ot
18^9, when he traded his store for a tract of land a mile and a (|uarter
east of the city and in the following spring took up his abode upon the
farm, .\fter crops had been planted, however, he returned to the east,
again purchased a large stock of goods and resumed merchandising in
14 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
the Iniildirif^ wliich hr had previously erected. He was thus identiried
with commercial activity in Centerviile until 1864, when he sold out.
In the nicantinu- he had embarked in another tield of activitx. having in
February, 1863, organized the First National Bank. From that time
until his death he was closely associated with banking, with farming and
with the live-stock business. From the establishment ot the bank his
success was almost phenomenal and the prosperity which attended that
undertaking led him to extend the scope of his activities into other fields.
In 1870 he establishetl a bank in Trenton, Missouri, soon afterward one
at I'rinceton, Missouri, 'and later one at Allerton. None of these four
banks tailed or suspended during the financial j)anic of 1873, owing to
the conservative business polic) which Mr. Bradley instituted and fol-
lowed. On the contrary, he soon afterward added to liis interests by
founding the Bradley Bank of Bloomheld: this was followed by the First
National Bank of Milan. Missouri; the National Bank at Unionville,
Missouri, in 1884; a bank at Eldon, Iowa, in 1888; one at Moulton, in
1891; and the Mystic Bank, in 1892. He afterward disposed of his
interests at Trenton and at Milan but remained a factor in the ownership
and conduct of the eight other banks, becoming recognized as one of the
most prominent financiers of the .state. His judgment was sound, his
enterprise unfaltering and whatever he undertook he carried forward to
successful completion. He also won substantial prosperity along agri-
cultural lines, becoming the owner of ten thousand acres of very valuable
land in Iowa, his farms all being well stocked with high-grade cattle
and horses.
Mr. Bradley would never brook obstacles that could be overcome b}
determined, earnest and honorable effort. When one avenue seemed
clo.sed to him he would hunt out another path which would lead him to
his destination. Moreover, he never regarded any step as final but rather
as the starting point for further accomplishment. But it was not alone
his success that iikuIc Mr. Bradley one of the most prominent ami honored
residents of southern Iowa. His personal characteristics commended him
to the confidence and good-will of all. As a citizen he worked for the
continuous upbuilding and development of Centerviile. withholding his
cooperation from the movement which he bclic\cd wouUl contribute to
its material growth and improvement or to its intellectual and moral
advancement. He held membership with the Presbvterian church and
was an earnest. Christian man, unostentatious yet loyal in his professions
and exemplifying in his daily walks of life the teachings of his church.
He gave freely where aid was needed, was ever ready to speak a word
of encouragement or to extend a helping hand. There wen- imleed in
HISTORY OF APrAXOOSE COFXTY 15
Ills lite record nian\ traits worthy of emulation. He passed away May
1 V i8c)6, and was survived by his wife until the 14th of February, 1904.
Hf had for forty years been a resident of C'enterville, honored and
e>teenied bv all, the simple weight of his character and ability having
carried him into important relations with large projects. The benefit of
his influence, his activity and example is ininicasurable bur all accord to
him prominence as one whose efforts have been ot great value ami worth
in the upbuilding ot the county.
ELDRIlXrE HALL SAWYERS.
Appanoose county numbered Eldridgc Hall Sawyers among its repre-
sentative, honored and valued citizens. He did much to uphold law and
order here and to promote public progress, and in his life displayed many
sterling traits of character. He was born in Giles county, Tennessee,
Mav 14, 1828. his parents being Allen and Martha Louise (Stinson)
.Saw\ers. The father, who was of Scotch descent, was born in 1804 and
learned and followed the wagon-maker's trade. In 1824 he wedded
Martha L. Stinson, who was born in 1801 and was of Welsh lineage.
The paternal grandfather. David Sawyers, was a native of Tenne>see.
The maternal grandparents were .-\le.\ander and Elizabeth (Bradley)
Stinson, the former born in 1776. The latter was a daughter of Francis
Bradle\. w ho was murdered near his home in Pennsylvania by four Tories
at the time of the Revolutionary war. Francis Bradle}- had wedded
Mary Patterson, a native of Germany, so that the blood of Scotch, Welsh
and German ancestors mingled in the veins of Eldridge H. Sawyers. In
the year 1846 his parents left Tennessee and came to Iowa, settling in
the vicinity of Tro\, Davis count)-, where they li\til tor a tew \ears. but
in 184C) they came to .Appanoose county, casting in their lot with the
pioneer residents of this section ot the state. The tather purchased a
farm near West Grove and also entered considerable land for many ot
the broad acres of the count) were then in possession of the government.
The old homestead is still owned by the family and upon that farm both
the father and mother remained until called to their final rest. Allen
Saw)ers passed away December 15, 1884, having tor a long period sur-
vived his wife. They were accounted worthy and representative residents
here and took an active part in the early development of this .section of
the state as well as in promoting its later day progress and improvement.
They had a family of ten children, namely: Ophelia. James, Eldridge
Hall, Electra, Marv. Martha. Louisa. John. Dell and William.
IG
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSF. COUNTY
Eldridge H. Sawyers was a youth of eighteen when he accompanied
his parents to Iowa and arrived in Appanoose count) about the time he
attained his majority. His education was acquired in the district schools
and when not bus}- with his text-books he aided his father in the work
of the fields, continuing upon the home tarm until twenty-seven years of
a"-e, when he began farming on his own account, cultivating a tract of
land near West Grove, Iowa, until 1861, when he removed to Orleans,
where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits for two years. He
afterward lived at Moravia for a year and following the close of the
Civil war came to I'nionville, where he worked at the wagon-maker's
trade. He always led a busy, active and useful life. He had tew idle
or leisure moments and he always accomplished what he undertook.
Called to public office, he was kept busy during his service as constable
in warring on the horse thieves that then infested this region, helping to
drive them out of Appanoose county. At one time he served as deputy
sheriff of Davis county and for several terms was justice of the peace in
Udell township, this county. He proved capable, efficient and trustworthy
in office and in every relation of life commanded the respect, confidence
and cood-will of those with whom he was associated. His political al-
legiance was always given to the democratic party but in the discharge
of his duties he was no partisan and performed his public service fearlessly
and faithfully. This was in keeping with the aid which he rendered his
country in days of war, for during the period of hostilities between the
north and the south he was captain of a company of border guards. He
helped to organize the company, was elected to its command and was
busily engaged at times in preventing invasions of the enemy into southern
Iowa. With his command he took part in a number of lively skirmishes.
On the 10th of June, 1855, Mr. Sawyers was married, in Bloonificld,
Iowa, to Miss Margaret Stoner, who was born October 28, 1838, a daugh-
ter of Christian and Margaret (Moses) Stoner. The father, a native of
Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent, made farming his life work. His
wife was also born in the Keystone state and came of Dutch ancestr)-.
They were married in Penns\ Ivania and removed to Ohio, their daughter,
Mrs. Sawyers, being born at Ashland, Ohio, where Christian Stoner con-
tinued to reside until his death. His widi)w afterward came to Iowa.
settling in Davis count} . and was married in Ohio to Isaac ^'an Xordstrand.
Subsequenr]\ rhcv rcnioxcti to Kansas, where both died. Mrs. Sawyers
came to Iowa from Ohio in iS^-4 with her hrotlier Henry Stoner and her
sister Elizabeth, and they settled on a farm near Bloomfield. Davis county,
where they were living at the time of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Saw-
yers, who became the parents of seven children. Minnie, the eldest, is
HISTORY OF Al'l'A.XOOSE COUNTY 17
the wife of J. A. Collins, a grocer and fVt-d nierchant of Kansas City,
Missouri, by whom she has five children, Allen, William, Kathryn, Claude
and Margaret. Ida May died in infancy. Orville married India Christy,
has one child, Le Rex, and is now agent tor the Rock Island Railroad
Company at Seymour, Missouri. Thomas died in infancy. Lou is at
home with her mother. May Belle is the wife ot D. C. Horton, who is
conducting a sfone quarry at .lacksboro, Texas, and they have four chil-
dren, Helen, Harold, Fet and Margaret Hall. Roy Allen, a railroad
man of Newton, Kansas, married Gertrude Vermilya, of Inionville, and
they have three children, Beryl, Doris and Robert Hall.
Mr. Sawders always gave his political allegiance to tiie democratic
party and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church,
ot whiih he was a devout member. His wife is now prominently and
actively connected with the church at Inionville and her labors have con-
stituted an important element in its growth and progress. She is connected
with the Ladies Aid and the Home Missionary Societies of her church
and cooperates in various other departments of the work. Mr. Sawyers
belonged to the Knights of Labor of Unionville and to the Odd Fellows
lodge at Bloomheld. He passed away April 17, igog, and is survived
by his widow, who occupies a pleasant residence in Unionville. For sixty
years he had lived in Appanoose county and none of its citizens was per-
haps more tainiliar with the hi,>t()r}- of this secfion of the state as the work
ot licvclopmcnf and improvement was carrictl on. He stood for all that
is progressive in citizenship, for all that is honorable in business life and
for all that works for the betterment of the individual and the community
at large. Those who knew him found him kindly in spirit and action and
he had a host of friends in Appanoose county, liiniteil only In the circle
ot his acquaintance.
B. FRANK STrRDI\ANr, M. D.
College training well (|ualiti<il Dr. B. Frank Sturdivant for the onerous
and responsible duties connected with the practice of medicine, to which
he gives his attention in Centerville. his native city. He was born June
30, 188:5, his i)arents being Dr. John M. and Elizabeth (Wood) Sturdi-
vant, who were natives of Iowa ami Ohio respectively. In 1861 the father
removed to Cincinnati, this county, and there entered upon the practice
of medicine and surgery, in which he continued until 1882, when he
opened an office in Centerville, here practicing for eight years or until his
death in 1890. His wiilow survives and is now seventy-two years of age.
18 • HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Dr. Sturdivaiu was rcarttl aiul cducart-d rii CVnt('r\ille, completing
rlic hi^h-school course by graduation witli the class of 1903. Desirous
ot enjoying further educational opportunities, he then matriculated in
Drake I'ni versify at Dcs Moines, which he attended tor a year. He next
entered the Northwestern Metlical College at Chicago and. completing
his course in th.it in>rirution, was graduated in .lune, 190S. Immediately
afterward he returned to Centerville and became associated with Dr. J. L.
Saw}er, V, ith whom he practiced lor two )ears or until the ] ^th of Feb-
ruary. 11)11. when he opened an independent office and has since been
alone. In rhc interval he has secured a liberal practice which is indicative
of the contidence and trust reposeti in his professional skill. He keeps in
touch with the advanced work that is being done by the profession through
his member-hip in the Appanoose and Iowa State Medical .Societies.
Dr. Sturdivant was married on the 24th of May, 1910, to Miss
Cecil Blackburn, a daughter of Noel C. and Mary (Houston) Blackburn,
wl'.o are native- ot Oliio ami Iowa respectively. The father came to this
state with his parents when about three years ot age. He was the son
of a Baptist minister and when old enough he turned his attention to
farming and also worked to some extent at the carpenter's trade. At
different times school teaching constituted a source of income to him and
he also delivered on a rural mail route here tor eight }ears. Both he and
his wife are now living in Centerville.
Dr. and Mrs. Sturdivant occupy a nice home at No. 408 South
Main street. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has
att.iin<'d the Knight Templar degree, and his political faith is indicated
by the support which he gives to the democratic party. His wife is a
member of the Methodist church and both are highh- esteemed here, where
tluy have man}' friends not only among the Aounger but also among the
ol'.lcr citizens ot Cenrer\ille.
HON. SILAS W . BRYANT.
Hon. Silas \V. Br\ ant, accejitably filling the office of mayor of Center-
\ ille. was tormerh" closely ami proniincnri) itlentified w irli business affairs
here and at all times has been a progressive citizen, who.se labors have been
a factor in the upbuilding of this part of the state. He was born in the
town of Cincinnati, this state, October 14, 1873. a son of William ami
Hannah K. ( Bogart ) Bryant, the former a native of Iowa and the latter
of Intiiana. The father became a resident of Appanoose county at a ver\
fSlLAS W. I i It V ANT
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 21
early period, settling here prior to the Civil war, in vvhidi he enlisted as
a member ot Company G, Thirty-sixth Iowa Intantry, serving from 1861
until 186). He was only seventeen years of age when he joined the army
but no veteran ot twice his age showed greater loyalty or bravery. He
participated in a number of hotly-contested battles and with the close of
hostilities he returned home. He then began working tor his father who
operated a flourmill called the Old Shoot mill, located near Exline. There
Mr. Bryant was employed as a stationary engineer and always followed
that business until 1902, when he was appointed city marshal of Centerville,
acting in that capacity for two years, at the end ot which time he accepted
a position with the government in looking atter the postotlice building. He
served in that ca[)acity luuil his death, which occurred in March, IQ09,
while his wife passed away in Jul\, 1907.
Silas \V. Bryant was reared and educated in Centerville and in start-
ing out in the commercial world secured employment in connection with
the ice business, which he tol lowed tor five years. He and his brother then
began to work tor the l^iamorid Mine Compan\, installing machinery for
four years. On the ex [miration of that period Silas VV. Bryant formed a
partnership with S. A. Martin and purchased an ice business, which they
conducted under the rirm style of Bryant i: Martin. Mr. Bryant remained
a factor in that business for thirteen years and met with a creditable and
gratifying degree of success in the undertaking. In u;i 1. however, he sold
out to his partner and a month later or in March he was elected mayor of
Centerville, which otHce he has since filled, discharging his duties with
tairness and impartiality. He seeks the welfare of the city and brings to
bear in his official capacity the same sterling qualities which gained him suc-
cess as a business man. Mr. Br} ant has also serM-d two terms of three years
on the school board and was elected in March, 1912, for another term.
In May, 1896, Mr. Bryant was married to Mi.ss Sarah Bales, a daugh-
ter of P. M. and Nancy (Underwooti) Bales, who were natives of Ten-
nes.see. The tatlier was a farmer and followed that occupation until his
tleath, which occurred in his native state in 1882. The mother afterward
removed to Princeton, Missouri, where she resiih-d until called to her final
rest in l()04. Into Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have been born two children.
I I;iri\ \N . and In iic, agitl respectively fourteen antl eleven )cars. In atidi-
tion to his tine home at No. 614 West Garfield street, Mr. Bryant owns
two good residence properties in Kansas City, Mis.souri. He is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Court of Honor, and his
political allegiance is given to the republican party. He and his family
hold membership in the Baptist church and are people of social prominence
Vol. II— 2
22 HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY
here, having an extensive circle of warm friends among Centerville's best
residents. Mr. Br}ant is at all times an approachable man, genial and
courteous in manner, and his unfeigned cordiality and sterling worth have
made him one of the popular as well as valued citizens of the community.
D. C. BRADLEY.
Honored and respected by all, D. C. Bradley occupies a prominent
position in commercial and financial circles in Centerville, nor are his
efforts and activities limited by the confines of this city. He is connected
with banking interests in various sections of the state and the respect
entertained for him is not less the result of his success than of the straight-
forward, honorable business policy that he has ever followed. His busi-
ness activities never seek nor require disguise, having been based upon
the rules which govern strict integrity and unfaltering industry. Mr. Brad-
ley is, furthermore, recognized as a leader in the progressive movements
which have for their object the welfare and upbuilding of Centerville.
There are many tangible evidences of his public spirit and his practical
efforts in behalf of the city and as one of its councilmen he has exercised
his official prerogatives in support of projects of reform and improve-
ment. He was bom in this city, August 13, 1858, and is a son of William
and Amanda T. (Campbell) Bradley, of whom extended mention is made
on another page of this volume. His }outhful days were passed under
the parental roof and his public school education was supplemented by a
course in Parson's College at Fairfield, Iowa, and turrher study in Mon-
mouth College, at Monmouth, Illinois. His more specificall} business
training was received in Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg. Penn-
sylvania, from which he was graduated with the class of 1876. Upon his
return home he made his initial step in the business world in connection
with the First National Bank, previously founded and conducted by his
father. From that time to the present he has been active in the conduct
of the bank, assuming more and more largely the responsibilities of man-
agement and control, and at the present time he is vice president and the
largest stockholder in the institution. His success in this held ha- led
him to extend his efforts over a wide territory in connection with the bank-
ing interests of Iowa and he is now president of the Fairfield National
Bank at Fairfield, of the First National Bank at Seymour, the Planners
State Bank at Promise City, Bradley Savings Bank at Fxline. and Brad-
ley's Bank at Mystic. He is likewise the vice president anil a large stock-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 23
holder of the Iowa State Savings Bank of Centerville, of the Moravia State
Savings Bank of Moravia, thi- National Bank of Bloomheld and is also
interested in six other Iowa banks. Still this ilocs not indicate the extent of
his activities nor of his resourcefulness for lie owns a controlling interest
in the Centerville Light ,.\: Traction C"<iniiian\, oiu-raring street-car lines in
Centerville and an interurban line between this i)lacc and My.-tic. a
distance of six miles. It also furnishes the electric lighting tor both Center-
ville and Mystic and furnishes the electric power for the operation of
the gas and heating plants. It was through the efforts and sound judgment
of Mr. Bradley that all of these enter[)rises were made possible and he
was likewise the founder and promoter of the Pure Ice Compan}', becom-
ing associated with S. A. Martin in the erection of an ice plant, the firm
being the only ice dealers of the cit\. Mr. Bradl(\ likewise organized the
Centerville Brick Compan} in which he owns a controlling share of the
stock and he is luavil) interested in the coal industry in this vicinity, hav-
ing been identihed with the development of coal properties in this sec-
tion for the past twenty years. One of his mines known as No. 30 has a
capacitv of five hundred tons dail}'. .\s he thus continually extended
his industrial and financial interests Mr. Bradley has also made judicious
investment in realties and is now one of the largest land owners of the
state, having considerable holdings in farm lands in .Appanoose county.
In all of his business affairs he looks beyond the exigencies of the moment
to the opportunities of the future. He seems to have almost intuitive
perception as to the possibilities for successful accomplishment in any
given connection, recognizing both the difficulties and the chances which
his sound judgment weighs to a nicety, foretelling with remarkable accur-
acy the result.
In December, 1885, Mr. Bradley was married to Miss Cora M. Stubbs,
a daughter of D. I', and Carrie H. ( Hollingsworth) Stubbs. who are
natives of Indiana. I'he father, a lawxcr by profession, removed to Fair-
field, Iowa, at an earl\ day and beianie one ot the most noted and success-
ful members of the Iowa bar. practicing continuously in Fairfield until his
death, which occurred May 5, 1905. His wiilow still resides in that
city. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have become jiarents of two children: Bet-
tina, twenty-three years of age, the wife of T. M. Stuart, assistant attorney
general of Colorado, their home being in Denver; ami William S., four-
teen years of age, a student in the Centerville schools. The Bradley resi-
dence is a [)alatial one, having been erected in U)0{) at No. ^ U) Drake
avenue. Its furnishings are all that wealth can secure and refined taste
suggest, and its hospitality, cordial and unfeigned, is one of its most attrac-
tive features. In the building of th\^ beautiful hom<- Mr. Bradley di.s-
24 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
plavfd his tairh in C'cntervillc and its tururc He has ever been active
and earnest in his efforts to promote the welfare of the city, cooperating
in every movement which works for its betterment. He has served for
a number of years as a member of the city council and through his efforts
many public improvements have been introduced. For the past nine years
he has been president of the school board and to his efforts may largelj'
be contributed the erection of the present high school building which is
a credit and ornament to the city. His political allegiance has ever been
given to the democratic party but his interest in good citizenship is above
partisanship. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks. His religious faith is indicated by his membership
in the Presbyterian church to which he contributes liberally, seeking the
moral as well as the material and intellectual progress of the city. He has
accomplished much in public affairs as well as in private life. After all
there has been nothing spectacular in his business career, his success being
founded upon close application, indefatigable energ}- and keen sagacity.
At the outset of his career he realized the eternal truth that industry wins
— and industry became the beacon light of his life. He is a typical man
of the times, representing the progressive spirit of the age. Starting out
in life without any vaulting ambition to accomplish something especially
great or famous, he has followed the lead of his opportunities, doing as
best he could anything that has come to hand and seizing legitimate advan-
tages as they have arisen. He has never hesitated to take a forward step
when the way was open and although content with what he attained as
he went along he has always been read) to make an advance. Fortunate
in possessing ability and character that have inspired confidence in others,
the simple weight of his character and ability have carried him into import-
ant relations with large interests.
GEORGE F. SEVERS, M. D.
Dr. George F. Severs has tor more than two decades been engaged
in the practice of medicine at Centerville and has won and maintained an
enviable reputation as a skilled and able representative of his profes-
sion. His birth occurred on a farm near Moulton, Appanoose county,
Iowa, on the 2orh of April, 1898, his parents being William P. and
Elizabeth (McPherson) Severs, both of whom were natives of Kentucky
and were of Scotch-Irish descent. The father came to this countv on
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 25
the 4th ot July, 18) 1, purchasing a tanii two and a halt miles southwest
of Moulton, whereon he made his home for five years. On the expira-
tion of that period he removed to a farm five miles north of Moulton,
diere carrying on general agricultural pursuits for tour years and then
returning to his former place. Subsequently he settled on a tarm a
mile anil a half west of Moulton, continuing to reside there until 1875,
when he removed to Davis count)-, Iowa, where he made his home until
1880. In that year he took up his abode on the old homestead at
Orleans, where he spent the remainder ot his life, passing away on the
18th of April, 1890. His widow survives hiixi and makes her home at
Moulton in this county.
George F. Severs obtained his early education in the district school
near Moulton and subsequently attended a graded school in Davis
county. Having determined ujion the practice of medicine as his life
work, he entered the medical ii( partnient of Drake University at Des
Moines in the fall of 1889 and was graduated therefrom with the degree
of M. D. in the spring ot 1887. He won the highest mark in a class of
eighteen at the commencement examination and was elected valedictorian.
He asked the special privilege of writing his own valedictory and, though
such a request liad never been made before, the taculr\ tolil him that
if he wrote a satistactory one they would allow him to use it. The address
which he jirepared won both their approval and commendation. It was
at Dean, Iowa, that he first began practice and he remained there for
two years. Going to Cincinnati, Ohio, he entered the Eclectic Medical
Institute and was graduated theretroni on the 4th ot June, 188c;. .\fter
spending a short time in West Grove, Davis county, this state, he came
to Centerville, Iowa, on the 11th of December, i88y, and has here made
his home continuously since, with the exception ot a year and a half spent
at Houston, 'rexa>. in iSc/) and iSc^y he went to Chicago and pursued
a special course in surgery and gynecology at the Chicago Poljclinic.
On the completion of a course in psychology at the Chicago School of
I'sycholog)' he was given the degree ot V. D. Continually ticnionstrat-
ing his .skill and ability in the line of his chosen profession, he has enjoyed
a liberal ami lucrative practice and i> \\iilel\ know 11 as a popular and
successtul practitioner. He belongs to the .■\p[)anoose Countv Mcilical
Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the .American Meilical .Vsso-
ciation and is a member of the Iowa state board of health and the Iowa
state board of examiners.
On the lorh of March, 1878, Dr. Severs was united in marriage to
Miss Phoebe J. McAfee, a daughter ot Oliver and Sarah ( lauidy) Mc.\tee,
both ot whom w<n natives ot \'an Buren count\. Iowa, ami were of
26 HISTORY ()!• APPANOOSE COUNTY
Scotch-Iri>h dcscciu. Oliver McAtec, who toUowed general agricultural
pursuits throughout his active career, passed away in 1902 on a farm
three miles east of Moiilron. Hi^ w itlow resides in that tit\. To Dr.
and Mrs. Severs have been horn five children. Agnes is the wife of
lulward B. Isett, a lumber dealer of Wickes, Arkansas, by whom she
has three children, Donald, Margaret and Stanton. Blanche gave her
hand in marriage to Orrie B. Forman, a bookbinder of Centerville. Iowa.
Madge is at home with her parents. Essie pa.ssed away at the age of
si.x years and Georgia died when but nine months old.
Dr. Severs is a democrat in politics and was the candidate of his party
for the' office of county coroner in 1912. Both he and his wife are con-
sistent members of the Methodist ?3[)isc()pal church at C'enrerviMe. Fra-
ternally he is identihed with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
belonging to Lodge No. 76 at Centerville, and his wife is a member of the
Kebekahs. He is well known in social, professional and political circles
in the county of his nativity and the force of his character and his enter-
prising spirit have gained him influence.
JOHN LANKFOKD.
For almost forty-seven years John Lanktord was engaged in the fur-
niture and undertaking business in Centerville and throughout the entire
period ranked as one of the leading, enterprising and progressive mer-
chants of the city. Honored and esteemed by all. he is now living retired
at the age of eight\-five years, his well spent life having gained for him
a high place in the regard of his fellow townsmen. He is one of the ven-
erable residents of Appanoose county, his birth having occurred in Indian-
apolis, Imliana. aliout a mile east of the courthouse on what wa> known
as Pogues Run, March ^1. 1S27. His parents were Robert F. and Sarah
(Street) Lankford. The father, a native of \'irginia, was born near
Petersburg of English ancestr\ and became a car[)enter and cabinet-
maker by trade. He ciied in Missouri in 1883 while his wife jnissed away
near Intiianap(ili> in 18^5.
Their son. John Lankford. attended a district school about seven
miles from Indianapolis and in his youthful da)s learned the carpenter's
trade under the direction of his father. When nineteen years of age he
went to I'reble coniitv. Ohio, where he worked on the construction of
the courthouse in 1 84(^-^0. He spent tour \ear^ in carpentering in Preble
count)- and then ^rarreil wcstwanl. tra\<-ling by stage coaih to Hamil-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 27
ton, Ohio, b\ bus to Cincinnati and by boat to Sr. Louis, where he remained
for three days, after which he proceeded by boat to Keokuk, Iowa, and
then walked across the country to Ottumwa, that state. This was in 1850.
He was employed in carpenter work in that city from June until Decem-
ber and on the 1 >th of the latter month arrived in Centerville, Iowa. The
town had been laid out and at that time contained a po[)ulation of
about om hundred. Appanoose county, however, was a frontier district
and contained only one hundred and fifty voters. Much of the land was
still in possession of the government for only here and there settlement
had been made, showing that the work of civilization and improve-
ment had been begun. During the winter following his arrival Mr. Lank-
ford conducted a shoe shop and in the spring began work ar the car-
penter's tratie which he followed for tifteen jears. In 1865 he engaged
in the furniture and undertaking business, buying out the store ot Pen-
dington i: Houston. From that time until 1912 he was ar the head ot
the business and hi> < iitcrprising methods, his sound judgment, his energy
and his industry were factors in his growing success, making him ulti-
mately one of the prosperous residents of the city. In 1912 he sold out
to his son Roj, who is today the leading furniture dealer of Centerville,
conducting a large ami well-equipped store and enjoying an extensive
patronage.
On the 2 1st of September, 18^2. Mr. Lankford wa> uiiircil in mar-
riage to Miss Nancy Jane Henderson, a daughter ot William S. and
Sarah Henderson, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and were
representatives of old American faniilio. Mr-. Lanktord was born in
the Blue Grass state and when a cliikl accompanied her parents on their
removal to Indiana. Subsequentl} she became a resident ot Iowa and
was married in Centerville. On the 2isr of Sejjtember, 1902, this vener-
able and highly esteemed couple celebrated ftuir golden wedding anni-
vcr--ar\ in their pleasant home at No. I 12 Ka^-t Maple street, antl on Sep-
tember 21. 1912, thev passed their sixtieth \ear ot a harmonious mar-
ried life, the diamond jubilee, surrouniled by members ot the tamily and
among many friends, neighbors and well-wishers. It is seldom that a
man and wife travel life'> )ourne\ rogerhcr tor sixty )ears. and the event
was a most unusual and interesting one, greatly enjoyed h\ all who were
present, including their living children, their three grandihildren and
one great-grandchdd. .\ sum()tuous meal was served and the britle and
groom of sixty years before received a number ot beautiful ami taste-
ful gifts as mementos of the occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Lankford were
the parents of eight chiUlren. William S. is a retired furniture dealer of
Centerville, conducting a business here independent ot his tather tor
28 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
many jears. Sarah became the wife ot W. G. Clarke, an attorney and
real-estate dealer of McAllister, Oklahoma, and they have four children:
Ethel and Robert, lioth of McAllister; Harry E., now of Albia; and
George, of McAllister. Hebcr Lankford, who was a railroad conductor,
died January 13, 1907, at North Judson, Indiana. He married Lulu
May Amnions, who now resides in Salem, Oregon, and they were the par-
ents of a son, John Ammon Lankford, who is with his mother. Beatrice
is the widow of John B. Spooner, who was foreman of the Chicago, Bur-
lington & Ouincy railroad shops in Centerville, where he died in 1898.
Mrs. Spooner and her daughter Jessie now make their home with her
parents. Grace is the wife of E. E. Tyner, a city mail carrier of Indian-
apolis, and they have four children, Earl, Adrian, Melvin and Robert.
Carl, a painter and tlccorator of Centerville, married Annie Cheeseman,
of this place. Roy, who succeeded his father in business, marriecf Orpha
Albright, of Unionville, Missouri. He is prominent in fraternal circles,
belonging to the lodge, chapter and commandery in Masonry, to the
Mystic Shrine and also the Modern Woodmen camp of Centerville.
Leona, the youngest of the family, is the wife of Claude Henaman, of
Centerville, manager of the A. E. Wooden clothing store. They have
one child, Mary Frances.
Mr. Lankford has been a republican since the organization ot the
party. His first presidential vote, however, was cast for General Taylor
and in 1912 he voted for the reelection of President Taft. His sons are
also true-blue republicans, unfaltering in their advocacy of the party prin-
ciples. Mr. Lankford became a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows at Eaton, Ohio, in i<S;o. and joined Centerville lodge as a
charter member — the only one now living. He is today the oldest Odd
Fellow in Iowa. He has paid dues into the lodge for sixty-two years and
has never drawn a single dollar in benetits. He likewise holds member-
ship with the Masons, belonging to both the blue lodge and commandery
of Centerville. His religious faith is that of the New Light church and
his wife is a member of the First Church of Christ. When in 1912 he
retired from active business at the age of eigty-five years he was the oldest
active undertaker in the I'nited States. He is indeed a remarkable man,
one of strong character and ot marked individualit) . He has never worn
an overcoat, yet he has been ill but tew times in his lite. His mind is
yet exceedingly alert and lie keeps in touch with the questions and inter-
ests of the day. He has built many of the palatial homes in .\ppanoose
county, a number of which are still standing, and with the development,
progress and improvement of the county along many lines he has been
closeh' associated. He was a member ot the first citv council ot Center-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 29
ville and was school director tor a number of years, but in his later years
has never cared for nor desired office and when elected justice of the
peace refused to serve. Nature has been kind to him because he has never
abused her laws. One usually thinks of old age as a period when mental
as well as physical powers weaken, but there is an old age which grows
stronger and brighter nunrall} and iiiorally as the years go by and gives
out of its rich store of wisdom and experience tor the benefit of .others.
Such has been the record of John Lankford, who is not only one of the
most venerable but also one of the most honored citizens of Appanoose
county — honored and respected wherever known and most of all where
he is best known.
ABK GOLDSTEIN.
Abe Goldstein is well known in mercantile circles in Centerville, being
one of the proprietors of a department store which he conducts in con-
nection with Lewis Salinger. A spirit of enterprise actuates him in all
of his business interests and is winning tor him substantial success. He
was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, December 25, 1880, and is a son of
Reuben and Esther Goldstein, who were natives of Russia. The father
came to this country at an early day, settling in St. Paul, Minnesota. He
had engaged in teaching in his native land but after arriving in the new
world turned his attention to merchandising which he carried on in St.
Paul for several years. He then removed to Omaha, Nebraska, where he
continued in the same business to the time of his death, which occurred
in 1896. His widow is yet a resident of that city.
Abe Goldstein was reared and cilurarcii in the cities ot St. Paul and
Omaha and when his schooldays were over secured a situation in a drug
store in which he remained for two years. He then went to Fairbury,
Nebraska, and was emjiloyed in a dry-goods store belonging to his brother-
in-law, remaining with him rhcrc and in Nebraska City for seven years.
On the expiration of that period he came to C'enfcrvillc in igo2 and entered
into partnership with Lewis Salinger in the ()|)erarion ot a department
store which they have since successtully conducted, carrying a large and
well selected line of goods and enjoying a liberal patronage. They also
own and carry on the Grand Leader which is likewise a department store.
The two establishments are verj^ complete, carrying everything to be found
in their line, and their enterprising and progressive business methods have
brought them a continuously growing trade. Mr. Goldstein is also a
30 HISTOR\- (J[^ APPANOOSE COUNTY
stockholder of the Centerville Gypsum Company, the Hercules Manutac-
turing Company and in the Centerville i!i: Mystic Interurban Railwa}
Company.
On the 28rh of Ajiril, 1903, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gold-
stein and Miss Anna Chaj)nian, a daughter of H\nian and Esther Chap-
man, natives of Russia. I'he father settled in Centerville at an early
period in its development and engaged in peddling for a number of years,
after which he turned his attention to the real-estate business and in its
conduct attained a gratifying degree of wealth. He passed away Januar}'
18, K)I2, and is survived by his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Gold.stein have but
one child. Rosaline, now six years of age. They own a nice home at No.
500 Drake avenue and Mr. Goldstein is well known in fraternal circles,
holding membership with the Modern Woodmen of .America, with the
Iowa State Traveling Men's Association and with the I. B. O., a Jewish
lodge. He hokis to the religious faith of his fathers, his membership being
in B'nai Israel. His political support is given to the republican party and,
recognizing the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizen-
ship, he does all in his power to advance the welfare and upbuilding of
the community. He has made a creditable record in business circles for
one of his years, for he started out empty-handed and through persistent
effort and energ}' has reached a position among the substantial business
men and merchants of his adopted city.
CLARENCE S. WYCKOFF.
Clarence S. WyckofF, who in January. 1913, assumed the office of
count)' attorney to which he has been recently elected, has since 1898
engaged in the practice of law in Centerville, making continuous progress
as the result of tlcxt-loping jiowers based upon wide study, practical experi-
ence in the work of the courts and thorough preparation of each specific
case. Appanoose coimty claims him as a native son, his birth having occur-
red in Cincinnati, June 6, 1870. His parents were George \V. and Jose-
phine (Stanton) WyckofF. The father was born in Illinois. Manh 4. 18^8.
and was of Engli>h lineage. In the earl\ "40^ hi> parents riino\cd with
their famil\- to Iowa countw this state, and later went to l^lrnam count).
.Missouri, but in the late '^os George W. W)ckofF returned to Iowa and
settled on a farm near Cincinnati which is still his place of residence. Dur-
ing the earh part of the Ci\ il war he was married to Josephine Stanton.
\\ho was horn in Marion. Marion count). Ohio, in 1842. ami is of Scotch-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 31
Irish lineage. She came to Appanoose counr\ in rhe early '50s with her wid-
ow ed mother, settling on a farm west of Cincinnati. She was educated in
the .schools of Cincinnati and afterward successfull} engaged in teaching
in the public schools of this county. Just prior to their marriage Mr.
Wyckotf purchased the farm ui)on which they are now living and which
he has continu()u>l} developed and improveil up to the present time, save
for the period of his service in the Civil war. when he was made captain
of Compan\ D, Eighteenth Missouri \olunrer Infantry. He is not
only numbered among rhe leading agricultiuists ot the covmt}- but has also
left his impress upon the legislative hi.story of the state, having tor three
terms represented Appanoose count) in the gcmral assembl\ .
Liberal educational o[iportunities were accorded Clarence S. Wyckoff,
who supplemented his public-school course by study in Amity College at
College Springs, Iowa, where he was graduated on the 14th ot June, 1894,
with the degree of B. S. He then entered upon preparation for the bar.
having determined to make the practice of law his life work, and on the
8th of June, 1898, was graduated from the State University of Iowa with
the degree of Bachelor of Laws. On the 1st of August of the same year
he opened an office in Centerville and has devoted his time and attention
exclusively to his profe.ssional duties since that day. While advancement
at the bar is proverbially slow no dreary novitiate awaited him, for he
soon demonstrated his ability to cai)ably handle intricate and important
law problems anti each year his practice has grown in volume and impor-
tance so that he now has a large and satisfactory clientage. He was
appointtxl b\ Jutlg( NN'ool.son. judge of the I'nited States district court,
as referee in bankruptcy for the district of Appanoose and Monroe, a
jiosition which he tilled until the state was rcdistricted and the afore-
mentioned counties were merged into a larger district. His public service,
however, iliil not cease with his retirement troin that oHiic. For one
term he served Centerville as its mayor and it was during his administra-
tion that the city began the building of sanitar\ sewers and the work ot
street paving. His administration was characterized b) orlicr needed
improvements and reform measures for he stood at all rimes for the wel-
fare of the mimicipality. On the •,-tli of November, i()i2. he was elected
county attorney of Ap[)anoose count) and entered upon the duties ot the
oflice on the 6th of .January, 1913. He has always been a stalwart sup-
porter of the republican party since attaining his majority and has taken
an active interest in the political campaigns, doing all in h\> power to pro-
mote the growth and insiirc the successful adofuion ot the principles
for which the party stands.
32 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
In Centervilk- on the 2i.sr of October, 1903, Mr. \N'yc-koff was mar-
ried to Miss Kate Ogle, a daughter of B. A. and Minerva (Arnold) Ogle.
Their children arc: Helen Louise, aged eight years, her birth occurring
August 20, 1904; Frederick Ogle, aged six years, born June 27, 1906; and
Ruth \'irginia, a little maiden of three, born September 14, 1909. The
parents are members of the First Methodist church of Centerville and
have been most active in its various lines of work, Mr. Wyckoff serving
as a member of the official board tor the past ten years, while his coopera-
tion along other lines has been a factor in the excellent work being done by
the church. He holds membership in the Masonic fraternit}- and has
attained the Knight Templar degree. He also belongs to Centerville
Lodge, No. 76, L O. O. F., and the Flks lodge, and in the Knights of
Pythias lodge of Centerville he has filled all of the offices. While all
these varied interests lead to the development of a well-rounded charac-
ter it is after all his profession that claims the majority of his time and
energies, and Mr. Wyckoff ever holds to a high standard of professional
ethics. He is entirely free from ostentation or displa\ but the simple
weight of his character and ability have carried him into important public
relations, especially as an active factor in the work of the courts.
CHARLES A. STANLEY.
Charles A. Stanley is capably filling the position of postmaster at
Unionville and is a well known and highly respected citizen of this com-
munity, who as a public officer and in private life has made a creditable
record. He was born in this count}, >Lirch 30, 1874, ^^i* parent> being
William and Ruth (Buckmaster) Stanley. He represents one of the old
pioneer families of this part of the state, his father having been a farmer
of LMell township and at one time also postmaster of Unionville.
Charles A. Stanley completed his education in the Unionville high
school when sixteen years of age. He afterward remained upon the home
farm tor a time, assisting his father in the work of the fields until he
attained his majority. He did not wish to make agricultural pursuits his
life work, however, and when he reached manhood came to Unionville,
where he worked in a livery stable tor one }ear. In 1905 he was appointed
rural mail carrier and was on his route for two years. He then determined
to resume farm work and rented a tract of land, which he continued to
cultivate and improve until the fall of 1912. On the 1st of October he
was appointed postmaster and assumed the duties of the office, which he
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 33
is now filling in a manner that reflects credit upon himself and is entirely
satisfactory to his constituents.
In igoo Mr. Stanley was married to Miss Grace Vaughr, a daughter
of Andrew J. and Mary (Ogle) \'aught, the former a farmer of Douglas
township. Her father was born in Appanoose count)-, October 8, 1856,
and is, therefore, a representative of one ot the old [)ioneer families here.
He was of Dutch descent and was married in this county in 1875 to Mary
Ogle, who was born just across the boundary line in Missouri, December
27, i860. Following his marriage he purchased a large farm in Appa-
noose county and carefully and successfully cultivated it until 1897, when
he sold the place and purchased a flourniill at Blakesburg, Iowa. , He
operated the mill until 1900, when it was burned to the ground and he
lost practically everything he had. He then returned to Douglas town-
ship, Appanoose county, where he rented land, on which he now carries on
general farming. His daughter Mrs. Stanley was born in Douglas
township, August 4, 1880, and by her marriage became the mother of
four children: Clarence, who was born May 2g, iQOi ; Fred, March 14,
1903; Mildred, June 23, 1905; and Robert, February 19, 1911. The
three eldest are in school.
Mr. Stanley is a stalwart republican, giving unfaltering sup[)ort to
the party and doing everything in his power to secure the adoption of its
principles. He has served as township trustee for four years and as as-
sessor of Udell township for a similar period, and he is now a member of
the school board of l^nionville, in addition to which he is proving an
eflficient officer in the position of postmaster. Fraternally he is connected
with the Odd Fellows lodge at I'nionville and with the Modern Woodmen
camp. His wife is connected wirli the Rebekahs and i> a nicnilicr of rlic
Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr. Stanley also attends. They are
both native residents of Appanoose count)- and arc held in high esteem
here by an extensive circle ot friends.
AUGUST POST.
The salient characteristics of August Post are such as to entitle him*
to mention among the representative business men of Appanoose counf\
where he is widely known, being a member of one of Moulton's highly
esteemed [)ioneer families. The first fourteen years of his life were passed
in the state of Illinois, his birth having occurrcil at Piano, Kendall county,
on the 28th of .-Kugust, 18^4. He is a son of Henr) aiul Margaret
34 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
(Schmidt) Posr, \\ ho were born, reared and married in Nassau, Germany,
which was the birth j)hice of the three eldest of their eleven children.
The father, who was the son of a farmer and landowner in the old country,
was early trained to agricultural pursuits to which he devoted hi> energies
during the remainder of his active life. Concluding that America afforded
better opportunities to men in limited circumstances, he took in 1853
passage for the llnited States, accompanied by his wife and family. He
went direct to Kendall count}-, Illinois, where for a time he farmed as a
renter in the vicinity of Piano. Later he bought land in DeKalb county
which he cultivated until 186S, when he disposed ot his interests there
and removed to Appanoose county, Iowa. Upon his arrival in this county
he purchased a tract of land in Washington township, a portion of which
forms the site of the present village of Moulton, and there passed the
remainder of his life. In connection with the cultivation of his fields
he engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of the breeding of Clydes-
dale horses, being the first importer of that breed in this section of the
state. He met with success in his undertaking and became one ot the
best known agriculturists and stockmen in the county. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Post are now deceased. The members of their famil\ \\ho lived
to attain maturity are as follows: Ferdinand, who is a resident of Biloxi,
Mississippi; Caroline, the deceased wife of Herman Martin, ot Moulton,
and the mother of three children; Mrs. Lizzie Brown of Biloxi, Missis--
sippi; Phoebe, who married H. H. Martin, of Biloxi; August, our subject;
Lewis and Frederick, who are also residents of Moulton; and .Amelia, the
widow of W. E. Caldwell, of Des Moines, Iowa.
The education of August Post was acquired in the public schools of
Illinois and Iowa. In common with the majority of lads who are reared
in the country he was early trained in the duties of the agriculturist, and
at the age of eighteen years engaged in the breeding and raising of fine
horses with his father. He is not only diligent and enterprising but
possesses more than average business ability, all of which qualities he early
manifested in the pursuit of his undertaking. He subsequentl}- purchased
what is known as the Wayside Farm, which comprises two hundred and
forty-five acres of land adjoining Moulton. anil there for man) years he
successfully engaged in diversified farming and stock-raising. His
energies were not confined to agricultural pursuits, however, but were
directed along other lines, and in 1888 he went into the wholesale binding-
twine business. He is still identified with this enterprise, which has
developed in a most gratifying manner and now makes shipments to all
sections of the United States and Canada. He was one of the organizers
of the First National Bank ot Moulton in U)oo, and was a member of its
HISTORY Ui- APPANOOSE COUNTY 35
board of directors until iQio. In the year last named, together with Mr.
Stickney, he purchased the controlling interest in this institution and has
ever since held the office of president. Since assuming the duties in this
connection he has practically withdrawn from agricultural pursuits, in
which he was actively engaged for thirty years, but still owns his farm
adjoining Moulton. From time to time he has made judicious invest-
ments in real estate in tiitferent sections and holds the title to a thousand
acres of land locatcti in various states. He is a man ot keen discernment
in matters of business to the support of which he brings the energ}' and
tenacitv of purpose that pave the wa\- to success, and to the exercise of
these qualities must be attributed the prosperity he is now enjoying.
In 1879, Mr. Post was married to Miss Mary V. Rudd, of Washing-
ton, Iowa, at which place her birth occurred in 18) ^ her parents being
Major \V. and Rhoda (Shirk) Rudd. The father, who was a member
of an old Maine family, came to Iowa about 18^0, and located in Wash-
ington county. There he engaged in farming during the remainder of
his active life and he was also a school teacher. The Shirk family were
natives of Indiana. To Major and Mr-, l^udd were born six children,
Mrs. Post being the tifth in order of birth. The other members of the
family are as follows: Emma, the wite ot Dr. J. T. Atkinson of Kansas
City, Missouri; Annis M., the widow of Captain Dana, a Civil war vet-
eran, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Martha V... who is teaching school in Belpre,
Kansas; Samuel .1., who is also a resident of Belpre; and Olive, deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Post have had six children, two of whom died in infancy.
In order ot birth those who are living are as follows: \'ivian, who married
L. E. Erlewine, of Spokane, Washington, and is the mother of one child;
Edwin R.. who married Edna Stickney, also a resident of Spokane; Paul
A., who married Lulu P. Blosser and has one child: and Marjorie, who
is living at home and attending school.
Mr. Post is an active worker in the l'resb\ terian church ami has been
superintendent ot the Sunda\ School for several years. Mrs. Post is a
member ot the Baptist church and is interested in the work of its various
organizations. She also belongs to the P. E. O. Society. In his political
views Mr. Post is a republican. He was sergeant-at-arms at the national
convention at St. Loui.s, when William McKinley was nominated for
president, and was regarded as a possible appointee to the |iost of .secretary
of agriculture during the first term of that president. He has always
taken an active interest in all movements affecting the agriculturist, and
was .secretary and treasurer of the National Earmcrs' Alliance and secretary
and business agent for the State Farmers' Alliance. Mr. I'ost has always
figured quite prominently in local public life and w a- a member and
36 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
secretary of the commission appointed by Governor Bois to revise the
revenue laws of the state ot Iowa. He possesses high standards of
citizenship and all questions affecting the general welfare of the com-
munity enlist his attention, particularly those of an educational nature,
and he served for a long period as a member of the school board, during
a portion of which time he was president of that body. Mr. Post is held
in high repute as a private citizen because of his active cooperation in
all public movements, as a business man because of the honorable and
upright methods along which he conducts his transactions, and as a public
official because of the capable and efficient manner in which he meets
his responsibilities.
JOSEPH J. FRANKEL.
No man occupies a more enviable position in business circles of Center-
ville than Joseph J. Frankel, proprietor of the large and flourishing dry-
goods store which bears his name. He is respected and esteemed by all who
know him, not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also ow-
ing to the fact that his business methods have been constantly straight-
forward and honorable. He is a dependable man under all circumstances
and the simple weight ot his character and ability have carried him for-
ward into important business relations. A native of Poland, Mr. Frankel
was born November 30, 1873, and is a son of Joseph and Eve ( Margolis)
Frankel, both ot whom were born in that country. The lather was a con-
tractor and grain dealer and was unusually successful in both branches of
activity. He never came to America but passed away in Poland in Feb-
ruary, 1904, at the age ot sixty-six. Later his widow came to America and
settled in Peoria, Illinois, where she now resides, having reached the age of
seventy-seven.
In the actjuirt-menr ot an rtlucation Joseph J. Frankel attended school
in his native country. He was nineteen years of age when he came U
America, settling in Peoria in i8c)2. He secured a position in a clothing
store and retained it until 1900. when he came to Centerville, where he has
since resided. At first he worked in a department store operated b\- A.
