Skip to main content

Full text of "Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement"

See other formats 


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  county,  Missouri,  on  the  23d  of 
October,  1835,  his  parents  being  John  and  Emily  (Townsend)  Payton. 
The  father  was  a  native  of  Lexington,  Kentucky,  while  the  mother  was  born 
in  Tennessee  in  1805.  John  Payton,  Sr.,  accompanied  his  parents  on  their 
removal  to  Tennessee  as  a  young  man  and  there  began  farming.  He  was 
married  in  that  state  and  a  few  years  later  removed  to  Shelby  county,  Mis- 
souri, where  he  met  death  by  accident  in  1837,  being  thrown  from  a  horse. 
His  widow  was  thus  left  with  the  care  of  live  small  children.  In  the  spring 
of  1844  she  sold  the  farm  in  Missouri  and  came  to  Appanoose  count)-,  Iowa, 
here  entering  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land.  At  the  end  of  six 
years,  in  1850,  she  disposed  of  the  place  and  took  up  her  abode  in  Center- 
ville, where  she  continued  to  reside  until  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1863. 

John  Payton  was  a  lad  of  nine  years  when  he  came  to  this  county  with 
his  widowed  mother,  Centerville  at  that  time  containing  but  tour  houses. 
He  attended  school  there  and  when  twelve  years  of  age  carried  the  mail 
on  horseback  from  Centerville  to  Ottumwa — a  distance  of  forty  miles.  He 
carried  mail  for  three  years  and  worked  at  any  t)th(T  employment  that  he 
could  hnd.  On  the  14th  of  February,  1862,  at  Centerville,  Iowa,  he  enlisted 
for  service  in  the  Union  arm}-  as  a  member  of  Compan}-  D,  Sixth  Iowa 
V^olunteer  Infantr}-,  commanded  b)  Captain  Waldron.  He  participated  in 
twent}-seven  of  the  principal  engagements  of  the  war,  including  those  of 
Shiloh,  Champion's  Hill,  \'icksburg.  Mission  Ridge  and  Lookout  Moun- 
tain. He  was  wounded  at  Atlanta,  Georgia,  on  the  28th  of  July,  1864,  and 
on  the  10th  of  June,  186^,  was  mustered  out  at  Louisville,  Kentucky,  re- 
ceiving his  honorable  discharge  at  Davenport.  Iowa,  on  the  25th  ot  .August, 
1865.  Mr.  Payton  was  a  lo\al  and  valiant  soldier,  always  found  in  the 
thickest  of  the  fight  and  never  faltering  in  the  performance  of  any  task 


JOHN  PAYTOX 


HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY  223 

as>i>,'nfd  him.  After  returning  to  Centerville  he  learned  the  plasterer's 
trade,  working  at  that  occupation  throughout  the  remainder  ot  his  active 
business  career.  During  the  past  tew  years,  however,  he  has  lived  retired, 
spending  the  evening  of  life  in  well  earned  rest.  He  owns  an  attractive 
home  in  Centerville  and  receives  a  pension  of  thirty  dollars  per  month. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  1858,  Mr.  Payton  was  joined  in  wedlock  to 
Miss  Mar}-  Jane  Swearengin,  a  daughter  of  Samuel  S.  and  Temperance 
Ann  (Pearson)  Swearengin,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Maryland. 
They  came  west  in  the  early  '40s,  locating  on  a  farm  in  Davis  county, 
low  a.  In  i8;2  Mr.  Swearengin  established  his  home  in  A()panoose  county 
and  built  a  flour  and  feed  mill  on  the  Chariton  river  in  Sharon  township, 
here  continuing  to  reside  until  he  passed  away  in  1857.  A  few  years  later 
liis  wife  died  at  the  home  of  her  son  (reorge  in  Centerville,  this  county. 
I'o  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Payton  were  born  the  following  children:  Isaac,  who  is 
deceased;  Josephine,  who  is  the  widow  of  George  Halden,  a  merchant  of 
Centerville,  Iowa,  and  now  resides  in  Spokane,  Washington;  Albert,  who 
conducts  an  opera  house  in  Centerville;  Ella,  the  wife  of  Rev.  Stevens,  of 
Spokane,  Washington;  George,  who  is  at  this  writing  a  candidate  for  the 
office  of  sheriff  in  Appanoose  county;  and  Claud,  in  New  York  city.  The 
wife  and  mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1901  and  since  that  time  Mr. 
Payton  has  had  a  family  living  with  him,  to  look  after  the  household. 

In  politics  Mr.  Payton  is  a  stanch  republican,  having  ever  supported 
the  party  which  was  the  defense  of  the  Union  during  the  dark  days  of  the 
Civil  war.  He  attends  the  services  of  the  Methodist  church  and  his  life 
has  been  upright  and  honorable  in  its  various  relations.  He  has  now  passed 
the  seventv-seventh  milestone  on  life's  journey  and  enjoys  the  distinction 
of  being  the  oldest  living  settler  in  the  county. 


F.  S.  .SHARP 


F.  S.  Sharp  is  the  owner  ot  an  excellent  farm  ot  two  luindKd  and 
ninety  acres  on  section  15,  Taylor  township,  and  his  careful  management 
IS  evidenced  in  its  well  kept  appearance  and  in  the  substantial  crops  which 
are  annualh  garnered.  It  was  in  this  township,  on  the  3d  of  January, 
186^.  while  his  father  was  at  the  front  in  the  Civil  war,  that  F.  S.  Sharp 
was  born.  He  is  a  son  of  F.  M.  and  Maggie  R.  (Beaty)  Sharp.  The 
father's  birth  occurred  in  Washington  cnimfy,  Pennsylvania,  .lanuarx  26, 
18^9,  while  the  mother  was  born  in  Marshall  county,  IllinoiN  September 
19,  18^8.     In   1855  F.  M.  Sharp  came  to  Taylor  township,  Ap|unoose 


224  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

county,  with  his  parents,  J.  \V.  and  Anna  Sharp,  Ix-inp  at  that  time  a  lad 
of  sixteen  years.  His  father  secured  the  hist  piece  of  hind  open  for  entry 
in  the  township  and  there  developed  a  farm,  upon  which  he  and  his  wife 
spent  their  remaining  days.  They  had  ten  children,  seven  sons  and  three 
daughters,  of  whom  F.  M.  Sharp  was  the  eldest.  He  was  reared  in  the 
usual  manner  of  farm  lads  and  always  carried  on  general  agricultural  pur- 
suits. He  purchased  eighty  acres  of  the  present  homestead,  which  at  that 
time  was  a  tract  of  raw  land,  but  with  characteristic  energ}'  soon  trans- 
formed it  into  fertile  fields,  to  which  he  added  from  time  to  time  until  two 
hundred  and  eighty  acres  were  comprised  within  the  boundaries  of  his 
place.  He  continually  carried  on  general  farming  here  until  ten  }ears  ago, 
when  he  sold  the  old  home  to  his  son  F.  S.  Sharp  and  went  to  Missouri  to 
live  in  the  Ozark  country  for  the  benefit  of  his  health.  He  was  a  valued 
and  highly  respected  resident  of  this  part  of  the  state,  honored  and  esteemed 
wherever  known  and  most  of  all  where  he  was  best  known.  He  enlisted 
on  the  24th  of  June,  1861,  as  a  member  of  Company  D.  Sixth  Iowa  \'oluii- 
teer  Infantry,  and  served  for  more  than  four  years,  or  until  the  close  of  the 
war,  being  mustered  out  at  Washington,  D.  C,  where  he  took  part  in  the 
Grand  Review,  the  most  celebrated  military  pageant  ever  seen  in  the  west- 
ern hemisphere,  thousands  of  victorious  troops  marching  through  the  streets 
of  the  city,  between  the  ranks  of  a  cheering  multitucie  that  welcomed  their 
return.  Mr.  Sharp  participated  in  man}-  hotly  contested  battles,  never 
faltering  in  the  face  of  the  gravest  danger.  In  days  of  peace  he  was  a  loyal 
and  progressive  citizen  and  filled  a  number  of  local  offices,  while  at  one 
time  he  was  a  candidate  for  the  legislature  and  also  for  county  superinten- 
dent of  schools  on  the  democratic  ticket.  Although  his  partj-  was  largely  in 
the  minority,  such  was  his  personal  popularity  that  he  came  within  a  few 
votes  of  being  elected.  He  and  his  wife  were  active  members  of  the  Cum- 
berland Presbyterian  church  and  he  was  a  valued  member  of  the  Grand 
Army  post  here.  In  Masonry  he  had  also  attained  high  rank,  being  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Knight  Templar  commander}-  and  the  Mystic  Shrine.  Unto  him 
and  his  wife  were  born  eight  children:  F.  S.,  of  this  review;  J.  E.,  a  hard- 
ware merchant  of  Centerville;  Lillie  R.,  the  wife  of  J.  W.  Yates, 
of  Thomasville,  Georgia;  Annie,  the  wife  of  William  Spencer,  of  Albia. 
Thomas  P.,  of  Thomasville,  Georgia;  Luella,  the  wife  of  T.  E.  Robinson, 
of  Elkhead,  Missouri;  John  G.,  living  in  Tampa,  Florida:  and  Alberta,  the 
wife  of  W.  H.  Blake,  of  Tampa. 

F.  S.  Sharp,  whose  name  introduced  this  review,  has  always  resided 
upon  the  old  homestead,  devoting  his  life  to  general  agricultural  pursuits. 
He  acquired  a  public-school  education  and  when  his  text-books  were  put 
aside  he  concentrated  his  energies  upon  farm  work  and  ultimately  became 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  225 

the  owner  of  the  farm  which  had  long  been  the  property  of  his  father,  com- 
prising two  hundred  and  ninety  acres  of  rich  and  productive  land  on  section 
15,  Taylor  township.  Upon  this  place  his  father  had  put  many  improve- 
ments and  Mr.  Shar[)  keeps  it  in  excellent  condition,  devoting  his  attention 
to  the  cultivation  of  grain  and  the  raising  of  stock.  He  has  also  been  a 
director  of  the  Moravia  State  Savings  Bank  since  its  organization. 

On  the  21st  of  July,  1895,  Mr.  Sharp  was  unitcii  iiv  marriage  to  Miss 
Josephine  Hilton,  who  was  born  in  Monroe  county,  Iowa,  near  the  Hilton 
postotfice.  which  was  named  in  honor  of  her  father.  Judge  James  Hilton, 
who  came  to  this  part  of  the  state  in  1841.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sharp  have  two 
children,  Mary  and  James  Hilton.  Mr.  Sharp  votes  with  tiit-  democratic 
])art}-  but  the  honors  and  emoluments  of  office  have  no  attraction  for  him. 
He  is,  however,  an  exemplar)'  representative  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  in 
which  he  has  attained  the  Knight  'remplar  degree  and  has  also  crossed  the 
sands  of  the  desert  with  the  Nobles  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  A  lifelong  resi- 
dent of  Taylor  township,  he  is.  indeed.  widel\-  known  and  his  man\  ad- 
mirable characteristics  have  gained  for  him  the  warm  regard  of  those  with 
whom  he  is  associated. 


J.  H.  McCAULEY 


In  various  offices  J.  H.  McCauley  has  proven  his  hdelity  to  the  best 
interests  of  the  community  and  at  all  times  has  been  a  loyal  and  \  alued 
citizen  of  Appanoose  county  during  the  forty-five  years  of  his  residence 
here.  The  greater  part  of  his  life  has  been  spent  in  Iowa,  although  he 
is  a  native  of  Columbiana  county,  Oliio,  his  birth  occurring  December  4, 
1838,  about  twelve  miles  southwest  of  New  Lisbon  in  a  little  log  cabin 
which  he  visited  in  igii.  finding  it  still  well  preserved  after  all  those 
years.  His  parents.  Patrick  and  Elizabeth  (Brown)  McCauley,  were 
natives  of  Ireland  and  Pennsylvania  respectively,  the  former  becoming 
a  resident  of  the  Keystone  state  when  he  accomj)anied  his  parents  to  the 
new  world  in  his  childhood  days.  The  Brown  family  is  of  Scotch  lineage. 
It  was  in  1843  that  Patrick  McCauley  left  Columbiana  county,  Ohio, 
with  his  family  and  drove  acro.ss  the  country  to  Jefferson  countv.  Iowa, 
with  a  plug  team  and  linchpin  wagon.  He  located  north  of  Fairfield, 
where  he  .spent  the  first  winter  in  a  primitive  hou.se  with  no  floor.  The 
little  building  >heltered  father,  mother  and  eleven  children.  After  nin<- 
years  sfient  in  Jefferson  count).  Mr.  McCauhy  removed  to  A[i!ianoo.se 
county,  where  with  a  land  warrant  he  secure,!  three  hundred  and  twenty 


226  HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY 

acres  tour  miles  southwest  of  Iconium.  He  died  at  the  home  of  his  son, 
J.  H.  McCauley,  at  the  ripe  old  age  of  eighty-five  )ears,  while  his  wife 
passed  away  in  this  count}-  at  the  age  ot  sixty-five  years.  All  of  the 
eleven  children  reached  adult  age  and  were  married  save  the  youngest 
brother,  T.  C.  McCauley,  who  was  wounded  at  Marks  Spring,  Arkansas, 
and  died  there.  He  had  enlisted  for  service  in  the  army  with  an  Iowa 
rcyiment,  but  had  been  transferred  to  the  Sixth  Compau)  before  his  death 
m  1863.  The  eldest  son  of  the  family,  John  McCauley,  served  for  three 
years  in  defense  of  the  Union  and  then  veteranized,  remaining  with  the 
Third  Iowa  Cavalry  until  the  close  of  hostilities.  The  only  members 
of  the  family  now  living  are  J.  H.  McCauley  and  his  sister  Matilda,  who  is 
the  widow  of  S.  J.  \'an  Horn  and  resides  in  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Since  the  1st  of  October,  1843,  J.  H.  McCauley  has  made  his  home 
in  this  state,  arriving  here  when  not  <]uite  five  years  of  age.  He  is  there- 
fore one  of  Iowa's  honored  pioneers  and  has  lived  to  witness  the  greater 
part  of  the  growth  and  progress  of  the  state  as  it  has  emerged  from  frontier 
conditions  and  taken  rank  with  the  leading  states  of  the  Union.  His 
residence  in  Appanoose  county  covers  forty-five  years  and  throughout  the 
entire  period  his  sterling  qualities  of  manhood  and  citizenship  have  won 
him  high  regard.  He  has  been  a  farmer  and  stockdcaler  during  the  greater 
part  of  his  lite,  but  for  three  years  was  upon  the  road  as  a  traveling  sales- 
man, making  Burlington  his  headquarters,  and  for  some  time  was  a  retail 
merchant  at  Iconium,  where  he  remained  for  eleven  }ears,  and  while  con- 
ducting his  mercantile  interests  there  he  also  engaged  in  farming.  For 
thirty-six  years  he  has  been  an  auctioneer  and  during  that  time  has  never 
missed  but  two  dates.  Since  he  disposed  of  his  commercial  interests  about 
thirty  years  ago  he  has  given  his  attention  to  overseeing  his  farm  and 
live-stock  interests  and  his  auctioneering  business.  These  different  con- 
nections have  made  him  widely  known  and  wherever  he  has  gone  he  has 
made  friends,  for  he  is  a  man  of  genial  disposition  and  kindly  spirit.  At 
different  times  he  has  been  called  to  public  office,  serving  as  postmaster 
at  Iconium  for  four  }ears,  as  school  treasurer  there  for  ten  )-ears  and  also 
as  school  director  for  a  number  of  years.  His  political  allegiance  has 
alwaj^s  been  given  to  the  democratic  party,  for  he  is  a  firm  believer  in 
its  principles. 

In  September,  1865,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  McCauley  and 
Miss  Mattie  Dean,  of  Unionville,  Iowa,  a  daughter  of  Liven  and  Susan 
Dean.  Mrs.  McCauley  died  in  Fehruar}-,  iQOv  at  the  age  of  fift}-six 
years,  leaving  three  sons  and  a  daughter:  Ray  D.,  of  Moravia:  Charles. 
of  Chicago;  Ned,  who  is  cashier  of  the  Moravia  State  Savings  Bank;  and 
Stella,  the  wife  of  H.  C.  Reich,  of  Moravia. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  227 

Mr.  McCauley  attributes  much  ot  his  success  to  the  influence,  assistance 
and  encouragement  ot  his  wife.  He  did  not  know  the  letters  of  the 
alphabet  when  nineteen  years  of  age.  He  had  only  six  months'  schooling 
and  his  wife  became  his  teacher.  He  mastered  the  lessons  which  she 
assigned  with  the  same  thoroughness  that  has  characterized  him  in  every 
relation  of  life.  He  has  never  faltered  in  the  accomplishment  of  any  task 
to  which  he  has  set  himself  and  his  resolute  spirit  has  been  one  ot  the 
strongest  elements  in  his  growing  success.  His  life  has  ever  been  a  busy, 
active  and  useful  one.  .Although  he  is  now  seventy-four  years  of  age,  he 
is  still  closely  ami  prominently  associated  with  Inisiness  affairs  and  recently 
during  a  period  of  seven  weeks  he  purchased  twenr\  -eight  carloads  ot  heavy 
cattle  feeders,  one  hundred  and  twenty  }earlings  and  two  carloads  ot  cattle 
for  butchering.  At  the  same  time  he  has  conducted  his  farm  and  sales  busi- 
ness, manifesting  energy  and  perseverance  equal  to  that  of  many  a  man  of 
half  his  age.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  cluirch 
and  for  thirty-eight  years  he  has  been  a  faithful  member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity,  true  to  its  teachings  concerning  mutual  helpfulness  and  broth- 
erly kindliness.  He  certainh-  deserves  much  credit  for  what  he  has  accom- 
plished for  with  no  advantages  at  the  outset  of  his  career  he  placed  his 
dependence  upon  the  substantial  qualities  of  hard  work  and  dcrcrniinarion 
and  those  qualities  in  the  course  of  years  have  brought  him  substantial  and 
well  deserved  prosperity'. 


OSCAR  W.  JOHNSON. 


Among  the  active  and  progressive  business  men  of  Exline  is  numbered 
O-rar  W.  Johnson,  postmaster  and  well  known  as  a  partner  in  rlic  tirni  ot 
Frcclnirg  \  .Johnson,  general  merchants.  He  was  born  in  Sweden.  March 
2<S,  187S,  antl  when  he  was  only  nine  years  of  age  was  brought  to  .\merica 
b}-  his  father,  who  came  with  his  family  across  the  Atlantic  and  pushed  on 
to  Iowa,  locating  in  Centerville. 

Oscar  VV.  Johnson  grew  to  maturity  in  Centerville  and  was  educated 
in  its  iMiblic  schools.  In  his  early  lite  he  worked  in  the  coal  mines  and  later 
clerked  tor  tour  years,  receiving  in  this  way  an  excellent  business  training. 
Later  he  was  made  superintendent  at  the  Dewey  mine  and  after  two  years 
of  able  work  in  this  capacity  resigned  and  formed  his  present  partnership 
with  R.  M.  Freeburg.  Mr.  Johnson  came  to  Exline  as  active  manager  of 
the  general  store  which  the  firm  conducts  and  by  virtue  of  the  prosperity  he 
lias  achieved  occupies  today  an  enviable  position  in  business  circles.      He 


228  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

carries  a  complete  stock  of  well  selected  goods  and  has  secured  a  liberal 
patronage  because  of  the  honest  and  upright  commercial  methods  to  which 
he  has  steadily  adhered.  He  divides  his  time  between  the  conduct  of  his 
mercantile  establishment  and  his  duties  as  postmaster  of  Exline,  to  which 
position  he  was  appointed  in  1909.  He  has  proven  himself  able,  sys- 
tematic, prompt  and  reliable  in  this  capacity  and  is  widely  popular  through- 
out the  district  which  he  serves.  Mr.  Johnson  owns  some  valuable  resi- 
dence property  and  has  made  many  profitable  real-estate  deals,  having 
bought  and  sold  three  residences  in  the  town. 

In  Burlington,  Iowa,  on  the  5th  of  November,  1903.  Mr.  Johnson  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Gussie  Nelson,  who  was  born  in  Des  Moines 
county,  Iowa,  of  Swedish  parents.  To  their  union  were  born  three  chil- 
dren, Elvira,  Lucille  and  Nabine.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  are  members  of 
the  Christian  church.  Mr.  Johnson  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican 
party  and  in  addition  to  his  work  as  postmaster  is  also  serving  as  council- 
man on  the  Exline  town  board.  He  is  especially  interested  in  school  mat- 
ters and  has  been  identified  with  many  projects  relating  to  public-school 
expansion,  having  served  for  many  years  on  the  board  of  education.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  connected  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and 
is  well  known  in  this  part  of  Iowa,  where  he  was  reared  to  manhood, 
standing  today  among  the  most  valued  and  representative  men  of  this 
community. 


JOHN  W.  MARTIN. 


Among  the  able,  jirogressive  and  far-sighted  business  men  ot  Niima  is 
John  \V.  Martin,  who  conducts  a  large  general  store  and  likewise  controls 
other  important  business  interests  throughout  Appanoose  county.  His 
career  has  been  marked  by  steady  advancement  along  legitimate  lines  and 
he  has  gained  a  high  degree  of  prosperity  which  is  the  direct  outcome  of 
his  stead}'  work  and  his  effective  ability.  He  was  born  in  Putnam  county, 
Missouri,  September  28,  1871,  and  is  a  son  of  Neal  and  Pcrmelia  (Lane) 
Martin,  the  former  a  native  of  Randolph  county,  Missouri,  and  the  latter 
of  Ireland.  The  fatlur  moved  to  Putnam  count}  at  an  earl}  date  and 
there  engaged  in  the  general  mercantile  business  in  Martinstown,  a  com- 
munity which  was  named  in  his  honor.  For  forty-six  years  he  conducted 
this  enterprise,  evidencing  in  all  of  his  business  relations  the  integrity  and 
high  standards  of  business  morality  u[ion  \\  hich  his  prosperit}'  was  founded. 
He  died  in  Martinstown,  Januar}   12,  190^.  at  the  age  of  seventy-six,  and 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  229 

his  death  was  deeply  mourned  and  regretted  b)-  a  wide  circle  of  friends. 
He  h:ul  long  survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  1873. 

John  W.  Martin  was  reared  in  Putnam  county,  Missouri,  and  actjuired 
his  earlv  education  in  the  public  schools  ot  that  section,  completing  it  in 
Kirksville,  Missouri.  After  he  had  laid  aside  his  books  he  engaged  in  the 
general  merchandise  business  in  partnership  with  his  father  for  a  year  and 
a  half,  after  which  he  sold  out  his  interests  and  moved  to  Coatsville,  Mis- 
souri. This  was  the  first  of  a  series  of  changes  in  location,  all  of  which 
materially  advanced  Mr.  Martin's  interests.  He  spent  two  years  in  tlie 
hardware  business  in  Coatsville  and.  then  moved  to  Graysville,  where  he 
purchased  his  uncle's  general  store  which  he  operated  for  two  years.  Dur- 
ing that  time  he  became  well  known  in  local  political  circles  of  that  (ilace 
and  his  loyalty  and  progressive  spirit  were  recognized  in  his  election  to  the 
office  of  county  treasurer.  When  he  had  completed  his  term  of  service  he 
moved  to  Hartford,  Missouri,  and  there  engaged  in  the  general  merchan- 
dise business.  After  two  years,  however,  he  sold  his  enterprise  and  in  May, 
i8c)7.  came  to  Xuma,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  i)urchased  a  general 
store  and  has  since  been  success! ul  in  the  conduct  ot  this  enterprise,  man- 
aging in  addition  a  profitable  hardware  concern.  These,  however,  form 
onl)-  a  small  portion  of  Mr.  Martin's  extensive  business  interests  in  Appa- 
noose county.  In  1904  he  purchased  a  coal  mine  operated  at  that  time  by 
the  Walnut  Coal  Company  and  atter  developing  this  successfully  tor  tour 
years  sold  out  at  a  profit  and  bought  another  mine  at  Pleasant  Plain.  .Atter 
he  had  operated  this  for  one  year  he  disposed  of  it  for  seventeen  thousand 
dollars  and  later  bought  what  was  known  as  the  Jim  White  farm,  com- 
prising two  hundred  and  forty  acres,  and  also  owns  the  coal  and  mineral 
rights  to  tour  hundred  and  eighty  acres.  He  is  president  and  manager  of 
the  Martin  Block  Coal  Compan}-  of  Numa.  This  concern  has  a  paid  up 
ca[)ital  of  fitty  thousand  dollars  and  is  one  of  the  important  commercial 
enterprises  in  this  part  of  the  state.  Mr.  Martin  has  proven  himself  an 
eminently  capable,  far-sighted  and  discriminating  business  man  and  finan- 
cier, who  recognizes  and  uses  each  favorable  opportunity,  who  correctly 
judges  commercial  conditions  and  who  has  ably  converted  his  knowledge  to 
his  own  advantage.  Everything  which  he  does  is  done  capably  and  well 
and  his  prosperity  today  is  the  visible  evidence  of  his  energ}',  reliability  and 
well  directed  ambition.  His  interests  in  Appanoose  county  extend  over  a 
wide  field,  making  him  one  of  the  leading  and  representative  business  men 
ot  this  community. 

On  the  >th  of  July,  iScSq,  Mr.  Martin  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Rebecca  E.  Warwick,  who  was  born  in  Putnam  county,  Missouri,  Septem- 
ber I  V  1S73.  ami  who  ;:rew  to  womanhood  there.     She  is  a  daughter  of  J. 


230  HISTURV  Ul'  Ai'i'AXOUSE  COUNTY 

M.  and  Frances  (Hatfield)  Warwick,  natives  of  Kentucky,  who  moved  to 
Missouri  in  early  times.  The  father  bought  hmd  in  Putnam  county  and 
at  one  time  owned  and  operated  ten  thousand  acres,  being  one  of  the  most 
prosperous  agriculturists  and  extensive  lamiowners  in  the  locality.  He  re- 
finti  from  active  life  in  1902  and  has  since  made  his  home  in  Numa.  He  is 
an  honored  veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  having  served  throughout  that  con- 
flict as  a  member  of  a  Missouri  cavalry  regiment.  His  wife  also  survives. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Martin  have  become  the  parents  of  five  children:  Mamie  O., 
the  wife  of  W.  B.  Russell,  who  manages  Mr.  Martin's  hardware  store; 
John  Neal,  who  is  studying  medicine  in  Chicago,  Illinois;  Ola  Blanche  F., 
the  wife  of  Mat  Folwell,  of  Numa;  Ophie  (jrace,  the  wife  of  Robert  Ross, 
who  resides  in  Numa  and  operates  the  mine  belonging  to  the  subject  of 
this  review;  and  Winnifred  I'.,  who  is  attending  the  Centerville  high 
school. 

Fraternalh  Mr.  Martin  is  connected  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Masonic  order,  being  well 
known  and  popular  in  all  of  these  organizations.  He  is  a  devout  member 
of  the  Methodist  church.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republi- 
can party  and  for  a  number  of  years  he  served  upon  the  Numa  town  coun- 
cil, discharging  his  duties  conscientiously  and  always  with  a  view  to  the 
best  interests  of  the  general  public.  He  is  public-spirited  and  progressive, 
eager  for  the  welfare  of  his  community  and  giving  active  and  helpful  coi 
operation  to  any  movement  which  tends  to  promote  it. 


WILLIAM  MORRISON  ELLIS. 

LTpon  the  roll  of  Appanoose  count}'s  honored  dead  appears  the  name 
of  William  Morrison  I'"Jlis,  who  is  hclil  in  loving  and  gratetul  remembrance 
by  his  many  friends  in  this  section,  although  thirteen  )ears  have  passed 
since  his  death.  He  was  tor  a  long  perioil  one  of  the  substantial  and  pro- 
gressive agriculturists  of  this  .section  of  the  state  and  through  the  jears  of 
his  honorable  and  upright  career  he  gained  the  respect  and  confidence  ot  all 
with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  Mr.  Ellis  was  a  native  ot  Kentucky,  born 
on  the  13th  ot  January,  i<S^o,  his  parents  being  Marcellus  and  Nancy 
Ellis,  both  natives  of  Kentucky.  The  father  farmed  in  that  state  for  some 
time  but  eventually  came  north  and  settlcil  in  Indiana,  whence  in  l8^^  he 
came  to  Caldwell  township,  Apjianoose  county,  where  he  [)urchased  land 
and  engaged  in  general  agricultural  pursuits  during  the  remainder  of  his 
life. 


WII.IJAM    M.    KI.I.IS 


MRS.  M.  A.  1:1.1  I •■ 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  235 

William  M.  Ellis  acquired  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Ken- 
tucky and  of  Harrison  count)-,  Indiana,  and  grew  to  manhood  in  the  latter 
section.  He  left  Harrison  covmty  about  the  year  1850.  trading'  his  prop- 
erty in  that  state  for  a  land  warrant  for  fort}-  acres  in  Sharon  township, 
Appanoose  county,  to  which  he  added  eighty  acres  entered  from  the  govern- 
ment. For  a  number  of  years  he  concentrated  his  attention  upon  the  im- 
provement and  development  of  this  farm,  making  it  in  all  respects  a  model 
agricultural  enterprise.  When  he  left  Sharon  township  he  moved  into 
Caldwell  township,  purchasing  eighty  acres,  and  upon  this  property  he 
carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits.  His  intelligently  directed  energies 
brought  him  success  and  he  continued  to  cultivate  his  farm  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  1899.  His  widow  now  lives  upon  the  homestead,  which 
for  some  time  she  rented  out  but  which  her  grandson  \'ernie  L.  Ellis  is  now 
operating  for  her. 

On  the  25th  of  December,  1849,  Mr.  Ellis  was  united  in  marriage,  in 
Harrison  county,  Indiana,  to  Miss  Margaret  A.  Ellis,  a  daughter  of 
Daniel  and  Mar}-  Ellis,  natives  of  Kentuck}-,  whose  ancestors  came  from 
\'irginia  and  were  originally  of  Dutch,  Irish  and  Welsh  extraction.  Daniel 
and  Mary  Ellis  went  from  Kentuck\  to  Imiiana  and  >p<in  riu-  remainder  ot 
their  lives  on  a  farm  in  Harrison  county.  The  mother  died  in  iS^i.  atter 
which  Daniel  Ellis  married  Mrs.  Patsy  Bunch,  of  Harrison  county,  who 
has  passed  away. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  M.  Ellis  became  the  parents  of  six  children. 
The  eldest,  America,  passed  away  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  Perr}-.  a  farmer  of 
\'ermillion  township,  married  \'iolinda  Eddy  and  they  became  the  parents 
of  eight  children,  Lloyd,  Floyd,  Ella.  Bessie,  May,  Alta.  and  \\'illiam  and 
Russell,  both  of  whom  have  passed  away.  Jesse,  the  third  chiKl  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ellis,  is  a  farmer  in  \'ermillion  township.  He  married  Belle 
Grimes  and  by  her  has  six  children,  Lonnie,  Maude,  Pearl.  Hazel.  Hygene 
and  Fitz.  Laura  married  Clinr  Tone}-,  a  farmer  of  Sublett.  Missouri. 
They  have  seven  children,  .John,  Ha'/.el,  Pansy,  Ivy,  Nora,  Marion  and 
-Arthur.  Millard  is  a  cement  worker  in  Centerville.  He  has  been  married 
three  times,  hi-  fhirtl  wife  being  Miss  Rose  Hitchcock.  B\  his  first  union 
he  is  the  father  of  five  children,  Ernest,  Clyde,  Vernie,  Ethel  and  Shirley, 
and  by  his  third  marriage  has  one  son.  Harold.  The  youngest  child  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ellis  is  Cora  Delia,  who  married  Harry  Bennefield,  a 
stockman  in  Oklahoma,  by  whom  she  has  four  children,  Otis,  Blanche, 
Elsie  and  William.  Mrs.  Ellis  has  now  reached  the  age  of  eighty-two 
years  but  is  still  active  and  vigorous  and  enjo}s  the  best  of  health.  She 
comes  of  a  long-lived  family.  Her  grandfather.  John  Ellis,  lived  to  be 
one  hundred  and  one  years  old  and  then  met  his  death  by  accident,  having 


236  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

been  thrown  out  of  a  bugfiv  and  killed.     Her  <xrcat-grandtather  was  struck 
by  lightning  and  killed  at  the  age  ot  one  hundred  and  two  years. 

William  M.  Ellis  was  loyal  in  his  support  of  the  men  and  measures  of 
the  democratic  party  and,  although  he  was  no  office  seeker,  he  was  never- 
theless identified  with  many  local  enterprises  and  was  known  as  a  cooper- 
ant  factor  in  many  measures  that  directly  benefited  the  community.  He 
was  for  several  terms  director  of  the  school  board  and  fraternally  was 
affiliated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  P'ellows.  He  gave  devout 
adherence  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Christian  church,  exemplifying  in  his  up- 
right life  the  principles  in  which  he  believed.  Those  things  which  are 
most  worthy  and  commendable  in  life  made  strong  appeal  to  him  and  the 
standards  of  honorable  manhood  found  worthy  expression  in  his  career, 
gaining  for  him  widespread  respect  and  esteem  and  man}-  friends. 


MATHEW  MORE. 


Mathew  More,  owning  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Union 
township,  upon  a  portion  of  which  he  has  resided  tor  thirty  years,  is  a 
native  of  Ohio,  born  in  Clark  county,  December  5,  1847.  His  parents 
were  John  and  Mary  E.  (Moor)  More,  natives  of  England,  both  of  whom 
were  born  in  Yorkshire.  Their  marriage  occurred  in  that  section  and  im- 
mediately afterward  they  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  America,  settling  in  New 
York  state  in  1832.  Subsequently  they  pushed  westward  to  Ohio  and  es- 
tablished a  residence  in  Clark  county  in  1848.  At  the  time  the  tide  of 
emigration  swept  toward  Iowa  the  father  of  our  subject  joined  the  throngs 
who  were  going  westward  and  located  in  Davis  county,  where  he  took  up 
one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  government  land.  He  and  his  wife  re- 
mained upon  this  property  until  their  deaths,  the  father  passing  away  in 
1865  and  the  mother  in  i8c;o.  Both  were  devout  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  church.  In  his  politics  John  More  was  a  loyal  democrat 
and  a  man  of  influence  and  weight  in  local  party  councils,  having  served 
for  several  years  in  various  important  capacities. 

Mathew  More  was  reared  at  home  and  acquired  his  education  in  the 
public  schools.  After  his  marriage  in  1874  he  left  Davis  county  and  rented 
land  in  .Appanoose  county,  near  Moulton.  upon  which  he  resided  for  one 
year.  He  spent  the  next  four  }ears  upon  rented  land  in  Wapello  county 
but  in  1880  returned  to  Appanoo.se  county  and  purchased  eighty  acres  in 
Union  township,  which  constitutes  a  portion  of  his  present  farm.  With 
characteristic  energy  he  began  the  work  of  developing  and  cultivating  his 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUXTV  237 

fields  and.  his  methods  being  progressive  and  his  standards  of  business  in- 
te"rity  high,  his  work  was  rewarded  by  well  deserved  success.  From  time 
to  time  he  added  to  his  holdings  and  today  owns  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres,  constituting  one  of  the  finest  and  most  profitable  agricultural  cnter- 
[)rises  in  this  part  of  the  state. 

In  Davis  county  in  1874  Mr.  More  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Smith,  a 
daughter  of  Paris  Smith,  one  of  the  early  settlers  in  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
More  became  the  parents  of  ten  children,  nine  of  whom  are  still  living: 
John  Orville,  of  Unionville,  Appanno-c  county;  William  Kvcrett,  a  resi- 
dent of  Des  Moines;  Paris  E.,  whose  home  is  in  Unionville;  Jessie  M., 
who  married  Charles  Tomlin,  of  Davis  county;  Ruby,  the  wife  of  Eugene 
Boyer,  of  Union  township;  Addie,  the  wife  of  Clarence  Swain,  also  of 
Lnion  township;  Nannie,  the  wife  of  Olin  Swain,  of  Udell  township; 
Nettie,  who  married  Joseph  Harrington,  of  Davis  county;  and  Ora,  a 
teacher  in  the  district  schools  of  Union  township.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  More  arc 
devout  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church. 

Eminently  progressive  in  his  citizenship,  Mr.  More  gives  a  loyal  sup- 
port to  the  democratic  party  and  takes  a  helpful  and  active  interest  in  all 
movements  which  have  for  their  object  the  public  welfare  or  the  growth 
and  advancement  of  the  section  in  which  he  has  so  long  resided.  Although 
not  an  office  seeker  he  has  never  been  known  to  shirk  his  public  duties  and 
in  their  discharge  has  been  found  constantly  loyal  and  public-spirited,  an 
earnest  worker  in  the  service  of  the  people.  For  the  past  ten  or  twelve 
years  he  has  been  secretary  of  the  school  board  and  has  been  township  as- 
sessor, township  clerk  and  town.ship  trustee,  serving  in  .some  one  of  these 
three  offices  for  over  twentj-  )ears.  He  stands  todaj-  among  the  men  of 
weight  in  this  community  and  during  the  thirty  years  of  his  residence  here 
his  infiuence  has  never  Incn  given  to  a  dishonorable  cause  and  has  never 
been  unworthily  used. 


JAMES  E.  HENDERSHOT. 

James  E.  Hendershot  has  for  twenty  years  been  closely  associated  with 
commercial  interests  of  E.xline  as  a  member  of  the  tirm  ot  Hendershot  & 
Uoble)-,  merchants,  and  with  the  general  business  interests  of  the  com- 
numity  through  his  identification  with  all  the  leading  iirojecfs  and  enter- 
prises which  directly  affect  advancement  and  development.  He  was  born 
in  Caldwell  townshij^,  Appanoose  county,  June  l  ^  186^  and  was  reared 
upon  his  grandfather's  farm.     His  early  education  was  acquired  in  the  pub- 


238  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

lie  schools  of  the  locality  and  he  was  later  tor  one  term  a  student  in  the 
University  of  Kansas.  When  he  laid  aside  his  books  he  engaged  in  teach- 
ing in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  section  but  after  six  years  abandoned 
that  occupation  and  farmed  near  Sedan  for  one  year.  At  the  end  of  that 
time  he  located  in  Exline  and  has  since  given  his  attention  to  business  con- 
cerns. He  bought  a  small  stock  of  goods  and  established  himself  as  a  gen- 
eral merchant.  He  soon  became  well  known  on  account  ot  his  upright  and 
honorable  business  methods,  his  fair  dealing  and  his  constant  courtesy  and 
consideration  for  the  wishes  of  his  customers,  and  as  a  result  his  business 
grew.  Year  by  year  he  added  to  his  stock  and  continued  to  conduct  the 
enterprise  until  igo6,  meeting  with  steadily  increasing  prosperity.  Even- 
tually, however,  he  sold  his  business  interests  and  went  upon  a  pleasure 
trip  to  the  Pacific  coast,  journeying  through  Washington,  Oregon  and  Cali- 
fornia. When  he  returned  at  the  end  of  three  months  he  became  interested 
in  the  Exline  Savings  Bank,  which  he  promoted  and  built  up  and  served  as 
its  president  for  some  time,  being  still  a  large  stockholder.  At  one  period 
in  his  career  he  purchased  a  ranch  in  Texas  and  in  1911  moved  to  the  Pan 
Handle,  near  Amarillo,  and  resided  upon  his  property  for  about  three 
months,  after  which  he  returned  to  Exline.  Here  he  formed  a  partnership 
with  E.  S.  Roble)-  and  bought  out  the  Exline  Cash  Store,  the  business  be- 
ing now  conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  Hendershot  ^'  Robley.  They 
carry  a  fine  line  of  goods  and  are  conducting  a  business  which  is  constantly 
growing  in  volume  and  importance.  They  have  now  a  liberal  patronage 
and  their  trade  is  increasing,  owing  to  the  straightforward  business  methods 
and  the  reasonable  prices  which  have  become  recognized  as  a  policy  of  this 
business  house.  Mr.  Hendershot  has  other  extensive  and  important  busi- 
ness interests  in  Exline,  being  a  stockholder  and  a  director  of  the  Exline 
Savings  Bank  and  the  owner  of  valuable  propert}-  holdings.  He  holds 
title  to  a  number  of  resicfence  lots,  upon  which  he  has  built  some  eight  or 
ten  houses  which  he  rents  and  in  addition  to  this  owns  also  extensive  busi- 
ness property.  During  the  course  of  his  twenty  years  of  activity  in  Exline 
he  has  aided  greatly  in  the  ujibuilding  and  development  ot  the  town,  lend- 
ing the  weight  of  his  influence  to  the  promotion  of  projects  which  affect 
material  progress  and  public  advancement. 

Mr.  Hendershot  married  near  Sedan,  Iowa,  in  January,  1892.  Miss 
Lily  Wood,  who  was  born,  reared  and  educatetl  in  .\ppanoose  count}'  antl 
who  taught  in  the  ])uhlic  schools  [irevious  to  her  marriage.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hendershot  have  three  children:  Marie,  who  is  stuti}  ing  in  Davenport; 
Carl  Elton;  and  Kenneth.  Two  of  the  children  born  to  this  union  died  in 
infancy. 

Mr.  Hendershot  has  been  affiliated  w  ith  the  democratic  party  since  at- 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  239 

taining  his  majority  and  has  held  many  positions  of  responsibility  and 
trust.  He  has  served  as  township  clerk  and  as  township  trustee  and  has 
besides  been  a  delegate  to  many  county  conventions,  proving  himselt  al- 
ways a  forceful  and  efficient  public  servant.  He  is  a  progressive  business 
man  who  seems  to  recognize  the  value  of  every  situation  and  to  make  the 
most  of  his  many  opportunities.  Through  legitimate  lines  of  trade  he  has 
built  up  a  growing  business  that  is  indicative  of  his  spirit  of  enterprise  and 
determination. 


RALPH  E.  WILSON. 


Ralph  K.  Wilson,  conducting  a  barber  shop  in  l-nionvilie,  has  been  a 
resident  of  Appanoose  count}'  since  his  childhood.  His  birth  occurred  in 
Knoxville,  Knox  count).  Illinois,  May  18,  1879,  his  parents  being  Jacob 
and  Katherine  E.  (Brain)  Wilson.  The  father  was  born  in  Greene  county, 
Ohio,  January  23,  1849,  but  the  grandfather  on  the  paternal  side,  John  H. 
Wilson,  was  a  native  of  \'irginia.  His  birth  occurred  on  September  14, 
1816,  and  he  died  in  Illinois,  September  15,  1893.  His  wife  was  in  her 
maidenhood  Miss  Isabella  Hogue.  She  was  born  in  Greene  county,  Ohio, 
in  1818  and  died  in  Knox  county,  Illinois,  in  1858.  The  father  of  our 
subject  came  to  Illinois  in  September,  l8j6,  with  his  [larcnts  and  there 
grew  to  manhood.  He  married  on  the  25th  of  December,  1873.  Miss 
Katherine  E.  Brain,  a  daughter  of  George  and  Ellen  (Cox)  Brain.  Both 
were  born  in  Gloucestershire,  England,  in  which  county  their  marriage  oc- 
curred. They  came  to  the  United  States  in  1852  and  located  first  at  Yel- 
low Springs,  Ohio,  and  later  in  Knox  county,  Illinois.  In  1878  they  came 
to  .Appanoose  count}-  and  here  the  father  purchaseti  two  huntlred  and  hft\' 
acres  of  land  in  Udell  township  which  he  improved  and  developed  until  his 
death  in  1899.  His  widow  makes  her  home  with  the  father  of  the  subject 
ot  this  review.  The  mother  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Knox  countv,  Illi- 
nois and  atter  her  marriage  came  with  her  husband  to  Appanoose  county, 
locating  in  this  section  in  Februar},  18S0.  Lor  some  time  they  lived  upon 
a  rented  farm  but  in  1883  Jacob  Wilson  moved  into  Unionville  and  pur- 
chased the  livery  stable  then  conducted  by  William  Crow.  He  was  suc- 
cessful in  the  management  of  this  enterprise,  in  which  he  continued  until 
188)  and  then  bought  a  hardware  and  furniture  store  in  Unionville.  In 
1892  he  took  .\.  v.  Bishop  into  jiartnership  with  him  bur  two  years  later 
repurchased  his  partner's  interests.  He  later  disposed  of  the  furniture  and 
undertaking  department  but  retained  the  hardware  and  imjilement  end  of 


240  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

the  business  and  in  1898  added  groceries  and  gentlemen's  furnishings,  con- 
ducting this  business  at  present.  He  handles  a  fine  general  stock  of  goods 
and  in  addition  complete  lines  of  buggies  and  farm  implements.  In  1901 
he  joined  with  C.  I.  Harrison  in  the  purchase  of  a  grist  and  sawmill  from 
the  Joshua  Riggs  estate  and  seven  years  later  the  father  of  our  subject  was 
injured  in  this  mill  and  later  sold  out  his  interest  to  his  partner.  He  has 
served  as  postmaster  of  Unionville  for  four  years  and  was  for  some  time  a 
member  of  the  school  board  in  Unionville.  He  served  as  tax  collector  and 
township  clerk  in  Knox  county,  Illinois,  and  is  in  all  matters  of  citizenship 
eminently  progressive  and  public-spirited.  Fraternally  he  is  affiliated  with 
Blue  Lodge,  No.  719,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.  He  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  demo- 
cratic party,  and  his  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  They 
are  the  parents  of  three  children:  Frederick,  whose  birth  occurred  Novem- 
ber 3,  1874,  and  who  is  now  a  merchant  of  Unionville;  Ralph  E. :  and 
Estella  B.,  born  May  17,  1889,  at  home. 

Ralph  E.  Wilson  came  to  Appanoose  county  when  he  was  a  child  and 
grew  to  manhood  in  this  part  of  Iowa.  He  received  his  early  education  in 
the  public  schools  and  completed  a  course  in  the  Unionville  high  school  in 
1897,  after  which  he  spent  one  year  in  the  Capital  City  Commercial  Col- 
lege in  Des  Moines.  In  the  fall  of  1899  he  began  his  active  career,  secur- 
ing a  position  as  stenographer  and  bookkeeper  for  the  firm  of  Hicks  &  Cree, 
dealers  in  real  estate  in  Centerville.  He  remained  with  them  for  three 
months,  after  which  he  returned  to  Unionville,  worked  in  his  father's  store, 
until  in  1902,  when  he  purchased  a  barber  shop  from  P.  V.  Underwood 
which  he  has  since  successfully  conducted,  his  prosperity  being  the  direct 
result  of  his  own  energy  and  business  ability.  In  1905  he  was  editor  ot  the 
Unionville  Chronicle  and  conducted  the  same  for  three  years. 

On  the  22d  of  April,  1902,  Mr.  Wilson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Clara  B.  Bishop,  a  daughter  of  Archibald  T.  and  Jane  ( Hicks)  Bishop, 
the  former  of  whom  was  born  in  Lee  county,  Mrginia.  in  1848  and  the 
latter  in  Jefferson  county.  Iowa,  July  17,  1850.  Mrs.  Wilson's  grand- 
parents on  the  paternal  side  were  Joseph  and  Polly  Ann  (Hopkins) 
Bishop,  natives  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  Her  maternal  grandparents 
were  James  T.  and  Elizabeth  (Rogers)  Hicks,  both  of  whom  were  born  in 
Lee  county,  ^'irginia.  Mrs.  Wilson's  father  came  to  Appanoose  county 
with  his  parents  when  he  was  a  child  and  grew  to  manhood  in  this  section, 
where  he  still  resides.  In  1869  he  rented  a  farm  and  conducted  it  so  suc- 
cessfullv  that  he  was  soon  able  to  purchase  one  hundred  and  sixt}'  acres  in 
L^nion  township.  In  1900  he  rented  this  property  and  came  into  Union- 
ville, where  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  for  some  time,  trading 
his  store  in  1911  for  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Allen  county. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  241 

Kansas.  On  the  loth  of  April,  1912,  he  fonned  a  partnership  with  Paris 
E.  More  and  they  purchased  the  general  merchandise  store  belonging  to 
R.  M.  Creech,  which  they  have  since  conducted.  Mr.  Bishop  has  held  var- 
ious township  offices,  supporting  always  the  democratic  party,  and  frater- 
nally is  affiliated  with  Unionville  Lodge,  No.  665,  I.  O.  O.  F.  Mrs. 
Bishop  belongs  to  Unionville  Lodge,  No.  1  95,  O.  E.  S.,  and  she  and  her 
husband  are  members  of  the  Baptist  church.  To  them  six  children  were 
born:  Millie  and  Joseph  P.,  both  of  whom  are  deceased;  Etta,  the  wife  of 
George  Brain,  a  farmer  of  LMell  township,  Appanoose  county;  Florence, 
who  married  Fred  Wilson,  a  merchant  of  Unionville;  Clara  B.,  now  Mrs. 
Ralph  E.  Wilson;  and  Laura,  the  wife  of  Paris  More,  a  merchant 
of  Unionville.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  became  the  parents  of  three  chil- 
dren: Genevieve,  born  June  30,  1905;  John  Russell,  whose  birth  occurred 
August  7,  1908;  and  Edith  May,  who  was  born  September  7,  1909,  and 
died  October  29,  of  the  same  j^ear. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Wilson  belongs  to  I'nionville  Lodge,  No.  66 v  L  O. 
O.  F.,  and  to  I'nionville  Lodge,  No.  4248,  ^L  W.  A.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Presbyterian  church,  and  his  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  repub- 
lican party.  As  a  citizen  he  is  public-spirited  and  whatever  tends  to  pro- 
mote the  best  interests  of  the  community  receives  his  indorsement  and 
hearty  support. 


JAMES  B.  WERTZ. 


James  B.  Wertz  is  one  of  the  able  and  progressive  men  of  Numa, 
where  he  conducts  a  general  store  and  is  otherwise  connected  with  im- 
portant enterprises  which  have  been  factors  in  the  general  development 
and  progress  of  the  town  as  well  as  a  source  of  gratifying  income  to  him. 
He  is  a  native  of  Appanoose  county,  born  in  Bellair  township,  September 
24,  1871,  and  is  a  son  of  Benjamin  F.  and  Sarah  ( Hubler)  Wertz,  the 
tornuT  born  in  Ohio  and  the  latter  in  Indiana.  The  father  came  to 
Ap|)anoose  county  in  1854  among  the  early  settlers  and  purchased  land  in 
Bel  lair  township,  operating  a  valuable  and  protitablc  farm  for  many  years. 
In  1902  he  went  to  Oregon  and  in  that  state  his  death  occurred  in  Sep- 
tember,  191  I.     His  widow  still  re.sides  in  Oregon. 

James  B.  Wertz  was  reared  upon  his  fathers  farm  in  Bellair  town- 
>hi[i  and  accjuircii  his  education  in  the  district  schools.  .After  laying;  aside 
his  books  he  obtained  a  position  in  a  coal  mine,  working  in  that  capacity 
until  he  was  twenty-five  years  of  age.     At  that  time  he  acce[ited  a  position 


242  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

as  clerk  in  the  general  store  conducted  b)  .1.  \N'.  Martin,  and  when  he 
resigned  it  went  to  Kansas,  where  he  worked  for  two  years.  Returning 
to  Numa,  he  entered  the  employ  of  J.  W.  Hubbs,  acting  as  clerk  in  his 
general  store  for  two  years  and  a  half.  In  all  of  his  subordinate  posi- 
tions Mr.  Wertz  worked  diligently  and  intelligently,  gaining  the  broad 
experience  which  has  proven  the  foundation  for  his  success  as  an  inde- 
pendent business  man.  In  1909  he  established  himself  in  the  general 
merchandise  business  and  has  conducted  his  enterprise  since  that  time. 
He  carries  a  complete  line  of  stock  and  enjoys  a  large  patronage  as  a 
result  of  his  upright  and  honorable  methods  of  dealing  and  his  high 
standards  of  business  integrity.  He  has  displayed  sound  judgment  in  all 
that  he  has  undertaken  and  his  energy  has  been  one  of  the  powerful  features 
in  his  progress.  He  is  also  a  stockholder  in  the  Numa  State  Savings  Bank 
and  has  valuable  property  interests  in  the  town,  displaying  in  all  business 
matters  keen  insight  and  good  judgment. 

In  April,  1907,  Mr.  \\'ertz  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Maude 
Kewley,  a  daughter  of  Thomas  P.  and  Hanna  F.  (Allen)  Kewley.  The 
father  was  a  farmer  and  stock-raiser  and  followed  both  occupations  in 
Appanoose  count)-,  to  which  he  had  come  in  early  days.  However,  he 
afterward  abandoned  agricultural  pursuits  and  moved  into  Numa,  where 
he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
1895.     His  wife  still  makes  her  home  in  this  community. 

Mr.  Wertz  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  part}-  and  takes  an 
active  interest  in  the  growth  and  w-elfare  of  the  communit}-.  He  served 
for  a  number  of  years  as  treasurer  of  the  town  of  Numa,  displaying  in 
his  official  work  the  same  energ}',  enterprise  and  integrity  which  influenced 
and  hastened  his  business  success.  He  has  important  fraternal  affiliations, 
being  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Benevolent  Protective 
Order  of  Elks  and  the  Foresters  of  America.  He  is  one  of  the  prominent 
business  men  of  Numa,  interested  in  the  growth  and  development  of  this 
community  and  identified  with  it  and  is  well  known  throughout  his  native 
county  as  one  of  its  public-spirited  and  progressive  citizens. 


ISAAC  BROKAW. 