Grinspan and he continued this identification until July, igoi. when he
returned to Peoria and established himself in the wholesale men's turnish-
ing business, under the name of the Peoria Mercantile Company. This
enterprise he conducted successfully until February, 1905, when he sold
the concern and came again to Centerville, joining Mr. Grinspan in the
MK. AM) MKS. .1. .1. I'H.WKKI,
rt,;
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 39
management of his general store. Their association continued until Jan-
uarj', 1910, when Mr. Grinspan was obliged to go west on account of his
failing health. Mr. Frankel at that time purchased his interest in the busi-
ness and has operated the store ever since. His establishment comprises a
fine double store and basement at Nos. 116-118 West Jackson street and
is one of the finest of its kind in Centervillc. Mr. Frankel carries a large
and complete line of stock and strives in every way to keep pace with
metropolitan progress, bujing new goods as they come upon the market
and never selling anything not favored b} the newest fashion. This pro-
gressive spirit is one of the factors in his success, secondary in importance
only to the standards of unwavering integrity and honesty to which he has
steadily adhered. He has ever utilized his opportunities to the best ad-
vantage and, making steady progress in the business world, has to-
day reached a position of prominence and influence. Mr. Frankel has at
this writing under contemplation [)lans for using the entire building in
which his store is now located and on realization of this project will own
and occup}- the largest dr)-goods emporium in southern Iowa. Doubtlessly
his trade will increase to warrant such enterprise for which he deserves all
success, as he is a man who ver\ trul) can be called the salt of the
earth, one whom it is a pleasure to meet and one v\hom all who know him
only wish the best of success. He is a stockholder in the Centerville &
Mystic Interurban Railroad and in the Centerville Gypsum Company and
is besides extensively interested in the Hercules Manufacturing Company
of Centerville. He owns a beautiful home at No. 700 Drake avenue.
On the 12th of July, igoo, Mr. Frankel married Miss Minnie Grins-
pan, a daughter of Aaron and Leah (Starovolsky) Grinspan. natives of
Knyshin, Russia, where the father was born October 20, 1847. He was
reared and educated in his native city and there learned the weaver's trade,
which he followed for many years, gaining rapid advancement and finally
becoming sujierintendent of a factory. He remained in Russia until 1882
and then came to America, settling first in Brooklyn, New York. After
a short period of residence there he went to Des Moines, Iowa, and there
secured a position as superintendent of Sherman Brothers Woolen Mill,
continuing in this position tor a number of years. Later he came to Center-
ville and for some time peddled dry goods. Being ambitious, energetic,
well educated and intelligent, he was rapidly successful and had soon saved
a sufficient sum of money to establish himself in business. He opened a
small store near the Burlington depot and after conducting his enterprise
in that location for some time moved to a more favorable location, estab-
lishing himself at No. 1 16 West Jackson street, where Mr. Frankel is now
located. He continued active in the management of this enterprise until
40 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
his litalrh failed and he was obliged to go west to recuperate. He died in
Seattle, Washington, July 25, 1910, at the age of sixty-three, and is buried
in St. Joseph, Missouri. His widow survives and makes her home in
Seattle, having reached the age of sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Frankel
have become the parents of a daughter, Helena Josephine, who was born
May 19, 1904.
Mr. Frankel gives his allegiance to the republican part}- but is not ac-
tive in political affairs, although he is public-spirited and loyal to a marked
degree. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and with his family is a devout member of the
Congregation B'nai Israel. As a resident of Centerville he has been loyal
in his support of everything ]iertaining to the welfare of the city and has
made some substantial contributions to its development and progress.
JOHN C. ASHBY.
Appanoose county numbers among its most substantial, progressive
and influential citizens and among its most worthy native sons John C.
Ashby, who since 1903 has been engaged in the real-estate and insurance
business in Centerville. He was born near this city on the 1 ith of August,
1866, and is a son of E. G. and Sarah (Hollingsworth) Ashby, the former
a native of Indiana, born October 4, 1840, of Scotch-Irish stock. The
mother of our subject was also born in Indiana, her natal daj- being June
22, 1849. She is of English and Irish ancestry and she came to Appanoose
county in the early '^os. The father of our subject settled in this part of
Iowa before the Civil war, beginning his independent career as a school-
teacher. He served in the Federal army and after hi< discharge he returned
to .'\ppanoose count}-, where he married and engaged in farming. He fol-
lowed general agricultural pursuits for a few years but final 1}- abandoned
this occupation in favor of teaching, in whkh he engaged until his death,
which occurred on the 1 ith of August, 1894. He became gradually promi-
nent in educational circles of the section and was for a number of years
coimty superintendent of schools, serving with ability and conscientiousness.
After his demise his wife moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she still
resides.
John C. Ashby is in all essential respects a self-made man, for he began
his independent career at the early age of fourteen } ears, and has been de-
pendent upon his own resources since that time. He learned independence
and self-reliance in the school of experience and the lessons have been of
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 41
utmost value to him in the development of his later career. When he laid
aside his books he obtained a position in a grocery store conducted b) Drake
& Lane in Centerville and remained in their employ tor twenty-two years,
gaining steady advancement. He was economical and farsighted and
saved a great deal ot the money which he earned until he had accumulated
a sufficient sum to establish himseit in business. In 1902 he became engaged
in the real-estate and insurance business at Centerville and is still con-
nected with both lines ot activity, giving close attention to the manage-
ment and control of his enterprise. He has proven himself a man of
great ability, strong and determined purpose and undaunted energ}', and
\)'\- business judgment is rarely it ever at fault. Consequently, in the
course of }ears he has won success and is numbered among the representa-
tive men ot his community.
In 1891 Mr. .\shby married Miss Eunice Gunn, a daughter of Isaac
!•". and Johanna ( Rowden) Ciunn, the tormer a general contractor and
builder of Centerville. Mrs. Ashby's father was born in Illinois and
moved from that state to Missouri, where his marriage occurred. Later
he and his wite came to Centerville and remained here until 1900, when
they moved to Oklahoma. There the father's death occurred in 1906.
His widow makes her home w itli flu- subject of this review. Mrs. Ashby
is a native ot Missouri, her birth having occurred February 20, J870. She
and her husband have one son. Max R., who was born October 10, 1892.
He was graduated from the Centerville high school in 1912 and is at
present in Pittsburgh,' Pennsylvania, studying architecture and drawing.
Mr. .Ashby gives his allegiance to the republican party and from 1903
to 1905 served on the Centerville city council, working earnestly and con-
scientiously in the interests of the public. He belongs to the Masonic lodge
and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist
church. He is one of the most enterprising men in Centerville, always
ready and willing to do what he can for the general upbuilding and
growth, and is held in high respect as a progressive and inriutnrial busi-
ness man.
MRS. SARAH S. WKI^S'I KR.
At different periods Mrs. Sarah S. Webster has been closely associated
with the educational progress and intellectual development in Apiianoose
county where she is now filling the position of superintendent of schools.
H»'r labors have been of far-reaching and bcnifu i:il 1 ffi 1 1 and in her work
42 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
she has held to hij^h standards of practical achievement as a preparation
tor the responsible duties of life. Iowa may be proud to number one of
her force and ability among her native daughters. Mrs. Webster was
born in Monroe county, this state, October 26, 1858, her parents being
John W. and Nancy J. (Stoops) Clodfelter, who were natives of Putnam
count}, Indiana. The father came to Iowa during the pioneer period in
the development of this state, settling in Monroe county, where his father
entered land trom the government, securing a wild tract which he con-
verted into rich and productive fields. John W. Clodfelter was reared and
educated on the old family homestead, earl}' assisting in the plowing, plant-
ing and harvesting when not busy with the duties of the schoolroom. He
continued with his parents until after the outbreak of the Civil war when
his spirit of patriotism prompted his enlistment and he became a mem-
ber of Company A, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, with which he served for
about two }ears. He then became ill, his death resulting from expos-
ure. His widow survives and now resides at Moravia, Appanoose county,
at the age of seventy-three years.
Mrs. Webster was reared and educated in Monroe county, attending
the district schools and afterward entering the Albia high school. She
began teaching school when but sixteen years of age and after two years
of successful work in the schoolroom was married, in July, 1877, to
Alvah Webster, a son of Alvah and C}nthia (Legg) Webster, who were
natives of New York. The father was a farmer and became one of the
early residents of Illinois, where he secured a tract of wild land, entered
as a claim from the government, and began farming, devoting his remain-
ing days to agricultural pursuits near Kankakee, Illinois, in which city
he also conducted a general store for a number of }ears or until his death.
His wife has also passed away. Their son, Alvah Webster, Jr.,. is a cheese
maker by trade and followed that business continuously and successfully
until January, 1899, when he suffered from a stroke of paralysis which
incapacitated him for further business activities. Mr. and Mrs. Webster
have one child, Claudia M., the wife of William P. Schrock, engaged
in the manufacture of medicinal remedies at Piano, Iowa. Thev have
four children. Ha/el, Beatrice, Leonard and Sarah.
Mrs. Webster taught school continuously from 1883 until 1907, when
she was elected count}- superintjendent of schools, being the first woman
chosen to that position in Appanoose county. She was the candidate on
the democratic ticket and was again elected for the office in 1912. Her
efforts in behalf of the schools have been resultant of great good. She
holds to high standards of instruction and believes in thorough training
without the unwise adoption of school fads \\hich often [irevent a pupil
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 43
from becoming thoroughly groundcil in the tuiulanicntal principles of
school work. As far as possible she makes a study of each pupil and
labors for individual benefit. Wide reading keeps her in touch with
advanced methods emplo\ed by educators throughout the country and her
labors have at all times been fruitful of results.
Mrs. Webster is a stockholder in tlu- Centerville Light & Traction
Company, owning and operating an interurban line between Centerville
and Mystic, a distance ot six miles. She is also the owner ot a nice resi-
dence where she and her husband reside at No. 912 Drake avenue and a
good residence property in Moravia, low a. She holds membership in the
Women's Relief Corps and her religious faith is that of the Christian
church. Her standards ot lite are high and her influence is ever cast on
the side of righteousness, reform, truth and improvement.
THOM.AS G. FEE.
The name of Fee has long figured prominent!) in connection with the
bench and bar of Appanoose county and in the practice of law Thomas
G. Fee, whose name introduces this review, has won for himself a credita-
ble position as an able lawyer whose wide knowledge of the principles
of jurisprudence is supplemented by the ability to accurately apply those
principles. He is now practicing in Centerville, his native city. He was
born August 2f, 1877, a son of Thomas Milton and Marie (Barker) Fee.
The father's birth occurred in Feesburg, Brown county. Ohio, April 18,
1840, and his parents, Thomas J. and Sarah (Hastings) Fee, were of
English and Irish descent respectively, the former being a well known
merchant and manufacturer of Ohio, whence he removed to Illinois with
his family in 184Q. In the latter state Thomas Milton Fee was reared and
educated, remaining there until i860, when he became a resident of
Ottumwa, Iowa, where he engaged in teaching school. He also took up
the study ot law in that city under the direction ot Colonel .S. W. Sum-
mers but in May, 186a, removed to Centerville and on the 8th of August
of the same year offered his services to the government, enlisting in Com-
pany G, Thirty-si,\th Iowa \'olunteer Infantry. He took part in various
engagements with the Thirteenth, Sixteenth and Seventh Army Corps
and was captured at Mark's Mills, Arkansas, after which he was for ten
months confined in a rebel prison at Tyler, Texas. In September, 186^,
he was mustered out and was honorably discharged at Davenport. Fol-
lowing his return from the war he establisheii himself in the practice of
44 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
!a\\, wliicli he tol lowed continuously to the time of his death save for
the period spent ujjon the bench. For a time he served as superintendent
of public instruction in Appanoose county and for a term of four years
was district attorney for the second judicial district of Iowa. In those
connections he displayed unfaltering devotion to duty as well as great
energ}' and ability. In 1894 he was elected district judge and remained
upon the bench until .lanuar)-. 1902, when he resigned and resumed the
private practice of law with his son Thomas as his partner. His decisions
had ever been strictly fair and impartial, based upon the law and the
equity in the case, and he was regarded as one of the most capable judges
ever presiding over the district court. In politics he was a republican,
deeply interested in the success of the part}- because of his firm belief in
the efficacy of its principles as factors in good government. He belonged
to the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained high rank, becoming a mem-
ber of the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and of the Grand Army post and was a ])romi-
nent representative of the county bar association. In 1881 he lost his
first wile and later married Mrs. Cill McGregor, of Centerville, who now
resides at Rice's Landing in Pennsylvania. Judge Fee passed away in
Centerville, April 13, igio, honored and respected by all who knew him.
Hi? children were seven in number, namely: William, who [massed away
at the age of five years; Frank, w'ho died when twenty-one years of age;
John, who acts as car inspector for the Santa Fe railroad at Bakersfield,
California; Marsa, who is the wife of J. W. \'oorhees, a fruit ranchman
residing at Bakersfield, California; Thomas G., of this review; Eugenia,
at home; and John M., an agriculturist of Vermillion township, who mar-
ried Ethel Barber, of Chicago.
Thomas G. Fee completed his preliminary education by graduation
from the Centerville high school with the class ot 1896 and then entered
the law department of the Iowa State University. For a jear he pursued
a special course of stud} and later was graduated from the law depart-
ment as a member of the class of 1899 with the degree of LL. B. He at
once opened an office in Centerville and for two years practiced alone, but
with his father's retirement from the bench joined him as junior partner
in the firm of Fee & Fee, a connection that was maintained until the spring
of 1909, when Thomas G. Fee went to Los Angeles, California, as spe-
cial representative for some oil companies. He lived at Los .\ngeles and
at Bakersfield until 1912 and then, returning to Centerville, resumed the
practice of law in this city.
In June, 1904, Mr. Fee was married to Miss Janet Gray, a daughter
of J. R. and Sarah (Cyphers) Gray, the former a native of Scotland, while
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 45
the Inter is of Scotch lineage. They reside in Centerville, where Mr.
Gray is employed as engineer by thi- Chicago, Burlington i: Ouincy
railroad. For the [xist t\\ent}-six years he has been upon one run, between
Keokuk and Centerville. Mr. and Mrs. Fee have become parents of a
daughter and son: Margaret, who was born April 26, 1905, and is now
a pupil in the public school; and Thomas, who was born October 14,
1907, and was named for his father, grandgather and great-grandfatlur.
Mr. Fee holds membership with Centerville Lodge, No. 940, B. P. O.
E., and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, while his wife is a mem-
ber of the Order of the Eastern Star. She is also connected with the
P. E. O., and both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Fee gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has
been somewhat active in its local ranks, serving for three terms as chair-
man of the county central committee. In the fall of 1904 he was elected
county attorney and through reelection served for two terms. He occupies
a creditable and enviable position at the Appanoose county bar, for he
prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skill and presents them
with clearness and force, so that he never fails to command the attention
of court or jury and seldom fails to win the verdict desired. His reason-
ing is clear, his deductions sound and he is seldom surprised by an unex-
pected attack of an adversary.
HON. L. L. TAYLOR.
Hon. L. L. TaNJor ha> ably represented the third Iowa district in
the state senate since first elected to rhar body in 190V He has been
a resident of Appanoose count)- for more than six decades, and has made
his home in Centerville for a third of a century. His birth occurred near
Munfordville, Hart county, Kentucky, his parents being John M. and
Nancy A. (Wilson) Taylor, who were natives of South Carolina and
\'irginia, respective!}. His paternal grandparents were John and Susan
(Moberly) Taylor, the former born in Maryland on the ist of May,
1772, and the latter a native of South Carolina. John Taylor was a
gentleman of Scotch descent. His first wife passed away in Hart county,
Kentucky, in 1808, and eight years later he wedded Miss Susan Trotter,
whose demise occurred in Davis county, Iowa. He was called to his
final rest on the 7th of June, 1897, in Appanoose county, at the age of
eighty-five years, one month and six days. His first wife bore him eight
children who lived to maturity, and by his second marriage there were
46 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
nine, who lived to maturity. William and Nancy Ann ( Park.sj Wilson,
the maternal grandparents of our subject, were natives of \'irginia, and
became early settlers of Hart county, Kentuck\-, where both passed
away. William Wilson reached the ripe old age of eighty-five years.
He and his wife reared a family of five children.
John M. Taylor, the father of the Hon. L. L. Taylor, was a farmer
by occupation, and also followed carpentering and contracting. W'hen
two years of age he was taken by his parents to Hart county, Ken-
tucky, and was there reared. In 1849 he came to Appanoose county,
Iowa, locating in \\'ashington township, where he entered land from the
government, developed and improved a farm and reared his family. Dis-
posing of that property, he purchased another farm a mile and a half
west, and thereon spent the remainder of his life. His demise occurred
on the 14th of April, i88g, but fourteen days before his eighty-fifth
birthday. His wife, who survived him for a number of years, passed
away on the 2d of September, 1896, when more than eighty-five years
old. Both were Baptists in religious faith. John M. Taylor held various
township offices and was widely recognized as a representative and
esteemed citizen of this count}', within the borders of which he resided
for four detades. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, seven
sons and two daughters, seven of whom grew to adult age. as follows:
William J., who passed away on March 28, 1910; Holland P., whose
demise occurred on the 16th of July, i860; Lewis L., of this review;
Isaac W., who resides near Blythedale, Harrison county, Missouri; James
N., deceased; Mary Jane, who is the wife of William S. Beggs, and lives
near Moulton, Iowa; and Nanc}- Alice, the deceased wife of Frank
Hughes.
Lewis L. 1 aylor, whose name introduces this review, was brought
to Appanoose county when a small boy, and has resided within its borders
since 1849. He was reareti on his father's farm, and attended the district
schools in the acquirement of an education. He began teaching when
twenty years of age, and tavight thirty terms of school, altogether, impart-
ing clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired.
In 1879 he was elected clerk of the district and circuit courts, and held
that office for four terms, or eight years. He took up his abode at Center-
ville in November, 1879, and has lived in the town continuously since.
At the end of four terms' service as clerk of the courts he entered the
First National Bank of Centerville as bookkeeper and teller, acting in
the dual capacity for several years. In 1903 he was elected state senator
of the third district, comprising Appanoose ami Davis counties, and by
reelection has been continuetl in tliat office to the present time, his record
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 47
fully justifying the confidence of his constituents and winning general
approval. He held various minor offices in former years, and has long
enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the leading and valued citizens
of the community. In \N'aehington township, this county, he owns a well
improved farm of one hundred and eighty acres.
On the 26th of May, 1864, Mr. Tu) lor was united in marriage to Miss
Miriam Siler, a native of Shelby county, Illinois, and a daughter of Ben-
jamin H. and Jane (Fleming) Siler, who passed away in Davis county,
Iowa, where they had established their home, in 1847. Mrs. Taylor was
one ot a family of six daughters and two sons, who reached mature years,
the others being as follows: Lucy A., William Henry, Levi, Amanda,
Joanna. Mary E. and Ellen. Unto our subject and his wife were born
two children, namely: Henrietta, who was active in Sunday school and
Endeavor work, and passed away at the age of thirty- four years; and
John B.. who wedded Miss Katharyne Eby, January g, 1907, and is now
serving his second term as county auditor. Mr. Miriam Taylor was
called to her final rest on the 30th of March, igo6, at the age of sixty-
two years, one month and two days. She had long been a member of
the Christian church, and her life had been in consistent harmony with
its teachings. Her surviving husband has been an elder in the Central
Church of Christ of Centerville for many years.
WILLIAM EVANS.
William Evans, who passed away in Centerville on the 4rh of Septem-
ber. 1898, was a pioneer citizen of Appanoose count)-, who was for many
years prominently identified with important business interests and also
won an enviable reputation in financial circles here as cashier of the First
National Bank of Centerville. Among the public offices which he held
was that of county treasurer, in which capacity he was retained for four
terms. His birth occurred near Salem, Washington county, Indiana, on
the 12th of May, 1829, and it was in that year that his parents took up
their abode in (jreencastle, Putnam county, Indiana, where his boyhood
was spent on a farm. In 1849, when a young man of twenty, he accom-
panied his parents on their removal to Monroe county. Iowa, and there
continued to reside until February, 1864. At that time he came to Appa-
noose count}-, Iowa, settling in Iconium. where he was engag<'d in tlie
mercantile business until December, 1871. when, having been elected
treasurer of the county, he took up his abode in Centerville and here
48 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
made his home until his death. As the democratic candidate tor that
ofBce he overcame the normal republican majority and thus received tan-
gible evidence of the confidence and trust reposed in liiin by the voters.
That his record fully justified the faith of his constituents is indicated
in the fact that he was three times reelected, gaining and maintaining a
reputation as one of the county's most competent and trusted officials.
At the end of eight years' service as treasurer he was offered tlie position
of cashier of the First National Bank of Centerville and proved a valued
representative of that institution by reason of his wide acquaintance, ex-
cellent business ability and sterling integrity. The period of his residence
in Iowa covered about a halt century and most of that time was spent
in Appanoose count}-. In 1888 he had removed to Topeka, Kansas, but
returned two years later. He was appointed postmaster of Centerville in
1894 but at the end of three years resigned on account of impaired health,
spending the winter of 1897-98 in Texas. Returning to Centerville, he
passed away here on the 4th of September, 1898. His widow has since
continued to reside in Centerville. He had won the high esteem and
friendship of all who knew him, and in his demise the community lost
one of its prominent, respected and representative citizens.
On the 25th of November, 1852, Mr. Evans was united in marriage
to IVliss Margaret Jane Vestle, who was born in Purnamville, Indiana, on
the 9th of March, 1831. They became the parents of six children.
Sarah Elizabeth, whose birth occurred in Monroe county, Iowa, on the
3d of September, 1854, gave her hand in marriage to William H. Everson
on the 3d of September, 1873, *i"d passed away at Pratt, Kansas, on the
13th of March, 1901. She was the mother of four children, as follows:
Pearl, who was born in Centerville, Iowa, in December, 1874, and wedded
Tenny Rogers, b}- which union there is one child, Eugene Everson: Jennie,
who was born at Centerville in 1877 and gave her hand in marriage to
Jess E. Dickinson, by whom she has a son, Frank Dickinson; Frank, who
was born at North English, Iowa, in 1879, and passed away at Pratt,
Kansas, in 1902; and Goldie, who died in 1908 and who was the wife of
Clifford Roberts, by whom she had a daughter. Elizabeth Roberts. Mar-
garet Esther Evans, whose birrh occurred in Monroe county on the 30th
of January, 1856, became the wife of James Cain Bevington on the I2th
of March, 1874, and died in Centerville. Iowa, on the 6th of May. 1883.
She had two children, namely: William M., who was born in Centerville,
Iowa, in May, 1875, and wedded May Brooks, by whom he has one
daughter, Esther Bevington; and Lois, whose birrh occurred ar Centerville,
Iowa, in June, 1879, and who became the wife of Dennis L. Fleak in
1900. Lucy Ann Evans, who was born. in Monroe countv. Iowa, on the
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 49
iith of November, 1857, passed away at Centervillc on the 3d of Sep-
tember, 1892. In July, 1879, she gave her hand in marriage to Richard
C. Stewart, b}- whom she had a daughter, Ida Margaret Stewart. William
Franklin Evans, whose birth occurred in Monroe county on the 16th of
November, 1859, makes his home in St. Louis, Missouri, and acts as
general solicitor for the Rock Island and Frisco lines. Maria Belle Evans,
who was born in Iconium, Iowa, on the 26th of November, 1863, became
the wife of Hubbard Milton Cyphers in April, 1885. They have one
daughter, Beulah Evans, who was born on the 18th of January, 1887,
and who wedded Harold H. McLucas in 1910. Ida Evandale Evans,
whose birth occurred in Iconium, Iowa, on the 8th of February, 1867,
was married in 1883 to Clarence William Walton. Their daughter, Lucy
Estelle Walton, was bom on the 4th ot Maj', 1888, and gave her hand
in marriage to Hugh N. Fogle in 1911.
As above stated, William Evans was a stanch democrat in his political
views. While a resident ot Iconium he served as postmaster for eight
\ears, and he also acted as township clerk and assessor for several terms.
His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Baptist church,
to which his widow also belongs. He served as deacon and trustee of
the church and exemplified its teachings in his daily life. Fraternally he
was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to
Lodge No. 76 and Encam[)ment No. 24 and being a past grand of the
former. He manifested in his character that admirable combination of
qualities which caused him to work diligently and do well whatever he
undertook. He was a useful citizen, interested in every worthv enter-
prise, responsive to every moral obligation, and in his dealings with men
showed that he recognized the true significance of life and sought to meet
and assume its higher and nobler duties.
J. W. WILLIAMS.
J. W. Williams, a representative and respected resident of Centerville
wi'.o is now living practical!} retired, won recognition and success in busi-
ness circles as the founder of the Williams Piano & Organ Company of
Chicago, which owns two factories in the metropolis and is now conducted
by him and his sons. His birth occurred in Freeport, Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, on the 12th of July. 1833, his parents being Jacob and
Eliza (Bowtr^) Williams. The father, who was a native of Maryland
and of Dutch descent, worked at various occupations. .About the time
50 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
of the outbreak of the Civil war he made his way down the Ohio river by
boat, landing at Cairo, Illinois. Continuing his journey westward, he
located at Cenlerville, Iowa, and here both he and his wife lived until
called to their final rest.
J. W. Williams spent the first twenty-one years of his life in the
state of his nativity and had but limited educational opportunities in his
youth. His knowledge has been continually augmented, however, through
reading, experience and observation. In 1854 he came west to Center-
ville, Iowa, and having learned the tinner's trade in Pennsylvania, opened
a tin shop in partnership with E. Washburn of Ottumwa. At the end
of two years he purchased his partner's interest, conducting the business
for several years in a shop near the northeast corner of the square. Sub-
sequently he embarked in the hardware and implement business and grad-
ually became identified with the organ and piano business. In 1887 he
admitted into partnership with him his oldest son, H. B. Williams, and
later his son, C. S. Williams. The firm began the manufacture of organs
in Chicago in 1893 and in 1898 began to make pianos. The Williams
Piano & Organ Company owns two factories in Chicago and has a capacity
of twenty pianos and thirty-five organs per week. J. W. W^illiams won
an enviable reputation as a successful and enterprising business man and
was one of the well-known piano men of Chicago. At the present time
he is living retired at Centerville in an attractive home on North Main
street.
In 1855, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Williams was joined in wed-
lock to Miss Mary Elizabeth Bradley, a native of Belfast, Ireland, of
Scotch-Irish descent, who came to the United States when a young girl.
Our subject was married after establishing his home in the west, return-
ing to Pittsburg for his bride. To them were born six children. H. B.
Williams, of Evanston, Illinois, wedded Miss Lulu Corkhill, by whom
he had two children. John C, who died at the age of twenty-five years;
and Lucy. Ella V. is the wife of George W. Randle, of Centerville. and
the mother of five children. Lulu, Ruby, Bess, Albert and Raljih. Lena
is the wife of J. K. Huston, of Pasadena, California, by whom she has
two children, Florence V. and Donald M. Carl S. wedded Miss May
Weir, who died leaving three children. Faith, Weir and Bradle)'. For
his second wife he chose Miss Elizabeth Bonnell. Mrs. Anna (Wil-
liams) Hinshaw, who died at the age of thirty-seven years, was the
wife of Professor Hinshaw, of \'alparaiso, Indiana, and the mother of
four children, Carl W., William \\'.. .lohn T. and Marie. Albert E.
Williams passed away when a youth of nineteen.
Mr. Williams is a republican in politics but has never sought nor
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 51
desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at
Centerville. Both Mr. and Mrs. Williams are prominent members of
the Methodist Episcopal church at Centerville, the former having been
for many }ears a class leader, steward and trustee. Coming to this
countr} almost six decades ago, he has witnessed the wonderful trans-
fomiation that has occurred as pioneer conditions have given war before
the onward march of civilization. He has now passed the seventy-ninth
milestone on life's journey and his career has ever been such that he
can look back upon the past without regret and forward to the future
without fear.
ALVAH S. DUKES.
Alvah S. Dukes, holding a position of prominence and responsibility
in financial circles of Unionville as cashier ot the Unionville Savings
Bank, was born on a farm three miles southwest of Centerville, August
20, 1870. He is a son of Henry L. and Sophia M. (Lantz) Dukes, the
former a native of Pennsylvania, of New England ancestry, and the latter
born in Ohio of German parents. Their marriage occurred four miles
southwest of Centerville, Henry L. Dukes having come west with his
parents at an early date. He famied for a number of years upon a tract
of land three and one-half miles southwest of the city, carrying on gen-
eral agricultural pursuits upon this property until his death, in 1S72.
He was making a ramrod for a gun and the weapon was accidentally
discharged, the bullet penetrating Mr. Dukes' right lung, and from the
effects of this injury he died one week later. Afterward his wife re-
turned to the home of her parents and ten years later was united in
marriage to A. H. Pool, now deceased. Mrs. Pool is living with her
daughter, Mrs. Ola L. Potts, of Garden Grove, Decatur county. To
Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Dukes were born three children: Winifred M.,
treasurer ot Ajipanoose county; Alvah S., of this review; and Ola L.,
who married H. \\'. Potts, a druggist of Garden Grove, Iowa. By her
second union the mother of our subject had one daughter, Edith M.. who
married Walter Miller, a merchant of Garden Grove.
In the acquirement of an education Alvah S. Dukes attended the
district school in Appanoose county and the public school at Unionville.
After he had laid aside his books he remained npon the home farm until
twenty-five years of age and then secured a position as clerk in the gen-
52 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
eral store of Miller &. Dukes, in Unionvillc, his brother, Winifred M.
Dukes, being at that time junior member of the firm. Later Mr. Dukes
of this review entered into partnership with his brother and this connec-
tion was maintained for some time. During the period ot their associa-
tion they had established a store in Henry county, Iowa, and Alvah S.
Dukes took charge of this enterprise, disposing of it after two jears and
returning to Unionville, where he and his brother again conducted a mer-
cantile establishment under the firm name of Dukes Brothers. \\'hcn
this business was sold Alvah S. Dukes was appointed deputy county
treasurer under his brother and served for three years, or until 1912, when
he was elected cashier of the Unionville Savings Bank of Unionville,
which position he now holds. He has proved himself a valuable and
reliable official and his judgment has come to be regarded as practical
and sound concerning the complex problems of banking and finance, for
his progressiveness is tempered by safe conservatism and based upon a
thorough understanding of modern business principles.
In 1893 Mr. Dukes was united in marriage to Miss Mazie V. Buck-
master, a daughter of E. A. and Emma (Stanley) Buckmaster, the former
ot whom was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, June 16, 1837, a son of
Richard and Elizabeth (Mattocks) Buckmaster, both of German ancestry.
E. A. Buckmaster enlisted at Bloomfield, Iowa, in April, 1861, joining
Company G, Second Iowa \'oluntcer Infantry. After serving for six
months he was discharged on account of sickness but in the following
year reenlisted in Company I, Third Iowa Cavalry, serving as sergeant
and seeing much active service. He was in the thick of the battle at the
siege of Vicksburg and was wounded at La Grange. He served until the
close of hostilities and was mustered out at Keokuk, Iowa, ^^'hen he
returned home he established himself in the harness business in Unionville
and remained in it until 1872, when he purchased a farm in Utlell town-
ship. He later gave up agricultural pursuits in order to operate a sawmill
on Soap creek and this in turn he disposed of and opened a harness and
shoe shop in Unionville which he is now conducting and is also acting as
agent for the Yorkshire Creamery Company of Ottumwa. He married
on January 1, 1867, Miss Emma Stanley, a daughter of Moses and
Barbara (Hoffman) Stanley, pioneer settlers of Van Buren county, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Dukes have become the parents of two children: Harrv,
who was born July 4, 1899, and who is attending school in I'nionville;
and Doroth). born August 19, 1906, who is also pursuing her studies.
Mr. and Mrs. Dukes are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of
Unionville, :unl both liclong to the Order of the Eastern Star and the
Yeomen. In addition Mr. Dukes is affiliated with the blue lodge in
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY 53
Miisonn. He gives his allegiance to the republican party and is at the
present time serving as treasurer ot the I'nionville Independent school
district. Trustworthy and taithtul in business, progressive in citizenship
and loyal to the claims of friendship, he has thus displayed many good
qualities which have gained him widespread regard.
RE\'. MARTIN M. LOFTUS.
Rev. Martin M. Loftus has been rector of St. Mary's Catholic church
of Ccnterville for the past eight years and has labored zealously and
effectively to foster its growth and influence. His birth occurred in Bur-
lington, Iowa, on the gth of August, 1875, his parents being John and Ellen
(McCormick) Loftus, the former a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and
the latter of County Roscommon. John Loftus, a contractor by trade,
emigrated to the I'nited States in 1862 and took up his abode in Newark,
New Jersey. In 1870 he came to Burlington, Iowa, where he embarked
in business as a contractor and where he has resided continuously since. It
was in Mount Pleasant. Iowa, that he wedded Miss Ellen McCormick,
who had made her way direct to Burlington after landing on the shores of
the United States. Unto them were born the following children : Thomas,
who is rector of St. Mary's Catholic church at Oskaloosa, Iowa; Martin
M.. ot this review; John, who is engaged in business as a contractor at
Burlington in association with his father; and Elizabeth, at home.
In the acquirement of an education Martin M. Loftus attended Lourdes
.\cademy at Burlington, Iowa, and also St. Ambrose College at Davenport.
Later he entered St. Paul's Seminary at St. Paul, Minnesota, and subse-
(juently completed his studies at St. Mary's Seminary of Baltimore, Mary-
land. From September, igoi, until November, 1902, he was actively
identified with educational interests as professor of Latin, history and
(ireek in St. Ambrose College of Davenport, Iowa. In 1902 Rev. Loftus
went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, as assistant to Father Smythe at St. Francis
Xavier church ot that city, remaining there until July, 1904. when he came
to Centerville. On the seventeenth day of that month he became rector
of St. .Mary's church of Centervilh. whidi has since remained under his
su[)ervision and has steadily grown in membership and as an influence
for good. The cliunh and parish hou-c are pleasantly located on .South
KiL.'hteenth street.
In his political views Father Loftus is independent, not desiring to be
botmd by party ties when helping to .select men and measures to further
54 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
the general welfare. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of
Columbus, belonging to Loras Council at Davenport, Iowa. He has
labored with consecrated zeal to promote the spread of Catholicity here
and has won the love and support of his parishioners in an unusual degree.
LEWIS SALINGER.
Lewis Salinger needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for
he is well known to the residents of Centerville, where he has resided since
1895. He is one of the active business men and public-spirited citizens
and his work as a partner in the dry-goods business conducted by Salinger
& Goldstein has closely touched the general business development of the
community. He was born in Poland, March 7, 1865, and is a son of
A. M. and Tina H. (Rosuck) Salinger, natives of that country, where the
father conducted a hotel until his death, in 1896. The mother of our sub-
ject died in the following year.
In the acquirement of an education Lewis Salinger attended school in
Poland but laid aside his books at the age of seventeen years in order to
come to America. He crossed the Atlantic and on the 7th of July, 1882,
reached Des Moines, Iowa, and soon afterward secured work as bookkeeper
in a wholesale house. For two years he held that position and then in
March, 1885, left Des Moines and went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where
he was connected with the jewelry business until 1891. In January of
that year he traveled west to Idaho and located at Pocatello where he was
employed in a clothing store for one year. Leaving Pocatello he went to
Montpelier in the same state, working, however, in the interests of his
former employers and establishing there a branch of their business. He
acted as treasurer of the company lor three years but eventually disposed
of his interests and in 189^ moved to Centerville, being influenced in this
removal by the failing health of his wife. He established himself in the
general merchandise business and continued to conduct a profitable enter-
prise of this kind alone until 1903, when he formed a partnership with
Abe Goldstein, of Nebraska City, and the business is now conducted
under the firm name of Salinger & Goldstein. Their enterprise is
conducted in a fine modern liuiKiing two stories in height, with a
basement, and in it is found everything necessary for the successful
conduct of a modern mercantile establishment. The lines of goods
are complete and the stock is always tastefully arranged, so that
the store presents many of the aspects of a metropolitan concern. The
m:\vis sai.inckh
pue^^^
\.\o-
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY 57
firm has made courtesy and constant consideration for the wishes of their
customers the jiolicy of the house and has as a result secured a substantial
patronage which is steadih' increasing. Besides the main store the firm
of Salinger & Goldstein conducts also what was formerly called The Grand
Leader, dealing in dry goods, carpets and cloaks, succeeding J. J. Strickler
in the management of this enterprise.
Mr. .Salinger, being a man of resourceful business ability, enterprise,
discrimination and of wide interests, has naturally been carried forward
into important relations with the general business life of Centerville. He
is a stockholder in the Centerville Gypsum Company, in the Centerville
&: Mystic Interurban Railroad Company, and is president of the Retail
Merchants Association. He is one of the public-spirited men of the com-
munity and gives active and hearty cooperation to those movements whicli
have for their object the promotion of growth ami developmcnr. In this
relation he is a member of the Booster committee of the Centerville Com-
mercial Club, which was instrumental in securing for the city electric lights
around the main square, and he is at all times a force in the work of civic
improvement.
On the 1 ith of August, 1890, Mr. Salinger married Mi.ss Rose Gott-
stein, a daughter of Simon and Hannah Gottstein. natives of Poland. The
father came to .America in early life and located first in New York, whence
he went to Des Moines, Iowa, where for thirty-five years he conducted a
store. Later he went to Minneapolis, Minriesota, and finally to Detroit,
Michigan, where he died in the fall of 191 1. He had long survived his
wife, who passed away in iSjc). Mr. and Mrs. Salinger became the par-
ents of a daughter, Honora, who has reached the age of twenty-one. Mrs.
Salinger passed away May 16, 1905, after an illness which had extended
over a period of eight or nine years.
Mr. Salinger has extensive property interests in and around Center-
ville, owning his home at No. 412 Drake avenue and a fitty-acre tract one
mile cast of the town. He gives his allegiance to the republican party but
is never active as an office seeker, preferring to work along lines of public
welfare without desire for official recognition. He has extensive fraternal
relations, being a blue lodge Mason and belonging also to the chapter, and
is likewise prominent in the affairs of the Knights of Pythias. He is a
devout member of the congregation B'nai Israel and is its president. Mr.
Salinger takes an active interest in all kinds of religious and charitable
work. He is a national director in the Jewish Consumptive Relief Society
of Denver and this is by no means the extent of his work along lines which
directly aid the needy and suffering. There arc few citizens in Centerville
58 HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY
more widely and favorably known than Mr. Salinger, for his business
enterprise has carried him into important commercial and financial rela-
tions, while his genial manner and unfailing courtesy have gained him the
warm and lasting regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
WILFORD FRANCIS BERRY.
The life record of Wilford Francis Berry is that of a man of stalwart
purpose and untiring activity, who in the pursuit of his career has won the
advancement which invariably rewards well organized methods when intel-
ligently and persistently pursued. For practically twenty-five years he has
been identified with the business interests of Moulton, where he has met
with constantly increasing success and is now numbered among the foremost
representatives of the commercial fraternity of Appanoose county. Mr.
Berry is a native of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Wapello county
on the 2 1st of April, 1863. In the paternal line he is descended from
one of Kentucky's pioneer families, his father, Austin Ferry Berry, having
been born in Bourbon county, that state, November 11, 1824. There
the grandfather, Joseph Berry, was born, reared and married, but in 1825
he removed with his family to Zanesville, Ohio, where he made his home
for about twenty-four years. In 1849, he continued his journey west-
ward to Wapello county, Iowa, and there passed the remainder of his
life. Upon his arrival in that county he took up a tract ot government
land in Adams township and thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits,
although he was a mechanic by trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Berry
were born seven children, the three eldest being natives of Kentucky.
In order of birth they are as follows: Nye, the deceased wife of Henry
Van Ness, of Wapello county; Isaac, who is a resident of California; Austin
Perry, the father ot our subject; Lydia Ann, the widow ot Joseph Ralston,
of Oskaloosa, Iowa; George, who is residing in Montana; Eliza, the
widow of Page White, of Wapello count) ; and Loraine, the widow of
John Biven. of Wapello, Iowa.
Austin Perry Berry was only an infant when his parents removed to
Ohio in which state he was reared. His education was obtained in the
public schools of Zanesville, following which he learned the carpenter's
trade and cabinet-making, following these occupations during the greater
part of his active life. He accompanied his people on their removal to
Wapello county, where he subscqucnth' acquired forty acres of land, which
he improved and cultivated while following his trade. In 1870, he came
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUXTY 59
to Moulton and established a tiiriiiture factory, which he operated "with a
fair measure of success for many years. He also followed his trade and
engaged in contracting and building, many of the residences and business
buildings of that period having been erected by him. He was an earnest
Christian and zealous worker in the Baptist church, and in addition to his
many other duties often hlled the pulpit of some church of that denomina-
tion on Sunday. Not only was he largely instrumental in founding the
Baptist church of Moulton, but he assisted in the erection of the church
edilice, and always took an active interest in the work of its various organ-
izations toward the support of which he liberally contributed. Mr. Berry
was a man of more than average versatility and possessed many admirable
qualities, his sterling worth and integrity making him a desirable acquisi-
tion to the community, where he was held in high esteem and had hosts
of friends. He went to the front with an Ohio regiment during the
Mexican war, and served until the close of hostilities. During the Civil
war he again offered his services to the country, serving as a private in
the Thirteenth Iowa \'olunteer Infantry. He always took an active and
helpful interest in all movements affecting the intellectual, moral or ma-
terial welfare of the town, and accorded his support to every worthy
enterprise. Mr. Berry was married at Zanesville, Ohio, on the 9th of
February, 1849, to Miss Harriet Euphemia Dickinson, who was born and
reared in Ohio. The Dickinsons located in that state during the pioneer
days, and were among the early settlers of Zanesville, where the maternal
grandfather followed the silversmith's trade. The family of Mr. and
Mrs. Austin P. Berry numbered eleven, eight of whom lived to attain
maturity, as follows: Anna, the wife of Samuel Jennings, of Ccnter-
ville, Iowa; Mary, the widow of A. R. Price, of London Mills, Illinois;
James Perry, who was drowned in 1877 in Des Moines, where he was
employed on the Daily Register; George L., national presiilenr of the
National American, a fraternal organization, who resides in Kansas City;
Wilford Francis, our subject; Abel Sherman, who makes his home in
California; Luretta, the wife of J. W. Haldcn, postmaster at Moravia,
Iowa; and Lydia B.. the wife of O. E. Soule, of Tacoma, Washington.
The parents are both deceased.
As he was only a lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Moulton, Wilford Francis Berry has passed the greater
part of his life in this city. He pursued his education in the public schools
and upon completing his high-school course obtained eniplos ni<nt in a
drug store at Moulton, where he diligently applied himself to tiie study
of pharmacy, being awarded his certificate by the state board of pharmacy
on the 22d of May. 1882. He continued in the employ of others for
60 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
about' six years tliereafter and in 1888 entered in business for himself at
Moulton, where he established the store he is now conducting. Owing
to his limited means he had to begin in a very small way, but as the years
have passed he has prospered and has enlarged his establishment until he
is now the proprietor of one of Moulton's most thriving enterprises.
About 1900 he began the manufacture of a preparation known as Berry's
Barb Beater, to be used for wire cuts. As it is a remed)^ of unquestionable
merit the demand for it has steadily increased until he now makes con-
signments to twenty-five states. He has the largest mailing list of any
manufacturer in the count}', his postage frequently amounting to five
hundred dollars per month. He not onh- does a large business with the
wholesale drug houses of the middle west, but he carries the names of
over ten thousand retail dealers on his ledger. Mr. Berry possesses the
initiative and resourcefulness essential to success in any field of endeavor,
and to the support of these qualities he brings the determination of pur-
pose and tireless energy which win achievement. Having unlimited con-
fidence in the future of Moulton, as opportunity has afforded, he has
acquired extensive property interests here, in both the residence and busi-
ness sections. He also owns and operates two farms in Appanoose county.
In Moulton on the 26th of June, 1886, Mr. Berry was married to
Miss Lillian Moore, who was born in Hollidayburg, Pennsylvania, on the
16th of December, 1862, and is a daughter of Ithimer and Katharine
(Malloy) Moore. The father, who was of Irish lineage, removed with
his tamily to Iowa about 1869, first locating in Fairfield. In 1870, they
removed to Moulton, where Mr. Moore conducted a hotel until a few
years prior to his death. Mrs. Berry, who is the second in order of birth
in a family of seven, is the mother of five children, as follows: Alfred
Keene, who is engaged in the drug business in Kansas City, Missouri;
Herbert Trevor, who is in business with his father; Marguerite, who is at
home; and Bertram Bernard and Wilfred Gerald, who are attending
school.
The family are members of the Presbyterian church of which Mr.
Berry is one of the trustees. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic
order, belonging to the blue lodge of Moulton, chapter and commandery
of Centerville, and the shrine at Davenport. He is also a member of the
Order of the Eastern Star, of which he was elected associate grand patron
for Iowa, and of the Modern ^^'oodmen of America. He is a trustee of the
last named order and also of the Masonic lodge. Although he takes an
active and helpful interest in all local matters Mr. Berry has never figured
prominently in political affairs, the extent of his private interests precluding
the possibility of his meeting the requirements of an official position. He
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 61
is public-spirited and progressive in matters of citizenship, however, and
is alwajs ready to cooperate in promoting the development of any worthy
enterprise, extending his indorsement to all movements that will advance
the general welfare of the community.
BRYANT BROTHERS.
Bryant Brothers, engaged in the automobile business, are well known,
enterprising young men who arc proving that energy and industry consti-
tute a substantial toundation on w hich to build success. They are natives
of Davis county, Iowa, Thomas J. Bryant having been born in October,
1880, while Charles W. Bryant was born in March, 1882. They are sons
of Alfred and Elizabeth (Peninger) Bryant, also natives of Iowa. The
father, who was born in Davis county, owned and operated a farm there
until 1891, when he came to Centerville, where he engaged in teaming
until 1903. He then turned his attention to the butchering business and
IS .still conducting a meat market on South Eighteenth street, near the
Burlington depot.
Thomas J. and Charles \\'. Br}ant attended the public schools of
Davis county and of Centerville, and in his youthful days the latter served
a four years' apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in flu; Keokuk &
Western Railroad shops here. He afterward spent four years in the employ
of the government as a machinist in the Rock Island arsenal. Thomas J.
Bryant also turned his attention to industrial pursuits, learning the black-
smith's trade in the same railroad shops as his brother, after which he fol-
lowed his trade in the shops and in the mines ot this locality for about
six years. He afterward spent one year at his trade at a power plant in
Canon City, Colorado, and in 1907 joined his brother in the automobile
business in Centerville. They have since conducted a garage and also are
sales agents for some cars. They have secured a gratifying patronage in
this connection antl their interests are continual]) increasing. The firm
are today the oldest dealers in their line in the town. They operate a
garage ninety-five by forty feet and they handle the Studebaker cars
exclusively, in which connection they have developed a very large and
gratifying business.
Thomas J. Bryant was married May 18, 1902, to Miss Mayme \'an
Xuter, a daughter of A. D. and Kate (Replogh) \'an Nuter, who are
natives of Iowa. The father was a carpenter by traile and at an early
day came to Centerville, where he followed his trade for some time. He
62 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
afterward turned his attention to farming, owning and cultivating a tract
of land until 1900. He subsequently li\'ed in the town tor five years and
then went to Clarksville, Iowa, where he and his wife still reside. Three
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Bryant: Hugh K., nine
years of age; Robert M., aged seven ; and Mary C, aged one.
In May, 1904, Charles W. Br} ant married Miss Grace Ryals, a daugh-
ter of Mrs. Anna Ryals Barger. The father had died when Mrs. Bryant
was but two years of age and the mother had afterward married again.
There is one child ot this union, Luella, seven years of age.
Thomas J. Bryant owns a nice home at No. 1602 South Twenty-
first street and Charles W. Bryant is pleasantly located at No. 310 East
Terry street. Their religious faith is that of the Methodist church. Polit-
ically they are identified with the progressive party, being warm admir-
ers of Theodore Roosevelt and stanch adherents of the platform formu-
lated by the party, w hich movement many regard as one of the most hope-
ful political signs ot the times. It shows conclusively that the American
citizen is alive to the issues of the day and that many will not blindly
follow a party leadership but are thinking out along lines relative to the
best welfare of the country at large. The Bryant Brothers are also pro-
gressive men in other connections, especially in business life, and what
they have accomplished represents the fit utilization of their time and
talents. They recognize the fact that success has its root in unfaltering
industry and it is through close application and careful management that
they are working their way upward to prosperity in their present business
connection.
DAMD \\'. PROBASCO.
Among the successful and representative farmers whose work along agri-
cultural lines may be regarded as a force in the development and upbuild-
ing of Appanoose county is numbered David W. Probasco, who has
resided in this part of Iowa since 1868 and who since reaching manhood
has devoted his attention to general fanning and stock-raising. He
owns one hundred and seventy-seven and one-third acres of land and has
been very successful in its management and development. He was born
in Putnam county, Missouri. Juh 11, 18^5. and is a son of Noah C.
Probasco, who later moved to Macon count} in the same state. There
the father of our subject purchased the Green Top flour and sawmill,
which he operated for five years, later selling the enterprise and return-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 63
ine: to Putnam county, where he made his home until 1868. In that
year he came to Appanoose count) anil [lurchased the tarm upon which
his son now resides. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served
for four }ears in the Second Missouri Cavalry. After coming to Appa-
noose county he resided for some time in Wells township but later moved
to Caldwell township, where he purcha>ed land. This he operated and
improved for a number of years but spent the later years of his life in
retirement in Exline, where his death occurred in igio. His wife sur-
vives him and resides in Exline.