Isaac  Brokaw,  now-  seventy-nine  years  of  age,  is  living  retired  in  Center- 
\illc,  but  tor  many  years  he  was  closely  associated  with  business  interests 
as  a  manufacturer  and  farmer.  Moreover,  as  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war 
he  is  entitled  to  representation  in  this  volume,  for  during  the  dark  hours 


ISAAC  RROKAW 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  245 

ot  our  rounrry's  history  he  espoused  the  Union  cause  and  carried  arms  in 
its  defense.  He  was  born  in  New  Jersey,  December  ii,  1833,  a  son  of 
John  and  Eunice  (Whitenack)  Brokaw,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
New  Jersey  and  of  German  descent.  The  father  was  a  farmer  by  occupa- 
tion and  at  an  early  day  removed  from  the  east  to  Indiana,  purchasing 
hmd  in  Hancock  county,  that  state.  For  some  time  he  continued  the  culti- 
vation and  development  of  his  farm  there,  after  which  he  removed  to 
Ohio,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  lite  in  general  agricultural  [nir- 
suits,  his  death  there  occurring  in  i8>2.  His  wife  was  accidentally  killed 
by  a  falling  tree  ten  years  before. 

Isaac  Brokaw  was  but  four  years  of  age  when  taken  b)-  his  parents 
to  Indiana  and  in  the  public  schools  of  that  state  he  obtained  his  education, 
but  his  opportunities  were  somewhat  limited  owing  to  circumstances  over 
which  he  had  no  control.  At  the  time  of  his  mother's  death,  which  occurred 
when  he  wa,N  not  quite  ten  }ears  of  age,  his  father  put  him  out  to  work 
and  from  that  time  forward  he  depended  upon  his  own  labors  and  resources 
for  a  livelihood.  In  the  fall  of  1862,  however,  he  put  aside  all  busi- 
ness and  personal  considerations  in  order  to  respond  to  the  country's  call 
for  aid  and  enlisted  as  a  member  of  Company  E,  Thirty-fourth  Indiana 
Infantry,  with  which  he  served  for  two  years  and  two  months,  when  he  was 
honorably  discharged  on  account  of  disability.  His  health  had  become 
greatly  impaired  during  his  strenuous  military  service  and  for  a  long  time 
after  the  war  he  was  unable  to  do  much  work.  Final!)',  however,  he  pur- 
( ha>(ci  land  in  Indiana  which  he  improved  and  cultivated  for  a  long  time. 
He  also  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  tile  there  for  nine  years  and 
through  his  carefully  directed  business  affairs  met  with  a  substantial  suc- 
cess. In  1882  he  came  to  Appanoose  county  and  purchased  one  hundred 
and  fifty-one  acres  of  land  in  Bel  lair  township.  This  he  at  once  began 
to  improve  and  develop,  continuing  its  cultivation  for  nine  years,  at  the 
I  nd  of  which  time  he  rented  the  place  and  retired  from  active  business 
life.  Establishing  his  home  in  Centerville.  he  purchased  a  residence  at 
No.  718  Ea>r  Stare  street  which  he  entireh  rciiKKlcled  and  has  since 
occupied. 

On  the  16th  of  August,  l8>  ^  ^''■-  Brokaw  was  married  to  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Hughes,  who  was  born  February  24,  1836,  in  Ireland,  a  daughter  of 
William  and  Maria  (Stinson)  Hughes,  who  were  natives  of  the  north  of 
Ireland  and  were  Protestants  in  religious  faith.  The  father  was  a  farmer 
l>y  ocx:upation  and  came  to  the  United  States  in  1838.  .After  a  short  resi- 
dence in  Ohio  he  removed  to  Indiana,  where  he  bought  and  improved  a 
farm  near  .\ndi-r>on.  continuing  its  cultivation  fhrougho\if  the  n-maimler 

Vol    II-    1  1 


246  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

ot  his  days.  He  died  in  1882  and  ior  eiphr  years  was  survived  by  his 
wife,  who  passed  away  in  1890. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brokaw  became  the  parents  of  seven  children,  as  toUows: 
William,  who  is  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business  in  Wyoming:  Charles, 
a  merchant  of  Albia,  Iowa;  Kdward  F.,  a  resident  of  Centerville,  Iowa; 
Cyrenes,  the  proprietor  of  a  restaurant  at  Centerville ;  John  Emery,  who 
passed  away  in  1864;  one,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Eunice  Maria,  whose 
demise  occurred   in    1893. 

Mr.  Brokaw  maintains  pleasant  relations  with  his  old  army  com- 
rades through  his  membership  in  the  Grand  Army  post.  He  votes  with 
the  democratic  party  but  has  never  sought  or  desired  office,  preferring 
to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his  business  affairs  while  he  was  still 
an  active  factor  in  commercial  and  agricultural  circles.  He  and  his  wife 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  church  and  have  lived  earnest,  consistent 
Christian  lives.  They  are  people  of  the  highest  respectability  and  their 
circle  of  friends  in  Appanoose  county  is  an  extensive  one.  They  have 
now  traveled  far  on  life's  journey  and  can  look  back  over  the  past  with- 
out regret,  for  they  have  made  good  use  of  their  time  and  opportunities 
and  in  their  relations  with  their  fellowmen  have  always  attempted  to 
follow  the  Golden  Rule. 


PETER  BALES. 


Peter  Bales  is  classed  among  the  substantial  pioneer  residents  of  Appa- 
noose county,  dating  his  residence  here  from  1 85 1 .  He  owns  and  operates 
a  well  improved  and  valuable  farm  of  three  hundred  and  thirteen  acres, 
located  on  section  3,  Franklin  townshij),  and  has  so  carried  forward  the 
work  of  development  that  his  activities  are  regarded  as  important  factors 
in  local  agricultural  growth.  He  was  born  in  Tennessee,  near  Knoxville, 
November  23,  1849,  and  is  a  son  of  Washington  and  Mary  (HufFaker) 
Bales,  both  natives  of  that  state.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  a  farmer 
in  Tennessee  and  remained  upon  his  property  there  until  1851,  when  he 
came  as  a  pioneer  to  Iowa,  w  here  he  preempted  land.  He  later  filed  upon 
four  hundred  and  eighty  acres  in  Franklin  township,  upon  which  he  made 
permanent  location.  This  was  all  raw  prairie  land  when  it  came  into  his 
possession  but  with  characteristic  energ}-  he  at  once  began  its  improvement 
and  development.  He  broke  the  soil,  fenced  the  fields  and  built  a  small 
log  cabin  in  which  he  made  his  home  until  it  was  replaced  bv  a  more  mod- 
ern dwelling.     ITpon  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  left  the  farm  and 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  •       247 

enlisted  in  Compan)  I,  Thirty-sixtli  \olunteer  Intantry.  He  was  mus- 
tered into  service  and  went  south,  where  he  served  for  six  or  eipht  months, 
at  the  end  ot  which  time  he  was  taken  sick  and  sent  hack  on  a  furlough. 
He  never  reached  his  home  but  died  at  Keokuk,  where  he  was  buried.  His 
wife,  bravely  took  up  the  work  of  the  farm  and  reared  her  five  sons,  all 
honorable  and  upright  men  and  themselves  the  fathers  of  large  families 
today. 

Peter  Bales,  the  eldest  in  this  family,  grew  to  maturity  upon  the  home- 
stead. He  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools  and  was  for  a 
time  in  the  Davenport  Orphans'  Home.  .\t  an  early  age,  however,  he 
returned  to  his  mother  and  aided  her  in  the  operation  of  the  farm,  so  that 
whatever  success  he  enjoys  today  is  due  enrircl\  to  his  own  efforts.  In 
early  life  he  inherited  forty  acres  of  the  home  farm,  upon  which  he  located 
in  1871  and  whereon  he  has  since  made  his  home.  He  began  the  work 
of  development  along  practical  lines  and  has  steadily  carried  it  forward 
for  over  forty  years,  being  today  one  of  the  most  prosperous  and  substan- 
tial agriculturists  of  this  locality.  He  built  upon  his  farm  a  commodious 
residence  and  a  bam  and  outbuildings  and,  in  addition  to  the  orchard  which 
he  set  out,  planted  beautiful  shade  and  ornamental  trees,  for  he  has  always 
paid  special  attention  to  the  attractive  appearance  of  his  place.  From 
time  to  time  he  added  to  his  holdings  and  now  owns  three  hundred  anil 
thirteen  acres  of  fertile  land  under  cultivation,  with  the  exception  of  one 
hundred  acres  in  timber  and  pasture.  The  farm  is  well  fenced  and  cross- 
fenced  into  fields  of  convenient  size  and,  in  addition  to  general  farming, 
Mr.  Bales  engages  also  in  stock-raising,  feeding  and  fattening  fine  herds 
of  high-grade  Shorthorn  cattle,  Poland  China  hogs  ami  raising  horses. 

Mr.  Bales  married  in  Franklin  township  on  December  22,  1871,  Miss 
Clara  McC'abc,  who  was  born  in  Saratoga  county.  New  York,  and  is  a 
sister  of  W.  H.  McCabe,  a  prominent  farmer  in  Franklin  township,  of 
whom  more  extended  mention  is  made  elsewhere  in  this  work.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Bales  are  the  parents  of  three  children.  Laura  Winnifrcd,  the  eldest, 
is  the  wife  of  E.  Harl,  a  prosperous  farmer  ot  Franklin  rownsiiip.  ami 
they  have  rive  children,  Bessie  B.,  Edna  C"..  John  T.,  Herbert  Peter  ant! 
(jrace  Lillian.  Luella  B.  married  Estes  Desper,  also  a  farmer  in  Franklin 
town.ship.  .Mda  A.,  who  completes  the  family,  is  the  wife  of  Edwarti  E. 
Condra,  who  is  operating  a  farm  in  the  same  section.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Bales  are  both  active  in  religious  work  and  are  members  of  the  Baptist 
church,  Mr.  Bales  acting  as  deacon  and  was  superintemlent  of  the  Sunday 
school.  Mrs.  Bales  is  a  Sunday  .school  teacher  and  in  all  the  relations  of 
her  life  exemplifies  the  doctrines  in  which  she  believes. 

Mr.  Bales  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  and  altliough 


248  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

he  has  never  sought  or  desired  public  office,  he  has  often  been  called  upon 
to  serve  in  an  official  capacit)-.  He  is  especially  interested  in  school  work 
and  for  a  long  time  served  as  school  treasurer,  promoting  in  an  able  and 
conscientious  way  the  cause  of  public-school  expansion.  He  has  also  been 
a  delegate  to  a  number  of  county  conventions  and  has  proved  his  loyalty 
and  progressive  citizenship  by  his  efficient  work.  During  the  long  period 
of  their  residence  in  Appanoose  county  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bales  have  made 
for  themselves  a  real  home  upon  their  farm  and  have  kept  alive  within  it 
the  warm  spirit  of  hospital  it)'  which  marked  the  pioneer  era  in  Iowa.  Their 
numerous  friends  find  alw  ays  a  hearty  welcome  at  their  fireside,  good  cheer 
and  happiness  and  as  a  result  they  are  held  in  high  regard  and  have  the 
confidence  and  friendship  of  the  entire  community.  Through  the  years 
of  an  active,  industrious  and  useful  life  Mr.  Bales  has  watched  the  develop- 
ment of  the  great  commonwealth  and  in  an  important  way  has  been  iden- 
tified with  it,  being  counted  among  the  notable  pioneers  of  Iowa. 


BARRACK  E.  TURNER. 


Barrack  E.  Turner  owns  one  of  the  finest  farms  in  Taylor  township, 
a  well-improved  property  of  three  hundred  and  sevent)-five  acres,  upon 
which  he  has  resided  since  1892.  Appanoose  county  numbers  him  among 
her  native  sons  and  here  he  has  spent  his  entire  lite,  becoming  in  the  course 
of  years,  by  reason  of  steady  work  and  well-directed  ambition,  a  successful 
and  influential  man,  a  force  in  agricultural  development  and  general  up- 
building. His  birth  occurred  October  22,  1863,  and  he  is  a  son  of  William 
and  Jemima  (Parsons)  Turner,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina,  where 
they  were  reared  and  married.  Two  of  their  children  were  born  in  that 
state,  but  in  1852  the)'  came  west  to  Iowa,  locating  on  a  farm  in  Taylor 
township,  where  the  father  resided  continuously  for  over  lorty  years. 
After  a  long,  useful  and  successful  career  he  retired  from  active  lite  and 
moved  into  Moravia,  where  his  death  occurred  in  the  spring  of  1905. 
His  widow  survives  and  makes  her  home  in  Moravia.  She  is  a  member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  widely  known  as  a  woman  of  ex- 
emplary life. 

Barrack  E.  Turner  was  reared  at  home,  acquiring  his  education  in  the 
district  schools.  After  his  marriage,  which  occurred  in  1886,  he  began 
farming  for  himself  and  tor  six  vears  cultivated  land  which  he  rented. 
In  1892,  however,  he  invested  his  savings  in  a  farm  of  his  own,  buying  a 
tract  two  miles  south  of  Moravia,  upon  wliich  he  has  since  resided.     He 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  249 

owns  three  hundred  and  seventy-five  acres  which  is  conceded  to  be  one  of 
the  best  improved  farms  in  Taylor  township  and  in  its  management  has 
displayed  that  excellent  judgment  and  resourceful  business  ability  which 
are  the  secret  of  his  success. 

On  the  27th  of  Februan,',  1886,  Mr.  Turner  married  Miss  Cora  Gordon, 
a  daughter  of  William  and  Susan  (Bryant)  Gordon,  natives  of  Kentucky, 
who  moved  from  that  state  to  Illinois  and  thence  to  Iowa,  settling  here 
about  the  year  1865.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turner  have  four  children,  Fairie, 
Frank,  Flossie  and  N  irgil.  .Ml  of  these  children  are  still  with  their  parents, 
the  two  latter  being  students  in  the  Centerville  high  school. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turner  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Epi.scopal  church 
and  Mr.  Turner  is  serving  as  trustee.  He  is  a  progressive  in  his  political 
beliefs  and  is  interested  in  everything  pertaining  to  the  advancement  of 
the  section,  and  movements  for  the  public  good  never  seek  his  aid  in  vain. 
Moreover,  in  his  career  he  has  demonstrated  the  value  and  worrh  of  un- 
flagging perseverance,  determination  and  unsullied  business  integrity  and 
he  enjo}s  in  full  measure  the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he 
has  had  business  or  social  relations. 


\\AL'I"ER  H.   MOKHISOX. 

Walter  R.  Morrison  resides  on  section  26,  Union  township,  where  he 
owns  and  cultivates  two  hundred  and  thirt)-nine  acres  of  rich  and  pro- 
ductive land.  It  was  upon  this  farm  that  he  was  born  August  21,  1878, 
his  parents  being  Irvin  Andrew  and  Amanda  (Nolan)  Morrison.  The 
father  was  also  a  native  of  this  county,  born  in  1847,  his  parents  having 
been  among  the  first  settlers  of  this  section.  They  came  to  Iowa  from 
Pennsylvania,  while  the  Nolan  family  were  originally  from  Kentucky, 
arriving  in  Appanoose  county  about  1851.  The  year  following  their 
marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Irvin  A.  Morrison  settled  upon  the  farm  where 
their  son  Walter  now  resides  and  there  they  lived  until  the  spring  of  1907, 
when  they  turned  the  operation  of  the  farm  over  to  their  son  and  estab- 
lished their  home  in  Unionville,  where  they  are  still  living,  the  father 
having  put  aside  business  cares.  In  politics  he  has  always  been  a  democrat 
and  for  many  years  he  served  as  township  trustee.  He  is  one  of  the  well- 
known  and  highly  esteemed  residents  of  this  section  and  he  and  his  wife 
are  valuable  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church. 

Walter  R.  Morrison  was  reared  at  home,  acquiring  his  education  in 
the  public  schools  and  working  in  the  fields  when  not  busy  with  his  text- 


250  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

books.  He  was  married  in  Peoria,  Illinois,  on  the  I2th  ot  August,  iyo2, 
to  Miss  Pearl  Stigall,  a  daughter  of  James  Stigall,  a  prominent  farmer 
of  Cass  county,  Illinois.  Mr.  Morrison  was  employed  in  the  Parlin 
&  Orendorf  Plow  Factory  at  Canton,  Illinois,  at  the  time  of  his  mar- 
riage, and  there  remained  for  a  year  and  a  half  after  his  marriage, 
continuing  his  work  in  the  plow  factory.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period 
he  removed  to  Peoria,  where  for  two  and  a  half  years  he  was  employed  in 
a  boiler  shoj).  In  December,  1906,  however,  he  returned  to  the  home 
farm  and  the  following  year  took  charge  of  its  operation,  being  now  busily 
engaged  with  its  further  cultivation  and  development,  annually  gathering 
good  harvests,  for  his  methods  are  both  practical  and  progressive. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morrison  have  been  born  three  children,  Roscoe, 
Lenora  and  Viola.  In  politics  Mr.  Morrison  is  a  democrat  and  at  the 
present  writing  is  clerk  of  Union  township.  He  has  never  been  very 
active  as  a  politician,  yet  is  ever  loyal  to  the  principles  in  which  he  believes. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  church  and  in 
its  teachings  he  iinds  the  guiding  spirit  of  his  life.  He  is  now  serving 
as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school  and  takes  an  active  interest  in 
other  departments  of  the  church  work.  He  is  justly  accounted  one  of  the 
progressive,  enterprising  and  highly  esteemed  young  men  of  Union  town- 
ship. 


JOHN  c.  McDonald. 


The  real  builders  and  promoters  of  Appanoose  county  have  largely 
been  the  men  who  came  into  the  region  when  it  was  unbroken  prairie,  and 
utilizing  its  natural  resources  transformed  the  unimproved  land  into  rich 
and  productive  fields.  In  a  history  of  the  pioneer  development  of  any 
state  certain  family  names  stand  forth  prominently,  by  reason  of  the 
influence,  which  the  lives  and  activities  of  the  men,  who  bore  them,  had 
upon  general  progress  and  advancement.  In  Appanoose  county  the  name 
of  McDonald  has  been  an  honored  and  respected  one  since  pioneer  times 
and  the  work  which  the  early  settlers  did  in  development,  the  present 
generation  is  carrying  forward  in  expansion.  Among  the  most  notable 
members  of  the  family  at  the  present  time  is  John  C.  McDonald,  one  of 
the  substantial,  prominent  and  influential  business  men  of  Cincinnati,  Iowa, 
as  well  as  one  of  the  most  public-spirited  and  progressive  of  its  citizens. 
The  record  of  the  family  in  .\merica  extends  back  many  3'ears,  to  William 
McDonald,  who  founded  the  familv  in  the  states,  coming  in  earlv  times 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  251 

from  his  native  Scotland  to  Mercer  county,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  made 
a  permanent  location.  From  him  was  descended  Daniel  McDonald,  the 
progenitor  of  the  family  in  Iowa  and  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this 
review.  He  was  born  in  Mercer  county,  Pennsylvania,  March  lo,  1814, 
and  there  grew  to  maturity,  acquiring  his  education  in  the  public  schools, 
lie  married  Miss  Mary  Stewart,  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  afterward  re- 
[  sided  with  his  wife  in  Mercer  county  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1852  he 
moved  west  to  Iowa,  locating  first  in  Lee  county,  where  he  engaged  in 
farming  for  two  years.  In  1854  he  moved  to  Appanoose  county  and 
there  located  upon  the  present  site  of  the  village  of  Cincinnati,  which  has 
now  grown  to  be  one  of  the  prosperous  comnmnities  of  Appanoose  county. 
The  father  of  our  subject  took  up  a  tract  of  raw  prairie  land,  broke  the 
soil  and  began  the  work  of  development,  which  he  carried  forward  stead- 
fastly and  along  progressive  lines  until  his  death,  holding  a  high  place  on 
the  list  of  honored  Iowa  pioneers  of  the  past. 

John  C  McDonald  was  born  in  Mercer  county,  Pennsylvania,  .Inly 
1^,  1845.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  Iowa  for  sixty  years,  having  come 
to  Lee  county  in  1852,  while  his  residence  in  Appanoose  county  dates 
from  1854.  He  was  eight  years  of  age  at  the  time  his  parents  located 
here  and  acquired  a  limited  education  in  the  pioneer  schools.  From  child- 
hood he  aided  in  the  hard  labor  of  breaking  the  soil  and  in  the  making 
ot  a  farm,  and  he  continued  active  in  this  line  until  1863,  when  he  enlisted 
in  the  Federal  army.  He  joined  Company  E,  Seventh  Iowa  N'olunteer 
Cavalr}.  and  as  a  jirivate  was  sent  west  and  fought  the  Indians  on  tlie 
plains,  taking  part  in  many  sharp  skirmishes  and  displaying  so  much  courage 
and  coolness  in  the  face  of  danger  that  he  earned  promotion,  being  dis- 
charged on  the  17th  ot  May,  1866,  as  sergeant  major,  \^'ith  this  creditable 
military  record  he  returned  to  the  farm  in  Iowa  and  resumed  his  work, 
aiding  his  father  in  the  operation  of  the  homestead.  He  married  in  1S70 
and  he  and  his  wife  began  their  domestic  life  upon  a  farm  upon  whicli 
Mr.  .McDonald  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  for  ten  years, 
in  1880,  however,  he  turnetl  his  attention  to  business  affairs  and  has  since 
been  a  substantial  tactor  in  tlie  commercial  development  of  Cincinnati, 
where  he  makes  his  home.  He  and  his  brother  engaged  in  the  furniture 
and  undertaking  business  for  two  years  and  afterward  added  to  their 
activities  by  selling  timber,  taking  their  father  also  into  [lartnership.  In 
1885  John  C.  -McDonald  purchased  his  father's  and  brother's  interests 
and  continued  to  conduct  the  enterprise  alone,  until  he  formed  a  partner- 
ship with  another  brother,  under  the  firm  name  of  J.  C.  McDonald  & 
Brother.  This  association  continued  for  some  years,  the  [partners  gradually 
cxtentling  their  activities  to  include  almost  every  phase  of  busine.ss  in  the 


252  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

town.  They  organized  and  promoted  the  Citi'/ens  Bank  of  Cincinnati,  w  ith 
W.  S.  McDonald  as  cashier,  John  C.  McDonald  being  also  a  high  official. 
He  continued  active  in  the  banking  business  for  a  number  of  years,  but 
eventually  the  institution  changed  hands,  although  Mr.  McDonald  still  re- 
tains his  connection  with  it  as  a  stockholder  and  director.  He  is  a  man 
of  enterprise  and  marked  force  of  character  and  there  is  no  movement 
formulated  in  the  township  for  the  benefit  of  the  communitj-  along  lines 
of  substantial  upbuilding  that  does  not  receive  his  indorsement  and  hearty 
support,  his  labors  being  a  cooperant  factor  in  the  work  of  improvement. 

Mr.  McDonald  has  been  twice  married.  In  1870  he  wedded  Miss 
Mary  Boylcs,  a  native  of  Ohio,  born  in  Belmont  county,  and  a  daughter 
of  John  Boyles,  of  that  section.  She  died  on  the  30th  of  March,  1895, 
and  in  1896  Mr.  McDonald  married  Miss  Alice  Reed,  a  native  of  Jackson, 
Michigan.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McDonald  are  well  known  in  religious  circles 
and  hold  membership  in  the  Congregational  church. 

Mr.  McDonald  is  prominent  fraternally,  holding  membership  in  the 
Masonic  order  and  in  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Living  in 
Iowa  for  sixty  years  and  in  Appanoose  county  for  fifty-eight,  he  is  one 
of  the  best  known  citizens  of  this  locality,  being  widely  recognized  as  a 
man  of  tried  integrity  and  worth,  of  business  enterprise  and  unfaltering 
determination,  true  to  the  traditions  of  his  pioneer  ancestors.  His  fellow 
townsmen  honor  and  respect  him  and  wherever  he  is  known  he  has  a  wide 
circle  of  friends.  Moreover,  he  deserves  mention  in  this  volume  as  one 
of  the  veterans  of  the  Civil  war,  to  whom  the  country  owes  a  debt  of 
gratitude  that  can  never  be  fully  paid. 


ALMN  F.  PIXLEY. 


Throughout  practically  all  the  years  of  a  long,  quiet,  straightforward 
and  upright  life  Alvin  F.  Pixley  has  worked  at  the  trade  ot  a  blacksmith 
and  has  now  the  distinction  of  being  the  oldest  blacksmith  and  veterinary 
surgeon  in  Centerville.  He  began  working  at  his  trade  at  an  early  age, 
interrupting  his  labors  only  for  his  period  of  service  in  the  federal  army 
during  the  Civil  war,  and  now,  at  the  age  of  seventy-one,  is  still  active 
and  vigorous,  his  prosperity  being  the  visible  evidence  of  a  well  spent  and 
useful  life.  If  success  means  a  career  in  which  the  chief  activities  have 
been  honorable  and  worthy  ones,  in  which  the  aims  have  been  high  and 
the  ambitions  upright  and  the  final  reward  a  comfortable  competence, 
widespread  esteem  and  many  friends — then  Mr.  Pixlej'  ma}'  be  pronounced 


> 

2J 


'^'■'■:.\r      \.V^'' 


>;jv>v-\^ 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  255 

a  distincth-  successful  man,  and  his  courageous  service  during  the  dark 
days  ot  the  Civil  war  is  only  another  strong  addition  to  his  many  claims 
to  prominence  and  respect.  He  was  born  in  Canandaigua,  Michigan,  Aug- 
ust 3,  1841,  and  is  a  son  of  Joseph  and  Aurelia  (Halej  Pixlcy.  On  the 
paternal  side  the  family  is  of  English  origin  and  the  maternal  line  is  of 
Irish  and  English  stock.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  by  trade  an  edge 
tool  blacksmith  and  sharpened  by  hand  the  picks  which  were  used  in  grind- 
in"  Hour.  He  became  rapidly  so  skilful  in  this  occupation  that  his  reputa- 
tion spread  throughout  the  surrounding  districts  and  picks  were  sent  to 
him  from  a  distance  of  over  one  hundred  miles  to  be  sharpened.  Although 
both  he  and  his  wife  were  natives  of  upper  Canada,  most  of  their  lives  were 
spent  in  Hudson,  Michigan,  where  the  mother  passed  away  in  i88g  and 
the  father  in  1890. 

Alvin  F.  Pixley  acquired  his  education  in  the  district  schools  of  Michi- 
gan, attending  classes  when  he  could  be  spared  from  his  father's  shop. 
At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  began  learning  the  trade  of  an  edge  tool  black- 
smith and  for  four  years  followed  it  also  learning  to  shoe  oxen,  as  horses 
were  not  used  there  at  that  date.  In  1861  Mr.  Pixley  was  twenty  years 
of  age  and  just  beginning  to  become  known  as  a  blacksmith  and  to  achieve 
some  degree  of  prosperity,  but  at  his  country's  call  he  did  not  hesitate  to 
sacrifice  his  personal  interests  and  on  the  7th  of  November,  1861,  enlisted 
in  the  Eleventh  Michigan  \'olunteer  Infantry,  serving  three  years  without 
a  furlough  in  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland.  He  was  in  the  thick  of  the 
battles  at  Stone  River,  Tullahoma,  Elk  river,  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain,  Missionary  Ridge.  Ringgold.  -'Buzzards  Roost,  Resaca,  Peach 
Tree  Creek  and  the  siege  of  Atlanta.  During  the  latter  siege  his  term 
of  enlistment  expired  but  he  volunteered  to  st^y  until  the  city  fell.  In 
the  army  he  served  as  regimental  blacksmith  and  had  charge  of  ninety 
mules  and  twenty-five  horses  as  well  as  numerous  wagons  to  keep  in  repair. 
He  was  wounded  three  times  at  Murfreesboro  and  was  mustered  out  at 
Chattanooga.  Tennessee,  with  honorable  discharge.  It  is  to  men  like  Mr. 
Pixley  to  whom  the  countrj-  owes  the  preservation  of  the  Union  and  the 
upholding  of  the  national  integrity,  and  this  debt  can  never  be  forgotten 
and  never  fully  repaid. 

After  his  discharge  Mr.  Pixley  returned  to  Michigan  but  in  1866  left 
the  state  and  went  to  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  where  for  seven  years  he 
worked  as  a  railroad  blacksmith  for  the  Sioux  City  Railroad  and  in  the 
Northwestern  shops.  In  1873,  equipped  with  all  the  skill  which  natural 
ability  and  varied  and  thorough  experience  and  training  could  give  him, 
he  came  to  Centerville.  opened  a  blacksmith  shof)  and  has  worked  at  his 
traile  here  continuously  since  that  time — a  period  of  almost  forty  years. 


256  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

His  work  in  caring  for  the  teet  of  horses  suggested  inquiry  into  the  diseases 
of  animals  and,  being  a  versatile,  able  and  intelligent  man,  he  soon  became 
interested  in  veterinary  surgery,  studied  it  thorough!)-  and  thirty  years  ago 
began  his  work  along  this  line,  being  now  a  registered  practitioner.  In 
both  lines  of  his  activity  Mr.  Pixley  has  gained  prominence  and  success 
and  his  shop  on  the  rear  of  his  residence  lot  on  Drake  avenue  is  well 
patronized  by  everyone  in  Centerville  who  has  need  ot  the  services  of  an 
expert  blacksmith.  Mr.  Pixley  is  not  only  skilled  in  his  trade  and  well 
versed  in  the  underlying  principles  of  veterinary  surgery  but  lie  is  also 
an  energetic,  straightforward  and  upright  business  man,  who  adheres  con- 
stantly to  high  standards  ot  business  integrity  and  whose  high  sincerity  of 
purpose  has  never  been  questioned  in  forty  years. 

On  the  2oth  of  November,  i860,  Mr.  Pixley  married  Miss  Harriett 
Palmer,  a  daughter  of  Robert  and  Mahala  (Young)  Palmer,  both  born 
east  of  the  Green  mountains  in  Vermont,  of  Good  Yankee  stock.  The  father 
was  a  cobbler  by  trade  and  made  with  his  own  hands  all  his  children's 
shoes.  Later  the  family  moved  into  Ohio  and  then  to  Michigan,  where 
the  father  died  in  1852.  His  widow  came  to  Harrison  count) .  Iowa,  driv- 
ing through  with  teams  and  spending  five  weeks  upon  the  journe)'.  She 
bought  a  farm  in  Harrison  county,  two  and  a  half  miles  from  Magnolia, 
and  upon  this  property  resided  until  her  death  in  1879.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Pixley  have  three  children.  The  eldest,  Ellis  Arthur,  a  graduate  of  Center- 
ville high  school,  is  a  clerk  in  the  Centerville  postoffice.  He  has  the  dis- 
tinction of  being  a  veteran  of  the  Spanish-American  war,  having  served  as 
musician  of  Company  E,  Fifty-fourth  Iowa  \'olunteer  Infantry,  earning 
promotion  to  the  rank  of  first  sergeant  before  the  close  of  his  service.  He 
married  Mary  Dunlap,  of  Mount  Pleasant,  Iowa,  and  they  have  one  child, 
Arthur,  aged  twelve.  Bert,  the  second  son  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pixie)-,  is 
also  a  graduate  of  the  Centerville  high  school  and  is  now  acting  as  citv  mail 
carrier.  He  resides  on  a  farm  in  Center  township  with  his  wife,  who  was 
in  her  maidenhood  Miss  Cora  Reddig.  They  have  two  children:  Marv, 
who  is  eight  years  of  age;  and  Robert,  aged  eight  months.  Clarence  the 
youngest  child  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pixley,  is  a  graduate  of  the  same 
high  school.  He  is  following  the  profession  of  an  electrical  engineer  and 
resides  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pixley  are  members  of  the  Christian 
church,  both  having  joined  that  religion  at  the  age  of  eighteen. 

Mr.  Pixley  is  well  known  in  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  being 
a  charter  member  of  John  L.  Bashaw  Post,  No.  122,  of  Centerville. 
He  served  as  commander  for  one  year,  for  four  years  was  officer  of 
the  day  and  served  for  one  year  as  vice  president.  He  is  now  in  the 
fourth  rear  ot  his  activitv  as  surgeon  and  in  tlic  inith  \<ar  of  his  service 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  257 

as  chairman  of  the  relief  committee.  His  wife  shares  this  interest  with 
him  also,  being  well  known  as  a  charter  member  of  Women's  Relief 
Corps,  No.  32,  of  Centerville,  which  was  organized  twenty-six  years  ago. 
She  has  held  every  office  except  that  of  chaplain  and  treasurer  in  the 
organization  and  is  now  serving  her  third  term  as  guard. 

On  the  20th  of  November,  1910,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pixley  completed  the 
fiftieth  year  of  their  married  life  and  at  their  home  at  201  Drake  avenue 
observed  their  golden  wedding  anniversary.  They  invited  to  the  celebra- 
tion all  the  members  of  the  Grand  Army  post  and  the  Women's  Relief 
Corps  besides  their  numerous  friends  in  Centerville.  Ninety-six  people 
responded  to  the  cordial  invitation  and  spent  the  afternoon  with  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Pixley  in  social  conversation  and  in  delightful  reminiscences  of  early 
rimes.  At  five  o'clock  refreshments  were  served  and  at  seven  the  ladies 
of  the  Relief  Corps  gave  the  bride  and  groom  of  half  a  (.enrur)  ago 
an  old  fashioned  charivari.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pixley  received  a  number  of 
valuable  presents  from  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  the  Women's 
Relief  Corps  and  from  their  children  and  acquaintances.  One  hundred 
postcards  reached  them  during  the  day  from  friends  who  could  not  attend 
and,  indeed,  everyone  who  had  ever  luui  ttic  pleasure  of  knowing  these 
charming,  genial  and  lovable  people  took  a  great  pride  and  [pleasure  in 
remembering  them  with  gifts  and  good  wishes  upon  their  wedding  anni- 
versarv.  Mr.  Pixley  has  reached  the  age  of  seventy-one  and  has  earned 
retirement  but  is  still  laboring,  displaying  in  all  of  his  activities  the  same 
([uicr  intelligence,  uprightness  and  courage  which  distinguished  liini  upon 
rlie  southern  battlefields.  His  life  has  been  well  spent,  for  in  all  of  its 
relations  he  has  been  true  to  high  and  honorable  jirinciples,  working  his 
waj-  upward  through  the  years  to  final  triumph  and  counting  his  truest  suc- 
cess in   the  love  and  confidence  ot   his  man^-  friends. 


THOMAS  E.  HOPKINS. 


The  farming  interests  of  I'nion  townshi(i  find  a  worthy  representative 
in  Thomas  E.  Hopkins,  who  is  living  on  section  22.  He  was  liorn  in  Han- 
cock county,  Tennessee,  April  9,  1843,  and  is  a  son  of  Adam  and  Nancy  E. 
(Guess)  Hopkins.  The  grandfather,  Zabez  Hopkins,  went  from  French 
Broad  to  Hancock  count}-.  Tennessee,  about  1804,  when  his  son  Adam  was 
l)ut  four  years  of  age,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  1800.  Nancy  E.  Guess 
was  a  native  of  .Mabama  and  s[)ent  her  girlhooii  largely  in  that  state.  She 
later  removed  to  Tennessee  and  there  became  the  wife  of  Adam  Hopkins. 


258  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

In  1849  they  left  the  south  and  came  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Union  township, 
Appanoose  county,  and  the  following  year  xMr.  Hopkins'  parents  also  ar- 
rived in  this  county.     A  few  months  later,  however,  the  grandmother  of 
our  subject  died  and  the  grandfather  afterward  went  to  Decatur  county, 
Iowa,  where  he  made  his  home  until  his  demise.     While  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Adam  Hopkins  were  en  route  for  Appanoose  county  the  latter  was  taken 
ill  with  cholera  on  the  boat  up  the  river  and  died  after  a  day's  travel  out 
from  Keokuk,  her  grave  being  made  at  Zelma,  Iowa,  in  1849.    Adam  Hop- 
kins continued  on  his  way  and  established  his  home  on  the  farm  on  section 
22,  Union  township,  on  which  his  son  Thomas  now  resides.     He  devoted 
his  life  to  general  agricultural  pursuits  and  stock-raising  and  also  worked 
at  the  trades  of  cabinet-maker  and  wheelwright.     His  was  an  active  and 
useful  life  and  he  passed  away  at  the  venerable  age  of  eighty-five  years. 
His  children  were  ten  in  number:  Polly  Ann,  who  died  in  Arkansas;  Mrs. 
Orlena  Martin,   a  widow,   residing  in  Union   township;  Mrs.   Margaret 
Strunk,  deceased;  Helen  Minerva,  who  died  before  the  removal  of  the 
family  to  Iowa;  Roanna,  who  died  in  this  county  in  early  life;  Jabez, 
who  was  killed  by  lightning  in  i860;  James  F.,  Perry  and  Commodore, 
all  now  deceased;  and  Thomas  E. 

The  last  named  has  resided  in  Union  township  since  1849,  or  for  a 
period  of  more  than  sixty-three  years,  he  and  his  sister  being  among  the 
oldest  residents  of  the  township.  He  was  but  six  years  of  age  at  the  time 
of  his  arrival  here  and  throughout  the  ensuing  years  he  has  largely  followed 
farming  and  stock-raising.  He  has  also  shipped  stock  quite  extensiveh 
and  he  has  become  well  known  as  a  breeder  of  mules,  owning  to  good  jacks. 
He  has  also  raised  horses,  cattle,  sheep  and  hogs  and  his  live-stock  interests 
have  proven  an  important  and  profitable  feature  of  his  business.  His  place 
comprises  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  that  is  rich  and  productive, 
his  property  being  known  as  the  Green  Valley  Stock  Farm,  conducted 
under  the  firm  name  of  T.  1^.  Hopkins  &  Son. 

In  the  fall  of  186  J  Mr.  Hopkins  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Drake, 
who  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1846  and  when  five  years  of  age  came  to  this 
county  with  her  parents,  George  and  Mary  Ann  (Stiles)  Drake.  The 
father  died  in  California  and  the  mother  in  Kansas.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hopkins  have  been  born  the  following  named:  Andrew  Jackson,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  three  years;  Sarah  Jane,  the  wife  of  William  Under- 
wood, of  Unionville;  Rosetta,  the  wife  of  John  Burnette,  of  Kay  county, 
Oklahoma;  Ida,  the  wife  of  David  Caylor,  of  Union  township;  Charles, 
at  home;  and  Estella,  the  wife  of  Henry  Herman,  of  Udell  township. 

Mr.  Hopkins  has  been  a  lifelong  democrat  and  his  fellow  townsmen, 
appreciative  of  his  worth  and  ability,  have  called  him  to  most  of  the  town- 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  259 

ship  offices.  He  was  clerk  for  many  years,  has  been  assessor  and  has  been 
official  1}  connected  with  the  schools,  serving  his  district  as  secretarj-  of  the 
school  board  for  thirty  consecutive  years,  during  which  period  he  has  given 
ample  evidence  of  his  deep  interest  in  the  cause  of  education  and  his  desire 
to  improve  the  schools.  He  is  a  supporter  of  the  United  Brethren  church.- 
His  has  been  a  well  spent  life,  active  and  honorable  in  its  purposes,  and 
fruitful  in  its  results.  He  has  won  individual  success  and  at  the  same  time 
has  labored  effective! )■  and  earnestly  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the 
communit^•. 


JOHN  FRANK  I. IX  GRAY.  M.  D. 

A  history  of  the  medical  fraternity  of  Appanoose  county  would  be  in- 
complete were  there  failure  to  make  mention  of  Dr.  John  Franklin  Gray, 
who  is  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine  and  surger}-  in  Moravia. 
Throughout  the  }ears  of  his  connection  with  the  profession  he  has  made 
steady  j)rogress  and  has  proven  his  knowledge  and  capability  in  the  exxel- 
lent  results  which  have  attended  his  labors.  He  came  to  Moravia  in  1906 
and  has  since  devoted  his  attention  to  the  performance  of  his  professional 
duties.  He  is  a  native  son  of  Iowa,  born  in  Monroe  county,  September  20, 
1873,  his  parents  being  Samuel  and  Mary  A.  (GriHin)  Gray,  the  former  a 
native  of  County  Derry  (Londonderry)  Ireland,  and  the  latter  of  Zanes- 
ville,  Ohio.  The  parents  of  our  subject  were  married  in  Monroe  county, 
whither  her  mother  had  come  as  a  girl  with  her  parents  and  to  which  the 
father  had  emigrated  as  a  young  man.  After  settling  in  Iowa,  Samuel 
Gray  devoted  all  of  his  time  to  farming  and  still  resides  ui)on  hi.->  home 
farm  five  miles  north  of  Albia,  having  reached  the  age  of  eighty-seven.  He 
is  very  proud  of  the  fact  that  in  the  course  of  a  long  career  he  has  never 
been  involved  in  a  law  suit  and  has  never  been  a  witness  nor  a  juryman, 
preferring  to  accept  the  losing  end  of  an  argument  rather  than  to  have  re- 
course to  legal  proceedings. 

Dr.  .lohu  1'.  Ciray  was  reared  at  home  and  acquired  his  education  in  the 
public  sch(x»ls.  This  was  supplemented  by  a  three  years'  course  at  Penn 
College  in  Oskaloosa,  Iowa.  His  medical  training  was  received  at  the 
Iowa  State  Iniversit}'  at  Iowa  Cit),  from  which  he  was  gratluatctl  on  .April 
1,  igo2,  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.  Following  his  graduation  he  was  made 
physician  in  charge  of  the  mines  belonging  to  the  White  Breast  Fuel  Com- 
{)any  at  Hilton,  Iowa,  and  he  acted  in  this  capacity  tor  five  years,  doing 
able  work  ami  gaining  valuable  exjierience.     In   1906  Dr.  Gray  came  to 


260  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

Moravia  and  has  since  built  up  an  extensive  practice  here.  Tlie  consensus 
of  public  opinion  regarding  his  professional  skill  is  altogether  favorable, 
for  it  is  well  known  that  he  is  most  careful  in  the  diagnosis  of  cases  and 
never  neglects  an)'thing  which  will  be  of  value  in  checking  disease  and 
promoting  health. 

On  the  24th  of  June,  1906,  Dr.  Gray  married  Miss  Beulah  T.  Cum- 
mins, of  Moravia,  a  daughter  of  Rufus  E.  Cummins,  at  that  time  post- 
master of  the  town,  and  a  granddaughter  of  Captain  Ephraim  Cummins, 
one  of  the  prominent  political  leaders  and  well  known  men  in  public  life 
in  southern  Iowa.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Gray  have  two  children:  Charles;  and 
Samuel  Francis,  who  received  the  second  state  health  prize  at  the  Iowa 
state  fair  in  1912  in  his  class  of  towns  of  under  ten  thousand,  as  the  most 
perfect  child  in  the  state. 

Dr.  Gray  is  extensively  interested  in  fraternal  affairs  and  has  many 
important  affiliations.  He  belongs  to  Antiquity  Lodge,  No.  252,  A.  F.  & 
A.  M.,  and  he  and  his  wife  belong  to  Moravia  Chapter,  O.  E.  S.  Dr.  Gray 
is  identified  also  with  Monroe  Chapter,  No.  125,  R.  A.  M.,  at  Albia,  Iowa, 
and  holds  membership  in  Moravia  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows;  Moravia  Camp,  No.  4204,  M.  W.  A.;  and  Homestead  No.  346, 
Brotherhood  of  American  Yeomen.  Mrs.  Gray  is  a  devout  member  of  the 
United  Brethren  church.  Dr.  Gray  has  made  an  excellent  professional  rec- 
ord, as  is  evidenced  by  the  lucrative  practice  now  accorded  him,  and  he  is, 
moreover,  known  in  Moravia  as  a  progressive  and  public-spirited  citizen. 


ANDREW  BURKLAND. 


Andrew  Burkland  passed  away  at  his  home,  1013  South  Main  street, 
on  the  5th  of  April,  1912,  after  a  lingering  illness  induced  by  stomach 
trouble,  aged  seventy  years,  ten  months  and  eight  days. 

Mr.  Burkland  came  to  this  city  more  than  a  third  of  a  century  ago. 
and  became  one  of  its  prominent  and  successful  contractors  as  well  as 
mine  operators.  His  record  is  an  excellent  illustration  of  the  power  of 
industry  and  perseverance  in  the  attainment  of  success,  for  his  early  lite 
was  one  of  hardship  and  privation  and  the  obstacles  which  he  encountered 
would  have  utterly  discouraged  many  a  man  of  less  resolute  spirit. 

His  birth  occurred  in  Vestergotland,  Sweden,  on  the  29th  of  May, 
1841,  his  parents  being  Andrew  and  Breta  Bjolund,  who  were  likewise 
natives  of  that  country.     The  father  died  when  our  subject  was  still  a 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  261 

chikl.  His  parents  were  very  poor,  and  as  soon  as  old  enough  to  work 
he  was  hired  out  to  a  tarnier  tc^r  three  years,  and  therefore  he  had  prac- 
tical !}•  no  time  to  attend  school  and  never  learned  to  write,  but  in  spite 
ot  this  handicap  won  success  in  the  business  world,  by  reason  of  his  native 
intelligence,  keen  discernment  and  indefatigable  energy.  As  a  young  man 
he  began  working  on  a  railroad  section  and  a  short  time  later  was  made 
foreman.  In  1868,  when  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  he  crossed  the  Atlan- 
tic to  the  United  States  with  a  contingent  of  men  sent  here  to  work  on 
railroad  construction  in  Michigan.  Soon  afterward,  however,  he  engaged 
in  lumbering  in  the  Michigan  woods  and  subsequently  made  his  way  to 
Chicago,  where  he  again  found  employment  with  railroads.  Leaving  tor 
St.  Louis,  Missouri,  he  worked  there  and  became  foreman  of  a  steel  gang. 
After  the  road  was  completed,  the  compan}-  wanted  him  to  take  charge  of 
a  construction  train  but  he  declined  to  take  the  offer  on  account  of  his 
inability  to  write.  The  superintendent  tried  in  vain  to  change  his  view 
and  accept,  saying  it  would  be  very  easy  to  find  a  timekeeper,  but  diffi- 
cult to  get  a  man  who  understood  how  to  run  a  construction  train,  pa)  ing 
him  the  compliment  that  he  was  the  best  man  he  had  ever  had  in  his 
emplo).  However,  he  persisted  in  his  refusal  and  left  for  Chicago,  where 
he  stayed  but  a  short  time,  then  coming  to  Ladsdale,  Iowa,  where  he 
worked  as  a  coal  miner,  for  three  years.  In  1877  he  came  to  Centerville, 
Iowa,  which  has  since  been  his  home.  His  first  employment  was  as  a 
coal  miner,  but  subsequently  he  took  up  the  stone  mason's  trade  and  later 
engagetl  in  contracting  in  connection  with  mine  operations,  but  for  the 
last  twenty-five  years  had  been  engaged  more  extensively  in  the  coal  busi- 
ness, being  instrumental  in  organizing  several  local  coal  companies.  He 
was  one  ot  the  organizers  ot  the  Scandinavian  Coal  Company  when  it  was 
founded  and  helped  start  the  Anchor  Mine.  No.  1  and  later  with  a  [)art- 
ner,  organized  the  Happy  Coal  Company.  He  sunk  the  White  Oak  mine, 
being  sole  owner  for  a  number  ot  years  and  then  selling  out.  Subse- 
quently he  sank  another  mine  in  the  south  part  of  the  city  and  he  and  his 
son,  Alfred,  were  operating  this  enterprise  at  the  time  of  his  death,  under 
the  firm  style  of  A.  Burkland  &  Son.  He  Iku!  also  taken  at  various  times 
a  number  of  contracts  for  public  improvements,  having  graded  the  p\iblic 
square  and  fair  grounds,  also  the  city  street  car  line,  and  had  constructed 
the  water  works  reservoir,  and  built  the  foundation  for  the  >tand  pipe. 
also  grading  the  new  cemetery.  He  further  executed  a  number  of  con- 
tracts for  the  railroad,  in  and  around  Centerville.  His  success  in  all  lines 
was  most  gratifying  and  came  as  the  direct  result  of  his  enterprising  and 
able  management. 


262  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

In  October,  1874,  in  Chicago,  Mr.  Burkland  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Louise  Peterson,  also  a  native  of  Sweden.  To  them  were  born 
six  children:  Alfred,  Anna,  Agnes,  Albert,  and  Carl,  who  with  their 
mother,  are  left  to  mourn  his  death;  and  one  son,  Isaac,  who  died  twelve 
years  ago.  The  family  reside  in  their  comfortable  home  at  1013  South 
Main  street.  The  children  were  all  born  and  reared  in  Centerville  and 
educated  in  the  Centerville  schools.  In  1907,  Alfred  became  associated 
with  his  father  as  coal  operator,  and  since  the  latter's  death,  he  with  his 
two  younger  brothers,  Albert  and  Carl,  are  conducting  the  business  inter- 
ests of  the  family.  Anna  is  bookkeeper  and  Agnes  is  employed  as  clerk 
in  one  of  the  large  department  stores  of  the  cit}-. 

In  politics  Mr.  Burkland  was  a  stanch  republican,  loyally  supporting 
the  men  and  measures  of  that  party  at  the  polls.  His  religious  faith  was 
indicated  by  his  membership  in  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church,  of  which 
he  was  a  life-long  member,  and  he  was  a  charter  member  of  the  Center- 
ville church,  giving  it  his  loyal  support.  His  life  was  upright  and  honor- 
able and  his  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances  who  had  anxiously 
concerned  themselves  about  his  illness,  heard  with  sincere  regret  of  his 
passing  from  the  scene  of  action,  as  he  was  a  good  citizen,  temperate  in 
his  habits,  strong  of  character  and  kind  of  heart.  He  was  influential  and 
interested  in  matters  looking  to  the  improvement  of  the  cit}-  and  the  better- 
ment of  the  communit}-,  and  his  demise  was  the  occasion  of  deep  ami  wide- 
spread sorrow. 


PERRY  WYCKOFF. 


Perry  Wyckoff  is  now  living  retired  in  Centerville  but  for  many  years 
was  closely  associated  with  agricultural  interests  and  in  the  tilling  of  the 
fields  gained  the  substantial  competence  which  enabled  him  at  length  to 
put  aside  arduous  labor  and  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his  jirevious  toil.  He  was 
born  in  Johnson  county,  Iowa,  October  8,  1845,  when  this  state  was 
still  a  territor)-,  his  parents  being  John  and  Maria  J.  (Merrill)  Wyckoff, 
who  ^vere  natives  of  Ross  county,  Ohio.  The  father  devoted  his  life  to 
farming  and  became  one  of  the  pioneer  residents  of  Illinois,  settling 
within  its  borders  when  the  Indians  were  still  numerous  there  and  when 
the  northern  part  of  the  state  was  practically  uninhabited.  He  continued 
to  reside  in  Illinois  until  1838.  when  he  again  established  his  home  upon 
the  frontier,  settling  in  Johnson  county.     He  afterward  went  to  Iowa 


l'i;i;i;\   w  ^^■|<()|.■|.■ 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  265 

county,  where  he  once  more  entered  land  from  the  government  and  also 
bought  some  property,  adding  to  his  original  holdings  until  he  had  three 
hundred  and  twenty  acres  which  he  improved  and  cultivated  until  1856. 
He  then  sold  out  and  removed  to  Putnam  county,  Missouri,  where  he  pur- 
chased land  which  he  successfully  farmed  until  his  death,  on  the  30th  of 
March,  1897.  His  widow  afterward  took  up  her  abode  in  Unionville, 
Missouri,  where  she  lived  until  called  to  the  home  beyond,  on  the  12th  of 
August,   1Q05. 

Perry  Wvckotf  spent  his  youthful  days  largely  in  Iowa  count),  this 
state,  and  in  Putnam  county,  Missouri.  No  event  of  special  importance 
occurred  to  \iir\  the  routine  of  farm  life  for  him  until  he  was  sixteen  years 
of  age,  when  he  offered  his  services  to  the  government  in  defense  of  the 
Union  cause,  enlisting  as  a  member  of  Company  G,  Eighty-tourth  Illinois 
Infantry.  He  remained  at  the  front  until  wounded  in  battle,  after  which 
he  was  honorably  discharged  and  returned  home,  where  he  remained  until 
he  was  once  more  able  for  active  duty.  He  then  reenlisted,  this  time  becom- 
ing a  member  of  Company  C,  Forty-.second  Missouri  Infantry,  with  which 
he  continued  until  after  the  close  of  hostilities.  On  the  rirst  day  of  Jan- 
uary, 1863,  he  was  captured  and  was  incarcerated  in  Libby  and  Ander- 
sonville  prisons  until  the  following  June,  undergoing  all  of  the  hardships 
and  privations  of  southern  prison  life.  He  participated  in  the  battle  of 
Perr)ville,  Kentucky,  when  only  seventeen  years  of  age.  and  although 
but  a  youth  when  he  enlisted  he  manifested  valor  and  loyalty  equal  to  that 
of  many  veterans  of  twice  his  years.  His  father  was  a  captain  in  the 
I'nion  army  and  Mr.  \\'yckofF  has  now  in  his  possession  various  souvenirs 
of  his  father's  and  his  own  service. 

When  the  country  no  longer  needed  his  service  Mr.  Wyckofl  returned 
home  and  for  two  jears  engaged  in  farming  for  his  father.  \\'hile  at  the 
front  he  had  saved  his  earnings  as  a  soldier  and  sent  the  money  home  with 
which  ro  purchase  a  farm.  After  two  years  he  began  the  development  of 
that  propertv  and  continued  to  cultivate  the  tract  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acres  until  his  success  enabled  him  to  extend  its  boundaries.  Prom 
time  to  time  he  purchased  other  land  and  is  now  the  owner  ot  a  valuable 
farm  of  three  hundred  and  seventy-nine  acres  which  he  continued  to  till 
imril  1899,  when  he  retired  and  took  ui)  his  abode  in  Cincinnati,  this  county. 
There  he  lived  for  eight  years,  after  which  he  came  to  Centerville  where 
he  has  since  made  his  home.  He  worketl  ililigently  and  persistently  while 
upon  the  farm,  bringing  his  fields  under  a  very  high  state  of  cultiva- 
tion and  annually  gathering  good  crops  as  a  reward  for  the  care  and  labor 
he  bestowed  upon  his  land.  His  methods  were  at  once  practical  as  well 
as  progressive  and  his  farm  ever  presented  a  neat  and  thrifty  appearance. 


266  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUXTY 

On  the  9th  ot  May,  1867,  Mr.  Wyckoff  was  married  to  Miss  Angeline 
Stewart,  a  dauf;;hter  of  Perry  and  Emma  (Myers)  Stewart,  who  were 
natives  of  Indiana.  They  came  Co  Appanoose  county  in  1856  and  the 
father  carried  on  merchandising,  conducting  a  store  until  1898,  when  he 
sold  out  and  went  to  the  west.  During  his  leisure  time  while  engaged 
in  business  he  studied  for  the  ministry  and  became  the  first  preacher  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Centerville.  On  starting  west  across  the 
country  he  had  become  ill  with  typhoid  fever  and  died  at  Xuma,  this 
county,  November  13,  1858.  His  wife  survived  him  until  August  15, 
1867.  Mrs.  Wyckoff  was  born  at  Greencastle,  Indiana,  February  7,  1848, 
and  by  her  marriage  she  became  the  mother  of  nine  children:  Charles  S., 
who  is  engaged  in  the  automobile  business  at  Sioux  City,  Iowa;  William 
M.,  a  barber  of  Centerville,  who  is  also  a  horse  dealer;  Elbert  and  Elza, 
twins,  both  ot  whom  are  engaged  in  farming,  the  former  in  Montana  and 
the  latter  in  Putnam  county,  Missouri;  Jesse  M..  a  contractor  of  Lovilia, 
Iowa;  Josephine,  who  married  Jay  C.  Colburn,  who  is  engaged  in  the  music 
business  at  Webster  City,  Iowa;  Stewart  A.,  a  rural  mail  carrier  residing  in 
Cincinnati,  Iowa;  Edna,  who  is  still  at  home;  and  Arthur,  who  died  May 
19.  1893.  Mr.  Wyckoff  holds  membership  in  John  L.  Bashore  Post,  No. 
122,  G.  A.  R.,  and  his  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Women's  Relief  Corps. 
They  attend  the  Methodist  church  and  Mr.  Wyckoff  votes  with  the  republi- 
can party.  His  attention,  however,  has  always  been  concentrated  upon 
business  affairs  rather  than  upon  public  matters,  his  activity  in  citizenship 
being  merely  in  support  ot  the  principles,  in  which  he  believes,  by  the 
exercise  of  his  right  ot  franchise  at  the  polls.  He  now  resides  at  No.  313 
West  Maple  street  where  he  has  a  pleasant  home.  Years  of  earnest,  per- 
sistent labor,  intelligently  directed,  brought  him  a  substantial  measure 
of  success  and  he  is  now  in  possession  ot  a  comfortable  competence,  which 
supplies  him  with  all  of  the  necessities  and  manv  of  the  luxuries  of  life. 


JACKSON  LUSE. 


Jackson  Luse  needs  no  introduction  to  the  readers  of  this  volume  for 
he  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  this  county  and  his  conduct  has  ever  been 
actuated  by  high  principles,  with  due  regard  for  the  rights  of  his  fellow- 
men.  He  belongs  to  that  class  of  substantial  agriculturists  who  constitute 
the  real  strength  and  stability  of  any  community  and  are  the  builders 
of  its  progress  and  prosperity.     Born  on  the  old  homestead  farm  on  the 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COLXTV  267 

8th  ot  April,  1855,  Jackson  Luse  has  therefore  been  a  resident  of  Appa- 
noose count)  for  more  than  tifty-seven  }ears.  He  represents  one  of  the 
old  pioneer  families  here,  being  a  son  of  Aaron  Luse,  a  native  ot  Iruni- 
hul!  county,  Ohio,  who  was  horn  on  the  1 2th  of  March,  i8u;.  The 
grandfather,  William  Luse,  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  on  remov- 
ing trom  that  state  established  his  home  in  Ohio,  where  he  continued  to 
reside  until  called  to  his  final  rest.  Aaron  Luse  was  reared  in  Ohio  to  the 
age  of  nineteen  years  when  he  went  to  Missouri  and  afterward  to  Illinois. 
Subsequently  he  arrived  in  \^an  Buren  county,  Iowa,  and  there  when  a 
young  man  of  twenty-two  years  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  Smith,  who 
was  born  near  Cleveland,  Ohio,  October  26,  1821,  and  came  to  Iowa  witli 
her  parents  when  the  state  was  still  undei  territorial  rule,  the  family 
home  being  established  in  \'an  Buren  county.  Ten  years  after  their  mar- 
riage, which  was  celebrated  on  the  24th  of  January,  1841,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
.\aron  Luse  came  to  Appanoose  which  was  still  a  frontier  district,  much 
of  the  land  being  then  in  possession  of  the  government.  Mr.  Luse  entered 
a  claim  which  he  transformed  into  one  of  the  best  farms  of  the  township 
and  in  addition  to  the  cultivation  of  the  cereals  best  adapted  to  soil  and 
climate  he  successfully  engaged  in  raising  stock.  He  also  planted  an 
orchard  which  soon  came  into  good  bearing  and  throughout  the  years 
of  his  residence  here  took  an  active  and  helpful  interest  in  the  agricul- 
tural and  horticultural  development  of  this  part  of  the  state.  He  erected 
upon  his  place  a  commodious  and  attractive  home,  also  barns  and  other 
necessary  outbuildings  for  the  shelter  of  grain  and  stock  and  in  all  of  his 
business  dealings  was  found  to  be  thoroughly  reliable  as  well  as  enter- 
prising and  progressive.  His  many  sterling  traits  of  character  comiiKuulcd 
for  him  the  confidence  and  good-will  of  all  who  knew  him.  His  death, 
which  occurred  August  25,  1881,  when  he  was  sixty-two  years  of  age, 
was  a  cause  of  deep  regret  to  all  those  who  knew  him.  His  wife  sur- 
vived him  for  about  seventeen  years,  dying  August  3,  1898,  when  she 
was  about  seventy-seven  years  of  age.  The}-  were  for  many  Aears  active 
and  valued  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  taking  a  help- 
ful part  in  its  work  and  contributing  generously  to  its  support.  Mr.  Luse 
served  as  church  steward  and  also  as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school 
tor  a  number  ot  years.  The  cause  of  education  foimd  in  him  a  champion 
:\nd  he  advanced  the  interests  of  the  schools  while  serving  on  flic  board. 
He  was  likewise  township  assessor,  township  trustee  and  justice  of  the 
peace  and  discharged  every  duty  devolving  upon  him,  whether  of  a 
public  or  private  nature,  in  the  most  capable  and  satisfactory  manner. 
The  family  numbered  eight  children:    Mrs.  Rosetta  Cline,  whose  husband 


268  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

died  of  disease  contracted  in  the  Civil  war,  while  she  passed  away  in 
Moravia,  Iowa,  April  13,  1911,  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine  years;  Mrs. 
Sarah  J.  Skinner,  who  died  at  Main,  Iowa,  January  13,  igo6,  when  sixty- 
one  years  of  age;  Mrs.  Martha  Foster,  a  widow  living  in  Tajlor  town- 
ship; Laura  E.,  the  wife  of  Rev.  George  M.  Andrews,  of  Kenesaw,  Adams 
county,  Nebraska;  W.  J.,  of  Garden  Grove,  Iowa;  Jackson;  Mary,  the 
wife  of  T.  J.  Turner,  of  Moravia;  and  Douglas,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
eleven  months. 

The  experiences  which  came  to  Jackson  Luse  in  his  boyhood  and 
youth  were  those  which  usually  fall  to  the  farm  lad  who  is  trained  in 
a  home  where  energy,  economy  and  industry  are  regarded  as  important 
factors  in  life.  As  opportunity  offered  he  pursued  his  education  in  one 
of  the  old-time  log  schoolhouses  and  in  the  school  of  experience  he  has 
since  learned  many  valuable  lessons.  He  was  married  when  twenty-one 
years  of  age  to  Miss  Mina  Kaster,  who  was  born  in  Chariton  township, 
Appanoose  county,  and  was  reared  and  educated  here.  Her  father,  Robert 
Kaster,  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  lived  for  some  time  in  Indiana 
before  coming  to  Iowa.  On  his  arrival  in  this  state  he  cast  in  his  lot 
with  the  earl}-  settlers  ot  Appanoose  county  and  became  well  known  and 
prominent  here.  He  had  wedded  Mary  McDaniel,  who  was  also  a  native 
of  Pennsylvania.  His  death  occurred  October  6,  1895,  when  he  was 
seventy-four  years  of  age,  while  his  wife  died  January  24,  1912,  at  the  age 
of  eighty-six.  Mr.  Kaster  voted  with  the  democratic  party  and  his  religious 
faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  which  his  wife  was 
also  a  consistent  and  loyal  member.  For  a  number  of  years  he  was  a 
class  leader  in  the  Fairview  church,  taking  an  active  part  in  its  work  and 
giving  generously  to  its  support.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kaster  were  the  parents 
of  ten  children:  Nancy,  who  died  at  the  age  of  nine  years;  Mrs.  Hulda  J. 
Worthington,  of  Hamilton  county,  Nebraska;  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Bojer,  of 
Chariton  township;  Robert  H.,  of  Appanoose  county:  Mrs.  Luse;  James 
M.,  of  Monroe  county,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Hannah  E.  (iladfelder,  of  Chariton 
rownship;  William  and  Benjamin,  both  deceased;  and  Mrs.  Australia 
Worthington,  who  passed  away  at  York,  Nebraska. 

Throughout  his  entire  life  Jackson  Luse  has  carried  on  general  agri- 
cultural pursuits  and  the  nursery  business,  save  for  two  years  which  he 
spent  in  the  village  of  Main  and  one  year  in  Nebraska.  The  habits  of 
industry  and  perseverance  whicli  he  formed  in  his  }outh  have  remained 
salient  features  in  his  success.  He  is  today  the  owner  of  two  hundred 
and  eighty  acres  of  good  land  which  includes  the  old  homestead  farm. 
His  fields  are  carefully  tilled  and  produce  substantial  crops  and  as  the 
years  have  gone  by  he  has  won  that  prosperity  which  is  the  reward  of 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  269 

earnest,  persistent  and  honorable  labor.  In  i8y2  he  established  a  nursery 
which  he  conducted  successtully  tor  almost  ten  }ears,  after  which  he 
closed  out  the  business  in  order  to  devote  his  attention  more  exclusively 
to  the  cultivation  of  grain.  For  two  years  he  conducted  a  store  in  Main 
and  also  served  as  postmaster  durinj;  that  time.  His  attention,  however, 
has  been  hirgely  given  to  his  farm  which  is  a  splendidly  improved  prop- 
erty. In  addition  to  a  new  home  upon  the  place  he  has  three  large  and 
substantial  barns.  A  fine  orchard  ot  ten  acres  is  enclosed  by  a  half-mile 
of  evergreen  trees  which  serve  as  a  wind-break  as  well  as  add  to  the 
beauty  of  the  place.  The  greater  part  of  the  land  is  under  cultivation, 
producing  excellent  crops  each  year,  and  Mr.  Luse  is  justly  regarded 
as  one  ot  the  most  enterprising  and  progressive  farmers  of  his  locality, 
keeping  in  touch  with  the  trend  of  modern  progress.  He  utilizes  the 
latest  improved  machinery  to  facilitate  the  work  of  the  fields,  has  always 
practiced  rotation  of  crops  and  employs  other  modern  and  scientific  meth- 
ods the  value  of  which  has  been  proven  bj-  practical  experience. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Luse  have  become  parents  of  seven  children:  Effie  V., 
the  wife  of  J.  \\'.  McDaniel.  of  Chariton  township;  Elbert  Aaron,  Robert 
E.,  Lloyd  E.  and  Gus  E.,  all  ot  whom  are  married  and  have  homes  of 
their  own  upon  farms  in  Taylor  township;  and  Cody  Jackson  and  Coy  E., 
who  are  yet  with  their  parents.  The  son  Elbert  A.  was  married  February 
26,  ic)02.  to  Miss  Bertha  Mae  Stockwell  and  they  became  the  parents  of 
a  son  and  two  daughters:  Doyle  and  Freda,  at  home;  and  Ruby,  who  died 
at  the  age  ot  fitteen  months.  Robert  E.  was  married  May  30,  1903.  to 
Miss  Glennie  Mae  Hixon.  and  they  had  a  daughter,  Glennie  Marie,  who 
died  in  infancy.  LUnd  K.  wa>  marricil  .April  3,  lyia.  to  Erma  H.  Glick. 
Gus  E.  was  married  June  24,  1909,  to  Miss  Edna  A.  Tisue,  who  departed 
this  life  July  22,  1909,  and  on  the  i  i:th  of  February,  K)i  i,  he  was  again 
married,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss  M;ie  ,T.  .Jones,  bv  whom  he 
has  one  son,  Thomas  Jackson.  To  Mr.  ami  Mr>.  McDaniel  ha\c  been 
born  six  children,  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  William  G.,  Rym;m  .Luk- 
^on,  L}ndon  Luse,  Lloyd  E.,  Bertha  Gladys  and  Daphne  \'ioIa. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  .Methodist  Epi.sco[)al  church  and 
their  lives  are  guided  by  its  teachings.  For  a  quarter  of  a  centur\  Mr. 
Luse  has  served  as  one  ot  the  church  trustees,  has  also  been  Sunday  school 
superintendent  and  church  steward.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to 
the  republican  party  and  he  is  a  prominent  worker  in  its  local  ranks.  He 
filleil  the  office  ot  townshij)  assessor  for  six  consecutive  years,  was  town- 
ship trustee  for  three  term.s,  has  ticcn  justice  ot  the  peace  and  a  niemher 
of  the  school  board.  In  every  relation  of  lite  he  has  commanded  the  con- 
fidence and  good-will  of  those  who  know  him,  for  hi--  life  has  been  upright 


270  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

and  honorable  and  he  holds  to  high  ideals.  He  has  lived  to  witness 
remarkable  changes  in  the  county  during  the  fift\-seven  years  of  his  resi- 
dence here,  tor  its  wild  lands  have  been  claimed  and  cultivated,  towns 
and  villages  have  sprung  up,  schools  and  churches  have  been  built  and  all 
modern  improvements  have  been  introduced.  As  the  years  have  gone  by 
he  has  ever  borne  his  share  in  the  work  of  advancement,  giving  his  sup- 
port and  indorsement  to  all  measures  for  the  material,  social,  intellectual 
and  moral  benefit  of  the  community. 


JOHN  HOUSE. 


John  House,  engaged  in  blacksmithing  in  Centerville,  was  born  in 
Missouri  in  March,  1858,  his  parents  being  John  and  Mary  (Abbey) 
House,  who  were  natives  of  Germany.  The  father  was  a  farmer  and  on 
coming  to  the  new  world  settled  in  Missouri,  where  he  purchased  and  im- 
proved a  tract  of  land,  continuing  to  make  his  home  thereon  throughout 
the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  died  in  1897  and  the  death  of  his  wife 
occurred  in  1899. 

John  House  was  reared  and  educated  in  Missouri,  and  thinking  to 
find  other  pursuits  more  congenial  than  farming,  he  turned  his  attention 
to  the  trades.  He  learned  blacksmithing  and  was  employed  in  that  way 
in  Missouri  for  several  years.  He  afterward  removed  to  Montrose,  Iowa, 
where  he  conducted  a  shop  for  some  time  but  afterward  returned  to  his 
native  state  and  carried  on  blacksmithing  at  Unionville  for  a  few  years. 
In  1894  he  came  to  Centerville,  where  he  opened  a  shop  in  partnership 
with  a  Mr.  Pixley,  with  whom  he  was  associated  for  two  years.  On  the 
expiration  of  that  period  Mr.  House  began  working  for  the  Centerville 
Coal  Company  as  a  blacksmith  and  continued  with  them  until  1910. 
when  he  once  more  embarked  in  business  on  his  own  account  and  is  now 
conducting  a  shop  which  is  liberally  patronized,  for  he  does  excellent 
work,  is  reasonable  in  his  prices  and  straightforward  in  all  his  dealings. 

In  February,  1885,  Mr.  House  was  married  to  Miss  Charlotte  Hard- 
wick,  a  daughter  of  Hiram  and  Elizabeth  (Beswick)  Hardwick.  who  were 
natives  of  Indiana.  The  father  was  a  tanner  and  at  an  earh  period  in 
the  settlement  of  Missouri  removed  to  that  state,  where  he  purchased 
a  farm  and  cultivated  it  continuously  and  successfully  until  1892.  He 
then  retired  from  active  life  and  he  and  his  wife  are  now  living  in  Frank- 
fort, Missouri.  Unto  Mr.  House  and  his  wife  were  born  eight  children, 
four  of  whom  have  passed  away.    Those  living  are  Thurman,  Boyce,  Mil- 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  271 

lard  and  Madge.  Mr.  House  holds  membership  with  the  Foresters  of 
America.  In  the  political  campaign  ot  igi2  he  announced  himself  as  a 
"Bull  Moose."  He  had  |)reviously  supported  the  republican  party,  but 
not  liking  the  policy  adopted,  he  became  a  follower  of  the  progressive 
wing  which  is  seeking  strenuously  to  better  conditions  and  release  the 
counrr\  from  the  party  rule,  which  seems  to  cater  to  class  rather  than  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  the  great  American  populace.  He  attends  and 
supports  the  Presbyterian  church,  in  which  he  and  his  wife  hold  member- 
ship, and  their  many  good  qualities  have  gained  tor  them  the  friendly 
regard  and  good-will  of  the  man}-  who  know  them. 


W.  F.  EVANS. 


W.  F.  Evans,  of  St.  Louis,  general  counsel  for  the  Frisco  lines  and 
general  attorney  for  the  Rock  Island  railroad,  is  well  known  in  Appanoose 
county.  He  was  bom  in  Monroe  county,  Iowa,  October  li,  1859,  as  the 
only  son  of  William  and  Margaret  J.  (Vestal)  Evans,  of  whom  mention 
is  made  elsewhere  in  this  volume.  The  boy  was  but  five  years  of  age 
when  his  [Kirents  removed  to  .Appanoose  count)',  where  he  acquired  a  good 
public-school  education  in  Oconium  and  Centerville,  the  tamily  home 
being  established  in  the  latter  city  when  W.  F.  Evans  was  a  lad  of  twelve 
years.  He  started  out  in  the  business  world  as  a  clerk  in  the  general  mer- 
cantile store  owned  by  Major  Staunton  at  Centerville  and  during  the 
years  1877  ''"<^  1878  he  served  as  deputy  county  treasurer  vmder  his  father. 
In  1880  he  took  up  the  study  of  law  in  the  otfice  of  \'ermilion  *!i:  Wrmilion 
in  Centerville,  but  did  not  enter  upon  active  practice  at  once  when  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar.  Instead,  he  accepted  the  position  of  assistant  cashier 
in  the  First  National  Bank  ot  Centerville  and  in  1884  he  went  to  Milan, 
Missouri,  as  assistant  cashier  ot  the  First  National  Bank  ot  that  city.  In 
1SS5,  he  returned  to  Centerville  and  became  associated  with  his  former 
preceptor,  W  !■".  \'ermilion,  in  active  law  [iractice.  In  -March  ot  the 
same  year  he  was  elected  city  solicitor  and  the  capable  manner  in  which 
he  performed  his  duties  led  to  his  reelection  in  1886.  He  has  since  prac- 
tically given  undivided  attention  to  his  duties  as  a  member  of  the  legal 
profession,  specializing  in  the  field  ot  railroad  law.  On  hi>  retirement 
from  the  office  ot  city  solicitor  he  went  to  Tojieka,  Kansas,  where  he 
became  assistant  to  the  general  attorney  of  the  Rock  Island  Railroad  Com- 
jiany  and  his  experience  in  that  connection  well  (jualified  him  tor  the 
responsibilities  which  he  assumed  when  in  1902,  he  removed  to  St.  Louis 


272  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

to  become  attorney  for  the  Frisco  lines.  He  has  since  acted  in  that  capa- 
city, being  now  chief  counsel  in  the  law  department  of  the  Frisco  system, 
and  is  also  general  attorney  for  the  Rock  Island  road.  He  is  a  director  of 
the  Central  National  Bank  of  St.  Louis  and  occupies  a  prominent  and 
enviable  position  in  professional  and  financial  circles.  His  ability,  nat- 
ural and  acquired,  has  been  constantly  developed  through  study,  research 
and  experience  and  he  stands  today  as  one  of  the  toremost  legal  represen- 
tatives of  railway  interests  in  the  middle  west. 


GEORGE  W.  NOLAND. 


George  W.  Noland  is  one  of  the  enterprising  citizens  of  Appanoose 
county,  making  his  home  in  Udell.  He  was  born  December  22,  1872,  in 
Udell  township,  his  parents  being  John  N.  and  Emma  C.  ( Boyer  J  No- 
land.  The  father's  birth  occurred  in  Estill  county,  Kentucky,  in  1842, 
and  the  mother  is  a  native  of  Coles  county,  Illinois.  John  X.  Noland  is 
of  English  descent  and  is  a  prominent  stockman  and  fruit-raiser.  When 
a  child  he  came  to  Iowa  with  his  parents,  the  family  settling  in  Davis 
county,  since  which  time  he  has  been  a  resident  ot  this  state.  The  mother 
arrived  in  Iowa  with  her  parents  about  the  same  time  and  they  were  mar- 
ried in  Davis  county,  whence  they  removed  to  Appanoose  county,  October 
1,  1863.  Mr.  Noland  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Udell  town- 
ship, to  which  he  afterward  added  forty  acres,  residing  upon  that  place  for 
fourteen  years  and  developing  it  into  an  excellent  tarm.  On  account  of 
failing  health,  however,  he  sold  out  and  removed  to  Arkansas,  but  after 
a  short  time  returned  to  Iowa  and  invested  in  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
of  land  in  Davis  county,  on  which  he  passed  away  in  1883.  His  widow 
survives  and  is  now  acting  as  housekeeper  tor  her  son  George. 

Alter  acquiring  his  preliminary  education  in  the  district  schools  George 
W.  Noland  entered  the  Western  College  at  Toledo,  Iowa.  September  18, 
1891,  to  prepare  himselt  tor  the  ministr} .  He  was  a  bright,  precocious 
child  and  a  general  favorite  with  ever3^one  and  during  his  school  da}s  had 
made  steady  progress  in  his  studies,  which  was  supplemented  !■)}  an  ex- 
cellent record  during  his  college  course.  Before  entering  college,  however, 
he  had  attended  five  terms  of  summer  school  at  the  Southern  Iowa  Normal 
College  at  Bloomfield  in  order  to  prepare  himself  for  teaching.  In  1893 
he  entered  upon  the  active  work  of  that  profession  and  taught  ten  terms 
of  summer  school  in  ortUr  to  meet  the  expenses  of  his  own  education.  Dur- 
ing his  college  days  he  was  known  as  an  excellent  student  and  a  fine  de- 


MK.  AMI  MHS.  GEOKCiK  W.  NOLAND 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  275 

bater  and  held  the  chair  ot  iriric  in  the  Scylomathian  Literary  Society  of 
Western  College.  Being  interested  in  literary  and  journalistic  work,  he 
was  given  a  position  in  1894  on  the  reportorial  staff  of  the  Ottumwa  Cour- 
ier. In  1895  he  made  a  tour  of  the  state  of  Iowa  and  he  s[)ent  one  winter 
in  traveling  for  a  wholesale  dealer  in  novelties  at  Ottumwa, 
Iowa.  He  was  later  given  a  position  on  the  reportorial  staff  of  the  Bur- 
lington Hawkeyc  and  subsequently  served  in  a  similar  capacity  on  the  Des 
Moines  Capital  and  the  Chicago  .American.  In  the  spring  of  igoo  he  went 
to  Bloomtield,  where  he  opened  an  otHce  and  a  racket  store.  The  same 
fall,  however,  he  removed  to  Darby vi lie,  Missouri,  where  he  engaged 
in  merchandising,  and  while  there  he  was  appointed  postmaster.  On  the 
iSt  of  June.  1906,  he  removed  to  Salina,  Kansas,  and  it  was  while 
living  there  that  he  composed  and  brought  out  a  number  of  popular  songs, 
one  entitled  "  'Neath  the  Cotton  Woods  of  Sunny  Kansas  Land"  and 
another  called  i  Don't  Want  to  Trade  You  Off  for  An\  Other  Girl." 
Soon  after  the  publication  of  his  music  a  paper  commenting  upon  his  picture 
said:  "In  this  portrait  we  see  fine  organic  qualit}-.  a  high  degree  of  the 
mental  temperament,  with  the  intellectual,  moral  and  esthetic  elements 
quite  strong.  Ideality  and  the  poetic  faculty  predominate,  giving  a  love 
of  beauty  in  nature  and  art  and  a  great  imagination.  It  is  a  fine  picture 
for  character  study." 

.After  living  in  Salina,  Kansas,  for  about  a  year  Mr.  Noland  went  to 
Brookville,  Kansas,  where  he  purchased  a  shoe  store,  added  to  the  stock 
and  built  up  a  good  trade,  but  eventually  sold  our  there  and  in  1908  went 
to  Mountain  Grove,  Missouri,  as  pastor  of  the  Christian  church.  Later 
he  returned  to  Darbyville,  Missouri,  where  he  opened  a  general  store  and 
was  again  appointed  jiostmaster.  In  1910  his  wite's  health  tailed  and, 
hoping  to  benefit  her  thereby,  he  returned  to  Mountain  Grove.  Missouri, 
settling  on  a  farm,  bur  Mrs.  Noland  passed  away  nor  long  afterward. 
Mr.  Noland  then  went  to  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  where  he  remained  with  his 
mother  until  October  16,  1911,  when  they  all  removed  to  I'dell.  Here 
he  rented  a  store  room  and  put  in  a  new  stock  of  general  merchandise 
and  dry  goods.  He  is  enjoying  a  growing  busine.ss  here  and  is  num- 
bered among  the  enterprising  merchants  of  the  town. 

It  was  in  1900  that  Mr.  Noland  was  married  to  Miss  Li/ette  Boyer, 
a  daughter  of  Madison  and  Mary  B.  (Moore)  Boyer,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Illinois.  They  were  married  in  that  state  and  removed  to 
Appanoose  county,  where  the  father  taught  in  the  public  schools  and  al.so 
engaged  in  preaching  in  the  Christian  church.  During  the  Civil  war  he 
acted  as  hospital  clerk  and  drummer  boy  and  some  time  after  hostilities 
had  closed   drew   a   pension.     .\t    the   close   of   the   war  he   returned   to 


276  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

Appanoose  county,  where  he  continued  teaching.  Later  he  removed  to 
Davis  county,  where  Mrs.  Noland  was  born  in  1874.  While  the  family 
were  living  there  he  served  as  county  treasurer  two  terms  and  was  a 
prominent  and  influential  citizen  ot  that  locality.  His  wife  died  in 
Davis  county  and  Mr.  Boyer  passed  away  at  the  home  of  his  brother  in 
Udell.  Their  daughter  Mrs.  Noland  was  a  talented  musician  and  com- 
poser and  wrote  the  music  for  her  husband's  songs.  By  this  marriage 
were  born  two  children:  Edna,  born  at  Salina,  Kansas,  October  17,  1906; 
and 'John  M.,  in  Darby  ville,  Missouri,  in  1909. 

Mr.  Noland  is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  lodge  at  Bloomtield, 
Iowa.  He  gives  his  political  support  to  the  democratic  party  but  has 
never  been  a  politician  in  the  sense  of  office  seeking.  He  has  always 
been  deeply  interested  in  the  stud\  ot  phrenolog)'.  \\'hen  a  boy  he 
obtained  possession  of  a  publication  of  Fowler  &  Wells,  which  he  read 
with  great  interest;  he  studied  his  schoolmates  and  on  entering  college 
had  access  to  the  library,  which  contained  the  works  of  Spurzheim,  George 
Combe,  Neison  Sizer  and  the  Fowlers,  which  he  eagerly  read,  becoming 
an  advocate  of  phrenology.  He  has  lectured  quite  extensively  on  this 
subject  through  the  middle  west  and  at  different  times  has  followed 
this  science.  Now,  however,  he  devotes  his  attention  to  merchandising 
and  is  building  up  a  good  trade  in  Udell.  Church  work  has  also  long 
interested  him.  At  an  early  age  of  fifteen  he  began  preaching  and  was 
called  "the  boy  preacher."  He  was  an  eloquent  speaker  and  drew  large 
congregations  to  hear  him  and  many  joined  the  church  under  his  teach- 
ings. His  has  been  an  active  life,  fruitful  of  good  results  along  many 
lines,  and  wherever  he  has  gone  he  has  been  known  as  a  student,  whose 
reading  and  researches  have  been  deep. 


DAMD  LODWICK. 


A  spirit  of  enterprise  and  progressiveness  in  business  characterizes  the 
activities  of  David  Lodwick,  one  of  the  partners  in  the  Lodwick  Brothers 
Coal  Company,  now  owning  and  operating  five  mines  at  Mystic.  This  is 
one  of  the  most  important  industries  of  this  section  of  the  county,  adding 
materially  to  its  wealth  in  that  it  furnishes  employment  to  a  large  num- 
ber of  workmen  while  at  the  same  time  returning  a  substantial  income  to 
the  proprietors.  Mr.  Lodwick  is  a  native  of  the  little  rock-ribbed  country 
of  South  Wales,  his  birth  having  occurred  at  Pun  D}ram,  near  Dowlais, 
January  7,  1864.     His  parents  were  William  and  Ann  (James)  I^idwick, 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  277 

both  ot  whom  were  born  in  1824,  the  former  in  Cardiganshire  and  the 
latter  in  Pembrokeshire.  In  1S70  the  entire  family  came  to  the  United 
States,  settling  first  at  Akron,  Ohio,  and  a  short  time  thereafter  they  went 
to  Youngstown,  remaining  in  the  vicinity  of  that  city  for  about  twenty 
years.  They  were  also  for  several  years  in  Shawnee,  in  Perry  county,  but 
finally  returned  to  Youngstown,  where  both  the  father  and  mother  passed 
away,  the  former  dying  in  1887,  while  the  latter  survived  him  for  twenty 
years,  de[)arting  this  life  in  1907.  William  Lodwick  engaged  in  coal 
minmg  throughout  his  entire  lite.  Unto  him  and  his  wite  were  born  seven 
children:  John  B.,  still  living  at  Youngstown,  Ohio;  Rachel,  the  wife  of 
John  Llewellyn,  of  Mystic;  L.  L.,  who  is  in  partncrshij)  with  his  brother 
David,  and  makes  his  home  in  Ottumwa,  Iowa;  Margaret,  who  married 
Lewis  E.  Lewis  and  is  living  in  Youngstown,  Ohio;  \V.  B.,  a  resident  of 
Greeley,  Colorado;  David;  and  Martha  Ann,  who  is  the  wife  of  John  D. 
Williams,  of  Sherodsville,  Ohio. 

David  Lodwick  was  a  lad  of  but  six  years  when  the  family  crossed 
the.\tlantic  to  the  new  world.  He  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  had 
attained  his  majority  and  his  boyhood  days  were  largely  spent  around  the 
mines.  For  four  years,  however,  he  was  employed  in  the  rolling  mills  at 
Youngstown  bur  during  the  remainder  of  his  life  he  has  been  identified 
with  mining  interests.  He  dug  coal  for  many  years  and  did  everything 
connected  with  the  mining  of  that  product  so  that  he  thoroughly  knows 
the  business  in  principle  and  detail.  In  1889  he  came  to  Mystic  with  his 
brother  William  and  has  now  made  his  home  here  for  a  period  of  twenty- 
three  years.  His  brothers,  J.  B.  and  L.  L.  Lodwick,  had  preceded  him  to 
this  district  in  order  to  lease  some  coal  land  and  had  succeeded  in  leasing 
one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  from  John  M.  Elgin.  David  I>odwick  ami 
his  brother  William  then  opened  two  drift  mines  on  the  property  above 
mentioned  and  David  Lodwick  has  since  been  actively  engaged  in  the 
o[)eration  of  the  mines,  giving  his  j)ersonal  supervision  to  the  work.  He 
is  associated  in  the  business  with  his  brothers,  L.  L.  and  J.  B.,  the  three 
forming  the  Lodwick  Brothers  Coal  Company  of  Mystic.  They  are  now 
operating  five  mines  in  this  district,  having  a  capacity  of  eight  hundred 
and  fifty  tons  of  coal  per  day.  One  of  these  mines  was  opened  and  devel- 
oped entirely  by  David  Lodwick.  his  brothers,  however,  being  associated 
with  him  in  the  operation  of  the  other  four.  He  is  the  active  partner  in 
the  business  and  has  complete  charge  of  the  mines.  He  also  conducts  two 
supply  .stores  in  connection  with  the  mines  and  employs  altogether  about 
five  hundred  workmen.  His  long  experience  has  matle  him  familiar  with 
every  phase  of  mining  and  mine  equipment  as  well  as  mine  operation  and 
he  is  today  one  of  the  prosperous  residents  of  the  county,  having  attained 


278  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

a  measure  of  success  which  is  the  direct  result  of  his  unfaltering  industry, 
his  perseverance  and  his  determination.  He  has  platted  Roosevelt 
Heights,  an  addition  to  Mystic,  and  he  is  also  the  owner  of  a  half  interest 
in  Fruitland,  an  addition  which  he  opened  in  connection  with  T.  R.  Sedg- 
wick. In  1911  he  built  and  now  owns  the  Masonic  Temple  here  and  he  is 
also  the  owner  of  a  corner  block  on  Second  and  Main  streets. 

Mr.  Lodwick  has  always  been  most  active  in  the  affairs  of  the  town, 
contributing  in  large  measure  to  its  upbuilding  and  improvement  and  to 
the  establishment  of  a  high  moral  tone  here.  His  political  allegiance  has 
ever  been  given  to  the  republican  jxirty  and  he  has  filled  several  offices. 
He  assisted  in  the  corporation  of  the  town  of  Mystic  in  1890  and  for 
several  years  acted  as  city  clerk.  He  was  also  a  member  of  the  city  coun- 
cil for  a  number  of  years  and  was  mayor  two  years,  during  which  period 
he  gave  to  the  city  a  faithful,  businesslike  administration.  He  has  always 
stood  for  progress  and  reform  and  has  shown  his  deep  interest  in  the  cause 
of  education  by  active  service  on  the  school  board  of  which  he  was  presi- 
dent for  several  years.  He  has  taken  a  most  helpful  part  in  suppressing 
the  liquor  traffic  and  he  was  untiring  in  his  efforts  to  secure  the  admission 
of  the  interurban  line  when  it  was  opposed  by  the  merchants  of  the  town. 

In  1891,  Mr.  Lodwick  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Marjorie  Grif- 
fiths, who  was  born  in  Wales  in  September,  1864,  and  came  to  the  I'nited 
States  in  1869  with  her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  R.  Griffiths.  The 
children  of  this  marriage  were  six  in  number:  William  G.,  who  is  attend- 
ing college  in  Mount  Pleasant,  Iowa;  John  S.,  a  high-school  student; 
David,  Charles  T,  and  Albert,  all  yet  at  home;  and  Mary  Evelyn,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  eight  years.  The  parents  are  members  of  the  Episcopal 
church  and  Mr.  Lodwick  has  served  on  the  official  board.  He  is  a  Master 
Mason,  belonging  to  Walnut  Lodge.  No.  588.  A.  F.  &  A.  M..  and  is  also 
connected  with  the  Woodmen.  His  interests  are  broad,  his  activities 
resourceful,  his  public  spirit  unfailing^.  He  has  accomplished  much  that 
is  beneficial  to  the  city  and  his  business  enterprises  have  always  contrib- 
uted to  public  prosperit}-  as  well  as  to  individual  success. 


ALEXANDER  OUR. 


Alexander  Orr  is  a  retired  coal  operator  of  Mvstic.  He  was  not  alwavs 
a  mine  owner,  for  in  early  life  he  was  himself  an  active  worker  in  the 
mines  and  it  was  through  his  determination,  perseverance  and  intelligently 
directed  efforts  that  he  gradually  advanced  until  he  became  the  possessor 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  279 

ot  certain  valuable  coal-bearing  properties  which  were  operated  success- 
fully, bringing  to  him  a  substantial  measure  of  prosperity  that  enabled 
him  at  length  to  live  retired.  He  was  bom  in  Ayrshire,  Scotland,  March 
25,  1844,  and  is  a  son  of  Robert  and  Margaret  (Nicol)  Orr.  His  father 
was  also  a  native  of  Ayrshire,  while  the  mother's  birth  occurred  in  the 
highlands  of  Scotland.  She  died  in  that  coimtry  in  1859  when  about 
fifty-three  years  of  age,  after  which  the  father  came  to  the  United  States 
with  his  son  Alexander  in  1863.  He  made  his  way  to  Colchester,  Mc- 
Donough  county,  Illinois.  The  following  year  they  removed  to  Bush- 
nell,  Illinois,  and  in  1875  established  their  home  at  What  Cheer,  Iowa, 
where  the  father  spent  his  remaining  days,  passing  away  June  ig,  1881, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years.  In  his  early  life  he  learned  and  followed 
the  weaver's  trade  and  later  was  employed  in  connection  with  the  opera- 
tion of  coal  mines.  In  his  family  were  three  children:  Robert,  who  died 
in  Bushnell,  Illinois;  William,  who  died  in  M_\stic;  and  .\Iexander. 

In  1854,  when  a  little  lad  of  ten  years,  Alexander  Orr  began  trapping 
in  the  mines,  and  from  that  time  forward  until  his  retirement  from  active 
business  life,  he  was  connected  with  coal  mining.  After  arriving  in  Amer- 
ica, when  nineteen  years  of  age,  he  engaged  in  coal-mining  in  different 
sections  of  Illinois  and  in  other  places,  and  in  1887  he  and  his  brother 
William  came  to  Mystic.  In  the  meantime  their  industry  had  secured 
them  advancement  in  the  business  world  and  the  measure  of  prosperity 
which  rht)-  had  attained  enabled  them,  on  coming  to  Mystic,  to  open  the 
Iowa  and  Missouri  mine  which  they  operated  continuously  and  success- 
fully for  three  years,  or  until  1900.  This  was  the  first  mine  o()eneit  in 
Mystic  on  land  belonging  to  D.  Vankike.  The  brothers  had  opened  what 
became  known  as  the  first  railroad  mine  at  What  Cheer,  operating  it  until 
1879.  when  they  sold  to  the  railroad  company.  Those  were  the  largest 
coal  works  in  Iowa  at  one  time.  In  1900  Mr.  Orr  and  his  brother  o[iened 
another  mine  a  mile  and  a  half  east  of  Mystic,  known  as  the  Orr  Brothers 
mine.  They  found  there  a  good  grade  of  coal  which  the)-  took  out  in 
large  (juantities,  operating  the  mine  until  1907,  when  the  brother  died 
and  .Mexander  Orr  sold  out.  The  mine,  however,  is  still  being  actively 
and  profitably  worked.  The  two  brothers  entered  info  partnership  in 
187;  anil  were  closely  identified  in  all  their  business  interests  from  that 
rime  imtil  the  death  of  William  Orr,  following  which  .Mexander  Orr 
retired  from  active  life  and  has  since  rested  from  fvirther  labor. 

On  the  29th  of  December,  1876,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Alexander 
Orr  and  Miss  Harriet  A.  France,  who  was  born  in  Kendall  county.  Illi- 
nois, on  the  7th  of  April,  18^7,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Eli/abeth 
r Farrow)    France,    who   were   natives  of  England   and    were   married    in 


280  HISTORY  OF  Al'l'AXOOSE  COUNTY 

Newark,  New  Jersey.  The  mother  died  in  Seattle,  Washington,  where 
the  father  still  resides.  In  his  younger  days  he  was  a  miner  and  weaver. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Orr  became  the  parents  of  rtve  children:  Margaret  E.,  the 
wife  of  Abner  Harris,  of  Mystic;  Alexander,  living  in  Centerville;  George 
James,  also  of  Mystic;  Robert  William,  of  Aberdeen,  South  Dakota;  and 
Minnie  N.,  at  home.  The  last  named  was  born  in  Mystic  and  the  others 
in  What  Cheer. 

The  family  is  well  known  here  and  is  prominent  socially,  their  home 
being  the  abode  of  a  warm-hearted  and  cordial  hospitality.  Mr.  Orr  is 
a  stalwart  republican  in  politics,  serving  the  party  since  he  became  an 
American  citizen.  He  made  out  the  first  poll  books  in  Mystic  and  served 
on  the  first  city  council.  His  fraternal  relations  are  with  the  Masons  and 
the  Odd  Fellows,  being  a  charter  member  of  Walnut  Lodge,  No.  588, 
A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  of  Merriam  Lodge,  No.  555,  L  O.  O.  F.  He  is  also 
connected  with  the  Order  of  Rebekahs.  He  is  among  the  worthy  repre- 
sentatives of  his  native  land  who  through  the  national  characteristics  of 
strength,  industry  and  reliability,  have  won  success.  He  never  had  any 
false  ideas  as  to  the  best  methods  of  attaining  prosperit}-  but  early  recog- 
nized that  industry  is  the  basis  of  all  business  advancement  and  accord- 
ingly he  worked  persistently  and  energetically  in  order  that  he  might 
gain  that  prosperity  which  is  the  legitimate  goal  of  all  business  endeavor. 


JAMES  A.  SHANKS. 


James  A.  Shanks,  one  of  the  progressive  and  enterprising  young  busi- 
ness men  of  Centerville,  is  the  proprietor  of  a  well  appointed  and  well 
patronized  drug  store  at  No.  1109  South  Eighteenth  street.     He  is  num- 
bered among  the  worthy  native  sons  of  Appanoose  count}-,  his  h'wth  hav- 
ing occurred  in  Centerville  on  the  25th  of  June,   1886,  and  his  parents 
being  Albert  C.  and  Mary  E.  (Wyatt)   Shanks.    The  father  is  a  native 
of  Ohio  and  a  carpenter  by  trade.     He  came  to  Centerville  when  it  was 
but  a  small  village  and  for  a  number  of  years  worked  as  a  bridge  car- 
penter in  the  service  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Ouincy,  Wabash  and 
Rock  Island   Railroads.      After   abandoning   railroad   work   he   followed 
carpentering  in  Centerville  and  at  the  present  time  resides  with  his  son. 
Clyde  C,  on  East  Maple  street  in  this  city.     It  was  here  that  he  wedded 
Miss  Mary  E.  W'yatt,  a  native  of  Appanoose  county,  who  passed  awa>  at 
her  home  in  Centerville  in  1908. 

James  A.  Shanks  attended  the  public  schools  of  Centerville  in  the 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  281 

acquirement  of  an  education,  completing  the  high-school  course  in  1906. 
In  1907  he  entered  the  Highland  Park  College  of  Des  Moines  and  the 
same  year  passed  the  examination  required  by  the  state  board  of  pharma- 
cists. During  the  tour  previous  years  he  had  been  employed  as  a  clerk 
in  the  Red  Cross  drug  store  and  after  passing  the  state  examination  he 
spent  three  years  in  the  McCreary  drug  store.  On  the  19th  of  January, 
1911,  he  opened  a  store  of  his  own  at  No.  1  109  South  Eighteenth  street, 
where  he  has  since  been  located  as  the  [)roprietor  of  an  up-to-date  drug 
establishment.  He  carries  a  large  and  well  selected  line  of  drugs  and 
druggists'  sundries  and  enjoys  a  liberal  and  lucrative  patronage. 

On  the  19th  of  Jul\,  1911,  Mr.  Shanks  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Delia  Hill,  of  Moulton,  Iowa,  her  parents  being  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Cramer  Hill,  the  mother  being  a  Miss  Peck  before  her  marriage.  The 
father,  who  comes  of  Yankee  stock,  is  a  retired  agriculturist  residing  at 
Moulton.     The  demise  of  his  wife  there  occurred  in   1903. 

Politically  Mr.  Shanks  is  a  democrat,  believing  firmly  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  that  party.  His  religious  faith  is  indicated  by  his  membership 
in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  at  Centcrville,  while  his  wife  belongs 
to  the  church  of  that  denomination  at  Moulton.  He  is  likewise  a  mem- 
ber of  Centerville  Lodge,  No.  941,  B.  P.  O.  E.,  and  in  the  line  of  his 
profession  is  connected  with  the  Iowa  State  Pharmaceutical  Association. 
He  is  well  known  in  the  section  of  the  county  where  he  has  always  lived 
and  his  many  good  qualities  have  gained  for  him  the  friendship  and  regard 
of  all  with  whom  he  has  been  brought  in  contact. 


JOHN  QUIGLEY. 

John  Quigley,  city  marshal  of  Centerville,  was  born  in  Canada  in 
May,  1863,  but  as  the  family  name  indicates  comes  of  Irish  ancestry.  His 
parents,  Dennis  and  Ann  (Gleason)  Quigley,  were  both  natives  of  Ire- 
land and  the  father,  coming  to  America  in  early  life,  settletl  in  Canatla, 
where  he  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  until  1S67.  He  then 
removed  with  his  family  to  Illinois,  where  he  resumed  farming,  making 
his  home  in  that  state  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1878.  His 
widow  is  still  living  and  now  makes  her  home  in  Jacksonville.  Illinois, 
ar  the  age  of  seventy-two  years. 

John  Quigley  was  a  little  lad  of  but  four  years  when  the  family  went 
to  Illinois,  where  he  was  reared,  pursuing  his  education  in  the  district 
schools  of  Morgan  county.     The  limited  financial  resources  of  the  family 


282  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

made  it  imperative  that  he  earn  his  own  living  at  an  early  age  and  he 
began  work  in  the  coal  mines,  following  that  business  in  Illinois,  Missouri 
and  Iowa  until  1902.  In  1894  he  came  to  Centerville,  where  he  again 
secured  work  in  the  mines,  being  thus  engaged  for  eight  years,  at  the  end 
of  which  time  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  police  force.  He  has 
since  been  in  the  employ  of  the  cit}'  and  at  the  present  writing  is  filling 
the  office  of  marshal.  He  had  also  served  as  deputy  marshal  for  about 
six  years. 

In  January,  1888,  Mr.  Quigley  was  married  to  Miss  Kate  Monroe, 
a  daughter  of  Curt  and  Sarah  Monroe,  who  were  natives  of  Ohio.  The 
father  was  a  farmer  and  on  coming  to  Iowa  cast  in  his  lot  with  the  early 
residents  of  Appanoose  county.  He  died  in  1884  but  the  mother  is  still 
living  on  the  home  farm  near  Exline  at  the  age  of  eighty  years.  Unto 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Quigley  was  born  one  son,  John,  who  is  now  twent\-three 
years  of  age.  He  is  a  printer  by  trade  and  resides  in  Chicago.  Mr.  Quig- 
ley owns  a  comfortable  residence  at  No.  521  East  Elm  street.  His  reli- 
gious belief  is  that  of  the  Catholic  church  and  his  political  faith  that  of 
the  democratic  party.  His  has  always  been  a  useful  life  and  to  his  own 
labors  may  be  attributed  whatever  success  he  has  achieved  and  enjoyed. 


AMOS  BAILEY. 


Amos  Bailey  needs  no  introduction  to  the  readers  of  a  history  of 
Appanoose  county,  for  he  has  been  known  as  a  force  in  the  agricultural 
development  of  the  section  since  he  began  his  active  career  and  has  attained 
local  prominence  by  reason  of  the  splendid  work  he  has  done  in  his  efforts 
to  evolve  a  higher  grade  of  corn.  He  has  lived  in  this  part  of  Iowa  prac- 
tically all  his  life,  for  he  was  born  on  his  father's  farm  in  Davis  county, 
near  the  Appanoose  county  line.  His  birth  occurred  May  20,  1872,  and 
he  is  a  son  of  Sylvester  and  Euphane  (Tate)  Bailey,  both  of  whom  came 
to  Iowa  among  the  early  settlers.  The  father  came  into  the  state  in  com- 
pany with  his  brother.  Orange  Bailey,  and  the  mother  of  our  subject 
made  the  journey  with  her  parents.  Both  families  settled  in  Davis  county, 
where  the  marriage  of  the  parents  of  our  subject  occurred.  Afterward 
they  located  on  a  farm  in  Marion  townshi[).  near  the  .\ppanoose  county 
line,  which  the  father  entered  from  the  government.  There  they  resided 
for  many  years,  the  mother  dying  in  1876  and  the  father  in   1886. 

Amos  Bailey  was  fourteen  years  of  age  when  his  tather  died  and  for 
some  years  afterward  he  made  his  home  with  his  brother,  Simpson  Bailey. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COL'XTV  283 

However,  even  as  a  child  he  was  ambitious  and  energetic  and  very  soon  was 
earning  his  own  livelihood,  not  wishing  to  accept  outside  support.  He 
married  in  1894  and  immediately  afterward  located  on  the  old  home  farm 
whieh  he  operated  tor  tour  years,  after  which  he  moved  to  \V.  J.  Steckel's 
farm  in  Davis  county,  cultivating  the  soil  as  a  renter.  For  three  years  he 
remained  upon  this  property  but  in  the  tall  of  1901  bought  his  present  tract 
of  one  hundred  and  forty  acres  in  Union  town^hip  and  in  January  ot  the 
following  year  moved  into  the  new  home  which  he  had  built  upon  it. 
Here  ne  has  resided  since  that  time  with  the  exception  of  one  year  which 
he  spent  in  South  Dakota,  where  he  proved  up  on  a  homestead  in  Stanley 
county.  He  still  owns  this  property  but  in  igo8  returned  to  Iowa  and 
again  settled  on  his  farm  which  today  is  one  of  the  tinest  agricultural 
properties  in  this  part  of  the  state. 

(3n  the  I2th  of  April,  1894,  Mr.  Baile\  married  Miss  May  Hopkins, 
a  daughter  of  William  F.  and  Sarah  (N'andover)  Hopkins,  the  former  a 
native  of  Tennessee  and  the  latter,  of  Indiana.  Both  came  to  Iowa  before 
their  marriage  and  after  that  event  located  on  a  tarm  in  Davis  county, 
where  Mr.  Hopkins  died  in  1901.  His  widow  still  resides  upon  the  family 
homestead.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bailey  became  the  parents  of  five  children,  three 
of  whom  are  living,  Flora  Euphane,  Sylvester  Ellsworth  and  Bertha  May, 
all  attending  school. 

For  a  number  of  years  past  Mr.  Bailey  has  devoted  a  great  deal  of  his 
attention  to  the  development  of  a  better  and  more  perfect  grade  of  corn 
and  has  accomplished  some  very  gratifying  results  along  this  line.  So 
successful  has  he  been  indeed  that  he  is  now  regarded  as  an  authority 
upon  everything  connected  with  corn  cultivation  and  his  work  has  received 
state-wide  appreciation  and  recognition.  For  the  past  three  years  he  has 
exhibited  at  the  state  corn  show  and  two  years  ago  won  the  prize  for  the 
best  corn  shown  by  farmers  from  Appanoose  county.  He  was  fourth  in  the 
state  contest,  missing  the  grand  champion  prize  only  by  four  points  and 
taking  several  of  the  other  prizes  otfered.  The  exhibition  that  year  was 
held  at  Des  Moines  but  the  last  show  was  in  Newton,  Iowa,  and  there 
Mr.  Bailey  won  three  prizes  on  corn.  He  took  fourth  place  among  the 
exhibitors  of  one  class  of  corn  and  received  as  his  share  a  cash  prize  of 
one  hundred  dollars,  the  premiums  on  that  class  amounting  to  six  hundred 
dollars.  In  recognition  of  his  work  along  this  line  Mr.  Bailey  was  ap- 
pointed one  of  the  judges  for  the  corn  show  held  by  the  Iowa  Corn  Growers' 
Association.  His  family  share  in  his  ambition  and  enthusiasm  along  this 
line  and  have  united  their  labors  with  his  with  successtul  results.  His  son 
Ellsworth  received  the  second  prize  at  the  Farmers'  Short  Course  at  Ames 
in  January,  1912,  anil  won  the  Grand  Champion  Sweep  Stakes  over  all 


284  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

states  except  three,  namely.  Kansas,  Missouri  and  Nebraska,  with  the 
best  single  ear  of  corn  exhibited  at  Topeka,  Kansas,  in  the  Capper  Boys' 
Corn  Club,  held  December  14,  1912.  The  prize  was  a  large  silver  trophy 
with  his  name  engraved  thereon  and  was  given  by  Arthur  Capper.  The 
daughter.  Bertha,  now  nine  years  of  age,  who  possesses  judgment  rare  in 
a  child  of  her  years  and  who  has  worked  with  her  father  for  some  time  in 
the  selection  of  seed  corn,  took  first  prize  in  1911  and  1912  at  the  Farmers' 
County  Institute  held  at  Centerville  for  the  best  selected  ear  of  corn.  She 
herself  had  both  times  chosen  the  ear  for  exhibition  from  the  crop  of  a 
large  field.  Mr.  Bailey  and  his  son  Ellsworth  received  both  the  first  and 
second  prizes  at  the  County  Institute  held  at  Centerville  in  1911  and 
1912,  and  Mrs.  Bailey  is  not  far  behind  her  husband  when  prizes  are  being 
awarded,  for  she  took  both  first  and  second  honors  in  watermelons  at 
Centerville  and  at  Moravia,  afterward  selling  one  wagon-load  of  her 
melons  for  twenty  dollars. 