David W. Probasco inherited his father's sterling integrity and his
capacity for hard and effective work and the prosperity which he today
enjoys was won in former years by the labor of his hands and has come
as the reward of his perseverance and determination. He was a lad of
twelve years when he came to Appanoose county with his parents and
here he was reared to manhood. When he was still a bo} he was earn-
ing his own livelihood b}- working as a monthl}' farm laborer and he
continued in this occupation until after his marriage, when he rented
a farm which he developed for two years. He then purchased forty
acres in Wells township and to this his father-in-law added forty acres,
the nucleus of Mr. Probasco's present tine tract. Since that time he
has given a great deal of his attention to his farming operations and
has carried forward steadily the work of improvement, adding to his
holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of one hundred
and seventy-seven and one-third acres of productive and fertile land.
Upon this he has erectetl a tine residence and good barns ami has fenced
and cross-fenced his property into fields of convenient size. He has
erected the necessary outbuildings and in addition has planted a fine
orchard and made other substantial improvements. He is extensively
interested in stock-raising, buying young animals and feeding and fat-
tening them for the market. He has large herds of cattle, hogs and
horses and at present has fifteen high-grade colts.
In Appanoose county, on October 2y, 1876, Mr. Proba.sco was united
in marriage to Miss Alta Rochford, a native of Wells township and a
daughter of Alexander Rochford, one of the first men to enter laml in that
section, where he later became well known as a prospierous farmer. Mr.
and Mr>. Probasco are the parents of nine sons and three daughters,
namely: Fred, a farmer and mechanic, of Colorado; Alexander and
Noah, liorh of whom arc ojxraring farms in Wells towIl^hip: Thomas
R., who lives at home artd assists his father with the work of the fields;
Roy O.. a farmer and mechanic of Colorado; David E., who is engaged
in the plumbing business in Lubbock, Texas; Lloyd, E.sco and John, all
64 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
of whom reside at home; Florence, the wife of William Elliott, of Moul-
ton, Iowa; Flossie, the wife of Andy Gwinn, Jr., a farmer in Appanoose
county; and Verna, at home.
Since casting his first vote Mr. Probasco has affiiliated with the repub-
lican party, voting this ticket always on national questions, although
in local affairs he casts an independent ballot. He has become promi-
nent in official circles, having served for some time as road supervisor.
In 1910 he was elected to the township board as a trustee and is still
serving in this capacity. He has been a resident of Appanoose county
from his }outh and has seen many changes during the period, his activity
being a powerful element in the general advancement. He has won
by his own labor and a life of toil and industry an enviable degree of
prosperity and a position among the successful, influential and public-
spirited men of his community.
JOSEPH TURNER.
Industrial activity in Appanoose county finds a prominent and worthy
representative in Joseph Turner, proprietor of the Centerville Granite &
Marble Works. Moreover, his life record is proof of the opportunities
that America offers to ambitious young men, enabling them through indus-
try and determination to work their way upward. Mr. Turner was born
in Staffordshire, England, November 12, 1845, a son of Joseph and Honour
(Turner) Turner, who were also natives of that country. The father was
throughout his life a mine superintendent and in 1898 he passed away at
the venerable age of eighty-six years. His wife survived him until 1909,
dying at the ripe old age of ninety years.
Joseph Turner was reared and educated in England and when a >oung
man went to work in the coal mines, being thus emplojed until May,
1869. Thinking to find better and broader business opportunities in the
new world he then crossed the Atlantic and again sought employment in
mines, working in Pennsylvania until 1875. That year witnessed his
arrival in Centerville, where he was a mine worker until 1876, after which
he was similarly employed in Missouri until October. 1882. Then return-
ing to Appanoose county, in partnership with two others he purchased
forty acres of coal land at Brazil, while later additional purchases were
made. The business was at length reorganized under the name of the
Phoenix Coal Company, with Messrs. Turner and Freese as proprietors.
They continued together for fourteen years, on the expiration ot which
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 65
period Mr. Freese sold out to Mr. Campbell, who remained a partner of
Mr. Turner in the coal mine business for thirteen years, when they sold out
and established a granite and marble business. A few months later, how-
ever, Mr. Turner bought his partner's interests and since has remained
alone, being sole owner of the Centerville Granite & Marble Works. He
has a large plant and enjoys an extensive business which is represented on
the road by a traveling salesman. Energy and determination are salient
features in the success which has attended his labors. He came to the new
world practically empty-handed but he possessed courage and willingness
to work and those qualities often conquer when others fail. Year bv year
he has slowly but steadily advanced and is now at the head of a large,
growing and well managed business which is bringing to him a substantial
financial return. He is likewise a stockholder in the Centerville & Mystic
Interurban line and is owner of a nice residence property at No. 410 West
State street.
On the 19th of November, 1870, Mr. Turner was united in marriage
to Miss Ruth Martin, a daughter of John A. Martin, a native of England,
who became a coal miner in Pennsylvania and always resided there until
his death in 1880. His wife passed away when her daughter Ruth was
but four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Turner became the parents of two
children, of whom John A., born in October, 1871, died in 1877. The
daughter, Lottie, bom in August, 1875, '^ the wife of Arthur Draper, who
is agent for the Burlington Railroad Company at Stanford, Nebraska. Mrs.
Turner passed away in March, 1877, after a two weeks' illness. In July,
i(S7i;, Mr. Turner married Rosa L. (Root) Moore, a daughter of Levi
and Mary (Stewart) Root, who were natives of Athens county, Ohio.
Her father was a farmer and for a number of years owned and cultivated
a tract of land in Ohio. In 1872 he removed to Missouri where he again
engaged in general farming. He has now passed away but his wife resides
in Gait, Missouri. To the second marriage of Mr. Turner were born four
children: Joseph L., a traveling salesman residing in Centerville; Frank
K., a miner; Robert L., who is employed in a grocery store in Brazil; and
IVarl, who died in July, 1881, and was a twin sister of Frank. By her
former marriage Mrs. Turner had two children, Minnie Mae and James H.
Moore, the latter a traveling salesman.
Mr. Turner votes wMth the republican party and is a stanch advocate
of its principles but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concen-
trate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has made a signal
success. He is loyal to the teachings and tenets of the Masonic fraternity
with which he affiliates and he is also a consistent member of the Methodist
church. There have been no spectacular phases in his life record but his
66 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
histon" is one whitli may well inspire and encourage others, showing what
nvd\ be accomplished when energy and ambition lead the way. Moreover,
his record proves that success and an honored name may be won simul-
taneously.
HENRY \V. BLACHLEY.
For forty-two years Dr. Henry \\'. Blachley has been a practitioner of
dentistry in Centerville and throughout the entire period has kept m
touch with the improvements in dental methods made by the representa-
tives of the profession. He was born in Independence, Washington
county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1849, a son of Oliver B. and Eleanor
J. (Creacraft) Blachley, who were natives of the same county. The
father was a capitalist of Independence but in 1872 left the east to become
a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he remained until his death,
which occurred in 1889. His wife had passed away ten years before.
Dr. Blachley spent his boyhood and youth in Pennsylvania and Ohio,
pursuing his preliminary education in the public schools of the two states
and afterward entering Mount Union College, a Methodist school at
Mount Union, Ohio. In 1867, in Fredericktown, Ohio, he took up the
study of dentistry under the direction of the firm of Swingley & Bonar,
capable dentists of that place, and in 1870 he came to Centerville, where
he entered upon active practice in connection with Dr. R. S. Glenn, with
whom he remained for a year. The partnership was then dissolved, after
which Dr. Blachley practiced alone until his son Carl joined him, having
prepared for the profession. Theirs is a well-equipped office, supplied
with modern appliances and the most improved instruments, and the
work being done by father and son is according to the most advanced
scientific methods. Their patronage is extensive and is well merited. Dr.
H. \^^ Blachley having throughout the forty-two years of his residence
here conducted a large practice which has brought to him a gratifying
financial return.
On the 5th of March, 1873, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Blach-
ley and Miss Lillian E. Wentworth, a daughter of Caleb and Eliza
(Baldridge) Wentworth, the former a native of Maine and the latter of
Tennessee. The year i860 witnessed the arrival of the father in Center-
ville, where he engaged in merchandising, conducting the business until
)86v He had previously been justice of the peace, serving in that
capacity in all for a quarter of a century. His death occurred in this city
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 67
in 1877 and his wife passed away in the '60s. The tour children of Dr.
and Mrs. Blachley are: Owen D., who died in 1875; Olive B., who was
born June 21, 1876, and is the wite of Dr. J. R. Pennington, of Chicago,
Illinois; Carl W., who was born July 2, 1878; and Tracy W., who was
born July 23, 1884, and is a physician and surgeon of Centerville. The
d; ughtcr, Mrs. Pennington, has been highly educated in music, being a
graduate of the Goldbeck Musical College of St. Louis, Missouri, and
the Chicago Musical College. The elder son, Carl W., is a graduate
of the dental de[)artment of Drake University at Des Moines of the
cl.iss of 1902 and is now actively engaged in practice with his father
in the conduct of a business that is constantly growing in extent and
importance. He was married June 28, 1905, to Miss Edna Stanton, a
daughter of Colonel C. A. and Emma (Houston) Stanton, both of whom
are natives of Appanoose county and now residents ot California. Her
father enlisted from this county and served throughout the Civil war.
He engaged in merchandising here for a number of years and subse-
quently removed to \'icksburg, Mississippi, where he conducted a lum-
ber business for several years. He then retired and, as previously stated,
is now located on the Pacific coast.
The family residence of Dr. Blachley is a tine home at No. 910
W'^st State street, in addition to which he owns a number ot residence
and business properties here, having made judicious investment in real
estate. Dr. Blachley was formerh' connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellow- bvir is not affiliated with any lodp- at the present time.
His wife is a member of the Methodist church. Politically he is a
democrat, voting for the men and measures of the party yet not seeking
or desiring office. He has always concentrated his energies upon his
professional duties and his labors in that direction have brought him well-
deserved prominence and success.
HARR^ E. Ll'THER.
Harry V.. Luther is proprietor of the largest garage in Centerville and
in addition is sales agent for the Ford and Oakland automobiles. He estab-
lished this business in 1907 and has met with growing success in its con-
duct. His birth occurred in Clinton, Iowa, May 23, 1880. his parents
being Charles E. and .-\nna R. (Hoilgson) Luther, the former a native of
Illinois and the latter of Canada. In early life the father followed farm-
ing but soon after his marriage turned his attention to railroading, run-
68
rilSTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
ning a train for a time. Subsequently he took- up construction work and
finally removed to Clinton, Iowa, where he was employed on construc-
tion work by the Northwestern Railroad Company. His next place of resi-
dence was at \\'hat Cheer, Iowa, where he embarked in the hotel business,
conducting the Clifton House there for three years. On the expiration of
that period he returned to railway service in connection with construction
work for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. After
some time he left that business and removed to Birmingham, Missouri,
where he continued for a year. He next bought a farm near Burlington,
Iowa, which he cultivated for a year, and then returned to Clinton in
1892. For six years thereafter he lived retired but indolence and idleness
were utterly foreign to his nature and at the end of that period he took
another position in connection with construction work with the North-
western road when that company was laying its double track from Boone
to Council Bluffs, a task that required a A'ear for its completion. At the
end of that time Mr. Luther once more retired and is now comfortably sit-
uated in Clinton.
Harry E. Luther was reared and educated in that city, attending the
public schools. He afterward learned the plumber's trade which he fol-
lowed for three years in Clinton and for one year in Kansas City, Mis-
souri. He next returned to Clinton and took charge of the sporting goods
department of the wholesale hardware house of C. E. Armstrong & Com-
pany, remaining there for three years. Going to the isthmus of Tehuantepec
he there joined his brother and took charge of the mechanical department
of the Tehuantepec Rubber Culture Company with which he was connected
for three years. On his return to the United States he made his way north-
ward to St. Louis, where he entered the employ of the Simmons Hardware
company. That was during the year of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition
there and Mr. Luther did all the decorating for the ten thousand dollar
exhibit of the company at the fair. He afterward came to Centerville
where he engaged in the hardware business on his own account until 1907,
when he sold out, turning his attention to the automobile business. For
five years he handled the Ford machine exclusively but now also handles
the Oakland car and conducts the largest garage in the city, receiving a
liberal patronage.
In IQOO Mr. Luther was married to Miss Rosa Pauline Flynn. a daugh-
ter of Michael and Hattie Flynn. The father died when Mrs. Luther was
an infant and she was quite young at the time of her mother's demise. By
her marriage she has become the mother of two children : Arthur E.,
eleven years of age; and Pauline ^L, aged five.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 69
Mr. Luther owns several residence lots here and has a pleasant and
attractive home at No. 315 North Fifteenth street. He holds membership
with the Elks lodge and gives his political support to the republican party.
His has been an active and useful life and while he has never been actu-
ated by the spirit of vaulting ambition he has never hesitated to take a
forward step when the way was open. Thus gradually he has advanced
and he is now at the head of a business which is constantly growing and
bringing him a substanti.il income.
JOSEPH P. GRIBBEN.
For more than a third of a century Jose{)h P. Cr ribbon has been a resi-
tlcnt of Centerville and has made an excellent record in connection with
the abstract business. Moreover, in every relation of life he has won
and merited the respect and confidence of those who know him, proving
himself at all times a progressive, reliable citizen and a man worthy of
the trust and confidence of his associates. He was born in Huron county,
Ohio, in August, 1839, and has therefore passed the sevent)-third mile-
stone on life's journey. His parents were George and Eliza (Perry)
Gribben, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York. In
the '5bs the father came to Iowa, settling at Benton, where he worked
at his trade for a number of years. He then removed to Cameron, Mis-
souri, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1879.
His wife survived him for a quarter of a century, passing away in 1904.
Joseph P. Gribben is indebted to the public-school system of his native
state for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. In his youthful
days he learned the painter's trade and subsequently spent some time on
the Pacific coast, locating upon his removal to Missouri, in 1870, at Cam-
eron, where he remained for six years. On the expiration of that period
he came to Centerville, where he has since made his home. Here he opened
a set of abstract books and continued in the business for almost a third
of a century or until 1908, when he retired, enjoying now a rest which
he has truly earned and richly deserves. The only interruption to his active
and well directed business affairs came at the time of the Civil war, when
in response to the country's call for aid he offered his services and was
assigned to duty with Company I, First California Regiment, with wiiich
he continued for four years. He had come to California at an early tlay
and it was there that he joined the boys in blue.
70 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Following the close of the war Mr. Gribben was married, on the 6th
of December, 1866, to Miss Caroline Holloway, a daughter of Ira and
Achsah (Bouton) Holloway, the former a native of Ithaca, New York,
and the latter of Lorain county, Ohio. Her father was a farmer by occu-
pation and when he removed to the Buckeye state he purchased a tract of
land which he cultivated and improved, carrying on farming successfully
for many years. Eventually, however, he sold that property and went to
Michigan, where he bought another tract of land, continuing his farming
operations there throughout the remainder of his days. He died Septem-
ber 3, 1887, and his wife's death occurred on the 27th of November, 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Gribben became the parents of four children: Ira G., aged
forty-four years, who is engaged in railroading and lives in St. Louis, Mis-
souri ; Percy C, aged forty-two years, who makes his home in Pueblo, Colo-
rado; Harry E., aged thirty-eight years, a resident of Los Angeles; and
Ralph, who died on the 8th of February, 1885. Mr. Gribben and his
wife occupy a pleasant modern residence at No. 403 South Main street
and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Grib-
ben served as city clerk of Centerville for six years, proving a capable and
efficient officer, and his political allegiance has always been given to the
republican party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days
of the Civil war and has been a party of reform and progress since. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and thus
maintains pleasant relations with those who like himself wore the blue
uniform during the darkest hour in our country's history. He has ever
been loyal in citizenship, manifesting the same fidelity which he displayed
when he followed the old flag.
BARTON A. OGLE.
In a history of Centerville's representative citizens mention should be
made of Barton A. Ogle, although thirty years have 'come and gone since
he departed this life. In an early period in the history of Centerville he
figured as one of its prominent and influential citizens and won a credit-
able position in business circles. He was born in Indiana. December 10,
1835, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Johnson) Ogle, both of whom
were natives of Tennessee, the father being a representative of an old New
England family, while the mother came of German lineage. In 1831 they
removed to Indiana, where the father followed the miller's trade for about
a quarter of a century. He then in 1856 came to Iowa with his family,
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 71
fettling near Leon, Decatur county, where he remained for three years and
thence came to Appanoose county in i860. Here he again followed his
trade but did not own the mill. Both he and his wife spent their last
days in Centerville.
Barton A. Ogle attended school in Indiana and came with his parents
to Iowa about the time he attained his majority. He remained for some
time in Leon and was married there in 1859. The following year he
removed to Centerville, where he worked in the mill with his father. How-
ever, about two years later he put aside all business cares and personal
considerations in order to aid his country in the struggle to preserve the
Union, enlisting in 1862 at Cincinnati, Iowa, as a member of Company I,
Thirty-sixth Iowa \'olunteer Infantry, with which he remained until the
close of hostilities. He participated in a number of important engage-
ments leading up to the final victory which crowned the Union arms and
at the close of the war was honorably discharged.
With a most creditable military record Mr. Ogle returned to Appanoose
county and for three years thereafter worked in the mill at Relay. Ini86g,
however, he was elected auditor of Appanoose county on the republican
ticket and came to Centerville. He discharged his duties so efficiently and
capably during his first term that he was reelected and retired from office
at the end of the second term as he had entered it — with the confidence
and good-will of all concerned. He then worked for his brother for a
time in the livery business and was afterward employed in a foundry.
Later he accepted a position w irh the Ireland Iron & Bridge Company in
the interests of which he traveled up to the time of his death on the 14th
of July, 1882.
It was on the 1st of September, 1859, that Mr. Ogle was united in
marriage to Miss Minerva E. Arnold, a daughter of Moses and Jemima
(Barnes) Arnold. The father who was a native of Maryland, was of Irish
descent and was a farmer by occupation. The mother, who was born in
\'irginia, was of Dutch lineage. In 1855 they removed to Ohio and sub-
sequently to Indiana, later settling on a farm near Leon, Iowa, where they
lived until 1 87;, when they went to Harrison county, this state, spending
their last days in Modale. The father, who was born in 1795, passed
away in 1884, while the mother, born in 1813, reached the age of eighty
years, dying in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Ogle became the parents ot nine
children: Charles W., a machini"st by trade, now living in St. Louis, Mis-
souri; Almeda May, who died at the age of five years; Albert Francis, who
died when thirty-nine years of age; Wesley Harlan, who is raising chickens
on a ranch four miles north of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and who mar-
ried Lulu Moore; John, who is engagecl in the jewelry business in Seattle,
72 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Washington; James, who is manager of the Regal Laundry and who mar-
ried Bertha McClure of Centerville, they now making their home with
his mother; George B., who married Grace Scott and is proprietor of the
Regal Laundry; Kate, who is the wife of Clarence Wyckoff, an attorney
of Centerville; and Bulah, at home. The daughters Kate and Bulah are
members of the Order of Eastern Star at Centerville.
Mr. Ogle was an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity
and also held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and with the Grand Army post. His political support was always given
to the republican party, for he believed it to be the party of reform and
progress and it was ever his earnest desire to further through political
measures the best interests of city, state and country. He held member-
ship in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his widow still belongs
and his was an upright and well-spent life, gaining for him the confidence
and good-will of many. He sought at all times to follow the golden rule,
to speak highly, to deal justly and to promote the social, intellectual and
moral progress of the community in which he made his home.
SILAS W. MARING.
The life record of Silas W. Maring stands in contradiction to the old
adage that a rolling stone gathers no moss, for while Mr. Maring has again
and again changed his place of residence it has been because in each change
he has seen broader opportunity for advancement and in the utilization
of this opportunity he has gradually worked his way upward until his
success enabled him to retire from business life. He is now resting in the
enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor, his competence being sufficient
to supply him with the necessities and comforts and some of the luxuries
of life. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, September lo, 1845, and
is a son of Samuel and Alma (Hall) Maring, of whom further mention
is made in connection with the sketch of M. B. Maring, on another page
of this work. The family came to Iowa in 1851, when the subject of this
review was a lad of about six years. A location was made in Van Buren
county but after one year, or in 1892, they came to Appanoose county, so
that in the schools of this county Silas W. Maring acquired his education.
His early experiences were those which usually fell to the lot of the farm
boy of that period. He was soon acquainted ^\irh the best methods of
plowing, planting and harvesting and remained with his parents on the old
home farm until he was twenty }ears of age. ^^•hen with a large party travel-
SILAS \V. MAK'TNG
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUXTY 75
ing in fifteen wagons he left Centerville in 1865 and crossed tlie plains to
Oregon. There he began work as a farm hand but after a short time made
his way to the gold mines. He remained in the Pacific northwest until
December 6, 1867, when he returned home by way of the water route and
the Isthmus of Panama, reaching Appanoose county on the 25th of Janu-
ary, 1868. He then rented a farm which he cultivated for a year, after
which he purchased forty acres of land that he cultivated for some time.
He next removed to southwestern Missouri, where he bought and improved
a forty-acre tract of land, living upon it about four years. He then returned
to Iowa and rented a farm for three years, after which he went to Kansas
and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. With charac-
teristic energy he began its improvement and lived thereon for a number
of years, when he rented the property and went to the state of Washington,
purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land near Seattle. After a
year, however, he traded that farm for another in Kansas and returned to
the Sunflower state, where he again carried on farming for four years. He
then sold both of his farms and went back to Washington, where he pur-
chased ten acres of land at one hundred and fifty dollars per acre and for
two years engaged in raising hops and potatoes. He then sold and went
to Oregon, where he invested in forty acres ot river bottom land which
he improved and cultivated for eleven years, producing good crops. On
the expiration of that period he returned to Centerville and purchased
propertv on South Main street but after a year he again went to Missouri,
where for three years he cultivated a farm belonging to his wife. In
Februarv, 1908, he returned to Centerville and invested in several residence
properties. He now resides in a fine home at No. ijo8 West Jackson street,
where for almost five years he has lived retired.
On the 7th of April, 1868, Mr. Maring was married to Miss Martha
Kirby, a daughter of Sharp Kirb\, a native of Missouri. There were two
children of that marriage: Alma, who died in 1872; and Samuel E., who
died three da}s after his mother, who passed away in 1874. In 1876 Mr.
Maring wedded Miss Jane E. Simmons, a daughter of Richard Simmons,
a native of Indiana. They had five children, as follows: Flora, who mar-
ried Harvey Bailey, of Oregon; Rose, who is the wife of Henry Wilkins,
of Spokane, Washington; Josephine, who married Harry Nimmons, of
Seattle, Washington; LeRoy, who is operating a farm in Kansas; and WiW
liam S., a locomotive fireman residing in Moulton, Appanoose county. The
wife and mother was called to her final rest June 23, 1892, and for his
third wife Mr. Maring chose Mrs. Nancy E. Dobbins, a daughter of Mrs.
Ellen (Maring) Flick. Her father died before her birth. The thirii mar-
riage of Mr. Maring was celebrated June 2g, 1903.
voi. n— r.
76 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Mr. Maring is a member of the Independent Order ot Odd Fellows
and has many warm friends in the fraternity. His political allegiance is
given to the democratic party but the honors and emoluments of office
have no attraction for him. His attitude in life toward his fellowmen
and toward all public interests has found its root in his faith as a member
of the Methodist church. He possesses attractive social qualities which
have made him popular and well liked in the various localities in which he
has lived and in Centerville he is most highly esteemed. In his business
career all days have not been equal!}- bright, yet he has persevered as the
years have gone by and his judicious investments and untiring industry
have brought him a substantial measure of success.
JAMES ARTHUR DILLON, D. O.
The practice of osteopathy has enlisted the services of many energetic,
progressive young men who recognize that the development of this science
has been a step in advance toward checking the ravages of disease. Care-
fulh trained for practice. Dr. James Arthur Dillon is following the prac-
tice in Centerville and is meeting with substantial success in his under-
taking. He was born in Lancaster, Missouri, May 23, 1880, and is a
son of Thomas H. and Mary C. (Wilson) Dillon, who are mentioned at
length on another page of this volume. Doctor Dillon in the acquirement
of his education completed a course in the Centerville high school with the
class of 1899 and the same year entered the American School of Osteopathy
at Kirksville, Missouri, where he pursued the regular course and was
graduated with the degree of doctor of osteopathy in 1902. Since that
time he has continuously practiced and has made constant progress in his
chosen calling as further study and experience broadened his knowledge
and promoted his efhcienc}'.
Doctor Dillon was married in 1904 to Miss Minta Dawkins, a daughter
of Alpheus and Sarah Jane (Smith) Dawkins. Her father who was of
Scotch descent, was born in Kentucky, Juh 18, 1848, and the mother,
who came of English lineage, was born in Illinois, April 6, 1845. ^^ his
bovhood days Mr. Dawkins accomixmied his parents on their removal to
Missouri and the lady whom he afterward made his wife also went to that
state with her parents. There they became acquainted and were married,
after which they began their domestic life upon the farm which Mr. Daw-
kins continued to cultivate until his death. In 1898 his widow came to
Centerville and now makes her home with Doctor and Mrs. Dillon. In
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 77
the Dawkins family were six children: Florence, the wife of Ed Everett,
a plumber of Grinnell, Iowa; Herman, engaged in farming at Scotts Bluffs,
Nebraska; Mina, deceased; Mrs. Dillon; Lola, who married Harry Con-
ner, an insurance and real-estate dealer ot Ottumwa, Iowa; and Lutlier,
a merchant of Centerville, Iowa. To Doctor and Mrs. Dillon have been
born three sons: John Lc Roy, who was born September 7, lC)o:, and is
now in school; Joe, who died in infancy: and James Arthur, born Janu-
ar}- 19, 1910.
Doctor Dillon has helil no [niblic offices. He belongs to the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and to the blue lodge of Masons at Centerville,
and both he and his wife are connected with the Order of the Eastern Star.
His wife is a member of the Baptist church, interested and active in its
work, and doing all in her power to extend its influence and promote its
growth. Doctor Dillon is a member of the Atlas Club of Kirksville, Mis-
souri, and in politics he is a republican. While he is neglectful of none of
the duties and interests ot life he concentrates his efforts upon his profes-
sional services and has been accorded a liberal patronage which is bringing
to him substantial success.
SCHIYLER C. BROWN.
Schuyler C. Brown, proprietor of a livery stable in Centerville, is well
known in Appanoose county, of which he is a native. His birth occurred
in a log cabin on a farm in Sharon township, August 22, 1855, his parents,
Samuel L. and Mary A. (Collins) Brown, having been pioneer residents
of this part of the state. The father was born in Virginia and the mother
in New York. He was a tailor and worked at his trade for some years
in Indiana, to which state he removed when it was a frontier section.
.\frcrward he came to Iowa and took up his abode in Appanoose county,
again becoming associated with pioneer lite, for this county was then but
sparsely settled. He entered from the government one hundred and twenty
acres of land five miles east of Centerville, on which not a furrow had been
turned or an improvement made. He at once began to clear and culti-
vate the place and succeeded in transtorming it into rich and productive
fields. Upon that farm he continued to make his home until his death,
both he and his wife passing away in 1888.
.Schuyler C. Brown was reared and educated on the old home place,
early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot ot
the agriculturist. In the winter months, when the work of the farm was
78 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
largely over for the year, he attended the district schools and he remained
with his parents until they were called from this life, after which he pur-
chased the interests of the other heirs in the old home property. He then
carried on general agricultural jjursuits on his own account until December,
1903, when he sold the farm and came to Centerville. For a year there-
after he engaged in teaming and then established a livery barn which he
has since conducted. He keeps a number of horses and a tine line of
vehicles and in all of his business dealings is enterprising and reliable, so
that a liberal patronage has been accorded him.
In April, 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Rachel
Shepard, a daughter of Mrs. .Sarah Shepard, a native of Missouri, who is
now making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Brown, at the age of sixty-six
years. Four children were born to our subject and his wife: Ruby, who is
sixteen years of age; Doud, aged fourteen; Lucille, whose death occurred
in J 901;; and Crystal, aged five.
Mr. Brown tilled the ofifice of township clerk in Sharon township, while
living upon the farm, and has always been an ardent republican in poli-
tics but never an active politician. He and his wife hold membership in
the Methodist church and are interested in its work and the expansion of
its interests. They reside at No. 101 1 South Eleventh street and are well
known here. Mr. Brown has been a resident of the county for fifty-seven
years and has therefore witnessed practically its entire growth and develop-
ment, for in his boyhood there were still tracts of land owned bj- the gov-
ernment, while the work of cultivation and improvement seemed scarceh''
begun. He has lived to witness the building of railroads, the introduc-
tion of the telegraph and the telephone and the establishment of man)'^
modern improvements, which indicates that the county is in ever}- respect
abreast with the improvement of the present day.
ALEXANDER J. WELLER.
Alexander J. Weller, j)artner in the Red Cross Drug Company, is one
of the many business men of modern times who base their success upon long
familiarity with one line of work and special efficiency in its details. A
spirit of energ}" and determination has characterized his career since enter-
ing the business world and has brought him a degree of success which places
him among the representative business men of Centerville. He is a native
of Iowa, having been bom in Sigourney, November 2, 1873, and he is a
.son of Richard F. and Jennie (Shaffer) Weller, the former a native of
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 79
Nelson count} . Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio. His father was a pioneer
in Keokuk county, coming to that section when Iowa was still a territory.
In the early '40s he began teaching school, receiving for his services a dol-
lar and lifty cents per month trom each pu[)il. His attention was given
to this work for some time, but he later abandoned it and established him-
self in the general merchandise business at Richland. In 1870 he settled
in Sigourncy and opened a general store in that town, which he operated
until his death, which occurred in March, 1880. His wite survived him
many years, dying in May, lyoo.
Alexander J. VVeller was reared at home antl attended the public schools
in Sigourney. Later he took a course in pharmacy at the Northwestern
University in Chicago, receiving his degree in i8()v Being thus splendidly
equipped for what he had determined to make his life work, he returned
to Iowa anil conducted a drug store in Sigourney for six years. In 1902
he sold this enterprise and came to Centerville. w here Ik- has since resided.
He purchased a drug business from Carl Weeks and one year and a half
later entered into partnership with H. C. .Adams, under the firm name of
the Red Cross Drug Company. Ihe store is located at 116 East Jackson
street and is one of the most modern pharmacies in the town. The drug
and medical department contains ever\ thing necessary to fill the most diffi-
cult prescriptions, while the more popular lines of goods are kept full and
complete. Mr. Weller is a progressive, able and enterprising business man
an'.l these qualities in his character have been felt as vital forces in the
liuilding up of the extensive patronage which the Red Cross Drug Company
enjoys.
On .April 21. 1896. .Mr. Weller married Miss Stella H. .Adams, a
daughter of Henry C. and Sophronia (Minteer) Adams, natives of Iowa,
the father being the first white child born in Washington county. When
he grew to maturit}' In- followed the lihukMiiith\ trade in hi> native sec-
tion and from 1878 to 1882 .served as sheriff of Keokuk and Washington
counties. He enlisted in Company D. Thirteenth Iowa \'olunteer Infan-
tr\, in 1861, and served for four years, after which he returned to Iowa
and resumed his trade. The latter years of his life were spent in the
Indian service, to which he was ajipointed by President Cleveland. For
a number of years he hail his headijuarters at Fort Defiance, Arizona,
and later went to Fruitland, New Mexico, where he was accidentally
drowned in 189^. Mr. and Mrs. WcUrr have one daughter, Mildred, who
was born April 30, 1898. The family residence is at No. 904 West Majile
street.
Fraternall), Mr. Weller holds nicnibership in the Masonic order and
is past exalted ruler of the Benevolent Protective Ordir of KIk-. He gives
80 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
his support to the principles of the democratic party and has served ably
and conscientiously on the town council, working for the promotion of
measures of general benefit. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity
have been standards, bringing him to the honorable position which he now
occupies in the respect and esteem of his many friends.
JAMES DUREE.
James Duree, who during the later 3ears of his life lived retired in
Centerville, was formerly connected with farming interests and contrib-
uted in substantial measure to the agricultural development of his district.
He was born in Kentucky, March 2g, 1822, his father being Peter Duree.
The father, also a native of the Blue Grass state, was a farmer by occupa-
tion and spent his last da}s in Missouri, where the mother also died. In
his youthful days James Duree attended school in Kentucky and also in
Indiana, to which state the father removed with the family, settling on a
farm near Greencastle. At an early date the}- went to Missouri and estab-
lished their home in Mercer county, where the father passed away. At a
later date James Duree came to Iowa, locating near Xuma, where he
bought land and engaged in farming. Subsequently he took up his abode
on what became known as the Duree farm and was married there. Fol-
lowing his marriage he settled upon the old home place belonging to his
wife's family, six miles west of Centerville on the state road and there
they resided continuously until 1894, when the\- rented the farm of one
hundred and sixty acres and came to Centerville. Mr. Duree had brought
the land to a high state of cultivation, improved his fields according to
advanced and progressive methods and annual!)- gathered therefrom rich
harvests. The last six 3'ears of his life were spent in quiet retirement and
he passed away March 4, 1896. He had purchased town propert}- which
he had remodeled, making a comfortable home that is now occu[)ied by
his widow, who also owns the farm from which she derives a good rental.
Mr. Duree was married in 1879 to Mrs. Lucy Jane (Parks) Felkner,
the widow of William S. Felkner. who died in 1874. Mrs. Duree is a
daughter of Robert and Sarah (Lowe) Parks, natives of Kentucky. Mr.
Parks was a farmer and after living for a time in Illinois, where he mar-
ried Sarah Lowe, came to Iowa, settling in Davis county. In 1865 they
removed to Appanoose county, establishing their horhe in Pleasant town-
sliip, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits. Later he retired
from active business life and passed away at the home of his son, in Cen-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 81
terville, May lo, lyo^, having tor little more than half a year survived
his wife, who died on the i8th of October, 1902. They were among the
early settlers of this part of the state and took an active interest in fur-
thering its upbuilding and progress. At the outbreak of the Civil war he
offered his services to the government in defense of the Union but was
rejected on account of his health. By her first marriage Mrs. Duree had
four children: Oilman Fclkner, now living on a farm in this county; Leslie,
of Ccnterville; Chloe, who married P. W. Duree, who died in 1912, while
his widow lives in Centerville; and Seldon E. Felkner, who died in 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Duree have but one son, Otis R., who married Mabel Hall,
a daughter of A. P. Hall, of Centerville. They are residents of Sioux
City. Mrs. Duree was born in Davis county, Iowa, March 13, 1848,
and attended school there but was married in .Appanoose county, where she
has since made her home, occupying a pleasant residence at No. 615 East
State street at the present time. Mr. Duree was a republican but without
ambition for office. He held membership in the Methodist church, while
his widow belongs to the Christian church. Her parents were also earnest
Christian people, holding membership in that church and were numbered
among the worthy and valued citizens of this part of the state. For many
years Mr. Duree ranked with the highly respected and representative agri-
culturists of Appanoose count}- and through his diligence and business integ-
rity won the success that enabled him in his later years to live retired.
WILLIAM M. DINES.
On the roll of Appanoose county's honored dead appears the name of
William M. Dines, who for twenty-eight years followed the stonemason's
trade in Centerville and who is also entitled to grateful remembrance by
reason of his service in the Federal army during the Civil war. He was
born in Ohio, February 27, 1838, a son of Archibald and Margaret (Mor-
rison) Dines, natives of that state. The father was a stonemason by
trade and spent his entire active life engaged in that occupation, passing
away in Ohio. His wife also died in that state.
In the acquirement of an education William Dines attended the public
schools of his native section and after laying aside his books learned the
stonemason's trade vmdcr his father. He worked at this in Ohio until
1877 and after that spent two years in Kans'as before finally settling in
.Appanoose covmty, Iowa, in 1879. He was in Ohio at the outbreak of the
Civil war and enlisted immediately in Company E, Thirty-second Ohio
82 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Infantry, serving tour years. 'I'ln- hartlships ot his service and the priva-
tions which he was obliged to endure greatly impaired his health and his
illness compelled his retirement from business some years before his death.
He passed away May 31, 1907. Throughout the years of his active busi-
nes career and in every relation of his life he enjoyed the confidence, esteem
and loyal friendship of all with whom he was associated and his death was
the occasion of deep sorrow and widespread regret.
In January, 1863, Mr. Dines married Miss Susan Miller, a daughter
of John and Elizabeth (Cox) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania. The father
went to Ohio when he was a young man and engaged in farming in that
state, purchasing property which he operated until his death in 1892.
He had survived his wife many years, she having passed away in 1862.
Their daughter, the widow of the subject of this review, was born in
Ohio in 1837. She and her husband had six children: Eliza C, the wife
of George Peabody, of Centerville; Margaret, who resides with her mother;
James E., a stonemason in Centerville; Carrie Estella, the wife of Albert
Yant, of the same city; John William, deceased; and a child, who died
in infancy.
Mr. Dines held membership in the Grand Arm}" post and was affiliated
with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. He gave his allegi-
ance to the republican party but never sought political preferment. He
was, however, loyal and public-spirited in all matters of citizenship, taking
an interest in those projects which had for their object the upbuilding and
development of the count}", and thus it was that in his passing Centerville
lost one of its representative and valued citizens.
LLOYD B. PEAVEY.
Lloyd B. Peavey, who passed away in Centerville on the 17th of
March, 1901, was long engaged in railroad service and for a few years
prior to his death served as freight conductor on the Chicago, Burlington
& Quincy Railroad. His birth occurred in Bangor, Maine, on the 2d of
June, 1848, his parents being Thomas Howard and Aborine (Reynolds)
Peavey, who were likewise natives of that state and came of Yankee
stock. The father served as a captain of Sharpshooters during the period
of the Civil war. After the cessation of hostilities between the north and
the south he established his home at Epworth, Iowa, and there spent the
remainder of his life as a cabinet-maker and })hotographer. His wife also
passed away at that place. Their chiUiren were three in number, namely:
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 83
Robert H.. who is a retired agricuturist of Marcus, Iowa; Lloyd B., of this
review; and Allard C, who resides on the old home place at Epworth,
Iowa.
Lloyd B. Feavey obtained his etiucation in the schools of Bangor,
Maine, and at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, when but a youth
of thirteen, ran away from home and endeavoretl to enlist. He told the
rec-uiting officer that he was old enough to enter the army but was rejected
on account of being too short. He made another attempt to enlist,
however, at the camp of his father, Captain Peavey, who sent him home.
When the war was over he came with his parents to Iowa and continued
his education at Epworth. After {Hitting aside his text-books he learned
the gunsmith's trade and then went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he
worked at that occupation for a time. Subsequently he went to Illinois
and entered the railroad service as passenger conductor on the Iron Moun-
tain road, being thus employed for a number of years. Later he removed to
Creston, Iowa, and was there employed as a freight conductor until 1898,
when he came to Centerville. From that time until his death he acted as
a freight conductor on the Chicago, Burlington i: Quincy Railroad. He
died of Bright's disease on the 17th of March, 1901, and is survived by
hi? widow, who resides with her children on East Maple street in Cen-
terville.
Mr. Peavey was united in marriage to Miss Ada Crowe, a native of
Yorkshire, England, and a daughter of George H. and Mary J. (Sudgen)
Crowe, who were likewise born at that place. George H. Crowe, a machin-
ist by trade, brought his family to the United States in 1869, locating
first in Brooklyn, New York, whence he afterward removed to Winona,
Minnesota, where he now makes his home. He lost his first wife in 1903,
at Fort Matlison, Iowa, where at that time he was in the service of the
Santa Fe Railroad as a machinist. To George H. and Mary J. Crowe
were born the following children: Mrs. Ada Peavey; Harry \'., a machin-
i-t of Texas; and Bertram, who is a machinist of Oklahoma. In 1908
Mr. Crowe was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Emma
Crockett. Mr. and Mrs. Peavey have four children. Harry B.. who was
bom on the 20th of January, i88>, is a mechanic in the service of the
Chicago, Burlington .i' Quincy Railroad at Centerville and acts as cor-
poral in Company E, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Iowa National Guard, of
Centerville. Howard L., whose birth occurred on the 7th ot October,
1887, is employed as fireman by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
road Company at Centerville and is also a member of Company E, Fifty-
fourth Regiment, Iowa National Guard. Vvv.i M.. whose natal day was
March 6, 1891, is a student in Success Business College of Ottumwa,
84 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Iowa, and will be graduated therefrom as a stenographer in 1913- Don-
ald G., who was born on the 18th of April, 1893, is employed in the Bur-
linf;ron roundhouse at Centerville. Harry B. Peavey is a member of
Centerville Lodge of Masons, A. F. & A. M., of this city, while Howard L.
Peave)- belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Engineers
of Centerville.
Lloyd B. Peavey gave his political allegiance to the republican party,
exercising his right of franchise in support of its men and measures. He
belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and was also a mem-
ber of the Order of Railway Conductors at Cairo, Illinois. His widow is
a member of the Episcopal church but attends the Christian church of
Centerville, as there is no Episcopal church in the city. She belongs to
the Order of the Eastern Star and the Degree of Honor in this city. She
is well known and highly esteemed here and has a circle of friends almost
coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances.
ALVA STALEY.
Among those whom Appanoose county once numbered among her
citizens but who have now passed to the Home Beyond was Alva Staley,
who through much of his life engaged in carpentering here. He also made
a creditable record as a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting in the army
as a musician. Ohio claimed him among her native sons, his birth having
occurred in Perry county, on the 4th of June, 1831. His parents were
Joel and Matilda Staley, also natives of the Buckeye state, where the
father followed the occupation of farming until he came to Appanoose
county at a very early day. He then bought land, which he improved
and cultivated throughout the remainder of his life with the exception of
a short period in which he engaged in the manufacture ot flour.
With the removal of the family to Iowa, Alva Staley became one
of the pioneers of Appanoose county, arriving here, however, in his child-
hood days. He acquired his education in the public schools and after he
had put aside his text-books began learning the carpenter's trade, which
he thereafter followed in order to provide for his own support and that
of his family. He was an industrious and energetic workman and gained
for himself a creditable place in industrial circles. Mr. Staley possessed
much natural musical talent and following the outbreak of the Civil war
enlisted as a musician with the Third Iowa Cavalry.
It was on the 13th of January. 1856, that Mr. Staley was united in
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 85
marriage to Miss Mary Smith, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Smith)
Smith, who were natives ot Irehind. The father was a farmer by occu-
pation and operated a tract of land on the Emerald isle throughout his
active life. Following his death his wife and children came to the new
world, settling first in Canada, where Mrs. Smith spent her remaining
days. Mrs. Staley is the only one of the family now living. By her
marriage she became the mother of seven children but two of the num-
ber died in infancy. The others are: Mary, residing with her mother;
Minnie C, the wife of L. M. Campbell, a farmer of this county; Bingham
S., a contractor of Centerville; Owen W., who follows farming in this
county; and Rollin M., who resides in Kansas City, Missouri. Mrs. Staley
owns a pleasant home at No. 520 North Ninth street, but at the time of
her husband's death the} were living on a farm of one hundred and one
and a half acres which he had purchased and was cultivating. Since his
demise, however, Mrs. Staley has sold that property and resides in the
city, where she also owns a good dwelling just north of her home. She is
a consistent and faithful member of the Baptist church, as was Mr.
Staley, and he was also a worthy member of the Odd Fellows society. His
political support was given to the republican part}- and he kept well
informed on the questions and issues of the day but did not seek nor desire
office. He passed away April 1, i8()2, after a residence of about fifty
years in Appanoose county, during which period he had witnessed its
development as wild lands were converted into productive farms and as
towns and villages sprang up. He had always been deeply interested in
the changes which occurred and he bore his share in the work of general
progress and improvement.
GKORCiK W. THOMPSON.
George W. Thompson was a well known and highly respected resi-
dent of Centerville and also had a wide acquaintance in other parts of
the county. He was in the seventy-fourth year of his age when called
to his final rest on the 20th of March, 1910, his birth having occurred in
Dearborn county, Indiana, September 7, 1836. His parents were George
and Alice A. (Murray) Thompson, the former a native of Yorkshire,
England, while the latter was born in Zanesville, Ohio. George Thomp-
.son was a farmer by occupation and when eighteen }ears of age came to
the I'nited States with his father, settling first in Cincinnati, Ohio, where
he rcmainetl iinfil the time of his marriage, when he removed to Guilford,
86 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Indiana. There he purchased a tarni whiiii he at once began to develop
and improve, living iqwn that place througlunit his remaining days and
converting it from a wild tract into one of rich fertility. He died there
in 1876, at the age of seventy-two years, while his widow survived until
September, 1888.
George W. Thompson, who was born at Guilford, spent his youthful
days in his native state, acquiring his education in the district schools and
when not bus}' with his text-books working in the fields. After he left
school his entire attention was given to farm work on the old homestead
until the opening j'ear of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the
government and joined the boys in blue of Company K, Twenty-sixth
Indiana Infantry. He served for three years and three months and was
often in the thickest of the fight, his regiment doing active duty at various
points in the south. When the war was over and the country no longer
needed his military assistance he returned home and began working at
the carpenter's trade, which he followed in connection with farming,
which he carried on on the old homestead in partnership with his brother
until 1867. In that year George W. Thompson was married and removed
to Missouri, where he engaged in carpentering until 1876. He then entered
the eniplo}- of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company as
foreman ot a bridge gang and came to Centerville in 1876. living here for
three years. He was then transferred to Cameron, Missouri, and con-
tinued in that capacity until 1897, when he left the railroad company
and again came to Centerville, where he did carpenter work for the
Centerville Block Coal Company, with which he continued until 1907.
He then retired and built two houses in Centerville. so that his widow
now owns two attractive residence properties here, occupying the one at
No. 406 East State street and renting the one next door at No. 402
State street.
It was on the 1st of January, 1867, that Mr. Thompson was mar-
ried to Miss Catherine C. Lockridge, a daughter of Steward and Hannah
(Perrine) Lockridge, natives of Kentucky and New York respectively.
The father was left an orphan at an early age and removed from his native
state to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. He entered business life as a traveling
salesman and was thus emplo\cd tor nian\ years. In fact he was but
twenty-one }ears of age when he went upon the road and devoted his
remaining days to that vocation. He died in June. i86v and was long
survived by his widow, whose death occurred on the 24th of October,
1900. Their daughter, Mrs. Thompson, was born in Lawrenceburg, Indi-
ana, October 18, 1847, and by her marriage she became the mother of five
children but four have passed away, the living son being Ralph B.. a
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSF. COUXTY 87
window decorator at Denison, Iowa. The others were: Truman, who
died in 1875; Jennie, in 1889; Freddie, in i8c)o; and Murray, in 1895.
The death ot the husband and father occurred March 20, 1910, after an
illness lasting but a single day. The news of his demise came as a great
shock to the communit}- and brought a sense of sincere regret to all, for
he was highly esteemed as a man of sterling worth. He held to the high
principles inculcated by the different lodges to which he belonged. He
was a member of the Grand Army post, of the Masonic fraternity, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Degree of Honor and the local
carpenters' union. His widow became a member of the Rebekah lodge,
the women's auxiliary of Odd Fellowship, and also of the Degree of
Honor, .serving as financier of the last named for ten years. Mr. Thomp-
son gave his political allegiance to the republican party and kept thor-
oughly informed on rhe questions and issues of the day but did not seek
nor desire office. His religious belief was that of the Methodist church
and his was an upright, honorable life, worthy the friendship, confidence
and good-will always extended him.
ISAAC S. LANE.
Isaac S. Lane, deceased, was for many years engaged in carpentering
in Appanoose county and there are many who remember him as a citizen
of genuine worth, {jossessing many admirable, manly traits that gained
for him the friendship and kindly regard of all who knew him. Mr. Lane
was born in Brown county, Ohio, in February, 1835, ^ son of John and
Anna (Dawson) Lane, who were natives of Virginia. The father was a
cabinet-maker by trade and sought a home in this county at an carl\-
period in its development, the remainder of his life being here passed.
Isaac S. Lane was reared and educated in Ohio, becoming a resident
of Ajipanoose county in 1854. He, too, was a cabinet-maker, having
learned the trade with his father, and he followed that pursuit until after
the inauguration of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused
and he enlisted in an Illinois regiment, with which he served for one
year. On rhe expiration of that period he joined the navy, with which
he served for about three years. He next went to St. Louis, w here he took
up the trade ot ship carpentering and was upon the river, running from
St. Louis to New Orleans. A few years thus passed, after which he
returned to Centerville and with the capital acquired from his labors
he establi.shed a grocer}' store. Later he embarkeil in the meat business,
88 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
conducting a market for ritteen years or more, but eventually he retired
from that line of merchandising and again took up carpentering, which
he followed until he was unable to work an} longer. His life was ever
a busy, active and usetul one, in which he made good use of his time and
opportunities. He was ever honest in his dealings and energetic and per-
sistent, and whatever he accomplished was the reward of his earnest
labor.