Mrs.  Bailey  is  a  devout  member  of  the  Baptist  church  and  one  of  the 
best  known  and  most  widely  popular  women  in  this  section  of  Appanoose 
county.  Mr.  Bailey  is  a  republican  in  his  political  beliefs  and  active  in 
his  support  of  the  men  and  measures  of  that  party.  In  local  affairs  he 
takes  a  considerable  interest  and  for  some  time  served  as  a  member  of 
the  school  board.  He  is  now  in  the  prime  of  life  and  enjoys  to  the 
fullest  extent  the  many  advantages  afforded  to  the  farmer  in  the  present 
da)^  and,  being  progressive  and  a  man  whose  life  has  always  been  in 
keeping  with  high  standards,  he  justly  deserves  the  full  measure  of  con- 
fidence and  respect  entertained  for  him  by  all  who  know  him. 


BENJAMIN  F.  BR.\DLEY. 

Among  the  respected  and  valued  residents  of  Numa  is  numbered 
Benjamin  F.  Bradley,  who  for  over  fifty  years  has  lived  in  Iowa.  This 
has  covered  the  period  of  the  state's  greatest  growth  and  progress  and 
in  the  work  of  general  advancement  Mr.  Bradley  has  borne  his  full 
share  as  the  years  have  gone  by.  Of  late  he  has  lived  retired,  although 
for  a  long  time  he  gave  his  attention  and  energ}'  to  his  business  interests, 
which  were  extensive  and  important.  A  native  of  Indiana,  he  was  born 
in  Morgan  countj^  August  18,  1846,  a  son  of  John  and  Sarah  Jane  (Elliott) 
Bradley,  the  former  a  native  of  Clark  county,  Indiana,  and  the  latter  of 
Kentucky.  The  father  was  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  when  he  came  to 
Appanoose  county  in   1854  ^^  purchased  land  in  Lincoln  township  and 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  285 

gave  his  entire  attention  to  its  development  and  improvement  tor  man} 
years,  winning  at  length  honorable  retirement.  When  he  abandoned 
active  life  he  moved  into  Seymour  and  there  resided  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1897.     ^'^  wife  survived  him  two  years,  dying  in  1899. 

Benjamin  F.  Bradley  was  eight  years  ot  age  when  he  came  to  Ap- 
panoose county  with  his  parents.  He  was  reared  and  educated  in  Lincoln 
township,  where  he  attended  district  school.  During  the  period  of  the 
Civil  war,  being  no  longer  content  to  remain  at  home  while  the  issue 
of  the  struggle  was  doubtful,  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Third  Iowa 
Cavalry,  joining  his  regiment  in  February,  1863,  and  serving  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  He  participated  in  many  hotly-contested  engagements 
and  on  the  field  of  battle  gave  unmistakable  proof  of  his  valor  and  loyalty. 
He  was  mustered  out  at  Atlanta.  Georgia,  in  August,  1865,  and  afterward 
returned  to  Appanoose  county  and  engaged  in  farming.  For  ten  or  tittcen 
years  he  gave  his  attention  entirely  to  agricultural  pursuits  and  then  moved 
into  Numa,  where  for  some  time  he  operated  a  coal  mine.  After  fifteen 
years  he  sold  out  his  interests  to  the  Centerville  Block  Coal  Company 
and  was  elected  a  member  of  the  board  of  county  supervisors.  He  served 
for  three  years  and  when  his  term  of  office  expired  retired  from  active  life 
and  has  since  lived  in  Numa,  enjoying  the  rest  and  comfort  \\  hich  are  the 
reward  of  his  well  directed  work  in  the  past.  However,  he  still  gives 
personal  supervision  to  his  important  business  interests,  es[ieciali\'  those 
connected  with  the  Numa  Mutual  telephone  Company,  of  which  he  is 
president. 

On  the  31st  of  December,  1867,  Mr.  Bradley  was  uniteil  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Anna  E.  Adamson,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Mary  A.  ( Walker) 
Adamson,  natives  of  Ohio,  who  came  to  Appanoose  county  in  18^6.  The 
father  [)urchased  land  here  and  operated  a  profitable  general  agricultural 
enterprise  until  his  death.  He  was  born  in  England,  near  Leeds,  and 
learned  the  cabinet-makers  trade  in  his  native  coimtry.  Coming  to  America 
in  1801  he  first  settled  near  Cincinnati.  Ohio,  being  there  more  or  le.ss 
connected  with  his  trade,  although  most  ot  his  time  was  given  to  his 
farming  operations  later. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bradley  became  the  parents  of  nine  children:  Cjcrtrudr. 
the  wife  of  J.  W.  Richardson,  of  Oregon;  Minnie,  who  marrieil  George 
Humphrey,  a  tanner  in  ■•\ppanoose  coimt)-;  Sadie,  who  marrieil  William 
Thompson,  of  Washington  state;  Laura,  now  Mrs.  E.  W.  Porter,  of 
Numa;  Lawrence  B.,  who  is  engaged  in  fanning  in  .Appanoose  county; 
John  F.,  who  is  a  barber  in  Centerville;  Ida.  the  wife  of  Perry  Cooley,  of 
Centerville:  and  Allie  and  Ethel  M.,  both  of  whom  have  passetl  away. 


286  HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY 

Mr.  Bradley  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church  and  belongs  to 
Centerville  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  delighting  to  meet  his  old  comrades  and 
recall  the  events  which  occurred  on  the  southern  battlefields.  He  was  in 
the  last  engagement  of  the  Civil  war,  which  took  place  at  Columbus, 
Georgia,  at  nine  o'clock  on  the  night  of  the  i6th  of  April,  1865.  Three 
hundred  members  of  his  regiment  forced  their  way  into  the  breastworks 
guarded  by  thirty-five  hundred  rebels  and  after  a  sharp  conliict  took  pos- 
session of  the  enemy's  post.  Twenty-five  men  were  killed  in  the  engage- 
ment, but  Mr.  Bradley  escaped  with  his  life.  However,  owing  to  the 
hard  conditions  of  living  during  the  days  of  the  war  he  contracted  stomach 
trouble  and  his  health  has  been  affected  by  this  since  that  time.  Mr. 
Bradley  has  always  been  stanch  in  his  support  of  the  republican  party  and 
has  served  as  trustee  of  Bellair  township  and  is  at  present  justice  of  the 
peace.  Always  a  loyal  and  public-spirited  citizen,  he  is  interested  in  the 
growth  and  advancement  of  his  community  and  has  given  his  cooperation 
to  many  movements  for  the  public  good.  Unflagging  industry  and  deter- 
mination have  constituted  the  basis  of  his  success,  enabling  him  as  the 
years  have  passed  to  so  conduct  his  business  interests  as  to  win  honorable 
retirement  and  a  high  position  among  the  representative  and  prominent 
men  of  Appanoose  county. 


SAMUEL  C.  COOK. 


Samuel  C.  Cook,  a  man  of  enterprise  and  marked  force  of  character, 
who  throughout  his  business  life  has  made  good  use  of  his  opportunities, 
is  the  owner  of  one  of  the  largest  mercantile  concerns  in  Exline  and  is 
numbered  among  the  men  who  have  been  factors  in  the  general  business 
development  of  the  community.  He  is  engaged  in  the  hardware,  furniture 
and  undertaking  business  and  carries  also  a  complete  line  of  high-class 
pianos. 

A  native  son  of  Iowa,  Mr.  Cook  was  born  in  Mahaska  coimt}'.  Novem- 
ber 29,  1868,  and  was  reared  in  that  section,  acquiring  his  education  in 
the  public  schools.  For  several  years  after  laying  aside  his  books  he 
aided  his  father  in  the  operation  of  the  home  farm  bur  later  turned  his 
attention  to  commercial  pursuits,  becoming  identified  with  the  timber 
business  in  the  employ  of  the  Davison  Company,  with  whom  he  remained 
for  seven  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  came  to  .\ppanoose  coimty  and 
located  at  Dean,  where  he  purchased  land  and  engaged  in  farming  for 
four  years.     When  he  sold  his  property  he  came  to  Exline  and  bought 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  287 

the  established  hardware,  implement,  carriage,  furniture  and  undertaking 
business  conducted  by  Clarke  &  Berger.  Since  that  time  he  has  concen- 
trated his  energies  upon  the  further  expansion  of  this  concern  and  as  his 
patronage  has  increased  his  activities  have  constantly  broatlened.  Today 
he  does  not  confine  himself  to  the  original  lines  of  trade  but  buys  anything 
a  farmer  has  to  sell,  dealing  extensively  in  grain,  hay,  stock,  butter,  eggs, 
chickens  and  all  kinds  of  farm  produce.  His  business  has  reached  six 
thousand  dollars  per  year  and  is  still  growing,  the  patronage  increasing  as 
Mr.  Cook's  upright  methods  and  strict  integrity  become  more  widely 
known. 

Mr.  Cook  is  a  member  of  the  Exline  lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  has  filled 
all  the  chairs,  being  a  past  grand.  He  is  also  affiliated  with  the  Rebekahs 
and  holds  a  prominent  place  in  Eddyville  lodge,  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias.  He  is  well  known  in  this  locality  as  an  able,  enterprising  and 
resourceful  business  man,  while  as  a  citizen  he  is  public-spirited,  giving  his 
unqualified  indorsement  and  hearty  support  to  whatever  tends  to  promote 
the  best  interests  of  the  community. 


JOSEPH  N.  KERSCHNER. 

Joseph  N.  Kerschner,  who  has  owned  and  operated  a  grocery  store  in 
Centerville  since  1908,  is  numbered  among  the  diligent  and  enterprising 
young  business  men  of  the  community.  He  was  born  in  Clarinda,  Page 
county,  Iowa,  on  the  4th  of  August,  1877,  his  parents  being  William  A. 
and  Catherine  (Barnthouse)  Kerschner.  The  father,  who  was  of  German 
lineage,  was  born  in  Montpelier,  Indiana,  on  October  15,  1830,  and  there 
he  was  likewise  reared  and  educated  and  subsequently  learned  the  cabinet- 
maker's trade.  The  mother,  who  is  of  French  extraction,  is  a  native  of 
Ohio,  her  birth  having  occurred  in  Tuscarawas  coimty  on  the  25th  of  June, 
1836.  When  a  girl  of  about  titteen  years  she  removed  with  her  parents  to 
Indiana,  where  she  was  later  married.  In  the  early  '90s  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Kerschner  came  to  Iowa,  settling  in  the  vicinity  of  Cincinnati,  Appanoose 
covmry,  where  the  father  purchased  forty  acres  of  coal  land.  .After  oper- 
ating his  mines  for  several  years  he  disposed  of  his  holding  and  removed 
with  his  family  to  Cass  county,  Nebraska.  There  he  purchased  a  well 
improved  farm  of  a  himdred  and  twenty  acres  and  turned  his  attention  to 
agricultural  pursuits,  which  he  followed  for  ten  years.  He  next  removed 
to  Lincoln,  that  state,  and  resumed  his  trade,  residing  in  the  latter  city 
until   1894.     On  August   1,  of  that  year,  accompanied  by  his  wife  and 


288  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

family,  he  went  to  Fitzgerald,  Florida,  making  the  journey,  a  distance  of 
three  thousand  miles,  in  a  covered  wagon.  They  reached  their  destination 
in  the  month  ot  December  and  there  passed  the  winter.  The  next  spring 
they  returned  to  Iowa,  but  after  a  brief  sojourn  here,  the  father  again 
started  westward,  Portland,  Oregon,  being  his  next  place  of  residence. 
There  he  passed  awa}  in  1902.  The  mother,  however,  is  living  and  con- 
tinues to  reside  in  Portland,  making  her  home  with  her  children. 

The  early  years  of  Joseph  N.  Kerschner  were  passed  in  the  parental 
home.  In  the  acquirement  of  an  education  he  attended  the  public  schools 
in  the  various  places  where  the  family  resided,  completing  his  course  of 
study  in  the  high  school  of  Lincoln,  Nebraska,  from  which  institution  he 
was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1894.  He  went  south  with  the  family 
that  fall,  returning  to  Iowa  with  them  in  the  spring  of  1895,  and  here  he 
has  ever  since  made  his  home.  When  he  came  back  to  Centerville  he 
obtained  a  clerkship  in  the  store  of  Drake  &  Lane,  continuing  to  work 
for  them  and  various  other  grocers  in  the  city  until  1908.  He  applied 
himself  earnestly  to  a  thorough  mastery  of  the  business  and  as  he  was 
industrious  and  thrifty  during  that  time  he  also  managed  to  accumulate 
a  small  capital.  It  was  his  ambition  to  have  an  establishment  of  his  own, 
his  desire  in  this  direction  being  realized  four  years  ago  when  he  purchased 
the  grocery  stock  of  Isaac  Brooks.  As  he  carries  a  good  line  of  staple  and 
fancy  groceries,  which  he  offers  at  reasonable  prices,  he  has  succeeded 
in  building  up  a  trade  that  gives  him  every  reason  to  feel  assured  of  a 
constantly  increasing  business.  He  is  gracious  and  accommodating  in  his 
treatment  of  patrons  and  in  the  conduct  of  his  store  has  adopted  a  policy 
that  commends  him  to  the  confidence  of  those  with  whom  he  has  trans- 
actions, all  of  which  qualities  are  uniting  in  winning  well  deserved  suc- 
cess. 

In  1898,  Mr.  Kerschner  was  married  to  Miss  Clara  \'ought,  a  daughter 
of  Larkin  and  Malissa  Vought,  the  father  a  native  of  Indiana  and  the 
mother  of  Mrginia,  whence  she  came  to  Iowa  with  her  parents  when  a 
child.  They  were  married  in  Keosauqua,  this  state,  and  very  soon  there- 
after located  on  a  farm  near  Udell,  where  the  father  still  resides  with  his 
son  George.  The  mother  passed  away  in  1912.  Mrs.  Kerschner  was 
bom  in  Udell  in  1878,  and  was  reared,  educated  and  married  in  this 
county.  Of  this  marriage  there  have  been  born  two  children:  Mabel, 
whose  birth  occurred  in  September,  1900;  and  Marion,  who  was  born  in 
January,  1902. 

The  parents  manifest  their  religious  faith  through  their  connection 
with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Mr.  Kerschner  is  a  member  of  the 
blue  lodge  and  chapter  of  the  Masonic  order,  and  he  also  belongs  to  the 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  289 

Royal  Arcanum  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  being  clerk  of  the 
local  camp  of  the  last  named  organization.  Politically  he  supports  the 
republican  party  and  is  a  member  of  the  school  board.  Mr.  Kerschner  is 
a  young  man  of  earnest  purpose,  upright  principles  and  reliable  methods,  all 
of  which  qualities  he  daily  manifests  in  the  conduct  ot  his  business.  Such 
success  as  has  come  to  him  is  well  deserved  and  has  been  won  through  his 
individual  efforts,  as  he  has  made  his  own  way  in  the  world  since  he  was 
a  youth  and  merits  much  commendation  for  the  excellent  use  he  has  made 
of  his  opportunities. 


GEORGE  B.  ADAMS. 


George  B.  Adams  was  a  life-long  resident  of  Appanoose  county,  long 
associated  with  industrial  interests  here,  his  last  emplojment  being  with 
the  foundry  of  Joseph  Goss.  He  was  born  near  Numa,  this  count}',  June 
24,  1864.  His  father,  Isaac  Adams,  was  a  native  of  Kentuck}-,  and  became 
proprietor  of  a  stone  quarry  in  Appanoose  count}  at  an  earl}  period  in 
the  development  of  this  section  of  the  state.  He  continued  in  business 
here  throughout  his  remaining  days,  passing  away  in  1885.  In  early 
manhood  he  had  wedded  Rachel  Stevens,  a  native  of  Ohio  and,  surviving 
him,  she  now  resides  in  Davenport,  Iowa. 

George  B.  Adams  spent  his  }outhful  days  in  Appanoose  county  and 
when  old  enough  began  to  earn  his  living  by  working  in  connection  with 
mining  interests,  although  his  employment  was  outside  of  the  mines.  He 
was  thus  engaged  for  twelve  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  entered  the 
service  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  >lt  Quincy  Railroad  Company  in  their 
car  repairing  department.  He  remained  with  them  for  some  time  and  then 
went  to  work  for  Joseph  Goss  in  the  foundr}'.  continuing  there  throughout 
the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  was  always  diligent,  energetic  and  industrious 
and  those  whom  he  served  found  him  ever  faithful  and  reliable. 

In  September,  1884,  Mr.  Adams  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Louisa 
Swinford,  a  daughter  of  George  W.  and  Louisa  M.  (Campbell)  Swinford. 
The  father  was  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  following  his  arrival  in  .Appa- 
noose county  when  it  was  still  a  frontier  district,  he  bought  a  farm  which 
he  improved  and  cultivated  for  many  years.  He  worked  diligently  to 
make  his  land  productive  and  at  length  with  a  comfortable  competence 
acquired  through  his  own  labors,  retired  from  active  life  and  removed  to 
Centerville,  where  he  continued  to  make  his  home  until  he  passed  away 
February  7,  1907.    He  had  long  survived  his  wife,  who  died  in  1879.     In 


290  HISTORY  OF  Al'I'AXOOSli  COL'XTY 

the  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adams  were  eight  children:  Lawrence,  who 
is  employed  as  an  engineer  on  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Quincy  Rail- 
road; Harry  H.,  who  is  fireman  with  the  same  road;  George  B.,  who  is 
also  a  fireman;  Pearl  H.,  who  is  working  in  the  Burlington  shops  in  Cen- 
terville;  William  Glenn,  a  student  in  the  high  school;  Walter,  who  is  also 
attending  school;  one,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Owen,  who  died  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1906.  The  death  of  the  husband  and  father  occurred  Fcbruar)-  27, 
1907,  after  an  illness  with  pneumonia  of  twenty-one  days.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Foresters  lodge  and  had  many  warm  friends  within  that 
organization.  He  served  in  the  fire  department  here  and  was  interested 
in  the  activities  which  were  potent  forces  in  promoting  the  welfare  and 
progress  of  the  city.  He  always  voted  with  the  democratic  party  and 
kept  well  versed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  He  held  mem- 
bership in  the  Christian  church,  to  which  Mrs.  Adams  also  belongs.  She 
owns  a  pleasant  home  at  No.  710  South  Seventeenth  street  and  is  comfort- 
ably situated  in  life. 


JAMES  C.  HOPKINS. 


James  C.  Hopkins,  now  living  retired  in  Unionville,  enjoying  a  well 
earned  rest  after  a  life  of  labor,  is  numbered  among  those  who  have  con- 
tributed in  substantial  measure  to  the  development  and  advancement  of 
Appanoose  county,  for  he  was  for  many  years  closely  identified  with 
important  agricultural  interests.  His  long  life  has  been  marked  by  strict 
adherence  to  the  principles  of  honorable  and  upright  manhood,  by  earnest, 
straightforward  work  in  times  of  peace  and  by  valor  and  loyalty  in  times 
of  war,  for  he  belongs  to  that  fast  lessening  band  ot  veterans  who  1  ought 
in  defense  of  the  Union  fifty  years  ago.  A  native  of  Tennessee,  Mr.  Hop- 
kins was  born  on  the  19th  of  February,  1837,  and  is  a  son  of  William  and 
Eliza  (Stegall)  Hopkins,  the  former  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  the 
latter  born  in  Tuscumbia,  Alabama,  in  1817.  The  paternal  branch  of 
the  family  is  of  English  ancestry,  the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  Stephen 
Hopkins,  having  come  from  Great  Britain  at  an  earh-  date  and  located  in 
New  York  state,  thus  founding  the  family  in  America.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
William  Hopkins  were  married  in  Tennessee  and  for  some  time  lived  ujion 
a  farm  in  Hancock  county,  upon  which  the  father  died  of  yellow  fever 
contracted  during  the  Mexican  war.  Later  the  mother  was  again  married, 
her  second  husband  being  Le  Roy  Busic,  of  Tennessee,  and  in  1850  they 
removed   to   Davis  county,   Iowa,    whence   they  came   in   the   spring   ot 


.1.  f.  TIOPKINS  AM>  I'AMII.V 


PUBLIC 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  293 

185J  to  Appanoose  count}-.  Here  the}-  rented  a  farm  in  Union  township 
and  Mr.  Busic  developed  and  improved  this  property  for  some  time,  later 
adding  to  his  agricultural  labors  the  duties  of  constable.  A  few  }ears 
afterward  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Miller  county,  Missouri,  and 
there  remained  until  his  death,  which  occurred  at  the  age  of  eighty-four. 
His  wife  passed  away  when  she  was  seventy  years  of  age. 

James  C.  Hopkins  attended  school  only  three  months  during  his  entire 
life,  his  education  having  been  acquired  from  his  mother,  who  spent  a 
great  deal  of  her  time  teaching  her  son.  When  he  was  eleven  years  of  age 
he  came  west  to  Appanoose  county  and  made  his  home  with  an  uncle, 
who  resided  in  this  section  of  Iowa,  for  one  year,  returning  to  Tennessee 
at  the  end  of  that  time.  In  i8>o  he  came  with  his  mother  and  stepfather 
to  Davis  county  and  remained  there  until  iH^y,  when  he  went  to  Leaven- 
worth, Kansas,  and  engaged  in  hauling  freight  trom  that  city  to  Fort 
Scott,  Kansas.  For  eighteen  month?  he  engaged  in  this  occupation  but 
finally  returned  to  Appanoose  county  and  made  his  home  with  his  parents 
until  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  when  his  patriotic  spirit  was  aroused 
and,  feeling  that  the  country  needed  his  aid,  he  enlisted  at  I'nionville, 
on  the  6th  of  June,  1861,  in  Company  I,  Third  Iowa  \'olunteer  Cavalry, 
under  Captain  T.  J.  Taylor.  His  regiment  saw  active  service  at  the  front 
and  while  he  was  a  member  of  it  Mr.  Hopkins  was  wounded  at  I'ea  Ridge, 
where  he  was  in  the  thick  of  battle  with  seven  thousand  Indians.  A  short 
time  after  this  he  was  transferred  to  Company  G,  Thirty-sixth  Iowa  \'ol- 
unteer  Infantry,  and  took  part  in  many  of  the  principal  battles  of  the 
Civil  war,  including  the  siege  at  Fort  Pemberton,  the  battles  of  Helena, 
Little  Rock,  Elkins  Ford,  Prairie  d'  Ann,  Camden,  Marks  Mills  and  Jen- 
kins Ferry,  having  been  present  at  forty-five  battles  and  skirmishes  during 
his  four  years  of  service.  His  regiment  was  captured  at  Marks  Mills, 
Arkansas,  but  he  with  others  later  escaped  and  waded  through  four  miles 
of  swamp  on  his  way  to  rejoin  the  L'nion  forces.  He  suffered  many  liard- 
ships  and  privations  and  was  for  five  days  lost  in  a  strange  country  with 
nothing  to  eat  but  sassafras  sprouts,  upon  which  he  .sustained  his  life.  He 
was  mustered  out  at  Little  Rock,  Arkansas,  on  June  21,  1869.  He  had 
participated  in  the  long  hard  marches,  arduous  campaigns  and  the  hotly 
contested  battles  and,  therefore,  with  a  creditable  military  recortl  he 
returned  to  .Appanoose  count}-  to  resume  his  business  lite.  For  some  time 
he  worked  at  anything  which  would  bring  him  an  income,  but  later  went 
to  Davis  county  and  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land,  which  he  farmed  until 
1873.  H*^  returned  in  that  year  to  Appanoose  count}  ami  bought  a  t;irm 
of  forty  acres  in  I  dell  township,  upon  which  he  made  his  home  for  a 
number  of  years,  steadily  carrying  forward  the  work  of  improvement  and 


294  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

development  along  modern  lines.  From  time  to  time  he  added  to  his 
holdings  until  he  owned  tour  hundred  acres,  all  in  a  high  state  of  cultiva- 
tion. In  1907,  however,  he  sold  this  property  and  went  to  California, 
where  he  visited  his  daughter  and  his  son,  who  are  living  in  Shasta  county. 
Upon  his  return  he  bought  a  small  place  near  Unionville,  upon  which  he 
resided  until  the  5th  of  September,  1912,  when  he  came  into  the  city 
and  has  since  lived  retired,  having  earned  comfort  and  freedom  from  busi- 
ness cares  by  unremitting  and  well  directed  work  in  the  past. 

On  the  5th  of  September,  1865,  Mr.  Hopkins  was  united  in  marriage 
in  Appanoose  county  to  Miss  Cornelia  Margaret  Close,  a  daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Sarah  (Johnson)  Close,  natives  of  Indiana,  the  former  of 
Dutch-Irish  ancestry  and  the  latter  of  Holland  stock.  Their  marriage 
occurred  in  Indiana  and  in  1840  they  came  to  Iowa,  locating  in  Davis 
county,  whence  after  a  few  months  they  removed  to  Louisville,  Kentucky. 
The  father  was  a  shoemaker  by  trade  and  followed  this  occupation  in 
the  various  sections  to  which  he  removed,  but  upon  returning  to  Davis 
county  in  1861  he  took  up  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  government  land 
and  engaged  in  farming.  Later,  however,  he  sold  the  property  and  went 
to  Indiana,  but  finally  returned  to  Iowa  and  worked  at  his  trade  in  Davis 
county  for  some  time.  After  a  brief  period  of  residence  in  Appanoose 
county  he  went  to  Promise  City,  Wayne  county,  and  there  remained  until 
his  death.  His  daughter,  the  wife  of  the  subject  of  this  review,  was  the 
first  white  girl  born  in  Davis  county  and  her  brother  John  the  first  white 
child  born  in  that  part  of  Iowa.  Mrs.  Hopkins'  birth  occurred  on  the  30th 
of  June,  1844,  her  brother  having  been  born  one  year  previous.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hopkins  became  the  parents  of  seventeen  children.  They  have  fiftj-- 
six  grandchildren  and  six  great-grandchildren.  Of  their  immediate 
descendants  nine  are  living,  as  follows:  William  J.,  a  farmer  of  Union 
township;  Sarah  E.,  the  wife  of  Henry  Peek,  who  is  engaged  in  famiing 
near  Moulton,  Iowa;  John  F.,  a  farmer  of  Kansas;  Andrew  L.,  who  is 
engaged  in  general  agricultural  pursuits  in  Davis  county;  George  W.,  a 
carpenter  of  Unionville;  Stephen  Allen,  who  is  farming  in  Davis  county; 
James  G.,  an  electrician  in  Shasta  county,  California;  Joseph  J.,  who 
operates  a  farm  in  Davis  county;  and  Hulda  Jane,  who  married  David 
Covey,  of  Shasta  county,  California. 

Mr.  Hopkins  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  progressive  party  and  is  at 
ill  times  progressive  and  public-spirited  in  his  citizenship,  although  he 
iiever  seeks  public  office.  Through  his  membership  in  the  Grand  Armv  of 
the  Republic  he  keeps  in  close  touch  with  his  comrades  of  the  Civil  war. 
He  has  been  always  interested  in  the  welfare  of  Appanoose  county  and  has 
given  active  cooperation   to  many  movements   for  the   jniblic  good,   his 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  295 

efforts  being  effective  and  far-reaching.  Living  in  Iowa  for  so  many  years, 
he  is  one  of  the  best  known  citizens  of  this  locality,  being  widely  recognized 
as  a  man  of  tried  integrity  and  worth  and  of  business  enterprise  and 
unfaltering  diligence.  Now  that  he  has  passed  the  seventy-rtfth  milestone 
on  life's  journey,  he  is  enjoying  a  well-earned  rest,  for  his  life  has  been 
long  and  honorable  both  in  deeds  and  years. 


JOHNSON  BROTHERS. 


Among  the  most  progressive,  reliable  and  intelligently  managed  busi- 
ness houses  in  Centerville  is  that  conducted  by  Johnson  Brothers,  dealers 
in  groceries,  meats,  flour  and  feed.  Ihe  development  of  their  enterprise 
has  been  a  part  of  the  development  of  the  city  and  an  important  factor  in 
it,  and  its  increasing  expansion  is  today  a  direct  force  in  general  com- 
mercial advancement.  The  three  brothers,  Lewis  R.,  Adolph  and  Oscar, 
o\\ners  of  the  business,  are  fine  t)pes  of  the  upright,  straighttorward  and 
progressive  business  man  and  are  distinct  additions  to  the  ranks  of  citizen- 
ship in  Appanoose  county,  all  having  gained  high  places  among  men  of 
marked  ability  and  substantial  worth.  Axel  Johnson,  the  fourth  brother, 
not  connected  with  the  above  mentioned  tirm,  is  successful  as  farmer  and 
miner. 

Lewis  R.  Johnson  is  the  active  manager  of  the  concern,  the  other 
lirothers  being  silent  partners.  He  was  born  in  Skutskar,  Sweden,  October 
18,  1884,  and  is  a  son  of  Nels  and  Caroline  (Rostrom)  Johnson,  both 
natives  of  that  countr}-,  where  their  marriage  occurred.  They  came  to 
the  United  States  in  1887  and  located  immediately  in  Centerville,  Ai)pa- 
noose  county,  where  the  father  worked  in  a  coal  mine  for  one  year.  He 
has  passed  away  but  his  widow  still  resides  in  Centerville,  making  her 
home  with  her  son  Lewis  in  an  attractive  residence  on  South  Twentieth 
street. 

Lewis  R.  Johnson  was  two  years  of  age  when  he  came  with  his  parents 
to  America.  He  was  reared  in  Centerville  and  acquired  his  education  in 
its  public  schools,  laying  aside  his  books  at  an  early  age  in  order  to  work 
in  the  mines.  He  followed  this  occupation  for  three  years,  after  which 
he  began  clerking  in  the  store  conducted  by  Poulson  &  Pearson.  Here  he 
remained  for  six  years  and  then  went  upon  the  road  as  traveling  salesman 
for  the  Scandinavian  Coal  Company  of  Centerville.  He  worked  in  their 
interests  for  one  year,  but  on  the  7th  of  November,  igio,  formed  a  part- 
nership with  his  brothers,  .\dolph  J.,  and  Oscar  W.     They  bought  the 


296  HISTORY  OF  Al'l'AXOOSE  COUNTY 

store  belonging  to  J.  B.  Perry  at  1197  South  Eighteenth  street,  where  the 
enterprise  is  still  located.  It  is  one  of  the  representative  business  concerns 
ot  Centerville,  conducted  along  lines  of  honesty,  fair  dealing  and  constant 
progress  and  is  a  substantial  contribution  to  the  city's  resources.  The  suc- 
cess which  the  partners  have  achieved  is  evidenced  in  their  growing  patron- 
age, which  in  turn  is  the  direct  result  of  the  honorable  commercial  methods 
they  have  ever  followed  and  the  high  standards  of  business  integrity  to 
which  they  have  steadily  adhered.  Lewis  Johnson  has  other  important 
business  connections,  among  which  ma}-  be  mentioned  the  Centerville 
Gypsum  Company,  in  which  he  is  a  stockholder.  He  is  a  republican  in  his 
political  beliefs  and  has  the  unqualified  respect  and  esteem  of  a  wide  circle 
of  friends  and,  indeed,  of  all,  who  have  had  business  or  social  relations 
with  him. 

Adolph  Johnson,  the  second  partner  in  the  firm  of  Johnson  Brothers, 
was  born  in  Sweden,  June  23,  1876,  and  came  with  his  parents  to  Appa- 
noose county  and  entered  the  Centerville  public  schools,  where  he  acquired 
his  education.  He  began  his  independent  career  as  a  digger  in  the  coal 
mines  but  abandoned  this  in  order  to  accept  the  position  of  weigh  master 
for  the  Scandinavian  Coal  Company,  in  which  position  he  has  served  for 
the  past  eleven  years  discharging  his  duties  in  an  able,  conscientious  and 
efficient  manner.  He  married  on  the  2d  of  August,  1900,  Miss  Bertha 
Freberg,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Caroline  Freberg,  natives  of  Sweden. 
The  father  is  a  shoemaker  by  trade  and  after  he  came  to  the  United 
States  in  1880  followed  this  occupation  in  Illinois  for  a  number  of  years, 
coming  to  Centerville  in  1897.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adolph  Johnson  have  two 
children:  Hugo,  who  was  born  on  the  22d  of  February,  1902,  and  is 
attending  the  Garfield  school ;  and  Robert,  born  May  2,  1904.  who  attends 
the  McKinley  school.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  reside  at  1500  Drake  avenue, 
where  they  have  a  cozy  and  attractive  home,  which  is  the  center  of  hos- 
pitality for  their  many  friends.  Both  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Con- 
gregational church  and  Mr.  Johnson  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the 
republican  party,  being  active  and  progressive  in  all  matters  of  citizen- 
ship. 

Oscar  W.  Johnson  was  born  March  28,  1878,  in  Sweden,  and  was 
nine  years  of  age  when  his  parents  came  to  the  Ignited  States.  He  entered 
the  public  schools  of  Centerville  and  after  completing  his  education  secured 
work  in  a  mine.  He  continued  in  this  position  iintil  190^  when  he  formed 
a  partnership  with  Robert  Freberg,  a  brother  of  Mrs.  Adolph  Johnson, 
and  with  him  opened  a  general  store  at  E.xline,  Appanoose  county,  known 
under  the  name  of  Freberg  &  Johnson  Brothers.  Mr.  Johnson  is  the 
active  manager  of  this  enterprise,  while  Mr.  Freberg  is  connected  with  it 
as  a  silent  partner,  making  his  home  on  a  farm  near  Rolfe.  Iowa. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  297 

Oscar  ^^  .  Johnson  married  Miss  Augusta  Nelson,  a  daughter  of  Charles 
Nelson,  a  blacksmith  in  Sperry,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  have  three 
children:  Elvira,  who  was  born  October  7,  1905;  Lucille,  whose  birth 
occurred  June  9,  1907;  and  Nadine,  born  August  16,  1911.  For  some 
time  Oscar  Johnson  was  superintendent  of  the  Dewey  Coal  Mine  at  Cen- 
terville,  but  has  recently  severed  his  connection  with  that  enterprise.  He 
is  a  republican  in  his  political  beliefs  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  all 
movements  which  ha\e  for  their  object  the  advancement  and  progress  of 
the  section  in  which  he  has  lived  since  his  childhood  and  where  he  is  well 
known  and  widely  respected.     He  is  postmaster  at  Exline. 

The  fourth  brother.  Axel  Johnson,  is  also  a  native  of  Sweden,  born 
May  30,  1880.  He  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  parents  when  he 
was  seven  years  of  age  and  acquired  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
Centerville.  After  laying  asitie  his  books  he  worked  for  some  time  in  the 
mines  but  afterward  took  up  farming,  engaging  in  agricultural  pursuits 
upon  a  fine  tract  of  land  two  miles  south  of  Exline,  where  he  now  resides. 
During  the  summer  months  he  gives  his  attention  to  the  development  and 
improvement  of  this  tract  and  devotes  his  time  in  the  winter  to  work  in 
the  coal  mines.  In  both  lines  of  occupation  he  has  proved  himself  an 
able  and  conscientious  worker  and  a  far-sighted  and  resourceful  business 
man,  and  his  efforts  have  been  attended  by  a  gratifying  degree  of  success. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Mine  Workers  Union  at  Exline.  Axel  Johnson 
married  Miss  Nina  Johnson,  a  daughter  of  a  farmer  in  this  county  who 
has  now  passed  away.  They  have  two  children:  Essie,  who  was  born  June 
3,  1905;  and  Carl,  whose  birth  occurred  on  October  26,  191 1. 

The  Johnson  Brothers  maintain  the  utmost  harmony  in  their  business 
relations  and  this  is,  indeed,  one  of  the  factors  in  their  success.  All  are 
shrewd,  far-sighted,  capable  and  energetic  business  men  and  the  entire 
county  has  profited  by  their  activities  in  various  fields  of  endeavor,  while 
the  enterprise  which  marks  their  point  of  contact  is  in  all  respects  worthy 
of  their  talents  and  abilities. 


CHARLES  H.  ELGIN. 


Charles  H.  Elgin  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Howell  &  Elgin,  enjoy- 
ing the  largest  law  practice  in  Centerville.  He  is,  moreover,  a  representa- 
tive of  one  of  the  old  and  prominent  [lioneer  families  of  .Appanoose  coimty. 
That  his  has  been  a  well  sjient  life  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  many  of 
his  stanchest  friends  are  those  who  have  known  him  from  his  bovhood  to 


298  HISTORY  OF  Al'l'ANOOSE  COL'XTY 

the  present  time.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  August  31,  1874,  a  son  of  John 
M.  and  Mary  J.  (Silknitter)  Elgin,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Indiana. 
The  father  came  to  Centerville  from  Martinsville,  Indiana,  with  his  par- 
ents in  '50s  and  here  resided  until  after  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war, 
when  his  patriotic  spirit  aroused,  he  offered  his  services  to  the  government 
and  joined  the  boys  in  blue  of  Company  F,  Thirty-sixth  Iowa  Infantry, 
with  which  he  served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  participating  in  many 
hotly  contested  engagements.  With  the  restoration  of  peace  he  returned 
to  Appanoose  county  and  purchased  a  farm  near  Mystic,  at  once  beginning 
the  work  of  clearing  and  improving  the  tract,  which  he  operated  success- 
fully until  1872.  He  was  then  called  to  public  office,  being  elected  sheriff, 
in  which  position  he  served  through  the  ensuing  two  years.  With  his 
retirement  he  returned  to  the  farm  and  again  engaged  in  general  agricul- 
tural pursuits  until  1895,  when  he  put  aside  business  cares  and  once  more 
became  a  resident  of  Centerville,  remaining  here  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  April  l,  igoo,  when  he  was  tifty-eight  years  of  age.  His  widow 
is  still  living  in  Centerville  at  the  age  of  seventy. 

The  youthful  days  of  Charles  H.  Elgin  were  spent  under  the  parental 
roof,  and  the  district  schools  afforded  him  his  educational  privileges  until 
he  reached  the  age  of  seventeen,  when  he  entered  school  at  Lincoln, 
Nebraska.  He  afterward  attended  Drake  University  for  some  time,  then 
served  for  a  time  as  deputy  county  clerk  and  subsequently  went  south 
participating  in  the  Spanish-American  war.  Finally,  however,  he  became 
a  student  in  the  State  University,  at  Iowa  City,  and  was  graduated  there- 
from with  the  class  of  1900  on  the  completion  of  the  law  course.  At  that 
time  he  returned  to  Centerville  and  for  thirty  days  was  in  the  office  of  the 
county  attorney,  after  which  he  entered  into  partnership  with  C.  F.  Howell, 
one  of  the  most  able  and  learned  members  of  the  Appanoose  count}-  bar. 
Their  association  has  since  been  maintained  under  the  firm  style  of  Howell 
&  Elgin  and  they  enjoy  a  very  extensive  practice,  with  offices  at  loo'/2 
West  Jackson  street.  Mr.  Elgin  is  thorough  ami  painstaking  in  all  his 
legal  work,  preparing  his  cases  most  carefully  and  losing  sight  of  no  point 
which  will  tend  to  further  his  cause. 

In  March,  1899,  Mr.  Elgin  was  married  to  Miss  Isal  Strickler,  a  daugh- 
ter of  John  J.  and  Mary  E.  (Williamson)  Strickler,  who  were  natives  of 
Indiana.  The  father  arrived  in  Centerville  in  1862  and  engaged  in  the 
dry-goods  business,  remaining  one  of  the  foremost  merchants  of  the  city  for 
thirty-four  years.  He  is  now  living  retired.  His  wife  died  January  14. 
1911.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Elgin  have  two  children,  John  Robert  and  Mary 
Elizabeth,  aged  twelve  and  nine  years. 

Mr.  Elgin  is  the  owner  of  considerable  real  estate  in  Centerville,  includ- 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  299 

inga  pleasant  home  at  No.  427  East  State  street.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Masonic  lodge,  also  of  the  Benevolent  &  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  His 
political  indorsement  is  given  to  the  republican  party  but  without  desire 
for  office  as  a  reward  for  party  fealty.  The  religious  faith  of  the  family  is 
that  of  the  Christian  church.  The  good-will  and  confidence  of  many  friends 
is  theirs  and  the  professional  prominence  of  Mr.  Elgin  is  the  result  of 
well  developed  powers  in  the  field  of  law. 


WILLIAM  R.  BRYANT. 


Among  the  most  progressive  and  able  of  the  joungcr  business  men  of 
Centerville  is  William  R.  Bryant,  who  is  engaged  in  partnership  with  his 
father  in  the  conduct  of  one  of  the  largest  meat  and  grocery  concerns  in 
the  city.  He  is  a  native  son  of  this  state,  born  in  Davis  county,  May  28, 
1886,  his  parents  being  Alfred  M.  and  Mary  Elizabeth  (Penningerj 
Bryant.  The  grandparents  of  our  subject  were  Williamson  Thompson  and 
Sarah  (Duzan)  Bryant,  the  former  a  native  of  Kentucky  and  a  farmer  by 
occupation,  who  came  to  Indiana  and  from  there  to  Davis  county,  Iowa, 
in  early  times.  In  that  section  he  purchased  land  three  quarters  of  a 
mile  east  of  the  Appanoose  county  line  and  carried  on  general  agricul- 
tural pursuits  with  increasing  success  until  his  death.  He  was  of  Scotch 
ancestry  and  was  a  relative  of  Abraham  Lincoln.  His  wife  was  a  native 
of  Kentucky,  who  came  in  her  girlhood  to  Indiana,  where  their  marriage 
occurred.     She  died  on  a  farm  in  Davis  county. 

Alfred  M.  Bryant,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  review,  was  born 
on  his  father's  farm  in  Davis  county,  January  21,  1855,  and  acquired  his 
education  in  the  district  schools.  In  i8go  he  came  to  Centerville  and 
engaged  in  teaming  for  a  number  of  years,  finally  abandoning  thi^  line  of 
occupation  in  1905  in  order  to  establish  himself  in  the  retail  meat  business, 
with  which  he  has  been  identified  since  that  time,  being  now  in  partnership 
with  his  son.  He  is  one  of  the  thoroughly  ui)right,  honorable  and  straight- 
forward business  men  of  the  city  and  has  gained  a  gratifying  measure  of 
success  as  a  result  of  his  well  directed  work  and  persevering  industry.  He 
married  in  Davis  county,  Iowa,  Miss  Mary  E.  Penninger,  a  daughter  of 
.Jacob  and  Annie  (Justice)  Penninger,  the  former  a  native  of  Richmond, 
\'irginia,  of  Irish  ancestry,  and  the  latter  born  in  Indiana,  of  German 
parents.  Their  marriage  occurred  in  the  latter  state  and  later  they  came 
to  Jefferson  county,  Iowa,  where  Jacob  Penninger  followed  farming.  He 
came  to  Appanoose  county  in  1854  and  located  in  Sharon  township,  five 


300  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

miles  east  of  Centerville,  removing  from  there  in  1874  to  Davis  county, 
where  his  death  occurred.  His  widow  is  now  living  with  her  daughter, 
Mrs.  William  Hurd,  on  a  farm  in  Appanoose  county. 

William  R.  Bryant  came  with  his  parents  to  Centerville  when  he  was 
still  a  child  and  acquired  his  education  in  the  city  schools.  When  he  laid 
aside  his  books  he  learned  the  butcher's  trade  under  W.  S.  Games,  remain- 
ing in  his  employ  for  two  years  and  a  halt,  after  which  he  joined  his  father 
in  the  management  of  the  latter's  butcher  shop.  In  July,  1910,  he  took 
charge  of  the  store  located  at  1019  South  Eighteenth  street,  where  besides 
all  kinds  of  meats  he  carries  a  tine  line  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries  and 
canned  goods.  Both  departments  of  his  enterprise  are  in  a  prosperous 
condition,  the  meat  market  being  one  of  the  largest  and  most  important 
in  town.  Mr.  Bryant  enjoys  a  gratifying  patronage  because  he  keeps  his 
lines  of  goods  complete  and  of  excellent  quality,  and,  moreover,  is  always 
cordial,  courteous  and  considerate  in  his  dealings  with  his  customers. 

On  the  10th  of  June,  1906,  Mr.  Bryant  married  Miss  Jessie  Shankster, 
whose  father  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war  and  died  when  Mrs.  Bryant 
was  only  seven  years  of  age.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bryant  became  the  parents  of 
three  children:  William,  born  March  5,  1907,  who  attends  the  McKinley 
school  in  Centerville;  Lucile,  born  January  9,  1909,  who  lives  at  home; 
and  Mabel,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  6th  of  April,  1912. 

Mr.  Bryant's  political  support  is  given  to  the  men  and  measures  of 
the  republican  party  but  he  has  never  desired  political  preferment.  He  is 
an  energetic  and  progressive  business  man  and  to  these  qualities  and  his 
untiring  industry  may  be  attributed  his  success.  He  is  thoroughly  reliable 
in  all  transactions  and  has  become  widely  and  favorably  known  in  busi- 
ness circles. 


ALFRED  G.  TREMBLY 


Among  the  enterprising  and  highly  successful  young  business  men  of 
Centerville  must  be  mentioned  Alfred  G.  Trembly,  senior  partner  of  the 
Trembly-Huston  Electric  Company.  He  was  born  in  Freeport,  Illinois, 
on  the  5th  of  March,  1891,  and  is  a  son  of  Sylvester  M.  and  Luc}-  E. 
(Briggs)  Trembly.  The  father  was  a  native  of  Ohio,  his  birth  having 
occurred  near  the  Pennsylvania  border  in  i8>4.  but  he  was  of  New  England 
extraction.  He  came  to  Iowa  in  early  childhood  and  his  boyhood  and 
youth  were  passed  in  Des  Moines.  In  1888,  he  went  to  Grinnell.  Iowa, 
as  local  representative  for  the  Singer  Sewing  Machine  Company,  remain- 
ing there  for  three  years.     At  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  was  trans- 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  301 

ferred  to  Centerville,  but  he  later  withdrew  troni  the  service  ot  the  Singer 
company  and  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  with  John  Zook.  He  con- 
tinued to  be  identified  with  local  coinnicrcial  circles  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  on  the  5th  ot  January,  1898.  At  Freeport,  Illinois,  in  i88y,  Mr. 
Trembly  was  married  to  Miss  Briggs,  who  was  born  at  Olmstead,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  is  a  daughter  of  the  late  John  and  Hester 
Briggs.  The  father  was  born  in  the  state  of  New  York,  while  the  mother 
is  a  native  ot  Ohio,  but  both  were  of  New  England  extraction.  John 
Briggs  passed  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  the  railway  service.  In  his 
early  manhood  he  was  employed  on  the  tirst  railroad  constructed  across 
the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  and  at  the  time  ot  his  death  he  was  foreman  of 
the  round  house  at  Freeport.  He  passed  away  in  Ma),  1895:,  and  is  buried 
at  Freeport,  where  his  widow  still  resides.  Mrs.  Trembly  makes  her  home 
at  No.  531  North  Ninth  street,  Centerville,  with  her  son. 

Altred  G.  Trembly,  who  is  an  only  child,  was  less  than  a  year  old  when 
his  parents  removed  to  Centerville,  and  here  he  has  ever  since  made  his 
home.  He  was  reared  in  the  parental  household  and  acquired  his  education 
in  the  public  schools,  terminating  his  student  days  when  graduated  from 
the  high  school  in  1909.  He  earl}  manifested  unusual  mechanical  skill 
and  was  deeply  interested  in  electricity,  in  which  business  he  resolved  to 
engage  before  leaving  school.  For  two  years,  thereafter,  he  engaged  in 
the  mail-order  business  in  electrical  appliances,  in  which  he  met  with  a 
fair  measure  of  success.  He  next  established  the  Trembly  Electric  Com- 
pany, which  he  conducted  until  October,  igi2,  when  he  went  into  part- 
nership with  George  M.  Huston,  under  the  firm  name  of  the  Trembly-Hus- 
ton Electric  Company.  Mr.  Huston,  who  is  a  son  of  William  P.  Huston, 
and  a  young  man  of  twenty-nine  years,  takes  able  charge  of  the  mechanical 
end  of  the  business,  being  well  fitted  therefore  by  the  experience  which  he 
gained  during  the  ten  years  he  was  connected  with  the  Centerville  Electric 
I.iilht  v.\:  Power  Com[iany.  He  is  popular  and  well  known  in  Apjianoose 
county,  where  he  has  man\-  friends  who  esteem  him  for  his  high  qualities 
of  mind  and  character.  Their  establishment  is  located  on  the  north  side 
of  the  .square,  where  they  carry  a  carefully  selected  stock  of  electrical  sup- 
jilies  and  they  also  take  contracts  for  wiring  and  the  installing  of  all  kinds 
of  electrical  apparatus.  .Although  he  is  not  yet  twenty-two  years  of  age, 
Mr.  Trembly  has  won  a  name  and  jKisition  tor  himself  in  local  business 
circles,  where  all  who  know  him  prophesy  for  him  a  promising  future  in 
his  cho.sen  held  of  activity.  He  is  a  young  man  ot  marked  foresight  and 
sagacity  in  matters  of  business,  thoroughly  honorable  and  reliable  in 
his  transactions  and  applies  himself  to  his  work  with  the  imremitting 
diligence  which  invariably  wins  success  in  any  undertaking. 


Vol  n— IT 


302  HISTORY  OF  Ai'i'AXUOSE  COUXTV 

Mr.  Trembly  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  and 
fraternally  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Yeomen,  while  he  accords  his  political 
support  to  the  democratic  party.  He  is  well  known  in  this  vicinity  where 
he  has  many  stanch  friends,  the  majorit}'  of  whom  have  known  him  since 
boyhood  and  have  watched  witli  interest  the  development  of  his  career. 


CiORDON  PEACOCK. 


Ihrough  successive  stages  of  progress  Gordon  Peacock  has  made  con- 
tinuous advancement  in  the  business  world  until  he  now  occupies  the  posi- 
tion of  superintendent  ot  the  Centervillc  Water  Company.  His  history 
indicates  clearly  what  may  be  accomplished  when  determination  and  energ)' 
are  strong  characteristics  of  the  individual.  A  native  of  Illinois,  Mr.  Pea- 
cock was  born  in  Morgan  county,  November  14,  1870,  and  is  a  son  of 
Gordon  and  Margaret  (Bennie)  Peacock,  natives  of  Scotland.  The  father 
was  a  miner  in  that  country  and  came  to  America  at  an  early  age,  locating 
finally  in  Missouri,  where  he  bought  a  farm,  which  he  improved  and 
operated  until  1885.  In  that  year  he  retired  from  active  life  and  moved 
to  Centerville,  where  he  is  now  living,  enjoying  the  respect  and  confidence 
ot  a  wide  circle  of  friends.  He  is  one  ot  the  honored  veterans  of  the  Civil 
war,  having  served  one  }ear  during  the  conflict  as  a  member  of  Com- 
pany K,  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-third  Illinois  \'o]unter  Intantr}'.  His 
wife  passed  away  in  igoo. 

In  the  acquirement  of  an  education  Gordon  Peacock  attended  public 
school  in  Illinois  and  Missouri,  bur  his  advantages  along  this  line  were 
limited.  At  the  age  ot  fourteen  he  laid  aside  his  books  and  for  tour  years 
worked  in  the  coal  mines  in  Illinois  and  Iowa,  finally  abandoning  this  oc- 
cupation in  favor  of  railroading.  His  first  position  in  the  new  field  was  as 
torcnian  of  the  Culvert  gang,  in  the  employ  of  the  Rock  Island  >ystem, 
and  he  did  able  work  in  this  capacity  tor  tour  years.  At  the  end  of  that 
time  he  came  to  Centerville  and  worked  in  the  mines  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
town  until  1905,  when  he  secured  a  position  with  the  Centerville  Water 
Company.  Advancement  came  rapidly.  In  1908  he  was  made  assistant 
su[)rintendcnr  and  in  ujio,  superintentlenr.  holding  that  position  at  the 
present  time.  He  has  been  active  in  the  management  and  control  of  the 
departments  under  his  charge  and  has  pro\ed  a  courteous,  obliging  and 
capable  official,  whose  personal  popularity  constitutes  one  of  the  elements 
in  the  prosperity  ot  the  corporation  which  he  serves. 


HISTORY  OF  Al'l'AXOOSK  COL'X  1 '^•  303 

On  rh(  nth  ot  October,  1893,  Mr.  Peacock  marrird  Miss  Katlicrine 
O'Leary,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Mahala  OLeary,  the  fornur  a  native  of 
Irehxnd  and  the  latter  of  Missouri.  At  an  early  age  the  father  emigrated 
ro  America  and  served  in  both  the  Mexican  and  the  Civil  wars.  He  fol- 
lowed the  stone  mason's  trade  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  passing 
away  in  Texas  in  1899.  He  had  long  survived  his  wife,  who  died  in 
1885.  Mrs.  Peacock  is  a  native  of  Woodbury  counf\.  Iowa,  liorn  in  1S72. 
She  and  her  husband  became  the  parents  of  three  children:  John  William, 
who  was  born  .lanuary  10,  1895,  and  who  died  in  Ma}-,  1905;  Marie,  aged 
fifteen;  and  Agnes,  thirteen  years  of  age.  Mrs.  Peacock  and  her  two 
daughters  are  devout  members  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church.  FnUernalh 
Mr.  Peacock  is  a  member  of  the  Foresters  of  America  and  for  the  last 
twelve  years  has  been  treasurer  of  that  organization.  He  belongs  also  to 
the  Iowa  Legion  of  Honor.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  repub- 
lican party  and  for  two  }ears  he  served  on  the  town  council,  showing  in  his 
public  work  the  same  detemiination  and  integrity  which  have  marked  the 
various  phases  of  his  business  career. 


W.  S.  BAILED  . 


\\  .  S.  liaiky  carries  on  general  farming  on  section  13,  I'nion  town- 
ship, and  the  excellent  appearance  of  his  place  indicates  his  careful  super- 
vision and  practical  methods.  He  was  born  in  Marion  townsiiij).  Davis 
county,  Iowa,  a  half  mile  from  his  present  home,  February  6,  1861,  and 
he  is  now  the  owner  of  a  part  of  the  old  homestead  farm,  upon  which  his 
birth  occurred.  His  parents  were  Sylvester  antl  Ku[)liain  (  Taitej  Baile}, 
both  deceased.  The  father  was  born  near  Columbus,  Ohio,  in  1821.  and 
died  in  September,  1886,  when  in  the  sixty-sixth  year  of  his  age.  His  wife, 
who  was  born  in  Kentucky,  was  brought  to  Iowa  by  her  parents  during 
her  childhood  and  died  in  1876.  S}lvester  Bailey  arrived  in  this  ^tafe  in 
184^  and  entered  from  the  government  a  tract  of  land  upon  which  his  son, 
W.  S.  Bailey,  was  born.  He  convtrrcd  the  uiKl  huul  into  rich  and  pro- 
ductive tields  and  continued  to  remain  u[)on  that  tarm.  comprising  one 
luindred  and  seventy-tour  acres,  throughout  the  rest  of  his  life,  being  well 
known  as  one  of  the  energetic  and  progressive  agriculturists  of  his  com- 
numity.  Into  him  and  his  wife  were  born  .seven  children.  W  .  S. :  Smith, 
who  died  in  infancy;  Mrs.  Amanila  Mclntyre,  decea.scd;  Letitia,  the  wife 
of  Louis  Swaim,  ot  Marion  township,  Davis  county;  Mrs.  Annie  Kenvon, 
who  has  |)assed  away;  Amos,  a  resident  of  this  coimty;  and  Orange,  who 
died  in  childhood. 


304  HISTORY'  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

VV.  S.  Bailey  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  this  part  of  the  state  and  has 
alwa3'S  engaged  in  farming.  He  owns  tour  hundred  and  fifty  acres  in 
one  body,  embracing  a  part  of  the  old  homestead.  His  residence  is  sit- 
uated on  section  13,  I'nion  township.  Appanoose  county,  and  much  of  his 
property  lies  within  that  township  but  fifty  acres  is  across  the  boundary 
line  in  Davis  county.  He  carries  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  and 
stock-raising  and  in  connection  with  his  sons  is  engaged  extensively  and 
successful  1\  in  the  breeding  of  Hereford  cattle.  He  also  raises  other 
kinds  of  good  stock  and  that  branch  of  his  business  is  proving  a  profitable 
source  of  income.  His  business  metliods  are  such  as  will  bear  close  investi- 
gation and  scrutiny,  for  he  is  reliable  as  well  as  enterprising  and  at  all 
times  is  actuated  by  a  spirit  of  progress  and  improvement. 

In  1885  Mr.  Bailey  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eva  Roland,  who 
was  born  in  Warsaw,  Missouri.  May  26,  1868,  but  has  spent  the  greater 
part  of  her  life  in  this  county.  Her  parents,  William  and  Perlina  Roland, 
are  both  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bailey  have  been  born  eleven  chil- 
dren: Eli,  living  in  Chariton,  Iowa:  Harrison:  Jack:  Ada;  Tillie;  Clara; 
W.  S.,  Jr.;  Carrie;  Emery;  Alice  Mildred,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Hal- 
bert. 

In  politics  Mr.  Bailey  has  been  a  lifelong  republican  and  has  .served 
as  township  trustee,  as  clerk  of  the  election  board  and  as  a  member  of 
the  school  board.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  and  many  friends  in  this 
county  and  is  well  known  as  a  representative  citizen  and  farmer.  His 
carefully  managed  business  interests  have  won  him  substantial  sviccess  and 
indicate  what  may  be  accomplished  when  determination  and  energ\-  lead 
the  wav. 


JOHN  M.  HICKS. 


Among  the  citizens  of  Appanoose  count)  who  have  attained  an  hon- 
ored place  in  the  community  through  their  acknowledged  ability  and  [)er- 
sonal  worth  and  whose  business  activities  have  been  important  enough  to 
affect  the  general  development  of  the  city  is  John  M.  Hicks,  one  ot  the 
most  extensive  stock  buyers  and  shippers  in  this  part  of  Iowa.  His  birth 
occurred  in  Hancock  count).  Tennessee,  on  the  )6th  of  March.  1851,  his 
parents  being  Gabe  and  .Sarah  (Seals)  Hicks,  both  natives  of  that  state.. 
The  paternal  grandfather  was  of  German-English  lineage,  and  the  grand- 
mother Scotch-Irish,  and  both  came  to  this  country  at  an  early  day.  The 
marriage  of  the  parents  occurred  in  Tennessee  and  in  the  spring  ot   18^7 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUXTV  305 

they  came  west,  locating  in  Appanoose  county,  low  a,  w  lu-re  the  father  pur- 
chased two  hundred  acres  of  well-improved  farm  land  near  Unionville. 
He  carried  on  general  agriculture  for  some  time  but  finalh-  concentrated 
his  attention  upon  raising  stock,  which  he  shipped  to  the  eastern  markets. 
He  remained  upon  the  tarm  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1870,  after 
which  his  wife  removed  to  Unionville,  where  she  passed  away.  In  their 
family  were  tour  children:  .Andy  and  Larkin,  who  have  passed  away;  R. 
M.,  a  resident  of  Centerville;  and  John  M.,  of  this  review. 

John  M.  Hicks  was  a  small  child  when  he  was  brought  to  Appanoose 
county  by  his  parents.  When  he  had  attained  the  usual  age  he  entered 
the  district  school  and  there  accjuircii  hi>  cducarion.  aiding  liis  tathcr  with 
the  work  of  the  tarm  when  not  engaged  with  his  hooks,  .\fter  the  death 
of  Gabe  Hicks,  the  subject  ot  this  review  came  to  I'nionville  with  his 
mother  and  here  worked  with  a  section  gang  until  1876,  when  he  formed  a 
partnershi})  with  J.  B.  Morrison  with  whom  he  engaged  in  the  hoop- 
manufacturing  business  for  some  time.  In  1887  h^*  left  Iowa  and  removed 
to  Perkins  county.  Nebraska,  where  he  purchased  land  and  engaged  in 
farming.  However,  he  returned  in  the  fall  of  1890  and  bought  three 
hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land  in  Udell  township,  upon  which  he 
engaged  extensively  in  raising  high-grade  stock.  In  1895  ^'^  house  was 
torn  to  pieces  by  a  severe  cyclone  and  one  year  later  he  sold  the  farm  to  W. 
C.  Miller  and  moved  into  ITnionville,  his  present  home.  However,  he 
still  continues  active  in  stock  dealing,  upon  which  he  has  concentrated  his 
attention  for  a  number  of  years,  shipping  to  the  Chicago  market.  .All  of 
his  business  affairs  are  judiciously  carried  forward,  showing  discriminat- 
ing business  judgment  and  a  marked  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  prosperity  has 
come  as  a  natural  result  of  his  ability  which  commanded  it. 

On  the  22d  of  February,  1876.  Mr.  Hicks  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Laura  .1.  Miller,  a  daughter  of  Claudius  and  Martha  J.  (  Baldridge) 
Miller,  the  father  born  in  Hickman  county,  Tennessee,  December  i,  1824. 
The  paternal  grandparents  ot  Mrs.  Hicks  were  Nathaniel  and  Sarah  (  Mar- 
tin )  -Miller,  natives  of  North  Carolina.  On  the  maternal  side  the  grand- 
parents were  Andrew  and  Margaret  Baldridge,  early  settlers  in  Tennessee, 
where  the  father  followed  the  trailc  of  inillwrighr  until  his  death.  Mrs. 
Hicks'  father.  Claudius  Miller,  attended  a  subscri|>tion  school  in  Hick- 
man county,  Tennessee,  and  his  education  was  e.\tremely  limited  and  has 
been  largely  acquired  throvigh  reading  and  observation  in  later  years.  He 
married  in  Tennessee  in  April,  184^,  and  three  years  later  came  to  Iowa, 
locating  in  .Appanoose  county  as  a  pioneer  and  taking  up  government  land 
in  Union  township.  On  .August  22,  1862.  he  enlisted  in  Company  C, 
Thirtv-si.xth  Iowa  \'olunteer  Infantrv.  troin"  to  the  front  as  second  .sertreanf. 


306  I1ISTUR\'  Ol'   APl'AXOOSl':  CUUXTY 

He  won  promotion  to  the  position  of  first  sergeant  on  the  7th  of  March, 
1863,  and  on  the  3d  of  February,  1865,  was  made  first  lieutenant,  with 
which  rank  he  was  mustered  out  on  the  24th  ot  August,  1865,  at  Devall 
Bluff,  Arkansas.  He  returned  home  and  for  a  time  engaged  in  the  general 
merchandise  business  in  Unionville,  conducting  a  profitable  enterprise  for 
a  number  of  years  and  finally  selling  it  in  order  to  go  to  Nebraska,  where 
he  took  up  farming.  In  1893  ^^  returned  to  Unionville  and  opened  a 
general  store  which  he  conducted  successfully  until  igo6,  when  he  retired 
from  active  life.  His  first  wife  passed  away  in  Appanoose  county  in  1875. 
To  their  union  were  born  nine  children:  Benjamin  G.,  whose  birth 
occurred  in  1848  and  who  died  in  Iowa  about  1906;  Joseph,  who  was  born 
in  Appanoose  count),  October  27,  1850,  and  who  is  engaged  in  farming 
in  Kidder,  Missouri ;  John,  who  was  born  in  A[ipanoose  count}',  Septem- 
ber 3,  1853,  ^^'^  ^^''^^*  ^i^<i  August  16,  18^4;  Laura  J.,  the  wife  of  the 
subject  of  this  review,  born  May  27,  18^9;  Amanda,  who  was  born  April 
9,  1857,  and  who  is  the  wife  of  John  E.  Miller,  a  carpenter  in  Unionville; 
Sarah,  who  was  born  September  20,  1859,  and  who  is  the  wife  of  George 
Stutevoss,  a  stock-raiser,  of  Elsie,  Nebraska,  who  died  October  14,  1895; 
Snow,  who  was  born  July  19,  1861,  and  died  in  infancy;  W.  C,  who  was 
bom  August  20,  1862,  and  who  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Udell  township; 
and  Rosa,  who  was  born  June  ig,  1866,  and  who  is  the  wife  ot  Wyke 
Large,  of  Sapulpa,  Oklahoma.  After  the  death  of  his  first  wife  Mr.  Miller 
married  Miss  Dorcas  E.  Jennings,  a  daughter  of  Percy  and  Lydia  (Casey) 
Jennings,  the  former  a  carpenter  of  Greene  county,  Pennsylvania,  where 
both  parents  passed  away.  Mrs.  Miller  came  to  Iowa  previous  to  her  mar- 
riage and  taught  for  some  time  in  the  schools  of  LTnionville  and  Moulton. 
She  died  in  1899,  leaving  two  children:  Mabel,  who  was  born  January 
2.  1882,  and  who  is  the  wife  of  Frederick  Koehler,  a  dairyman  of  Ratoon, 
Mexico;  and  Agnes,  who  was  born  September  18,  1883,  and  who  is  resid- 
ing at  home.  Mr.  Miller  is  one  of  the  well-known  and  prominent  citizens 
of  Unionville.  For  man}  years  he  has  taken  an  active  part  in  local  repub- 
lican politics  and  has  served  as  county  supervisor  and  as  state  representa- 
tive. He  is  a  member  of  the  blue  lodge  of  Masons,  and  his  religious  views 
are  in  accord  with  the  doctrines  ot  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  which 
direct  and  influence  the  activities  of  his  every-day  life.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hicks  has  been  born  a  son,  Claudius  R.,  whose  natal  da}'  was  December 
9.  1878,  and  who  is  at  present  acting  as  train  dispatcher  at  Cedar  Rapids, 
Iowa.  He  married  Miss  Annette  Hawn,  of  ^'inton.  and  the}'  have  two 
children,  Mildred  Maurice  and  Laura  Jeannette. 

Mr.  Hicks  is  a  devout  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  to 
wliiili   his   wife   also  l-)elongs.     He  is  conncircil   with    the   liluc    lodge  of 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  307 

Masons  and  stands  hi^h  both  in  business  and  social  circles,  tor  he  is  a 
man  who  commands  the  confidence  and  high  regard  of  all  with  wlioni  he 
is  brought  into  contact.  His  political  support  is  given  to  the  democratic 
j)artv  and  as  a  public-spirited  citizen  he  takes  a  commendable  interest  in 
the  welfare  and  growth  ot  the  comnuinity.  although  this  never  takes  the 
torm  ot  office  seeking. 


II.VKLKY  C.  MlANKLI.Y. 

Harley  C  Mc.\nrll\  whose  home  farm  is  an  excellent  tract  of  land  of 
three  hundred  and  tift)  acres  in  Franklin  township,  is  engaged  in  the  teeding 
and  -hipping  of  stock  in  connection  with  the  cultivation  ot  the  soil  and  is 
well  known  as  one  of  the  practical  and  progressive  agriculturists  of  his 
community.  There  is  a  valuable  deposit  of  coal  upon  a  portion  ot  his 
farm  and  of  late  years  he  has  been  giving  more  and  more  attention  to  the 
development  of  the  vein,  having  met  with  a  gratifying  degree  of  success 
in  hi-  mining  operations. 

Mr.  .McAnelly  is  a  native  of  Iowa,  born  in  Wayne  county,  June  23, 
1M7  V  He  was  reared  upon  liis  father's  farm  and  received  his  primar\  edu- 
cation in  the  district  .schools.  However,  he  is  largely  .self-educated,  hav- 
ing gained  the  greater  part  of  his  knowledge  through  reading,  experience 
and  observation  since  attaining  mature  years.  Mr.  McAnelly  began  his 
indepencient  career  by  purchasing  eighty  acres  ot  lain!  in  .\ppanoose  county, 
which  he  developed  for  three  years,  after  which  he  rented  out  the  place 
and  went  to  the  state  of  Washington,  where  he  purchased  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  and  engaged  in  general  tarming  tor  two  years.  When  he 
sold  his  Washington  property  he  returned  to  Iowa  and  settled  on  a  tariu 
in  Franklin  township,  this  county.  From  time  t,)  rime  lie  addiii  to  his 
original  tract  and  finally  acquired  three  hinulred  and  titty  acres,  u[)on 
which  he  made  substantial  improvements,  remodeling  the  residence  ami 
building  a  good  barn  and  outbuildings  and  making  it  in  all  respects  a  valu- 
able and  desirable  projjcrty.  Mr.  McAnelly  is  likewise  extensively  inter- 
ested in  stock-raising  and  has  met  with  much  success  with  his  standarci-bred 
horses  and  his  graded  cattle  and  hogs.  Of  late  years  he  has  given  special 
attention  to  the  development  of  the  rich  coal  deposits  which  underlie  a 
large  jwrtion  of  his  property  and  in  lyia  he  sunk  a  •-liatt  and  o|)rn(il  up 
a  coal  mine,  which  has  already  reached  a  dei)th  of  one  hundr<  d  and  sixty 
feet.  The  vein  is  rich,  varying  in  thickness  from  two  to  three  teet.  and  it 
adds  ver\-  materially  to  the  value  ot  the  property. 


308  HISTORY  Ol'   Ai'l'ANOOSE  COUNTY 

Mr.  McAnelly  married,  in  Wayne  county,  Iowa,  March  23,  1899,  Miss 
Hartie  Fortney,  a  native  of  Adair  county,  Missouri.  .She  received  her 
])rimary  education  in  the  district  .schools  of  that  section  and  was  later  grad- 
uated from  the  Kirksville  Normal  School.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McAnelly  have 
adoptetl  a  son,  Lawrence.  They  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  attending  Simpson  chapel.  Mr.  McAnelly  is  a  member  of  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  in  both  fraternal  and  social  relations 
has  won  and  merited  high  regard,  while  in  his  business  life  he  has  met  with 
well-deserved  prosperity. 


SETH  JOHNSON. 


Seth  Johnson  is  a  retired  farmer  living  at  Moravia.  He  has  passed  the 
seventy-fifth  milestone  on  life's  journey  and  his  has  been  an  active  and 
useful  life,  largely  devoted  to  general  agricultural  pursuits,  but  since  igoo 
he  has  engaged  in  no  business  although  he  is  still  the  owner  of  a  valuable 
farming  property  in  Franklin  township,  Monroe  county.  He  was  born  in 
West  Columbia,  Mason  county,  West  Virginia,  December  27,  1837,  his 
parents  being  James  and  Margaret  (Van  Meter)  Johnson.  The  father 
was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  vho  was  married  in  West  \'irginia,  which 
was  probably  the  native  state  ot  his  wife.  In  1852  he  came  with  his  fam- 
ily to  Iowa,  settling  five  miles  northwest  of  Moravia  in  Monroe  county. 
The  district  was  then  a  frontier  region,  the  work  of  civilization  and  devel- 
opment having  scarcely  been  begun  in  that  locality.  He  had  visited  the 
state  in  1848,  at  which  time  he  entered  land  from  the  government,  and  in 
1850  he  returned  and  built  a  house  upon  this  claim,  bringing  his  family  to 
the  new  home  in  April,  1852.  He  traveled  by  way  of  the  water  route  to 
Alexandria,  Missouri,  and  thence  drove  across  the  country  to  his  farm. 
He  and  his  wife  remained  upon  the  old  homestead  there  until  called  to 
their  final  rest.  Mr.  Johnson  gave  his  early  political  allegiance  to  the  whig 
party  and  following  its  dissolution  joined  the  ranks  of  the  new  republican 
party.  He  and  his  wife  held  membership  in  the  United  Brethren  church 
and  their  well  spent  lives  gaineti  tor  them  the  warm  regard  of  all  who 
knew  them.  In  their  family  were  nine  children,  all  born  in  West  \'irginia. 
One  of  the  number  died  in  infancy  while  the  other  eight  accompanied  their 
parents  to  Iowa.  There  were  six  .sons  and  the  surviving  members  ot  the 
family  are  Seth  and  his  brother,  W'illiam  H.  Johnson,  of  Moravia,  while 
a  sister,  Mrs.  Jane  Funkhouser,  of  \'alley,  Nebraska,  has  recenth  passed 
away. 


MK,    AM)    Mi;S.    SKIII    .liill\M)\ 


HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY  311 

Seth  Johnson  has  resided  in  this  county  since  1852,  arriving  here  when 
a  youth  of  fourteen  years.  The  experiences  of  his  early  life  were  those 
which  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farm  lad  as  he  assists  in  the  work  of  tilling  the 
fields  and  caring  for  the  crops.  He  shared  in  the  hardships  and  privations 
of  frontier  life  in  Iowa  and  when  he  started  out  in  business  on  his  own  ac- 
count it  was  to  continue  in  farm  work,  to  which  he  devoted  his  energies 
until  1900,  when  he  removed  to  Moravia.  He  was  an  active,  energetic 
farmer,  working  persistently  and  diligently  as  the  years  went  by  in  his 
efforts  to  develop  and  improve  his  fields  and  gather  therefrom  good  har- 
vests. While  he  left  the  farm  in  1900  to  take  up  his  abode  in  Moravia,  he 
is  still  the  owner  of  three  hundred  and  eighty  acres  situated  five  miles 
northwest  of  the  city  in  Franklin  township,  Monroe  count) .  This  place 
includes  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  which  was  formerly  owned  by  his 
father. 

On  Christmas  day,  1862.  Mr.  Johnson  was  married  to  Miss  Rebecca 
Catharine  Clodfelter,  who  was  born  in  Indiana,  September  17,  1838,  and 
came  to  Iowa  with  her  parents  in  1844.  She  was  a  daughter  of  William 
and  Malinda  (Miller)  Clodfelter.  who  drove  across  the  country  from  In- 
diana and  settled  north  of  Albia.  Iowa  was  still  under  territorial  form  of 
government  then  and  there  were  vast  unsettled  tracts  of  land  while  bands 
of  Indians  roamed  in  different  sections  of  the  state.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John- 
son traveled  life's  journey  happily  together  for  almost  forty-six  years,  be- 
ing separated  by  the  death  of  the  wife  on  the  27th  of  August,  1908.  Mr. 
Johnson  votes  with  the  republican  parr\  whirl)  h(  has  long  supported  but 
has  never  sought  nor  desired  office.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  United 
Brethren  church.  He  is  one  of  the  esteemed,  honored  citizens  of  Appa- 
noose county,  having  a  wide  acquaintance  in  this  part  of  the  state,  while 
his  good  qualities  have  gained  for  him  the  confidence  and  friendship  of 
those  with  whom  he  has  become  acquainted. 


NICHOLAS  \N  .  WILSON. 

Among  the  men  who  have  contributed  to  the  business,  agricultural  and 
political  development  of  Centerville  and  the  surrounding  country.  Nich- 
olas W.  Wilson  holds  a  high  place.  He  owns  eighty  acres  of  land  just 
outside  the  corporate  limits  of  the  village  and  is  there  carrying  on  a  mod- 
ern and  carefully  managed  agricultural  enterprise,  being  ranked  amonj: 
the  progressive  and  successful  farmers  of  this  locality.  In  addition  he  is 
doing  able  service  on  the  board  of  town.shij)  trustees,  his  official  activity 


312  HISTORY  Ol"  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

directly  intluencing  the  public  weltare.      in  all  ot   his  business  interests 
he  displays  keen  discernment,   energ\-  and  ambition  and  has,   therefore, 
advanced  step  by  step  to  prosperity.     He  was  born  in   Monroe  county, 
Indiana,  October  29,  1858,  and  is  a  son  ot  Christopher  and  Cynthia  Jane 
(Wilson)   Wilson,  natives  of  Kentucky,  of  Scotch  lineage.     The  father 
was  a  well  educated  and  broadly  cultured  man,  whose  keen  intelligence 
enabled  him  to  recognize  opportunities  and  whose  executive  force  enabled 
him  to  take  advantage  of  them.     He  was  successively  a  lawyer,  merchant 
and  farmer  in  Indiana,  where  he  removed  as  a  young  man.    For  some  time 
he  taught  in  the  public  schools  and  in  this  way  gained  sufficient  money 
to  defray   his  expenses   in   attending   State    University.      After   he   left 
Indiana  he  went  to  Iowa,  settling  there  before  the  state  was  admitted  into 
the  Union.     However,  he  did  not  remain  long,  returning  to  Indiana  after 
a  short  time.     At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  offered  his  services  to 
the  federal   government,  enlisting  at  Indianapolis  and  serving  for  three 
months.     After  his  discharge  he  went  to  Missouri  and  there  again  enlisted 
and  this  time  continued  at  the  front  almost  until  the  close  of  the  war, 
receiving  his  discharge  on  account  of  disability.     Atter  he  was  mustered 
out  he  located  in  Lewis  county,  Missouri,  and  opened  a  hotel  at  Monti- 
cello.     He  conducted  this  enterprise  successfully  for  some  time  but  aban- 
doned it  later  in  favor  of  farming.     In  1876  he  moved  to  Chariton,  Iowa, 
and  there  lived  a  retired  life,  passing  away  in   1874.     His  wife  died  in 
the  same  rear.     During  the  period  of  their  residence  in  this  state  their 
line  qualities  of  mind  and  character  gained  them  man}-  warm  friends  and 
they  were  ranked  with  the  leading  and  representative  citizens  of  the  com- 
munity. 

Nicholas  W.  W^ilson  was  still  a  child  when  his  father  settled  in  Lewis 
county,  Missouri,  and  his  education  was  acquired  in  the  public  schools 
of  that  section.  During  his  childhood  he  aided  in  the  operation  of  his 
father's  farm  and  continued  at  this  work  until  he  attained  his  majorit}-. 
His  training  at  farm  labor  was  comprehensive,  bringing  him  into  close 
touch  with  all  branches  of  agricultural  work,  so  that  his  practical  under- 
standing enables  him  today  to  direct  wisely  the  details  of  his  farm  opera- 
tions. When  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age  Mr.  Wilson  bought  land  in 
Lucas  county,  Iowa,  and  afterward  removed  to  Knox  county,  Missouri, 
where  he  followed  farming.  In  1902  he  came  to  .Appanoose  covmt>-  and 
located  at  Udell,  where  he  engaged  in  the  general  mercantile  business, 
conducting  in  addition  a  hardware  and  furniture  store  at  Kellogg.  .-After 
two  years  he  disposed  of  both  enterprises  and  bought  one  humlred  and 
twentv  acres  east  of  Udell,  giving  his  entire  attention  to  general  farming. 


niSTORV  OF  AI'I'ANOOSE  COUNTY  313 

In  1908  he  sold  the  property  and  purchased  eighty  acres  in  close  proximity 
to  the  village  limits  of  Centerville  and  he  has  since  remained  upon  this 
farm,  his  labors  being  attended  with  substantial  success.  Mr.  Wilson  has 
built  a  tine  modern  home  upon  his  property  and  has  made  other  impor- 
tant improvements  in  building  and  equipment.  By  close  application  and 
good  management  he  has  steadily  progressed  and  is  today  one  of  the  sub- 
stantial and  representative  citizens  of  this  part  of  the  state. 

Mr.  Wilson  has  been  twice  married.  On  the  14th  of  February,  1SS2, 
he  wedded  Miss  Nettie  Scovel,  who  passed  away  in  1897.  To  this  union 
were  born  six  children:  Pearl  E.,  who  passed  awa\-  at  the  age  of  one  year 
and  two  months;  Edith  M.,  formerly  a  teacher  in  Appanoo.se  county,  who 
is  now  attending  Dcs  Moines  College;  Amy  L.,  the  wife  of  E.  M.  Bishop, 
a  farmer  of  \'ermillion  township,  by  whom  she  has  two  children,  Mar- 
jorie  and  ^'ivian;  Xerric  Olive,  who  married  Ralph  Atkinson,  a  farmer  of 
Udell,  by  whom  she  has  two  children,  Ivan  and  Orene;  Delia/on  M.,  who 
is  aiding  in  the  operation  of  the  home  farm;  and  Adelia  J.,  the  wife  of 
Ernest  Paul  C'aylor,  a  farmer  of  Udell  township.  Mr.  Wilson  was  mar- 
ried for  the  second  time  in  i8q8,  in  which  year  he  wedded  Miss  .Anna 
Williams,  a  daughter  of  Parkcrson  and  Sarah  Jane  (Essex)  \\'illiams. 
the  former  a  native  of  Indiana,  of  Welsh  ancestry.  He  was  a  veteran  of 
the  Civil  war  and  afterward  one  of  the  prominent  farmers  of  this  part 
of  Iowa.  He  died  in  Chariton  in  iyi2.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  \\'ilson  hatl  three 
children:  Sterling  Harold,  who  was  born  April  4,  1900,  and  who  now 
attends  the  Wright  school  in  \Vrmillion  town.ship;  Sarah  Ruth,  who 
passed  awa}'  at  the  age  of  two  months;  and  Kenneth,  born  February  4, 
1907,  who  also  attends  the  Wright  school.  The  family  are  devout  mem- 
bers of  the  First  Baptist  church,  which  all  of  the  children  joined  before 
the\  were  ten  years  of  age,  some  of  them  having  been  converted  at  the 
family  altar.  Mr.  \\'iIson  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in  church 
work,  has  guidetl  his  life  by  its  principles  and  for  a  long  period  has  srrveil 
as"  deacon.  His  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Foreign  and  the  Ladies  Home 
Missionary  Societies.  Mr.  Wilson's  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the 
republican  part\  and  on  several  occasions  he  has  been  called  upon  to  serve 
in  local  offices.  He  was  assessor  in  Lucas  count),  Iowa,  for  two  terms 
and  also  clerk  of  his  township.  In  Chariton,  Iowa,  he  served  as  street 
conunissioner  and,  in  the  fail  of  1912.  was  elected  to  the  board  of  town- 
ship trustees  of  \'ermillion  township.  He  has  ever  manifested  a  deep  ami 
heljiful  interest  in  those  projects  which  are  of  vital  significance  to  the 
welfare  of  the  community  and  his  cooperation  in  them  has  been  beneficial 
ami  far  reaching.     Mr.  WiKon  belongs  to  the  Indcpemlenr  Onii-r  of  (VKl 


314  HISTORY  OF  AJ'J'AXUOSE  COUNTY 

Fellows  in  Udell  and  is  affiliated  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America, 
in  CVnterville.  His  course  has  at  all  times  conformed  to  the  highest  prin- 
ciples and  most  honorable  methods,  and  his  business  integrity  as  well  as 
his  prosperity  forms  a  fitting  crown  of  a  well  spent  life. 


ROLL  W.  SMITH. 


Roil  \V.  Smith,  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1900,  has  since  1906  engaged 
m  the  practice  of  law  and  from  1908  rilled  the  office  of  county  attor- 
ney, his  term  expiring  on  the  1st  of  January,  1913.  He  was  born  in 
Wayne  county,  Iowa,  in  April,  1874,  a  son  of  Thomas  M.  and  Amanda 
M.  (Joiner)  Smith,  who  were  natives  of  Illinois  and  Indiana,  respectively. 
The  father  became  a  resident  of  Wajne  county,  Iowa,  at  an  early  period 
m  Its  development  and  engaged  in  farming,  purchasing  and  improving 
a  tract  of  land  which  he  cultivated  for  many  years,  bringing  the  fields 
to  a  high  state  of  development.  He  finally  left  the  farm,  however,  and 
took  up  his  abode  in  Centerville,  where  he  engaged  in  the  lumber  busi- 
ness and,  extending  his  etforts,  he  conducted  a  yard  not  only  in  Centerville 
but  also  in  Mystic.  His  activities  in  this  direction  reached  large  propor- 
tions and  he  continued  in  the  business  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
September  4,  1901.  His  wife,  surviving  him  for  about  eight  years,  died 
November  1,  1909. 

Roll  W.  Smith  was  reared  and  educated  in  Centerville  and  after  com- 
pleting his  preliminary  education  in  the  public  schools,  accepted  a  posi- 
tion as  court  reporter.  He  followed  that  pursuit  for  twelve  years  and 
while  thus  engaged  his  interest  was  awakened  in  the  practice  of  law  and 
he  began  studying  with  the  purpose  of  one  day  following  the  profession. 
His  reading  was  pursued  under  the  direction  of  Judge  I->e  and  he  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  1900.  In  1906  he  entered  actively  upon  the  prac- 
tice of  law  in  Centerville  and  the  experience  which  he  had  alreadv  had 
in  the  work  of  the  courts  enabled  him  to  so  conduct  the  litigated  inter- 
ests entrusted  to  his  care  that  he  was  not  long  in  building  up  a  good 
practice.  In  1908  he  was  elected  county  attorney  for  a  four  years'  term 
and  in  the  office  has  made  an  excellent  record,  carefully  safeguarding  the 
leeal  interests  of  this  county.  In  1906  he  formed  a  partnership  with 
J.  M.  Wilson,  who  has  recently  been  elected  state  senator,  and  the  law 
firm  of  Wilson  &  Smith  has  since  occupied  a  prominent  place  in  the  legal 
circles  of  Appanoose  county. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COU'XTY  315 

In  September,  1895,  Mr.  Smith  was  niarrii-d  to  Miss  Nellie  Bryan, 
a  daughter  ot  D.  \N'.  and  Elizabeth  ( Hammock j  Bryan.  The  father 
was  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  on  coming  to  Appanoose  count}'  at  an 
early  day  secured  a  tract  ot  land  which  he  carefully  cultivated  and  im- 
proved tor  many  years.  At  one  time  he  tilled  the  office  of  county  recorder. 
Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  have  been  born  two  children,  Dorothy  and 
Marjor},  who  are  fifteen  and  twelve  }ears  of  age,  respectivel)-.  The  par- 
ents are  members  of  the  Methodist  church  and  .Mr.  Smith  belongs  to  the 
Masonic  lodge  and  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  In  [)olitics 
he  has  ever  been  a  republican  but  the  only  offices  he  has  held  have  been 
in  the  line  of  his  profession.  In  his  cho.sen  calling  his  progress  has  been 
continuous  and  enviable  and  it  is  well  known  to  the  public  and  his  col- 
leagues that  he  prepares  his  cases  with  great  thoroughness  and  care,  so 
that  his  presentation  in  the  court  is  clear  and  forcible.  Court  and  jury 
listen  to  him  with  attention  and  he  seldom  fails  to  win  the  verdict  desired. 


HARRY  S.  (tREEXEEAE 


Harry  S.  Greenleaf,  one  of  the  promising  young  attorneys  of  A[ii)a- 
noose  county,  is  practicing  his  profession  in  Centerville  as  junior  mem- 
ber of  the  law  firm  of  Porter  &  Greenleaf  and  is  also  serving  for  the  second 
term  as  city  solicitor.  His  birth  occurred  at  Unionville,  this  county,  on 
the  10th  of  July,  1881,  his  parents  being  Stejihen  and  Mary  Lillian  (Saw- 
yers) Greenleaf,  who  came  of  Scotch-Irish  lineage.  The  father  was  born 
at  Bloomtield,  Iowa,  on  the  24th  of  June,  i8>3,  a  son  of  Dr.  Daniel  C. 
and  Amanda  C.  (Young)  Greenleaf.  Dr.  Daniel  C.  Greenleaf,  a  native 
of  Indiana,  was  a  physician  and  surgeon  by  profession  and  served  as  such 
during  the  period  of  the  Civil  war. 

Stephen  Greenleaf,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was  graduated  from  the 
Kentucky  Medical  College  of  Louisville  in  1876  and  studied  for  a  time  at 
Mi)iinr  Pleasant,  Iowa.  It  was  in  Bloomtield,  Iowa,  rhar  he  began  the 
practice  of  medicine  and  surgery,  while  subsec]uentl)  he  ojiened  an  olfice  at 
.Ash  Grove.  At  the  time  of  his  demise,  which  occurred  in  1886.  he  was  a 
resident  physician  of  Milton,  Iowa.  It  was  on  the  28th  of  September, 
1876,  at  I'nionville,  Appanoo.se  county,  that  he  wedded  Miss  Mary  Lillian 
Sawyers,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  S.  H.  and  Mary  F.  (Miller)  Sawyers,  both 
of  whom  were  natives  of  Tennessee.  She  was  a  maiden  of  fourteen  when 
her  parents  established  their  home  in  I'nionville.  Her  father  was  one 
of  the  pioneer  physicians  and  surgeons  of  this  county,  practicing  his  pro- 


316  HISTORY  OF  AiT'AXOOSE  COUXTV 

tession  at  Iconium  and  Milledgeville  before  he  located  in  Unionville, 
where  his  death  occurred  in  1892.  His  widow  lives  in  Centerville  with 
her  daughter,  Mrs.  George  Barnett. 

Harry  S.  Greenleat  completed  the  public-school  course  in  Unionville 
in  1899  and  then  entered  Parsons  Academy  at  Fairfield,  while  subse- 
quently he  continued  his  studies  in  Parsons  College,  being  graduated  from 
that  institution  in  the  spring  of  1905  with  the  degree  ot  B.  S.  Having 
determined  upon  the  practice  of  law  as  a  life  work,  he  tlun  went  to  Iowa 
City,  entered  the  College  of  Law  of  the  State  University  of  Iowa  and 
won  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  in  1908.  He  then  came  to  Centerville  and  one 
month  after  the  date  of  his  graduation  entered  the  law  office  of  the  Hon. 
Claude  R.  Porter  as  junior  member  of  the  firm  of  Porter  &  Greenleat",  in 
which  connection  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  general  practice.  At  no 
time  has  his  reading  ever  been  confined  to  the  limitation  of  the  questions 
at  issue.  It  has  gone  be}  ond  and  compassed  every  contingency  and  pro- 
vided not  alone  for  the  expected  but  for  the  unexpected,  which  happens 
in  the  courts  quite  as  frequent!}"  as  out  of  them.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
bar  association  of  this  count}-  and  enjoys  an  enviable  reputation  as  an 
able  representative  of  his  profession. 

In  politics  Mr.  Greenleaf  is  a  republican.  He  was  elected  city  solicitor 
of  Centerville  in  1909,  and  being  reelected  in  1911,  is  serving  in  that 
capacity.  His  religious  faith  is  indicated  by  his  membership  in  the  Pres- 
byterian church,  while  fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Yeomen  of 
Centerville.  He  resides  with  his  mother  in  an  attractive  home  at  Xo.  416 
South  Fifteenth  street. 


JESSE  M.  BECK. 


Jesse  M.  Beck,  senior  partner  of  the  firm  of  Beck  &  Needham,  has  not 
only  been  active  and  successful  in  developing  and  promoting  the  interests 
of  the  lowegian  Printing  Company,  publishers  ot  one  ot  the  leading  papers 
of  the  southern  part  of  the  state,  but  has  also  proven  a  valued  cooperant 
factor  in  the  conduct  of  other  interests  and  business  enterprises  that  con- 
stitute important  features  in  the  upbuilding  and  prosperit}-  of  the  state. 
He  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Keokuk  county,  near  the  Mahaska  and  Wapello 
county  lines,  November  8,  1873.  His  father,  George  \^'.  Beck,  born  in. 
Hocking  county,  Ohio,  December  13,  1842,  was  a  son  of  David  Beck,  a 
native  of  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  whence  he  came  to  America  in  183;. 
Sixteen  years  later  or  in   18^1    David  Beck  removed  witli  his  faniil}    to 


HISTORY  Ol-  Al'l'AxVOOSE  COUXTV  317 

Mahaska  county,  Iowa,  and  sincr  that  time  George  W.  Beck  has  been  a 
resident  of  Mahaska,  Keokuk  or  Wapello  counties.  About  1875  the  latter 
removed  to  a  farm  in  Wapello  county,  eight  miles  north  of  Ottumwa,  and 
as  his  financial  resources  increased  he  extended  tin-  boundaries  of  his  place 
from  time  to  time  until  it  now  comprises  four  hundred  acres.  He  con- 
tinuously cultivated  the  place  until  he  retired  from  active  business  life, 
establishing  his  home  in  Fremont,  Mahaska  county,  where  he  now  resides. 
In  early  manhood  he  wedded  Lottie  McFail,  a  daii^'hter  of  Gideon  B.  and 
Mary  (Xewsome)  McFall,  who  came  to  Iowa  from  Indiana  in  1846. 
Mrs.  Beck  was  born  in  Mahaska  county,  near  Fremont.  April  2^.  1849. 

In  the  district  schools  Jesse  M.  Beck  bepm  lii^  ctlucation  and  supple- 
mented his  early  studies  by  preparatory  college  work  in  Ptnn  College  at 
Oskaloosa,  Iowa,  and  b)  a  collegiate  course  in  the  Iowa  W'esieyan  College 
at  Mount  Pleasant,  trom  which  he  was  graduated  in  l8yy  with  the  degree 
of  Bachelor  of  Science.  Throughout  this  entire  period  from  1875  he  had 
lived  on  the  old  homestead  farm  with  his  parents  and  for  one  year  ere 
com[)Iering  his  college  course  he  engaged  in  teaching.  Following  his 
graduation  he  left  the  farm  and  did  reportorial  work  on  the  Ottumwa 
Courier  for  a  short  time  in  1900,  and  later  on  the  Muscatine  Journal,  of 
which  he  became  managing  editor  in  1901  ;ind  so  continucti  until  March. 
1903.  At  that  date  he  was  joincii  by  John  R.  Needham,  of  Sigourney.  in 
the  purchase  ot  the  CentervilJe  lowegian.  of  which  Mr.  Beck  became  and 
has  since  remained  editor.  Ihe  tirm  has  [)rospered  in  the  conduct  ot  the 
business  ot  the  lowegian  Printing  Company.  The  circulation  of  the  paper 
has  grown  to  thirt\ -eight  hundrcil  and  riie  departments  of  the  business  have 
increased  very  materialh.  Moreover,  the  firm  has  given  financial  support 
to  various  Centerville  enterprises,  being  liberal  sub.scribers  to  the  Mystic 
Interurban  railroad,  becoming  stockholders  in  the  Centerville  Savings  Bank 
on  its  organization  and  also  of  the  Gypsum  Company  \\  Inch  is  now  develop- 
ing an  important  industr}'.  Furthermore,  they  ha\c  become  owners  of  a 
choice  business  lot  on  which  they  are  contemplatinu'  the  erection  of  a  new 
building  soon,  aild  they  also  own  a  tarm  ot  (uic  hutnlred  and  sixt}'  acres  in 
Walnut  and  Chariton  townships. 

On  the  11th  of  September,  1901.  in  Sigourney.  Iowa.  Mr.  Beck  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  F.dna  Paviline  Xeedham.  a  daughter  of  .Mr.  and 
Mrs.  William  H.  Xeedham.  Her  tather  was  formerly  connected  with  the 
publication  ot  the  Oskaloosa  Herald  and  later  was  owner  and  editor  of  the 
Sigourney  News.  He  Iikewi.se  served  as  postmaster  of  Sigourne}  for 
.some  time  and  during  the  Civil  war  was  a  member  of  the  Twenty-seconil 
Iowa  Cavalry  Regiment  in  which  he  became  a  lieutenant.  Mrs.  Beck 
pos.sesses  natural   musical   talent-  which   have  b<cn  iu!fi\atetl   b\    studv. 


318  ?iisTf)RV  OF  .\pr.\xonsE  rnuxTv 

being  a  graduate  of  rhc  Iowa  Wesleyan  Conservatory  at  Mount  Pleasant, 
of  the  class  of  1899.  She  takes  an  active  interest  in  club  work,  beinj^ 
a  member  of  the  P.  E.  O.  Society,  the  VVednesda}-  Club  and  the  M.  X.  L. 
Society.  Mi',  and  Mrs.  Beck  have  two  sons,  Haroki  Xeedha'm  and  Paul 
Ralph,  aged  respectively  eight  and  five  jears. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  Methodist  church,  active  and  help- 
ful in  its  work,  Mr.  Beck  serving  as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school 
and  as  chairman  of  the  board  of  stewards.  He  was  a  delegate  from  the 
Iowa  conference  in  1912  to  the  general  conference  of  the  church  in  Min- 
neapolis which  meets  once  in  four  years  to  legislate  for  the  church  and 
elect  its  bishops  and  leading  officials.  His  fraternal  relations  are  with 
the  Masons  and  his  political  support  is  given  to  the  republican  party. 
He  is  a  believer  in  its  principles,  in  its  past  record,  in  its  {^resent  ability 
to  meet  the  problems  of  the  day  and  in  its  future  possibilities  for  pro- 
moting good  government.  He  stands  as  a  stanch  and  helpful  advocate 
of  various  projects  and  measures  which  have  contributed  to  the  welfare 
and  upbuilding  of  Centerville.  He  was  a  director  of  the  Commercial 
Club  and  later  of  the  Booster  committee.  He  was  secretary  of  the  Chau- 
tauqua during  its  entire  existence  of  six  years,  was  a  member  ot  the  school 
board  for  three  years  and  is  president  of  the  Drake  Free  Public  Librar}- 
board.  A  spirit  of  progress  actuates  him  in  all  that  he  does  and  while  work- 
ing toward  high  ideals  he  utilizes  practical  methods  in  their  attainment. 


MILES  BATEMAN. 


Miles  Bateman  is  a  prominent  and  well  known  representative  of  man- 
ufacturing interests  in  Centerville,  his  success  having  come  to  him  as 
the  direct  and  logical  result  of  unfaltering  enterprise  and  industry  guided 
by  sound  judgment.  He  was  born  in  England  in  November,  1855,  his 
parents  being  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Askew)  Bateman!  who  were  also 
natives  of  the  same  country.  The  father  was  a  farmer  and  always  fol- 
lowed agricultural  pursuits  in  England.  He  represented  one  of  the  old 
families  of  his  county,  his  ancestors  having  occupied  one  house  upon  the 
old  homestead  farm  for  three  hundred  years.  There  Thomas  Bateman 
passed  awav  in  1870,  having  for  five  years  survived  his  wife,  whose  death 
occurred  in   186  J. 

Miles  Bateman  remained  a  resident  of  England  until  fifteen  years  of 
age  and  during  that  period  pursued  a  public-school  education.  He  then 
crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  new  worUl  and,  settling  in  Omaha,  where  he 


.Mll.KS   l'..\  TKMAN 


HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY  321 

had  relatives,  learned  the  moulder's  trade.  Desirous  for  a  better  educa- 
tion that  should  further  quality  him  for  the  responsibilities  and  duties 
of  life  he  attended  ni^ht  school  during  that  period.  He  remained  in 
Omaha  for  rive  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  England,  where  lie  con- 
tinued to  live  for  three  years.  Once  more,  however,  he  came  to  the  new 
world,  this  time  settling  in  Moline,  Illinois,  where  he  entered  the  employ 
of  the  John  Deere  Plow  Company,  working  at  his  trade  in  their  factory 
for  a  \ear.  He  was  afterward  employed  in  various  places  until  188^, 
when  he  came  to  Centerville  and  secureti  a  position  as  foreman  in  the 
Kirchman  foundry.  He  served  in  that  capacity  for  six  years,  after  which 
he  engaged  in  business  on  his  own  account  in  connection  with  B.  A.  Fuller, 
conducting  a  foundry  and  machine  shop.  This  was  successfully  carried 
on  for  four  }cars,  at  the  end  of  which  time  Mr.  Bateman  disposed  of  his 
interest  to  his  partner.  He  then  went  to  Lone  Tree,  Iowa,  where  he  organ- 
ized a  business  that  is  now  conducted  under  the  name  of  the  Zimmerman 
Steel  Company.  He  was  in  active  connection  therewith  for  three  years 
and  on  selling  out  returned  to  Centerville,  where  he  again  became  a  part- 
ner of  Mr.  Fuller,  organizing  the  Hercules  Manufacturing  Compan_\  for 
the  manufacture  of  stump  pullers.  The  business  has  since  been  incorpo- 
rated and  they  are  now  controlling  the  largest  stump-pulling  and  land- 
clearing  machinery  plant  in  the  world,  their  output  being  sent  to  all 
parts  of  the  countr}.  Mr.  Fuller  is  president  and  treasurer  of  the  com- 
pany with  Mr.  Bateman  as  vice  president.  The  plant  is  splendidly 
equipped  with  the  latest  improved  machinery  needed  in  their  work  and 
the  business  is  growing  steadily  year  by  year,  Mr.  Bateman's  practical 
knowledge  of  mechanics  as  well  as  his  business  experience  constituting 
an  important  factor  in  its  success.  In  addition  to  his  manufacturing 
interests  Mr.  Bateman  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Centerville  Gypsum 
Company  and  is  the  owner  of  considerable  valuable  real  estate  here, 
including  a  fine  home  at  No.  423  Bank  street. 

In  June,  1881.  Mr.  Bateman  was  married  to  Miss  Florence  Lindsa}-, 
a  daughter  of  Mace  and  Elizabeth  Lindsay,  who  were  natives  of  Ohio. 
In  1868  the  father  came  to  this  state,  settling  at  Oskaloosa,  where  he 
worked  at  the  blacksmith's  trade,  continumg  to  make  his  home  in  that 
city  until  his  death  in  1872.  His  widow  is  still  residing  there.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Bateman  have  three  children:  George,  twenty-nine  years  of  age,  who 
is  a  mouUler  by  trade  emplo\ed  by  the  Wcstinghouse  Electric  Comjian\' 
at  Cleveland.  Ohio;  Harold,  twenty-seven  years  of  age.  who  is  a  locomo- 
tive engineer  running  west  out  of  Rock  Island,  Illinois;  and  Walter. 
twenty-two  years  of  age,  a  student  in  the  State  ITniversity  at  Iowa  City. 

Mr.  Bateman  votes  with  the  democratic  party  and  keeps  well  informed 


322  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

on  the  issues  and  questions  ot  the  day  but  does  not  seek  not  desire  office. 
His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church  and  he  is  always  loyal 
to  its  teachings.  He  came  to  the  new  world  practically  empty-handed, 
his  capital  consisting  mostly  of  courage  and  determination;  but  upon  those 
qualities  he  has  builded  his  success  and  although  the  way  has  at  times 
seemed  hard,  he  has  gradualh  advanced  along  the  path  of  prosperity 
until  he  now  occupies  an  enviable  position. 


GEORGE  GLADFELDER. 

By  reason  of  a  life  of  useful  and  worthy  labor  along  progressive  lines, 
influenced  by  high  standards  of  integrit\  and  honor,  George  Gladfelder 
has  gained  the  unqualified  respect  and  esteem  of  all  with  whom  he  has 
been  associated.  Moreover,  he  has  another  claim  to  a  place  in  the  public 
regard,  for  his  name  stands  high  on  the  long  list  of  men  who  fifty  years 
ago  sacrificed  their  personal  interests  in  order  to  serve  their  country  during 
the  dark  days  of  the  Civil  war.  Mr.  Gladfelder  is  a  native  of  Ohio,  born 
in  Noble  county,  July  25,  1836,  and  is  a  son  of  William  and  Mary  (Cline) 
Gladfelder,  the  former  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  latter  ot  \'ir- 
ginia.  Their  marriage  occurred  in  Ohio,  to  which  state  both  had  removed 
in  childhood.  The  father  was  a  carpenter  by  trade  and  attained  a  fair 
degree  of  success  in  this  occupation  until  1853,  when  he  left  Ohio  and 
came  to  Iowa,  purchasing  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Chariton 
township,  Appanoose  county,  upon  which  he  resided  until  his  death  in 
1881.     His  wife  survived  him  for  some  time,  passing  away  in  1888. 

George  Gladfelder  was  reared  at  home  and  acquired  his  education  in 
the  public  schools.  As  a  youth  he  learned  the  carpenter's  trade  under  his 
father's  instruction  and  at  the  age  of  twenty  began  his  independent  career. 
He  worked  at  carpentering  until  one  year  after  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil 
war,  enlisting  on  August  27,  1862,  in  Company  C.  Thirty-sixth  Imva  Vol- 
unteer  Infantry.  He  served  with  courage  and  abilit)  until  the  close  of 
hostilities  and  received  his  honorable  discharge  at  Duval  1  Bluff.  .Arkansas, 
on  the  24th  of  August,  i86v  He  arrived  at  his  home  in  Iowa  on  .Septem- 
ber 11,  of  the  same  year,  and  resumed  carpentering  and  building  work. 
in  which  he  continued  until  18S1.  meeting  with  a  gratifying  degree  of 
success.  Mr.  Gladfelder  has  a  record  of  thirt)-  years'  activity  in  this  occu- 
pation, his  work  being  interrupted  only  by  his  period  of  military  service. 
In  1872  he  bought  from  the  heirs  their  interest  in  the  estate  of  his  tather- 
in-Iaw's  farm,  upon  which  he  has  made  his  residence  since  that  time,  and 


lilSTURV  Ul'   Al'l'AXOOSE  COUNTY  323 

has  given  his  attention  to  its  further  development,  nieetin<i  with  the  suc- 
cess which  always  attends  earnest  and  well-directed  labor. 

In  1861  Mr.  Gladtelder  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Tamsey  J. 
Callen,  a  daughter  of  Edward  Callen,  who  came  to  Appanoose  county 
from  Tennessee  in  1842.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gladtelder  became  the  parents 
of  three  children:  George  R.,  who  has  passed  away;  Brittle,  the  wife  of 
C  C.  Phillips,  ot  .Appanoose  county;  and  Harry  C,  who  makes  his  home 
in  Omaha,  Nebraska.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gladtelder  are  devout  adherents  ot 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  Mr.  Gladtelder  is  a  mcnilier  ot  rlie 
board  of  trustees.  He  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and 
for  four  years  served  as  assessor,  discharging  his  official  duties  in  an  able 
and  conscientious  manner.  He  is  especially  interested  in  educational 
affairs  and  has  a  record  of  twenr\-rhree  years'  continuous  service  as  sec- 
retary of  the  school  board.  He  keeps  in  touch  with  his  comrades  of  fifty 
)ears  ago  through  his  membership  in  the  Samuel  Sumner  Post,  Xo.  398, 
G.  A.  R.,  of  which  he  has  served  two  terms  as  commander  and  is  now  in 
his  tenth  year  as  adjutant.  Mr.  Gladtelder  has  passed  the  seventy-sixth 
milestone  on  life's  journey  and  can  look  b.uk  upon  man\'  years  of  active, 
worthy  and  u.seful  work.  His  fellow  citizens  esteem  and  resjiect  him  as 
a  man  whose  labors  have  been  a  powerful  force  in  develo[)menr  and  whose 
life  has  been  made  successful  by  reason  of  talent  and  ability,  given  to 
honorable  cau.ses  and  never  unworrhih   used. 


CHARLES  ALBERT  HORNADAY. 

No  history  of  .Apiianoose  coimty  would  be  complete  w'ithout  a  review 
of  the  career  of  Charles  Albert  Hornada) ,  one  ot  the  founders  of  the  town 
of  Udell  and  since  its  organization  one  of  the  greatest  individual  forces 
in  its  continued  dcvclopniciir.  ad\  amcnunr  ami  growth.  He  is  in  ;uidi- 
tion  one  of  the  prominent  and  iniportant  farmers  and  stock-raisers  in  his 
rown>hi[),  when-  he  owns  one  huntlred  and  sixty  acres  ot  well  improved 
land  on  section  18,  and  by  his  progressive  method.s,  his  scientific  work  and 
his  well-de.served  .success  has  constituted  himself  a  powerful  factor  in 
agricultural  circles.  .Appanoose  county  numbers  liim  among  her  native 
sons,  for  his  birth  occurred  in  Washington  rownshi|),  January  27,  186^ 
his  [)arents  being  Elisha  and  Emily  C.  Hornaday,  natives  of  Hendricks 
county,  Indiana.  But  little  is  known  of  the  earlier  history  of  this  family 
be\()nd  the  fact  that  the  first  rcpre.sentatives  probably  came  from  Inland. 
In  addition  to  the  members  ot  the  taniil\   now  living  in  .\ppanoo.se  county 


324  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

there  is  anorlur  branch  at  Fort  Scott,  Kansas,  to  which  Grant  C.  Horna- 
day  belongs,  and  another  at  Keokuk,  Iowa,  where  Calvin  Hornada)-  re- 
sides. Another  member  of  this  family,  William  T.  Hornaday,  is  manager 
of  the  National  Zoological  Park  at  New  York  City. 