On the 25th of November, 1897, Mr. Lane was married to Mrs. Susan
(Wales) Majors, a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth (Dougherty)
Wales, who were natives of Maryland and Kentucky respectively. The
father was a farmer by occupation and came in pioneer times to Appanoose
county, where he secured land which he transformed into rich and pro-
ductive fields, cultivating it continuously until his death in 1869. His
wife survived him for twenty years, passing away in January, 1889. By
a former marriage Mrs. Lane had three children: Sophia, who is the wife
of Thomas Croxton; Catherine, who gave her hand in marriage to Louis
Roth; and James Majors, a resident of Centerville.
The death of Mr. Lane occurred January 13, 1911, and was the occa-
sion of deep regret to many friends. He had nearly passed the sevent}-sixth
milestone on life's journey and all who knew him esteemed him for his
sterling worth. He voted with the democratic part}-, believing its princi-
ples most conducive to good government, and his religious faith was that
of the Presbyterian church, in which he long held membership. He was
also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and Mrs. Lane belongs
to the Women's Relief Corps. She owns a nice home at No. 41 1 North
Twelfth street, where she is now pleasantly situated. There was nothing
particularly spectacular in the history of Mr. Lane but he always did his
duty, lived peaceably with his fellowmen and followed the Golden Rule,
and such men are the real strength of the community in which they reside.
FRANK P. WHITSELL.
Among the men who for man} years were active factors in shaping
and directing the business life of Centerville was Frank P. Whitsell. who
died May 28, 1908. Since he was six years of age he made his home in
this commvmity and his active career was closely connected with its general
development. His death was, therefore, a distinct loss, depriving Center-
ville of one of its most active, representative and enterprising men. Mr.
Whitsell was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Beaver county, May 14,
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 89
1852. His parents were Lawrence and Isabelle (Earl) Whitsell, also
natives of Pennsylvania, rht- tormt-r a hatter by trade. He followed this
occupation in his native state but abandoned it about 1858, when he came
to Appanoose county and bepan farming. He purchased land just north
of Centerville and operated this enterprise successfully for a number of
vears. Afterwanl he moved into the town and became identified with
the hotel business, conducting what was known at that time as the Key-
stone Hotel. He was active in the management of this house for several
years but final !)■ abandoned it in favor of farming. He resumed his
agricultural operations upon three hundred and sixty acres of land which
he owned and this property he developed until he retired from active life.
He moved into Centerville and there made his home until his death,
which occurred in 1897. He had long survived his wife, who passed
away in 1854.
Frank P. Whitsell was educated in the public schools of Centerville,
for he was only six years of age when the family moved to Iowa. After
completing his studies he worked in his father's hotel and when he moved
back on the farm assisted in the work of cultivation and improvement.
In 1875 he began his independent business career, conducting a livery
stable in Centerville. His intelligently directed energies brought him
success and he continued in this business until his death on May 28, 1908.
He was a man of excellent ability and sound judgment and in the con-
duct of his affairs met with a degree of success which placed him among
the leading business men of Centerville.
In Januar), 1877, Mr. Whitsell married Miss Cora E. McCreary, a
daughter of John and Martha (Pennington) McCreary, natives of \"\T-
ginia. The father came to Centerville in 1858 and there worked at the
carpenter's trade until his death, which occurred in 1859, one year after
he took up his residence here. His widow survives and is making her
home with her daughter. She has reached the advanced age of eighty
\(ars. Mr. and Mrs. Whitsell became the parents of two children:
Llo}d L., aged thirty-five, who is in the livery business in Centerville;
and Roy R., aged thirty-two, who is deputy county treasurer at Trini-
tiad, Colorado. Mrs. Whitsell inherited a comfortable competency upon
the death of her husband and now has some valuable business interests
in Centerville. She owns her attractive home at 202 West Maple street
and the livery business which her husband formerly conducted. She is a
member of the Ea.stern Star ami an adherent of the Christian Science
religion. Her many fine qualities of heart and mind have gained her
a wide circle of friends in the citv in which she lives.
90 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Mr. Whitsell was a member of the Masonic lodge and his political
allegiance was given to the democratic party. He was public-spirited and
loj'al in all matters of citizenship, taking a deep interest in all projects
which had for their object the further development of his community. He
made good use of his time and opportunities and as the years passed
gained prosperity, and at his death left to his children the record of a
blameless life and the memory of an untarnished name.
N. J. MAIN.
One of the leading and influential men of Taylor township is N. J.
Main, who since he began his active career in 1878, at the age of twenty-
one, has been an individual force in the agricultural development of this
section and whose well-directed work since that time has been a source of
continual and substantial success. Today he is living in a beautiful home
in Moravia and is surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries which his
work has brought him, giving his time to the supervision of his three fine
farms. During the years he has made steady advancement in prosperity
and wealth but his labors have had an even broader significance than this,
for they have constituted one of the greatest factors in the development of
a fine farming section. Mr. Main is a native of Appanoose county, born
March 1, 1857, a son of John W. and Sarah E. (Thackery) Main, the
former a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and the latter, of I^nion county,
Indiana. Their marriage occurred in the latter state, to which the father
had removed with his parents when he was still a boy, and afterward Mr.
and Mrs. John W. Main came west to Iowa, buying a farm in Chariton
township, four miles west of Moravia, in 1855. Upon this property they
resided until 1885, when the father retired from active life and moved
into the town, where his declining )ears were spent. John W. Main was
twice married and became the father of twelve children. His first wife,
who was the mother of the subject of this review, died on September 30,
1890, aged sixty-two years, eight months and nine days. She had been a
lifelong member and an ardent worker in the United Brethren church and
was a woman ot exemplary life and high standards. After her death the
father of our subject was united in marriage to Mrs. E. J. Sumner, who
survived him for twelve years. She later married again, her last union
being with her fifth husband. The father of the subject of this review was
a loyal republican and very radical, voting always for the men and meas-
ures for which the party stands. While he never sought public office, his
.\ii;. AM) .\ii;s. N. 1. \i\i\
HISTORY UF Al'l'AXOOSE COUXTY 93
ability yet carried him forward into prominence in public lite and he served
for man)- \ears as township trustee. He died September 30, 1894, at the
age of seventy-three years, three months and nineteen days. He was a
man of high principles, sterling integrity and upright life, giving a devout
adherence to the United Brethren church. He was for many years class
leader and one of the trustees of the church, exemplitying in his life and
practicing always the doctrines he professed. His death removed from
Appanoose count)- one of its most widely known and honored citizens and
was attended by deep and sincere regret.
N. J. Main was reared at home and acquired his education in the public
schools of Appanoose count)-. At the age of twenty-one he began his active
career, renting land upon which he raised corn but still continuing to re-
side at home. He worked in association with his father, who had given
him some stock and was assisting him in his start in life. Mr. Main of
this review married in .1882 and immediately afterward settled on seventy-
two acres of land in Monroe county, which he and his tather had purchased
in partnership some time before. This property w^as in a run-down condi-
tion and consequently the selling price was very low, Mr. Main and his
father paying for it eight hundred dollars. With characteristic energ)' and
well directed labor N. J. Main applied himself to making the farm prof-
itable, following the most progressive agricultural methods and the most
upright business standards, and today the land is worth one hundred dol-.
larsper acre. Mr. .Main lived upon this farm for eleven years, after which
he traded it for a tract of one hundred acres. In -the meantime he had ac-
quired another farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Monroe county
and he joined the two tracts and in compan)- with others fomied a stock
company and built a cheese factory. This venture was extremely success-
ful and at times Mr. Main milked twenty head of cows. Subsequently,
however, he traded the one hundred and twenty acre farm and the seventy-
two acre tract in Monroe county tor two hundred acres in Chariton town-
ship, Appanoose county, to which he removed and upon which he resided
until 1903, when he moved into Moravia, still continuing to operate his
holdings. He owns two hundred and forty acres in Chariton township,
one hundred and sixty acres, less the railroad right-of-way, on the out-
skirts of Moravia, and seventy-two acres on the line between Monroe and
Appanoose counties. Upon his one hundred and sixty acre farm he re-
cently erected one of the most modern homes in Taylor township and in
this he is residing, giving personal supervision to the management ot his
agricultural interests. All of his business affairs are conducted ably, in-
telligently and along progressive lines and as a result Mr. Main has at-
tained a gratifying prosperity which places him in the tront ranks of
successful men in Apfianoose county.
94 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
On the 1st of January, 1882, Mr. Main married Miss Mary A. Stark,
a daughter of David T. Stark, who was born in Scott county, Indiana, and
who came as a young man to Appanoose county, settling here some time
prior to 1898. In that year he married Miss Sarah A. Buroughs, who came
with her parents at an early date to Appanoose county. Mr. and Mrs.
Main became the parents of seven children: Linnie Maud, the wife of O.
C. Smith, who is now operating one of the farms belonging to the subject
of this review; Otha E., who lives at home; Elva R., who is attending
Leander Clark College in Toledo, Iowa: Iva Merle. Ross Forrest and Freda
Belle, all of whom reside at home; and John David, deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Main are members of the United Brethren church and
Mr. Main is on the board of trustees. He is a republican in his political
beliefs and takes an active part in public affairs, having served in the office
of assessor of Chariton township and as a member of the town council of
Moravia. Fraternally he is affiliated with East Moravia Lodge, No. 510,
I. O. O. F. His life has been well spent in all its relations. He has been
true to high and honorable principles and has therefore made his name
respected and esteemed in the section in which he was born and in which
he has so long resided.
DAVID C. O'NEIL.
David C. O'Neil, a prosperous and highly esteemed citizen of Center-
ville, has here made his home for three decades and for the past five years
has been successfulh" engaged in the real-estate and insurance business.
His birth occurred in St. Lawrence county. New York, on the 6th of June,
1859, his parents being David and Jane (Hatley) O'Neil. The father
was a native of Ireland, while the mother, a lady of Irish descent, was
born in New York. David O'Neil became a sailor boy when but twelve
years of age and made three trips to the United States, remaining here
after reaching American shores for the third time. Landing in New
Orleans as a youth of fourteen, he there began work on a farm and later
secured employment on a boat. Eventually locating in the state of New
York, he was there married in 1835 to Miss Jane Hatley, a farmer's
daughter. Turning his attention to general agricultural pursuits, he
remained in the Empire state until i860, when he removed to Illinois. In
1880 he came to Appanoo.se count}-, Iowa, and here spent the remainder
of his life, devoting his attention to the work of the fields with excellent
results. His wife, who survived him tor several }ears. was called to her
final rest in igoo.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 95
David C. O'Xcil obtained his education in the district schools and
after putting aside his text-books assisted his father in the operation of the
home farm. In 1882 he came west to Iowa, locating in Centerville, Appa-
noose county, and tor a period of fifteen years worked in the coal mines.
Subsequently he went u[K)n the road as traveling salesman for a whole-
sale liquor house. In u;o7 he embarked in the real-estate and insurance
business and his undertakings in this connection have been attended with
a gratifying measure of success. He purchased a coal mine from the
Trio Coal Company in igio but disposed of it about three months ago.
His home, which he owns, is one of the most attractive residences in
Centerville.
In 1884 Mr. O'Neil was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Burns,
who was born in Illinois in i860, her parents being Patrick and Mary
(Stratton) Burns, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Illinois.
Patrick Burns emigrated to the United States when a youth of sixteen and
took up his abode in Illinois, where he was married. A few years later
he removed to Wapello county, Iowa, and resided on a farm near Ottumwa
until 1894. when he returned to Ireland and there passed awav. His
widow makes her home in the northern jiart of Iowa with her brother,
James Stratton. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil have three children, as follows:
Mary Jane, who was born in 1886 and is still at home; Emmet D.. who
was born in 1887 and is a ])lumber of Centtrville, this count}-; and John
H.. whose birth occurred in i8yo and who is a plasterer residing in Cen-
terville.
Mr. O'Neil is a .stanch democrat in politics but has never sought nor
desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified
with the Knights of Pythias, while his religious faith is that of the Chris-
tian church, to which he and his family belong. In business life he is
well known tor his alert and enterprising spirit, and his salient qualities
and (h.iracteristics are such as win honor and success.
MARTIN BOIGHNKK.
The lite span ot Martin Boughner covered eighty-five years and the
record was one which brought him respect and gooti-will, for while he
never sought to figure [)rominentl\ m imlilie lite he was in all of his busi-
ness dealings reliable and enterjirising and the success which he won was
gained through honorable, straightforward methoiN. He was born in
IVnnsylvania, .September 1 ^ 1826, a son of Kichani and Marv ( Robb )
96 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Boughner, the former a native of New .Terse}- and the latter of Pennsyl-
vania. In early life the father went to Germantown, Indiana, where he
engaged in the liotel business, spending his remaining days there. He was
born in 1801 and departed this life in 1888, having for about four years
survived his wife, who died in 1884.
Martin Boughner remained a resident of Pennsylvania until seven-
teen years of age, and during that period acquired a good common-school
education. He then went with his parents to Indiana where he learned
the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until the spring of 1855, when
he removed to the vicinity of Centerville, Ajipanoose county. A year later
he took up his abode in Centerville, where he remained tor a year, work-
ing at his trade. He afterward purchased eighty acres of land near this
city and set about developing and improving it, making his home thereon
until 1878, when he and his sons went to Kansas where he entered a claim
from the government. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improve-
ment made upon their property but with characteristic energj- they began
to till the soil and cultivate the fields, Mr. Boughner remaining there until
his death, which occurred September 10, iQii, when he had reached the
venerable age of eighty-five years.
He was a young man of twenty-five jears when on the 1 2th of Janu-
ary, 1852, he married Catherine Hittle, a daughter of Henry and Cath-
erine (Bohrer) Hittle. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1809 and
there' he learned the blacksmith trade. In 1844 he removed westward to
Germantown, Indiana, where he engaged in blacksmithing, conducting his
shop until the death of his wife. He had married Catherine Bohrer. who
was born in Germany in 1807 and passed awa}- in 1863. Mr. Hittle
afterward made his home with his children in different places, thus pass-
ing his time until his death, which occurred in 1880. At the time of the
Civil war his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to
overthrow the Union and he enlisted with the regiment known as the
Iowa Graybeards, being composed of elderly men whose age would have
exempted them from military duty had they so desired.
Mr. and Mrs. Boughner were the parents of three children. \'iola,
the eldest, became the wife of Samuel Conger on the 2^d of February,
1871. Her husband was for many years engaged in farming in this
count}- but is now living retired in Exline, having acquired a handsome
competence that enabled him to put aside other business cares. To Mr.
and Mrs. Conger have been born the following children who are yet living,
while one, Chloe C, who was born July 28, 1872, died in Livingston county,
Missouri, March 9, 1877. The others arc Kmnia R., Roxie C, Elsa B.,
Martin I.. Jacob R., Marv M., Ruth E., Benjamin W. and Clifford R.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 97
William Henry Boufzhncr. the elder son ot Martin Bouj^hner, is the
owner of a tour hundred and tort}- acre farm near Downs, Kansas, while
Jacob \V., now retired, owns a farm ot litteen hundred and twenty acres
in Kan-^as.
Martin Boughner at one time served as justice of the peace in this
county and his political allegiance was always given to the republican,
party from the time of its organization until his- death. His religious
faith was that ot the Methodist church to which he was ever loyal, con-
tributing generously to its support and aiding in its work. His widow
and her children are also members of that church. Mr. Boughner was
respected wherever known and most of all where he was best known. He
lived a consistent, earnest. Christian lite and the many sterling qualities
of manhood and citizenship which he displayed gave him firm hold upon
the atfectinnafe regard ot triends and neighbors as well as his tamil}-.
ALFKKD KOSS WILCOX.
On the long list of the brave men who went to the front as soldiers
of the Civil war appears the name of Alfred Ross Wilcox. Unscathed,
he faced death again and again on southern battlefields but met it at
length by drowning when a passenger of the ill-fated steamer Golden
Eagle that burned near Johnstown when making a trip on the Mississippi.
Mr. Wilcox was a native of Gallia county, Ohio, born March i, 1835, a
son of Hiram and Elizabeth Alvia Wilcox, the latter a native of the
Buckeye state, and the former born in the town of Chenango, Tioga
county. New York, November 9, 1 797. 1 hey never came to Iowa but
S|)ent their entire lives in Ohio, where they passed away in the same year.
The father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.
.Alfred Ross Wilcox pursued his education in the schools of his native
county, was there reared to manhood and took up the occupation of tann-
ing. He continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits, following his
removal to Iowa in 1890. at which time he located on Village creek near
Ottumwa. There were still many evidences of frontier lite in that section
ot the state at that day. With characteristic energ)- he began the develop-
ment and improvement ot his farm and converted the plains into rich and
productive fields. He was living thereon when he responded to the coun-
try's call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company K, Fifteenth Iowa
Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served until the close ot hos-
tilities. He participated in many hotly contested battles, took part in the
98 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
long, hot marches and the weary waiting in winter quarters. At the bat-
tle of Shiloh he was wounded in the left leg but as soon as able he resumed
his place in the ranks and remained in that command until mustered out.
When the war was over Mr. Wilcox returned to the home farm near
Ottumwa, having been married before that time to Miss Sarah .\lc.\Iillen,
.who died while they were living in Ottumwa, and was buried there.
There were five children of that marriage: Alvenza, of Ottumwa; Mary,
the wife of Harvey Bigford, of Kansas City, Missouri; Cora, who is the
wife of Charles Keating, of Des Moines; Alvia, who died at the age of
twenty-four years; and William, who was a twin brother ot .\lvia and
died at the age of thirty years. Coming to Appanoose count)- Mr. \\\\-
cox was here married to Anna Cole, who died at Lineville, Iowa. They
had three children of whom one is now living, Josie, a resident of Des
Moines. On the 3d of June, 1877, Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage
to Louisa J. Crews, a daughter of James and Delania (Allard) Crews.
The father, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was of Dutch and Irish
descent and throughout his life followed the occupation of farming. His
wife was a native of New York and belonged to one of the old American
families. On removing westward they located on the Goshen prairie in
Missouri near Lineville, Iowa, where the father carried on farming for
a few years and then took up another claim to which he removed five
miles north of Lineville. They were among the early settlers of that
section, locating in Wajne count}', Iowa, seventy-five }ears ago. Thev
built their cabin out of logs and experienced the usual hardships and priva-
tions of pioneer life at that early period. The father died in Holt county,
Missouri, in 1881, and the mother passed away in Kansas in 1910, having
survived him for almost three decades.
Alter Mr. Wilcox's third marriage he removed to I'nionville, Iowa,
where he lived for two years and then established his home at Eldon,
Iowa, where he worked as a section boss until he was run over and had
his left toot cut off. This left him in a cri[)pled condition for life, ren-
dering further labor of that kind ini[iossible, so that he established a
grocery and dr}-goods store in EKlon. This he conducted with a fair
measure of success until 1880, when he started for St. Louis for the pur-
pose of purchasing an artificial leg. He took passage on the ill-fated
steamer the Golden Eagle that caught fire and burned to the water's edge
opposite Johnstown. His body was never recovered. Mrs. Wilcox con-
ducted the store for a short time after his death and then closed out the
stock, removing in 1883 to Centerville, purchasing here a nice home at
No. 1012 West Maple street, where she has since lived. The children of
the third marriage are: Lucy L.. the wife of Cliarles Wilson; ami Louisa
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY 99
J., of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson make their home with their mother
and they have two children: Earl, twelve years of age; and Frankie. nine
years of age, both attending the Central high school.
Mr. Wilcox was a re[iublican but had no aspirations for office. He
held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church to which his widow
belongs and he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grand
Army post at Unionville. He had many friends among his fraternal
brethren and enjoyed in large measure the confidence and trust of those
with whom he was associated in the various relations of lite. He always
endeavored to live peacefully with his fellowmen, to do unto others as
he would have they do unto him and was known as a reliable and enter-
prising merchant, a loyal citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted hus-
band and father.
BURTON W. SHUTTS.
Burton W. Shutts was well known to the patrons of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad on the Centerville division, for through a
long period he served as railroad conductor and was known as a courteous,
obliging official, ever ready and willing to look after the interests of the
corporation which he represented. These qualities won him high regard
and gained for him many friends in this part of the state. His birth
occurred in Milford, Oswego county, New York, January 14, i860, his
parents being Nelson and Sarah (Wells) Shutts, who were also natives
of the Empire state. The father was a lumber dealer and in early life
removed to Pennsylvania where he conducted a lumber business, operat-
ing extensive sawmills. He built up a business on large and gratifying
proportions and gained therefrom a most satisfactory income. In 1897
he retired from business and now makes his home at Starrucca, Pennsyl-
vania, his former interest and activit\ in manufacturing circles providing
him with a hamlsome competence that enables him to enjoy all comforts
of life. His patriotic spirit was manifest at the time of the Civil war, for
he enlisted as a member of Companj F, One Hundred and Twenty-first
New York Volunteer Infantry with which he served throughout the period
of hostilities, participating in a number of hotly contested battles. Both
he and his wife are living and both have reached the age of seventy-five
years.
Burton W. Shutts spent his youthful days in Pennsylvania and its
public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He worked for his
fOO HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
father until he had attained maturity and was then married and started
out in life on his own account. This was in 1H79. In 1886 he and his
wife removed to Frankford, Missouri, where he took up railroading as an
employe of the Hannibal & St. Louis Railroad Company, acting in the
capacity of brakeman for six months. He was then promoted to the
position of conductor and remained with that road for six years, after
which he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
road Company as a brakeman. Two jears passed and he was then pro-
moted to the position of conductor, after which he removed to Burlington,
where he resided for a year. He was next transferred to Moulton, Appa-
noose covmt), where he remaincci tor ten jears, when Centerville was
made the division point ot the road and in consequence Air. Shutts removed
to this city, where he remained until his death, which resulted from an
accident that he sustained while getting on his train on the 12th of Jan-
uary, 1909. He had made an excellent record in railway service and
enjoyed the full confidence and trust of the corporations which he rep-
resented.
On Christmas Day of 1879 Mr. Shutts was united in marriage to
Aliss Sarah Eleanora Driggs, a daughter of Sherman and Rowena (Mey-
ers) Driggs, the .former a native of Nicholson, Pennsylvania, and the
latter of Providence, that state. In early life the father learned the
trades of shoe making and carpentering and devoted his life to industrial
pursuits. Going to Green Bay, Wisconsin, he built a large dock there and
was assisted in the same by Mr. Shutts. In 1884 ^^'"- Driggs removed to
Frankford, Missouri, and accepted the responsible position of road master
of the Hannibal & St. Louis Railroad. Finally, however, he ceased to
engage in railroading and opened a shoe store at Frankford, where he
continued successfully until 1891, when he retired, making his home, how-
ever, in Frankford up to the time of his death. He was born December
2, 1831, and was therefore almost seventy-two years of age when he
passed away in August, 1903. His wife died January 16, 1902. Mr.
Driggs was connected with the construction corps all through the Civil war
and remained throughout his life a loyal and progressive citizen, actively
interested in the welfare of his country.
Mr. and Mrs. Shutts became the parents of three children: George,
a musician residing at Muscatine. Iowa; William, who is manager of the
Brick Material Company of Centerville; and Edward, who is now assist-
ant cashier of the First National Bank. The mother has everj' reason to
be proud of her three sons. Mrs. Shutts was horn at Nicholson, Pennsyl-
vania. April I. 18^8, and acquired her education in the schools there. Her
two eldest children were also born in that place. She now resides at No.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE CoUXTY 101
605 North Ninth street where she has erected a fine modem brick bunga-
low. Mr. Shutts held membership with the Masonic lodge and his wife
belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. He belonged also to the Order
of Railway Conductors and he gave his political allegiance to the demo-
cratic party. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church, to
which his widow and children belong. In all his actions he followed the
Golden Rule, and the companies which he represented found him trust-
worthy and capable. His associates knew him to be a faithful friend and
his family found him a most devoted husband and father. His life was
well spent and his untimely taking off was deeply regretted by all who
knew him.
JOSPTH PEACH.
Joseph Peach had a wide acquaintance in Centerville and throughout
the surrounding country, and qualities of sociability and geniality made
him popular wherever he was known. He spent the greater part ot his
life in this state but was born near Bellefontaine, Ohio, in April, 1844,
his parents being William and Mary (Mail) Peach, who were also natives
of the Buckeye state. The father was a farmer by occupation and became
one of the pioneer residents ot Wapello county, Iowa, settling there when
the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun. He
entered land from the government and although not a furrow had been
turned nor an improvement made upon the place he at once began its devel-
opment, converting it into rich and productive fields and continuing the
operation of the farm until his death, which occurred in 1852. His wife
survived him until i8cj8.
Joseph Peach was but a \oung lad when brought to Iowa and in the
schools of Wapello county he mastered the branches of learning which
usitally constitute the public-school curriculum. .After putting aside his
text-books he worked for his uncle until after the outbreak of the Civil
war, when he offered his aid to the government and went to the front with
the boys in blue of Company D. Thirty-si.xth Iowa Infantry, with which
he served until the close ot the war, participating in all ot the many hotly
contested engagements in which his regiment took part. For a } ear he was
held prisoner in Tyler (Texas) prison and suffered many hardships dur-
ing his captivity. When victory had crowned the I'nion arms and hos-
tilities had ceased he returned to Wapello county where he purchased a
tract of land and improved the farm, continuing its operation for eighteen
102 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
years. He then sold out on account ot the condition of his health and
removed to Centerville, where he first secured employment as engineer in
a brickyard, remaining there for four years. He then accepted a position
as bookkeeper and collector with Dr. Reynolds, with whom he remained
until the doctor's death, after which he occupied a similar position with
Dr. Bamford until his own death, which occurred April 12, 1907.
Mr. Peach was married in March, 1870, to Miss Emma Sackett, a
daughter of Alexander and Cornelia (Gilbert) Sackett, the latter a native
of New York city and the former of Indiana, in which state he engaged in
farming until after the outbreak of the Civil war. He, too, was thrilled
by the spirit of patriotism called to life by the attempt of the south to
overthrow the Union, and he enlisted as a member of Company B, Eighth
Iowa Cavalry. Accordingly he marched to the front but never returned,
laying down his life upon the altar of his country. His widow survived
until July, 1908.
Mr. Peach always maintained pleasant relations with his old army
comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post. He was a
strong republican, believing that the party platform contained the best
elements of good government. His religious belief was that of the Uni-
versalist church while Mrs. Peach is a member of the Christian church.
She resides in a nice home at No. 922 Drake avenue. The business inter-
ests of Mr. Peach brought him into contact with many and wherever known
his genial qualities gained him friendly regard.
GEORGE B. OGLE.
George B. Ogle is one ot the young business men of Appanoose county,
whose enterprise has carried him forward to success. He is proprietor of
a laundry which he is capably conducting and there are other creditable
chapters in his life record, including service in the Spanish-American war.
Centerville numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred
in this city February 4, 1875. His parents were Barton A. and Minerva
E. (Arnold) Ogle, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. The father
was a miller by trade and came to Centerville, Iowa, prior to the Civil war.
Here he worked at his trade for some time and later turned his attention
to the foundry business, which he carried on for several years. His fel-
low townsmen, recognizing and appreciating his worth and ability in
matters of citizenship, elected him to the office of count)- auditor and
gave indorsement of his first term's service in reelection, so that he
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 103
remained in the position for two terms. At the time of the Civil war,
however, he put aside all business and personal considerations, for he felt
that his first dut}- was to his country and enlisted as a member of Company
I, ThirtA-sixth Iowa Infantry, with which he served until the close of the
Civil war. He continued to reside in Centerville until his death, which
occurred in February, 1882. His widow survives and has now reached
the age of sevent\-three years.
George B. Ogle was reared and educated in Centerville and when his
school days were over he secured employment in a dr\ -goods store, being
thus occupied for ten years. That the fires of patriotism burned as brightly
in his breast as in his father's was indicated when the countr}- again became
involved in war, tor with the outbreak ot hostilities between the United
States and Spain he enlisted as a member of Company E, Fiftieth Iowa
Infantry. Following the close of hosrilities he returned home and engaged
in the laundry business, purchasing the Cook Laundry, which he is now
operating under the name of the Regal Steam Laundry. He purchased
this business in 1899 and has since conducted it with excellent success.
He also has a drj-cleaning department and both branches of the under-
taking are proving profitable, being carefully and systematically man-
aged by Mr. Ogle and his partner, N. V. Craig. Their patronage is
growing year by year and they use as the basis tor their prosperity excel-
lent work and fair dealing. Mr. Ogle is also a stockholder in the Company
E armory, a two-story building sixty by one hundred feet, whicli is now
being erected. He is likewise a stockholder in the Centerville Gypsum
Company and in the Centerville Savings Bank, and he is the owner of the
building in which the laundry business is conducted and also of a pleasant
residence at No. 712 West Washington street.
On the 27th of September, 1901, Mr. Ogle was united in marriage
to Miss Grace Scott, a daughter of Mrs. Eugenia (Murphy) Scott Elliott.
The father died when Mrs. Ogle was very young and the mother has since
married again and still makes her home in Centerville. Mr. and .Mrs.
Ogle became the parents of three children: George Lawrence, seven )ears
of age; William Scott, aged tour: ;nnl one, who ditil in infancy.
Mr. Ogle belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken
high rank, being a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs also to the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, while
his political faith is indicated in the support which he gives at the polls
to the republican party. His religious views accord with the teachings of
the Methodist church, of which he has long been a member. His interests
and activities are wide and varied and his unfaltering enterprise has
brought him to an enviable position in business circles. There has been
104 HISTORY Ol' APPANOOSE COUNTY
nothing spectacular in his life hisroi}-, but the substantial qualities ot pro-
gressiveness, laudable ambition and unabating energy have borne fruit
and he has gained a place among the prominent and representative resi-
dents of Centerville.
MOSES H. BEER.
Liberal college training fitted Moses H. Beer for the work which he
has done in the held of pharmacy. He is now j)roprietor of a well-appointed
drug store in Centerville, where he also has other financial investments.
He was born in Livingston, this county, January 14, 1880, and is a son
of Joseph and Emma (Fuller) Beer, who are natives of Ohio and Iowa
respectively. The father came to this county in 1856, when but four years
of age, his parents settling with their family near Livingston. Upon the
home farm Joseph Beer was reared to manhood, being well trained in the
work of the fields, and eventually he came into possession of his father's
farm, which he cultivated until 1888, when he retired and removed to
Cincinnati, this county, where he and his wife are now living.
Their son ^L H. Beer was a pupil in the public schools of Cincinnati
until graduated from the high school with the class of 1896. His early'
commercial training came to him in a drug business and later he entered
Highland Park College at Des Moines, where he pursued a course in
pharmacy. With the completion of his college training he removed to
Centerville, where he entered the emplo}- of \N'illiam McCreary & Son,
with whom he continued for eight years. In June, 1906, he bought the
store, of which he is now proprietor, and for more than six years he has
successfully managed this enterprise. He has a well-equipped establish-
ment, the neat and tasteful arrangement ot which is a feature in its suc-
cess, combined with his reliable business methods and reasonable prices.
Gradually his trade has increased until his patronage is large, and he
derives therefrom a substantial annual income. He is also a stockholder
in the Hercules Manufacturing Company of this city.
In January, ic)oo, Mr. Beer was married to Miss Nellie Swearingen,
a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bryant) Swearingen. Her father
was one of the early settlers ot Appanoose county and for many jears
engaged in the grocery business here. He still lives in Centerville and is
cultivating a small farm in addition to doing house moving. To Mr. and
Mrs. Beer have been born two children, Paul S. and Joseph F., aged
respectively nine and six years. The family residence is a nice home at
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUXTY 105
No. 612 West Maple street and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by the
many friends ot the family.
Mr. Beer is well known in traternal circles, holding membership with
the Elks and with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to both the subordi-
nate lodge and the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. Politi-
cally he is a democrat but the honors and emoluments of office have had
no attraction tor him. as he has always preferred to concentrate his energies
upon his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. His
religious faith is that of the Christian church, to which both he and his
wife belong. They are well known throughout Appanoose county and
possess the social, genial qualities which render them popular wherever
thev are known.
LOYD L. WHITSELL.
One of the progressive and enterprising young business men of Center-
ville is Loyd L. VVhitsell, who is also a graduate in dental surgery. He is
a native of this city, born October 25, 1877, and is a son of Frank P. and
Cora (McCreary) Whitsell, the former for many years prior to his death
closely connected with business interests in Centerville. For many years the
father of our subject conducted a livery stable in the city and continued his
identification with this enterprise until his death, which occurretl on the
28th of May, IQ08. His widow survives and is making her home in Cen-
terville with her mother who has reached the age of eighty years. More
extended mention of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Whitsell is found an another
page in this work.
Lo)d L. Whitsell of this review acquired his primary education in the
I-viblic schools and was graduated from the Centerville high school in 1897.
Alter lajing aside his school books he worked tor some time as bookkeeper
for the Centerville Block & Coal Company but in 1902 resigned his posi-
tion in order to enter the State University at Iowa City, Iowa, graduating
in 190^:. with the degree of D. D. S. He located for practice in Center-
ville and .secured a gratifying patronage, the results he obtained being the
best proof of his ability. .Vftcr the death of his father, however, Mr.
Whitsell gave up his dental practice and assumed charge of the livery
bu.siness, working in the interests of his mother. In business affairs he
has proved capable ami reliable and has won a measure of success which
[ilaces him among the substantial ami representative men of this com-
munitv.
106 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
On the 14th of September, 1909, Mr. W'hitsell was united in marriage
to Mrs. Daisy Estes, a daughter of Henry C. and Sophronia (Minteer)
Adams, natives of Iowa, the father being the lirst white child born in
Washington county. After he grew to maturity Henry C. Adams followed
the blacksmith's trade and worked at it successfully until he was elected
sheriff of Washington and Keokuk counties, at the time when these were
united. He served with conscientiousness and ability from 1878 to 1882
and afterward was appointed to the Indian service, being stationed first
at Fort Detiance. Arizona, and later at Fruitland, New Mexico. He was
an honored veteran of the Civil war, having served through four years of
that conflict as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Iowa \'olunteer
Infantry. His death occurred in New Mexico in 1893, in which year he
was accidently drowned. His wife survived him two years, dying in 1895.
Mrs. Whitsell has one child by her first marriage, a daughter, Marjorie,
who attends school in Centerville.
Mr. Whitsell has attained high rank in Masonry, holding membership
with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a republican in his political
beliefs and takes an active and helpful interest in community affairs,
although his public spirit never takes the form of office seeking. He has
made good use of his time and of the opportunities which have come to
him and has in this way gained prosperity, holding a place of prominence
and importance in business circles of Centerville.
JAMES W. CAMPBELL
James W. Campbell, a wholesale dealer in coal whose careful man-
agement and indefatigable industry have brought to him a good business,
came to Centerville in 1881 and, although his residence here has not been
continuous, he has alwa}s been well known in this locality since his arrival
in Appanoose count)- more than three decades ago. He was born in
Glasgow, Scotland, in August, 1848, a son of William and .\nna (Law)
Campbell, who were natives of the land of hills and heather. The father
worked in a brewery there and later turned his attention to farming,
cultivating a tract of land for many years. He eventually came to
America in 1871, settling in Pennsylvania, where he lived until his death,
which occurred in 1882. His wife passed away in Centerville in 1892.
The boyhood and youth of James W. Campbell were spent in his
native city and after he left school he sought a position in the coal mines,
being thus employed until 1869, when at the age of twent)-one }ears he
HISTORY Ui" AiTAXOOSE COUNTY 107
came to the United States. He was afterward employed in the coal mines
of Pennsylvania for some time and later removed to La Salle, Illinois, work-
ing in the mines there until 1881. The latter year witnessed his arrival in
Centerville but subsequently he went to Brazil where he worked in the
mines until 1886. In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings, hoping
to one day engage in business on his own account. The year 1886 saw the
fulhllment of this hope for at that time he bought a stock of merchandise
from John Freeze and thereafter conducted the business for about seven
years. He then began dealing in coal in connection with Thomas Phillips,
with whom he remained for several years, when they sold out and Mr.
Campbell entered into partnership with Joseph Turner. They were
associated in coal mining interests for thirteen years, at the end of which
time they sold our and purchased the marble and granite works of Center-
ville. A few months afterward, however, Mr. Campbell disposed of his
interests in that business to his partner and went upon the road for the
Southern Iowa Coal Compan)-, which he represented for a short time.
He then once more embarked in business on his own account as a whole-
sale dealer in coal and has since continued in this line. He now has a
partner, J. L. Turner, who represents the business on the road under the
firm name of J. W. Campbell & Compan}-. They have secured a liberal
patronage, their straightforward dealings and promptness in delivery being
important factors in their success.
On the 15th of May, 1874, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Susan
Williams, a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Gilmore) Williams, the
former a native of Wales and the latter of Ireland. The lather came
to this country at a very early day, settling in Pennsylvania. He was a
track layer in the mines and after coming to this country remained in
the Keystone state until his death, which occurred in 1900. His wife
survived until 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell became the parents of ten
children, namely: Grace, the wife of J. H. Moore, a traveling salesman;
William, a street car conductor in Centerville; Ella, who married J. L.
Turner, the business partner of Mr. Campbell; Richard, a miner; Katie,
who lives at home; James, who also engages in mining; Susie, engaged
in teaching school; Mary, the wife of Elmer Sharp, a hardware merchant
of Centerville; Earl, who died in 1894; '^"<-^ Harry, now attending school.
The family reside at No. 1 1 ; North Tenth street, in a residence which
Mr. Cam[)bell owns.
Mr. Cam|)bfll has been a member of the Masonic lodge in this county
since 1869 and while in Scotland served as Master Mason. For twenf\-
seven years he has been identified with the Independent Order ot Odd
Fellows. His political support is given to the re[niblican party and he
108 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
served as township trustee tor nine years, hut while he has ever been
loyal to the best interests ot the coninninit\ he has preferred that his
public service should be done as a private citizen rather than as an official.
His religious faith is that ot the Methodist church and its teachings have
guided his life, shaping his conduct in all of his relations with his fellow-
men. He has never been afraid of work, knowing that earnest, honest
labor is the basis ot all honorable success. All days in his career have
not been equally bright yet he has pushed his way steadily forward and
is now at the head of a substantial and profitable business which is re-
turning to him a good income.
WILLIAM NORMAN SHAFFER.
Almost four decades have come and gone since William Norman
Shatfer passed away, but he is yet remembered b}- the older settlers as a
progressive and enterprising farmer ot \'ermillion township and his widow
yet remains here, his wife and children having taken an active and helpful
part in promoting public progress along many lines. Mr. Shatfer was born
in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1844, his parents
being Michael and Mary (Enfield) Shatfer. The father, a native of Penn-
sylvania and of German descent, was a carpenter by trade and eventually
took up contracting. On his removal to Iowa he settled in Appanoose
county, locating on land which he purchased in Vermillion township in
1868. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania and of German lineage.
She died upon the farm in \'ermillion township in 1878, having for six
years survived her husband, who passed aw'aj' in 1872.
William Norman Shatfer attended the public schools of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and also Swickley Academy in that city. After leaving
school he took up the protession of teaching, which he followed in Donegal,
Pennsylvania, but in 1868 came west with his parents and settled with
them upon the farm. For two years he worked on the farm through the
summer months and in the winter seasons engaged in teaching. In 1870
he leased from his father eighty acres of land upon which he lived for four
years, this being located near Shawville mine, in \'ermillion township.
There he passed away on the 20th of June, 1874. He practiced industry,
and energy was always one of his salient characteristics while in all of his
business relations he was thoroughly reliable.
Following the death of Mr. Shaffer, his wife and children purchased a
house and forty acres of land trom his tather and occupied the place for
W ll.l.lA.M \. -II \l I I i;
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY 111
four years, the home being situated three miles southwest of Centerville.
Mrs. Shaffer then bought eighty acres four miles southeast of Centerville
and occupied that farm for seventeen )ears, except when she was away
educating her children. She took up the business of raising fruit and veg-
etables and annually gathered good crops. At length, however, she dis-
posed of that property and purchased her present homestead of eighty
acres. She still lives upon this place but rents the land, deriving therefrom
a substantial annual income.
To Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer were born three children. Pearl M. and Carl
J., twins, were born May 12, 1872. The former attended the district
school of \'ermillion township and later the State Normal School at Cedar
Falls, Iowa, from which he was graduated with honors in the class of 1894.
He then went to the state reform farm at Eldora as military instructor and
at one time he was military instructor in the state college at Manhattan,
Kansas, being appointed to that position over a competitor who was a West
Point graduate. He was detailed for two years' service there but was so
well liked that he was asked to return artd remained for the four years'
limit, ^^'hile acting as instructor at Eldora he was appointed second lieu-
tenant of the United States army. During the Spanish-American war he
served in the Philip[iines but was taken ill and returned home. He has
served there under three enlistments since and at the present time is Cap-
tain of Company B, of the Twentieth Regiment of United States Regulars,
now on detached duty at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He married Miss
Zepherine Towne, of Saratoga Springs, New York. Carl J. attended the
district school in \'emiillion township and was for four years a student in
the State Normal at Cedar Falls. Following his graduation he took up the
profession of teaching which he followed for two years, and then entered
upon the study of medicine in the State University of Iowa City, being
graduated with the M. D. degree. He afterward pursued a post-graduate
course of stud}' in Chicago and then located in Carson, Iowa, where today
he enjoys a large and growing practice. He was married to Miss Florence
Flint, of Council Bluffs. Fannie, the only daughter ot the family, was
bom April 27, 1874, and is now in California. Like her brothers she at-
tended the district schools and the State Normal at Cedar Falls until grad-
uated. For nine }ears she was a teacher in the public schools of
Des Moines, Iowa, and then went to Los Angeles, California, where she
pursued a four years' course of study in osteopathy. She then practiced
for a year in New York but because of impaired health returned to
California.
Mr. Shaffer was a democrat in politics and his religious faith was in-
dicated by his membership in rlic Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal
Vol. n— 7
112 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
church of Vermillion township, to which his widow still belongs. She is
also a member of the Ladies Aid Society of that church and takes an active
and helpful interest in the various lines of church work, doing all she can
to further the cause and to promote the upbuilding of the denomination.,
having been cla.ss leader for nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have long
been held in high esteem here and at his death the former left to his tamily
the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
ELISHA S. DEXOON.
Elisha S. De Noon, proprietor of the Appanoose Cafe and one ot the
most influential, able and successful business men in Centerville, is a native
son of Appanoose count}^ born October i6, 1859, on a farm in Bellair
tOM'nship. He is a son of E. S. and Julia Ann (Fonts) De Noon, the for-
mer a native of Hagerstown, Mar} land, of German and French ancestry.
The father of our subject had learned the cooper's trade and worked at it
for some time, eventually, however, abandoning it in favor of teaching, in
which he engaged for twent}- years. He was a well educated and cul-
tured man, a wide reader and a deep thinker and was therefore successful
in his chosen work. He held a certificate issued by the board of education
in 1837. When he was still a child he left his native state of Maryland
and went to Ohio, locating in Ashland count}, where he grew to manhood
and began his independent career. In June, 1846, he came to Appanoose
county and as a pioneer settler located two miles southwest of Numa,
where he entered one hundred and twenty acres of land. Upon this prop-
erty he lived until 1862, when he sold the farm and moved to Lincoln
township, where he became prominent in business affairs. Later he removed
to Seymour, Iowa, and helped open the first stock of goods in the first
general store in that city, clerking in the same establishment for over
fifteen years. After he came to Bellair township he gradualh" became well
known in many different lines of activity, serving for twelve years as
justice of the peace. He was one of the organizers of the first Baptist
church in Appanoose covmty and was at all times interested in the spread
of Baptist doctrines. The last years of his life were spent with his chil-
dren and his death occurred in 1881, in Wayne county, Iowa, at the home
of his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Blacklidge, who resides two miles
west of Corydon. During the course of a long, useful and active career
he left the impress of his marked individuality upon the community affairs
and his death was felt as a distinct loss to the general interests of this sec-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY liy
tion ot the state. His wife passed away in Bellair township in March,
i860.
Elisha S. De Noon acquired his education in the public schools of
Lincoln township and in SeAiiiour. Iowa. stud}in^ in the latter city when
the first graded schools were established. His childhood was spent upon
his father's farm and he remained at home even after he had
attained his majority. When he was twenty-five years of age, however,
he came to Centerville and for man)' years was employed as a clerk,
securing his first position with the firm of Lloyd &: McCoy. He was
afterward connected with an establishment owned by Ike Brooks and
later worked for J. M. W'ilKi-. For four and one-half years he clerked
in a \\ holesale grocery store conducted by T. R. Riggs & Company but in
igo8 established himself in business independently. He opened a restau-
rant on one of the principal streets in Centerville and was very successful
in its conduct, selling out at a profit after two years to A. Zanning. After
disposing of his business Mr. De Noon became connected with a well
known flour house of Kansas City as a traveling salesman and for a num-
ber of Aears represented their interests throughout all of southwestern
Iowa. On the 26th of October, 1912, however, he resigned his position
and opened the Appanoose Cafe in Centerville, having already secured a
gratifying patronage. Much ot liis success is due to the fact that he
possesses that executive force and power of control which is necessar\' in
the management of any large business enterprise, while his strict integrity
of character and straightforward business methods have also been important
factors in his prosperity.
On the 17th of .Ajiril, 1880, Mr. De Noon was united in marriage to
Miss Rosa A. Campbell, a daughter of Luther M. and Cinderella (Dud-
ley) Campbell, the former born in Lee county, Iowa, and the latter in
Ohio. Mrs. De Noon's father is of New England ancestry, his father
having been a native of Vermont. At an < arly date Luther M. Campbell
came west to Iowa and took up government land three miles northwest of
Centerville, upon which h<' established a sawmill. He also did work as
cabinet-maker, having learned that trade and also that of millwright in
his youth. For many years he has made his home upon his Iowa farm and
has now reached the age of seventy years. During the period of his long and
active career he has been one of the great individual forces in the upbuild-
ing and development of Apjianoose count)', to which he came as a pioneer.
His first wife passed away in 1878 and in 1880 Mr. Campbell wedded
Miss Minnie Sraley. a daughter of Alva Stale)', a farmer and carpenter,
who formerly made his home just north ot Centervilh-. Mr. and Mrs.
De Noon became the parents of two children. Clarence E., a window
114 HISTORY OF yXPPANOOSE COUNTY
trimmer in North Platte, Nebraska, married Miss Claudie E. Patrick. He
is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in the Elks and
in the Modern Woodmen ot America. The other son born to Mr. and
Mrs. De Noon is Luther E., who is associated with his father in business.
He is prominent!) connected with the Court of Honor in Centerville.
Mr. and Mrs. De Noon are devout adherents of the Baptist church
and are well known in the community in which they reside as people of
exemplary character and ujjright lives. Mr. De Noon has protessed the
doctrines of the Baptist church for the past twenty-seven years and during
that time has made his influence felt in religious circles. Fraternally he
belongs to Centerville Lodge, No. 3553, M. W. A., and to the Court of
Honor. His wife also belongs to the latter organization. Mr. De Noon
gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and takes an intelli-
gent interest in public affairs, although he has never sought official prefer-
ment. Centerville numbers him among her most valued residents and the
respect and esteem in which he is held by his many friends is an indi-
cation that his life has been at all times honorable, upright and straight-
forward.
STEPHEN A. KELLY.
'At the time of his death Stephen A. Kelly was connected with the coach
and car department of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Company
at Centerville. He was always a resident of the middle west and pos-
sessed the enterprising spirit which has been the dominant feature in the
development and upbuilding of the upper Mississippi vallej-. He was
born in Hancock county, Illinois, August 30, 1843, and is a son of John
and Margaret (Bo}d) Kelly, who were natives of Ireland and of Penn-
sylvania respectively. On crossing the Atlantic to the new world, attracted
by the broader business opportunities which he believed might be secured
on this side of the Atlantic, the father made his way to the interior of the
country, settling in Hancock count), Illinois, in the '30s. There he
entered land from the government and at once began to turn the sod and
prepare the tract for cultivation. Throughout his remaining days he car-
ried on farm work there, his life's labors being ended in death in 1862,
when tift)-five )ears of age.
The youthful days of Stephen A. Kelly were passed in Illinois and
his education was acquired in the district schools. He lived upon the home
farm, earlv becoming familiar with tlu- duties and labors incident to its
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 115
development and culrivarion. Attcr his parents died he purchaseti the
interests of the other heirs in the property and continued the cultivation
of the fields until November, 1889, when he sold his interests in Illinois
and came to Centerville, Iowa. Here he entered the emplo)- of what is
now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Companj-, in connection
with the car and coach department, and thus continued throughout his
remaining days or tor a period of twenty years. His long continuance
with the company well indicates his efficient workmanship and his fidelity
to the interests ot those whom he represented. He died in May, 1908,
after a short illness, leaving Ix-himl him many warm friends.