Charles  A.  Hornaday  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  Appanoose  county  and  afterward  attended  Oskaloosa  College  in  Oska- 
loosa,  Iowa,  for  three  years.  He  began  his  independent  career  by  teach- 
ing school,  in  which  occupation  he  engaged  for  seven  terms,  after  which 
he  took  up  his  residence  on  his  present  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  on  section  18,  I 'dell  township,  and  engaged  in  general  agricultural 
pursuits  and  stock-raising.  Both  branches  of  his  business  prospered  ex- 
tensively under  his  able  management  and  in  1903  he  added  to  his  activities 
by  becoming  interested  in  the  seed  business,  which  now  forms  one  of  his 
most  important  interests.  He  is  progressive,  modern  and  practical  in  all 
that  he  does  and  in  consequence  his  efforts  have  been  rewarded  by  gratify- 
ing prosperity,  his  success  placing  him  today  among  the  men  of  marked 
ability  and  substantial  worth  in  this  part  of  the  state. 

During  the  entire  period  of  his  active  career  Mr.  Hornaday  has  been 
prominent  in  all  movements  which  had  for  f:heir  object  the  further  develop- 
ment, improvement  and  upbuilding  of  this  section  and  he  has  figured 
influentially  in  all  progressive  public  enterprises.  He  was  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  thriving  little  town  of  Udell  and  was  largely  instrumental 
in  inducing  the  Rock  Island  Railroad  to  build  and  maintain  a  station 
here.  He  represented  the  citizens  of  his  district  before  the  board  of  rail- 
road commissioners  of  the  state  at  a  hearing  at  Udell,  January  31,  1894, 
appearing  against  Mr.  Brayton,  who  represented  the  Rock  Island  Rail- 
road. Important  testimony  was  introduced  by  other  leading  citizens, 
among  whom  were  J.  J.  Wall,  D.  W.  Bean.  J.  B.  Stuckey,  James  Mc- 
Donald, John  B.  Powell  and  A.  H.  Stuckey,  and  after  all  the  evidence 
had  been  heard  the  board  decided  that  it  was  the  duty  of  the  Rock  Island 
Railroad  to  provide  reasonable  shipping  facilities  to  the  section  of  Appa- 
noose county  surrounding  Udell  and  that  a  new  town  be  founded,  where 
the  road  should  build  a  depot,  provide  an  agent  and  install  sidetracks  and 
stock  yards.  From  this  beginning  the  flourishing  community  of  Udell 
has  grown  and  has  advanced  rapidly,  taking  high  rank  toda}-  among  other 
towns  of  similar  size  in  point  of  extent  of  shipments  of  live  stock,  grain 
and  seeds,  especially  timothy  seed. 

On  the  17th  of  March,  1889,  Mr.  Hornaday  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Irene  D.  Caylor,  a  daughter  of  William  Caylor.  of  Udell  town- 
ship. To  this  vmion  were  born  three  children:  William  Le  Roy.  whose 
birth  occurred  January  6,  1890;  Charles  A.,  born  .\ugust  18,  1891;  and 


HISTORY  OF  Al'PAXOOSE  COUNTY  325 

Bonnie  Lee,  who  was  born  February  12,  1893,  and  who  on  Marcli  17, 
1912,  married  Fay  Cleo  Staly,  a  son  ot  Chiy  Staly,  ot  Dou<:his  township. 
Mr.  Hornada}'s  first  wife  passed  away  on  the  20th  ot  Februar)-,  1894, 
and  on  Sej)tember  9,  1896,  he  was  again  wedded.  His  second  union  was 
with  Miss  Nellie  B.  McConnell,  a  daughter  ot  V.  P.  McConnell,  of  Udell 
township.  They  became  the  parents  ot  tour  children:  Homer  Preston, 
who.se  birth  occurred  June  30,  1897;  Finley  Leedom,  born  May  29,  1900; 
Irnia  Sadie,  whose  birth  occurred  January  5,  1903;  and  Olive  \'ega.  born 
Jul}-   1,   1907. 

Mr.  Hornaday  is  a  devout  and  active  member  ot  the  Christian  church 
and  has  served  as  its  trustee  tor  ten  years.  He  has  tor  a  long  time  taken 
an  important  part  in  Sunday  school  work  and  at  ditTerent  periods  has 
taught  classes  and  served  tor  three  years  as  superintendent  of  the  Bible 
school.  He  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and  is  active  in 
local  atfairs,  having  served  as  school  treasurer  continuously  for  over 
twenty  years.  He  is  always  ready  to  do  his  part  in  advancing  the  inter- 
ests of  the  county  along  many  lines  of  development  and  upbuilding  and 
gives  his  hearty  cooperation  to  movements  tor  the  good  of  I'dcll  and  the 
surrounding  district.  He  holds  a  high  place  among  progressive  and  suc- 
cessful men,  for  his  enterprise,  indefatigable  energ}'  and  business  probity 
are  the  salient  features  in  his  career. 


ALEXANDKU   MITCHELL. 

Scotland  has  sent  many  of  her  sons  into  various  sections  ot  the  world 
to  become  factors  in  the  colonization  and  the  later  development  and  prog- 
ress of  the  districts  with  which  they  become  identified.  Among  the  sons 
of  Scotland  who  have  been  residents  of  Appanoose  count}'  was  Alexander 
Mitchell,  now  deceased.  He  was  born  in  the  land  of  hills  and  heather 
in  1855,  his  parents  being  Alexander  and  Mary  Mitchell,  also  natives  of 
Scotland.  The  father  was  a  grocer  in  the  old  country,  conducting  a  store 
there  throughout  his  entire  lite.    Both  he  and  his  wite  died  in  Scotland. 

Alexander  Mitchell  was  reared  and  etiucated  in  that  country  and  in 
early  lite  began  mining  coal.  He  wa>  niarrieti  to  Miss  Margaret  McFee, 
a  daughter  ot  Alexander  McF^ee,  a  native  of  Scotland,  in  which  country 
he  spent  his  entire  lite.  .Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mitchell  began  housekeeping  in 
their  native  country  and  there  remained  until  after  the  birth  of  five  of 
their  children,  when  in  1881  they  came  to  the  new  world,  settling  first 
in  Lucas  county.   Iowa,   where   the  father  engaged   in  coal    mining.      In 


326  HISTORY  OI'  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

1889  he  rniiovcd  to  CVntcrvillc,  where  he  resided  until  hi^  dcarh.  He  was 
connected  with  coal-mining  interests  thr()u},'h()\it  the  entire  periotl  ot  his 
residence  in  the  new  world  and  atter  coming  to  Appanoose  county  he  also 
engaged  in  farming  for  some  time.  Industry  and  enterprise  were  num- 
bered among  his  salient  characteristics  and  constituted  the  foundation 
upon  which  he  huildetl  his  prosperit}'. 

Mr.  antl  Mrs.  Mitchell  became  the  parents  ot  nine  children,  namely: 
Alexander;  Christina,  deceased;  James;  Frank;  Charles;  .Andrew;  Eli'/.a- 
beth;  John;  and  William.  Andrew  Mitchell  was  born  in  Lucas  county, 
Iowa,  in  1884,  and  is  now  engaged  in  the  butchering  business  at  No. 
1012  South  Eighteenth  street  in  Centervillc.  He  has  a  well-equipped 
meat  market  and  enjo}s  a  large  and  growing  patronage.  The  family 
circle  was  broken  by  the  hand  of  death  when  in  igo2  Alexander  Mitchell, 
St.,  passed  away  at  the  age  of  fifty-seven  }ears.  His  widow  survives  and 
is  fifty-seven  years  of  age.  She  owns  and  occupies  a  fine  home  at  No. 
1008  South  Eighteenth  street.  Mr.  Mitchell  voted  with  the  republican 
part)-  but  never  sought  the  honors  and  emoluments  of  office  as  a  reward 
for  party  fealty.  However,  he  kept  well  informed  on  the  questions  and 
issues  of  the  day  and  never  neglected  his  duties  of  citizenship.  Religiously 
he  was  identified  with  the  sect  known  as  Believers,  of  which  Mrs.  Mitchell 
is  also  a  member.  He  possessed  many  of  the  sterling  characteristics  of 
the  sons  of  Scotland,  including  that  thrift  which  manifests  itself  in  care- 
ful management,  and  wherever  he  went  he  won  th*"  friendly  regard  of  all. 


ANDREW  J.  SHOl  LTZ. 

Andrew  J.  Shoultz  is  one  of  the  prosperous  farmers  and  progressive 
business  men  of  Franklin  township,  where  he  owns  and  operates  a  well 
improved  and  valuable  farm  of  two  hundred  and  twent}-five  acres.  The 
larger  portion  of  this  property  has  been  in  possession  of  members  of  the 
Shoult/  tamilx  tor  nunn  years  ami  is  known  throughout  .\ppanoose 
county  as  the  Washington  Shoultz  homestead.  He  was  born  in  Franklin 
township,  November  1.  i86v  ;ind  is  a  son  of  Marion  Shoultz,  a  native  ot 
Indiana,  who  came  to  Iowa  with  his  fattier  in  18^0.  The  grandfather 
of  our  subject  accjuireil  soldiers"  warrants  tor  tour  huntlreil  and  twenty 
acres  of  land  in  Franklin  to\\n>hip  antl  broke  the  soil  and  developed  a 
profitable  ami  productive  farm,  upon  which  M;irion  Shoviltz  grew  to 
manhood.  He  became  one  of  the  substantial  men  of  the  locality  and  was 
greatly  respected  b\  ;ill  who  knew  him.     In   1864  he  married  Miss  Mar- 


HISTORY  OK  Al'I'AXOOSE  COUM  N  327 

garct  Pcastcr,  a  native  ot  Gcrnianx,  and  to  them  were  born  tour  cliildren: 
Andrew  J.;  Jackson  A.,  who  died  in  infancy;  Jacob;  and  Mary. 

Amlrcw  J.  Shoiiltz  \\a>  reared  m  the  home  ot  his  uneh-  ami  aunt,  in 
Franklin  rownshi{),  and  acquired  his  education  in  the  district  schools.  His 
uncle  died  in  188 1  and  he  continued  to  live  with  his  aunt  until  the  latter 
also  passed  awa}'.  His  a<.i\anta^es  alon^  educational  lines  were  very  lim- 
ited and  although  he  is  t()da\  a  \\ell-int()rmc(.l  man.  most  ot  lus  culture 
has  come  b}-  wide  readin<^  and  close  observation.  When  nor  engaged  with 
his  books  he  aided  in  the  operation  of  his  aunt's  farm  and  after  her  death 
inlierited  the  one  hundred  acres  upon  which  he  lives.  He  also  tell  heir 
to  a  forty-acre  tract  given  him  by  his  uncle  and  later  he  bought  out  his 
lister's  and  brother's  share  ot  his  father's  farm  and  has  now  combined 
the  holdings  info  one  tract  ot  two  hundretl  ami  twent\-h\-e  acres. 
'Ilie  buildings  alreatl}  upon  the  pr()[)erry  lie  repaired  ami  remoiieled. 
erected  new  ones,  built  a  modern  home  and  a  tine  stable  and  in  manj 
other  wa}s  made  substantial  improvements.  He  has  a  number  of  acres 
planted  in  orchard  and  is  in  addition  cxtensivelv  interested  in  stock  breed- 
ing,  keeping  fine  thoroughbred  Shorthorn  cattle,  good  horses  and  hogs. 
His  tarm  is  neat  and  attractive  in  a[)pearance  and  in  all  ot  its  details 
evidences  the  thorough  care  and  supervision  which  Mr.  Shoultz  has 
bestowed  upon  it  for  man\  years.  Of  late  years  he  has  rented  out  a  large 
portion  of  his  farm  and  employs  the  leisure  time  thus  obtained  in  looking 
after  the  repairs  and  improvements. 

Mr.  Shoultz  is  a  stanch  democrat  on  all  national  issues  but  casts  an 
mdependent  ballot  on  local  questions.  He  is  a  member  of  Seymour  Lodge, 
No.  35?..  I.  O.  ().  I'".,  and  has  served  in  all  the  chairs  ot  that  organiza- 
tion, being  a  past  grand.  He  is  recognized  throughout  Appanoose  count}' 
as  one  of  its  representative  agriculturists  and  progressive  citizens,  whose 
labors  have  proven  beneficial  and  effective  in  the  upbuilding  and  develop- 
ment of  this  section  of  the  state. 


FOSTER  C.   MOlUxAN. 

Foster  C.  Morgan  has  for  the  past  six  \cars  been  successtully  engaged 
in  the  drug  business  at  C'enterville,  being  associated  with  Kverett  O.  Mo.ss 
in  the  conduct  of  the  Continental  Drug  Compan\.  His  birth  occurred  in 
Decatur  county,  Iowa,  on  the  iy\  of  August,  188;,  his  |)arents  being 
David  and  Nellie  (Mullinix)  Morgan,  who  are  of  Welsh  antl  Knglish 
descent  respecti\'ely.     The  father  was  born  in  New  ^'ork  in    1S60.  while 


328  HISTORY  ol'  AI'I'AXOOSE  COLXTY 

the  mother's  birth  occurrctl  in  Indiana  in  1862.  David  Morgan  came  to 
Iowa  with  his  parents  when  but  a  child,  the  family  home  being  estab- 
lished on  a  farm  in  Decatur  county.  It  was  there  that  he  wedded  Miss 
Nellie  MuUinix,  who  had  been  brought  to  Decatur  county  when  but  five 
years  of  age.  He  followed  general  agricultural  pursuits  in  that  county 
until  1888,  then  leased  his  farm  and  removed  to  Leon,  Decatur  county, 
where  he  embarked  in  the  hardware  business.  Subse(]uentl}-  he  sold  out 
and  removed  to  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  where  he  still  resides,  being  employed 
as  traveling  salesman  for  the  F.  P.  Light  Hardware  Company  of  that 
city. 

Foster  C.  Morgan  completed  the  high-school  course  at  Leon  in  1903 
and  two  years  later  was  graduated  from  Northwestern  University  with 
the  degree  of  Ph.  G.  In  1906  he  came  to  Centerville  and,  in  partnership 
with  Everett  O.  Moss,  bought  out  the  Continental  Drug  Company,  which 
he  has  conducted  to  the  present  time  with  gratifying  success,  enjoying  a 
liberal  and  well-merited  patronage. 

In  191 1  Mr.  Morgan  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Marion  G.  Phillips. 
Her  father  was  a  native  of  England,  while  the  mother's  birth  occurred  in 
Canton,  Fulton  county,  Illinois,  her  maiden  name  being  Eggleston.  Mr. 
Phillips  emigrated  to  the  United  States  as  a  )'oung  man  and  located  in 
Fulton  county,  Illinois,  where  he  was  married  and  spent  the  remainder  of 
his  life,  acting  as  editor  of  a  newspaper  at  Canton.  His  widow  gave  her 
hand  in  marriage  to  John  Walling,  of  Illinois,  and  they  still  reside  at 
Canton,  that  state. 

In  politics  Mr.  Morgan  is  a  stand  pat  republican,  loyally  supporting 
the  men  and  measures  of  that  party.  His  religious  faith  is  indicated  by 
his  membership  in  the  Presbyterian  church  of  Centerville,  to  which  his 
wife  also  belongs.  Fratemalh^  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons  and  the 
Elks,  acting  as  secretary  of  the  Centerville  lodge  of  the  latter  order.  He 
is  popular  in  both  business  and  social  circles  of  his  community  and  has  won 
a  creditable  measure  of  prosperity  for  one  of  his  years. 


BERNAIU)  A.  FULLER. 


Bernard  \.  Fuller  is  a  prominent  and  inriuenrial  factor  in  industrial 
circles  of  Appanoose  county  as  president  and  treasurer  of  the  Hercules 
Manufacturing  ComjKmy  of  Centerville,  owning  the  largest  stump-pulling 
and  land-clearing  machinery  plant  in  the  world.  His  birth  occurred  in 
Muscatine,  Iowa,  on  the  28th  of  February,   1869,  his  parents  being  Ber- 


1!.    A.    l-l  I.I.KI! 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  331 

nard  and  Kli/abeth  ( Mushoff )  Fuller,  who  were  born,  reared  and  married 
in  Germany.  The  father  was  a  grocer  by  trade.  In  1852  he  crossed 
the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  New  Orleans,  Louisiana, 
where  he  remained  for  eighteen  months.  Subsequently  he  spent  two  years 
in  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and  then  took  up  his  abode  in  Muscatine,  Iowa, 
where  he  passed  awaj-  in  1894.  His  widow  yet  makes  her  home  in  that 
city. 

In  the  acquirement  of  an  education  Bernard  A.  Fuller  attended  the 
St.  Mathias  parochial  school  of  Muscatine.  After  putting  aside  his  text- 
books he  served  an  apprenticeship  at  the  iron  moulder's  trade  in  Mus- 
catine and  later  began  work  at  the  trade  in  Kansas  City.  He  afterward 
worked  in  Chicago  for  a  jear  and  then  spent  two  ) ears  in  the  foundry  at 
the  government  arsenal  at  Rock  Island.  In  1893  he  came  to  Centerville, 
Iowa,  and  embarked  in  the  foundry  business  in  partnership  with  Miles 
Bateman,  whose  interest  he  purchased  at  the  end  of  eighteen  months. 
Subsequently  he  combined  his  foundrj  with  the  machine  shop  of  the  Smith 
Brothers  and  then  organized  the  Centerville  Foundry  &  Machine  Corn- 
pan}',  acting  as  president  of  the  concern  for  three  years.  On  the  expira- 
tion of  that  period,  in  association  with  his  former  partner.  Miles  Bate- 
man, he  organized  the  Hercules  Manufacturing  Compan}-,  which  is  todav 
the  largest  stump-pulling  and  land-clearing  machinery  plant  in  the  world. 
This  concern,  of  which  Mr.  Fuller  is  the  president  and  treasurer,  was 
reorganized  and  reincorporated  in  1912  and  is  now  building  a  capacious 
new  i)lant.  Our  subject  has  acted  as  manager  of  this  important  enter- 
|)rise  since  its  organization  and  is  well  known  as  a  prominent  and  lead- 
ing business  man  of  the  community.  He  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Center- 
ville Gypsum  Company  and  the  Centerville  Electric  Railway  Company. 

On  the  20th  of  June,  1901,  Mr.  Fuller  was  united  in  marriege  to  Miss 
Cora  M.  Jackson,  a  daughter  of  L.  H.  and  May  (Ferjue)  Jackson,  who 
reside  on  a  farm  southeast  of  Centerville  anil  are  well  known  throughout 
Appanoose  count).  Jackson  Perjue,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  Mrs. 
Fuller,  was  the  first  sheriff  of  Appanoose  county.  Mrs.  Fuller  was  a 
teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  Centervillt!  at  the  time  of  her  marriage 
and  had  taught  in  the  local  schools  for  six  years.  She  is  the  mother  of 
three  children,  namely:  Bernard,  who  wa^  horn  on  the  ist  of  January, 
1904;  P'dmund  Lee,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  2^th  of  February,  1906; 
and  Cicnevieve.  whose  natal  day  was  October  31,    191  1. 

In  politics  .Mr.  Fuller  is  a  stanch  democrat,  having  supported  the  men 
and  measures  of  that  party  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of 
frjinchise.  He  joined  the  Centerville  Boosters  Club  at  the  time  of  its 
organization  and  has  since  remained  one  of  its  valued  members,   doing 


332  HISTORY  OF  APPA.VOOSF.  COUXTY 

everything  in  his  power  to  promote  the  growth  and  development  of  the 
town.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  devout  communicants  of  St.  Mary's 
Catholic  Church  at  Centerville.  Mr.  Fuller  deserves  much  credit  for  what 
he  has  accomplished.  By  sheer  force  of  character,  strong  purpose  and 
laudable  ambition  he  has  forged  ahead  and  commands  the  respect  which 
is  ever  accorded  those  whose  success  has  been  honorably  won. 


CHARLES  IRMN  HARRISON. 

Charles  Irvin  Harrison  is  a  well  known  business  man  ot  Lnionville 
where  he  is  operating  a  grist  and  sawmill,  of  which  he  is  sole  proprietor. 
He  was  born  in  Courtland  county,  New  York,  November  18,  1855,  and 
is  a  son  of  David  and  Julia  E.  (Peck)  Harrison,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Courtland  county.  New  York,  the  latter  of  Scotch-Irish  and 
German  lineage.  The  father  was  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  in  early  life 
removed  to  Illinois  where  he  remained  for  five  or  six  years,  after  which 
he  returned  to  New  York.  At  the  close  of  the  Civil  war  he  again  went 
to  Illinois  and  in  i86g  came  to  Appanoose  county.  Two  years  later  his 
parents,  Orrin  and  Mary  Harrison,  also  removed  from  Illinois  to  Appa- 
noose county,  settling  in  Udell  township,  where  they  purchased  land, 
spending  their  remaining  days  upon  that  farm.  David  Harrison  also 
invested  in  property,  buying  eighty  acres  in  Johns  township,  to  which  he 
afterward  added  another  eighty-acre  tract.  He  carefully  and  continuously 
carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  until  his  death,  in  1873-  His 
widow  afterward  became  the  wife  of  James  True,  of  Centerville,  and 
after  living  upon  the  old  home  farm  for  a  few  years  they  removed  to  the 
county  seat  where  they  continued  to  resicfe  until  called  to  their  final  rest. 
Mrs.  True  passing  away  in  1896.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  David  Harrison 
were  born  five  children,  as  follows:  Adelbert,  deceased;  Charles  Irvin, 
of  this  review;  Orrin  D.,  who  has  also  passed  away;  Frank  M..  a  railroaii 
operator  of  Gridley,  California;  and  Stella  Belle,  the  widow  ot  \V.  S. 
Douglass,  now  making  her  home  in  St.  Louis.  Missouri. 

Charles  I.  Harrison  was  a  youth  of  about  fourteen  years  when  he 
came  with  his  parents  to  Iowa  and  when  fifteen  years  of  age  started  out 
in  the  world  on  his  own  account,  licginning  work  as  a  tanii  hand.  His 
education  had  been  actjuired  through  previous  attendance  in  the  public 
schools.  He  has  led  a  life  of  industry  and  usefulness.  In  1878  he  started 
west  and  worked  his  way  through  to  the  coast,  .\fter  remaining  for  five 
years  in  that  section  of  the  country  he  returned  to  his  grandfather's  farm 


HISTORY  OI-  Al'l'ANOOSE  COUNTY  333 

in  I'dfll  rownship  and  later  came  into  possession  of  this  property  which 
was  deeded  to  him.  He  remained  upon  the  farm  for  five  years,  then  rented 
the  land  ami  removed  to  I'nionville,  where  he  engaged  in  teaming  for 
a}eai.  In  u;oi  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Jake  Wilson  and  purchased 
the  grist  and  sawmill  belonging  to  the  estate  ot  Joshua  Riggs.  In  the 
intervening  period  ot  eleven  years  he  has  been  continuoush'  connected 
with  the  conduct  of  the  business  and  since  1908  has  been  sole  proprietor, 
having  in  that  \<-ar  purchased  the  interests  of  his  partner  who  had  been 
injured  in  the  null.  In  the  conduct  of  the  business  he  displays  character- 
istic enterprise  combined  with  skill  and  energy  which  are  bringing  him 
success.  He  is  a  progressive,  enterprising  business  man  ancf  is  well  known 
as  a  reliable  and  highly  respected  citizen  of  Appanoose  county.  In  adtii- 
tion  to  his  milling  interests  he  owns  eighty  acres  of  timber  land  on  x-ition 
28.  Ideil  townshij),  and  eighteen  acres  in  Ifnionville. 

In  i8c)o  Mr.  Harrison  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Adda  Louise 
Brain,  a  daughter  of  George  and  Ellen  (Cox)  Brain,  who  were  natives 
of  Ciloucestershire,  England,  where  they  were  reared  and  married.  In 
1852  they  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States,  settling  at  Yellow 
Springs.  Ohio,  and  in  that  locality  the  father  engaged  in  farming  until 
18)8,  when  he  removed  to  Knox  county,  Illinois.  After  twenty  years 
there  passed  they  came  to  Iowa  in  1878,  settling  in  Appanoose  county. 
He  purcha-cd  one  lumdred  acres  of  land  in  Udell  township  and  as  he 
prospered  in  his  farming  operations  extended  the  boundaries  of  his  prop- 
erty b)-  an  additional  inirchase  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres.  He  devel- 
oped one  of  the  excellent  farms  of  the  district  and  remained  thereon  until 
his  death  in  1899.  His  widow  afterward  rented  the  place  and  came  to 
Inionville.  now  making  her  home  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Jake  Wilson. 
.Mrs.  Harrison  was  born  in  Knox  coimty.  Illinois.  April  24,  1865.  and  for 
five  terms  was  a  teacher  in  the  public  schools  ot  Appanoose  covmt\.  hav- 
ing charge  of  the  first  .school  in  Udell  township.  By  her  marriage  she 
luiN  become  the  mother  of  four  ilnldrcn:  Forest,  born  October  28.  1892, 
who  assists  his  father  in  his  business  interests;  Lois,  who  was  born  Jan- 
uar\  28.  1896.  and  died  November  13,  l8c;9;  Marguerite,  who  was  born 
June  18.  1901.  ami  is  now  attending  school;  and  Frank,  whose  birth 
occurred  December  ^.    1907. 

Mr.  Harrison  gives  his  political  support  to  the  democratic  party  and 
keeps  well  informed  on  the  (juestions  and  issues  ot  the  day.  He  served 
as  township  trustee  for  a  number  of  years  and  as  constable  tor  one  term, 
discharging  his  duties  in  those  connections  with  [iromptness  ant!  tuielit\-. 
His  interests  in,  and  supjiort  of  the  cause  of,  public  education  was  seen 
in  nine  \ears'  service  as  a  member  of  the  ^thool  board,  during  which  |ieri(Hi 


334  HISTORY  OF  APl'AXOOSE  COL'XTY 

he  did  everything  in  his  power  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  schools  and 
raise  their  standard  of  excellence.  At  one  time  he  held  membership  with 
the  Masonic  lodge  in  Unionville  but  does  not  attend  at  the  present  time. 
His  wife,  however,  is  connected  with  the  Eastern  Star  chapter  of  Union- 
ville. He  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  church,  in  the 
work  of  which  he  takes  a  most  active  and  helpful  part,  serving  now  as 
secretary  of  the  board  of  trustees  and  as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday 
school.  His  has  been  a  well-spent  life,  honorable  and  upright  in  its 
varied  relations,  and  his  influence  and  labors  have  constituted  a  potent 
force  for  progress  along  material,  political,  social,  intellectual  and  moral 
lines. 


HENRY  A.  RUSSELL. 


For  many  years  Henry  A.  Russell  has  been  a  well  known  resident  ot 
Centerville,  occupied  at  different  times  with  important  mercantile  inter- 
ests and  at  other  times  with  public  affairs.  He  stands  for  progress  and 
improvement  along  many  lines  and  is  accounted  one  of  the  representative 
citizens  of  Centerville.  He  was  born  near  Jefferson,  Greene  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, April  23,  1851,  and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Sarah  (Wathen) 
Russell,  who  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  was  a  farmer 
by  occupation  and  cultivated  a  tract  of  land  in  Greene  county  for  about 
tifty  years.  He  then  sold  his  property-  and  removed  westward  to  Iowa, 
settling  at  West  Grove,  Davis  count)-,  where  he  bought  and  improved  a 
farm,  carrying  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  there  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  January,  1881.  His  wife  passed  away  in  November,  1871. 
In  their  family  were  ten  children. 

Henry  A.  Russell  was  a  lad  of  eight  years  when  he  accompanied  his 
parents  to  Iowa  and  in  the  schools  of  Davis  county  he  largely  acquired 
his  education.  Afterward,  however,  he  entered  college  at  Mount  Pleasant, 
Iowa,  and  when  he  had  put  aside  his  text-books  went  to  Arkansas,  living 
with  a  brother  for  six  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  came 
to  Centerville  and  purchased  a  drug  store  from  his  brother,  conducting 
it  with  capability  and  success  from  1876  until  1888.  At  the  same  time 
he  was  agent  for  the  United  States  Express  Company  in  this  city  and 
though  he  has  now  sold  his  drug  store,  he  remains  as  agent  for  the  express 
company,  having  occupied  the  position  continuously  since  1876.  In  1881 
he  erected  a  modern,  double,  two-story  brick  building,  now  occupied  by 
Latimer  Brothers  with  a  stock  of  dry  goods.     He  conducted  his  drug 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  335 

business  in  that  building  for  a  number  of  years  but  finally  sold  the  prop- 
erty.   His  place  of  business  is  now  at  No.  207  East  State  street. 

On  the  16th  of  January,  1883,  ^^^-  Russell  was  married  to  Miss 
Theresa  Rogers,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  W.  D.  and  Charlotte  (Black)  Rogers, 
both  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
medicine  in  Greene  county,  that  state,  for  many  years,  his  life's  labors 
being  ended  in  death  in  1893.  His  wife  survived  him  until  1904.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Russell  became  the  parents  of  three  children,  of  whom  one  died 
in  infancy  and  Miles  \V.  passed  away  in  1908  at  the  age  of  twelve  year:^. 
The  surviving  daughter,  Elizabeth,  is  the  wife  of  Dr.  H.  J.  Shulze,  a 
practicing  dentist  of  Eveleth,  Minnesota. 

Mr.  Ku^>(ll  has  served  on  the  town  coimcil  for  four  years  and  has  been 
otherwise  connected  with  public  interests  of  importance.  He  was  sec- 
retary of  the  Centerville  Street  Railway  Company  during  its  building 
and  for  some  time  when  the  cars  were  operated  by  horse  power.  He  also 
was  president  and  secretary  of  the  County  Fair  Association  for  eight  years 
and  did  much  to  stimulate  an  interest  therein.  He  is  now  a  stockholder 
in  the  Centerville  lS:  Mystic  interurban  line  and  he  owns  considerable 
town  property,  including  an  interest  in  a  ten-acre  tract  called  Highland 
Park.  His  home  is  at  No.  203  West  Washington  street,  where  he  has 
lived  for  thirt\-six  years.  It  is  an  attractive  property  and  his  residence 
has  always  been  noted  for  its  warm-hearted  hospitality.  Mr.  Russell  votes 
with  the  republican  party,  of  which  he  has  been  an  earnest  and  consistent 
advocate  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise.  His  reli- 
gious faith  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  in  which  he  takes  an  active 
and  helpful  interest,  serving  as  one  of  its  elders  since  1880.  In  its  teach- 
ings have  been  foimd  the  motive  springs  of  his  conduct,  guiding  him  in 
all  of  his  relations  with  his  fellowmen.  His  life  has  indeed  been  well 
-pent  and  the  sterling  traits  of  his  character  have  won  him  high  regard 
wherever  he  is  known. 


BENJAMIN  ER.\NKIJN  SILKNITTER. 

Benjamin  Franklin  Silknitter  has  made  a  cretiitablc  record  as  an  otli- 
cial  and  business  man.  He  is  now  engaged  in  handling  live  stock  and  is 
the  owner  of  valuable  farming  property  near  Centerville.  .\r  clitfcrrnr 
times  he  has  put  aside  business  cares  to  perform  the  duties  ot  office  ant! 
in  other  connections  has  proved  faithful  and  loyal  to  the  trust  reposeti 
in  him.      He   was  born   in   Indiana.   March    i  >,    184;,   ami   is  a   son  .of 


336  HISTORY  OF  Ai'l'AXOOSE  COL'XTV 

Solomon  and  Catherine  (Carter)  Silknitter,  the  former  a  niitive  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  the  latter  of  Maryland.  In  the  year  1850  Solomon  Silknitter 
came  to  Appanoose  county  which  was  still  a  frontier  district  in  which  the 
work  ot  development  and  improvement  had  scarcely  been  begim.  Much  of 
the  land  was  still  in  possession  ot  the  government  and  he  entered  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  acres  to  which  he  afterward  added  from  time  to  time  until 
his  holdinj^s  embraced  six  hundred  acres.  After  obtaininf^  his  original 
claim  he  at  once  began  to  clear  and  cultivate  it  and  devoted  his  remain- 
ing days  to  his  agricultural  pursuits.  He  died  in  March,  1865,  while 
his  wife  passed  away  in   1897. 

Benjamin  Franklin  Silknitter  was  a  lad  of  but  five  years  when  brought 
by  his  parents  to  Iowa,  and  was  reared  upon  the  home  farm  in  Appanoose 
county,  while  the  public  schools  afforded  him  his  educational  opportun- 
ities. After  his  text-books  were  put  aside  he  devoted  his  entire  time  to 
the  farm  until  elected  to  the  office  of  sheriff  in  1876.  He  filled  that  posi- 
tion for  three  terms,  his  reelection  being  incontrovertible  proof  of  the 
confidence  reposed  in  his  ability  and  faithfulness.  On  his  retirement 
from  office  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  coal  trade  and  operated  a  mine 
at  Brazil  and  another  at  Mystic  for  a  number  of  years,  or  until  1894, 
when  he  was  again  elected  sheriff,  serving  for  one  term.  He  has  since 
been  engaged  in  the  live-stock  business,  handling  a  large  number  of  cattle 
each  year.  His  property  holdings  embrace  a  farm  of  four  huntired  and 
ten  acres  west  of  the  town  on  which  his  son  resides,  while  Mr.  Silknitter 
makes  his  home  in  the  city  where  he  also  owns  considerable  property. 
Whatever  he  has  undertaken  he  has  carried  forward  to  successful  com- 
pletion, for  his  energy  and  industry  enable  him  to  overcome  all  difficulties 
and  obstacles  and  gradually  advance  him  to  the  goal  of  prosperity. 

In  September,  1877,  Mr.  Silknitter  was  married  to  Miss  Sallie  Bell, 
a  daughter  of  David  and  Nancy  Bell.  Her  father  was  a  carpenter  by 
trade  and  followed  that  pursuit  in  Centerville  for  many  years,  and  later 
retired,  continuing,  however,  to  make  his  home  in  this  city  to  the  time 
of  his  death.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Silknitter  became  the  parents  of  five  chil- 
dren: Jennie,  the  wife  of  H.  S.  Phillips,  of  Texas;  George  F..  who  is 
employed  by  the  Union  Meat  Company  at  Portland.  Oregon:  Robert  M., 
employed  by  Crane  &  Compan}-,  also  of  Portland.  Oregon;  Roscoe  C. 
residing  on  his  father's  farm;  and  Richard,  also  making  his  home  in  Port- 
land. Oregon.  Vhv  wife  and  mother  passed  awa}'  in  February,  IQ09, 
after  a  short  illness,  and  her  death  was  deeply  regretted  by  many  friends 
who  entertained  for  her  warm  regard. 

In  the  life  record  ot  Mr.  Silknitter  is  a  creilitable  military  chapter. 
On  the   9th  of  May,    1864.  when   he  \\  a^  but  nineteen  years  of  age.  he 


HISTORY  Ol-  Al'l'.WOOSE  COUNT V  337 

ottered  his  .services  ro  the  eountr}  tor  one  huiuirctl  ila}s,  enlisting  as  a 
member  of  Company  B,  P'orty-seventh  Iowa  Infantry.  His  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian  rhunli  aiui  he  has  ever  been  loyal  to  his 
professions.  He  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and 
in  addition  to  serving  as  sheritf  he  has  been  chief  of  police  of  C'entervilie 
and  a  member  of  the  town  council.  The  Masonic  fraternity  finds  in  him 
an  exemplary  member  and  a  well-spent  life  has  gained  for  him  the  w  arm 
reeard  of  all  with  whom  he  has  been  associated.  For  more  than  six  dec- 
ades  he  has  lived  in  this  county  and  has  been  an  interested  witness  of  its 
growth  and  develojmient.  He  has  cooperated  in  many  movements  relating 
to  the  general  welfare  and  his  influence  has  ever  been  on  the  side  of  right, 
justice  and  progress. 


.MOSES  MAKING. 


Moses  Maring,  who  lives  just  across  the  state  line  in  Missouri,  is  the 
owner  of  a  tine  farm  of  three  hundred  acres  in  Putnam  county  and  by 
his  progressive  methods  ami  the  success  which  has  attended  his  efforts  has 
made  his  influence  felt  upon  the  agricultural  development  of  this  section. 
He  was  born  in  Belmont  county.  Ohio,  October  g,  1849.  and  is  a  son  of 
Samuel  and  .Alma  (Hall)  .Maring,  of  whom  mention  is  made  elsewhere 
in  this  work.  They  came  to  Iowa  at  an  early  date  and  settled  on  a  rented 
farm  in  \'an  Burcn  county,  removing  after  two  years  to  Appanoose  county. 

Moses  Maring  acquired  his  education  in  the  common  schools  of  .Appa- 
noose county  and  in  the  Central  high  school,  which  he  attended  until  he 
was  seventeen  years  of  age.  B)'  close  attention  to  his  books  and  by  outside 
reading  and  observation  he  fitted  himself  for  teaching  and  followed  this 
vocation  for  four  years  before  engaging  in  the  general  merchandise  busi- 
ness. He  was  successful  in  this  line  of  work  for  five  years  but  at  the  end 
of  that  time  traded  his  store  for  a  farm  in  Putnam  county,  just  across  the 
state  line.  I'pon  this  property,  which  comprises  three  hundred  acres,  he 
has  resided  since  that  time,  concentrating  his  attention  upon  its  develop- 
ment, and  meeting  with  a  w(  II  merited  and  gratifying  degree  of  prcs- 
perity.  His  success  is  the  roult  of  his  and  his  good  wife's  untiring 
industry  and  capable  business  management  and  the  fact  that  it  has  been 
accomplished,  in  spite  of  his  crippled  condition,  is  a  greater  tribute  to  his 
determination,  his  courage  and  his  high  enthusiasm,  ami  the  cooperation 
of  his  life  partner. 


338  HISTORY  DF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

In  1876  Mr.  Maring  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  A.  Hutchi- 
son, a  daughter  of  A.  J.  and  Eliza  A.  (Hutchison)  Hutchison,  the  former 
a  pioneer  in  Appanoose  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Maring  became  the  par- 
ents of  thirteen  children:  Zetta,  who  married  Archie  Richardson;  Mary  V., 
who  is  Mrs.  \'an  Pugh;  May,  who  became  the  wife  of  Clyde  Ryals; 
Josephine,  who  married  Sanford  Pugh;  Olive,  who  became  the  wife  of 
Alex  Hudson;  Essie,  who  is  Mrs.  E.  J.  Beard;  Milton  B.,  who  married 
Fern  Hart;  Alma,  who  became  the  wife  of  Sherman  Conger;  Moses, 
Charles  and  Katie,  who  live  at  home;  one  child,  who  died  in  infancy;  and 
Clyde  R. 

Mr.  Maring  is  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Exline  Savings  Bank  in 
Exline  and  he  and  his  wife  are  devout  members  of  the  linited  Brethren 
church.  He  is  a  stanch  democrat  and,  although  he  has  never  held  public 
office,  is  interested  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  welfare  and  progress  of  the 
community  and  gives  loyal  support  to  many  measures  for  the  public  good. 
His  worth  as  a  man  of  business  is  widely  acknowledged  and  in  his  career 
he  has  proven  that  energy  and  diligence  constitute  a  safe  basis  upon  which 
to  build  success.  Until  June  1,  1912,  Mr.  Maring  was  one-third  owner 
and  president  of  the  Prairie  Block  Coal  Company,  near  Centerville,  one 
of  the  best  mines  on  the  Rock  Island  Railroad.  Starting  out  in  life  under 
a  heavy  handicap,  he  has  faced  the  conditions  he  has  met  with  confidence 
and  courage,  standing  today  among  the  substantial  agriculturists  and  the 
men  of  wealth  in  his  community. 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS. 


During  the  latter  years  of  his  life  Stephen  Hopkins  lived  retired  in 
Unionville,  but  for  many  years  previously  had  been  actively  engaged  in 
farming  in  this  county  and  was  a  prominent  representative  of  agricultural 
interests  here.  He  was  also  on  many  different  occasions  in  public  office, 
his  service  covering  a  long  period,  and  the  record  of  no  citizen  of  Appa- 
noose county  has  been  more  faultless  in  honor,  fearless  in  conduct  and 
stainless  in  reputation.  He  was  born  in  Claiborne  county,  Tennessee, 
October  15,  1822,  his  parents  being  Jaba  and  Rachel  (Clouse)  Hopkins, 
who  were  also  natives  ot  that  state  and  were  of  English  descent.  They 
came  to  Iowa  in  the  spring  of  i8ijo,  accompanied  by  their  son  Stephen 
Hopkins  and  his  wife.  They  established  their  home  three  miles  south 
and  a  mile  east  of  Unionville,  the  father  purchasing  a  half  section  of 
farm  laml  there,  atter  which  he  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits 
until   the  dcarii   of  his   wife,   subsequent   to   which    tinu-  he    left   the  old 


Ml;.    AMt    ,\ll:S.   VIKIMIKN    linI'MNS 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  341 

homestead  and  removed  to  Decatur  count}-,  Iowa,  where  he  spent  his  last 
years  with  his  youngest  son,  Martin  Hopkins. 

In  the  schools  ot  Tennessee  Stephen  Hopkins  pursued  his  education 
and  after  putting  aside  his  text-books  worked  upon  the  home  farm  and 
engaged  in  teaching  school.  He  was  married  on  the  8th  of  June,  1843, 
and  lived  in  happy  wedlock  for  a  period  of  sixty-seven  years,  three  months 
and  seventeen  days  with  Poll}-  Ann  Hopkins,  who  is  a  daughter  of  George 
\^'.  and  Polly  (McFarland)  Hopkins.  Her  father,  who  was  a  native  of 
Tennessee,  came  ot  English  and  German  ancestrj'.  In  early  life  he  worked 
m  a  sawmill  and  after  following  that  occupation  for  some  time  began 
farming.  He  was  a  soldier  ot  the  \N'ar  ot  iSi  2  and  was  at  all  times  a  loyal 
and  progressive  citizen.  In  Kentucky  he  married  Polh-  McFarland,  who 
was  born  in  that  state  but  was  descended  from  a  northern  famih'.  In 
1850  the}-  removed  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Davis  county,  and  some  years 
afterward  the}-  became  residents  of  Worth  county,  Missouri,  where  they 
remained  until  called  to  the  home  beyond.  The  wife  of  Stephen  Hopkins 
was  a  granddaughter  of  another  Stephen  Hopkins  who  with  his  father, 
Nehemiah  Hopkins,  became  a  resident  of  New  York  city  when  it  was  a 
comparatively  small  place  and  was  one  of  the  first  tailors  there.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Stephen  Hopkins,  of  this  review,  celebrated  their  sixtieth  wed- 
ding anniversary,  and  few,  indeed,  are  the  couples  who  travel  life's 
journey  together  for  so  long  a  period.  Their  mutual  love  and  confidence 
increased  year  by  year  and  they  were  held  in  the  highest  esteem  by  all 
because  their  lives  were  well  spent.  They  reared  the  following  family: 
Annie,  who  became  the  wife  of  T.  J.  Harden,  w  ho  is  a  section  foreman  of 
Noble,  Oklahoma,  and  has  three  children,  Ella,  W.  O.  and  \'iola 
(Harden)  Palmer:  Mahala,  the  wife  of  Charles  Buckmaster,  a  farmer  of 
Sasakwa,  Oklahoma,  by  whom  she  had  nine  children,  five  of  whom  are 
living,  Sarah,  Frank,  Stephen,  Andrew  and  Richard;  Jasper  Newton,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  three  years;  John  N.,  who  died  in  1895  at  the  age  of 
torty-seven  years:  Allen,  a  farmer  living  near  Stillwater.  Oklahoma,  who 
married  Rachel  Buckmaster  and  has  three  children,  William,  Maude,  and 
Blanche;  William  H.,  who  died  in  1884  at  the  age  of  twenty-nine  years; 
Eli,  who  died  in  189;  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight  years,  leaving  a  widow  who 
was  tormerly  Minnie  Hvmt  and  who  is  now  living  near  Humboldt,  Kan- 
sas, with  her  two  children,  Louella  M.  Foster  and  John  W. ;  Marv  R.,  who 
died  January  29,  1883,  at  the  age  of  twent} -three  years;  Sarah  Jane,  at 
home  with  her  mother;  George  W.,  who  died  October  18,  1887,  at  the  age 
of  twenty-two  years;  and  Margaret  E..  who  passed  away  November  4, 
1 886,  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years. 

Vol.  n— 19 


342  HISTORY  OF  APrAXOOSE  COUNTY 

Following  their  nuirriafj;e  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hopkins  lived  for  about  seven 
years  in  Tennessee  and  in  1850  came  to  Iowa,  settling  on  a  farm  near  his 
father's  place.  He  purchased  one  hundred  acres  of  land  on  section  14, 
Udell  township,  and  thereon  resided  troni  August,  1850,  until  March  25, 
1898,  when  he  retired  from  active  life,  sold  his  farm  and  removed  to 
Unionville,  purchasing  residence  property  which  he  occupied  to  the  time 
of  his  death,  which  occurred  September  2^,  1910.  He  was  ill  less  than 
a  week  and  with  little  suffering  and  no  regrets  passed  from  this  life.  His 
had  been  a  beautiful  Christian  character  and  his  record  is  one  crowned  with 
honor  and  respect.  For  lortx-cight  years  he  carried  on  farming  and  a  life 
of  industry,  thrift  and  earnest  toil  brought  him  success.  He  placed  his 
fields  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  added  many  modern  improvements 
to  his  tarm  which  was  converted  into  a  valuable  property.  He  took  great 
delight  in  placing  his  land  in  a  fine  comlition  and  he  also  made  stock- 
feeding  an  important  branch  of  his  business.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
Grange  and  Farmers  Alliance  for  a  time  and  was  interested  in  all  that 
pertained  to  improvement  in  farm  methods.  He  never  allowed  business 
affairs  to  interfere  with  his  duties  in  other  directions,  however.  He  was 
always  mindful  of  his  obligations  to  citizenship  and  sought  to  promote  pub- 
lic progress  in  many  ways.  He  voted  with  the  democratic  party  and  for 
eighteen  years  rilled  the  office  of  treasurer  of  the  schools  of  Udell  township, 
for  many  years  was  justice  of  the  peace  and  for  several  terms  was  clerk  of 
the  township.  He  also  acted  as  trustee  imtil  he  refused  to  serve  longer, 
when  he  resigned  on  account  of  old  age.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hopkins 
were  members  of  the  xMethodist  Kpi.scopal  church,  to  the  teachings  of  which 
they  were  most  loyal,  their  lives  being  guided  by  their  religious  faith 
and  belief.  It  was  a  memorable  event  in  the  history  of  Unionville  when 
they  celebrated  their  sixtieth  wedding  anniversary  on  the  8th  of  June, 
1903,  on  which  occasion  sixty-two  guests  were  present,  the  day  being  spent 
in  social  converse  while  all  partook  of  a  boimtiful  meal.  A  handsome  cane 
was  presented  to  Mr.  Hopkins  and  a  rocking-chair  to  his  wife.  The  pre- 
sentation speech  was  made  b)  the  Hon.  J.  B.  Stuckey.  of  Udell  town- 
ship, while  the  Rev.  A.  S.  Downs  led  in  jiraxcr  and  all  joined  in  singing 
"In  the  Sweet  Bve  and  B-\e."'  On  that  occasion  there  were  fourteen  crand- 
children  and  fifteen  great-grandchildren  present.  There  are  now  two  chil- 
dren of  the  fifth  generation  of  the  family  living.  Mrs.  Hopkins  survives 
as  a  representative  of  the  first  generation  \\  bile  the  second  is  represented  by 
her  daughter,  Mrs.  Mahala  Buckmaster,  the  third  by  the  Jatter's  daughter. 
Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Walton,  the  fourth  by  Mrs.  Walton's  daughter,  Mrs. 
Myrtle  Sisson,  who  has  two  children.  No  history  of  Appanoose  countv 
would  be  complete  without  extended  reference  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ste[ih(n 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  343 

Hopkins.  They  were  among  the  county's  most  worthy  pioneer  settlers 
and  the  wife  still  remains  a  witness  of  the  progress  and  changes  which  have 
occurred  here.  Their  lives  were  at  all  times  exemplary,  the  career  of  Mr. 
Hoj)kins  being  an  expression  of  earnest  Christian  faith.  All  who  knew 
liim  entertained  tor  him  warm  regard  and  cherish  the  same  feelings  of 
kindly  consideration  for  his  widow  who  is  one  of  the  most  venerable  inhab- 
itants of  Appanoose  county. 


THOMAS  J.  CASE,  Ml). 


Among  the  able  and  progressive  members  of  the  medical  fraternity 
in  Appanoose  count}-  is  numbered  Dr.  Gliomas  J.  Case,  who  has  been 
practicing  in  Unionville  since  1898,  his  well  developed  skill  and  laudable 
ambition  gaining  him  a  prominent  place  in  the  ranks  of  his  profession. 
He  was  born  in  Pierceton,  Indiana,  October  13,  1862,  and  is  a  son  of 
Ihomas  and  Jane  (Wagoner)  Ca.se.  the  former  born  in  Stark  county,  Ohio, 
in  1830,  and  the  mother  in  Wajne  county  in  the  same  )ear.  On  the  pater- 
nal side  Dr.  Case  is  of  Welsh  ancestry,  his  grandparents  having  come  to 
.\merica  from  Wales.  His  maternal  ancestors,  however,  were  of  German 
birth.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  a  soldier  in  the  federal  army  during 
the  Civil  war.  He  began  his  active  career  teaching  school  in  Ohio,  engag- 
ing at  the  same  time  in  general  contracting  and  building.  Later  he  aban- 
doned teaching  and  established  himself  independently  as  a  contractor. 
He  married  in  Ohio  but  in  1898  removed  to  Indiana  and  there  taught 
school  and  followed  the  carpenter's  trade  until  1873.  In  that  year  he 
removed  to  Hamilton  count}-,  Nebraska,  and  homesteaded  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  of  land,  upon  which  he  is  still  living  with  his  son  Edward, 
his  wife  having  passed  away  on  the  23d  of  February,  1907.  Eor  a  time 
the  father  of  our  subject  followed  his  trade  and  engaged  in  school-teaching 
in  Nebraska  in  addition  to  his  agricultural  pursuits,  but  a  few  years  ago 
retired  from  active  life  and  is  now  enjoying  the  comforts  earned  during 
a  long  and  prosperous  business  career. 

Thomas  J.  Case  accompanied  his  father  on  his  various  removals, 
attending  public  school  in  the  different  states.  He  completed  his  high- 
school  course  in  Aurora,  Nebraska,  in  1882  and  afterward  took  special 
work  at  the  Nebraska  State  University.  Having  determined  to  make  the 
practice  of  medicine  his  life  work,  he  entered  Rush  Medical  College  in 
Chicago  and  in  1889  was  graduated  with  the  ilegree  of  M.  D.  He  locateii 
for  practice  at  Ciilrnrr.  Nebra>ka.  and  there  nnKiin<'tl  until  1898,  when  he 


344  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

came  to  Unionville,  where  he  has  since  made  his  home.  He  has  been 
accorded  a  liberal  patronage  and  his  skill  and  ability  are  evidenced  in  the 
excellent  results  which  havefollowed  his  labors.  Along  lines  of  his  profes- 
sion Dr.  Case  belongs  to  the  Iowa  State  Medical  Societj',  the  Appanoose 
County  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association,  and  in  the 
interchange  of  thought  in  those  organizations  and  in  the  discussion  of 
vital  questions  relative  to  health,  gains  much  valuable  knowledge  and  thus 
promotes  his  efficiency  in  his  chosen  field. 

Dr.  Case  has  been  twice  married.  In  1891  he  wedded  Miss  Bertha 
Galliton,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Mary  (Kimball)  Galliton,  natives 
of  Virginia,  where  their  daughter  was  born.  The  mother  died  in  that  state 
and  the  father  afterward  removed  to  Nebraska,  wiiere  his  death  occurred. 
Dr.  Case's  first  wife  died  in  Nebraska  October  17,  1897,  leaving  one 
daughter,  Gail,  who  was  born  at  Giltner,  Nebraska,  on  September  27, 
1893.  She  is  the  wife  of  Harry  Scott,  a  mail  carrier  of  Bloomfield,  Davis 
county,  Iowa.  After  the  death  of  his  first  wife  Dr.  Case  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Mary  F.  Hard,  who  was  born  in  Appanoose  county, 
May  23,  1869,  and  who  previous  to  her  marriage  was  a  teacher  in 
the  public  schools.  She  is  a  daughter  of  Henry  and  Sarah  A.  (Sigler) 
Hard,  the  former  born  in  Jackson  county,  Ohio,  on  March  27,  1828. 
He  was  of  old  English  stock  and  could  trace  his  ancestry  back  in  a  direct 
line  to  Benedict  Arnold.  Mrs.  Case's  mother  was  born  in  Ross  county, 
Ohio,  in  1830.  She  was  of  German  descent  but  her  parents  were  natives 
of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  was  for  many  years  a  railroad  contractor 
and  builder  in  Ohio  but  in  1857  came  west  to  Iowa,  locating  in  Appanoose 
county,  where  he  remained  one  year  before  he  returned  to  Ohio.  In  1868 
he  made  his  second  settlement  in  Appanoose  count}-,  bu}ing  land  in  Union 
township,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  for  some  time.  Later  he  sold 
out  this  property  and  made  his  home  with  the  subject  of  this  review  until 
his  death  in  1910.  He  was  prominent  in  local  public  affairs  and  held 
various  township  offices.  He  was  also  active  in  fraternal  circles  and 
especially  prominent  in  the  blue  lodge  Masons.  He  and  his  wife  were 
members  of  the  Methodist  cluircli  of  Unionville,  Iowa.  In  their  family 
were  nine  children:  James,  Joseph  and  Latilla,  all  of  whom  have  passed 
away;  Jacob  H.,  who  was  born  in  Ohio,  June  22,  1854,  and  who  is  now 
pastor  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  at  Osburn,  Nebraska;  Charles 
and  Ellanettie,  who  have  passed  away;  Anna,  who  was  born  in  Ohio,  June 
22,  1864,  and  who  is  now  the  wife  of  John  Glazebrook,  who  is  residing 
in  Idaho  for  the  benefit  of  his  health;  Mary  P.,  the  wife  of  the  subject 
of  this  review;  and  Sarah,  twin  to  Mary  P.,  who  married  Samuel  Hudgens 
a  farmer  and  school  teacher  in  Appanoose  county. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  345 

P'raternall}  Dr.  Case  has  important  connections,  being  affiliated  with 
Unionville  Lodge,  No.  665,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  with  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen 
and  his  wife  is  a  member  of  Eastertide  Lodge,  No.  155,  of  the  Rebekahs. 
Dr.  Case  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  but  has  never  sought 
nor  desired  office,  his  attention  being  concentrated  upon  his  professional 
duties.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  He  conforms  closely 
to  the  highest  standards  of  medical  ethics  and  is  most  conscientious  in 
the  performance  of  his  professional  duties. 


MILTON  B.  MAKING. 


Milton  B.  Maring  is  a  self-made  man  who  from  a  humble  position 
in  the  business  world  has  worked  his  way  steadily  upward,  making  good 
use  of  his  time  and  opportunities.  He  has  had  many  difficulties  to  over- 
come and  has  met  many  obstacles,  but  gradually  he  has  advanced  by  rea- 
son of  his  industry  and  perseverance  and  since  1900  has  been  conducting 
a  prosperous  business  as  proprietor  of  a  grocery  store  and  meat  market  in 
Centerville,  Iowa,  while  since  1906  he  has  also  been  identified  with  coal- 
mining interests.  He  was  born  in  Van  Buren  county,  Iowa,  January  8, 
1852,  a  son  of  .Samuel  and  Alma  (Hall)  Maring,  who  were  natives  of 
Ohio.  The  father  came  to  this  state  in  1850,  .settling  in  \'an  Buren  county, 
where  he  carried  on  farming  for  two  years,  removing  in  1852  to  Appanoose 
county,  where  he  entered  from  the  government  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  of  prairie  land  and  forty  acres  of  timber.  With  characteristic  energA' 
he  began  the  cultivation  and  development  of  his  property,  added  many 
improvements  thereto  and  continued  his  farm  work  upon  that  place  to 
the  time  of  his  death  in  July,  1902.  He  had  long  survived  his  wife,  who 
died  in  18^6. 

The  usual  experiences  of  a  farm  lad  fell  to  the  lot  of  Milton  B.  Mar- 
ing, who  spent  his  youthful  days  on  the  old  homestead  and  attcndetl  the 
district  schools.  He  early  became  familiar  with  the  best  methods  of 
plowing,  planting  and  harvesting  and  continued  to  work  with  his  father 
until  he  attained  his  majority.  He  then  started  out  to  earn  his  own  living 
as  a  farm  hand  and  was  also  employed  at  railroad  work  for  some  time. 
Later  he  .secured  work  in  the  coal  mines,  spending  ten  years  in  that  wav. 
and  at  the  same  time  engaging  in  business  with  his  brother,  with  whom 
he  held  a  partnership  in  a  general  store  at  Kxline,  this  county.  This  ven- 
ture in  merchandising  was  made  possible  by   the   ind\istrv   and  economv 


346  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

which  he  had  disphiyed  in  previous  }ears.  He  was  ever  ambitious  to 
engage  in  business  on  his  own  account  and  bent  every  energy  toward  that 
end,  making  wise  use  of  his  time  and  ojiportunities.  After  six  years 
devoted  to  mercantile  pursuits  the  brothers  exchanged  their  business  for 
a  farm  of  one  hundred  acres  just  over  the  line  in  Missouri  and  M.  B. 
Maring  began  the  imj)rovement  of  the  place,  where  he  spent  five  farm- 
ing seasons  in  cultivating,  continuing  his  work  in  the  mines  during  the 
late  autumn  and  winter  months.  He  then  sold  his  interest  to  his  brother 
and  went  to  Unionville,  Missouri,  where  he  accepted  a  position  as  clerk 
in  a  general  store,  in  which  he  remained  for  two  years.  On  the  expira- 
tion of  that  period  he  returned  to  Centerville  and  became  manager  of 
the  general  store  of  Major  C.  A.  Stanton,  with  whom  he  remained  for 
seven  years.  He  was  then  elected  sheriff  of  the  county  and  served  for 
one  term.  On  his  retirement  from  office  he  reentered  the  mercantile  field 
as  proprietor  of  a  store  at  Rathbun,  which  he  conducted  for  three  years. 
During  that  period  he  also  opened  a  shoe  store  at  Centerville  with  J.  C 
Huggins  as  manager.  In  1900  he  purchased  Major  Stanton's  business 
and  has  since  conducted  a  grocery  and  meat  market  with  phenomenal  suc- 
cess, having  a  liberal  and  well  deserved  patronage.  In  1906  he  further 
extended  his  business  activities  by  purchasing  an  interest  in  the  Prairie 
Block  Coal  Company  and  operated  a  mine  five  miles  southwest  of  the 
city  serving  as  secretary,  treasurer  and  general  manager,  until  June  1, 
1912,  when  he  sold  that  property.  He  has  developed  there  one  of  the 
best  mines  in  this  coal  district,  with  a  caixicity  ot  five  hundred  tons  of 
coal  per  day.  He  still  conducts  a  general  store  at  the  mines  and  he  is  one 
of  the  largest  stockholders  in  the  Scandinavian  Coal  Company,  operat- 
ing a  mine  at  Piano,  Iowa,  and  one  at  Centerville.  It  will  be  seen  that 
Mr.  Maring  has  made  steady  progress  since  starting  out  in  business  on 
his  own  account.  Whatever  he  undertakes  he  carries  forward  to  success- 
ful completion  and  he  is  now  the  owner  ot  one  ot  the  largest  groceries 
and  meat  markets  in  the  city,  his  location  being  at  No.  214  North  Twelfth 
street,  Centerville.  In  addition  to  his  commercial  and  mining  interests 
he  has  made  investments  in  real  estate  and  is  the  owner  of  some  good 
residence  property  in  Centerville. 

Mr.  Maring  has  always  given  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic 
party  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  prominent  and  influential  local 
leaders,  having  served  as  chairman  of  the  democratic  count}'  central  com- 
mittee for  fifteen  years.  He  was  a  delegate  from  this,  the  eighth  con- 
gressional district,  to  the  democratic  national  convention  held  at  St. 
Louis  in  1904  and  was  also  nominated  a  candidate  for  elector  in  the  same 
year.     He  has  attended  four  national  conventions  and  every  democratic 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  347 

-tate  convention  ot  the  past  twenty  years.  He  is  a  prominent  Mason, 
having  attained  high  rank  in  the  order,  and  he  was  fomnerly  connected 
w  irh  the  Odd  Fellows  and  Elk  lodges. 

Mr.  Maring  is  possessed  of  a  warmth  and  heartiness  of  manner  that 
easily  wins  him  friends,  and  among  his  employes  and  all,  with  whom  he 
has  had  business  association,  he  is  a  revered  man.  Unfailingly  generous, 
readily  forgiving  a  personal  wrong,  he  is  possessed  with  a  kindness  of  heart 
I  that  sets  him  apart  from  his  contemporaries.  Having  marked  ability  as 
a  mixer  and  a  promoter  he  might  easily  have  become  one  of  the  county's 
very  richest  men,  but  for  this  generosity.  His  has  been  a  well  spent  life, 
useful,  active  and  honorable  in  all  business  relations,  and  Mr.  Maring 
is  indeed  numbered  among  the  valued  and  worthy  citizens  of  Centerville 
and  .\ppanoose  count}'. 


FRANK   H.  (iLICK. 


Frank  K.  Glick,  who  has  been  elected  recorder  of  Appanoose  county 
and  assumed  the  duties  of  his  office  in  January,  1913,  is  a  native  of  this 
section,  born  October  29,  1882.  His  parents  are  Daniel  and  Martha 
(Hanniman)  Glick,  the  former  a  native  of  Indiana  and  the  latter  ot  Ohio. 
The  father  of  our  subject  was  seventeen  )ears  of  age  at  the  outbreak  of 
the  Civil  war  and  he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Twelfth  Indiana  Volunteer 
Infantrv',  serving  for  three  years.  After  he  was  mustered  out  he  went 
to  Missouri  and  there  engaged  in  general  agricultural  pursuits  tor  a 
short  time,  later  coming  to  Appanoose  county,  where  he  bought  a  farm 
in  Douglas  township.  This  [property  he  has  improved  and  operated  for 
many  years  and  upon  it  he  and  his  wife  are  still  residing.  Daniel  Glick 
has  reached  the  age  of  seventy  and  his  wife  is  sixty-three  years  of  age. 

Frank  R.  Glick  of  this  review  was  reared  at  home  and  was  educ;Tted 
in  the  public  schools  of  Appanoose  county.  His  childhood  was  spent 
\ipon  his  father's  farm  and  he  aided  in  its  operation  until  he  reached  the 
age  of  twenty-one,  when  he  began  contracting  for  the  sinking  of  coal 
tiaft>.  In  this  occupation  he  continued  to  engage  for  tive  years  and  then 
went  to  Colorado,  where  he  worked  in  the  coal  mines.  After  one  year, 
however,  he  had  the  misfortune  to  meet  with  a  severe  accident  which  dis- 
abled him.  his  back  having  been  dislocated  by  a  blow  from  a  tailing  piece 
of  coal.  He  wa.s  obliged  to  discontinue  his  work  and  on  the  14th  of 
November,  IQ08,  went  to  an  osteopathic  hospital  at  Kirksvillr,  Missouri. 
He  remaincti  -ix  iiiontli^.  raking  a  course  of  trcariin'iu  and  nrurned  won- 


348  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

derfully  improved  but  still  in  a  iTi])pl(ci  (.ondition.  He  is  obliged  to  go 
everywhere  in  a  wheeled  chair  bur  has  not  allowed  his  misfortune  to 
cast  a  cloud  over  his  career,  facing  the  altered  conditions  of  his  life  with 
contidence  and  courage  and  winning  the  respect  and  honor  of  his  many 
friends  by  his  valorous  struggle  against  adversity.  At  the  general  elec- 
tion held  on  the  5th  of  November,  K)12,  Mr.  Glick  was  elected  recorder 
of  Appanoose  county  and  will  assume  the  duties  of  his  office  in  January. 
His  friends  predict  for  him  continued  progress  in  this  line  of  work  and 
a  long  and  successful  political  career. 

On  the  8th  of  April.  1908,  Mr.  Glick  married  Miss  Mabel  Conger, 
who  was  born  in  Appanoose  county  in  August,  1887,  a  daughter  of  H.  G. 
and  Ella  (McCollum)  Conger,  the  former  a  native  of  Monroe  county, 
Iowa,  and  the  latter  of  Missouri.  The  father  came  to  Iowa  at  an  early 
date  and  for  many  years  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits,  winning 
at  last  a  comfortable  competence.  A  short  time  ago  he  abandoned  farm- 
ing and  is  now  engaged  in  county  road  work.  He  has  reached  the  age  of 
fifty-one,  while  his  wife  is  forty-eight  years  old.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Glick 
are  the  parents  of  a  son,  Frank  Doyle,  who  is  four  years  of  age.  Mrs. 
Glick  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Glick  is  connected  with  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  and  the  United  Mine  Workers  of  .America.  He  is  a  stanch 
supporter  of  the  republican  party  and  is  interested  in  everything  pertain- 
ing to  the  welfare  of  his  native  section.  In  all  the  relations  of  his  life 
he  is  upright,  high-minded  and  honorable  and  has  won  a  high  place  in 
the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  who  are  in  any  way  associated  with  him. 


EDWARD  BROSHAR. 


.Deeds  of  valor,  as  displayed  b)  rlie  soldier  on  the  battlefield,  have 
been  the  theme  of  song  and  story  since  the  world  began.  No  greater 
braver}-  has  ever  been  displaced  than  was  manifest  by  the  I'nion  veterans 
of  the  Civil  war  when  they  marched  to  the  south  to  defend  the  stars  and 
stripes — the  emblem  of  an  undivided  country.  Among  this  number  was 
Edward  Broshar,  who  joined  an  Iowa  cavalr\  regiment  and  thus  defendeil 
the  cause  which  he  espoused.  He  was  born  in  Indiana,  .\ugust  26,  1838, 
a  son  of  John  Broshar,  mIio  was  a  farmer  b)  occupation  and  owned  and 
tilled  a  tract  of  land  in  the  Hoosier  state  until  18^ ^  ^vhen  he  disposed  ot 
his  property  there  and  came  to  low  a,  settling  in  Appanoose  county,  where 
he  purchased  a  farm  which  he  continued  to  make  his  home  throughout  his 
remaining  days. 


EDWAKD  liKOSHAK 


W.    II.    XrCODEMUS 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  351 

Edward  Broshar  was  lar^'ely  rearctl  and  educated  in  Indiana,  being 
seventeen  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  Appanoose  count)  w  ith  his  parents. 
He  worked  on  his  father's  farm  for  a  number  of  years  and  then  went  to 
Kansas,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  on  his  own  account  for  three  years. 
He  then  bought  and  improved  a  tract  of  hmd  in  Appanoose  county  which 
■he  cultivated  for  an  extended  period,  but  at  length  ill  health,  the  result 
of  paralysis,  forced  his  retirement  and  he  removed  to  Centerville,  purchas- 
ing a  home  in  the  city.  He  thereafter  rested  from  further  labor.  His  life 
up  to  that  time  had  been  an  extremely  busy  and  usetul  one  and  his  energy 
and  industry  were  the  basis  of  the  success  he  achieved,  making  him  the 
possessor  of  a  comfortable  competence.  The  only  interruption  to  his 
continued  activity  in  business  up  to  the  time  of  his  retirement  came  when 
he  enlisted  for  service  in  tlie  Civil  war  on  the  15th  of  August,  1861,  joining 
Company  M,  Third  Iowa  Cavalry,  with  which  he  served  until  the  9th  of 
August,  1865.  He  participated  in  a  number  of  hotly  contested  engage- 
ments and  never  faltered  when  facing  the  foe,  so  that  he  returned  home 
with  a  most  creditable  military  record. 

The  first  wife  of  Mr.  Broshar  was  Miss  Minerva  Funkhauser,  who 
nas  bom  in  Iowa,  December  5,  1839,  and  reared  there.  She  was  a  woman 
of  many  excellent  traits  of  character  and  became  the  mother  of  ten  chil- 
dren. She  died  in  May,  1898.  On  the  I2th  of  August,  1900,  Mr.  Broshar 
was  married  to  Mrs.  Mattie  E.  Smith,  a  daughter  of  William  H.  and  Ruby 
(Co'zad)  Nicodenms.  Her  father  was  born  in  Maryland,  August  23,  1835, 
and  her  mother  in  West  Virginia,  October  24,  1841.  He  was  a  farmer 
by  occupation  ant!  in  1854  became  a  resident  of  Des  Moines  county,  Iowa, 
where  he  lived  for  five  years.  In  1859  he  went  to  Henry  county,  this 
state,  where  he  was  employed  as  a  farm  hand  imtil  after  the  outbreak  of 
the  Civil  war,  when  he  enlisted  as  a  member  of  Company  G,  Eleventh  Iowa 
\'olunteer  Infantry.  With  the  boys  in  blue  of  rliat  regiment  he  marched 
to  the  front  and  served  throughout  the  perioti  of  hostilities,  taking  part  in 
the  long,  hard  camjiaigns  and  in  many  hotl\  contested  battles.  He  was 
mustered  out  at  Touisville,  Kentucky,  July  I  ^  1865.  and  for  a  year  there- 
after remained  in  that  city  but  in  the  fall  of  1866  came  to  Appanoose 
county  and  purchased  one  hundrt-d  acres  of  land  in  Independence  town.ship. 
This  he  at  once  began  to  improve  and  cultivate,  operating  his  farm  imtil 
1879,  when  he  soUi  out  and  came  to  Centerville.  Iowa.  Here  he  was 
employed  in  different  ways  until  the  time  of  his  retirement.  He  is  now 
living  with  his  daughter  at  No.  315  East  Van  Buren  street,  having  long 
survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  .August,  1889.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Grand  .-Xrmv  of  rlie  Rciiublic.     B\  her  former  marriage  Mrs.  Broshar 


352  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COL'XTV 

had  one  son,  Fred  H.  Smith,  who  is  now  r\\cnr\-fliree  years  of  age  and  is 
a  photoj^rapher  of  Denison.  Iowa. 

l^he  death  of  Mr.  Broshar  occurred  on  the  31st  of  March,  lyoy,  and 
he  left  behind  him  man)'  friends.  .While  not  a  member  of  an}'  particular 
church,  he  had  a  strong  leaning  toward  the  Christian  church  and  contrib- 
uted to  its  sujiport.  His  widow  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church. 
Politically  Mr.  Broshar  was  a  republican,  supporting  the  party  which  was 
ihe  defense  of  the  I'nion'during  the  dark  days  of  the  Civil  war.  He  held 
the  office  of  notary  while  living  at  Walnut  and  was  a  member  of  the  board 
of  supervisors  in  Appanoose  county.  He  belonged  to  the  Grand  Army 
post  and  found  pleasure  in  meeting  with  his  old  comrades  among  the  boys 
in  blue.  He  was  always  as  faithful  and  loyal  to  duties  of  citizenship  in 
times  of  peace  as  in  days  of  war  and  was  a  man  in  whom  many  sterling 
traits  of  character  gained  him  high  regard. 


JOHN  G.  CLARK. 


John  G.  Clark  is  a  worthy  native  son  of  Appanoose  count)-  who  has 
twice  served  as  sheriff  of  the  county  and  since  retiring  trom  that  office 
has  been  engaged  in  business  as  the  proprietor  of  a  feed  stable  at  Center- 
ville.  His  birth  occurred  on  the  13th  of  March,  1858,  his  parents  being 
William  A.  and  Mary  (Kennick)  Clark,  who  were  of  Irish  and  Dutch 
descent  respectively.  The  father  was  born  near  Indianapolis,  Indiana, 
on  the  23d  of  April,  1830,  while  the  mother's  birth  occurred  in  North 
Carolina  on  the  29th  of  January,  1832.  William  A.  Clark  was  born 
and  reared  on  a  farm  and  attended  the  district  schools  for  a  time  but 
acquired  his  knowledge  largely  through  reading,  experience  and  observa- 
tion. Mary  Kennick  was  a  maiden  of  twelve  years  when  she  accompanied 
her  parents  on  their  removal  to  Indiana  and  it  was  there  that  she  gave 
her  hand  in  marriage  to  \\'illiani  A.  Chuk  on  the  ^ofh  ot  October.  1849. 
In  1854  they  removed  to  Davis  county,  Iowa,  and  a  )ear  later  came  to 
Appanoose  county,  locating  on  a  farm  af  forty  acres,  three  and  a  half 
miles  northwest  of  Moulton.  By  additional  purchase  Mr.  Clark  extended 
the  boundaries  of  his  place  until  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1885,  it 
embraced  two  hundred  and  torty  acres  of  well  improved  land.  He  was 
a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war  and  a  most  loyal  and  public-spirited  citizen, 
ably  serving  as  justice  of  the  peace  in  W'ashington  township  tor  two 
terms  and  as  assessor  for  four  terms.  His  wife  was  called  to  her  final 
rest  on  the  26th  of  October,  1893.     Their  children  were  nine  in  number, 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  353 

as  follows:  Laura,  who  was  born  on  the  3otii  ot  March,  I1S51.  and  is 
the  wite  ot  T.  C.  Kueker,  a  retired  agriculturist  ot  Centerville;  Sarah, 
whose  natal  day  was  October  23,  1855,  and  who  gave  her  hand  in  mar- 
riage to  T.  W.  Killion;  John  G.,  of  this  review;  Susan,  who  was  born  on 
the  31st  da}  of  May,  i860,  and  is  the  wife  of  Phenis  Taylor,  a  farmer 
of  this  county;  Alice  I.,  deceased;  William  G.,  who  was  born  on  the  26th 
of  December,  1864,  and  follows  fanning  in  Bellair  township,  Appanoose 
county;  Elijah,  who  is  an  agriculturist  residing  at  Moulton,  this  county; 
James  P.,  who  was  born  on  the  n^d  of  October,  1869,  and  is  likewise  an 
agriculturist  of  Moulton;  and  Louie  Eva,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  10th 
of  December,  1872,  and  who  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  Benjamin  Wells, 
a  farmer  of  Roger  Mills.  Oklahoma. 

John  G.  Clark  rcmaineii  under  the  jjarcntal  roof  until  twenty-one 
years  of  age,  when  he  was  married  and  establisiied  a  home  ot  his  own, 
living  on  a  rented  farm  in  Appanoose  county  for  about  three  years.  On 
the  expiration  of  that  period  he  removed  to  Kansas  and  there  tollowed 
farming  until  the  winter  of  1888,  when  he  returned  to  Appanoose  count}- 
and  has  here  remained  continuously  since.  He  is  now  engaged  in  business 
as  the  proprietor  of  a  feed  stable  at  Centerville  and  is  enjoying  a  liberal 
patronage  in  this  connection. 

In  1879  Mr.  Clark  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Margaret  Wool- 
ridge,  who  was  born  in  Appanoose  count)',  Iowa,  in  1863,  her  parents 
being  \Mlliam  and  Susan  (Jessey)  Woolridge,  the  former  a  farmer  of 
this  county.  In  1884  they  removed  to  Elk  county,  Kansas,  and  there 
resided  until  they  passed  away.  Unto  John  G.  and  Margaret  (Wool- 
ridce)  Clark  were  born  two  children,  namelv:  Defsv  Crrace,  whose  birth 
occurred  in  January,  1881,  and  who  is  the  wife  of  Madison  Howell,  an 
agriculturist  of  Guthrie,  Oklahoma;  and  LeKoy,  who  was  born  on  the 
24th  of  November,  1883,  and  was  killed  on  the  18th  of  August,  1903, 
by  the  accidental  discharge  of  a  revolver.  riic  wife  and  mother  passed 
away  in  this  county  on  the  6th  of  May,  1891,  and  in  1896  Mr.  Clark 
was  again  married,  his  second  union  being  with  Mrs.  Fluta  A.  Ward,  the 
widow  of  Harvey  Ward  of  this  county  and  a  daughter  of  George  and 
Talitha  I.  Wilson.     Her  father  is  a  farmer  of  Appanoose  coimty. 

In  politics  Mr.  Clark  is  a  stanch  republican,  having  supported  the 
men  and  measures  of  that  party  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right 
of  franchise.  He  has  held  various  township  oUices  and  in  1906  was 
elected  sheriff  of  Appanoo.se  count),  proving  such  a  capable  official  that 
he  was  reelected  in  1908.  On  tiic  29th  of  Jul),  \<.)\o.  it  fell  to  his  duty 
to  hang  at  the  state  penitentiary  John  Junkins.  a  colored  man,  tor  the 
murder  of  Clara  Roisein.  a  Swedish  woman  ot  Ottumwa,   Iowa,  and  so 


354  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

became  the  instrument  of  justice  in  atonement  of  an  atrocious  crime.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  identified  with  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks 
ot  Centerville  and  the  Yeomen,  while  both  he  and  his  wife  are  devoted 
members  of  the  Methodist  church  of  Centerville.  He  has  gained  many 
stanch  friends  in  both  social  and  business  life  and  his  record  is  a  creditable 
one  inasmuch  as  his  success  is  attributable  to  his  own  efforts. 


JOHN  L.  PHARES. 


John  L.  Phares,  a  well  known  and  prosperous  resident  of  Centerville, 
is  proprietor  of  the  Centerville  Poultry  &  Produce  Company,  an  extensive 
and  important  concern  which  was  establishtd  on  the  i6th  of  November, 
1912.  It  was  in  Centerville  that  his  birth  occurred  on  the  17th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1868,  his  parents  being  A.  J.  and  Jennie  (Brough)  Phares.  The  father, 
a  gentleman  of  German  and  Irish  descent,  is  a  native  of  Keokuk,  Lee 
county,  Iowa,  while  the  mother,  who  is  of  Dutch  extraction,  was  born  at 
Amit}-,  Ohio.  Their  marriage  was  celebrated  in  Centerville,  this  county. 
For  several  years  A.  J.  Phares  drove  a  stage  between  Fort  Madison  and 
Burlington  and  after  removing  to  Centerville,  in  1862,  drove  stage  from 
there  to  Moravia  and  Leon,  Iowa.  Subsequently  he  took  up  the  butcher's 
trade,  also  dug  coal  and  conducted  a  restaurant.  In  1890-91  he  served  as  a 
member  of  the  city  council.  In  1907  he  put  aside  active  business  cares 
and  with  his  wife  has  since  lived  retired  in  Centerville.  Our  subject  had 
ten  brothers  and  sisters  and  there  was  no  death  in  the  family  until  all  had 
reached  adult  age  and  were  married.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  J.  Phares  have 
lived  in  Appanoose  county  for  a  half  century  and  enjoy  an  extensive  and 
favorable  acquaintance  within  its  borders. 

In  the  acquirement  of  an  education  John  L.  Phares  attended  school 
at  Centerville  and  after  putting  aside  his  text-books  learned  the  butcher's 
trade.  He  was  also  employed  for  a  time  as  motorman  on  a  street  car  in 
Centerville  and  for  several  years  acted  as  a  stationary  engineer.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1908,  he  became  connected  with  the  poultry  business  as  foreman  for 
the  firm  of  Hurd  &  Company  and  at  the  end  of  a  }  ear  accepted  the  posi- 
tion of  local  manager  for  the  Iowa  Produce  Company.  He  held  the  posi- 
tion continuously  until  he  engaged  in  business  on  his  own  account  under 
the  name  of  the  Centerville  Poultry  &  Produce  Company.  He  makes 
shipments  to  Chicago,  New  York.  Boston  and  Philadelphia  and  sends  out 
on  an  average  of  five  thousand  live  chickens  and  four  cars  of  dressed 
poultry  per  month.     At  times  he  ships  from  two  to  three  cars  of  eggs  per 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  355 

week.  Mr.  Phares  buys  all  the  produce  on  his  own  account  and  all  pro- 
ceeds from  eastern  sales  return  directly  to  Centerville.  He  devotes  his 
attention  exclusively  to  his  growing  business  interests  and  in  their  control 
is  winning  a  gratifying  and  well  merited  measure  of  success. 

On  the  19th  of  October,  1890,  Mr.  Phares  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  May  Goldsberry,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Gilbert) 
Goldsberr\ .  The  father  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war  and  an  agriculturist 
by  occupation.  He  was  a  resident  of  Cincinnati,  Iowa,  at  the  time  of 
his  daughter's  marriage  to  Mr.  Phares  but  subsequently  came  to  Center- 
ville, where  both  he  and  his  wife  still  make  their  home.  Unto  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Phares  have  been  born  the  following  children.  Guy  \V.,  whose 
birth  occurred  on  the  2d  of  October,  1891,  and  who  is  now  a  substitute 
city  mail  carrier,  wedded  Miss  Isel  Critzer  of  Centerville,  by  whom  he 
has  two  children,  Barnard  and  Clyde.  Raymie,  whose  natal  day  was 
November  9,  1893,  ^^^^  as  foreman  for  his  father.  Alfred,  who  was  born 
on  the  30th  of  October,  1896,  is  also  in  the  employ  of  his  father.  Jennie, 
whose  birth  occurred  on  the  6th  of  October,  1906,  attends  the  Gartield 
school.  Paul,  who  was  born  November  14,  1908,  is  at  home.  Four  gen- 
erations of  the  Phares  family  are  now  living. 

Mr.  Phares  exercises  his  right  of  franchise  in  support  of  the  men  and 
measures  of  the  democracy,  believing  firmly  in  the  principles  of  that 
party.  He  is  a  supporter  of  the  Christian  church  and  his  wife  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  assembly.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Foresters  of 
America,  belonging  to  the  Centerville  lodge.  He  is  one  of  the  prosperous 
and  capable  business  men  of  Centerville,  where  he  has  passed  his  entire 
life  and  has  a  host  of  warm  friends. 


BURT  STONE. 


Burt  Stone,  closely  connected  with  business  interests  of  Piano  as  a 
successful  general  merchant,  is  a  native  son  of  Appanoose  county,  bom 
in  Johns  township,  on  the  15th  of  February,  1877,  his  parents  being  J.  J. 
and  Sarah  E.  fCole)  Stone.  The  father  was  a  native  of  Ohio  and  the 
mother  ot  Intliaiia,  and  they  came  to  Appanoose  county  separate!)'  in 
1855.  The  father  established  himself  in  1859  in  the  general  merchandise 
business  in  Piano  and  also  engaged  in  farming.  He  operated  his  store 
successfully  until  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  when  he  enlisted  in  a 
Kansas  regiment  and  served  for  four  years.  Afterward  he  resumed  his 
former  occupation  and  engaged  in  it  until  1892,  when  he  moved  his  estab- 


356  HISTORY  OF  Al'l'ANOOSE  COUNTY 

lishment  to  Mystic  and  after  a  short  time  retired.  He  has  now  reached 
the  age  of  seventy  )'ears,  while  his  wife  is  sixty-nine. 

Burt  Stone  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Piano  and  after 
completing  the  usual  course  worked  in  his  father's  store  until  1896.  In 
that  year  he  accepted  the  position  as  superintendent  of  the  Juckett  Coal 
Company's  mine  in  Mystic  and  was  later  an  independent  general  mer- 
chant in  Diamond.  He  conducted  this  enterprise  from  1899  '^o  '9°!  t)ut 
in  the  latter  year  sold  his  interests  and  established  a  restaurant  in  Mystic, 
which  he  operated  until  1903,  when  he  and  his  brorlier  formed  a  partner- 
ship and  purchased  the  Evansville  mine,  which  they  developed  for  some 
time.  In  1905  Mr.  Stone  purchased  the  Mystic  Letter  and  made  this  an 
excellent  weekly  journal,  both  the  news  and  the  business  departments  be- 
ing in  a  flourishing  condition  under  his  able  management.  In  the  fire 
which  destroyed  most  of  the  business  section  of  Piano  the  plant  was  con- 
sumed and  Mr.  Stone  turned  his  attention  to  other  pursuits.  In  March, 
1911,  he  came  to  Piano  and  here  established  a  general  store,  which  he 
has  since  conducted.  In  business  affairs  he  has  met  with  excellent  suc- 
cess and  has  steadily  prospered,  being  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  pro- 
gressive and  reliable  business  men  in  the  community. 

Mr.  Stone  married,  on  the  1  <^th  of  July,  1896,  Miss  M.  Frogle,  a 
daughter  of  Peter  and  Matilda  (Long)  Frogle,  natives  of  Missouri, 
where  the  father  followed  mining  until  his  letirement.  He  is  now  living 
in  Keokuk,  Iowa.  Mr.  Stone  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party 
and  his  religious  views  are  in  accord  with  the  doctrines  of  the  Methodist 
church.  Fraternally  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  Amer- 
ica. He  is  a  man  of  high  integrit)-  and  commercial  honor,  who  enjoys  in 
highest  measure  the  respect  of  all  who  know  him.  That  man\-  of  his 
firmest  friends  are  numbered  among  those  who  have  known  him  from 
boyhood  to  the  present  time  is  an  indication  that  his  has  been  an  honor- 
able and  upright  life  and  one  well  worthy  of  the  highest  esteem. 


CHARLES  S.  CONGER. 


-Charles  S.  Conger  is  a  worthy  representative  of  one  of  the  earliest 
pioneer  families  of  Appanoose  county  and  is  well  known  in  this  section, 
where  he  was  born.  His  popularity  is  due  to  definite  attainment  in  agri- 
cultural pursuits  and  in  the  held  ot  public  life  and  his  success  and  [iromi- 
nence  have  rewartlcd  an  active,  useful  and  honorable  business  career  filled 
with  hard  work  ami  persevering  labor.     He  was  born  on  the  farm  which 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  357 

he  now  operates  and  which  he  calls  the  Hillside  Stock  rarm.  Au^'ust  8, 
1862,  and  is  a  son  of  Elias  Conger,  a  native  ot  Ohio.  The  grandfather 
of  the  subject  ot  this  review,  Enos  Conger  founded  the  family  in  Iowa, 
moving  to  this  state  in  the  early  period  of  its  pioneer  development  and 
making  a  detinite  location  in  Appanoose  county  when  the  father  of  our 
subject  was  still  a  child.  About  the  year  1844  he  preempted  land  in  this 
section  of  the  state,  upon  the  present  site  of  the  town  of  Exline,  which 
is  now  a  thriving  and  [jrosperous  village.  Enos  Conger  later  left  his 
original  tract  and  located  upon  the  farm  now  owned  by  his  grandson, 
this  propert}-  having  therefore  been  in  possession  of  the  family  for  three 
generations.  The  grandfatlur  owned  two  hundred  acres  wliich  was  all 
raw  land  when  it  came  into  his  possession.  He  broke  the  soil  and  made 
substantial  improvements  and  in  the  work  of  development  was  aided  by 
his  son,  Elias,  who  was  reared  ypon  the  farm  and  who  after  the  death 
of  his  father  continued  its  operation.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war 
the  father  of  our  subject  enlisted  in  the  Eighteenth  Iowa  \'olunteer  Cavalry 
and  served  for  three  years  and  six  months  in  the  Federal  arm}-.  After- 
ward he  received  his  honorable  discharge  and  returned  home,  where  he 
remained  for  a  short  time,  later  going  to  the  Pacific  coast.  His  wife,  who 
was  in  her  maiilcnhood  Miss  Jane  Ireland,  was  also  a  representative  of  a 
well  known  [jioneer  family.  She  died  in  1868  and  afterward  Elias  Conger 
went  to  Washington,  where  he  engaged  in  the  timber  business  on  a  large 
scale  and  where  he  resided  until  he  moved  to  Texas. 

Charles  S.  Conger  remaincii  at  home  until  after  the  death  of  his 
mother,  when  he  was  bound  out  to  a  Mr.  Tibhr.  a  farmer  of  Putnam 
county,  Mis.souri,  from  whom  he  received  kind  treatment  and  where  he 
found  a  good  home,  and  a  quiet  but  strong  affection  sprang  up  between 
master  and  employe.  After  serving  his  time  Mr.  Conger  remained  upon 
the  farm  which  he  operated,  carrying  forward  the  work  of  improvement 
and  caring  for  Mr.  Tibler  in  his  old  age.  He  thus  grew  familiar  with 
the  details  of  practical  farming  and  became  in  time  an  able  agriculturist. 
Later  he  purchased  the  farm  and  operated  it  for  a  number  of  \cars,  dis- 
posing of  it  in  1886.  Ill  that  \car  he  left  Missouri  and  rcrurned  to  Appa- 
noose county,  where  he  purchased  eighty  acres  of  the  old  homestead,  which 
he  began  to  farm  and  further  improve.  As  his  circumstances  justified  he 
purchased  more  land  ami  is  now  the  owner  of  two  hundretl  anil  forty 
acres,  all  fenced,  drained  and  developed,  and  most  of  which  is  under 
cultivation.  Mr.  Conger  first  erected  a  fine  residence  and  later  a  good 
barn  which  stands  diagonally  across  the  road  from  the  house.  He  has 
excellent  outbuildings  for  the  shelter  of  stock  and  grain  and  has  planted 
a  number  of  acres  in  orchard,  from  which  he  harvests  fine  crops  annuallv. 


358  HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY 

He  has  made  a  specialty  of  raising  and  feeding  stock  and  sometimes  ships 
his  animals  direct  to  the  markets,  where  they  have  a  readj-  sale.  A  man 
of  quiet,  steady  industry,  sound  judgment  and  conservative  business  meth- 
ods, he  has  advanced  step  by  step  from  poverty  to  wealth  and  from  a 
humble  position  to  one  of  prominence,  being  ranked  today  among  the 
men  who  establish  and  promote  agricultural  standards  in  this  parr  of  the' 
state. 

Mr.  Conger  marricil  in  Putnam  county,  Missouri,  December  15,  1884, 
Miss  Betty  Spe^ik  and  they  became  the  parents  of  six  sons,  of  whom  Roy 
N.  met  death  by  an  accident  in  lyii,  when  he  was  twenty-five  years  of 
age.  Those  who  survive  are  Finis  T..  Ira  I.,  Benona,  Lowell  E.  and 
John  L. 

Mr.  Conger  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and 
has  always  been  a  force  in  community  affairs  although  he  has  never 
desired  political  preferment.  In  1910,  however,  he  was  elected  township 
trustee  of  Pleasant  township  and  has  served  also  as  a  delegate  to  numer- 
ous county  conventions.  For  years  he  has  been  identified  with  educational 
work,  being  especially  interested  in  school  expansion  and  his  activities 
in  this  and  in  all  other  public  relations  have  been  such  as  reflect  great  credit 
on  his  progressiveness,  his  political  conscientiousness  and  his  public  spirit. 


SANFORD  P.   MARING. 


Sanford  P.  Maring  has  been  identified  with  the  growth  and  develop- 
ment of  Exline  for  many  years  and  his  work  has  been  a  force  in  advance- 
ment, since  he  has  steadily  promoted  and  built  up  enterprises  which  di- 
rectly affect  growth,  by  furthering  commercial,  industrial  and  financial 
activity.  Since  the  organization  of  the  Bradley  Savings  Bank  in  1905  he 
has  been  its  cashier  and  has  attained  a  place  of  prominence  and  influence 
in  local  banking  circles.  He  is  a  native  son  of  the  county,  born  in  Cald- 
well township,  October  23,  1858,  his  father  being  Samuel  Maring,  a  na- 
tive of  Monroe  county,  Ohio.  In  that  district  the  father  of  our  subject 
grew  to  manhood  and  there  married  Alma  Hall,  .\bout  1890  he  and  his 
wife  moved  to  Iowa,  among  the  earliest  pioneers  in  the  state,  and  located 
in  Caldwell  township,  Appanoose  count}-,  where  Samuel  Maring  filed  on 
one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  lantl  and  after  proving  his  title  opened  up 
a  farm.  He  gradual h-  became  well  known  and  prosperous,  engaging  be- 
side agricultural  lines  in  buying  and  selling  of  land.  His  first  wife  passed 
away  during  his  period  of  residence  here  anil  he  later  married  Mrs.  Juliza 


!•.  M  \i;iN(; 


UOi'if^"'^ 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  361 

\  an  Dyke,  a  native  of  \'irginia,  who  was  reared  and  educated  in  that  state. 
Samuel  Maring  died  upon  the  home  farm,  July  n,  1901,  having  survived 
his  wife  since  1881. 

Sanford  P.  Maring  was  reared  at  home  and  at  an  early  age  acquired 
familiarity  with  the  best  methods  of  farm  operation.  He  aided  his  father 
with  the  work  of  the  tiekis  until  his  marriage,  which  occurred  in  1880,  in 
which  year  he  and  his  wife  commenced  their  domestic  life  upon  the  Mat- 
ing homestead,  which  the  subject  of  this  review  rented  from  his  father.  He 
later  purchased  one  hundred  and  eighty  acres  and  still  owns  this  property, 
upon  which  he  has  erected  a  tine  residence,  a  good  barn  and  convenient 
outbuildings  and  installed  the  necessary  farm  equipment.  The  property 
is  made  especially  valuable  on  account  of  the  rich  deposits  of  coal  with 
which  a  part  of  it  is  underlaid.  The  Iowa  Block  Coal  Company  has  sunk 
a  shaft  upon  the  land  and  has  touched  a  rich  vein  from  which  for  the  past 
eight  or  ten  }ears  they  have  taken  out  large  quantities  of  fine  coal. 

After  he  had  lived  upon  his  farm  for  some  time  Mr.  Maring  became 
interested  in  the  town  of  Exline,  recognizing  in  its  growing  prosperity  and 
ex{xmsion  a  good  business  opportunit}-.  He  purchased  a  tract  of  land  just 
adjoining  the  town,  platted  it  as  a  subdivision,  laid  out  streets  and  walks, 
surveyed  lots  and  put  them  up  for  sale.  In  his  promotion  of  this  enter- 
prise he  showed  his  fine  business  ability  and  executive  force,  tor  lie  tarrictl 
it  forward  to  successful  completion,  his  addition  being  now  an  integral 
part  of  the  town.  He  has  built  and  sold  several  fine  residences  and  has 
eight  dwellings  rented  to  tenants,  owning  besides  valuable  residence  and 
lousiness  property.  When  the  Bradley  Savings  Bank  was  organized  in 
itpi  Mr.  Maring  was  one  of  the  leading  figures  in  the  promotion  of  the 
enterprise,  ot  which  he  was  made  manager  and  cashier.  He  is  thoroughly 
conversant  with  the  banking  business  in  principle  and  in  detail  and  his 
capable  control  of  the  Bradley  Savings  Bank  is  manifested  in  its  growing 
prosperity.  It  is  one  ot  the  reliable  financial  institutions  in  this  part  of 
the  state  and  conducts  all  kinds  of  banking  business. 

Mr.  Maring  has  been  twice  marrietl.  On  October  10.  1880.  he  wciiiled 
Miss  Ella  Hollenbeck,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  who  afterward  came  to 
Appanoose  county.  She  passed  awa)'  on  Januar)  26,  1907,  leaving  three 
children:  Nadie,  the  wife  of  T.  C.  Kline,  of  Exline;  John  I..;  and  Claude 
S.  On  the  14th  of  Sejitember,  1907,  Mr.  Maring  was  again  marrieil,  his 
second  wite  being  Miss  Kate  Kinkaid,  who  was  born  in  Monroe  county, 
Ohio,  but  who  was  educated  in  Exline  and  Centerville.  Previous  to  her 
marriage  she  was  a  teacher  in  the  public  schools  ot  Appanoose  county  and 
was  well  known  in  local  educational  circles. 


362  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

Mr.  Maring  gives  his  |)()lirical  allrgiance  to  the  democratic  party,  with 
which  he  has  been  affiliated  since  casting  his  first  vote.  He  has  been  elected 
to  a  number  of  important  local  positions  of  trust  and  honor,  in  all  of  which 
he  has  served  capably  and  conscientiously,  bending  his  energies  to  the  pro- 
morion  of  projects  which  affect  the  public  growth.  He  is  a  member  of 
Exline  Lodge,  No.  726,  I.  ().  ().  F.,  and  he  and  his  wife  belong  to  the  Re- 
bekahs.  Both  are  members  of  the  Christian  church  and  are  well  known  in 
the  community,  their  home  being  the  center  of  a  charming  circle  ot  friends. 
Mr.  Maring  gives  his  influence  and  aid  to  progressive  public  measures  and 
is  a  stanch  supporter  of  the  business,  social  and  political  institutions  of  the 
community  which  he  has  done  so  much  to  upbuild. 


JOHN  TILLMONT. 


John  Tillmont,  engaged  in  general  farming  on  section,  6,  Taylor 
township,  is  the  owner  of  three  hundred  and  fourteen  acres  of  rich  and 
productive  land,  upon  which  he  has  made  many  improvements  so  that  the 
farm  is  one  of  the  attractive  properties  in  his  part  of  the  count}'.  A  native 
of  New  York,  he  was  born  in  New  Bremen,  Lewis  county,  October  10, 
1864,  his  parents  being  Stephen  and  Elizabeth  (Bach)  Tillmont,  who 
were  natives  of  Alsace-Lorraine,  but  were  reared  and  married  in  Lewis 
county,  New  York.  The  father  came  to  the  United  States  when  tour- 
teen  years  of  age  and  the  mother  was  but  a  little  girl  at  the  time  of  her 
arrival  in  the  new  world.  They  remained  in  the  Empire  state  until  their 
son,  John,  was  three  years  ot  age,  when  they  removed  westward  to  Mich- 
igan. After  a  year  and  a  half,  however,  they  returned  to  New  Bremen, 
where  their  remaining  days  were  spent.  The  father  followed  farming 
throughout  his  entire  life  and  at  different  times  he  also  held  some  local 
offices,  including  that  of  highway'  commissioner,  overseer  ot  the  poor  and 
inspector  ot  elections.  In  politics  he  was  ever  a  stanch  democrat.  Unto 
him  and  his  wife  were  born  eight  children:  Kate,  who  died  in  Centerville, 
Iowa,  in  1911;  John;  ^Llr}•.  the  wife  of  John  C.  Bardo,  of  New  Bremen. 
New  York:  P.  J.,  who  died  in  Iowa  in  iQio;  Emma,  living  in  Center- 
ville; J.  B.,  who  died  in  Oregon  in  IQOQ;  Jennie,  the  wife  of  Charles 
Walter,  of  New  Bremen,  New  York;  and  Dr.  C.  P.  Tillmont,  of  Center- 
ville. 

John  Tillmont  remained  under  the  parental  roof  to  the  time  of  his 
marriage  and  the  experiences  of  farm  life  in  the  Empire  state  were  his. 
His  educational  opportunities  were  those  afforded  by  the  public  schools 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  363 

and  he  learned  lessons  of  industn-,  economy  and  enterprise  upon  the  old 
homestead.  On  the  4th  ot  March,  1886,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  Mills, 
who  was  born  in  New  Bremen,  New  York,  April  14,  1861,  a  daughter  of 
David  and  Magdalene  (Lodenberg)  Mills,  the  former  a  native  of  Ger- 
many and  the  latter  of  France.  They  were  married,  however,  in  New 
York,  where  the  father  followed  shoe  making  and  where  both  he  and  his 
wife  died.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tiilmont  became  parents  of  five  children,  Nina, 
Fred,  C'elia,  David  and  Magdalene. 

It  was  in  the  year  1899  that  Mr.  Tiilmont  came  with  his  family  to 
Iowa,  settling  in  Taylor  township,  .\ppanoose  county,  where  he  has  since 
carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits.  He  is  now  the  owner  of  three 
hundred  and  fourteen  acres  of  rich  and  ferriic  land  and  the  place  is  well 
improved  with  substantial  buildings  and  all  modern  equipments,  includ- 
ing the  machinery  necessary  to  facilitate  and  promote  the  work  of  the 
fields.  He  raises  the  cereals  best  adajited  to  soil  and  climate  and  is 
very  successful  in  his  undertakings.  His  political  support  is  given  to  the 
democratic  party  and  while  living  in  New  York  he  filled  a  number  of 
township  offices,  but  since  coming  to  the  west  has  concentrated  his  ener- 
gies upon  his  farm  work  with  the  result  that  he  is  meeting  with  sub- 
stantial success  in  his  undertakings  and  is  accounted  one  of  the  leading  and 
representative  agriculturists  of  Taylor  township. 


ELZA  W.  ADAMSON. 


Elza  W.  .\damson,  representative  of  one  of  the  oldest  pioneer  fam- 
ilies in  Appanoose  county,  a  native  son  of  this  section  and  today  one  of  its 
active  and  progressive  farmers  and  public-spirited  citizens,  was  born  in 
Pleasant  township,  December  23,  1868.  His  father,  Henry  Adamson. 
was  a  native  of  Fayette  county,  Ohio,  where  he  grew  to  manhood.  From 
that  state  he  moved  into  Iowa  in  1848  and  came  as  a  pioneer  to  .Appa- 
noose county,  dating  his  residence  in  this  locality  from  Ma}-  1.  1892.  In 
that  year  he  preempted  six  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land  and  turned  his 
attention  to  general  farming,  being  obliged  to  break  the  soil  before  he 
could  begin  the  work  ot  development.  He  married  in  Lee  county,  Iowa, 
near  Fort  Madixm.  .Miss  IVnthesilea  Frost,  a  native  of  Ohio,  who  grew 
to  womanhood  in  Lee  coimty.  She  was  active  in  religious  circles  and  a 
charter  member  ot  the  First  Christian  chunh  in  the  state  of  Iowa,  wliich 
was  founded  at  Lost  Creek.      Mr.  ami   Mr>.   Henrv  .\damson  have  both 


364  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

passed  awa),  the  tornur  d)  ing  November  18,  1911,  at  the  advanced  age 
of  ninety-four,  and  the  hitter  on  the  15th  of  October,  1894. 

El'/a  \\'.  Adamson  is  the  youngest  in  a  family  of  nine  children,  all 
of  whom  married  and  became  heads  of  tamilies.  Mrs.  J.  \V.  Shively,  an 
only  sister,  died  on  the  14th  of  January,  1906.  J.  B.  Adamson,  a  brother, 
was  killed  in  a  railroad  accident  on  the  1st  of  May,  1912.  Elza  VV. 
Adamson  was  reared  upon  his  father's  farm  in  Pleasant  township  and 
received  his  primary  education  in  the  public  schools,  supplementing  this 
by  a  course  in  the  Centerville  high  school.  Later  he  attended  the  \\'estern 
Normal  at  Shenandoah  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  received  his  certificate 
and  began  teaching  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native  section.  He 
later  followed  the  same  occupation  in  Cincinnati,  teaching  in  the  gram- 
mar grades  and  doing  work  which  won  him  wide  recognition  and  promo- 
tion to  the  position  of  principal  of  the  Unionville  schools.  After  three 
years  he  was  elected  school  superintendent  for  Appanoose  county,  served 
one  term  and  was  reelected  in  1897  for  another  term.  He  reduced  the 
affairs  under  his  charge  to  a  definite  organized  system  and  in  this  way 
accomplished  effective  and  far-reaching  results,  holding  institutes  every 
year  with  the  assistance  of  some  of  the  best  educators  in  the  state.  In 
this  way  he  brought  the  county  teachers  closeh"  in  touch  with  the  advance- 
ment of  educational  methods  and  in  a  noticeable  way  raised  the  standard 
of  efficiency  in  the  profession  throughout  Iowa.  He  was  connected  with 
the  schools  of  Appanoose  county  for  a  period  of  twenty  years. 

Since  leaving  office  Mr.  Adamson  has  devoted  most  of  his  attention 
to  the  further  development  of  his  fine  farm  of  one  hundred  and  eighty 
acres  on  section  27,  Franklin  township,  upon  which  he  engages  in  general 
farming  and  stock-raising,  being  ranked  among  the  most  successful  and 
progressive  agriculturists  of  Appanoose  county. 

In  Lincoln  township,  on  the  15th  of  November,  1892,  Mr.  .\damson 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Condra,  a  native  of  Appanoose 
county  and  the  only  daughter  of  Franklin  Condra.  whose  famih-  was 
numbered  among  the  first  settlers  in  the  state,  coming  here  as  early  as  the 
year  1848.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adamson  had  six  children.  The  eldest,  Esther, 
died  at  the  age  of  ten  months.  Neil  C.  completed  the  course  in  the  Sey- 
mour high  school  and  is  now  in  his  first  year  in  the  Iowa  State  University. 
U.  Gene  completed  the  course  in  the  country  schools  and  is  now  attending 
the  Seymour  high  school.  The  other  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Adamson  are  Elsie  Luvey,  Ersel  and  Thelma. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adamson  united  with  the  Christian  church  at  Center- 
ville in  Januar)',  1896,  and  remained  members  there  until  they  removed 
to  their  present  farm  in  Franklin  township,  where  they  have  been  actively 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  365 

identitied  with  the  Mt.  Olive  church  since  1904.  Mr.  Adamson  has  since 
served  continuously  in  the  capacity  of  Sunday  school  superintendent  and 
also  as  an  olficial  ot  rhe  church  board.  He  gives  his  political  allegiance  to 
the  republican  party  and  is  now  serving  with  ability  and  conscientiousness 
as  township  trustee.  He  has  tor  many  years  been  active  in  the  public  life 
ot  the  district  and  has  been  chosen  delegate  to  numerous  count)'  conven- 
tions. In  his  busine.ss  dealings  he  has  ever  been  straightforward  and  reli- 
able, enjoying  the  full  confidence  of  those  with  whom  he  has  been  asso- 
ciated, and  he  is  in  every  sense  ot  the  word  one  of  the  representative  citizens 
ot  A[ipanoose  county. 


ROBER I  BEKCHER  CARSON. 