It was in October, 187 V tliar Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to
Miss Amanda M. Riggs, a daughter of William and Amelia Riggs, who
were natives of West \'irginia. Her father was a farmer by occupation
and upon his removal to Illinois in 1855 purchased a tract of land in Han-
cock county, which he cultivated and improved until he was called to his
final rest, passing away in Januarj', 1883. His wife survived him until
November, 1900.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelh became the parents ot three children: Chloe, who
is the wife of Dr. W. B. Miller, of Centerville; Jennie M., who is the
wife of John B. McNeal, superintendent of the Eg\-pt Coal Company of
Mystic, Iowa; and P'rank L., who is employed as an engineer on the
Chicago, Burlington >S: Ouincy Railroad. Mrs. Kelly holds membership
with the Methodist church but her husband was a member of the Catholic
chunh. In politics he was a democrat but did not seek nor desire office,
for other duties and interests always claimed his time and attention. He
did not seek to figure prominently in an)- public connection but those who
knew him recognized his genuine worth and entertained for him warm
regard.
MORGAN ED\\.UU3.S.
At different times through an active business life Morgan Edwards
was engaged in the flour, feed and milling trade and in farming, but
whatever occupied his attention was sure to claim his energies anti in-
dustr)- to the utmost, for he was an enterprising man, prom|)ted by laud-
able ambition in all that he undertook, ami it was only when ill health
forced him to retire that he put aside business cares. His birth occurred
in Centerville. Ohio, his death in Centerville, Iowa. Tlis natal day was
September 1. iS4(). and his [larents were John .\brahain and .Anna
IK) HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
(Morrisj Edwards, both ot wliom were natives ot Great Britain, the
tonner born June 16, 1821, and the latter in 1815. Both came to the
United States in 1838, ami John A. Edwards settled in Gallia county,
Ohio, where later he wedded Anna Morris. For several years there-
after they remained residents of the Buckeye state and in 1859 came to
Iowa, locating in Monroe count) . The lather was a miller by trade and
met with substantial success in that undertaking, becoming owner ot milling
properties at Centerville and Moulton in Appanoose county and at Albia
in Monroe county, remaining in tiuit line of business throughout the rest
of his days.
Morgan Edwards was a youth of ten 3ears when his parents came to
Iowa and acquired the greater part of his education in the schools of Monroe
county. He there learned the miller's trade of his father and later he
and his brother engaged in the milling business on their own account at
Albia, Iowa, operating a mill there until the ill health of Morgan Edwards
forced him to retire. He then operated a farm, in Appanoose county,
belonging to his father and took up his abode thereon, giving to it careful
supervision until 1907, when he became a resident of Centerville and
established a Hour and teed business. That undertaking claimed his time
and energies until his health again tailed, when he retired, spending his
remaining days in Centerville, where he passed away in January, 1911.
He had made a creditable record as a business man, was energetic and in-
dustrious, and his honorable dealings were also a potent factor in his
prosperity.
On the 17th of February, 1870, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage
to Miss Frances Ann Clark, who w as born near Albia, Iowa, Februar}' 13,
1851, a daughter of John and Sarah (Bishop) Clark, the former born
near Oxford, Massachusetts, December 9, 1817. and the latter at Bedford,
Lawrence county, Indiana, May 2, 1832. They were married near
Albia. January 3, 1850, the father having become a resident of Iowa
in 1841, at which rime he took up his abode in Monroe county. There
he continued to reside until called to his final rest on the 2d of August,
1906. His wife survived him for less than a year and died near Center-
ville, March 5, 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards became the parents of ten children. Mary
Gertrude, born November 11, 1871, was married October 10, 1901. to
Albert A. Stewart, who died March 4, 1902. Ira Evan, born Februarv 9,
1873, was married February 14, 1900, to Mae Kerchner and died June
20, 1903. Frederic Arthur, born April 24, 1874, was married December
24, 1903, to Katherine Cobb and now resides at Mount Ayr, Iowa. John
Clark, born Marcli 8, 1876. after completing his education in public
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 117
schools ot low a. worked upon the home t'arni tor his father until he was
thirty }ears of age, when he came to Centerville and accepted a position
with the Adams Express Comj)an>-. After acting as driver for a short
time he was appointed agent and has had charge of the interests of the
company here continuously since. He was also interested in the flour and
feed business with his father for a short time and is known as a repre-
sentative business man of the city, enterprising, progressive and deter-
mined. He is a valued and popular member of the Elks lodge, the Modern
Woodmen camp and the Royal Arcanum. His political allegiance is
given to the republican party and he holds membership with the Presby-
terian church. Grace Ann, horn November 2, 1877, became the wife of
Ray D. McCauley, April 15. 1896, and rhey reside at Moravia. Kate,
born October 24. 1879, ^^'^^ married November 13, 1900, to Charles
Pewthers and they reside in Indianola, Iowa. Charles, born June 15,
1882, was married in Ma}-, 1906, to Mae Bouse and they reside in Center-
ville. Martin Clever, born April 29, 1887, was married April 7, 1908,
to Birdie Turtle and they also live in Centerville. Dora Lynn, born
January 1;, 1891, is at home. Harry, born December 2, 1892, died
at birth. Mrs. Edwards resides at No. 508 South Twelfth street with her
two daughters antl her son, John C. The family has long been well
known in this city and throughout the county and Mr. Edwards was
numbered among the men of sterling worth, a well spent and upright
life gaining for him the high regard, confidence and good-will of all with
whom he was associated. The years of his business activity brought him
substantial success and he left to his family not only a comfortable com-
petence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
JAMES M. ZIMMER.
James M. Zimmer, long in public office, is filling the position of
justice of the peace, in which connection his decisions are strictly fair and
impartial, being based upon both rhe law and the equity in the case. His
official record has always been commendable by reason of his imtaltering
hdelitv to duty. Judge Zimmer is a native of Caldwell county, Missouri,
born April 14, 1841. His father. John H. Zimmer, was born in New
York anil at an early perioti in the development of Missouri became a
resident of that state, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for some
time. He afterward enlisted for service in the Indian war under General
A. C. Dodge. He 1 aine to Iowa in 1841. when rliis state was still vmder
118 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
territorial rule, and took up his abode in Davis county. In 1848 he re-
moved to Appanoose tounry, which was still a tronticr district, the greater
part of the land being wild and undeveloped, while only here and there
a little cabin was to be seen showing that the work of civilization and
improvement had begun. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of
government land and at once began the arduous task of turning the fur-
rows and cultivating the fields. In early manhood he had wedded p]liza
D. Jackson, a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and atter the}- had lived
upon the Appanoose county farm for two years she was called to her final
rest in iS^'o. Mr. Zimmer subsequently married again and bought an-
other farm six miles north of Centerville, which he operated until 1862.
He then enlisted as a member of Company F, Thirty-seventh Iowa In-
fantry, known as the Graybeard Regiment, with which he served until the
close of the war, doing duty mostly at Rock Island, Illinois, in guarding
prisoners. He then returned to his home, but his health had become
greatly impaired during his service and eventually resulted in the loss of
his mind, so that he passed away in the hospital at Mount Pleasant, Iowa,
in 1875, when seventy-two years of age.
James M. Zimmer was but eight years of age when he came with his
parents to Appanoose county, where the greater part of his life has been
spent. His education was largel}- acquired in the schools here and his
youthful experiences were those that usually fall to the farm lad. There
were four sons in the family and they as well as the father all enlisted,
James M. Zimmer becoming a member of Compan} D. Sixth Iowa In-
fantry, with which he served for four years, doing active dut\- on many
a southern battlefield. He was captured in the engagement at Shiloh
and was held as a prisoner of war in Alabama.
When victory had crowned the Union arms Mr. Zimmer returned to
Centerville and for some time was empkned in a printing office, after
which he engaged in driving stage for a year west of this city. He next
worked on railroads as a member ot an engineering corps for about three
years, after which he went to I^nionvillc. Mi-ssouri, where he conducted
a livery barn for five years. Subsequentl) he was employed in the woods
of that state for three years and in 1884 he returned to Iowa. Since
1890 he has almost continuously filled office, having in 1890 been elected
constable, in which position he was retained by reelection for eight years.
He was then elected justice of the peace and served for two years, after
which he was defeated. In 1905 he was once more chosen for the office
and has served since, presiding in able manner over the justice court.
On the 30th of May, 1894, Mr. Zimmer was married to Ella Morgan
Sturdivant, a daughter of Timothy Sturdivanr and Bridget (O'Donneil)
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY 119
Morgan, who were natives of Ireland. The father came to America at
an early day, settling first in Ohio and subsequently in Missouri, where
he continued the cultivation of a farm to the latter part of his life. He
died when ninety years of age and his wife has also passed away. Mr.
and Mrs. Zimmer occupy a pleasant and attractive home at No. 516 North
Third street, which he owns, and in addition he is a stockholder in the
Centerville Interurban Company. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party, which finds in him an earnest and active worker. He
belongs to John L. Bashore Post, No. 122, G. A. R., and thus maintains
pleasant relations with his old army comrades, with whom he delights to
recall scenes and incidents connected with the war. He is ever as true
and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag upon the battle-
fields of the south, bravely endeavoring to preserve the Union.
SOL UOSENBAIM.
Among the men of Centerville who have attained an honorable place
in business circles because of their ability, shrewdness and dominating
ambition is Sol Rosenbaum, who is operating a large furniture store in
the town. He was born in Russia in November, 1870, and is a son of
Moses and Etta (Rosenbaum) Rosenbaum. both natives of that country.
In Russia the father was a successful grain dealer but in 1883 emigrated
to America and settled in Omaha, whence after two years he went to
What Cheer, Iowa. After four }ears in that city he went to Oskaloosa
and there worked as a peddler for about seven years. When he came to
Centerville he followed the same occupation liut after five years went to
Ottumwa, where he engaged in the shoe business, in which he is still active.
Sol Rosenbaum acquired his education in Russia and in 1886 came to
America and joined his parents in What Cheer, Iowa. He accompanied
them to Oskaloosa and then to Centerville, where he engaged in the second
hand furniture business. Gradually he eliminated the second hand line
and now deals exclusively in new goods, handling a modern, complete and
up-to-date stock. His store is located at 308 North Twelfth street and
occupies two stories and a basement. In its management Mr. Rosenbaum
has shown a practical business instinct, which, controlled by his shrewd
ability and ambition and guided by his high integrity and honesty of pur-
pose, has won him a large patronage and made him very successful in its
conduct.
120 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
On October 25, 1896, Mr. Roscnbauni married Mis^ Rebecca Ritchel,
a daughter of Max and Rosie (Zetlovski) Ritchel, natives of Russia.
The father was a farmer in his native countn,- but abandoned this occupa-
tion after coming to America. He crossed the Atlantic in 1890 and
located in Centerville, where he was active in the grocery business until
his retirement in 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenbaum have three children:
John Lewis, aged fifteen; Harrj, fourteen years of age; and Mildred,
aged five. Mr. Rosenbaum has in the course of years been drawn into
important relations with the general business life of Centerville and is
one of the best known men in business circles of the city. He owns an
attractive home at 312 East Wall street and two other fine residences,
which he rents out. He is also a stockholder in the Centerville Gypsum
Company and his aid can always be relied upon in the promotion of worthy
enterprises. He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees but beAond this
has no fraternal affiliations. He holds membership in the B'nai Israel
congregation and is loyal in his adherence to the faith of his fathers. His
political allegiance is gi\ en to the republican party but he is never active
in official life. His success has been accomplished by the sheer force of
hard work and not even the most envious could begrudge it to him. so
worthih- has it been won and so well used.
GEORGE S. PRATT.
With the early development and improvement of Iowa George S.
Pratt was closely associated. He was one of the stage proprietors of
pioneer times and later a hotel proprietor in Centerville. He watched
with interest the progress of events resulting in the transformation of the
country and at all times bore his share in the work of progress and im-
provement. He was bom in New York. August 17. 1822, a son of John
and Martha Pratt. His education was acquired in the Empire state and
he drove a stage there from the age of twelve years until he came to
Iowa with his parents in 1849. The family home was established in
Jefferson count)- where the father engaged in business and there George
S. Pratt again became a stage driver, being thus employed in the southern
part of Iowa for a number of years or until the building of the railroad.
He then turned his attention to the hotel business in Centerville. con-
ducting a hostelry for a number of years and running a liver)' stable in
conjunction therewith, after which he went to Nebraska and carried on
farming for a few jears. In all that he undcrttxik he met with pros-
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY 121
{verity, owing to capable management and wise direction of his in-
terests. Upon his return from Nebraska to Centerville he retired from
business life, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well
earned rest.
On the 1st of January, 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Pratt and
^liss Belle Fischer, a daughter of Isaac and .\raminta (Fisher) Fischer,
the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Pratt
was born in Louisville. Kentucky, .\ugust 4. 1853, and came to Iowa
with her mother in 18^7. They went to live on a farm with her grand-
father near Cor}don. Iowa. Her father, who was a physician, removed
to Ohio in early life and there practiced medicine until his death, which
occurred in l8;>. His widow long survived him. passing away August 24,
1891.
The death of Mr. Pratt occurred November 7. 1906, and was the
occasion of deep regret to many friends. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt had no
children but by a former marriage Mr. Pratt had one son. .\lfred. who
resides in Centerville. where he was formerly engaged in the hotel business.
Mrs. Pratt also reared her sister's son. who was left motherless when but
ten days old. His name is George Williams and he is now attending
high school in Center\ille.at the age of seventeen years.
Mr. Pratt was one of the oldest members of the Masonic fraternity
in Centerville and was always loyal to the teachings and tenets of the
craft. He belonged also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
His political allegiance was given to the democratic part}-, but the honors
and emoluments of office had no attraction for him. He held to the
religious faith of the Christian church while his wife is a member of the
Presbyterian church. His was an upright, honorable life, in which he
held to high principles of manhood and citizenship and thus won the
esteem and kindly regard of those with whom he came in contact. Mrs.
Pratt owns and occupies a pleasant home at No. ;2, North Ninth street
and many friends enjoy its hospitality.
THOMAS CROXTON.
Thomas Croxton is conducting a hotel and boarding house at Center-
ville. continuing in the business for the past three years. He was bom
in Ohio. January IQ. 1852, a s<in of Thom.x>^ and Lydia ( Gaston ) Croxton,
who were also natives of the Buckeye state. The father devoted his
life to farming, which he carried on until his death, which occurred a
122 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
few months before the birth of his son Thomas. The mother survived
until January, 1888. She came to Appanoose county in 1854 and re-
sided here throughout her remaining days, being well known in pioneer
times and in the later period of development here.
Thomas Croxton was but two years old when brought b)- his mother
to Iowa, and in this county was reared and educated. When old enough
to earn his living he started out for himself as a farmer, renting a tract
of land which he cultivated for a few years. He then bought and im-
proved eighty acres which he also operated for some }ears, and on selling
out he once more rented land. His time and energies were given to farm-
ing until igo8, when he removed to Piano, this county, and for one year
was engaged in the livery business there. He next returned to Centerville
where he opened a hotel and boarding house on West State street. For
more, than three } ears he has now conducted the business and throughout
the entire period has been accorded a liberal and well merited patronage.
He makes a close study of the comforts and wishes of his patrons and
thus has always been able to have his house well filled.
On the 9th of March, 1876, Mr. Croxton was married to Miss Sophia
J. Wales, a daughter of John and Susan (Wales) Wales, who were
natives of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Croxton had six children, as follows:
Israel B., a farmer of Appanoose county; Walter, who makes his home at
Piano; Blanche, the wife of George Ware, of Centerville; Lydia I., who
married Henry Chuesberg; and two, who passed awav in infanc\-.
Mr. Croxton votes with the republican party and keeps in touch with
the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek nor desire office,
preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business undertakings.
Practically his entire life has been spent in this county where for almost
six decades he has been a witness of the growth and changes which have
transformed it from a wild frontier region into a populous and prosperous
section. He can relate many interesting incidents of the early days and
as one of the pioneer residents of Appanoose county he well deserves
mention in this volume.
MRS. MELISSA A. HENRY.
Mrs. Melissa A. Henry, of Centerville, was born near \A'heeling, West
Virginia, March 8, 1844, when that state was still a part of the Old
Dominion. Her parents were Samuel and Mildred (Mitchell) Haught,
the former a native of West Virginia and the hitter of Ohio. The father
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 123
was both a miller and wagon maker by trade and his activities in industrial
lines included blacksmithing and carpentering. He followed those dif-
ferent pursuits in West \'irginia for a number of years but became a
resident of Appanoose county during the pioneer epoch in its history and
purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Johns township. This
he at once began to clear, cultivate and improve, continuing its operation
up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 9th of March, 1897.
His widow long survived him and died in 1912.
Their daughter, Melissa A., spent her girlhood days in her native state
and began her education in the public schools there, but in her girlhood
she had the mistortune to have her feet frozen and this forced her to
remain at home tor three years, passing the time largely in stud)'. She
is therefore a self-educated woman. She remained with her parents up
to the time of her first marriage, which occurred in 1S61. when >hf became
the wife of Jacob Cumberledge, a son of George and P>lizaberh (Lance)
Cumberledge, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Cumberledge was
a farmer by occupation and in 1872 removed with his family to Ap-
panoose county, where he invested in two hundred and forty acres of land
in Johns township. He immediately began the development and further
improvement ot this place and was soon recognized as one of the enter-
prising, progressive and highly respected farmers of the locality. To his
original purchase he added another tract of one hundred and thirty acres
and continued the cultivation of all of his land up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1894. The only interruption to his business career came
at the time of the Civil war, when he enlisted as a member of the One
Hundred and Sixty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantrj-, serving for nine
months. He afterward became a member of the Grand Army post, thus
maintaining pleasant relations with his comrades who wore the blue uni-
form at the darkest hour in the history of the country.
Mr. and Mrs. Cumberledge became the parents of nine children:
Alice, who is deceased; Samuel G., a druggist of Oklahoma: Mary E.,
uho is the wife of Ed Harrington and resides in I'tah: Calista, who
makes her home in Webb City, Missouri; Effie, the wife of William Elgin,
ot Walnut. Iowa: George F., a resident of Oklahoma: \'aliska and Leona.
both ot whom have passed away; and Isora, who is the wife of J. E.
Moore, a fanner of Ajipanoose county. The death of the husband and
father in 1894 ^^'^s the occasion of deep regret nor only to his immediate
family but also to many friends, for he lived an upright and honorable
life, was straightforward and progressive in business, loyal in citizenship
and possessed many [ileasing social qualities.
124 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
After the death of her first husband Mrs. Cumberledge became the
wife of Absalom Henry, who is now in Nebraska. She owns and occupies
a pleasant residence at No. 802 West Washington street and also owns
another residence property at No. 724 West Washington street. Her long
residence in the county has made her widely known and she has many
warm friends who esteem her highly for her sterling worth.
H. CLAY ADAMS.
H. Clay Adams, partner in the Red Cross Drug Compan}- and well
known in Centerville as an active, able and progressive business man, is
a native of Iowa, born in Sigourney, March 4, 1882. His parents were
Henry C. and Sophronia (Minteer) Adams, both natives of Iowa, the
father having the distinction of being the lirst white male child born in
Washington county. He grew to maturity in that section and for a num-
ber of years worked at the blacksmith's trade. Later he was elected
sheriff of Keokuk county and served with ability and conscientiousness
from 1878 to 1882. Under President Cleveland's administration he was
appointed to the Indian service and was stationed first at Fort Defiance,
Arizona, and later at Fruitland, New Mexico. He was an honored vet-
eran of the Civil war, having served through four years of that conflict
as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. His death
occurred in New Mexico in 1893, in which year he was accidentally
drowned. His wife survived him two years, dying in 1895.
H. Clay Adams acquired his education in the public schools of Sig-
ourney and when he laid aside his books secured employment in a drug
store and continued in this position for three years, registering in 1902.
In 1903 he came to Centerville and entered into partnership with A. J.
W^eller, under the name of the Red Cross Drug Compan}'. The enterprise
which thej- conduct is run along progressive and modern business lines and
the success of the undertaking is attributable in no small measure to Mr.
Adams, whose careful and S)'stematic methods and keen business discern-
ment constitute an important element in the attainment of prosperity.
Since coming to Centerville Mr. Adams has made some judicious invest-
ments and has now important realt}' holdings, including his fine home at
704 West Washington street and other valuable residence propert}-. He
is a stockholder in the Centerville Savings Bank.
On the 20th of April, 1904, Mr. .Adams married Miss Effie M. Wendt,
a daughter of David O. and Emma (Heiscr) Wendt. natives of Pcnn-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 125
sylvania. The father followed farming in that state for a short time but
came to Sigourney in early times and bought land, which he has operated
since that time. Mr. and Mrs. Adams became the parents of a son, Henry
C, who is six years of age. Mrs. Adams is a devout member of the Meth-
odist church and fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks and the Royal Arcanum. He gives his political
allegiance to the democratic party but never seeks public office. Early
realizing that persistent labor is the basis of all honorable success, he has
put forth diligent effort and has secured a gratifying trade by reason of his
honest dealing and his sincere desire to please his patrons.
WILLIAM B. HAYS, LL. B.
William B. Hays, one of the younger and popular members of the
legal traternity in .Appanoose county, has won an enviable reputation in
professional circles as a practicing attorney of Centerville. His birth
occurred in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 15th of April, 1875, his parents
being Harry H. and Mary (Bo\d) Hays, who are likewise natives of that
county. The father comes of Yankee stock, while the mother is a lad}- of
Scotch-Irish lineage. They were married in Guernsey county, Ohio, and
are living on a farm there, Harry H. Hays being a farmer and stock dealer.
The paternal great-grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Rev-
olutionary war and suffered with the patriots at Valley Forge.
William B. Hays, who was the first born in a family of three sons and
two daughters, obtained his early education in the district school of his
home locality and subsequently attended the high school at Martins Ferrv,
Ohio, being graduated therefrom in 1895. During the following ten
years he taught school in order to defray the expenses of a college course,
teaching for one year in the district school of his home locality, for a sim-
ilar period in district school of Wayne county, Iowa, and for eight years
in the high school at Corjdon, Iowa. In the summer months he had
attended summer sessions at Drake I'nivcrsity of Des Moines and at
Central University of Pella, Iowa. In the fall of 1907 he left the
Corydon high school as principal and entered the law department of the
University of Iowa, being graduated therefrom with honors in 1910 and
winning the degree of LL. B. Coming to Centerville, lie opened an office
here and has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen
profession. The /eal with which he has devoted his energies to his pro-
fession, the careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients and an
126 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases, have
brought him a large business and made him very successful in its con-
duct. He is a member of the Appanoose County Bar Association.
In 1901 Mr. Hays was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Lowe, a
daughter of John and Ann Lowe. Ihe father was a native of Ken-
tucky and an agriculturist by occupation. He gave his political allegiance
to the democracy until the outbreak ot the Civil war and then joined the
party of Lincoln, supporting its men and measures until his demise, which
occurred at Corydon, Iowa, in 1903. His widow, who is a native of Mis-
souri and comes ot Yankee stock, now resides in Centerville witli her
daughter, Mrs. Hays.
Mr. Hays is a stanch democrat in politics and in 1912 was made the
candidate of his party for the office of county attorney. His religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at
Centerville, to which his wife also belongs. They enjoy the warm regard
of many friends and the hospitality of their own home is greatly appre-
ciated by those who know them.
GEORGE W. DEAN.
A man lo}al in friendship, faithful in citizenship and honorable in
all business relations passed away when George W. Dean was called to
his final rest in Unionville, February 28, 1909. He had then reached the
age of nearly seventy years and practically his entire active life was spent
in Appanoose county, so that he was among its oldest residents, having
been a witness of its growth and development and an important factor
in it. As a successful farmer and the owner of the Peerless Hereford Stock
Farm he made his influence felt upon the advancement of two of the most
important industries in the state and in all work of progress he was an _
active particij)ant, his honorable, upright and well spent life gaining him
the unqualified respect and esteem of his fellowmen. Mr. Dean was born
in Schuyler county, Missouri, Ma) 24, 1839, a son of Levin Dean, one of
the pioneer settlers in Appanoose county. The father was a native of
Kentuck}- and in that state was reared and educated, removing as a young
man to Howard county, Missouri, where he married Miss Missouri Ann
Evans, also a native of Kentuck)-. In 1846 they came to Appanoose
county, casting their lots with the pioneers who were reclaiming the wild
land for farming purposes. With characteristic energy and resolute pur-
pose the lather ot our subject opened up a new farm just west of I'nion-
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE W. DEAN
l,i:VIN KHAN
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 131
ville and >teadil} carried torvvard the work ot its development and im-
provement until his death, making it finally one ot the most valuable
properties in the state. His wife survived him tor many years, dying in
Moravia at the advanced age of eighty-seven. In their family were seven
children: Fllizabeth, deceased; Jesse, who died in the Rebel prison at
Tyler, Texas, during the Civil war; Sarah and George W., our subject,
both of whom have passed away; Mrs. Mary Harn, of Glendale, Cali-
fornia; Mrs. Martha McCaule)-, deceased; and Erastus, who is living
in Unionville. Levin Dean was one of the prominent figures in local
whig politics during pioneer times and after the birth of the republican
party gave active support to its principles and policies. He and his wife
were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
George \V. Dean spent his childhood upon his father's farm in Udell
township and continued to assist in its operation tor many years. In a
little log schoolhouse he began his education which he sup[)lementcd and
broadened by wide and careful reading, deep thinking, experience and
observation. In .\ugust, 1862, he offered his services to his country as a
member of Company C, Thirt}-sixth Iowa \'oluntcer Infantry, and went
immediately to the front. He was wounded in the engagement at .Marks
Mills and taken pri.soner and held by the Rebels until September, 1865,
when he was honorably discharged from the service, holding the rank
of sergeant. Previous to his enlistment Mr. Dean, in i860, had located
on a farm which had been given to him and his wife by her father.
After the war, however, he settled on eighty acres he had bought himself
and continued to reside upon this property until 1Q06. He added to his
holdings trom time to time and finally acquired two hundred and twenty
acres of well improved land, one mile south of the town, and became
widely known as one of the most successful farmers in the state. Early
in his career he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, R. M. Hicks,
mnv ot Centerville, and began the breeding of registered Hereford cattle,
afterward becoming one of the most prominent representatives in this line
of work in Iowa. When Mr. Hicks removed to Centerville Mr. Dean pur-
cha.sed his interests and conducted the enterprise alone. His property
was called the Peerless Hereford Stock Farm and his herd of from sixty
to one hundred high-grade animals was known all over the state and rep-
resented standard quality. Mr. Dean sold for breeding inirposes alone.
Later he took his son, Emil, into partnership with him and in k)o6 turned
over to him the farm and moved into I'nionvillc, where he died on the
28th of Februar)-, 1909.
On January 1 i, i860, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to Miss Mar-
garet C. Baldridge, a native of T(nnc.s.see, and a daughter of \V. C. and
132 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Harriet Jane (Miller) Baldridge, who came to Iowa in pioneer times,
settling in Appanoose county, five miles west of Unionville, in 1849.
There the father bou^'ht a farm which he afterward sold and moved to
the vicinity of Iconium, where he and his family resided tor some time.
Later he returned and purchased property near his original location and
there remained until his death in 1867, when he was forty-seven jears
of age. He was a stanch democrat and active in his adherence to the
partys' principles. His religious views were in accordance with the doc-
trines of the Methodist Episcopal church. After his death Mrs. Bald-
ridge married William Miller and they continued to reside upon the farm
for a number of years, Mr. Miller finally retiring and moving to Union-
ville, where his death occurreil. His widow survives and has reached
the age of eighty-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Dean became the parents of
eight children. William F., the eldest, is a physician and surgeon in
Osceola, Iowa. He married Miss Rachel Smith and after her death
wedded Mrs. Jossie Dukes, who had one child, Marie, by her former
husband. Maggie J. is the wife of J. C. Campbell, of Hastings, Nebraska,
who is employed in a lumberyard at that place. Ralph L. died at the
age of eight years. Ella D. is the wife of Jacob B. Smith, a farmer and
rural mail carrier of Udell township. They have three children, .-Mta,
Dean and Dwight L. Arietta married Henry E. Morrison, of Topeka,
Kansas, and both are deceased. The}- had two children, Paul B.. who is
married, and Mildred, both residing in Topeka. Earl M. is a graduate of
the Iowa Wesleyan College at Mount Pleasant. He is residing at present
in the vicinity of Nyssa, Oregon, where he owns and operates a large ranch.
He married Miss Stella Hale, of Kansas City, and they have one child,
Dorothy. Emil E. attended the State Agricultural College at .\mes, Iowa,
and is now residing in Payette, Idaho, where he owns and operates a fruit
farm. He married Miss Mattie Allen and they have one daughter. Mar-
garet. Lucile D., who studied music in the Iowa Wesleyan College, is
the wife of A. M. Johnston, a fruit grower of Payette. Idaho, and they
have one son, George Finley.
In his wife Mr. Dean found a worth}- helpmate who at all times has
proven a blessing to the household and in an important wa}-, by her
counsel and wise management, has forwarded the best interests of the
family. She and her children are devout members of the Methodist Epi.s-
copal church of ITnionville and for many years she has taught in the
Sunday school. Her mother ami her daughter are also active in this work
and four generations of the family are today factors in the spread of
Methodist Episcopal doctrines in this section. Mr. Dean also gave devoted
adherence to this religion, accepting its principles as one of the funda-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 133
mental beliefs of his life and basing his actions vipon his faith. He was
a stanch republican antl from the time he cast his first vote for Abraham
Lincoln gave helpful and progressive sup[)ort to its principles and policies.
Mr. Dean was a charter member of the Masonic lotfgc and for nine years
.served as worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was one
of the oldest residents in this section of Iowa and was continuously con-
nected with its development and advancement, watched its progress from
pioneer times and took a leading part in all that [icrtained to the general
good.
JACOB B. SMITH.
Jacob B. Smith, the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and
twenty acres on section 4, I'dell township, has for the past six )ears served
as a mail carrier on R. F. D. Route No. 2 out of Unionville. His birth
occurred on Soap creek, Davis county, Iowa, on the 6th of June, 1864,
his parents being Paris S. and Nancy Jane (Jones) Smith, who are natives
of Ohio and ^'irginia respectively. The paternal grandfather of our sub-
ject was of Dutch descent and a native of Philadeljihia. Coming to Iowa,
Paris S. Smith took up his abode near Bloomfield, Davis county, where he
purchased land and carried on general agricultural pursuits until the time
of his retirement in 1902, when he removed to Blakesburg. He has now
attained the venerable age of eight}-four Aears, while his wife is eighty
years of age. On the 1st of April, 1911, at Blakesburg, they celebrated
their sixtieth wedding anniversary.
Jacob B. Smith obtained his early education in the district schools of
his native county, later attended the high school at Bloomfield ami sub-
sequently pursued a course of study in the normal school at that filace.
He then followed the profession of teaching for two years and on the
expiration of that period took up a homestead in Rawlins county, Kansas,
where he resided for one year. Returning to this state, he was here
married and then took his bride to Kansas, where he remained tor five
years and proved up his claim. After again returning to Iowa he settled
in Appanoose county and for twelve years devoted his attention to the
operation of rented farms west of Unionville. In 1906 he sold his Kans;*.!!.
claim and purchased and locatcti on his present farm of one humircil
and twenty acres which lies just south of ITnionville. He leaver the
active management of the property to his sons, his time having been largely
occupied during the past six years by his duties as a mail carrier on R. V.
134 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
D. Route No. 2 out of Unionville. Mr. Smith and his son Dwight carry
on general farming ami breed registered Hereford cattle from the Peer-
less herd of Herefords raised and bred in this county for years by his
father-in-law, George W. Dean.
On the 7th of January, 188^, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to .Miss
Ella Dean, her father being George \\\ Dean, a farmer and stockman of
Udell township, who is deceased and a sketch of whom appears on another
page of this volume. Mr. antl Mrs. Smith lune three children, Alta L.,
Dean and Dwight L.
Politically Mr. Smith is a republican. He is widely recognized as a
public-spirited and progressive citizen. Fraternally he is identified with
the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America at Unionville, while
he and his wife and daughter are all members of the Order of the Eastern
Star at that place. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their children belong
to the Methodist Episcopal church at Unionville, Mrs. Smith and her
daughter Alta forming the younger half of the four generations that are
active workers in that church. The life of Mr. Smith has been one of
continuous activity, characterized by close application, untiring persever-
ance and well directed effort, and success has come to him in substantial
measure.
WILLIAM H. BROW N.
One of the well known and highly esteemed residents of Centerville is
William H. Brown, who since igoo has been connected with the store
of M. B. Mating. He was born in Ogle county, Illinois, December 12,
1853, and is a son of David and Louisa (Brooks) Brown, the former a
native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. The father was a carpenter by
trade and in the '40s went to Ogle count}-, where he was connected with
building operations until 1899. He then removed with his familv to
Kansas when it was yet a territory and there worked at his trade in a
town called Black Jack, receiving fifty cents per day for his labor. After
two years they were driven out b}- the Indians and the famine, Mr. Brown
trading his homestead of one hundred and sixty acres for a team of horses,
harness and wagon, with which he traveled to Missouri. That was in
the spring of i860. Soon afterward he offered his services to the gov-
ernment as a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in Companj- D, 1 wenty-
second Missouri Cavalry, with which he remained for four and one-half
years, or until victory crowned the Union arms. He then returned to
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 135
Missouri, purchased a home and worked at his trade a part of the time
while the remainder of his time was devoted to general agricultural pur-
suits. He cultivated rented land in addition to his forty acre tract and
for a number of years he successfully carried on farming in that state.
In 1895, however, he came to Mystic, Appanoose county, where he lived
retired until his death, which occurred in April, 1899, when he was seven-
ty-live )ears of age, for he was born on the 9th ot February, 1824. His
wife, who was born January 10, 1823, passed away April 21, 1885.
William H. Brown was reared ami educated in Missouri and wlun
seventeen years of age began earning his living as a farm hand, in which
capacit} he was employed for two )ears. He was then married and began
his domestic life upon a rented farm in Appanoose count)', to which he
had removed in 1872. He carried on general agricultural pursuits here
for twelve years and then removed to Mystic, where he licgan mining
coal, continuing in that business for about hve years. Later he served a
four years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, at which he afterward
worked for about three years, when he returned to the mines, this time
as a pit carpenter. He was thus engaged at Rathbun tor tour \ears, after
which he removed to Centerville in 1900 and entered into his present
business connection.
Mr. Brown was married on the 1st of December, 1873, to Miss Louisa
J. O'Neil, a daughter of George W. and Corellia Ann (Potteroff) O'Neil.
The father, who followed farming in Appanoose county during the greater
part of his life, died in 1907, while the mother passed away in 1890. To
Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born seven children: John F.. who was
born February 19, 187^, and is engaged in farming in South Dakota:
Mona A., born November 24, 1876; Lyda .\., born NLirch 11. 187S:
Laura E., born May 15, 1881 ; George VV., born March 23, 1883; Thomas
C, born in September, 1884; and Mar}-, born .\ugust 11, 1887. The
wife and mother [xissed away in 1889 after a two }ears' illness and on
the 14th of January, 1893, ^^'"- Brown was again married, his second
union being with Miss Mary L. Mclntyre, a daughter of Alfred and Eliz:x-
beth E. (Gillespie) Mclnt\re, natives of Indiana. The father was a
farmer by occupation and at an early period in the development ot Monroe
county, Iowa, cast in his lot with its i)ioneer settlers and there he cultivated
a farm imtil 1866, when he came to Apjianoose count), purchasing forty
acres of land which he began to develop and improve, giving his attention
to its cultivation since. Most of the time he has also rented other laml.
He is living on the farm, at the age of eighty years, and his wife is seventy-
nine years of age. By the .second marriage of NFr. Brown there were
two children: Eiiirh I., who was born .August 17. 189^: and Ernest C.
136 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
who was born September 2, 1898, and lived only twelve da)s. Mrs.
Brown is a native of Monroe county, Iowa, born November 3, i860. .The
family residence, a comfortable home at No. 904 West State street, is
proverbial for its warm-hearted hospitality and good cheer. Mr. Brown
served as road commissioner of Lincoln township and while at Rathbun
was for four years a member of the school board. He has always been
actively interested in matters relating to the public weltare and gives
hearty and helpful aid to manj' movements for the general good. Politi-
cally he is a democrat, and his religious faith is that of the Methotlist
church. To his profession he is always loyal and his has been an hon-
orable, upright life, commending him to the good-will ot all who know
him.
SAMUEL P. HAYS.
Farming and bookkeeping occupied the attention of Samuel P. Hays
during his active business life and his was a well-earned success gained
through honorable methods and unfaltering enterprise. He was one of
the worthy citizens that the Keystone state furnished to Iowa, for his birth
occurred near Paris, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1844, his parents being
Davis and Martha (Campbell) Hays, both of whom were natives of Y'lr-
ginia. In the schools of his native city the son pursued his education until
necessity forced him to make his own wa}- in the world owing to his
father's failure in business, leaving the family in straitened circumstances,
so that he had to provide for his own support. He attended school in the
winter months, eagerly availing himself ot the opportunity' to acquire
an education and worked out in the summer seasons. When nineteen
years of age he went to California, where for seven }ears he worked in
the gold mines. He traveled by the water route to the Pacific coast and
after a long journey sought success in the gold fields. He met with
a gratifying measure of prosperit}-, earning the money that enabled him
eventually to purchase his laml in Appanoose count} . For seven jears he
continued upon the coast and then returned to his native state. In 1876
he came to Iowa, where he invested his savings in land, becoming owner of
one hundred and forty acres in Appanoose county, two and a half miles
east of Centerville. Upon that place he resided until 1894, when he
took up his abode in the county seat. He had carefully tilled and cul-
tivated his fields, making the place very productive and to his original
holdings he had added until within the boundaries of his farm were com-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 137
prised two liundred and twenty acres of land. On his removal to the
city he rented the farm and thus materially added to his income. On
taking up his abode in Centerville he accepted the position of botikkeeper
in the Wells & Bradley Mills, there continuing until 1902. The remain-
ing three }ears of his life were spent in quiet retirement and he passed away
on the 19th of April, 1905.
Mr. Ha)s was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family
and found his greatest pleasure in ministering to their comfort. In Octo-
ber, 1876, he wedded Wilhelmina Campbell, a daughter of Alexander
and Martha Campbell, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The father
made farming his life work and in the "60s arrived in Appanoose county,
Iowa, purchasing land a mile and a half east of Centerville. There he
and his wife lived imtil called to the home beyond and were numbered
among the worthj- and highly respected farming people of the community.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hays was celebrated in Chariton, Iowa,
and to them were born two children, Martha and Mary, the latter at home
with her mother. The elder daughter is the wife of John L. Wilson,
a nurseryman and lumber dealer of Centerville and they have two chil-
dren: Mabel, six years of age, attending Central school; and Samuel Hays
Wilson, five years of age.
Mr. Ha)s voted with the republican party and was ever loyal to its
teachings and its purposes, feeling that its platform contained the best
elements of good government. In early life he was a member of the
United Presbyterian church and later became a member of the Presby-
terian church at Centerville, to which his widow now belongs. In both
he served as elder. He lived an honorable, upright, Christian life, at all
times consistent, his actions being ever guided by his Christian belief. So
high were his ideals and motives and so honorable his actions that he com-
manded the regard and confidence of all wlio knew him and no resident
of Centerville was more justly honored and esteemed.
JAMES WILCOX.
James Wilcox is actively and successfully identified with the business
interests of Unionville as proprietor of a large livery stable and is justly
accounted one of the leading business men of the town. He is a native
son of Iowa, born at P<-iia, Marion county, September 12, 186^, his par-
ents being John and Sarah (Masters) Wilcox, the former a native of
New York and the latter of Ohio. The father of our subject was left
138 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
an or})han at an early age and was reared b\- a family in New York. In
Indiana his marriage occurred and afterward he removed to Illinois, where
for a number of years he engaged in farming. He came to Iowa in the
early '60s, locating on land in Marion count}-, and from there went to
Missouri, where he remained until his death, which occurred on the 14th
of August, 1893. The mother of our subject makes her home with her
son Philip, who is a well known farmer in Appanoose county.
James Wilcox acquired his education in the public schools of Prince-
ton, Missouri. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of
age, at which time he began his independent career, renting a farm which
he improved and developed tor a number of jcars. Later, however, he
purchased hft)- acres of land in Union township and moved upon his
property which some time afterward he sold and moved into Unionville,
having determined to devote his time to business pursuits. He spent
about twelve years dealing in timber but in igio purchased the livery
stable belonging to Frank Neff and this enterprise he has since conducted,
his energy and ability being rewarded by a patronage which is constantly
increasing in volume and importance.
In 1887 Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Delithia May
Edison, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Cooper) Edison, both natives
of Quincy, Illinois, and of English ancestry. The father was a success-
ful farmer and an honored veteran of the Civil war. His marriage
occurred in Illinois and afterward he moved with his wife to Mercer
county, Missouri, and from there to Grund}- count}, Kansas. Mrs. Jacob
Edison passed away in the latter state and after her death her husband
returned to Mercer county, where he is still residing. He was later
united in marriage to Miss Mar} A. Br}anf. who passed aw^n . ami in
1911 his third marriage occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have become
the parents of six children: Roy, who was born in December. 1887, and
who is engaged in farming in Aji])anoose count} ; Bertha, who was born
May 13, i88c), teaching in this county: James Ray. born April ig. 1H92;
Ralph E., whose birth occurred on the 29th of September, 1894. and who
graduated from the Unionville high school in 1912: Nina Gretchen. who
was born January 1, 1901, and who is attending school; and Greta Mar-
garet, born August 25, 1911.
Mr. Wilcox gives a stanch allegiance to the republican part} and has
held various township offices, and for several years was a member of the
school board. However, he never seeks political preferment, although
he is a most loyal and public-spirited citizen, giving active and hearty
support to public measures in whicli he believes. He belongs to Yeomen
lodge of Unionville, and with his wife attends the Methodist Episcopal
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 139
church. His salient characteristics are such as have gained him the regard
and good-will ot all with whom he has been associated through either
business or social relations and he is justly entitled to a foremost place
among the successful and representative men of Unionville.
JOSEPH W. CAL\'ERT.
Joseph W. Calvert has devoted much of his life to railway service and
for eighteen years has been station agent at Mystic where he is regarded
as a courteous and obliging official. He was born in Darlington, Lafay-
ette county, Wisconsin, December 13, 1858, and is a son ot John and
Lavinia (Chicken) Calvert. The father was a native of Durham county,
England, born March 28, 1822, and rht- mother's birth occurred
in Devonshire, England, in 1829. Crossing the Atlantic John Cal-
vert became a resident of Galena, Illinois, when twenty-three years
of age. At New Diggings, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, he formed the
acquaintance of Lavinia Chicken who when sixteen years of age came to
the United States with her parents with Chicago as their destination.
They went from that city to Shullsburg, Wisconsin, and in the latter city
the acquaintance was formed which resulted in marriage at Galena, Illi-
nois, on the 4th of July, 1847. Mr. Calvert was first employed in a
tannery at Galena, Illinois, spending a year in the service of the father
of U. S. Grant. He afterward worked in the lead mines during the early
development of mining interests at New Diggings. In his prospecting
he was successful and through his efforts in the Galena fields he accumu-
lated enough to purchase a farm in Willow Springs township, Lafayette
county, Wisconsin. He made his home upon that place until the death
of his wife in 1902, after which he removed to the city of Darlington,
Wisconsin, where he spent his remaining days, passing awa)- Januar)' 7,
1909. After he ceased his work in the mines his attention was given
exclusively to the development and improvement of a farm in a new
countr)-. This necessitated his meeting many hardships and privations
but he prospered in his undertaking with the result that his place became
one of the valuable farm properties of the county. He was actively
interested in the political situation of the state and aided in the election
of Dewey as the first governor. He Ik Kl ro an independent course in
politics, having supported candidates whom he thought best qualified for
office whether they were affiliated with the democratic or republican |)art\'.
He held membership in the Episcopal church and was one of its earnest
140 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
workers, unfaltering in his efforts to promote its growth and extend its
influence. Unto him and his wife were born eight children: Sarah A.,
living in Darlington, Wisconsin; John H., of Whitewater, Wisconsin;
Robert C, of Lucerne, Missouri; Hannah A., who died at the age of five
years; Joseph W., of this review; Mrs. Ella E. Tighe, a widow living
in Darlington, Wisconsin; P>emont A., who is occupying the old home-
stead near Darlington; and Prudence E., the wife of William Godfrey,
a prosperous farmer living near Darlington.
Joseph W. Calvert remained with his parents until seventeen years
of age, spending his youth in the usual manner of farm lads, his summer
months being devoted to the work of the fields and the winter seasons to
the acquirement of an education in the district school. Desirous, how-
ever, of enjoying better educational opportunities he was for three years,
between the ages of seventeen and twenty years, a student in the State
Normal School at Platteville, Wisconsin. He spent the next eighteen
months in traveling through the west and in pioneering in Colorado. At
length, however, he returned to Wisconsin, where he took up railroading
as an employe of the Mineral Point Railroad Company. He acted as
clerk to the general superintendent, George W. Cobb, until the road was
sold to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company in 1879.
He has since been with the latter corporation which he has represented
as agent and assistant traveling auditor. He has hlled the position of
agent for the past thirty }'ears, spending four years of that time at Sey-
mour, two jears at Chillicothe, Missouri, and short periods at Braymer,
Lawson and Liberty, Missouri. He came to Mystic eighteen years ago
and as station agent in this place he has rendered very satisfactory service
to the public as well as to the company. To the patrons of the road he
is always courteous and pleasant, while to the corporation he represents
he is ever loyal.
On the 30th of May, 1886, in Onawa, Iowa, Mr. Calvert was married
to Miss Elizabeth B. Clemmer, who was born in Monroe, Green county,
Wisconsin, in 1867, a daughter of Dr. J. N. Clemmer. The eight children
of this marriage are: Mabel Elizabeth, residing at Faith, South Dakota:
Hazel May, who is the wife of Earl E. Jones, of Lucerne. Missouri ;
John William, a brakeman with the Great Northern Railro;ui Company,
living at Havre, Montana; Blanch A., student in the Centerville high
school; Daniel Webster, also in school; Sarah Marie; ^Llio^ Clemmer;
and Reta.
Mr. Calvert has been a lifelong republican and a most active worker
in support of the party. For the jxist four Acars he has been chaimian
of the republican county central committee and at different times and in
HISTORY OF APrANOOSE COUNTY 141
different places he has capably filled various local offices. He was mayor
of Braymer, township trustee at Seymour and has held other local posi-
tions. In fact he has alwajs been an earnest worker in behalf of civic
interests, seeking ever to promote reform and progress and to secure the
practical adoption of high ideals. He is prominent in the Masonic fra-
ternity and has been honored with most of the offices in the local or^janiza-
tion with which he is connected. He now holds membership with Walnut
Lodge, No. 588, A. F. & A. M., has taken the chapter degree at Seymour
and is a member of St. John's Commandery at Centerville and Kaaba
Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport. He is a member of the
Elks Lodge, No. 347, at Ottumwa, Iowa, and he filled all the chairs in
the subordinate lodge of the Knights of Pythias but is not affiliated there-
with at the present time. He was captain of the Uniformed Rank at
Liberty, Missouri, for two years, and has been very active in the different
fraternal organizations with which he was or is connected. He believes
thoroughly in the beneticent principles which underlie these organizations
and exemplifies in his life the spirit of mutual helpfulness and brotherly
kindness.
WILLIAM I. MORRISON.
William I. Morrison is a leading merchant of Appanoose county, con-
ducting a turniture and hardware business in Unionville, where he carries
a large stock and has a well appointed store. This county numbers him
among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Udell township, Jan-
uary 3, 1873. His parents were Irvin Andrew and Amanda (Noland)
Morrison, of whom mention is made on another page ot this work. Spend-
ing his youthful days under the parental roof, William I. Morrison
pursued a public school education, which was continued until lie li;ui
mastered the branches of learning taught in the Unionville high school.
His early experiences were those which come to the farm boy and after
he had put aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work of further
developing and improving the old home place up to the time of his mar-
riage. He then began farming on his own anoimr and wlicn he iiad
saved a sufficient sum from his earnings he [)urchased eight} acres, his
wife having the same amount, making one humlred and sixty acres of
land on section 22, Union township. This he carefully and systematically
cultivated and success further attended his labors, so that in igot; he was
enabled to purchase an additional tract of one hundreti and twenty acres
142 HISTORY OP APPANOOSE COUNTY
situated on section 3, Udell township, troni William Bra}'. To that
farm he removed and still makes his home there. At a later date he
sold eighty acres of his first farm, but he still owns two hundred acres of
rich and valuable land in this county and his home place is a well improved
property which he operates himself. On the 1st of June, IQU, in part-
nership with his brother-in-law, John Moore, he purchased the under-
taking, furniture and hardware business of J. R. Stewart, formerly the
property of A. T. Bishop. As one of the owners of this store, Mr. Morri-
son is accounted one of the leading merchants of Unionville. They carry
a large and well selected line of goods, their prices are reasonable ami
their business methods honorable and straightforward. In 1907 Mr.
Morrison went to Stanley county. South Dakota, where he homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres of land, and after making all payments upon
this place he gave it in trade as part payment upon his store. He is an
energetic, enterprising business man, carefully utilizing his opportunities,
and his keen discernment and sound judgment are important features in
his success.
Mr. Morrison was united in marriage August 22, 1895, to Miss Essie
B. Voorhees, a daughter of Richard D. and Maggie (Middleton) Voorhees,
who were natives of New Jersey and Ohio respectively. The father was
a farmer by occupation but at the time of the Civil war put aside all
business and personal considerations to aid in the struggle tor the preserva-
tion of the Union. Both he and his wife removed to Illinois with their
respective parents during childhood and were there reared and married.
In the late '60s they came to Appanoose county and Mr. \'oorhees began
farming in Udell township, owning at the time of his death two hundred
acres of productive and well improved land. He remained upon this
farm until his death in February, 1905, after which his widow took up
her abode in Unionville, where she is now living. Their daughter, Mrs.
Morrison, was born in Appanoose county, June 21. 1871. The marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison has been blessed with seven children, as follows:
Byrl M., who completed the course of study in the Centerville high school
in 191 1 ; Merrill B., Sunbeam, Enid, Richard and James, all of whom are
attending school; and Wayne.
Mr. Morrison votes with the democratic party and, keeping well in-
formed on the questions and issues of the day, is able to support his
position by intelligent argument. He served as township trustee of Union
township for about five years and for several years was a member of the
school board. His official duties have always been promptly and capably
performed and he is interested in the welfare and upbuilding of township
and county. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church
HISTORY OF ArM'ANOOSE COUNTY 143
and rhtir lives are in harnion\- with their professions. Mr. Morrison is
accounted one of the enterprising business men of his community, care-
fully and capably directing his interests and activities with the result that
success is now his, in substantial and desirable measure.
HOWARD F. McDonald.
Howard F. McDonald, a man of strong and torceful individuality,
has at an early age worked his wa} upward to an important place in busi-
ness circles of Centerville and each step in his career has brought him a
broader outlook and wider opportunities. He has carefully noted and used
his ad\antages for progress and is today one ot the successful men. oi his
part of the county, being engaged in the shoe business and otherwise in-
rtuentially associated with the general business life of his community.
He is a native of Appanoose county, having been born in Walnut town-
ship, April 6, 1880. His parents are George W. and Sarah A. (Longl
McDonald, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Missouri.
The father of our subject came to Iowa with his parents when he was still
a child, settling in Appanoose county in 1853. He grew to maturity in
that section and was educated in the public schools, engaging in farm-
ing after laying aside his books. He first rented a forty acre tract and was
so successtul in its development and cultivation that he was later able
to buy the property, which he im{>roved until igoo. From time to time
he bought more land and added it to his original tract, his holdings finally
comprising six hundred and sixty acres. This farm he developed until
his retirement in 1900, \\ Ik n he moved to Centerville, where he has resided
since that time. He owns a great deal ot town property, holding the title
to five residences in the town limits.
In the acquirement of an education Howard F. McDonald attended
the public schools of Walnut township and was graduated from the Center-
\ille high school. .After this he began his active business career,
securing emplo\nient in a wholesale grocery conducted by T. R.
Riggs and he continued in this position for some months. Later
he was employed in the shoe store conducted by R. A. McKec and retained
this connection tor two jears. In November, 1903, he accepted a [losi-
tion with the First National Bank as collector and his ability, energ)- and
industry soon gained him advancement to the position of assistant cashier.
During this time he was also secretary of the Citizens Coal Com[>any. In
1908 he resigned his position with the First National Bank and accepted
144 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
his former position in the shoe store operated by K. A. McKee. He did
able work as a salesman until September 16, 1910, when he j)urchased
the shoe business formerly conducted bj- T. L. Greenleaf, which he has
managed since that time. He carries a large and well assorted stock,
the lines of which are kept up-to-date and complete, and he enjoys a large
patronage. In business affairs he has been found practical as well as
progressive, and his energy and determination have enabled him to over-
come all obstacles and difRculties in his path. He owns a beautiful mod-
ern home in North Ninth street in Centerville and has valuable property
holdings in Boise City, Idaho. He is also connected with some of the
most important business enterprises in Centerville, being a stockholder
in the Mutual Telephone Company and also in the Centerville Gypsum
Company.
On May 30, 1910, Mr. McDonald married Miss Myra M. Simpson,
a daughter of Andy M. and Hattie (Powers) Simpson. The father came
to Iowa in pioneer times and operated a farm in Washington county until
1906, when he came to Appanoose county and purchased two hundred
and forty acres which he is developing and improving.' Mr. and Mrs.
McDonald are the parents of one child, Marion B., who is now sixteen
months old.
Fraternally Mr. McDonald belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks. His religious views are in accord with those of the Christian
church, and politically he adheres to the democratic party. In business
he is progressive, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he
undertakes and utilizing the opportunities that are presented for progress,
and he has thus gained a creditable position in business circles and the
honor, respect and esteem of his manv friends.
GEORGE E. CI.TMTE.
George E. Climie, one of the well known and representative citizens
of Centerville, has spent his entire life in this county and in former years
was actively and successfully identified w ith agricultural pursuits. Since
1902, however, he has been engaged in business as a dealer in pianos and
in this connection has enjoyed a gratifying patronage. His birth occurred
on a farm six miles east of Centerville on the 1st of April, 1867, his
parents being Andrew and Araminta (Loop) Climie, who were of Irish
and Scotch descent respectiveh'. The father was born in Canada in
January, 1835, while the mother's birth occurred in that countr\- on the
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 145
26th of October, 1838. Andrew Cliinie came to Iowa as a young man
but at the end of a year returned to Canada and was there married. In
1858 he removed to \an Buren county, this state, and the following year
came to Appanoose county, entering one hundred and sixty acres of land.
As his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and
capable management, he extended the boundaries of his farm by purchase
imtil it comprised several hundred acres. He was actively engaged in
the work of the' fields until 1909, when he disposed of his land and took
up his abode in Cehterville, where his demise occurred in 191 1. His wife
was called to her final rest in 1910. Both were devoted and consistent
members of the Baptist church of Centerville. Andrew Climie was a
resident of Appanoose county for more than a half century and gained a
wide acquaintance as one of its honored pioneer settlers.
George E. Climie obtained his early education in the district schools
and later continued his studies in the Centerville high school. Subse-
quently he spent five terms as a district school teacher and then purchased
a farm of three hundred acres in Vermillion township, being successfully
engaged in its operation until 1898. In that year he was elected sheriff
of Appanoose count}-, leased his farm and came to Centerville. On the
expiration of his first term as sheriff he was reelected, ably serving in
that capacity for four years. In 1902 he embarked in his present busi-
ness, having since handled the Chase. Kimball, Milton, Hammond,
W'inktl, Kohlcr, Campbell ami Cliirkcriiig [jianos. He is likewise a stock-
holder in the Mutual Telephone Company of Centerville and has long
been numbered among the prosperous business men and substantial citizens
of his native county.
In 1890 Mr. Climie was imited in marriage to Miss Lottie Dale, a
daughter of James and Malinda (Long) Dale, natives of Indiana. The
father was born in Madison county in 1840, while the mother's natal
}ear was 1843. James Dale came to Appanoose county, Iowa, when a
youth of seventeen and it was here that he married Miss Malinda Long,
w ho had come to this county about the same time. Throughout his active
business career he was engaged in farming and stock buying and became
one of the most extensive landowners of the county, owning twelve him-
tlred acres ot well improved and valuable land at the time of his demise.
He made a specialty of raising and shipping cattle on an extensive scale
and retired from active business in 1899, coming to Centerville. where he
made his home until called to his final rest on the 2d of Januar), 1902.
After losing his first wife, in 1863, he married Miss Ida Bobo. who passed
away a tew years later. Subsequently he wetldcd Miss Sarah Kirkman,
who survives him and resides in Cent< rviilc. Mr. and Mrs. Climie have
146 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
two cliildren, namely: Clyde, who was born on the loth of October,
1891, and is employed as clerk in the store of J. J. Frankel at Centerville;
and Llo}d Dale, who was born September 8, 1894, and is now a senior
in Centerville high school.
Mr. Climie gives his political allegiance to the republican party and
fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and
the Modern Woodmen of America. He is interested in various measures
relating to public progress and improvement and his cooperation can be
counted upon to further projects for the general good, jet his time and
attention are chiefly concentrated upon his business affairs. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Climie have always lived in Appanoose county and have an
extensive circle of friends here. 7
IRMX ANDREW MORRISON.
Irvin Andrew Morrison, who is living in retirement in Unionville
after having spent thirty-eight years in agricultural pursuits and stock-
raising in Union township, is a native son of Appanoose county, born Feb-
ruary 25, 1847. His parents were Andrew and Mary (Byers) Morrison,
the former a native of Ireland who came to the United States with his
mother when he was still a child, locating in Pennsylvania. The mother
of our subject was a native of that state, born in Mercer county, Novem-
ber 11, 1812, of an old New England family. The parents married in
the Keystone state and in 1846 removed to Appanoose county, where the
father took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Udell
township. With characteristic energy he cleared the property, put the un-
broken soil under the plow and gradually developed a model agricultural
enterprise. He remained upon his property until his death, which occurred
in 1874, being long survived by his wife, who passed away in 1890. To
their union were born eight children: Caroline and William Calvin, both
deceased; John D., a retired merchant of Topeka, Kansas; Elizabeth and
James H., both of whom have passed away; Irvin Andrew, of this review;
Marv, who married John McMurray, a fruit raiser of .\uburn. California;
and Esther, the wife of James Leitzell, a farmer of Altamont, Illinois.
Irvin .Andrew Morrison acquired his education in the subscription and
public schools of Appanoose county and grew up on his father's farm,
becoming early familiar with the pioneer conditions which then existed
and with the details of practical argriculture. In 1869 he and his two
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 149
brothers purchased two hundred acres of land on section 23, Union town-
ship. Later Mr. Morrison purchased his brothers' interests and to this
tract added eighty acres, of which he afterward sold forty. I'pon the
remainder of the tract tor a number ot jears he engaged in general farm-
ing which he abandoned in 1907, when he rented the farm and came
to Unionville, where he {purchased a beautiful home in which he lives
retired. He owns two hundred and forty acres on section 23, Udell town-
ship, upon which he has made all the necessary improvements and to
which during the days of his activity he gave his earnest attention, making
it one of the most valuable properties in this part of the county.
In 1870 Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Noland,
a daughter of Joshua and Frankie ( Lowe) Noland, both of whom were
born in Estill county, Kentucky, the former on the 22d of February,
1812, and the latter on the 10th of January, 1814. The father was of
English, French and German ancestry and the mother of Scotch, Irish
and Dutch stock. Her ancestry can be traced back in a direct line to Joe
Proctor, the noted Indian fighter of Kentuck}-. Joshua Noland was a
tanner and followed this occupation in Kentucky until after his marriage,
which occurred in 1852. He then came to Davis county, Iowa, and bought
one hundred and sixty acres of land, to whicli he later added, acquiring
in all two hundred acres. He remained upon this [)ro[5erty until his death,
which occurred April 4, 1884. His wife survived him only a few weeks,
dying on the 20th of the same month in the same year. To their union
were born seven children: Mary E., John N., William and Ann. all of
whom are deceased; Amanda, the wife of the subject of this review; Daniel,
who makes his home in Big Eddy, Oregon: and Samuel, a merchant of
Everdell, Minnesota.
Mr. Morrison's married life has been singularl) happy and during the
tortv-three years of its continuance he has found in his wife a charmin"
companion and a loyal helpmate. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have six chil-
tlren and twenty-eight grandchildren, all of whom are worthy of the
honored name they bear. Their eldest daughter, Frankie, who was born
July 14, 1871. is the wife of Walter Whistler, a farmer of Udell town-
ship. William M., born January 3, 1873, '^ a merchant in I'nionville.
NFary, born June 4, 1874, became the wife of Andrew Eslinger, of Foster,
Monroe county, and is deceased. Samuel, born July 22, 1876, is employed
in a florist's shop at Des Moines. Walter, bom August 21, 1878, is assist-
ing his father in the operation of the home farm. The youngest daughter,
Lucy Ann, was born September 8, 1883. She is the wife of John O.
.Moore, a merchant of Unionville. NFr. and Mrs. Morrison are members
ot the Methodist church.
150 HISTORY Ul'" Ai'l'AXUOSE COUNTY
Mr. Morrison gives his allegiance to the democratic party and has
served as trustee of Union township for a number of years and has also
been a member of the school board. He is well known throughout Ap-
panoose county, where his entire life has been spent, and after his long,
useful and active career can look back without regret on a life, whose
purposes have always been high and sincere.
HENRY T. PHILLIPS.
Henrv T. Phillips will long be remembered as one of the most active
and successful merchants of Unionville and as a man of unusual ability
whose judgment was seldom at fault and whose fidelity to trust and high
sincerity of purpose were never questioned. For fifty-two years he was a
resident of Appanoose county and here his entire active career was spent,
terminating with his death on the i6th of April, 1911. Mr. Phillips
was born in Lexington, Indiana, August 17, 1844, a son of James H. and
Elizabeth (Robertson) Phillips, the former a native of Montgomery
county, Kentucky, where his birth occurred on August 19, 1820. When
he was a year old he was brought by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brannock
Phillips, to Jefferson county, Indiana, and in 1831 he removed to Jennings
county in the same state, where he subsequently entered the mercantile
business, continuing in it until 1854. In that year he moved into Iowa,
locating in Appanoose county, and in 1862 took up his residence in Union-
ville, where he conducted a general store until his death, which occurred
in 1875. He married in 1843 Miss Elizabeth Robertson, who was bom
in Jefferson county, Indiana, in 1823, the youngest daughter of one of
the earliest pioneer settlers in that part of the state. Four children were
born to their union: Henry T., the subject of this review; Mary E., bom
in 1847; Emma J., born in 1850; and Eddie M.. born in 1866. The
father of our subject was for many years postmaster of L^nionville and
proved himself a capable and efficient public servant. His father. Bran-
nock Phillips, was a member of the state legislatures of Indiana and Iowa.
Henry T. Phillips attended district school and supplemented this by a
course in the Burlington (Iowa) Business College. He made his first loca-
tion in this state in i860, when he accepted a position in his father's store
at Eddyville, Iowa. This he held until the 9fh of August, 1863. when he
enlisted in the Thirty-sixth Iowa \'olunteer Infantry, although he was not
yet nineteen years of age. However, he was stricken with typhoid fever
and prevented by his serious illness from joining his command. When he
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 151
recovered he and his father came to Unionville and opened a general
store, with the conduct of which Mr. Phillips of this review was asso-
ciated until he was again able to offer his services to his country. He
enlisted in 1864 in the Forty-seventh Iowa N'olunteer Infantry and was
mustered into service on June 4, serving until the end of the war. After
his honorable discharge he returned to Unionville and again resumed the
conduct of his mercantile enterprise, with which he was identified from
that time until his death. No breath of suspicion was ever cast u})on
the integrity of his business methods or the honor of his character and his
name stood always as a synonym for upright and straightforward dealings
and was honortd and respected wherever it was known. Mr. Phillips
passed away on the 16th of .April, 1911, and after his demise his son
Ralph, who for several jears previous to this had been associated with
him, remained in charge of the concern, buying out the interest of his
uncle, Edward Phillips, and today he is one of the leading merchants
of Unionville.
On .August 17, 1869. Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss
Martha J. Sawyers, a daughter of Elisha and Emma E. (Stinson) Sawyers,
the former born in Rockbridge, \'irginia, on the 7th of January, 1805.
He later moved into Tennessee and after his marriage in that state, on
the 15th of February, 1831, followed the tailor's trade there for some
years, coming to .Appanoose county in 1847 as one of the pioneer settlers.
He entered land in Udell townshij) and upon it carried on general farming
until his death, which occurred ar the advanced age of ninety-seven years.
His wife was born near Charlotte, North Carolina. She was badly in-
jured in a runaway accident at West Grove, Iowa, in 1871. and died
from the effects of the accident. Her daughter, the wife of the subject
of this review, was born in Giles county, Tennessee, and was one of the
earliest settlers in Udell township. Her grandfather, Alexander Stinson,
married Miss Elizabeth Bradley and her grandmother on the paternal
side was Miss I<"li7.abeth Pa.xton. who could trace her ancestry back to
the year 1250 A. D., at which time the family was entitled to bear a coat
of arms. Mrs. Phillips attended school in Centerville, studying in the old
courthouse when it had two rooms, one upstairs anti one downstairs. Mr.
and Mrs. Phillips became the parents of four children. The eldest. Ralph.
was born on the 3d of May, 1870. He is proprietor of the store formerlv
()[)erated by his father and is one of the representative business men of
Unionville. He is prominent in religious circles, being a member and
trustee of the Presbyterian church. Ray, a twin of Ralph, passed away
when two weeks old. Estella Elizab<th was born June 17. 1876. She
married -Arthur L. Lyon, superintendent of schools of Humeston. and
152 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
they have two children: Carolyn Elizabeth, born October 20, 1905; and
Leonard Phillips, born November 7, 1909. The fourth child born to
Mr. and Mrs. Phillips was a son, who died in infancy.
Fraternally Mr. Phillips belonged to the blue lodge in Masonr>- and
was prominent in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic. He
affiliated with the rejniblican party from the time he cast his first vote
and served as clerk of Udell township until within a few years of his
death. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
was in hearty sympathy with all movements, social or religious, which
had as their object improvement and advancement. He was a fine
example of an honorable and loyal citizen, actuated always by worthy
ideals which he successfully applied to the practical duties of life.
SAMUEL D. KNOX.
Samuel D. Knox is proprietor of a harness business in Mystic, with
which line of trade he has been continuously connected since 1884, al-
though his present enterprise was not established until 1891. He was born
in Keokuk county, Iowa, where the town of Hedrick now stands, on the
5th of February, 1851, his parents being William 1). and Amanda J.
(Doughty) Knox. The mother was born in Indiana, May 26, 1826, while
the father's birth occurred in that state, December 12, 1822. They were
married in Iowa on the 15th of November, 1846, and throughout the
entire period of their married life, save for two years spent in Hancock
county, Illinois, they resided in Jefferson county, Iowa. He followed
both farming and merchandising and his was an active, usetul lite. His
wife passed away in 1880. In their family were five children: John M.,
who is a resident of Winheld, Kansas; Washington W., living in Abing-
don, Iowa; Samuel D., of this review; Arthur M., who died in infancy;
and Norris S., who makes his home in Rock Island, Illinois.
Samuel D. Knox resided with his parents in Jefferson county, with
the exception of two years spent in Illinois, up to the time when he came
to Appanoose count)-. He learned the harness-making trade in Abingdon,
and applying himself closely to the business became a good workman.
He has been engaged in that line of trade since 1884 and on the 13th of
November, i8gi, he came to Mystic where he has since made his home.
He is now one of the oldest residents of the town, which was founded in
1887 — four years before his arrival. He has figured continuously as a
factor in its commercial enterprise for twenty-one Aears and is a wide-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 153
awake, alert, energetic business man, who closely watches and utilizes his
opportunities for the attainment of success.
In politics Mr. Knox is a democrat, having closely adhered to the
principles ot the party since ape conferred upon him the right of franchise.
He served as postmaster in Abingdon under President Cleveland's first
administration ami he has been mayor of Mystic for one term. He is
well known in fraternal circles, having been identified with the Masons
for twenty-one years and is a past master ot Walnut Lodge, No. 588.
A. F. & A. M. of My>ric. His iilcnrification with the Odd Fellows dates
from October, 18H4. ami he is a niemher of Marwin Lodge, No. ^^s, of
Mystic. In his lite he is loyal to the teachings of these organizations,
recognizing the duties and obligations of his fellowmen and extending to
them a hel[iing hanil when occasion arises.
LE\\IS WEST.
Lewis West, whose famih are now residing in Appanoose county, was
horn in Clinton county, Ohio, December 10, 1829, his parents being Har-
mon and Lucinda West. The father, who was a farmer by occupation,
never left his native state but after his death his widow came to Iowa and
for a time made her home with her son Lewis. Later, however, she returned
to Ohio and her last days were spent in Clinton county.
The educational op[iortunities enjoyed by Lewis ^^'est were those
afforded by the public schools of his native state and after he had put
aside his text-books he learned the carpenter's trade and subsequently took
up building and contracting. Removing westward, he settled first at Gales-
burg, Illinois, where for several years he engaged in carjientering, and
then came to Iowa, establishing his home in Mahaska county, where he
became acquainted with and married Miss Sarah Ann Gray, the wedding
being celebrated on the iSrh ot Sejitember, 18^6. Mrs. West is of Scotch
ilescent. Her grandfather. William (ira)-. came from Scorlaiul to rlic
new world and settled in Tennessee. He was a saddler by trade and long
followed that pursuit. He lived to the remarkable old age of one humlred
years, while his wife, Mrs. .Ann Gray, reached tlie advanced age of ninety-
five years. Their son Taswell Gray was born in Tennes.see and learned the
tanner's trade but became a minister of the German Baptist or Dunkard
church. He afterward not only worked at his trade but engaged in preach-
ing the gospel, and his influence was a potent force for good in many com-
munities in which he lived. He was born October 26. 1811, and after
154 HISTORY OF APl'AXOOSE COUNTY
arriving at years of maturity wedded Priscilla Dillman, who was born
in \'irginia, November 14, 1808, and was descended trom New England
and Irish ancestry. They were married in Ohio and in 1855 came to
Iowa, settling upon a farm in Mahaska county, which Mr. Gray pur-
chased. He carefully and systematically tilled his helds and also con-
tinued his church work, establishing a number of Dunkard churches in
different parts of the state. At length, because of his wite's tailing health,
he sold the farm and removed to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he
purchased other land. When the Civil war was at its height, however,
rendering existence in that district perilous, they left the border state
of Missouri and took up their abode in Udell township, Appanoose county,
where Mr. Gray invested in eighty acres of land, which he cultivated tor
a time but afterward removed to Unionville, where both he and his wife
passed away, the latter dying September 2, 1883. Their children were
eight in number but only three are now living: Mrs. Lewis West; Mrs.
Hannah West, of Lancaster, Missouri ; and Albert Gray, a resident farmer
of Udell township.
It was subsequent to his marriage that Lewis West removed to Mis-
souri, where he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when
he came to Appanoose county and settled on a farm south of Unionville.
He rented land there for seven years, after which he went to Schuyler
county, Missouri, where he invested in one hundred and sixty acres, upon
which he lived until his death January 27, 1882. At the time of his
demise he was preparing to return to Appanoose county, expecting to make
his home in Udell township. He had sold his Missouri farm, had packed
his goods and was ready to come to Iowa when he was taken ill and
passed away. His widow carried out their plans, removing to Appanoose
county and taking charge of the farm which her husband had purchased
in Udell township. After a year, however, she rented the land and came
to Unionville, where she purchased a lot and built a new home, which
she now occupies. She still owns the farm of one hundred and twenty
acres, from which she derives a good rental.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. West were born two children. Alfred H.. whose
birth occurred in Mahaska county, August 1 1, 18^7, is now living at Las
Vegas, New Mexico, and for twentj-five years has been a railroad con-
ductor. He married Miss Nettie Ely, and they have two children, Ever-
ett and Nellie. Albert, a twin brother of Alfred, is an invalid in the
State Hospital at Mount Pleasant. Mrs. West ado[ned a daughter, Clara,
the daughter of William West, her husband's brother, the mother having
died when the child was only eight da)s old. Clara ^^'est grew to voung
womanhood knowing Mrs. Lewis West as a mother and is as dear to her
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 155
as an own chiltl could be. She became the wife of Frank Crow, of Ottum-
wa, Iowa, and the}' have five children, Bertha, Alfred, Mary, Jessie and
Dorothy.
Lewis West is remembered by many of the older settlers of Appanoose
county. He was one of the pioneer residents of the state and took active
and helpful part in its early development, sharing in the hardships and
privations of pioneer life and doing all in his power to promote the improve-
ment and upbuilding of the district in which he lived. For a year atter
his marriage he and his wife were living north of Oskaloosa, at which
time the Indians were numerous but were always friendly. They often
brought prairie chickens to Mrs. West. While residing in that locality
Mr. West was a member of the Odd Fellows locfge at Oskaloosa. His
political allegiance was given to the republican party and at one time
he was a member of the Dunkard church of ITdell township, with which
his widow is still connected. He lived an upright, honorable life and
left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
GEORGE C. ELLIOTT.
George C. Elliott, serving for the fourth term as clerk ot the courts
of Appanoose county, has a record as a public official which any man might
well envy, for in his long connection with public office capability, efficiency
and promptness have ever characterized his service. He was born in
Drakcsville, Davis county, Iowa, in May, 1874, his parents being John
and Nancy ( Morgan) Elliott. The father was born in Washington county,
Pennsylvania, September 30, 1837, and the mother's birth occurred in
Switzerland county, Indiana, March 25, 184). With his parents John
Elliott removed to Davis county, Iowa, in 18; 1, and there learned the
carpenter's trade, which he afterward toUowed until the outbreak of the
Civil war. He enlisted as a member ot Company A, Third Iowa Cavalry,
and was at the front until the close of hostilities, participating in many
hotly contested battles, in which he [iroved his loyalty to the old flag.
When the war was over he returnetl to Davis county and settled ujion a
farm owned by him and a brother. He then turned his attention to the
nursery business, which he conducted for six years, and on the expira-
tion of that period removed to Drakcsville, where he engaged in the lumber
and grain business, which he carried on with substantial success until 1882.
He then sold out and came to Centerville, accepting a position as travel-
ing salesman with the Osborn Machine Company, which he represented
156 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
for some time. He next turned his attention to the sale ot nursery stock,
in which business he continued tor a considerable period, atter which he
was called to public office, being elected county clerk of Appanoose county.
He tilled that position capably for four years and following his retire-
ment was elected and served as mayor of Centerville tor two years. Soon
afterward he was elected to the office of justice of the peace and served tor
two years. He likewise tilled the position of councilman for several terms
and in that connection exercised his official prerogatives in support of
many progressive public movements and reforms. Entering the insurance
field, he followed that business throughout his remaining days, passing
away March g, 1908, at the age of nearly seventy-one years. His widow
is living in Centerville with her son and daughter at No. 530 North Eighth
street. In the family were four children: Jennie, who was born in 1867
and died in 1873; Allie, who was born in 1870 and is at home with her
mother; George C, of this review; and Stella, who was born in 1879 and
is the wife of J. P. Mason, who is traffic superintendent for the Bell Tele-
phone Company at Des Moines.
George C. Elliott began his education in the schools of his native city
and when but a boy came with his parents to Centerville, where
he completed his public-school course. He was eighteen years of age when
his father appointed him to the position of deputy county clerk and he
thus obtained his initial experience in the office which he is now filling.
With his father's retirement from the position of clerk four years later
George C. Elliott entered the abstract business, in which he continued
for a year, and was then appointed deputy county treasurer under Noah
M. Scott, with whom he continued for four years, and was then again
appointed to the position under J. T. Sherrard. After eight years' service
in the treasurers office Mr. Elliott became delinquent tax collector and
so continued for several years. Prior to entering the treasurer's office he
was appointed county clerk to fill an unexpired temi of a year. \\'hen he
left the position of delintjuent tax collector he was once more deputy county
treasurer under J. A. Moss and on his retirement from the position was
elected county clerk. Since that time he has been thrice reelected — a fact
which stands as incontrovertible proof of his capability and fidelity. He
was called to the position for the fourth term in November, 1912, so that
he will remain the incumbent in the office until iqi v Mr. Elliott has
almost continuously filled public positions since eighteen years ot age
and over his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion ot evil.
He also has business interests, being secretary and treasurer of and owner
of a fourth interest in the Appanoose Abstract & Title Company of Center-
ville. He has never faltered in his allegiance to the republican party and
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 157
has always kept well intormed on the (juestions and issues of the day,
so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He is
well known in the membership of the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks, of which he is a worthy representative. He was reared in the Meth-
odist faith, his father having joined the church in 1868, becoming a most
active and earnest worker therein.
JOSIAH SAMl'EL WAILES, M. D.
Dr. Josiah Sanuiel Wailes, actively engaged in the practice of medicine
in Mystic, the toundation for his success being laid in a thorough course
of stud}' in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, is a
native of Wellsboro, Indiana, born June 21, 1848. His parents, John
Perry and Sarah (Wilson) Wailes, were both natives of Prince George
county, Maryland, but were married in Kentucky, where they remained
until 1830, when they removed to Indiana, living there for twenty years.
The father entered a tract of eighty acres ot wild land ami developed a
farm on which he eventually platted the town of Wellsboro, which bears
his name although a different spelling is followed. His wife was a grand-
daughter of James Wilson, one of the signers of the declaration of inde-
pendence. The year 1853 witnessed the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. J. P.
Wailes in Appanoose count), at which time they took up their abode in
Chariton township, where the)' remained for an extended period. About
three months before his death, however, John P. Wailes removed to Marion
county, Kansas, where he passed away October 11, 1882, at the age ot
eighty-seven years. The mother died on the old homestead farm in Chari-
ton township in August, 1861, when forty-one years of age. Mr. Wailes
had always followed farming, thus providing for the support of his fam-
ily, numbering a wife and nine children, namely: James W., deceased;
George W., a Civil war veteran who is now living retired in Mystic; Mary
Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen years; Margaret Ann, who is
the widow of Tilghman Davidson, and resides in Walnut township; Josiah
S. ; Lavinia, the wife of C. H. Hanson, of Florence, Kansas; Susan, the
wife of A. L. Whitlock, also of Florence; John P., living in Piano, .Appa-
noose county; and Sarah, who tiied at the age of four years.
Dr. Wailes was a lad of five summers when he came w irh his parents
to Iowa. He resiiled in .Appanoose county until 1874 and in that jieriod
acquired a good public-school eiiucation. He was reared to farm life and
early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring
158 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
for the crops. He was twenty-six years of age when he left Iowa for
Marion county, Kansas, where he remained for a number of years, when he
returned to Appanoose county. In the meantime he had practiced medicine
for fifteen years in Kansas, receiving a state certificate which permitted his
following the profession. Wishing, however, the benefits of further college
training he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk and
was graduated therefrom in 1889. It was at that time that he returned
to Appanoose county where he has since practiced with good success. He
is a member of the Appanoose and Wayne Counties Medical Societies and
at all times he keeps in close touch with the advancement that is being
made by the profession as scientific investigation adds to the knowledge
of its representatives.
In 1871 Dr. Wailes was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Cross,
a native of Bartholomew county, Indiana, with whom he traveled life's
journey for twenty-eight }ears, being then separated by the death of the
wife in Mystic in 1898 when she was fifty- four years of age. They were
the parents of the following children: William M., who is living in \'an
Wert, Iowa; Ida, the wife of LaFayette Bates, a resident of Mystic; Mabel,
who is the widow of James Wakefield and is living in Mystic; Ellen, the
wife of R. B. McMahan, of Mystic; Myrtle, who died in Kansas at the age
of four years; and Lizzie, the wife of Charles Morman, of Mystic.
Dr. Wailes on attaining his majority gave his political allegiance to
the republican party and remained thereafter one of its supporters until
about twenty years ago, when he joined the ranks of the democratic party.
He has, however, never sought nor desired public office. He holds mem-
bership with the Foresters and with the Yeomen and he is interested in
all matters of public-spirited citizenship. He holds to high standards in
his professional service, gives his patrons the benefit of conscientious and
earnest effort and has long been accorded a liberal patronage.
EUGENE G. WENT WORTH.
Eugene G. Wentworth, owner of coal deposits extending under one
hundred and twenty acres in Center township and well known in this part
of Appanoose county as an extensive and successful coal operator, was
born in Elliott, Maine, on the 13th of February, 1856. He is a son of
Cyrus G. and Sarah C. (Bartlett) Wentworth, the former bom in Lebanon,
Maine, December 18, 1827, and the latter in Elliott, in the same state.
Both were of English ancestry, the Wentworth family having been founded
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 159
in America by William Wentworth, who came from Great Britain early
in the seventeenth century and settled in New England. The father of
our subject was a brick manufacturer, a contractor and builder and worked
at all of these occupations in Maine until 1848, when he went to Cali-
fornia and worked in the mines for two years. In 1850 he returned to
his native state and was there married, coming in 1857 to Iowa and locat-
ing at Centerville. Here he worked at brick manufacturing for a num-
ber of years but in i860 went to Boise City, Idaho, and engaged in freight-
ing, driving oxen from that city to Walla Walla, Washington. In 1863
he returned to Centerville and a few years later, in partnership with Joseph
(toss, opened a brickyard here. Their association continued for three
years, at the end of which time Mr. Goss sold out his interest to his part-
ner, who conducted the enterprise alone for some time. Later he became
engaged in contracting and building and in this relation was identified
with the construction of some of the most important business and resi-
dence structures in the city and to a great extent built Centerville. He
erected the First National Bank and two other buildings for important
financial institutions as well as a great many private residences. He con-
tinued to engage successfully in this line of work until a tew years previous
to his death, which occurred September 29, 1906. His wife passed away
on the 26th of December, 1907. The father of our subject was a keen
and able business man and always quick to recognize true business oppor-
tunities. As a result he noted the rising value of Appanoose county lands
and invested in them extensively, owning at the time of his death one
hundred and twenty acres of valuable coal propery in Center township,
which he leased to the Rock \'alley Coal Company. He was prominent
in fraternal circles, being a member of the blue lodge of Masons and
Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., at Centerville.
Eugene G. W^entworth acquired his education in the public schools ol
Appanoose county and in the Centerville high school, and he remained
with his father until he was twenty years of age. In that year he began
his business career and through the successive stages of progress and develop-
ment, through many changes in location and interests, has advanced step
by step until he is now one of the leading business men in this part of the
county. At first he entered the drug store belonging to Dr. Stephen
Wright in Centerville and there studied phannacy for three years,
iiecoming skilled and expert in this science. He eventually purchased
a half interest in the business and two years later, when Dr. Wright
sold his stock to S. S. Cole, conducted the concern with the new partner
for one year. At the end of that time, however, he sold his interest to
Mr. Cole and went to Essex, Iowa, where h<' obtained nnployinent in the
160 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
drug store owned by Mr. Barlow. After eighteen months he returned to
Centerville and after working one year for his lather removed to Guthrie
Center, Iowa, and there clerked in the drug store for A. 1). Lcmnion,
working in his interests for three years. When he again returned to
Centerville he secured a position as clerk in J. W. Clark's drug store and
made such good use of his opportunities that he was later able to purchase
his employer's interest. The store was located near the Burlington station
and there Mr. Wentworth continued in business for three years, after which
he moved upon the farm in Center township, which belonged to his father.
Atter a short time, however, he abandoned agricultural pursuits and estab-
lished himself in the grocery business in partnership with Tom Manson,
continuing in this connection for one year and a half. In 1911 he recalled
the lease on his coal mines from the Rock Valley Coal Company and has
since operated the coal mines himself. In this he has met with gratifying
success, being regarded as one of the most substantial as well as one of
the most progressive and reliable business men of Centerville. In addi-
tion to his mining property he owns seventy-nine acres of land in Mis-
souri and twenty-five acres in Center township.
Mr. Wentworth was united in marriage to Miss Arthelia Wertz, a
daughter of Isaac and Lavina (Spitler) Wertz, the former a native of
Indiana and the latter of Ohio, both of German ancestr}'. They came to
Appanoose county in early times with their parents and grew to manhood
and womanhood in this section. Mrs. Wentworth's paternal grandfather
became one of the extensive landowners in this part of the state, holding
title to over eight hundred acres of valuable farming property near Center-
ville. Mrs. Wentworth's parents married in Appanoose county and settled
upon a farm in this section. In 1862 the father offered his services to
the government as a volunteer in the Federal arm}- and died in the hos-
pital at Fort Scott, Kansas, in August of the following year. Afterward
the mother married again, her second husband being John Banks, the sheriff
of Appanoose county at that time. The) later moved to Kansas and from
there to Golden City, Missouri, where Mr. Banks passed away in 1892.
After his death the mother moved to Webb City, Missouri, and there
remained until her demise. To her first union were born two children:
Perry A., who passed aw a} at the age of eighteen months: and Arthelia,
the wife of the subject of this review. By her second husband she had
seven children: Charles, who has passed away; Lynn, who resides at
Webb City, Missouri; Clem, deceased; Wylie, also of Webb City; Lucy;
Ray, who is a minister of the Baptist church and lives in Indiana: and
Pearl, who has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth was born
one daughter, Leah M.. whose hirtli occurrcti on the 9rh of .T:uiuary. 1887.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 161
and who is at home with her juirents. They have also a foster son, Gilbert
K. Mcintosh, who is a railroad engineer ot Centerville.
Mr. VVentworth is connected with Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., and
Appanoose Camp, No. 3593, M. W. A. Both he and his wife are
members of Anna Rebekah Lodge, No. 95, of the Rebekahs of Centerville
and Mrs. Wentworth is a member of the Arthelia District Court of Honor,
No. q8, a lodge which was organized vmder her leadership and named in
her honor. The family are devovit adherents of the Presbyterian church,
holdmg membership in Centerville. Mr. Wentworth gives his political
allegiance to the republican party and is a man ot high integrity and honor
in all rhe relations of his life, enjoying in great measure the respect of his
associates and friends.
NLVnsON S. EDWARDS.
One of the successful and widely known business men of Moulton is
Matison S. Edwards, who is a member of an estimable pioneer family of
Appanoose county, where he has passed the greater part of his lite. For
many years his entire attention was devoted to diversitied farming and
stock-raising, in which he is still interested, but since 1903 he has been
president of the Moulton State Savings Bank, an institution he was largely
instrumental in founding. Mr. Edwards was born in Laurel county, Ken-
tucky, his natal day being the 1 ith of April, 1850, and his parents William
and Marilla (Elliott) Edwards. The father was also a native of Laurel
county, Kentucky, his birth there occurring on the 29th of January, 1811,
while the mother's natal day was January 29, 1816. The Edwards family
originally came from Tennessee, but they were among the first settlers of
Kentucky, our subject's grandfather, William Edwards, having taken up
a homestead in Laurel county in his early manhood and there passed the
remainder of his life. His son, William Edwards, Jr., was born, reared
and married in Laurel county, where he resided uiuil 18^0. wlun lie re-
moved with his family to Iowa. They first settled in Van Buren county,
but in the s[)ring of 1851 they came to Appanoose county. The father
took up a homestead in Wells township, where he continued to increase
his landed interests until at the time of his ilearh his holdings aggregated
tive hundred acres, a hundred and sixty ot which was timber land. The
remainder of his active life was devoted to the improvement and cultiva-
tion ot his farm, which he transformed from a tract of prairie land into
one of the valuable properties of the county. Upon his retirement he
162 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
removed to Moulton, where he made his home until his death. To Mr.
and Mrs. Edwards there were born nine children, one ot whom, Andrew,
died in infancy. In order of birth the other members of the family are
as follows: Elizabeth, the widow of S. P. Elam, of Moulton, Iowa;
James W., captain of Company B, Second Missouri Cavalry, during the
Civil war, who passed away in the Indian territory in the vicinity of
Caney, Kansas, from wounds received in the service; Mary Ann, the
deceased wife of Isaac A. Coffman, of Wheatland, Missouri ; Lewis, a
veteran of the Civil war and a member of the Iowa Home Guards, who is
now residing in Erie, Kansas; Daniel, a member of a Missouri regiment
during the Civil war, who is now residing in Moulton, Iowa; William, a
Civil war veteran, of Moulton; Isaac Calvin, a resident of Appanoose
county, deceased; and Matison S., our subject.
As he was still in his infancy when he accompanied his parents on their
removal to Appanoose county, practically the entire life of Matison S.
Edwards has been passed in the immediate vicinity of his present home.
He was reared on his father's farm in very much the same manner as other
lads of the pioneer perioci, and at the usual age began his education in the
district schools in the vicinity of the old homestead. He completed his
course of study in the Centerville high school, and then turned his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits with which he was already familiar. At the
age of twenty he rented twenty acres of land trom his father and began
farming on his own account. His efforts in this direction proved so suc-
cessful that at the end of two years he was able to purchase an adjoining
tract of forty acres. This small holding formed the nucleus of a farm, the
boundaries of which he continued to extend until he had acquired the title
to five hundred acres of land. As the years passed he increased the value
of his property by the addition of various improvements, and there engaged
in diversified farming and stock-raising and feeding until i8gi. In the
year last named he disposed of that farm and subsequentl}- removed to
a place he had previously purchased adjoining Moulton. He still owns
and operates this place, which contains four hundred and forty acres of
land and has been developed until it is one of the best equipped and most
valuable properties in the county. Mr. Edwards there continued general
farming and stock-raising, engaging extensively in feeding, until 1897,
when he removed to Moulton, where he has since resided, but still directs
the operation of his homestead. In February, 1903, he joined other
local capitalists in the organization of the Moulton State Savings Bank,
of which he has been president since it was founded.
Mr. Edwards has been twice married, his first union having been with
Miss Martha W. Lane, the event occurring on the 31st of March. 1870.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 163
She was born in Ohio in 1851 and is a daughter of W. H. and Cassandra
(Albert) Lane, likewise natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Iowa in
1867, locating in the vicinity of Centerville. Of this marriage were born
six children, two of whom died in infancy. In order of birth the others
are as follows: Burton, who passed away in 1898, at the age of twenty-
seven years, in Wray, Colorado; Fred C, a Methodist minister located at
Brooklyn, Iowa, who married Mabel Anderson, a daughter of Reuben
Anderson, of Pulaski, Iowa, and has one child; Marian L. Ethel, the wife
of W. R. \'otaw, ot Bowie, Texas, and the mother of two children; and
Carl, who died at the age of fifteen years. The mother passed away Decem-
ber 26, 1901, and in .A[)rii, 1904, Mr. Edwards was married to his present
wife, whose maiden name was Etta Wight. She is a native of Brashear,
Missouri, her birth occurring on the 24th of September, 1873, ^"<^ 'S a
daughter of John M. and Sarah (Elliott) Wight. The family removed
to Iowa many years ago, locating in the vicinity of Troy, Davis county,
but the father, who is a veteran of the Civil war, has now retired and he
and the mother are residing in Moulton.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are active members of the Methodist church,
and he is a member of the board of trustees. Fraternally he is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias,
while Mrs. Edwards is most worthy matron of the Moulton Order of the
Eastern Star, and she is also an officer in the Rebekahs. Mr. Edwards
has always taken an active interest in local politics, and was at one time
a member of the board of supervisors of Appanoose county. Different
members of his family have figured in public life, one of his nephews,
Don C. Edwards, having formerly been United States senator from Ken-
tucky. During the long period of his residence in Appanoose countv Mr.
Edwards has made an excellent record for upright manhood and honorable
citizenship, and his fellow townsmen accord him the respect and esteem
ever extended to men of worth and integrity.
J. LOGAN McCLURE.
An excellent tarm ot two hundred acres situated on section 8, Pleasant
township, is the property of J. Logan McClure, who in addition to cultiva-
vating his fields deals in and ships live stock. He has been a resident of
Appanoose county since 1902. his birth having occurred across the border
in Putnam county, Missouri, September 1 1, 1873. His father was one of
the pioneers of that county and became an enterprising and prosperous
164 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
farmer there. Upon the old homestead the son was reared, early becoming
familiar with all of the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farm
boy who divides his time between the work of the fields, the duties of the
schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. His educational ad-
vantages, however, were somewhat limited and he is largely a self-edu-
cated man, having learned many valuable lessons in the school of
experience. He continued to assist his father on the old homestead to the
time of his marriage and practical training qualified him to carry on farm
work on his own account.
It was on the 27th of December, 1898, in Putnam county, Missouri,
that Mr. McClure was married to Miss Catherine Dail\-, who was likewise
a native of that county and a daughter of Timothy Daily, one of the well
known farmers there. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McClure
began their domestic life upon a rented farm in Putnam county, where
they lived for four years, and in addition Mr. McClure engaged in the
raising and feeding of stock. In 1902 he purchased the place upon which
he now resides and took up his abode thereon. During the ten years of his
residence here he has wrought a considerable transformation in the place,
which is mostly seeded to blue grass, affording excellent pasturage for his
stock, for he is largely engaged in stock-raising, buying and selling for a
number of years. He ships from both Centerville and Cincinnati and also
to some extent from Unionville, Missouri. He is a well-known live-stock
dealer and his success is well merited because of his close application, his
sound judgment and his indefatigable industry. He is an excellent judge
of stock, seldom fails to appraise correct weight and can accurately estimate
the value of the animals which he purchases and ships.
Mr. and Mrs. McClure have a family of two sons and a daughter:
Francis, Ruth and Lawrence. The parents are members of the Catholic
church at Unionville, Missouri, and in politics Mr. McClure has been a
life-long republican but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to
give his undivided attention to his business affairs which, capably con-
trolled, are bringing to him substantial financial returns.
CALLOWAY C. BAKER.
Through a residence in Ap[)anoose coun} dating trom pioneer times
Calloway C. Baker firmly entrenched himself in the affection and regard
of those with whom he came in contact, while his activity in general farm-
ing and cattle raising and shipping gained him a high place among the rep-
C. C. BAKKR
PUBLIC LI:
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 167
resentative and valued citizens ot the community. He was born in Han-
cock county, Tennessee, near the Virginia line, April 26, 1834, a son of
George VV. and Martha (Lockmiller) Baker, both natives ot that state.
The father, of New England stock, and the mother, of German ancestry,
lived and died in their native county, where the former followed general
agricultural pursuits.
Calloway C. Baker acquired his education in the district schools of his
home section and for a time after he had laid aside his books worked upon
his father's farm. He then went to Texas and in 1852, came to. Appa-
noose county, locating on land two miles south of Unionville. He found
here pioneer conditions upon every side, tor the country around Udell
township was sparsely settled and the only trading facilities were offered
by a little log store conducted by "Uncle" John Miller. Mr. Baker pur-
chased a one hundred and sixty acre farm and gave his attention entirely
to agricultural pursuits, attaining a gratifying degree of success. In 1865
he went to Washington count}-, Arkansas, and there opened a general
store but after five years he sold this enterprise and returned to A[)panoose
countA', where he purchased a homestead and farmed upon this property
continuously until his death, on July 28, 1905. In addition to his general
agricultural pursuits he was extensively engaged in buying and shipping
stock, his cattle commanding a ready sale in the Chicago markets.
On the 24th of May, 18^7, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss
Lucy J. Bishop, a daughter of William and Nancy (Clark) Bishop. When
the wife of our subject was ten years of age her parents determined to
locate in Iowa and, accordingly, they .set out upon the journey. The
father, however, died in McLean coimty. Illinois, and was buried in that
section. His widow and children were lett with the teams, tor Mrs. Baker's
brother Robert had also succumbed to typhoid fever. .She therefore wrote
to her son, Joseph Bishop, who was then in Iowa, ami he joined her in
Illinois and drove the teams into Appanoose county. The widow here
purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Udell township, the property
which the subject of this review afterward bought and developed. She
died upon this farm on September 26, 1891. She and her husband had
seven children: Judy .Ann, Joseph .lackson. Robert, William W. and
Louis N., who have passed away; Lucy J., the wife of the subject of
this review: and Putnam F., formerly of Moravia. .Appanoose county, who
died December 9, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Baker became the parents of three
children. Nancy Isabella, bom August 8, 1862. married A. .1. Dickson, a
ranchman and stockman of Beaver county, Oklahoma, and tin y have one
daughter, -Anna. Martha Elizabeth, who was born Januarv 14. 1874, is
the wife of William Miller, a fanner of I'dell township, and they have
168 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
tour children, Claudius C, Marian Mildred, Max and Neil. William
Russell was born September 6, 187^, and died February 2, 1876. After
the death of her husband Mrs. Baker moved to the home of her daughter,
Mrs. William Miller, of Udell township, and there resided for one year,
after which she sold her farm and purchased a residence in Unionville,
where she now makes her home.
Mr. Baker was a firm democrat in his political beliefs and his religious
views were in accord with the doctrines of the Missionary Baptist church,
to which his wife also belonged. She has now, however, transferred her
membership to the church in Unionville. Mr. Baker was for many years
assessor of Udell township and school director ot his home district. Frat-
ernally he was affiliated with the Masonic lodge of Unionville and he
was a diligent, enterprising and resourceful business man, whose labors
along constructive lines brought substantial results. W'hatever he under-
took he carried forward to successful completion and became one of the
most progressive factors in local affairs. His death occurred on the 28th
of July, 1905, after a residence of over fifty years in this county. He
was in all things loyal to high ideals, progressive in citizenship, able in
business, and prized above all the companionship and regard of his wife
and children. He was known throughout the community as an exemplary
citizen.
PIERCE WILSON.
Among the residents of Centerville who at one time were closely asso-
ciated with agricultural and coal-mining interests of the surrounding dis-
tricts and who are now enjoying the fruits of their former toil is num-
bered Pierce Wilson. He is a native of Iowa and a son of one of its earliest
and most prominent pioneers, and his entire lite has been spent in the
state where he makes his home. His birth occurred in Lee county, on
May 23, 1852, his parents being Robert P. and Mahahi (Harper) Wilson.
The father was born in Cabell county, Virginia, on the 1 ith of July, 1813,
and the mother in Pendleton county, in the same state, on May 12, 1820.
The paternal branch of this family is of Scotch ancestry and has been for
two generations in America. The mother is of German stock, her grand-
parents having been born in the fatherland. Robert P. Wilson remained
in what is now "West \'irginia until he grew to manhood and then moved
to Wisconsin, where for a number of years he worked in the lead mines.
In 1839 he came to Lee county, Iowa, among the early settlers in the
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 169
state. He took up government land and in 1H41 brought his young wife
to live upon the tann. They remained there until 1847, in which year
they came to Appanoose count) ami entered nine hundred acres of hmd
in Lincoln township. Alter building a log cabin upon this property the
father returned with his family to Lee county and there remained until
l8>2, when he made a permanent settlement in Appanoose county. From
that time until his death he made substantial contributions to the develop-
ment and advancement of this section ot the state ot Iowa and when
he passed away in 1896 his death was felt as a distinct public loss.
In every relation of his lite he was true to the obligations and responsi-
bilities which rested upon him. He served his state faithfully in the Black
Hawk war under General Henrj Dodge and was tor one term a repre-
sentative in the Iowa state legislature, displaying in his official life the
same high courage and conscientiousness which marked his activities upon
the battletield. His wife died in 1894. ^^e had come to Iowa with her
uncle, Abe Hinkle, in 1838, having made the journey from West \'ir-
ginia on horseback. She remained a resident of this state until her demise.
Pierce Wilson acquired his education in the district schools of .\ppa-
noose county and remained with his parents until his marriage, which
occurred in 1879. In that year he purchased two hundred acres of land
in Franklin township and made his home upon it. To this he later added
three hundred adjoining acres and one hundred and twenty acres of his
father's estate. The last tract was valuable coal land and is now leased to
the Xuma Block Coal Company. I'pon the remaining portion of his farm
Mr. Wilson resided until 1909 and during the period transformed it into
a rich and productive property, supplied with modern equipment and
accessory. In 1909 he rented the farm and moved into Centerville. where
he has since resided.
In 1879 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah G. Hol-
brook, a daughter of Luther R. and Mary A. (Mitchell) Holbrook, the
former bom in Tolland county, Connecticut, on the 27th of August, 1813,
and the latter in New York state, February 3, 1814, both of old New
England families. Their marriage occurred in 1838 and in the same year
they removed to Lee county, Iowa, where the father entered a tract of
government land, which he developed and improved until i8>o, when
he came to Appanoose county and took up a large tract in Pleasant town-
ship, upon which he built the first log cabin on the prairie. In 1863 he
changed the trend of his activities from general farming to the conduct
of a nursery and he continued in that business for over twenty years, start-
ing as a pioneer and becoming in time one of the leading representatives of
this occupation. He remained upon his farm in .\[ipanoose county until
170 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
his death, which occurred in 1891. He had survived his wife for some
time, her death having occurred in 18H0. The wife of our subject is a
native of Appanoose county, where she was born on the 27th of August,
1853. She was educated in the Centerville graded schools and supple-
mented this by a two years' course in the Iowa State College at Ames.
Previous to her marriage she taught in the public schools of her native
county, doing able work for twenty terms. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became
the parents of three children. Mary was born in Appanoose count)-, Octo-
ber 4, 1885, ^nd is the wife of B. W. Crossley, a dairyman of Council
Bluffs, Iowa. Both are graduates of the Iowa State College. Halle was
born February 20, 1888, and is now in training at the Murray Hos[)ital
in Butte, Montana. The youngest child, Faye, was born March 28, 1892,
and after completing the course in the Centerville high school, in 1911,
entered the Iowa State College, taking a course in domestic science. Mrs.
Wilson and all the children in this family are members of the Daughters
of the American Revolution at Centerville.
Fraternally Mr. W'ilson is affiliated with Centerville Lodge. No. 940,
B. P. O. E., and in politics is a democrat. He has, however, never sought
nor desired public office, although he is public-spirited in matters of citi-
zenship and loyal in his support of progressive public measures. He is
interested in the welfare of Centerville and as the years have gone by has
won for himself a creditable position as a valued citizen and business
man.
WILLARD JOSHUA FENTOX, M. D.
Careful training and conscientious service in the practice of medicine
has made Dr. Willard Joshua Fenton one of the leading physicians not
only of Mystic but of Appanoose county. He was born in Lancaster,
Missouri, February l, 1881, and is a son of J. B. and Susan E. (Tucker)
Fenton, both of whom were natives of Missouri, and now reside in
Columbia, that state. Their entire lives have been passed in Missouri,
where Mr. Fenton for many )ears toUowed farming but is now living
retired. In the family were three children, of whom Dr. Fenton is the
eldest, the others being: Oden L., also of Columbia; and Laura Campbell,
who is doing post-graduate work at the State l^niversity of Missouri.
Dr. Fenton was reared at the place of his birth and in the acquirement
of his education passed through consecutive grades in the public schools
until graduated from the high school at Lancaster, with the class of 1900.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 171
He then entered the medical department of the Missouri State University,
in which he spent one year, and further prepared for his chosen profession
by study in the Keokuk College of Physicians .Jc' Surgeons, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1904. He then located for practice
in Mystic, opening an office here in May, 1904, and in the intervening
period of ei^ht years he has successfully followed his profession, proving
his capability as a factor in successfully combating disease. He is one of
the local surgeons for the Milwaukee railroad and he is a member of the
County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the Amer-
ican Medical Association. His connection with the different medical
societies keeps him in close touch with the advanced work that is being
ilone by the i)rofession, and he is quick to adopt new methods which his
judgment sanctions as of vital worth and force in checking the ravages
of disease. He has business interests aside from the practice of medicine,
being now president of the Mystic Mutual Telephone Company. He is
also local examiner for four of the leading insurance companies.
In June, 1903, Dr. Fenton was united in marriage to Miss Zilla
Heaton, a native of Lancaster, Missouri, and a daughter of J. J. Heaton,
a druggist of that place. They now have two children, Heaton J. and
Dorothy M. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Dr.
Fenton has supported the democratic party but manifests only a citizen's
interest in politics, his time and attention being fully occupied by his
professional duties, which are constantly growing in volume and import-
ance. Dr. Fenton is a .Mason and has taken the degrees of both the lodge
and chapter. He also holds membership with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights and
Ladies of Security, and both he and his wife are connected with the
Eastern Star and with the Rebekahs. His acquaintance is wide and rlu-
opinion entertained for him b\- rliose who know him is most favorable,
arising from his admirable personal (jualitics and his close adherence to
high professional standards.
WILLIAM EDWARDS.
Among the honored veterans of flu- Civil war in .Appanoose county
appears the name of William Edwards, who for more than forty years
has been idcntitied with the agric\iltural and business interests of Moulton.
Although the greater part of his lite has been passed in Iowa, he is a native
of Kentucky, having been born in Laurel county, that state, on the 19th
172 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
of December, 1843. He is a son of William and Marilla (Elliott)
Edwards, who are likewise natives of Kentucky, the father's birth ha%'ing
occurred in Laurel county on the 29th of January, 1811, while the
mother's natal day was January 29, 1816. The Edwards family orig-
inally came from Tennessee, but they were among the early pioneers of
Kentuck}', locating in Laurel county, where they took up some government
land. There the grandtather, William Edwards, lived and died. Wil-
liam and Marilla Edwards were reared and married in Kentucky, where
they made their home until 1850, when they came to Iowa. They first
settled in \'an Buren county, but in the spring of 1851, they came to Ap-
panoose county, and the lather took up a tract of government land in
Wells township.. He continued to increase his acreage from time to time
until he owned about live hundred acres, a hundred and sixty of which
was timber land. Upon retiring from active life he removed to Moulton,
where he passed awa}'. The mother is also deceased. Of their marriage
were born nine children, one of whom, Andrew, died in infancy. The
other members of the family were: Elizabeth, the widow of S. P. Elam,
of Moulton; James Wesley, a captain in Company B, Second Missouri
Cavalry, who passed away in the Indian territory in the vicinity of Caney,
Kansas, from injuries received in the service; Mary Ann, the deceased
wife of Isaac A. Coffman, of Wheatland, Missouri ; Lewis, a member of
the Iowa Home Guards during the Civil war, who is now residing in Erie,
Kansas; Daniel, a member of a Missouri regiment during the Civil war,
now residing in Moulton; William, our subject; Isaac C, a former resident
of Appanoose county, who is deceased; and Matison S., who is more full)-
mentioned elsewhere in this work.
William Edwards was a lad of about se\en \»'ars when he accom-
panied his parents on their removal to Iowa, where he has ever since
made his home. He obtained his education in the public schools and
assisted with the cultivation of the home farm until the breaking out of
the Civil war. When the first call came for troops he responded bv
enlisting for six months as a member of Compan}' B, Second Missouri
Cavalry, in which he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. At the
expiration ot his period of enlistment he reenlisted and remained at the
front until the close of hostilities. He participated in many of the notable
conflicts of the war, having been .present at Pierce's Mills, Kirksville,
Cape Girardeau, Pilot Knob, Bloomfield. Hickory Ridge, and he also took
part in the campaigns against Generals Marmaduke, Price and Quantrell.
When mustered out he returned to Iowa and continued his education in
the high school at Centerville, following which he taught for two terms.
In 1870. he came to Moulton and engaged in buying, feeding and ship-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY " 173
ping cattle and hogs, in which business he has continued to engage winter
and summer tor tortj-two years. He has met with more than an average
degree of success and during the intervening years has acquired a valuable
farm of three hundred and twenty acres located a half mile from Moulton.
He engaged in the cultivation of this place until four years ago, when
he turned it over to his son, and has since been devoting his entire attention
to his stock business.
On the 1st of Januarj-, 1867, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Mary
A. Floyd, a daughter of William and Martha (Storms) Floyd, natives
of Laurel count)-, Kentuck)-. The family came to Iowa about 1850,
locating near Bloomtield, Davis county, where they resided for nearly
tifteen years. At the expiration of that time they went to Hilltown,
Iowa, and about 1870 they removed from there to Milan, Missouri. In
1880, they went to Peru, Kansas, where the mother continues to reside,
but the father passed away in 1909. They had seven children, the second
in order of birth being Mrs. Edwards. The others are as follows: Frank,
who resides in Peru, Kansas; Jesse, who lives in Syracuse, Kansas; James,
also of Peru ; Addie, the wife of George Baker, of Cane)', Kansas ; Hattie,
who married John Mertz, of Sedan, Kansas; and Effie, the wife of Claude
Clements, of Peru. To Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were born nine children,
three of whom are deceased: Belle, whose death occurred at the age of
ten years; and two, who died in infanc)-. Those living are as follows:
Ulysses, a farmer, who married Martha Black and is residing in Paw-
huska, Oklahoma; Martha Ma)-, the wife of the Hev. George E. Tifft, a
minister of the Methodist Episcojxil church, located at Parsons, Kansas,
and the mother of one child; Charles Wesley, a member of the United
States navy for four years and a veteran of the Spanish-American war,
having served on the Montgomer)-, who married Jessie Elam and has one
child, now managing his father's farm; Clyde \'., who married Carrie
Knittle and has one child, a resident of Moulton; Clarence, a real-estate
dealer at Ness City, Kansas, who married Nellie Baldridge and has one
child; and James H., operating a farm near Moulton, who married Iva
Ciar) and has two children. The wife and mother [)assed away on the
3d of March, 1898, and in 1901, Mr. Edwards was married to his present
wife, whose maiden name was Maude M. Taylor. She is a daughter
of Phineas and Susan M. Taylor, and is descended from one of the pioneer
families of Appanoose county. The |)aternal grandfather, William
Taylor, removed to this county from near Cleveland, Ohio, in the early
'jos, and located in Washington township, where all of his children were
born.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards express their religious belief through their con-
174 ■ HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
nection with the Methodist E[)isc()pal church with which he united in 1S57.
Fraternally he is affiliated with the Grand Army ot the Re{)ublic and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has never figured prominently
in political affairs, but served as justice of the peace and township trustee,
discharging his duties in both capacities in a capable manner. He assisted
in the organization and is a director of the Moulton State Savings Bank.
Mr. Edwards has always led an active life, directing his undertakings
with the foresight and sagacity which invariably bring success in an}- field
of endeavor, and is numbered among the substantial citizens of his com-
munity. His honesty of purpose, fidelity to duty and honorable method
of conducting his transactions have won him the esteem and respect of his
fellow townsmen and business associates, among whom he numbers many
friends of long years' standing.
JOHN J. TAYLOR.
John J. Taylor, a prominent and influential resident of Udell, is
engaged in business as a banker and farmer, owning five hundred and
forty acres of well improved and valuable land. His birth occurred in
Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 3d of June, 1861, his parents being King
P. and Asenath (Cox) Taylor, who were of English and German descent
respectively. The father was born in the northern part of North Carolina
in 1815, while the mother's birth occurred in Guernsey county, Ohio.
The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was a native of England and
a Quaker. James Taylor, the grandfather, served in the Revolutionary
war and was wounded in the battle ot Brandywine, dying a few vears
later as a result of his injuries. King P. Taylor, the father of John J.
Taylor, removed to Ohio with his widowed mother when a jouth of
eighteen, having lost his father in North Carolina when he was but eight-
een months old. He was married in the Buckeye state and in 186^
removed to McDonough county, Illinois, where he purchased land. In
1874 he took up his abode in Clarke county, Iowa, and purchased a farm
of three hundred and sixty acres, continuing its operation until called to
his final rest in 1891. The demise of his wife occurred in i88c). Both
were devoted and consistent members of the Baptist church of Science
Hill, in Clarke county, Iowa.
John J. Taylor obtained his education in the district schools and when
a youth of sixteen began teaching, acting as a public school instructor
for two years and spending the summer seasons in the normal schools at
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 175
Aurora, Illinois, and \'alparaiso, Indiana. In 1880 he was elected prin-
cipal ot the high school at Murray, Clarke county, serving in that capacity
tor live years, at the end ot which time he was chosen county su[ierin-
tendent ot schools. In 1886 he resigned that position and removed to
Broken Bow, Custer county, Nebraska, where he took charge of the public
schools. In the fall of 1888 he went upon the road as traveling salesman
for Harper Brothers, jiublishers ot New York city, remaining in the
service of that concern for one year. In 1889, because of the failing
health of his parents, he returned home and took charge of the farm, con-
tinuing its operation until after the death of both his father and mother.
In igoo the home place was sold and Mr. Taylor came to Udell, bujing
one hundred acres on section 17 and engaging in the real-estate business.
In 1903 he purchased his present bank of R. P. Jordan and has since
conducted the institution in a manner that has insured its continued growth
and success. He has augmented his landed holdings by additional pur-
chase and now owns tive hundred and forty acres that yield him a gratify-
ing annual income. Enterprising, alert and energetic, his undertakings
both as a banker and agriculturist have been attended with prosperity and
have won him a place among the leading and substantial citizens of the
community.
In 1890 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Chastina Elliott,
who was born in Illinois on the 25th of April, 1864, her parents being
William and Sarah (Andrews) Elliott, natives of Ohio. William Elliott
lost his father when a small boy. His mother was a school teacher. Re-
moving to Oswego, Iowa, William Elliott purchased two hundred and
forty acres of land and through its cultivation made sufficient monev to
educate his brothers and sisters. Sarah Andrews removed to Illinois
about the same time and in that state gave her hand in marriage to
William Elliott, and they resided on the same farm for fifty years. Prior
to her marriage she had followed the profession of teaching. She passed
away in Illinois, in 1907, but Mr. Elliott survives and makes his home
with our subject. Mrs. Taylor was graduated from Jennings Seminary
at Aurora, Illinois, in 1884, and prepared for the profession of teaching
in Central Nonnal College at Danville, Indiana, acting as a teacher for
three years altogether. In 188,- she went to Murray. Iowa, as principal
of the high school at that place and the two following years served as
school superintendent. She likewise taught in a summer school in Custer
county, Nebraska, and was very successful as an educator, imparting
clearly and readily to others the knowledge that she had acquired. Mr.
and Mrs. Taylor have four children. Isabella Asenath, who was born
on the 31st of October, 1891, completed the high-school course at Des
176 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Moines in 1909, assisted her father in the bank for three years and is now
editor of the Udell American. William King, whose birth occurred on
the 6th of March, 1893, is a senior in the Centerville high school. Mary
Ida, whose natal day was March 28, 1895, is a senior in the Des Moines
high school. John Judson was born on the 6th ot March, 1909.
Mr. Taylor has given his political allegiance to the republican party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Fraternally he is
identified with the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge at Unionville,
Appanoose county, and the conimandery at Osceola, Clarke county. He
is also a member of Lodge No. 713 of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows at Udell, while his wife belongs to the Rebekah Lodge at that
place. His religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the Brethren
church at Udell, to which his wife and children likewise belong.. What
he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of the innate talents
which are his and the directing of his efforts along lines where mature
judgment is leading the way.
LINCOLN KNAPP.
Probably no man is better known throughout Appanoose county as
a breeder of high-grade heavy draft horses than Lincoln Knapp, who has
made his home in Centerville since 1881 and in the intervening years has
become widely recognized as a progressive, able and resourceful business
man. He is a native of Appanoose county, born August 22, 1861, and is
a son of Jacob and Frances (Allen) Knapp, the former a native of Ohio,
where his birth occurred May 3, 1827, and the latter of Massachusetts,
born January 13, 1824. The father was of German ancestry and when
he had reached maturity worked in his father's tannery in Madison county,
Ohio, for some time. Later he learned the shoemaker's trade, but after
his marriage, which occurred Januarj- 1, 1846, he went farther west,
locating in Centerville, Appanoose count}', where he purchased land. He
bought forty acres, upon which a part of the city now stands, and there
opened a shoe shop which he conducted for two years with gratifying
success. He invested the profits of this enterprise in five hundred acres
of land in Chariton township and began fanning and dealing in horses.
Gradually he abandoned the general aspects of his agricultural pursuits
and centered his attention upon horse breeding, becoming well known as
an importer and raiser of heavy draft horses. Being a man of excellent
training and with a gift for writing, he made his knowledge more truly
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 177
effective by contributing many articles to tlu- breeders' journals and
gazettes. In 1881 he rented out his farm and returned to the city, buying
twenty-four acres within the town limits. The property which he pur-
chased was the old Waddington homestead, a beautiful, picturesque home
built in the southern style of architecture and one of the largest houses
in the city. The father of our subject took up his residence there and
continued his horse-breeding business until his death, which occurred on
the 6th of March, 1896. His widow resides in Independence township
with her daughter, Mrs. D. O. Scott.
Lincoln Knapp acquired his education in the country schools in Chari-
ton township and from his childhood was familiar with the principles of
scientific stock-breeding. He remained on the farm with his father until
1881 and then accompanied his parents into the city, where he has lived
continuously since that time. After his marriage, which occurred in 1882,
he bought a home at No. 903 West Maple street and went into partner-
ship with his father in the breeding of draft horses. After the death of
Jacob Knapp his son carried forward the work which he had begun and
now gives his entire attention to the breeding of Percheron horses. In
this he has met with a success which is the natural result of his long
familiarity with his business, his great natural ability and his scientific
methods.
In 1882 Mr. Kna[)p was united in marriage to Miss Zada Slater, a
daughter of William K. and Rachel (Hanold) Slater, the former of whom
was born in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of July, 1833, and the
latter in Portage county, Ohio, February 8, 1843. Mrs. Knapp's father
is of English ancestry, her grandfather having come from the British Isles
when he was fifteen years of age and settled in Philadelphia. On the
maternal side Mrs. Knapp is of Scotch descent. Her father left his native
state of Pennsylvania when he was sixteen years of age and went to North
Benton, Ohio, where his marriage occurred. He taught school there for
several years and later followed the same profession in the jiublic schools
of \'an Buren county, Michigan, laboring in that section from 185:6 to
1876. Being a man of keen s[Mritual perception and of a logical mind
religiously inclined, his attention was attracted to the higher things of
life and he felt himself inspired to proclaim religious truths. He was
ordained in the Christian church and preached in Wisconsin, Missouri,
Illinois and later in Appanoose county, being aided in his work by his
broad culture, wide reading and retentive memory. He remained in Iowa
until 1899 and then returned to Michigan, where he died on the 28rh of
September, 1904. His wife is living on the home place in Michigan,
but spends her winters in Iowa with Mr. and Mrs. Knapp. Mrs. Knapp
178 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
is the only child born to their union, her birthplace being Van Buren
county, Michigan, and her natal day June 24, 1861. Our subject and
his wife have one daughter, Eva, who was born in Missouri, March 7,
1883. She is the wife of Harry C. Bradley, by whom she has two chil-
dren: Dorothy, born March 20, 1906; and James K., whose birth occurred
July 8, igi 1.
Mr. Knapp has no fraternal affiliations and although he gives loyal
support to the republican party, has never sought public office. He early
realized that success must be purchased at the price of earnest and well
directed labor and his record has been one of indefatigable effort and close
application to business.
LOUIS ANDERSON.
Louis Anderson, manager and treasurer of the Center Coal Company,
is a well known and prosperous business man of the city. His birth
occurred in Karlstad, Sweden, on the 27th of March, 1861, his parents
being Andrew and Annie Anderson, who spent their entire lives in that
country. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active
career.
Louis Anderson spent the lirst twenty-one years of his life in the land
of his nativity and in 1882 crossed the Atlantic to the United States,
locating at Reed City, Michigan, where he entered the service of a large
lumber concern as inspector. Alter having served in that capacity for
about three and a half years he returned to Sweden and spent one year
in a business college of that country. In 1886 he again came to the
United States and, making his way to the northern part of Wisconsin,
began working in the iron mines. In the fall of 1887 he came to Appa-
noose county, Iowa, and here worked in the coal mines until 1888, when
he was elected secretary of the newly organized Anchor Coal Company.
In 1889 the concern sold out to Jim Wilson, St., and Mr. I'hillips, of
Centerville, and Mr. Anderson went back to Wisconsin, remaining in that
state until 1893. In that year he returned to Centerville. this county,
engaging in coal mining until 1901. At the time of the organization of
the Exline Coal Company he was chosen its secretary and manager. In
igio he went to Laneville, Appanoose county, and embarked in business
on his own account as a coal miner and shipper. In July. 1912. he became
identified with the Center Coal Company as manager and treasvirer and
has since served in the dual capacity, his efforts being a potent factor in
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 179
the growth and success of the concern. He is a nuin of splendid business
ability and keen discernment and well merits the prosperity which has
come to him.
In December, 1890, Mr. .Vnderson was united in marriage to Miss
Kmma Johnson, who was born in Sweden on the 1st of December, 1862,
her parents being John and Emily (Peterson) Johnson, likewise natives
of that country. They emigrated to the United States in 1883, locating
first in Wavne county, Iowa, and later coming to .\ppanoose county, where
they spent the remainder of their lives. John Johnson devoted his atten-
tion to farming throughout his life. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have
been born nine children, as follows: Matilda, whose birth occurred in
Wisconsin on the nth of August, i8gi, and who is the wife ot George
Shinonegel. of Centerville; Walter, Abbie and Luella, all of whom are
deceased; Gerhard, who was born on the 27th of December, 1897; Loyce,
whose natal day was May 23, 1899; Theodore, born November 28, 1900;
\ioler, whose birth occurred on the 28th of August, 1902; and Herman,
born December 11, 1905. The two oldest children were natives ot
Wisconsin, while the remainder were born in Appanoose county, Iowa.
Politically Mr. Anderson is independent, while his religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of Center-
ville, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of
Odd P\'llows of Centerville. Coming to the new world in early man-
hood, he eagerly availed himself of the opportunities offereti in a land
unhampered by caste or class and has worked his way steadily upward to
a place among the prosperous and esteemed citizens of his community.
THOM.VS H. DILLON.
In the latter years of his life, Thomas H. Dillon figured in the com-
mercial circles of Centerville as a grocer. He was well known as a rep-
resentative and energetic business man, as a progressive citizen and a
consistent Christian, his salient qualities being ever such as commanded
for him the respect and good-will of those with whom he was brought
in contact. He was born in Lake county, Illinois, October 16, 1844, and
was a son of Thomas and Abigail (Davis) I)iIlon, the former a native
of Ireland and the latter of England. The father, who was a shoemaker
by trade, settled on Long Island on coming to the United States and later
removed westward to Lake county, Illinois, where he took ii]) farming,
^pending his remaining days in that Iwalit).
180 HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUNTY
The boyhood and youth of Thomas H. Dillon were passed upon the
home farm in Illinois, and he attended the district schools there through
the winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to the work
of the fields, so that he early became familiar with all the duties and
labors incident to farm work. In 1867, when about twenty-three years
of age, he removed to Missouri and engaged in farming near La Plata.
Subsequently, however, he went to Bloomrield, but after a year returned
to Missouri, settling in Lancaster. In August, 1892, he arrived in Cen-
terville, where he had erected a new residence for his family and his
remaining days were passed in this city. For twenty years previous he
had been a salesman on the road, representing a wholesale grocery house
of Keokuk, Iowa, and this gave him intimate knowledge of the business
in which he afterward engaged, for in 1900 he established a grocery store
in Centerville, conducting it successfully up to the time of his death, which
occurred on the 9th of October, igo8. His daughter Grace then took
charge of the store and is capably managing it today.
It was in 1867 that Mr. Dillon was married in Waukegan, Illinois,
to Miss Mary Wilson, a daughter of S. D. and Polly ,\nn ( Matteer)
Wilson. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, was of Irish and German
descent, and was a carpenter by trade but lived upon a farm, his .sons,
however, cultivating the fields while he worked at carpentering. His
wife was also a native of Pennsylvania and was of Scotch and Dutch
lineage. Thej- became residents of Chicago, where the father passed
away in 1896, the mother afterward removing to Centerville in 1904 and
making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Dillon, until her death in 1907.
To Mr. and Mrs. Dillon were born eleven children. Emma, who was
born in La Plata, Missouri, and became the wife of George Moore, died
in 1897, leaving two children, Charles and Florence. Kie owns and con-
ducts a millinery store. Carrie is the wife of Garrett De Motte, a real-
estate man of Hull, Iowa, and they have three children. Esther, Carroll
and Scott Dillon. Anna is the wife of J. T. Sharrod. a banker of Plano,
Iowa, and their children are Gail and Joseph Dillon. Dot is a student
of osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri. Maude is living in Los Angeles,
California. Thomas, a farmer of Coal City, Iowa, married Lottie Hall
and has two children, Thomas and Robert. .Arthur, who is practicing
osteopathy in Centerville, married Minta Dawkins and they have two
children, John and James. Paul is a railroad man of Kankakee, Illinois.
Grace became the wife of l>uther Dawkins and they are now carrying on
the store formerly owned by her father. Abbie, the youngest of the
family, is studying music in Chicago.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 181
Mr. Dillon was for several j'ears treasurer of the Centerville Retail
Grocers Association and stood high in the regard of his colleagues and
contemporaries in the business circles ot Appanoose county. He was
always enterprising, reliable and energetic and well merited the success
that came to him. His political support was given to the republican
party and after his removal to Centerville he served as a member of its
city council. He belonged to Centerville Lodge, No. 400, B. P. O. E. ;
Centerville Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he was worshipful master
for a number of years; and both he and his wife were members of the
Order of Eastern Star. He held membership in the Christian church
and his wife in the Methodist Episcopal church. Theirs was a hospitable
home, whose good cheer was greatly enjoyed b)- their many friends. Mr.
Dillon commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact in
fraternal, political, business, social or church relations, and the sterling
traits of character which he displayed constituted an example well worthy
of emulation. He was always loyal to duty, faithful to his friends and
devoted to his family, ever regarding home ties as most sacred.
N. E. MURDY.
Prominent among the leading progressive and substantial business men
ot Moravia is N. E. Murdy, a registered pharmacist, who since 1904 has
been engaged in the drug business, his activity contributing not only to his
individual success but constituting also a factor in general development.
Mr. Murdy is a native of Appanoose count}-, born in Moulton, May 5,
1878, and is a son of William. M. and Emeline (Wamsley) Murdy, the
former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Indiana. The father
came to Iowa in 1857, bringing with him his widowed mother, his father
having died in Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject came to this
state with her parents in 1848, her father, Wendell Vincent Wamsley,
being one ot the earliest settlers in Washington township. He took up
land in that section when his nearest neighbor, John Cupp, was two and a
quarter miles away, the next nearest, Mr. Sutton, residing at a distance
of six miles. When the father of our subject came to this state he bought
land in Washington township and in the course of years added to his
holdings, acquiring three hundred acres, which he still owns. However,
he has now retired and he and his wife make their home in Moulton.
Mrs. William E. Murdy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
N. E. Murdy was reared at home and acquired his education in the
182 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUMTY
district schools of Washington township and in the Moulton high school,
from which institution he was graduated in 1899. Afterward he taught
school for two years, but in 1901 took up the study of pharmacy under C. A.
Powers, of Moulton. Continuing in the employ of Mr. Powers for a time,
he then went west to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he worked in a drug
store for a year, returning at the end of that time to Moulton. On the 5th
of April, 1903, he passed his examinations and received his diploma as a
registered pharmacist. Having bought the business conducted by his former
employer, he had managed it alone for six months, when he sold back to Mr.
Powers a half interest, and shortly afterward disposed of his other half in-
terest, and in May, 1904, came to Moravia, where he purchased the drug
business owned by F. C. Smith & Company, to the management of which he
has given most of his time and attention tor the past eight years. He is an
able, resourceful and enterprising business man and his methods are at all
times practical and progressive. As a result his patronage has extended
rapidly and has reached gratifying proportions, placing him among the
men who are an influence in business circles of the city.
On the 14th of October, 1903, Mr. Murdy married Miss Elma Painter,
of Kirksville, Missouri, and to their union were born three children, two
of whom are living, Paul Painter and Newton Gordon. Mr. and Mrs.
Murdy are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Murdy is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership
in Antiquity Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and in the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He is a loyal democrat and active in public life, being a member
of the present town council and of the Moravia school board, bringing to
the discharge of his official duties the same well-directed energ}' and good
judgment which have distinguished the activities of his business career.
In all of his dealings he is thoroughly reliable and straightforward, and
in matters of citizenship helpful and progressive, giving his aid and in-
fluence to many measures for the public good.
WILLIAM T. MYERS.
One of the most prominent, successful and representative citizens of
Appanoose county is William T. Myers, who has lived in this section
since i8f2 and in the course of a long, honorable and worthy career has
gained the unqualified respect and confidence of all with whom he has
been associated. For many years he was clo.sely and influenrially con-
nected with agricultural pursuits and was at one time an extensive land-
WILLIAM T. MYERS
HISTORY OF APPAXOOSE COUXTY 185
owner but since 1905 has lived retired in Centerville, having earned rest
and comfort by well directed work in the past. Mr. Myers is a native of
Indiana, born in January, 1832, his parents being Joseph and Mary
(O'Connor) Myers, the former a native of Germany and the latter of
England. The father was a farmer and emigrated to America in his
early life, settling in Indiana, in pioneer times. There he acquired land
and gave his time and attention to its improvement and cultivation until
his death, which occurred in 1838, when he was only thirty years of age.
His wife survived him for some time, passing away in 1844.
William T. Myers acquired his education in the public schools of
Indiana and then he laid aside his books and began serving an appren-
ticeship at the tanner's trade. However, he found this occupation not to
his liking, abandoning it in order to work as a farm laborer. For four
years he served in the employ of others and at the end of that time was
able to rent a farm, which he operated successfully until 18^2, when he
came to Appanoose county and entered a claim of one hundred and sixty
acres in Center township, which is now Walnut township. With char-
acteristic energy he began improving and developing his property, plant-
ing the fields in the most suitable grains, and gradually his work was
rewarded by abundant harvests. As his financial resources grew he added
to his holdings until his farm comprised eleven hundred and fifty acres
of fine land. He still owns this property but in 1905 gave up its active
management and moved into Centerville, where he has bought a com-
fortable home at No. 531 West Maple street. No man in Centerville is
more honored and esteemed than he, for his entire life has been influenced
by high standards of integrity and great sincerity of purpose and in all
of its relations has been upright, straightforward and honorable.
Mr. Myers has been twice married. In December, 1858, he wedded
Miss .Anna Osborne, a daughter of William Osborne, a preacher, mechanic
and farmer, who came to Appanoose county in early times and remained
in this section for a number of years, following all of his various occupa-
tions. When he left Iowa he went across the plains to Colorado, joining
the rush of gold seekers to that state, and there he made his home until
h\^ death. By his first wife Mr. Myers had three children: Mary, the
wife of William Gillespie, whose son Carl is operating part of the home
farm ; Amanda, the wife of Frank Cate, of Centerville ; and Rosie, deceased.
Mr. Myers' first wife passed away in December, 1894, ^^^^ "" fhe 26rh
of September, 1896, he was again wedded, his second union being with
Mrs. Eliza (Matheny) Sherrard, a daughter of Joseph and Jane (Sterrett)
Matheny, the former a native of Worcester, West N'irginia, and the latter
of Beaver county, Pennsylvania. The father went to Pennsylvania in
Vol. n— 1 1
186 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
early times and there established himself in the salt business, operating
his original enterprise along this line until his death, which occurred April
18, 1838, when he was twenty-six years of age. His wife passed away
April 30, of the same year. Mrs. Myers is a native of Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, born February 16, 1838. By her first marriage she had
three children: Ella, the wife of J. H. Robinson, of Stillwater, Oklahoma;
Albert L., who resides in Centerville; and Elmer R., a farmer in Payne
county, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are devout members of the
Christian church.
Mr. Myers gives his allegiance to the republican party and since cast-
ing his first vote has been loyal in his support of its men and measures.
He served for years as trustee and was nominated for the position as mem-
ber of the county board but failed to qualify. He is public-spirited and
progressive in his citizenship and is always willing to lend his influence
and aid to movements for the public good. Having reached the age of
eighty years, he has earned the retirement he is now enjoying, having
labored sincerely and earnestly to make it possible. He is in all things
a dignified and courteous gentleman, of kindly spirit and strongly marked
convictions, who in the course of more than sixty years' residence here
has left an impress for good upon his community.
JOSEPH H. ROBERTSON.
Joseph H. Robertson, a representative of an honored pioneer family
of Appanoose county, was in former years extensively and successfully
identified with general agricultural pursuits as a farmer and stockman.
For the past decade he has made his home in Centerville, where he is
still actively engaged in business as a buyer and shipper of stock, but not
on such a large scale as previously. His birth occurred in this county on
the 8th of January, 1858, his parents being Moses C. and Elizabeth
(Streepyj Robertson, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of
Knox county, Indiana. Moses C. Robertson was of Irish lineage, while
Elizabeth Streepy came of German and Scotch descent. Throughout his
active business career the former was successfully engaged in farming,
stock-raising and shipping. When but a boy he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Indiana, remaining under the parental roof until he
was married and started out as an agriculturist on his own account. In
the fall of 1854 he came to Iowa, locating in Appanoose county, where
he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land. As his financial
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 187
resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable manage-
ment, he augiTiented his holdings by additional purchase until they em-
braced more than eight hundred acres. He there engaged in general
farming and stock-raising. In 1884 he put aside the active work ot the
helds and took up his abode in Cincinnati, this county, where he spent
the remainder ot his lite in honorable retirement. He lost his first wife
in 1862 and subsequently married Mrs. Sarah Patterson, a daughter of
Briggs Shepherd, who was an agriculturist of Appanoose county and
passed away in 1894, aged eight)-two jears. Mrs. Sarah Robertson
passed away at Cincinnati, this county, in i8y8.
Joseph H. Robertson attended school in Cincinnati, this county, until
fourteen },ears of age and then began providing for his own support,
assisting his brother in the work of the helds for some time. Subsecjucntlv
he spent two years at work in a blacksmith shop at Numa, this county,
and on the expiration ot that period took a trip to Indiana. Returning
to Appanoose county, he was here married in 1878 and began farming on
his own accoimt. He first bought eighty acres of land a mile west of
Cincinnati and trom time to time extended the boundaries of his place
b) additional jjurchase until it comprised about four hundred acres. It
was in 1887 that he embarked in business as a bujer and feeder of stock,
feeding trom two hundred to eight hundred head of cattle yearly, for a
period of fifteen to twenty-five years. In 1902 he placed his farm in
charge of a tenant and has since made his home in Centerville, where he
still buys and ships stock to some extent. In his undertakings as an
agriculturist he has met with an enviable and well merited measure of
prosperity-, and he has long been numbered among the substantial and
representative citizens of his native county.
In 1878 Mr. Robertson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Marth
Stevenson, who was liorn in Ohio on the ^oth of November, 1857, her
parents being Parkhili and Mar}- (Cnmder) Stevenson, of Irish and
German descent respectivclv. The father's birth occurred near Pittshurc,
Pennsylvania, while the mother was a native of Darke county, Ohio.
Mr. Stevenson, a shoemaker by trade, was married in Ohio and in 1868
came west, locating at Hibbsville, Appanoose county, Iowa. In 1S74 he
removed to Cincinnati, this county, where he spent the remainder of his
life, passing away in 1902. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and
was a worthy exemplar of the craft. The demise of his wife occurred at
Cincinnati, this county, in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson arc the parents
of three children. Ava .!.. who was born in this county on the 30th
ot May, 1879, was graduated from the Cincinnati high school in 1898
and is the wife of Harry Talbot of Centerville. Ora B., whose birth
188 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
occurred in Appanoose county on the gth of June, 1881, gave her hand
in marriage to J. G. Madden, an attorney of Lineville, Iowa. Joie C,
born in Appanoose county on the 11th of June, 1891, is a farmer of
\'ermillion township, this county. He married Miss Ruth Bradley, a
daughter of Henry and Carry (Abernathy) Bradley, the former being at
one time county superintendent of schools here.
In politics Mr. Robertson is independent, supporting men and meas-
ures rather than party. For two years he served as alderman at large in
Centerville, making a creditable record in this connection. He is identi-
fied with the Masons and the Benevolent Protective Order ot Elks and
both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. Mr. Robertson's
entire life has been spent in Appanoose county and his acquaintance here
is a wide one, so that this record cannot tail to jirove of interest to many
of our readers.
CHARLES H. MEYERS.
Charles H. Meyers, early settler in Iowa and a representative of one
of the honored pioneer families of the state, has for many years been
identified in an influential way with farming interests in Pleasant town-
ship, and his enterprise and well-directed work have contributed substan-
tially to the progress in this locality. He was born in Hancock county,
Illinois, August 3, 1859, and is a son of George Meyers, a native of Bavaria,
Germany, who grew to maturity in that country and came to America as a
young man. He located in Hancock count}. Illinois, in pioneer rimes and
there married Miss Kate Schneider, also a native ot Ciermany, born in
Hesse-Darmstadt. They remained in Illinois until 1868, in which year
they moved to Iowa and located in Franklin township, Appanoose county.
Here the father of our subject purchased a tract of wild land and with
characteristic energ}' and determination set about the task of opening up
a farm. He fenced his fields, brought the land under the plow and was
soon gathering abundant harvests. As his prosperity grew he added to
his holdings until he owned three hundred and eighty acres of land, which
he managed so carefully and ojierated along such practical lines that he
became one of the substantial and wealthy residents of this part of the
state. He gained widespread respect and esteem by reason of his honor-
able standards and upright business methods, and when he died upon the
homestead his passing was widely and tlceply regretted.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUXTV 189
Charles H. Meyers came to Iowa with his parents in pioneer times,
being at the time of his arrival a hul ot nine years. At intervals he
attended the public schools, but his advantages along this line were ex-
tremely limited and, although he is today a well-informed and cultured
man, this is due almost entirely to his own efforts in reading and observa-
tion. As a boy he aided in the hart! labor of breaking the soil anti tie-
veloping the farm, but was atterward obliged to devote himself to minor
tasks owing to his tailing health. At the age of twenty-one he left home
in order to seek recuperation in less strenuous work, and accepted a position
as driver of a medicine wagon for S. Baker. For one year he journeyed
throughout Iowa anil then went to Lewistown, Fulton count), Illinois,
where he drove a wagon for the Thompkins Medical Company for a number
of years, traveling over seventy-five counties in that state and dealing
with wholesale and retail dealers and private residents. He accomplished
his aim of recovering his health, and later returned to the old home in
Franklin township, where he joined his father in the operation ot the
farm. He married in i(S88 and he and his wife began their domestic
lite upon a tract ot land which Mr. Meyers had previously purchased.
He farmed this in connection with rented land and was successful. How-
ever, after a time he sold the property and moved to Colorado Spring.s,
Colorado, returning to Iowa after ten months. He purchased a farm
of one hundred and twenty acres in Appanoo.se county and upon this he
still resides. The land lies on section l8. Pleasant township, and is in a
high state of cultivation, the farm being well kept in every particular and
[irovided with all the requisites for carrying on a model agricultural enter-
prise. Mr. Meyers has erected a good residence, a barn and substantial
outbuildings and has also planted a fine orchard of selected trees. In
addition to general farming he engages extensively in stock-breeding,
raising high grade cattle and hogs, some of which he prepares for the
market.
On the ^th of September. i8SS, Mr. .Meyers was united in marriage
to Miss Emma Condra, who was horn and reared in .Appanoo.se county.
where the father is a pro.sperous farmer of Franklin township. Mr. and
Mrs. Meyers have four children: .\nna: Uicliard I... who i> aiding in the
operation of the homestead: Minnie, who is a student in the Cincinnati
high school; and Mary, who attends district school. Our subject and his
wife are members of the Methoiiist ch>irch and attend Simpson chajiel.
Mr. Meyers has important fraternal relations, being a Master Mason
and a member of the Independent Order of Oiid Fellows, in which he has
attained a place of prominence, having served in all the chairs and being
a past grand. He is eminently progressive in matters of cifi/<'nship and
190 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUXTY
since attaining his majority has given loyal support to the republican
party. For eight years he served as justice of the [)eace of Pleasant town-
ship and was for three years a member of the county board of supervisors.
He is a man whose industry, ability and success have made him influential
in the affairs of the township and county and, being possessed of fine
qualities of character and a progressive public spirit, he takes a deep in-
terest in the general welfare of the community and commands the respect
and confidence of his fellow citizens, being a substantial factor in the
community.
WILLIAM B. STICKLER.
In a history of the agricultural development of Appanoose county it
is imperative to mention William B. Stickler, who owns a fine farm of
nearly four hundred acres in Pleasant township and has been well known
for many years as a progressive agriculturist and a successful live-stock
dealer. He is numbered among the old settlers in Iowa, having lived in
Appanoose county since 1856, but his birth occurred in Miami county,
Ohio, on the 4th of October, 1839. He is a son of John Stickler, who
was born, reared and educated in Ohio and who there married Miss
Nancy Wralson, who passed away when the subject ot this review was
only one year old. The father of our subject was a carpenter by trade
and followed this line of work and also engaged in farming during his
entire active life. He moved to Iowa in 1856 and located in Appanoose
county.
William B. Stickler acquired his education in the public schools ot
Appanoose county, but his advantages along this line were limited, as he
had no chances to attend school beyond the primary grades. However,
he has made up for all deficiencies in his early education by study and
observation during his later years and is today a well-informed man. He
remained at home and worked at various occupations until he was twenty-
three years of age, in which year his marriage occurred. He then pur-
chased forty acres in Franklin township and operated and improved that
property for three or four years, selling it in order to move to Pleasant
township, where he purchased sixty-seven acres ot slightly improved land,
upon which were no buildings. He concentrated his energies upon the
development of this property, adding to it from time to time, until he
now owns three hundred and eighty-seven acres, highly improved.
Since locating here he has erected an excellent residence, a bam and the
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 191
necessary outbuildings, all of which are in good repair, and he has in
addition planted a large orchard. Besides general farming Mr. Stickler
is extensively engaged in feeding and shipping stock and is one of the
best known men in that business in this section of the state. His affairs
are conducted along modern lines and in accordance with the highest
standards of commercial integrity, and the success which has been the
rf>uk places him among the substantial and representative men of this
conununity.
Mr. Stickler has been twice married. In 1862 he wedded Miss
Caroline Beer, who was born in Ohio but was reared in Iowa. She passed
away in 1890 and is buried in North cemetery in Cincinnati. To this
union were born eight children: William M., who is farming in Pleasant
township and who holds the position of township trustee; George L., a
famier in Oklahoma; C. A., who owns and operates a valuable property
in Pleasant township; J. C, who is married and who engages in farming
upon the homestead; Daisy, the wife of W. H. Streepy, a farmer in
Pleasant township; Harriet S., who married Samuel Stollebarger, who
passed away leaving one daughter; Josephine, who became the wife of
Moses Adson and who upon her death left one son and one daughter;
and one, who died in infancy. In 1896 Mr. Stickler was united in
marriage to Mrs. Mary Parks, who passed away on the 7th of September,
1910. She had four daughters and one son by a former marriage.
Mr. Stickler gives his allegiance to the democratic party and served
as township trustee for six consecutive years, having held the same office
from time to time ever since. He has served as delegate to numerous
county conventions and is active and progressive in all matters of citizen-
ship. He is seventy-three years of age, but is still an important factor
and active in agricultural circles, a man whose life has always been in
keeping with high standards and influenced by worthy aims and ambitions.
S. JOHN O. MORK.
S. John O. More, manager of the undertaking department of the
firm ot More & Morrison, is one ot .\ppanoose countj's native sons, born
July 19, 1875, his parents being Matthew and Elizabeth (Smith) More.
He acquired his early education in the district schools of Apjianoose
coimty and in 1895 entered the Southern Iowa Normal School and
after completing a thorough business course rcturneil home and re-
mained with his parents until 1899. ^" ^^'^^ > *''•'" '^*" ^^'^nt to Des Moines
192 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
and secured a jjosition in a wholesale house, where he remained tor two
years, returning to Appanoose county at the end ot that time and engaging
in farming in Union township. In the spring of 1908 he moved to
Unionville and obtained employment in the undertaking and hardware
store operated by A. T. Bishop. In June, 1911, he formed a partnership
with William Morrison. The firm purchased the interests of Mr. More's
former employer, A. T. Bishop, and since that time the subject of this
review has had charge of the undertaking department. They carry a
complete line of caskets and funeral supplies and he is known in the city
as a business man of strict integrity and reliability.
In 1900 Mr. More was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Morrison,
a daughter of Irvin Andrew and Amanda (Noland) Morrison, of whom
further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. More
became the parents ot five children: Mabel, born in April, 1901 ; Jacob,
whose birth occurred in August, 1903; Mattie, born in June 1906; Ruth,
in February, 1909; and Omar, born in April, 1912.
Mr. More gives his allegiance to the democratic party and served for
one term as township trustee of Union township and was for some time
a member of the Unionville school board. He belongs to Unionville
Lodge, No. 665, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife are members of the
Eastertide Lodge, No. 155, of the Rebekahs. Both belong to the
Methodist Episcopal church in Unionville and their religious faith finds
expression in their straighforward and worthy lives. Mr. More is a man
who has faithfully discharged every duty imposed upon him, met fully
the obligations and responsibilities of life and won for himself a high
position in business, social and political circles.
JOHN B. TAYLOR.
John B. Taylor was born in Washington township, Appanoose county,
Iowa, and moved with his parents to Centerville, Iowa, November 19,
1879, where he has since resided. He is a son of Senator Lewis L. Taylor
and Mrs. Miriam Taylor, the latter a daughter of Benjamin H. and
Jane Siler.
John B. Taylor attended the public schools of Centerville, after which
he took a thorough course in the College ot Pharmacy, in the Northwestern
University of Chicago, Illinois. Since that time he has been engaged in
the drug business until the year 1910, when he was elected to the office
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 193
of county auditor of Appanoose county. He was reelected to the office
at the general election, November 5, 1912.
On the 9th of January, 1907, John B. Taylor was married to Miss
Katharine Eby, who was born in Moulton, this county, and is a daughter
of S. J. C. and Grace Eby, whose maiden name was Grace Price. Mr.
and Mrs. John B. Taylor and her parents are members of the Christian
church.
SOLOMON \\ . BEKR.
Solomon W. Beer, one of the well-known and prosperous farmers of
Pleasant township, owns and operates a tract of land of three hundred
and twenty acres, which is known as the Highland Stock Farm and which
is one of the most valuable and productive properties in this part of
Appanoose county. He is a native son of Iowa, born in Walnut town-
ship, December 31, 1861. His father, Joseph Beer, was born in Miami
count}-, Ohio, and grew to maturity in that section, coming to Iowa when
he was a young man. He made permanent location in Appanoose county
and soon after his arrival bought land in what is now \\'alnut township.
He was married in Kansas to Miss Sarah Sheets, a native of South Carolina,
where she was reared ami educated. They began their wedded lite upon
the vmdeveloped tarm which Mr. Beer had purchased and worked to-
gether through the years, finally winning prosperity and success. The
father of our subject improved one hundred and sixty acres and later
added to this tract, becoming finally the owner of two hundred acres, which
constituted one of the best farms in Walnut township. He died upon his
property in 1899 and was survived by his wife until 1902. In their family
were four sons and one daughter : S. W., of this review ; one son, who died
in infancy; Ed, who is a farmer in .\ppanoose county; Martha, who resides
in Missouri; and Dr. Cieorge Beer, deceased, who was an osteopath, located
in Minnesota.
Solomon ^^'. Beer grew to manhood upon his father's farm in \\'alnut
township, acquiring his education in the district schools. After he had
attained his majority he purchased eighty acres of land, slightly improved,
in Pleasant township, which constitutes a portion of his present holdings.
He at once began to cultivate and improve this tract, built a fine two-story
residence, two large barns and an entire set of improvements for the use
of a tenant. He has also planted an orchard and, as his financial resources
grew, added to his original tract, becoming finallv the owner of three
194 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
hundred and twenty acres. He keeps everything about the place in ex-
cellent condition and is numbered among the progressive and enterprising
agriculturists of this section of the state. In addition to the cultivation
of the land he is extensively interested in raising good grades of stock,
keeping tine herds of Hereford cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and a good grade
of draft horses. He owns also one hundred and sixty acres in Brown
county, South Dakota, and is prominent in business affairs of Numa, Iowa,
being one of the promoters and stockholders of the bank in that com-
munity.
On February 12, 1884, Mr. Beer was united in marriage to Miss
Arthela Haines, who was born and reared in Appanoose county. She is a
daughter of David Haines, one of the pioneers in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs.
Beer have three children: Henry Irving, who resides in South Dakota;
Frank R., of Des Moines, Iowa; and Grace Ethel, the wife of E. C.
Woodburn, a druggist of Watsonville, California. The family are mem-
bers of the Christian church of Cincinnati.
Mr. Beer gives his allegiance to the democratic party, with which
he has been affiliated since casting his first vote. He is interested in
school matters and for a time served as a director on the board of education.
He has spent his entire life in Appanoose county and his upright and
honorable methods and standards have gained him a wide circle of friends.
Although he is not an active politician, he keeps in touch with the trend of
modern thought in matters of general interest and of local importance
and his record of well-directed activity, with its resulting success, is a
proof of what industry, diligence and business ability will accomplish.
JAMES W. HIBBS.
Among the successful and prominent native sons of Appanoose county
may be numbered James W. Hibbs, mayor of Numa, who since 1883
has conducted a general store and has become in the course of years a
power and a force in business circles of that communit}-. He was born
at what was then known as Hibbsville, in Franklin township. February 2,
1859, and is a son of James and Martha E. (Cooley) Hibbs. natives of
Indiana. The father came to Appanoose county in the early dajs of its
settlement and purchased land. He turned over the management of his
extensive property interests to his sons and he himself engaged in the
general merchandise business in Hibbsville. a town which was named in
his honor. He was gradually carried forward into important relations
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 195
with its business lite and for forty years conducted his mercantile enter-
prise there, serving in addition as postmaster. At the outbreak of the
Civil war he enlisted in an Iowa regiment and served for nine months,
returning at the expiration ot that time and resuming the conduct of his
business affairs. He died August 14, 1904, and his death was regretted
throughout the section in w hich for many years he had made his home, as
it was felt to be a distinct loss to business and financial development.
He had survived his wife only eight months, her death having occurred
December 21, 1903.
James W. Hibbs was reared and educated in Appanoose county, where
he attended district school. Until he was twenty years of age he assisted
his father with the work of the farm and then began his independent
career, giving his attention to business affairs. He worked at bridge
building and at coal mining until 1883, when he came to Numa and
established himself in the general merchandise business, in which he has
since engaged. He carries a large and complete stock of goods and
occupies one ot the finest business buildings in the city, a store which he
erected in 1899 and which was the first brick building in the town. He
has been accorded a liberal patronage owing to his reasonable prices, his
honorable methods of dealing and his earnest desire to please his patrons.
Being a far-sighted and able business man he has from time to time made
judicious investments and has just completed the erection ot a large brick
hotel building, forty-four by fifty-six feet, which is situated on the public
square of the town ami is now occupied by a hotel, restaurant and barber
shop. In addition to his activity as a general merchant Mr. Hibbs also
served as postmaster under President Cleveland's administration. He is
prominently and influentially connected with the general business life of
the community, being a stockholder and director in the Numa State
.Savings Bank and well known in the affairs of other important enterprises.
In November, 1883, Mr. Hibbs was united in marriage to Miss Hannah
Leek, a daughter ot Francis and .Sarah (Whitsell) Leek, the former a
native of England and the latter of Indiana. The father came to Appa-
noose county before the Civil war and purchased a farm in that section,
which he improved and operated until his death, which occurred April
20, 1907. His wife survived him until January 16, 1911. Mr. and
Mrs. Hibbs became the parents of three children: Grace May, who died
in 1886; Teddy E., aged ten; and Frances, aged five.
Fraternal I \ Mr. Hibbs is connected with the Masonic order, belonging
to the Order ot the Eastern Star and is also well known in the Knights
of Pythias and the Order of Foresters. His political allegiance is given
to the democratic party. He is progressive and public-spirited in all
196 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
matters of citizenship, taking an active part in the affairs of the commvinity
in which he has resided for so many years. At the present time he is
serving as mayor of Numa, his administration being characterized by able,
businesslike and straightforward work. His business career is one of which
he has every reason to be proud, for he has placed his dej)endence upon
the substantial qualities of energy, self-reliance and high integrity. Thus
he has steadily advanced in the business world until he is now one of
the leading and representative men of Numa.
ADAM BURKHISER.
Adam Burkhiser is one of the active, sturdy and enterprising citizens
whom Germany has given to America and he stands high in the list of
notable pioneers in Iowa, having come to the state in 1855. He is today
a successful and prominent farmer of Franklin township, where he owns
a tract of two hundred and forty acres on section 7, eighty acres on section 6
and one hundred and sixty-seven acres on section 2 and where his work
for over fifty years has been an important factor in agricultural develop-
ment. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 25, 1834, ami is a son
of Sebastian Burkhiser, also a native of the fatherland, who grew to man-
hood, married there and there passed away in 1843, when the subject of
this review was only nine years of age. Afterward the mother married
again and with her family crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in
West Virginia in the spring of 1850.
Adam Burkhiser was reared in the fatherland and West Mrginia and
attended the public schools, there working upon a farm when not engaged
with his books. He married in West \'irginia in 1853 and in 1855 came
west to Iowa, locating in Lee count} among the very earliest settlers there.
He worked by the day and by the month for a short time, hut liuring the
Civil war enlisted as a member of the Border Brigade, a cavalry regiment,
and was mustered into service in Missouri. He served with loyalty and
courage during his period of service and after his discharge went to Van
Buren county, where he preempted forty acres of land. In order to enter
his claim to the pro{)erty he was obliged to walk over one hundred miles
to the land office, a long, hard journey through a sparselv settled country.
The pioneers along the way helped him with friend!} hos[)itality, but
even with this aid Mr. Burkhiser spent ten or twelve days upon the journey
and the walk is indelibly stamped upon his memory as one of the hardest
of his early pioneer experiences. When he had proved his title lie Mtrled
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 197
upon his tort) acre tract and carried forward the work of improvement
until 1865, when he sold the farm and moved into Appanoose county.
In the same year he purchased eighty acres in Washington township, forty
acres ot which were under cultivation and the whole slightly improved.
To this he later added forty adjoining acres and farmed upon his one
hundred and twenty acre tract until 1870, repairing the buildings and
making other needed changes. When he sold this property he bought
one hundred and sixty acres on section 7, Franklin township, upon which
he still resides. This was another tract of raw land and Mr. Burkhiser
has added its improvement and development to a long list of his sub-
stantial contributions to the agricultural advancement of Iowa. He broke
the soil, fenced and drained the property, erected the necessary buildings
and began the work ot development. P^rom time to time he added to his
holdings and is now tlie proprietor of four hundred and eighty-seven
acres which is dividtnl into tour farms, all well improved. He has built
a substantial residence upon the home place, two fine barns and convenient
outbuildings and in addition has set out an orchard which has proved a
valuable source of income. Mr. Burkhiser is likewise extensively in-
terested in stock-raising, in which he has been engaged for a numlier of
years, and annually ships large herds of steers to Chicago, where they
command a high price and a ready sale. He has also bred some high-
grade horses and this torms another important source of income to him.
Mr. Burkhiser commenced his life in Iowa with a capital of three dollars
and by his own labor and industry has accomplished a gratifying degree
of success. The struggle for prosperity was a long and hard one and made
constant demands upon his patience, industry and courage. These qual-
ities, however, were strong elements in his character and were supplemented
by quiet determination, independence and self-reliance w Inch eventually
brought their just reward. Mr. Burkhiser stands today among the sub-
stantial and influential men of Franklin township and his career may
serve as an inspiration to those who follow <ifter him.
Mr. Burkhiser has been three times married. His first union occurrcil
in West \'irginia in 1853, in which year he marricil Miss Catherine Dayton,
who passed away in 1873, having met death bv an accident. 'I'o this
union were born seven children: Mrs. May Ann Prophet, a widow with
three children; .Mice, who became the wife of James Harris, of Mills
county, Iowa: I'd, who is married and is engaged in operating one of his
fathers' farms; H. G., a railroad agent and telegraph operator at Mystic;
Sarah, the wife of Thomas Bales, of Franklin township; :ind two, who
ilied in childluKxl. Mr. Burkhiser's second union was with Miss Elvira
Hickenbottom, whom he wedded in Appanoose count}- in 1873. Her
198 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
death occurred in 1888, and afterward Mr. Burkhiser married his present
wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Rosa Shabley, a native of Germany
but reared and educated in Ohio. At the time of her marriage to the
subject of this review she was the widow of Ferdinand Graber. Mr.
and Mrs. Burkhiser have a son, Charles, who for the past five or six years
has operated a portion of the Burkhiser farm. He married on October
17, 1912, at Humeston, Miss Stella Davidson, who was born in that city.
Mr. Burkhiser gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and is progressive and active in community affairs, although he never
seeks public office. He and his wife are members of the Mount Olive
Christian church and are widely known as people of exemplary character.
Mr. Burkhiser is affiliated with the Farmers Society of Equity, with head-
quarters at Indianapolis, and still retains his membership, although the
local lodge is now disbanded. No man in Appanoose county has been
more closely identihed with its pioneer development or a more powerful
force in its later expansion. Mr. Burkhiser enjoys the trust and confidence
of people among whom he has lived for so many years and who know the
historj- of the struggle by which he worked his way upward to prosperity.
THOMAS WESLEY KILLION.
Journalism finds a worthy representative in Thomas Wesley Killion,
owner and publisher of the Centerville Weekly Sun. He was born in
Orleans, Appanoose county, Iowa, July 7, i860, a son of Thomas Jefferson
Killion, who was engaged in general merchandising at Orleans at the
time of the birth of his son Thomas. He also held the position of justice
of the peace there and was prominent in democratic circles before the
war, being regarded as a local oracle in political connections. He married
Jeannette Ann Killion, a most consistent Christian woman.
In earlv life Thomas Wesley Killion took up the occupation of farming
which he followed continuously until thirt)-rive years of age. His con-
nection with journalism began on the 1st of March, 1898, when he estab-
lished the Semi-Weekly Sun at Moulton, continuing its publication at
that place until February, 1911, when the plant was removed to Center-
ville, where the paper is still published as a weekly. He likewise estab-
lished the Centerville Weekly Sun on the 14th of February, 1912, and
has succeeded in building up a large circulation as well as developing ;i
good job printing business. His office is well equipped with everything
necessary for turning out high-class job printing as well as for the publica-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 199
tion of a/paper. To these lines Mr. Killion gives his entire attention w ith
the result that his patrons receive a most readable journal, attractive from
the standpoint of the printer's art as well as a medium of general and
local news.
On the 2d of April, 1885, at Centerville, Iowa, Mr. Killion was
married to Miss Sarah F. Clark, a daughter of William A. Clark, in whose
honor the Grand Army post at Moulton was named. Her father was a
veteran of the Civil war and also a noted Methodist minister. For
several years prior to her marriage the daughter was successfully engaged
in teaching in Appanoose county. To Mr. and Mrs. Killion have been
born four children: Carl Ct., who married Miss Myrtle Benson, of Albia,
Iowa; E. Floyd, who married Miss Minnie Ward, of Centerville Iowa;
Paul E., a graduate of the Moulton high school of the class of igi2; and
Pearl E., a freshman in the high school.
Mr. Killion votes with the democratic party and is recognized as one
of its prominent local leaders. He was chairman of the Appanoose county
democratic central committee tor three }ears, during which time capable
management succeeded in drawing out and increasing the vote of that
party largely. In 1908 he was named for county recorder and ran tar
ahead of the regular party vote. He held the office of justice of the peace
for three years, beginning in 1887. He was appointed postmaster at
Moulton, Iowa, by President Cleveland, and took possession of the office
December 1, 1893, holding it until February 5, 1898. He stands strongly
in support of all he believes to be right and is a worthy representative of
other organizations outside of political ranks. He became a charter mem-
ber of Moulton Camp, M. W. A., and on its organization in April, 1896,
was elected to the office of worthy advisor, so serving for two terms. He
was afterward chosen venerable consul and held that office for three con-
secutive years. He was elected excellent banker and so served during the
year 1910. In 1900 he became a member of the Brotherhood of .American
Yeomen, joining the order at Moulton and tilling the office of correspond-
ent for five years and that of master ot ceremonies for one year. He helped
to organize the order in Centerville and is now its honorable foreman.
He has been a delegate to all its state conclaves and to two of its supreme
conclaves, the last one being held in Minnea[K)Iis in 1909. Christian
principles have also long formed a guiding spirit in his life. When sixteen
years of age he became a member of the Christian church and held the
office of church deacon during the years 1909-10. Good business qualifi-
cations with a talent for making a newspaper have made him a successful
journalist and jMiblisher, and a keen interest in the welfare of his coimtry
has led him to become a stanch champion of parry principles which he
200 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
deems essential to the welfare of state and country. He lives up to a
high standard of ethical teaching as found in the tenets of the fraternities
with which he is connected and he has been a cooperant factor in that
labor which seeks the moral progress of the community.
ALFRED J. PRATT.
Iowa sent her full quota of soldiers to the Civil war and among the
boys in blue who went to the front from this state was Alfred J. Pratt.
Later he became widely known as a hotel proprietor in Centerville,
where he also had other business interests. He was born in the state
of New York, November 8, 1848, a son of George and Emeline (Delano)
Pratt, the former a native of the Empire state, while the latter was
born in Montreal, Canada. The father was a stage driver and came to
Iowa at an early day, settling at Mount Pleasant before the building of
the railroads. He drove a stage from that place to Burlington and was
thus engaged until the building of railway lines put him out of busi-
ness. He then removed to Centerville, where he established a hotel, becom-
ing well known as its proprietor. He conducted the business from 1858
until 1886, when his wife died and he withdrew from the hotel. He
then turned his attention to the livery business, which he carried on tor
a time but later went to Nebraska and afterward to Kansas. Following
his return to Centerville he married again and here made his home until
his death, which occurred on the 6th of November, 1906. He had a
wide acquaintance here and was favorabh- known.
Alfred J. Pratt was reared and educated in Centerville, Iowa, and
also attended and graduated from the normal school at Ypsilanti, Michi-
gan. He was a youth of but sixteen years when he offered his services
to the government in defense of the Union cause, enlisting in 1864 as a
member of Company B, Forty-seventh Iowa Infantry, for one hundred
days' service. On the expiration of that term he again came to Center-
ville, where he was employed in diiferent ways until 1886, helping in
two surveys for the line of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railway
from Centerville through Iowa and Nebraska. In 1886, however, he
engaged in the hotel business, which he carried on continuously and suc-
cessfully until June 24, 1911. The name of Pratt was therefore long
connected with hotel interests in Centerville and ever stood as a synonym
for enterprise and capable service in that direction. At length Mr. Pratt
MI!. AM) Mi:^. A I ri; \ri'
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 203
retired and is now making; his home at Xo. 533 East Elm street, where
he owns a f^ood property.
On the 8th ot November, 1886, occurred the marriage ot Mr. Fratt
and Mrs. Eunice (Brouj,'h) Creigo, a daughter of John and Nancy E.
(Carper) Brough, the former a native of Ohio and tlie hitter of \'irginia.
Her father was a carpenter by occupation, coming to Ap[)anoose county
in an early day. His wife died in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have no
children but bj- her former marriage there was a daughter, Emma, now
the wife of C. E. Delaniler.
Mr. Pratt votes witli the democratic [)art) anti has three times rep-
resented his ward on the board of city aldernun, exercising his ofiicial
prcrogati\es in support of many progressive public movements. He holds
membership with the Grand Army post at Centerville and his wife is a
member of the Christian church and the Women's Relief Corps. For more
than a half century he has lived in Appanoose county and has therefore
been a witness of the greater part of its growth and develo|)ment. He
has seen its wild lands converted into good farms, its primitive homes
replaced by modern dwellings, its villages developed into thriving towns
and cities, and as the years have gone b) he has cooperated in many
movements contributing to the progress that has placed Appanoose among
the leading counties of this great commonwealth.
JAMES M. D.\LE.
The records of the agricultural development of Appanoose county
contain no more honored and worthy name than that of James M. Dale
whose memory is jet cherished by those who knew him, although ten
years have passed since he was calletl to his hnal rest. A native of Indi-
ana, Mr. I^alc was born in Hendricks county, November 20, 1841, and
is a son of John and Charlotte (Columbia) Dale, natives of Kentucky.
The father farmed in that state for some time but came to Indiana at
an early date and there engaged in general agricultural [)ursuits until 185 J,
w h( n he came to Appanoose county and purchased a farm just northeast
of Centerville, which he improved antl operated for the remainder of his
life. He difil in i8i)2. having long survived his wife, who passed away
in 1873.
James M. Dale acquired his early education in Imliana and was four-
teen years of age when he came to Appanoose county. He com[)leted his
studies in the district schools and after laying aside his books worked
upon his father's farm (mfil he attained his majority. He then began
his independent career, purchasing land from iiis lather. He operated
204 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
this farm tor the r(.'niainder ot his lite, giving a great deal of attention
to its improvement and development along progressive and practical lines.
From time to time he added to his holdings until he possessed thirteen
hundred acres of land, comprising one of the finest farms in this part of
Iowa. He passed away January 2, 1902, leaving a large circle of friends
to mourn his loss.
In 1861 Mr. Dale married Miss Malinda Long, who was born in
1844. She is a daughter of \'alentine and Fanny Long, natives of Indi-
ana, where the father farmed before he came to Appanoose county among
the early settlers. Here he purchased land and operated a model agri-
cultural enterprise until his death in 1877. He was survived by his wife
for ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Dale became the parents of four children.
John, the eldest, resides in Centerville. Hattie G. is the wife of George
B. Steele whom she married on the 8th of July, 1887. They became the
parents of three children: Jessie Opal, who is eighteen years of age;
Charlotte Dale, aged fifteen; and one child, who died in infancy. Mrs.
Steele owns and operates a large skating rink in CVnterville, her building
being one hundred feet by eighty feet. She also holds the title to a fine
residence at No. 514 West State street, in which she resides with her
family. The third child born to Mr. and Mrs. Dale is Charlotte, the
wife of G. E. Climie, a piano dealer in Centerville. The youngest child
in this family is Lemuel, who is. connected with the grocery business in
the employ of M. B. Maring. The mother of these children passed away
in 1872 after a short illness.
Mr. Dale was a devout member of the Christian church, and polit-
ically supported the democratic party. In all the relations of his life he
worked toward high ideals, seldom failing to accomplish what he under-
took. The extent and importance of his business interests and his fidelity
to the principles of honorable and upright manhood made him a valued
and honored citizen and his death caused widespread and sincere regret
which was a genuine tribute of sorrow at the close of a worthy life.
P. S. DA\IS.
The Sunnyside Farm on section 10, Franklin township, is the property
of P. S. Davis, one of the representative agriculturists and prosperous
business men of Appanoose county. Throughout his entire life he has
followed the occupation of farming and is now the owner of eighty acres
of good land, and the neat and attractive appearance of his place is proof
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 205
of his careful supervision and practical methods. Mr. Davis is a native
son of Iowa, born in Wapello county, September i, 1853, his father being
James Davis, who came to Iowa as a young man and located in Wapello
county, where he resided for some years. Later he moved into Appanoose
county and made his home in Pleasant township, where he purchased
a farm and engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He spent the later
years of his life upon this {property and died about 1900. His wife
survived him some time, passing away in 1911, at the home of her son.
P. S. Davis was still a child when his father moved to Apfianoose
county and his etiucation was, therefore, received in the public schools
of this section. He remained at home until he was seventeen years of
age and then began his independent career, securing work at breaking
prairie land. For one summer he drove a five yoke team of oxen over
undeveloped farms in the neighborhood, getting them into condition for
the first planting, and afterward worked as a monthh farm laborer for five
} ears, remaining in the employ of one man during the entire period. He
married in 1880 and in the same year rented a farm in Franklin township,
and after develoi)ing this property for two years moved upon the land
owned bv his wife's family, upon which he carried on general farming
for some time. Later he purchased the eighty acres upon which he now
resides and immediately began the further cultivation of this property
and has added to his activities the development of the Baker farm of
eighty acres adjoining. Upon his own tract he has built a modern resi-
dence, with a southern exposure, and has carefully tended the lawn which
surrounds it and beautified it with shrubs and plants. He has erected a
good barn and substantial outbuildings and has installed the necessary
equipment, being today the owner of a model farm. In all of the con-
struction work done upon the property Mr. Davis has aided materially,
for he is a mechanic of unusual skill and ability and capable of doing
the most delicate work on machinery. For a number of years he has
conducted a blacksmith shop upon his property and does a great deal of
the black.smith work ot the neighborhood in addition to his own. More-
over, for a time he owned and operated a threshing machine, which he
ran for sixteen years, and during the winter seasons engaged in butchering
for his neighbors.
Mr. Davis married, in Centerville, Iowa, on the 1 9th of FVbruary.
1880, Miss Penelo[ie J. Baker, a daughter of H. H. Baker, of Cincinnati.
one of the early settlers in that community. Mr. Baker is a blacksmith
by trade and for over fifty years has conducted a shop at Cincinnati, being
one of the well known and widely pojnilar men in this part of. .•\p|)anon>e
county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have adopted two daughters: Pearline.
206 HISTORY Ol" APPAXOOSE COL' XT V
who is married and has two children; and Laura May, a teacher in the
public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Christian church.
Mr. Davis gives his allegiance to the republican party and has been
stanch in his adherence to its principles and policies since casting his first
vote. He has resided in Appanoose count}' for a number of years and
has spent his entire life in the state of Iowa. During the time he has
identified himself with the best interests of his community and is regarded
as a valuable addition to the ranks of its citizenship, for in business deal-
ings he is reliable and straightforward and in all the relations of his life
honorable, progressive and upright.
BINGHAM S. STALEY.
Bingham S. Staley, architect and builder, whose prominence in the
field of his chosen calling is indicated by the importance ot the contracts
awarded him, is one of the native sons of Appanoose count)-, his birth
having occurred on the 15th of November, 1871, a son of Alva and Mary
(Smith) Staley. The father was born in Perry county, Ohio, June 4,
1831, and for a long period was identified with building operations in
Centerville, but is now deceased. Extended mention ot him is made on
another page of this wark.
In the district school Bingham S. Staley pursued his education, and
when seventeen years of age started out in lite on his own account. From
that time forward he has depended upon his labors and resources and
whatever success he has enjoyed has arisen therefrom. He learned the
carpenter's trade and for some time worked for wages in the employ of
others, after which he began contracting and building on his own account.
He has since continued in this business and ranks with the most prominent
in his line in Centerville. having erected a large number of the different
homes of the city, also the present postoffice. a new courthouse and a
number of business blocks. At the [)resenf time he is engaged on the
erection of the big [)lant for the Hercules Manufacturing Company. The
character and importance as well as the volume of his work indicates his
high standing and his success in his chosen ticKl. \\'hen he started out
he was determined to thoroughly master the work at hand and to perform
every duty taithtully, and the same spirit has ever characterized him in
the exercise of his contracts, winning for him, therefore, a [irominent
position in. the business circles of the city.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 207
Mr. Staley was married to Miss Mary B. Smith, a daughter of Thomas
M. and Amanda (Joiner) Smith, who are mentioned at length in connec-
tion with the sketch of K. N. Smith, on another page of this volume.
Mr. and Mrs. Staley have become the parents of six children: Frederick
Paul, who is a graduate of the Centerville high school of the class of 1912
and is now working with his father; Robert A., who was born October 16,
1895, and is attending high school; Howard R., who was born December
16, 1900, and is also a high-school student; Mary L., born December 25,
1902; Thomas D., bom February 9, 1904; and Donald Kieth, horn
August 7, 1908. The wife ami mother, who was a native ot J^iirheld,
Iowa, passed away in Centerville on the 8th of September, 1908, and
her death was deeply regretted by many friends who recognized her
sterling traits of character and many good qualities of heart and mind.
Mr. Staley holds membership with the Elks and Masonic lodge of Center-
ville. He has never had any political ambition but has always voted
with the republican party and is unfaltering in his loyalty thereto. He
is a member of the Christian church and it is well known that his influence
has always been on the side of right, progress, justice, truth, and improve-
ment.
SCOTT PEACOCK.
Scott Peacock, well known in business circles of Centerville as pro-
prietor of the business formerly operated by the Capital Printing Company,
was born in ^Missouri, August 6, 1879. ^e is a son of Gordon and
Margaret (Bennie) Peacock, natives of Scotland, the former of whom
followed mining in that country for some time. At an early day the
father of our subject came to America and eventually settled in Mi-ssouri,
where he bought land. For a number of years he gave his entire atten-
tion to the improvement and development ot his tarm, making it finally
one of the most attractive properties in his section of the state. When
he left his farm he retired from active lite and came to Centerville, where
he now resides. He is well known as a veteran ot the Civil war, having
■^erxed during that conflict as a member of Company K, one hundred and
Thirty-third Illinois \'olunteer Infantry. His wife passed away in 1900.
Scott Peacock was six years of age when his father same to Centerville
and consequently his education was received in the public schools of the
town. After laying his books aside he learned the printer's trade with
the firm ot Barrows ^^ Son, then proprietors ot the lowegian, and he
continued in their employ for five years. At the end of that time he went
208 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
to Springfield, Illinois, and from there to various cities throughout the
middle west. For hfteen years he worked at his trade in different local-
ities and then, in October, 1911, returned to Centerville and purchased
the business operated by the Capital Printing Company. He bought the
concern from H. B. Frink, its former owner, and in one year has met
with a gratifying degree of success in its conduct. He has a well equipped
office, in which is found all the machinery for job printing, Mr. Peacock
confining his attention to this branch of work. He has excellent business
ability, an expert knowledge of his trade, fine discrimination and good
judgment, and these qualities have been the most important features in
his success.
Mr. Peacock married, in June, 1902, Miss Barbara E. Underf anger,
a daughter of John and Emily (Taintor) Underfanger, natives of Spring-
field, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Peacock have become the parents of two
children: Gordon, seven years of age; and Margaret, aged one year and
a half. Mr. Peacock belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
holding membership in Springfield, Illinois. He gives loyal support to
the republican party, but official life has never had any attraction for him.
He prefers to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his present
affairs, in which he is most successful, and much credit is due him for the
position he has attained among the substantial and prosperous business
men of his community.
H. E. BUNKER.
Among the real promoters and upbuilders of Appanoose county H. E.
Bunker deserves special mention, for he has lived here since 1862 and
since reaching manhood has given his time and attention to those things
which have developed and promoted religious, intellectual and material
progress. For a number of years he was closely connected with agri-
cultural interests, but has recently given up active pursuits and lives in
Exline in comparative retirement, although he engages to some extent in
the insurance business. He was born in Quincy, Adams county, Illinois,
March 13, 1849, and is a son of Dr. Samuel Bunker, a native of New
Hampshire, who remained in that state until he was eighteen vears of age.
The father of our subject was a man of excellent education and broad
culture. He came west to Illinois, locating in Quincy, and later began
the study of medicine, taking a course at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical
College under Dr. Cutler. When he had completed his studies he prac-
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 209
tic'ed his profession at Quincy tor some time, but then moved to Astoria,
Illinois, where he practiced until he came to Iowa in 1862 and located on
a farm in Caldwell township, Appanoose county. Here he also engaged
in the practice ot medicine, but after four years moved to Omah, Missouri,
where he purchased the practice of a local physician and became prominent
and successful in his chosen field of work. He later located at Central
City, Missouri, and still later at Mill Grove. His death occurred while
on a visit to Centerville in 1893.
H. E. Bunker was a lad of thirteen when he came with his parents
to Appanoose county. Here he was reared and here he received his
primary education in the public schools, supplementing this by work at
Unionville, Missouri, and later by a course in the Kirksville Normal
School. After receiving his certificate he engaged in teaching in the schools
of Missouri, Kansas and Iowa, following this profession for a number
of years. In 1872 he went to Kansas and homesteaded near Abilene,
where he lived for seventeen years, but in 1889 he located on the Meeker
place near Exline, a farm belonging to his wife. Upon this he engaged
in agricultural pursuits for nineteen years, winning a high place in the
ranks of progressive and successful agriculturists. Later, however, he re-
tired from active life and moved into Exline, where he bought a fine resi-
dence lot and upon it built an attractive dwelling, in which he has since
resided. Mr. Bunker was one of the promoters of the Appanoose County
Mutual Insurance Association and was the first president of that body,
serving for four years. He has of late years given his attention to solicit-
ing fire, lightning and cyclone insurance and has built up an extensive
business along this line. Mr. Bunker was also one of the organizers of
the Exline Savings Bank and served as its first president.
Mr. Bunker was married in 1889 to Miss Helen M. Meeker, a native
of Vermont, who came to Appanoose county in 1863 and who, like her
husband, had been for a number of }ears engaged in teaching in the public
schools of Missouri and Iowa. Mr. Bunker gives his allegiance to the
republican party, adhering to the progressive branch of that body, and has
always been more or less active in local affairs. He is serving at the
{^resent time as councilman on the village board and has been for many
years a prominent figure in school matters. For a number of terms he
was president of the school board, has been school treasurer and has held
many other positions of trust and honor. He has been a resident of Appa-
noose county for almost half a century and has been closely identified with
its growth and development, giving his attention always to beneficial and
important enterprises and as a consequence he has gained a high place
210 HISTORY OF Al'i'AXOOSE a)U.\"TY
among the representative and public-spirited men of this part of the state
and is held in high esteem and warm regard by many friends.
Mr. Bunker is a man of deep and sincere religious feeling and his
beliefs are of the practical kind which influence the work and ideals of his
every-day life. He is a member of the Christian church and has for years
been a leading figure in the affairs of the Christian Church Missionary
Association in this section and has served as its president for twelve or
fourteen years. This society holds regular conventions in various parts
of the count} to discuss conditions and the means of building up and
promoting missionary work throughout the state, and Mr. Bunker's serv-
ices have been of great and lasting usefulness. He and his wife are
teachers in the Sunday school, of which he served for a time as superin-
tendent. During the many years of his labors in this vine3'ard he has
accomplished work of inestimable value, giving his services freely to a
great cause without hope or desire for remuneration. His religion leavens
his life, making him upright in business, loyal in citizenship and in all
things a worthy and honorable Christian gentleman.
IRA L. LONG.
Ira L. Long, who is cashier of the Numa State Savings Bank and who
controls other important business interests in Numa, is numbered among
the most able, energetic and ambitious young men of that community. He
is a native of Appanoose county, born in \'ermillion township, November
lo, 1889, and is a son of Charles and Marietta (Miller) Long, also born
in the same section. The father was reared upon a farm and after attain-
ing his majority followed agricultural pursuits, operating a valuable prop-
erty until his death, which occurred on the 18th of October, 1912. The
mother is still living.
Ira L. Long acquired his early education in the district schools of Ver-
milion township and later entered the Centerville high school, graduating
from that institution with the class of 1909. Deciding to continue his
studies he went to Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant and was thus
thoroughly equipped to begin his independent career. After laying aside
his books he came to Numa and was appointed cashier of the Numa State
Savings Bank, with which he has been connected since that time. He has
proved himself in the discharge of his important duties a far-sighted and
reliable business man and an able financier and is regarded as one of the
most valuable men connected with the bank. He has other important
CHARLES I_ONO
^^^<
y':^^^^
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 213
financial interests, being a stockholder in the First National Bank of Sey-
mour and the owner of a large automobile livery business in Xuma. In
addition he holds title to eighty acres of improved farm lantl in Lincoln
township, just adjoining the town.
Fraternally Mr. Long is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, acting as financier of that organization. His religious views
are in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist church, and politically he
gives allegiance to the democratic party, supporting always its men and
measures, although he never seeks office for himself. He is well known in
this county where he has lived since his birth and has a wide acquaintance
here, having won uniform trust and good-will by reason of a life which in
all of its phases is upright, straightforward and honorable. He is still a
young man but has proven himself able, ambitious and energetic and he
cannot fail of continued progress and increasing prominence in the financial
world.
DKXTKK A. SPOOXER.
Among the men who were active in the business development of Appa-
noose county was Dexter A. Spooner, who for over half a century was
prominently identified with the transfer business in Centerville. His
deatli. therefore, removed from the city one whom it could ill afford to
lose, a man of signal sincerity and integrity of purpose, whose individual
work was an important factor in general development. Mr. Spooner was
born in Indiana in August, 1832, and was a son of Benjamin and Martha
(Ware) Spooner, the former a native of New York, and the latter of
Kentucky. The father worked at the saddler's trade in that state for a
number of years but came to Centerville in the early '40s and established
himself in the grocery business. Prior to that time, however, he had been
prominent in agricultural circles of Appanoose county. After moving into
the town, however, he never resumed his agricultural pursuits and spent
the remainder of his life engaged in the grocery business. He passed away
in 1872 and was survived by his wife until 1884.
Dexter A. Spooner was still a child when his parents moved to Appa-
noose county and therefore his education was acquired in the public schools
of this part of the state. After he laid aside his books he worked on his
father's farm until he had attained his majority and then moved into
Centerville and established himself in the transfer business. As time passed
his enterprise grew and finally assumed large proportions, owing to his
214 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
untiring and well directed efforts during half a century. He was a man
of sound judgment and excellent business ability and in the conduct of
his affairs met with well deserved success, indirectly assisting in a material
way in the upbuilding of the community. He died November 4, 1907.
In Maj', 1871, Mr. Spooner married Miss Claudine B. Stratton, a
daughter of J. F. and Laura VV. (Foster) Stratton, the former a native
of Pennsylvania and the latter of Massachusetts. The father was a civil
engineer and his business took him to Michigan at a time when that state
was still a territory. He worked at his profession there for a number of
years but finally came to Centerville, Iowa, and served for many years
as county surveyor of Appanoose county. Later he was elected county
clerk and held this office for some time, showing in all the relations of
his public life the same energ}', ability and keen discrimination which
marked his professional career. He died in 1884 and was survived by
his wife until 1888. Mrs. Spooner, the widow of the subject of this review,
has extensive property holdings in Centerville, owning an attractive home
at No. 303 East Washington street and a controlling interest in the
Spooner Transfer Companj'. She makes her home in the house which
her father built in 1858, and intends to spend the remainder of her life
in this house which is endeared to her through long association. Her
father was one of the earliest settlers in Centerville and helped to lay out
the town, as he did also the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Mr. Spooner was well known in the Masonic order and for many
years was active in the affairs of that organization. He gave his allegi-
ance to the republican party and was a member of the Methodist church,
molding his life in accordance with its doctrines. The years of his active
career had been spent in honorable and worth}- work in Centerville and
his death brought to a close a life of genuine and unostentatious use-
fulness.
WILLIAM H. McCABE.
Among the men who came to Appanoose county in the period of its
pioneer development and who for man)- }ears have been identified with the
progress and upbuilding of this part of the state is William H. McCabe,
who made his first settlement here in 1856. He has given his attention
almost entirely to agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of four hun-
dred acres of valuable lam! on section 9, Franklin township, a portion of
which is the family homestead. He was bom in Saratoga county. New
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 215
York, on the 25th of June, 1853, and is a son ot John and Eleanor (Angle)
McCabe, both natives of the Empire state. The father farmed in Sara-
toga county for a number of years but in 1856 moved west to Iowa and
located in Appanoose county, where he purchased land upon which his son
now resides. His tract at that time comprised eighty acres and was all
prairie, which Mr. McCabe was obliged to break before beginning the work
of development. He got the land under the plow and gradually carried
forward the work of improvement, building the necessary farm buildings
and a comfortable dwelling. At the outbreak of the Civil war, however, he
left the farm and enlisted in an Iowa company, being later transferred to a
Kansas cavalry regiment. He served for eighteen months and was then
discharged on account of disability. Returning home, he again settled
upon his farm, but soon afterward died from the effects of his military
service. His wife, left alone, bravely faced the hardships of pioneer life
and reared her family of two sons and two daughters, namely: Peter, a
farmer of Franklin township; Clara, who became the wife of Peter Bales,
also of Franklin township; Mary, the wife of D. W. Pettigrew, of Lincoln
townshi[); and William H., of this review.
The last named was in his childhood familiar with pioneer conditions
in the state and even as a small boy aided in breaking the soil in the devel-
opment of his father's farm. He had very few school advantages and is
largely self-educated, having gained the greater part of his knowledge
through reading, experience and observation in later years. As soon as he
was able he obtained work by the day or month and labored in this way
for several years, saving his money and accumulating a comfortable sum
With this he purchased the mterests of the other heirs in the old homestead,
which he has since continued to operate. He did not tear earnest and per-
sistent work and steadily carried forward the work of development
in which he had assisted since childhood, adding to his holdings until the
farm comprises four hundred acres. He replaced the early dwelling with a
modern two-story residence in iSgj, while barns and out-buildings were
also erected, the farm thus becoming a model property. The fields are
carefully tilled and Mr. McCabe has secured the latest improved machin-
erj' to facilitate his work. He gathers large harvests and the stock which
he keeps is of good grades, commanding a ready sale, and he is numbered
among the men of affluence in this community. He owns in addition to
the homestead twenty-two acres of timber land in the vicinity.
In Lincoln township, on September 1, 1875, ^^^- McCabe was united
in marriage to Miss Margaret Lowr}-, who was born and reared in Appa-
noose county, a daughter of R. S. Lowry. They became the parents of
seven children: W. H., .Ir., who attended the Seymour high school .ind
216 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
who is now assisting his father in the operation of the farm; Nettie, the
wife of Frank Armntrout, of Marshall county, Indiana; Ethel, who mar-
ried Hosea Phillips, a farmer of Franklin township; Anna, who became
the wife of John Kirkpatrick, of Johnson county, Iowa; Ola, who teaches
music; Hallie, a graduate nurse and a resident of Iowa City; and Eula,
who attends the Seymour hi^^h school. Mr. McCabe's first wife passed
away in August, 1904, and on the 7th of June, 1911, he was again married.
His second wife was Mrs. Emma Fox, of Lemonville, Missouri, who was
born and reared in Franklin township. She is a daughter of Joseph Melson
and the widow of William Fox, by whom she had five children. Of this
family two, Ray and Lilly, are living with their mother. Mrs. McCabe
is a devout adherent of the Baptist church.
Mr. McCabe gives his political allegiance to the republican party and
is prominent and active in local affairs, being particularly interested in
school matters. For a number of }'ears he has been a member of the board
of education and has been influentially identified with the betterment of
the schools. He was township trustee for six Acars and has served as dele-
gate to numerous county conventions and has done conscientious work upon
petit and grand juries. He was formerly a member of the Masonic order
in Seymour, where he held membership in the blue lodge and chapter, and
was affiliated with the Royal Arch Masons. The record of his career ex-
tends back to pioneer history and his activities have been connected closely
with the development of the county. While his life has been quietly
passed, it has been useful and beneficial in its results, showing what may be
accomplished by a determined and persistent spirit and honorable dealing.
He occupies a place of prominence among the representative citizens of
Appanoose county, but the most envious cannot grudge him his success —
so worthily has it been won.
CHARLES F. PARKER.
Appanoose count)- numbers among her prominent and successful native
sons Charles F. Parker, the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and eighty
acres in Franklin township, who is in addition a power and a dominating
force in the public life of the section. He was born on the farm which he
now operates, March 18, 1856, and is a son of L. G. Parker, a native of
Jefferson county, New York, who was born February 7, 1815. The father
of our subject grew to manhood in the Empire state but when a ) oung man
went to Ohio, where he married Miss Nancv J. Barnev, also born in New
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 217
York. He was a man of excellent education, ot college training, being a
"•raduate civil engineer, and after he moved to Ohio became prominent in
school circles. He engaged in teaching for a number of years in that state
and during his period of residence gave most of his time and attention to
that occupation. In 1854 he moved to Iowa and located on the farm now
owned b) the subject of this review. This was a part of a tract of six hun-
dred acres which had been previously entered by his father-in-law, Ben-
jamin Barney. Mr. Parker settled upon this property, broke the soil and
carried forward the work of development, making it a model agricultural
enterprise. After a time he resumed teaching and was gradually carried
forward into important relations with educational affairs, and in this line
of work as in all the otlurs u irh which he was identified became prominent
and influential. He reared his family of children in Appanoose county and
spent the remainder of his life upon his farm, dying in March, 1905. He
had survived his wife for some years, her death having occurred in 1894.
Charles F. Parker is one of a family of six sons. He remained upon his
father's farm until he was fifteen years of age and then in comjxm)- with
an older brother went to Kansas, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits
for three years. For two years he was a resident of Newton, Kansas, but
at the end of that time returned to Iowa and worked upon the homestead
and in the mines for two years. He then made another journey into Kan-
sas, where he homesteaded a claim in Finney county and proved upon it
until he had completed payment, when he sold the property. He returned
to Appanoose county and married here in 1883 and immediately afterward
located on part of the home farm, to which he has since added, being now
the owner of a large portion of the original tract. He has made extensive
and substantial improvements upon the property which he has provided
with a good residence and excellent barns and out-buildings and in addi-
tion has planted a good orchard which is now in bearing. In connection
with general farming Mr. Parker is making a specialty ot raising pure-
blooded Durham cattle and Poland China hogs. His animals command a
ready sale in the markets, this portion of Mr. Parker's business being an
important source of his income.
On the 8th of April, 1883, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss
Ilia Harl, who was reared and educated in Appanoose county. She was the
eldest daughter of J. T. Harl, a prominent pioneer in Iowa. Mrs. Parker
passed away in 1904, leaving four children. Pearl lives at home. John
G., who is aiding in the operation of the home farm, is married and has
one son. Ray Harl. The two youngest children are Neil J. ami liia Harl.
Mr. Parker is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and
hoKI^ an oHicial position in the local lodge. Kminenfly progressive in his
218 HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
citizenship, he has for many years taken an active part in the political life
of his community and his work along public lines has been felt as a force in
general development. For eighteen years he has served as justice of the
peace, having been first elected in 1894 '"^*^1 reelected at the expiration of
each term. He has served as county committeeman and as a delegate to
numerous conventions and in November, 1912, was elected a member of
the board of county supervisors. He has made an honorable and worthy
record in all his official relations, standing today among the prominent men
in public life in this part of Appanoose county.
ELMER J. MODEN.
Elmer J. Moden is an active business man of Numa, where for a num-
ber of years he has conducted a tirst-class restaurant, his work along lines
of advancement making him a factor in the general business development
and progress of the town. Appanoose county has numbered him among its
residents since his birth, and he is regarded in Numa as a valuable addition
to the ranks of progressive business men. He was born in Brazil, Bel lair
township, November 29, 1885, and is a son of John and Carrie (Stirts)
Moden. The father came to Appanoose county in pioneer times and was
one of the first settlers in the town of Brazil. He was an experienced coal
miner and after coming to Iowa engaged in that occupation during the re-
mainder ot his life, passing away in 1895. His widow still makes her home
in Brazil.
Elmer J. Moden was reared at home and acquired his education in the
district schools ot Bellair township. After completing his studies he also
engaged in coal mining and for thirteen years continued his connection with
that line of work. At the end of that time he went to Piano, \Valnut
township, and established himself in the restaurant business, conducting a
flourishing enterprise tor one year, after which he sold out at a profit and
came to Numa. Here he resumed his occupation and is now operating the
only first-class restaurant in the town. His business interests are carefully
conducted and his sound judgment, industry and enterprise are manifest
in the prosperity which comes to him.
On the 1 ith of September, 1909, Mr. Moden was united in marriage to
Miss Ida Philby, a daughter of George and Emma (Rothwell) Philby,
natives of England. The father came to .\merica with his parents w hen he
was a child and as soon as he was old enough he engaged in coal mining.
In 1882 he came to Appanoose county and resumed his former occupation.
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY 219
He now resides in Piano. Mr. and Mrs. Moden have two children: Edith
L., two years of age ; and Ruth V., aged one.
Mr. Moden gives his allegiance to the republican party and his religious
views are in accord with the doctrines ot the Methodist church. Frater-
nally he is affiliated with the Foresters of America. Mr. Moden is also the
organizer and leader of the band at Numa, and is an accomplished music-
ian, being an artist on the clarinet. He is still a young man but possesses
m his character the qualities upon which success is founded and his con-
tinued advancement is, therefore, assured. As a resident of Numa he has
been loyal in his advocacy of everything pertaining to the welfare of the
town and has already made some substantial contributions to its develop-
ment and progress.
MARION McCRORY.
Marion McCrory, engaged in business at Moravia as a dealer in teed,
was born in Davis county, Iowa, Februar} lo, 1872, a son of Winn and
Mary (Shepard) McCrory. With their respective parents they removed
from Ohio to Davis county, Iowa, where they were married, and there made
their home for some years. The mother died in that county but the lather
passed away in Missouri. He was a lifelong farmer and had reached the
age of fifty-two years when, in 1898, he was calliil to his final rest.
Marion McCrory was but nine days old at the time of his mother's demise.
He has spent the greater [nirt of his life in Moravia and its vicinity, being
reared by his grandparents, Thomas and Catherine McCrory, whose last
days were spent in Moravia.
Marion McCrory acquired his education in the public schools and was
early trained to recognize the value of industry, economy and honesty. For
several years after attaining his majority he engaged in farming, but for
the past three years has conducted a feed store at Moravia. He buys antl
ships grain oi all kinds and sells teed to the local trade, in whiih connec-
tion he has built up a profitable and growing business.
On the nth of April, 1893, Mr. McCrory was united in marriage to
Mi>,> Anna Wright, who was born in Davis county, Iowa, June 7, 1872,
a daughter ot Robert Wright. They have become parents of six children:
William, who was drowned at the age of fifteen years; Minnie; Ethel;
(reorge and Georgiana, twins, the latter dying in infancy; and Mattie.
The family are well known in Moravia and theirs is a hospitable home, the
good cheer ot which is greatly enjoyed by their many triends. Mr. Mc-
220 HISTORY OF APl'AXOOSE COUNTY
Crory votes with the democratic party, to which he has given his allegiance
since age conterred upon him the right of franchise. His traternal rela-
tions are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masons, in
the work of which lodges he is interested, recognizing the high principles
which underlie their tenets and their teachings.
JOHN PAYTON.
John Payton, who has resided in Appanoose county tor more than two-
thirds of a century, is the oldest living settler within its borders and is
familiar with its annals from pioneer times to the present. He is now
living retired in Centerville, where tor many years he worked at the plaster-
er's trade. His birth occurred in Shelby co 