Among  the  estimable  pioneers  of  Appanoose  county,  who  belong  to 
the  rapidl}-  thinning  ranks  of  the  honored  men  who  donned  the  blue 
and  went  to  the  tront  in  defense  of  their  country's  flag,  must  be  mentioned 
Robert  Beecher  Carson.  He  began  his  career  as  an  agriculturist,  but 
more  than  forty  years  ago  he  came  to  Moulton  and  engaged  in  the  grain 
business.  Later  he  established  the  lumber  and  fuel  business  he  is  still 
conducting,  and  he  was  also  one  of  the  founders  of  the  State  Savings 
Bank,  ot  which  he  is  now  vice  president.  Mr.  Carson  has  passed  the 
greater  part  of  his  life  in  Iowa,  but  he  is  a  native  of  Indiana,  his  birth 
having  occurred  in  Shelby  county  on  the  1st  of  October,  1842.  He  is  a 
son  of  William  Tatman  and  Sarah  (Cosier)  Carson,  who  located  in  this 
state  more  than  sixty  years  ago.  The  father,  who  was  born  in  Miami 
county,  Ohio,  on  the  29th  of  August,  1817,  passed  away  in  April,  1904, 
but  the  mother,  who  is  in  her  eighty-ninth  year,  having  been  born  July  5, 
1823,  is  still  living  and  makes  her  home  in  Bloomtield,  Iowa.  The  Car- 
son family  is  of  Scotch-Irish  extraction,  but  have  long  been  residents  of  the 
United  States,  some  ot  the  toretathers  having  sought  refuge  from  religious 
persecution  in  southern  Pennsylvania  during  colonial  days.  There  the 
grandfather,  John  Carson,  was  born  on  the  1  itli  of  May.  1788.  In  early 
life  he  removed  to  Miami  county,  Ohio,  going  from  there  to  Shelby  county, 
Indiana,  where  he  passed  away  in  187^.  His  father  was  a  veteran  of  the 
Revolutionary  war.  Accompanied  by  his  wife  and  family,  in  18^1  Will- 
iam r.  Carson  came  to  Iowa  and  preempted  a  quarter  section  of  land  in 
Davis  count)-,  which  is  still  in  possession  of  the  family.  The  family  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carson  numbered  ten.  two  of  whom  ilicd  in  infancy.  Those 
who  lived  to  attain  maturitv  arc  as  follow^:     James,  a  resident  of  Davis 


366  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

county,  this  state,  who  is  deceased;  Robert  B.,  our  subject;  Elsina,  the 
deceased  wife  of  E.  B.  Kinnick,  of  Davis  county,  Iowa;  Florence  A., 
who  married  Jacob  Abka,  of  Bloonifield,  Iowa;  Mar)-  C,  who  is  unmar- 
ried and  residing  at  home;  John  \V.,  a  minister  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  located  at  Waveland,  Iowa;  Alice,  who  married  \V.  J.  Baldridge, 
of  Bloomfield,  Iowa:  and  J()M])h  (i..  a  resident  of  Seattle,  Washington. 

The  tirst  nine  years  in  the  life  of  Robert  Beecher  Carson  were  passed 
in  his  native  state.  In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  he  attended  the 
district  school  for  two  terms,  continuing  his  studies  in  a  select  school  at 
Troy,  this  state.  He  was  reared  in  very  much  the  same  manner  as  all 
countr)'  }Ouths  during  the  pioneer  period  and  earh'  became  familiar  with 
the  duties  of  an  agriculturist.  After  laying  aside  his  text-books  he  assisted 
with  the  cultivation  of  the  home  farm  until  the  fall  of  1861,  when  he 
enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company  G,  Second  Iowa  Infantry,  remaining 
at  the  front  for  three  years  and  eight  months,  during  which  time  he  par- 
ticipated in  some  of  the  notable  engagements  of  the  war.  He  was  in  the 
charge  up  the  hill  at  Fort  Donelson,  Pittsburg  Landing,  siege  of  Corinth, 
where  he  was  wounded  in  the  leg,  battle  of  Inke  and  the  Atlanta  cam- 
paign. He  was  with  Sherman  on  his  famous  march  and  was  in  the 
Grand  Review  of  the  troops  at  Washington  at  the  close  of  hostilities. 
When  mustered  out  he  returned  home  and  resumed  the  duties  of  civil  life 
as  a  farmer.  He  assisted  with  the  cultivation  of  the  old  homestead  until 
1872,  when  he  came  to  Moulton  and  went  into  the  grain  business,  in 
which  he  met  with  a  fair  measure  of  success.  About  1883  he  extended  the 
scope  of  his  activities  by  putting  in  a  stock  of  lumber  and  coal  and  has 
ever  since  continued  in  this  line  of  business,  carrying  a  full  line  of  building 
materials.  He  assisted  in  the  organization  of  the  Moulton  State  Savings 
Bank  in  1903  and  is  now  vice  president  of  this  institution.  Mr.  Carson 
is  an  industrious  man  of  principles  and  trustworthy  bu>iness  methods,  which 
qualities  have  served  to  rank  him  with  the  representative  members  of 
the  commercial  fraternity  of  Moulton. 

In  1873,  Mr.  Carson  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  May  Deeds,  who 
was  born  in  Greene  county,  Pennsylvania,  in  iS^i.  and  is  a  daughter  of 
Isaac  and  Mary  Jane  (Bryan)  Deeds,  who  were  likewise  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  where  they  passed  away  during  the  childhood  of  Mrs.  Car- 
son. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carson  have  four  children,  as  follows:  Guy  R.,  who 
is  married  and  residing  in  Des  Moines;  Craig,  who  married  V'erna  Lee 
and  is  residing  in  Moulton;  Helen,  the  wife. of  J.  B.  Sneed,  of  Moravia, 
and  the  mother  of  one  child;  and  George  T..  who  is  still  at  home. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  fraternally 
Mr.  Carson  is  affiliated  with  the  Grand  .Army  of  the  Republic,  the  Masonic 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  567 

order  and  the  Ea.-^tern  Star,  ut  which  Mrs.  Carson  is  likewise  a  member. 
He  once  served  as  township  trustee,  but  has  never  figured  prominently 
in  local  politics,  although  he  is  not  remiss  in  matters  of  citizenship  and 
can  be  relied  upon  to  support  every  worthy  enterprise  or  commendable 
movement.  He  is  a  stanch  republican,  having  upheld  the  principles  of 
this  party,  for  which  he  fought  at  Civil  war  times,  since  attaining  his 
majoritv,  and  its  measures  and  candidates  find  in  him  a  stalwart  champion. 
Mr.  Carson  is  widely  and  favorably  known  in  this  vicinity,  where  he  has 
man}-  friends  w  ho  accord  him  the  respect  and  esteem  he  merits  by  reason  of 
the  honorable  and  upright  manner  in  which  he  has  directed  his  career. 


GEORGE  M.   SMUH. 


George  M.  Smith  has  been  a  resident  of  Pleasant  township  since  1893 
and  was  for  a  number  of  years  closelj-  associated  with  business  interests  in 
Cincinnati.  Of  late,  however,  he  has  turned  his  attention  to  agricultural 
pursuits  and  as  the  owner  of  a  well  improved  farm  of  two  hundred  acres 
holds  a  high  place  in  farming  circles.  He  was  born  in  Bevier,  Macon 
county,  Missouri,  on  the  2gth  of  December,  1872,  and  is  a  son  of  Charles 
E.  Smith,  a  native  of  Indiana,  who  came  west  to  Iowa  with  his  parents 
when  he  was  still  a  boy  and  from  there  moved  to  Missouri,  where  he 
arew  to  maturitv.  In  Macon  county-  he  married  and  afterward  obtained 
work  in  the  mines,  rising  to  the  position  of  foreman.  His  wife  passed 
away  in  1894  and  he  now  makes  his  home  with  his  son,  the  subject  of 
this  review. 

George  M.  Smith  was  reared  upon  his  father's  farm  in  Macon  county 
and  remained  at  home  until  after  he  had  reached  manhood,  acquiring  his 
education  in  the  public  schools.  When  he  began  his  active  career  he 
came  to  .Appanoose  county  and  formed  a  partnership  with  Charles  Claw- 
son,  with  whom  he  engaged  in  the  butcher  business  in  Cincinnati  tor  over 
sixteen  years.  The  partners  also  engaged  extensively  in  dealing  in  real 
estate  and  in  handling  stock.  After  a  time  Mr.  Smith  purchased  his  part- 
ner's interest  in  both  enterprises  and  continuetl  to  operate  them  until  191  l, 
although  he  had  moved  on  to  his  farm  one  mile  south  ot  the  city  some 
years  before.  Since  disposing  of  his  business  interests  he  has  directed  his 
attention  almost  entirely  to  the  development  of  his  land,  the  results  of 
his  care  and  supervision  being  apparent  in  the  excellent  condition  of 
the  farm.  Mr.  Smith  has  erected  a  fine  house  upon  his  projicrty.  has 
fenced    hi<    fields    and    made    other    substantial     improvements    and    is 


363  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

ranked  today  among  the  most  active  and  progressive  farmers  of  this  part 
of  the  state.  He  gives  special  attention  to  raising  and  feeding  stock  and 
his  success  in  this  branch  of  his  work  is  the  result  of  long  experience  and 
thorough  knowledge.  His  business  methods  will  bear  the  closest  scrutiny 
and  his  integrity  stands  as  an  unquestioned  fact  in  his  career. 

Mr.  Smith  married,  in  Cincinnati,  November  5,  1907,  Miss  Luella 
James,  a  native  of  Ohio,  who  came  to  Iowa  with  her  parents  and  later 
moved  to  Nebraska.  Afterward,  however,  the  famih-  returned  to  this 
state  and  located  in  Appanoose  county.  Mrs.  Smith  is  a  daughter  of 
Samuel  James,  now  a  resident  of  Cincinnati.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  have 
three  children,  Georgia,  Mary  and  Doris. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Smith  is  a  loyal  democrat  and  has  been 
affiliated  with  the  party  since  casting  his  first  vote.  While  a  resident  of 
Cincinnati  he  was  elected  to  the  town  board  and  served  with  ability  and 
conscientiousness  for  two  or  three  terms.  He  is  well  known  in  the  affairs 
of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  has  served  through  all  the  chairs,  being  now 
past  grand  chancellor.  He  has  also  represented  his  lodge  in  the  grand 
lodge  of  the  state  at  different  times.  He  stands  high  in  both  business  and 
social  relations  and  deserves  special  mention  as  one  of  the  representative 
agriculturists  of  Appanoose  county. 


JERRY  A.  REPLOGLE.  M.  D. 

Dr.  Jerry  A.  Replogle,  engaged  in  the  practice  ot  medicine  in  Ldell, 
for  which  work  he  was  carefully  and  thoroughly  trained  in  a  college 
course,  was  born  in  Udell  township,  Appanoose  county,  October  10, 
1859,  his  parents  being  George  B.  and  Catherine  (McGee)  Replogle. 
The  father  was  born  in  Bedford  county,  Pennsylvania,  October  3,  1831, 
and  the  mother  was  a  native  of  Washington  City,  Maryland,  born  March 
10,  1831.  They  were  of  French  and  Irish  lineage  respectiveh'  and  were 
married  in  Baltimore,  Maryland,  December  19,  1852,  after  which  they 
established  their  home  upon  a  farm  in  Bedford  county,  Pennsylvania. 
In  1856  they  became  residents  of  Davis  county.  Iowa,  and  a  year  later 
removed  to  Appanoose  county,  George  B.  Replogle  renting  a  farm  in 
Udell  township.  As  he  prospered  in  his  undertakings  he  purchased  land 
in  Vermillion  township  which  he  cultivated  until  1863,  when  he  removed 
to  Moulton,  where  he  engaged  in  dealing  in  grain.  In  1874,  however, 
he  returned  to  his  farm  and  from  that  time  on  gave  his  attention  to  bee 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  ;j71 

culture  and  to  tiic  care  ot  hii  urcliard,  which  was  one  ot  the  linest  in  the 
count} .  He  had  an  extensive  apiary  and  was  well  known  in  that  respect, 
having  many  hives  and  gathering  theretroni  each  year  a  large  amount 
ot  honey.  For  a  number  ot  years  he  tilled  the  office  of  township  clerk 
and  was  alwajs  a  progressive  and  public-spirited  citizen,  supporting  many 
measures  and  movements  tor  the  general  good.  His  wife  died  on  the  old 
homestead  farm  in  Vermillion  township  in  1892,  after  which  he  left  the 
old  place  and  made  his  home  with  his  children,  dying  at  the  residence  ot 
his  son  John  in  Udell  township,  February  f,  1910.  l^nto  him  and  his 
wife  were  born  eleven  children:  Martin  L.,  who  is  a  retired  tarmer  and 
stock  dealer  of  Longbeach,  California;  Jemima  M.,  who  was  born  August 
3,  1854,  '*'^'^'  '^''*'^'  October  17,  1871;  David  M.,  who  was  born  .\pril  9, 
1856,  and  died  April  16,  1857;  John  A.,  who  was  born  August  25,  1857, 
and  is  a  resident  farmer  of  Udell  township;  Jerry  A.,  of  this  review; 
Abraham  J.,  who  was  born  August  2,  1861,  and  is  engaged  in  selling 
oranges  at  Santa  Ana,  California;  Louise  Elnora,  who  was  born  March 
5,  1863,  and  is  the  wife  of  Richard  Downing,  chief  clerk  in  the  freight 
department  of  the  Frisco  railroad  offices  at  St.  Louis:  Henry  M.,  who  was 
born  April  3.  1869,  and  was  graduated  from  Rush  Medical  College  of 
Chicago  in  1895  ^•'^h  the  M.  D.  degree,  after  which  he  practiced  his 
profession  in  Udell  until  his  death  May  29,  1904;  Silas  M..  horn  .lan- 
uary  19,  1871,  who  died  November  10,  1872;  Leah,  born  July  28.  1874, 
who  died  October  9,  1874;  and  Geneva,  who  was  born  March  20.  1876, 
and  died  April  6,  1891. 

Dr.  Replogle  spent  his  youthful  days  under  the  [xirental  root,  remain- 
ing at  home  until  1881,  when  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years  he  went 
to  Pottawatomie  county,  Kansas,  and  in  partnership  with  his  brother 
purchased  a  ranch  of  one  thousand  acres.  For  a  few  )ears  he  lived  in  the 
Sunflower  state  and  then  returned  to  Udell  township,  where  he  carried 
on  general  farming  until  he  resumed  studies  in  preparation  for  a  |>n)- 
fessional  career.  He  was  graduated  from  the  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames 
in  1892  with  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  \'eterinary  Surgery  and  located  tor 
practice  at  Centerville  in  1893.  At  length,  however,  he  resolved  to  engage 
in  the  practice  of  medicine  and  became  a  student  in  the  college  at  Iowa 
Citv,  Iowa,  completing  the  course  in  the  mediral  department  in  1898, 
when  the  M.  D.  degree  was  conferred  upon  him.  He  then  returned  to 
Centerville,  where  he  practiced  until  1904,  when  he  removed  to  Udell, 
where  he  has  since  been  located.  He  is  constantly  advancing  in  his  pro- 
fession as  his  ability  increases  through  experience,  reading  ami  investiga- 
tion, and  his  jiractice  is  now  extensive  and  gratitying. 

On  the  9th  of  October,  1893.  Dr.  Rejilngle  was  married  to  .\Ii.-..n  .Mag- 


372  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

gie  Gedney,  a  daughter  of  C'a])tain  J.  B.  and  Sarah  (Laseur)  Gedney, 
the  tormer  a  retired  tanner  living  in  Centerville.  Mrs.  Replogle  died 
only  eighteen  months  and  t\vent)-one  days  after  their  marriage  and  on 
the  14th  of  October,  1900,  the  Doctor  was  married  again,  his  second 
union  being  with  Miss  Christina  Mitchell,  a  daughter  of  Alexander  and 
Maggie  Mitchell,  both  ot  whom  were  natives  of  Scotland,  while  the 
father  became  a  coal  miner  of  Centerville.  In  1903,  Dr.  Replogle  was 
again  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  Center- 
ville on  the  12th  of  March.  The  following  year  he  removed  to  Udell, 
where  he  has  since  made  his  home.  By  his  first  marriage  he  had  one  child, 
who  died  in  infancy. 

In  addition  to  his  growing  practice,  which  claims  much  of  his  time 
and  attention,  Dr.  Replogle  gives  his  supervision  to  a  farm  of  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  acres  which  he  owns.  This  is  a  well-improved  tract  of 
land  on  section  7,  Udell  township,  and  in  \he  spring  of  1912  he  further 
increased  his  possessions  by  the  purchase  of  a  forty-acre  tract  of  fruit  land 
in  Hidalgo  county,  Texas.  He  has  never  been  an  office  seeker  but  gives 
his  political  support  to  the  republican  party  and  keeps  well  informed 
on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  He  belongs  to  the  Odd  Fellows 
lodge  at  Udell  and  the  Rebekah  degree  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Court 
of  Honor.  He  was  formerly  identified  with  several  other  fraternal  organ- 
izations but  has  withdrawn.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Christian 
church,  of  which  he  is  an  active  and  valued  member,  serving  as  an  elder 
in  the  church  of  Udell.  His  life  has  indeed  been  well  spent,  his  useful- 
ness and  worth  being  acknowledged  by  all,  and  in  his  profession  he  is 
meeting  with  the  advancement  and  success  which  follow  capability  and 
close  application. 


CORSE  PAYTON. 


Corse  Payton,  prominently  known  in  theatrical  circles  throughout  the 
country  and  successful  in  his  efforts  in  this  great  department  of  public 
entertainment,  was  born  in  Centerville,  December  18,  1866,  a  son  of 
Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Payton.  The  father  was  born  in  Shelby  county, 
Missouri,  November  12,  1836,  and  was  a  son  of  John  ami  Emily  Payton. 
He  came  to  Appanoose  county  in  1844  and  five  years  later  took  up  his 
abode  in  Centerville,  where  the  remainder  of  his  life  was  passed,  covering 
a  half  century.  He  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  here  and  took  active 
and  helpful  part  in  promoting  the  work  of  public  progress  and  improve- 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  373 

ment.  Attcr  enlisting  in  1862  as  a  member  ot  Company  D,  >'Sixth  Regi- 
ment of  Iowa  \'olunteer  Intantry,  he  served  tor  three  years,  after  which 
he  reenlisted  and  remained  at  the  front  until  illness  forced  his  resignation 
and  he  was  obliged  to  return  home.  In  1877  he  was  elected  city  marshal 
of  Centerville  and  served  for  two  terms.  He  was  also  at  one  time  street 
commissioner  ot  Centerville  and  was  numbered  among  the  prominent  rep- 
resentatives of  the  republican  part\  in  Appanoose  county.  He  ever  rec- 
ognized the  duties  and  obligations  as  well  as  the  privileges  of  citizen- 
ship and  sought  to  promote  public  welfare  through  the  exercise  of  his 
franchise  and  in  man}'  other  ways.  He  was  an  honored  member  of  the 
Cirand  Arm}'  post  at  Centerville  and  also  belonged  to  the  (3dd  Fellows 
and  Knights  ot  Pythias  lodges,  exemplifying  in  his  life  their  beneficent 
sjjirit  and  high  purpose.  He  passed  away  September  30,  1899,  after  a 
halt  century's  residence  in  Centerville  and  hfty-four  years'  connection 
with  Ap{)anoose  county.  He  was  married  in  1858  to  Mrs.  Kli'/.abeth 
(Swearingen)  Manson,  who  was  born  in  Springfield,  Illinois,  August  6, 
183O,  and  still  occupies  the  old  Payton  homestead  in  Centerville.  She  is 
a  lady  of  man}  splendid  traits  of  character  and  her  good  qualities  of 
heart  and  mind  have  endeared  her  to  all  with  whom  she  has  come  in 
contact.  B}'  her  former  marriage  she  had  a  daughter,  Mary  Manson,  who 
is  the  widow  of  S.  Spooner  and  a  resilient  of  New  York  city.  Unto  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Payton  were  born  four  children.  James,  the  eldest,  who  is  a 
miner,  married  Jennie  Fischer,  now  deceased,  and  he  and  his  four  children 
make  their  home  with  his  mother.  Center  passed  awa}'  at  Salem  Ohio, 
and  Henry  was  killed  at  the  Centerville  depot. 

Corse,  the  youngest  member  of  the  family,  pursued  his  education  in 
the  schools  of  Centerville  and  since  starting  out  in  the  business  world  has 
devoted  his  energies  and  attention  to  theatrical  interests,  in  which  con- 
nection he  has  become  widely  known.  He  was  the  founder  ot  the  popular 
ten-twcnty-thirty-cent  theatrical  entertainment,  the  pertormances  given 
by  stock  companies.  He  saw  .splendid  possibilities  in  that  ilirection  tor 
placing  upon  the  boards  capable  companies  and  thus  giving  to  the  [lublic 
a  high  class  of  entertainment  ot  a  character  that  could  not  be  done  where 
companies  have  to  meet  heav}  traveling  expen.ses.  Fn  tlii-  uiuii  rraking  he 
has  displayed  e,\<-cutive  ability  and  nuuh  initiative  spirit.  His  labors 
have  made  him  widely  known  in  theatrical  circles  throughout  the  country 
and  he  is  a  member  of  various  organizations  tormed  among  theatrical 
})eople,  including  the  White  Rats  of  America,  the  P>iar.s,  the  \'audeville 
Comedy  Club,  the  Actors  Society  and  the  Managers  As.sociation.  Hi-  is 
also  a  member  of  the  New  York  Press  Civib  and  is  a  charter  member  of 
the  Rrooklvn  lodge  of  Elks  and  a  member  of  the  Masonic  frafernir\ .     The 


374  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

military  chapter  in  his  life  history  covers  service  in  the  Iowa  Xationa\ 
Guard.  His  political  faith  is  that  of  the  republican  party  and  his  religious 
belief  that  of  the  Baptist  church,  his  membership  being  in  New  York. 

Mr.  Payton  was  married  to  Miss  Etta  Reed,  a  native  of  Ohio.  His 
frequent  visits  to  Centerville  have  made  him  widely  known  in  this  city 
where  his  acquaintance  with  many  old  friends  is  maintained  while  at  all 
times  he  is  constantly  adding  new  ones.  He  is  known  in  his  professional 
connections  from  one  end  of  the  country  to  the  other  and  is  very  popular 
with  theatrical  people  as  well  as  managers.  Business  ability,  executive 
force  and  keen  insight  have  been  features  in  his  success  which  is  of  sub- 
stantial and  enviable  character. 


WILLIAM  F.  ORGAN. 


During  a  residence  of  twenty-two  years  in  Iowa  William  F.  Organ 
has  improved  and  developed  three  fine  farms  and  has  made  substantial 
contributions  to  the  agricultural  development  of  the  state.  He  stands 
among  the  progressive  and  representative  farmers  of  Pleasant  township, 
where  he  owns  and  operates  two  hundred  acres  of  land  on  section  16, 
which  by  his  own  well  directed  energy  and  intelligent  management  he 
has  made  a  model  property.  He  was  born  in  Derby,  England,  Novem- 
ber 20,  1864,  and  acquired  his  education  in  his  native  community,  where 
he  remained  until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age.  In  1882  he  took  passage 
at  Liverpool  on  a  steamer  bound  for  New  York  and  arrived  in  that  city 
in  October  of  the  same  year.  He  pushed  westward  to  Brookfield,  Mis- 
souri, where  he  obtained  employment  upon  the  old  Hannibal  &  St.  Joseph 
Railroad  and  afterward  for  five  or  six  years  did  mason  work  on  bridges. 
In  the  hope  of  bettering  his  financial  condition  he  came  to  Iowa  and  set- 
tled in  Lee  county,  where  he  worked  for  some  time  in  a  rock  quarry. 
After  two  years,  however,  he  went  to  Grafton,  Illinois,  and  resumed  his 
quarrying,  continuing  in  that  line  of  work  until  he  went  to  Farmington, 
Van  Buren  county,  Iowa,  where  he  engaged  in  coal  mining.  His  mar- 
riage occurred  in  that  section  and  immediately  afterward  he  came  to  Pleas- 
ant  township  and  located  on  five  acres  of  land  near  his  present  farm. 
This  property  he  later  sold  and  purchased  eighty  acres,  which  he  developed 
only  a  short  time,  after  which  he  bought  a  tract  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty-five  acres,  built  a  residence  upon  it  and  continued  to  develop  and 
improve  it  for  some  time.  W^hcn  he  sold  this  fami  he  moved  to  his  present 
property,  upon  which  he  has  since  made  substantial  improvements.     He 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  375 

has  erected  a  fine  residence,  good  barns  and  outbuildings,  has  fenced  his 
hind  into  convenient  fields  and  planted  a  number  of  acres  in  orchard. 
In  addition  he  gives  special  attention  to  raising,  feeding,  buying  and  sell- 
ing stock,  his  herds  containing  many  high-grade  animals.  He  owns  also 
a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  New  Mexico,  four  miles  iron^ 
[^as  \'egas,  upon  which  he  has  been  installing  an  excellent  system  ot  irri- 
^'ation  and  which  is  rising  in  value  every  year. 

Mr.  Organ  married,  in  \'an  Bunn  county,  December  6,  l8c)i.  Miss 
Klla  VN'aderas,  who  was  born  in  Ohio  but  who  came  to  Iowa  when  she 
was  six  or  seven  years  of  age.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Organ  have  three  sons  and 
four  daughters,  Blanche  Ruth,  Fern  Eliza,  Flossie  M.,  Virgil  W.,  Glen, 
C'lirtditl  (r.  and  Irnia.  Mrs.  Organ  is  a  devout  adherent  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church. 

Mr.  Organ  is  independent  in  his  [lolitical  views  and  votes  always 
for  the  man  whom  he  considers  best  fitted  for  the  position  without  regard 
to  party  affiliations.  He  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  in  Cincinnati 
and  is  also  a  charter  member  of  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen. 
His  career  has  been  identified  with  the  later  period  of  agricultural  develop- 
ment in  Appanoose  county,  where  he  has  gained  prosperity  and  success  and 
where  he  is  an  honored  and  respected  citizen. 


BELFOKU  .\LEXAM)EU  \\.\LKEK. 

Belford  Alexander  Walker  is  now  living  retired  in  Mystic  but  for 
many  years  he  was  actively  associated  with  agricultural  interests  in  south- 
ern Iowa,  the  energj-  and  industrj-  which  he  manifested  in  the  conduct  of 
his  business  affairs  bringing  to  him  the  substantial  measure  of  success 
uhirii  now  enables  him  to  rest  from  further  labor.  He  was  born  in 
Morgan  county,  Missouri,  February  14,  1844,  a  son  of  Simon  and  Mar- 
garet (Br\an)  Walker.  The  father  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1809,  and  the 
mother  in  Pennsylvania  in  1818,  and  they  were  married  in  the  latter 
fate.  After  a  two-)ears'  residence  in  Ohio  they  removed  to  Morgan 
(ounty,  Missouri,  in  the  fall  of  1839  and  there  resided  until  185^  when 
they  came  with  their  family  to  Walnut  townshij),  ,\fipanoose  county,  where 
their  remaining  days  were  passetl.  The  father  secured  here  a  farm,  one 
mile  anil  a  half  northwest  of  Walnut  City,  and  converted  it  into  a  rich 
and  productive  place.  He  also  worked  to  some  extent  at  the  cari»entcr's 
trade.  His  political  support  was  given  to  the  democratic  party  until 
Stephen   A.    Douglas  became   its  presidential   canilidate.   after   which   he 


376  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

voted  with  the  republican  party.  He  was  a  loyal  member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  church  and  his  life  was  ever  honorable  and  upright.  He 
died  at  about  the  age  of  ninety-four  years  and  six  months  and  his  wife 
passed  away  when  ninety-four  years  of  age.  They  were  the  parents  of 
eleven  children  of  whom  one  died  in  infancy,  the  others  being:  James  N., 
a  general  merchant  of  Walnut  City,  Iowa;  Sarah  Ellen,  the  widow  of 
Nehemiah  Swift  and  a  resident  of  Washington;  B.  A.,  ot  this  review; 
Mary  Elizabeth,  who  is  the  widow  of  S.  H.  Smith,  of  Walnut  City; 
Marshall,  of  Nebraska;  Simon,  whose  home  is  in  Coon  Rapids,  Iowa; 
R.  B.,  of  Walnut  township;  Harriet  C,  the  wife  of  Jasper  Stoltz,  of 
Mystic;  B.  F.,  of  Johnson  township;  and  Lucy,  the  wife  of  John  Bland, 
of  Oklahoma. 

Belford  A.  Walker  was  a  lad  of  eleven  years  when  in  1855  the  family 
home  was  established  upon  a  farm  in  Walnut  township.  He  has  since  re- 
sided in  Appanoose  county  save  for  a  period  of  three  years  spent  as  a  soldier 
in  the  Civil  war.  In  August,  1862,  when  a  lad  of  about  eighteen  years, 
he  enlisted  as  a  member  of  Company  F,  Thirty-sixth  Iowa  Infantr\-,  and 
served  until  the  close  of  hostilities,  being  mustered  out  at  Duval's  Bluff, 
Arkansas,  in  1865.  He  was  a  brave  and  patriotic  soldier,  never  faltering 
in  the  performance  of  his  duty  whether  on  the  lonely  picket  line  or  fighting 
on  the  firing  line.  .  On  his  return  to  this  county  he  began  farming  and 
was  actively  connected  with  agricultural  interests  until  1911,  when  he 
retired  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Walnut  City.  Year  after  year  he  care- 
fully, systematically  and  successfully  conducted  his  farming  enterprise 
and  his  well  managed  business  interests  brought  to  him  the  desirable 
competence  which  is  now  his  and  which  enables  him  to  live  retired.  He 
is  still  the  owner  of  two  hundred  and  sixty-three  and  a  half  acres  of 
land  lying  along  the  Chariton  river  on  section  28,  Walnut  township,  and 
for  thirty  years  he  resided  upon  that  place. 

On  the  28th  of  March,  1867,  Mr.  Walker  was  married  to  Miss 
Luoinda  Bartlett,  who  was  born  in  Walnut  township,  January  21,  1849, 
and  is  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Catharine  (Childress)  Bartlett,  the  former 
a  native  of  Illinois  and  the  latter  of  Kentucky.  The}-  were  married  in 
Bloomfield,  Iowa,  the  mother  having  come  to  this  state  with  her  parents 
when  a  little  maiden  of  nine  summers.  Mr.  Bartlett  died  in  Keokuk  while 
a  member  of  the  army,  having  enlisted  in  the  same  company  in  which 
Mr.  Walker  served.  Mrs.  Bartlett  passed  awa}  in  .Appanoose  count}. 
November  14,  1891,  at  the  age  of  sixty-three  years.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  eight  children,  four  sons  and  four  daughters,  ot  whom  six  are  now 
living.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Walker  have  been  born  five  children:  Frank- 
lin, a  resident  of  South  Dakota;  Mary,  the  wife  of  Arthur  Scott,  of  Chari- 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  377 

ton  township;  Olive,  the  wite  ot  Charles  Scott,  of  Lucerne,  Missouri; 
Simon,  who  married  Jessie  Haines  and  makes  his  home  in  \\'ainut  town- 
ship; and  Gertrude,  the  wite  of  Harrison  McLeod  of  Walnut  township. 
The  parents  are  members  of  the  Christian  church  and  have  a  circle  of 
warm  friends  that  is  continuously  expanding  as  the  circle  of  their  acquaint- 
ance widens.  Mr.  Walker  votes  with  the  republican  party  and  he  holds 
membership  with  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  He  is  as  true  and 
loval  in  all  of  his  duties  of  citizenship  as  when  he  followed  the  old  flag 
on  southern  battlefields,  proving  his  fidelity  to  his  country  during  the 
darkest  hour  in  her  history. 


REMEMBRANCE  H.  CIRL. 

Remembrance  H.  Curl,  who  owns  and  operates  a  farm  of  four  hundred 
acres,  one  of  the  best  improved  and  most  valuable  properties  in  Franklin 
townshijx  has  long  been  a  resident  of  Iowa,  having  settled  in  Washington 
county  in  1878.  His  birth  occurred  in  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  July  20, 
18^8,  and  he  was  reared  upon  his  father's  farm,  acquiring  his  education  in 
the  public  schools.  When  he  reached  manhood  he  left  Illinois  ;unl  eanie 
to  Iowa,  locating  in  Washington  county,  where  he  remained  for  a  number 
of  years.  He  there  purchased  a  farm  of  sevent)-eight  acres  and  gave  his 
entire  attention  to  its  further  improvement  and  development,  adding  to 
his  holdings  the  eighty  adjoining  acres.  After  twelve  years  he  sold  this 
property  at  a  profit  and  moved  into  Clarke  county,  where  he  acquired  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres,  which  he  developed  for  a  time.  When  he  dis- 
posed of  that  propert}'  he  bought  two  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  the  same 
locality  and  farmed  upon  it  until  igo2,  when  he  moved  to  Appanoose 
county  and  bought  four  hundred  acres,  upon  which  he  now  resides.  Upon 
this  jirofierty  he  has  built  a  new  two-story  house,  a  large  barn,  besides 
convenient  outbuildings  for  the  care  of  the  stock  and  grain.  He  has 
fenced  and  cross-fenced  his  fields,  dividing  them  into  convenient  size,  and 
ha^  planted  a  number  of  acres  in  orchard.  .\s  a  result  ot  his  well  directed 
activity  he  now  owns  a  well  improved  tann.  which  in  all  ot  its  details 
shows  the  careful  supervision  ot  an  expert  and  e\|nTienc-ed  agriculturist. 
In  addition  to  general  tanning  .Mr.  Curl  is  extensively  interested  in  raising 
stock  for  the  market  and  is  especially  well  known  as  a  breeder  of  standard 
Percheron  horses. 

In  1882  Mr.  Curl  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Gerenia  \'an  .\tta, 
who  was  born  and  reared  in  \\'ashington  covmt).      The)   became  the  |>;ir- 


378  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

ents  ot  seven  children.  The  eldest,  Walter  R.,  is  a  farmer  in  Franklin 
township.  He  is  married  and  has  two  children,  Lloyd  and  Harry.  John 
W.  is  operating  a  tract  of  land  in  Pleasant  township.  He  is  married  and 
has  a  daughter,  VVilma.  A  married  daughter,  Mrs.  Jessie  Beer,  has  a  son, 
Donald  W.  Vera  and  William  Hughes  reside  at  home.  Elmer  passed 
away  in  infancy  at  the  age  of  seven  weeks  and  Lee  Roy  when  eight  years 
old.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Curl  are  devout  members  of  the  Mount  Olive  Chris- 
tian church. 

Mr.  Curl  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  with  which  he 
has  been  affiliated  since  attaining  his  majority.  He  served  for  some  time 
as  township  trustee  and  has  also  been  a  delegate  to  numerous  county  con- 
ventions. He  has  thus  done  not  a  little  to  promote  public  advancement 
and  to  mold  public  policy  in  Appanoose  count}-,  and  his  cooperation  has 
always  been  given  to  projects  and  movements  which  have  for  their  object 
improvement  and  substantial  progress. 


WILLL'^M  M.  SCOTT,  M.  D. 

Dr.  William  M.  Scott  for  many  years  was  a  capable  ph}>ician  with 
large  practice  in  Centerville  but  since  1894  has  lived  retired.  He  was 
born  February  25,  1836,  in  Iowa,  when  this  state  was  still  undt-r  terri- 
torial rule,  his  birthplace  being  in  what  is  now  Lee  county.  His  parents 
were  James  and  Sarah  (Grant)  Scott,  natives  of  Kentuck)-.  The  father 
came  to  Iowa  in  1835  and  from  the  government  entered  a  tract  of  wild 
land  which  he  cleared  and  improved,  carrying  on  farming  for  man}"  years. 
He  also  ran  a  stage  coach  in  the  early  days  which  antedated  railroad  travel 
in  this  part  of  the  country,  and  he  likewise  carried  mail  across  the  country. 
He  continued  to  live  there  for  years  or  until  he  retired,  when  he  removed  to 
Burlington,  making  his  home  with  his  son  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
in  1897,  when  he  had  reached  the  remarkable  old  age  of  ninety-seven  years. 
For  two  decades  he  had  survived  his  wite,  who  passed  away  in  1877. 

Their  son,  Doctor  Scott,  was  reared  and  educated  at  West  Point,  Iowa, 
and  also  attended  Mount  Pleasant  College.  He  later  entered  the  Keokuk 
Medical  College  at  Keokuk,  Iowa,  in  order  to  accjuaint  himselt  with  the 
principles  of  medical  practice  and  in  i860  he  removed  to  Knoxville,  Iowa, 
where  he  practiced  until  the  time  ot  his  enlistment  for  service  as  a  surgeon 
of  the  Thirty-third  Iowa  Regiment  in  the  Civil  war.  He  was  on  active 
duty  until  the  close  of  hostilities  and  his  professional  skill  and  ability 
proved  a  boon  to  many  a  suffering  soldier. 


H 
00 

o 

O 
H 

O 


r 
f 

I— t 

> 


o 
o 

H3 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  381 

With  rhc  closf  of  tin-  war  Doctor  Scott  came  to  Ccntervillc  louii. 
where  he  entered  upon  the  practice  ot  meclicine,  in  which  he  continued 
active!)  until  1894,  ^^'hen  he  retired.  He  has  never  recovered  from  disease 
contracted  in  the  service  ot  this  country. 

On  the  2d  ot  June,  1861,  Doctor  Scott  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  K. 
\euse,  a  daughter  of  Frederick  and  .\nna  (SatFell)  Ncuse,  the  tormer  a 
native  ot  Maryhmd  and  the  latter  ot  \irginia.  In  the  year  1847  ^^^-  Neuse 
came  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Keokuk.  He  was  a  cabinet-maker  by  traile  and 
developing  a  ver}'  extensive  trade  leading  to  the  establishment  ot  lumber 
yards  all  over  Iowa  and  also  in  Missouri.  He  thus  became  one  of  the 
[iromincnr  representatives  ot  lommcnial  interests  in  Keokuk,  where  he 
continued  to  make  his  home  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  2d  of 
April,  1891,  when  he  was  seventy-eight  years  of  age.  He  had  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  survived  his  wife,  who  died  in  1880  at  the  age  ot  sixty-three. 
They  were  the  |>arents  of  eight  children,  ot  whom  Mrs.  Scott  is  the  only 
one  now  living.  The  Doctor  ami  his  wife  have  but  one  child,  Laura  B., 
the  wife  of  O.  B.  Wallace,  a  prominent  silver  and  lead  mine  operator,  in 
whose  honor  the  town  of  Wallace,  Idaho,  was  named.  They  became  the 
[larents  of  five  children,  three  of  whom  have  passed  away.  Those  still 
living  are  Walter  S.  and  Helen,  antl  the  latter,  now  seven  years  of  age, 
i>  attending  school  in  C'enterville.  The  former  is  a  practicing  physician 
of  Newport,  Wa--hington,  where  he  has  his  own  hospital,  and  married 
Wrna  Starbird.  b\  whom  he  has  one  child.  Mercedes,  who  is  a  great-grantl- 
child  of  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Scott.  The  home  ot  Hie  doctor  and  his  wife  is 
a  large  and  beautiful  residence  at  No.  20>  West  Franklin  street,  in  addi- 
tion to  which  he  owns  seven  other  dwellings  in  this  city  and  two  excellent 
farms  in  .Appanoose  county.  At  one  time  he  had  the  largest  practice  in  his 
part  of  the  count),  and  many  were  loath  to  give  up  his  services  when  he 
retired.  He  held  to  the  highest  professional  standards  and  performed  every 
tlut)  .vifh  a  sense  of  conscientious  obligation,  while  throughout  the  years 
of  his  iractice  he  ke|)t  in  close  connection  with  the  advancement  being  m'aile 
by  the  members  of  the  medical  traternit).  He  is  still  a  member  ot  the 
Appanoose  Coimty  Meilical  Society  and  he  also  belongs  to  tin  Masons  and 
the  Benevolent  Protective  Onh  r  of  KIk>.  His  political  allegiance  is  given 
to  the  republican  party  and  he  and  his  wite  hold  membership  in  the  Presby- 
terian church.  There  are  no  residents  ot  C'enterville  more  highly  esteemed 
than  this  worthy  couple,  who  for  more  than  a  half  century  have  traveled 
lifes  journey  together,  sharing  with  each  other  its  joys  and  .sorrow.s,  its 


Vol    II— 2  I 


382  HISTORY  Ol-   Al'l'AXOOSE  COUNTY 

adversity  and  its  prosperity.  Their  high  character  worth,  their  broad  intel- 
ligence, their  kindly  spirit  and  their  genial  hospitality  have  won  them  the 
friendship  and  warm  regard  of  all  who  know  them  and  no  historj  ot  Cen- 
terville  would  be  complete  without  reference  to  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Scott. 


AARON  S.  WHISTLER. 


Aaron  S.  Whistler,  a  successful  agriculturist  and  representative  cit- 
izen of  Appanoose  county,  owns  and  operates  a  well  improved  tarm  of 
three  hundred  acres  on  section  18,  Udell  township.  He  is  a  native  son  ot 
this  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  on  a  tarm  two  and  a  half  miles  east 
of  Udell,  in  Udell  township,  on  the  31st  of  December,  i860.  His  parents, 
Henry  and  Margaret  (Clemens)  Whistler,  were  both  of  Pennsylvania 
Dutch  descent.  The  father,  who  was  born  near  Rockbridge,  Mrginia. 
on  the  28th  of  September,  1824,  accompanied  his  parents  on  their  removal 
to  Montgomery  county,  Ohio,  in  1831  and  four  }ears  later  went  to  Wa}ne 
county,  Indiana.  He  was  married  in  1846  and  in  1850  established  his  home 
in  Appanoose  count}-,  Iowa,  on  the  farm  where  our  subject  was  born,  hav- 
ing purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  school  land  at  Centerville 
by  public  auction  at  a  dollar  and  a  quarter  per  acre.  On  that  place  he 
spent  the  remainder  of  his  life,  devoting  his  attention  to  the  pursuits  of 
farming  and  stock-raising  with  excellent  success.  His  demise  occurred  in 
Udell  township  on  the  31st  of  October,  1899,  and  thus  the  community 
lost  one  of  its  respected  and  substantial  citizens  who  had  made  his  home 
here  for  almost  a  half  century.  He  gave  his  political  allegiance  to  the 
democracy  and  was  a  consistent  and  devout  member  of  the  German  Bap- 
tist Brethren  church,  which  he  joined  in  1848.  It  was  on  the  ^th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1846,  in  Wayne  county,  Indiana,  that  he  wedded  Miss  Margaret 
Clemens,  who  is  a  native  of  Montgomery  county,  Ohio,  and  removed  to 
the  Hoosier  state  in  company  with  her  parents.  She  died  March  30,  1904, 
at  the  home  of  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Sarah  Elizabeth  Ullrick,  on  a  farm  a 
mile  southwest  of  Udell.  Her  religious  belief  was  that  of  the  German 
Baptist  Brethren  church.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Whistler  were  born 
ten  children,  as  follows:  J.  M.,  an  agriculturist  of  Fremont  county,  Iowa; 
Mary  Ann,  who  is  deceased;  Sarah  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  C.  A.  Ullrick. 
who  is  a  farmer  residing  near  X\lell :  Jacob  R.,  who  is  engaged  in  farming 
four  miles  east  of  Udell;  Isaac  B.,  living  in  Missouri;  David  M..  who  is 
a  resident  of  Centerville;  Aaron  S.,  of  this  review;  Catharine  and  Ella 
May,  both  of  whom  have  passed  away:  and  Henry  A.,  of  California. 


HISTORY  OF  Al'PAXOOSE  COUNTY  383 

Aaron  S.  Whistler  obtained  liis  education  in  the  district  schools  ot  his 
native  township  and  remained  on  the  home  farm  with  his  parents  until 
twenty-three  years  of  age,  when  he  started  out  as  an  agriculturist  on  his 
own  account,  purchasing  and  locating  on  a  tract  ot  eight)'  acres  near  the 
old  homestead  and  cultivating  the  same  tor  three  years.  On  the  expiration 
ot  that  period  he  disposed  of  the  property  and  removed  to  Fremont  count), 
this  state,  where  he  purchased  another  tarni  ot  eighty  acres,  devoting  his 
attention  to  its  operation  for  three  years  and  then  selling  the  place.  In 
1890  he  returned  to  this  county  and  purcha.sed  the  farm  of  three  hundred 
acres  on  which  he  has  resided  to  the  present  time.  The  pro|>erty  lies  just 
outside  the  corporate  limits  of  Udell  and  is  highly  improved  in  every 
respect.  Mr.  Whistler  carries  on  general  farming  and  stock-raising,  breed- 
ing Aberdeen  Angus  cattle  and  feeding  both  cattle  and  hogs  for  the  market 
on  quite  an  extensive  scale.  He  has  long  enjoyed  an  enviable  reputation 
as  one  of  the  prominent  agriculturists  of  Udell  township  and  is  well 
known  as  a  successful  and  esteemed  citizen  of  the  community. 

In  1885  Mr.  Whistler  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mattie  King,  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Fannie  (Watkins)  King,  both  ot  whom  were 
natives  of  Indiana,  the  former  being  of  Crerman  and  the  latter  of  English 
descent.  They  were  married  in  the  Hoosier  state  and  in  the  early  '50s  came 
to  Appanoose  county,  Iowa,  locating  one  mile  southeast  of  Udell,  where 
Mr.  King  purchased  land  and  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  until 
called  to  his  tinal  rest  in  i8t)4.  His  widow  spent  the  last  years  of  her 
life  in  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whistler,  pa.ssing  away  in  iQoG.  Mr.  and 
Mr-.  King  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  namely:  Mrs.  John  McFall. 
who  is  deceased;  Mrs.  Lea  Swank,  of  Kansas;  Abraham,  of  Barnard. 
Kansas;  Mrs.  Nancy  Good,  of  the  same  place;  David  and  Charles  twins, 
also  of  Kansa>;  .1.  H.  King,  ot  Udell;  G.  C.  who  makes  his  home  near 
Moulton.  Iowa;  Mrs.  Mattie  Whistler;  and  \'incent,  who  is  decea.sed. 
Unto  our  Mibjecr  antl  his  wife  have  been  born  nine  children.  Merron. 
whose  birth  occurred  on  the  \  ith  of  Februar).  1886.  is  a  farmer  ot  Uilell 
township.  He  married  Mi.ss  Sadie  Price  ant!  has  one  daughter,  .Myrtle. 
Delia,  who.se  natal  day  was  August  p.  1887,  is  the  wife  of  Guy  Mc- 
C'onnell,  a  farmer  of  Jasper,  Missouri,  by  whom  she  has  one  ihild.  Feme. 
Maude,  who  was  born  in  l88g,  died  when  but  sixteen  months  old.  Ross. 
whose  birth  occurred  on  the  "^d  of  December.  l8()i.  assists  his  father  in  the 
operation  of  the  home  tarm.  \'erna.  born  December  i^  '^94.  g;ive  her 
hand  in  marriage  to  John  Burger,  an  agriculturist  ot  Udell  township,  by 
whom  she  has  two  children.  Merle  and  Doroth).  Blanche,  whose  natal 
dav  was  Jime  29.  1897,  is  a  .student  in  the  Uilell  schools.  Floyd,  who.se 
birth  occurred  on  the   19th  of  January,   1900.  likewi.se  attends  school  at 


384  HISTORY  OF  Al'I'AXUOSR  COUNTY 

Udtll.  Orro,  born  August  22,  u;o2.  is  a  |)uhlic-school  student  at  Udell. 
Ivo,  whose  hirth  orcurred  on  the  7th  ot  Ma\',  IQ06,  is  also  attending  school 
in  I'dell. 

Mr.  Whistler  is  a  stalwart  democrat  in  politics  and  has  served  as 
school  director  at  Udell  tor  htteen  }ears,  acting  in  that  capacity  before 
this  was  made  an  independent  district.  His  religious  faith  is  indicated  by 
his  membership  in  the  German  Baptist  Brethren  church  of  I'dell  town- 
ship, to  which  his  wife  also  belongs.  Both  are  widely  known  through- 
out the  district  in  which  they  have  resided  for  so  many  }ears,  and  their 
many  excellent  traits  ot  heart  and  mind  liave  gained  for  them  a  wide  circle 
of  acquaintances  and  a  host  of  warm  friends. 


AARON  WASHINGTON  KINCADE. 

Appanoose  county  numbers  among  its  most  prominent  and  successful 
native  sons  Aaron  Washington  Kincade,  who  owns  two  hundred  and 
eighty-seven  acres  near  Moravia,  a  portion  of  which  constitutes  the  place, 
on  which  he  was  born  November  1,  1866.  He  is  a  son  of  Francis  and 
Martha  (Luse)  Kincade,  the  former  a  native  of  Illinois  and  the  latter  of 
Taylor  township,  Appanoose  county.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  Aaron  Luse,  came  to  Iowa  from  Ohio  about  the  year  1851,  while 
the  paternal  branch  of  the  family  was  founded  in  this  section  of  the  state 
by  Washington  Kincade,  who  settled  in  Taylor  township  about  the  year 
1862,  coming  to  this  section  from  his  native  state  of  Illinois.  Francis 
Kincade  passed  away  when  the  subject  of  this  review  was  only  six  months 
old  and  his  widow  with  her  son  made  her  home  with  her  father.  Aaron 
Luse.  Later  the  mother  of  our  subject  married  Evan  L.  Foster  but  Aaron 
W.  Kincade  continued  to  make  his  home  with  his  grandfather,  by  whom 
he  was  reared  to  manhood. 

Aaron  W.  Kincade  acquired  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
Appanoose  count)  and  upon  the  death  of  his  grandfather  inherited  eighty 
acres  of  land,  which  constitutes  a  portion  of  his  present  farm,  .-^t  the 
age  of  eighteen  he  began  his  independent  career  and  after  his  marriage, 
which  occurred  less  than  one  year  afterward,  he  built  a  home  upon  his 
eighth  acres.  Additions  to  this  first  tract  have  been  made  from  rime  to 
time,  Mf.  Kincade  owning  at  present  two  hundred  and  eighty-seven  acres 
of  land,  [irovided  with  a  fine  residence,  barns  and  outbuildings  and  every- 
thing necessary  for  the  conduct  of  a  modern  farm.  He  engages  in  general 
agricultural  pursuits  but  gives  special  attention  to  the  breeding  of  Poland 


HISTORY  ()|-  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  385 

China  hogs  and  Shorthorn  cattle,  his  animals  commanding  a  higli  price 
and  ready  sale  upon  the  market.  During  the  years  Mr.  Kincade  has 
cultivated  the  soil  his  work  has  always  been  progressive,  able  and  intelli- 
gently carried  forward  and  has  resulted  in  the  very  gratifying  measure  ot 
prosperit}  which  he  enjo\s  today  antl  w  hich  places  him  among  the  represen- 
tative men  ot  this  locality. 

On  the  9th  ot  September,  1885,  before  he  had  reached  his  nineteenth 
year,  Aaron  W.  Kincade  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Caroline  Hiner, 
a  daughter  of  Abraham  Hiner,  who  came  to  A[)[)anoose  county  in  early 
times  from  Indiana.  He  locateti  in  Taylor  township,  where  he  resided  until 
the  time  of  his  death.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kincade  became  the  parents  of  four 
children:  Bessie,  the  wife  of  Ira  F.  Bdshak,  of  Chariton  township;  Rus- 
sell, who  passed  away,  leaving  three  children,  Goldie,  Herbert  and  Ker- 
mit;  Rissie,  who  married  Grover  C.  Kaster,  of  Taylor  township;  and 
Ernest,  who  lives  at  home.  Mrs.  Kincade  is  a  devout  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church. 

Mr.  Kincade  gives  his  political  support  to  the  republican  party  and 
has  served  in  various  important  positions,  including  those  of  townshi[) 
assessor,  constable  and  a  member  of  the  school  board.  He  has  done 
efficient  work  along  public  lines,  being  at  all  times  progressive  and  public- 
spirited  in  his  citizenship,  while  as  a  business  man  he  has  gained  a  notable 
place  because  of  his  keen  discernment,  his  unremitting  energ}-  and  his 
untiring  industr\'.  His  place  in  agricultural  circles  of  Appanoose  coimty 
is  a  prominent  one  and  is  the  more  commendable  as  it  lias  been  achieved 
bv  honorable  and  continuous  effort. 


JOHN  HKNKY  COOE. 


John  Henr\  Cool  is  the  owner  ot  one  hundred  and  forty  acres  ot  rich 
farming  land  on  section  12,  Franklin  township.  It  is  a  well  improved  and 
valuable  pro[)erty  and  in  its  further  development  the  owner  is  giving  evi- 
ilence  of  a  thorough  understanding  of  the  most  modern  anil  progressive 
methods  of  agriculture.  Mr.  Cool  is  one  of  Iowa's  native  sons,  horn  near 
Eibertyville,  in  .Fetferson  county,  October  17,  l8>o.  His  father,  Marcus 
E.  Cool,  was  a  native  of  Kentucky  but  as  a  child  moved  with  his  parents 
to  Indiana,  where  the  grandfather.  Jacob  Cool,  engaged  in  farming  in 
Orange  county.  I  hen-  the  father  of  our  subject  grew  to  the  age  of  seven- 
teen ami  then  came  to  Iowa,  making  his  first  settlement  in  Eee  county, 
where  he  workeil  b\   the  month  as  a  farm  laborer.     He  later  marri<il  in 


386  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

Jefferson  counr)  Miss  Rosanna  Jenninps,  a  native  of  Ohio,  and  iarmcd  in 
that  section  tor  some  years,  later  movin;^  to  Wayne  county.  In  that  part 
of  the  state  he  entered  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land,  which  was 
unbroken  prairie  when  it  came  into  his  possession.  He  cleared  the  brush 
with  which  it  was  overgrown,  broke  the  soil,  fenced  it  into  fields  and 
began  the  work  ot  development,  carrying  it  forward  steadily  through  the 
years  until  it  finally  became  one  of  the  most  valuable  farming  properties 
in  the  localit}-.  Upon  it  Marcus  Cool  spent  his  declining  years  and  there 
died  in  January,  1884.     He  was  survived  by  his  wife  twenty-two  years. 

John  H.  Cool  was  reared  upon  his  father's  farm  and  from  his  childhood 
was  familiar  with  the  best  and  most  progressive  agricultural  methods. 
When  he  reached  maturit}-  the  fatfier  purchased  a  tract  of  land,  which  he 
divided  between  his  two  sons,  J.  H.  Cool  receiving  as  his  portion  forty-seven 
acres.  This  he  farmed  in  connection  with  other  property  which  he  rented 
and  became  rapidly  successful,  saving  in  time  enough  money  to  purchase 
the  homestead.  At  that  time  he  owned  eighty-seven  acres  and  upon  this 
tract  in  1893  he  built  a  good  house  and  repaired  the  barns  and  outbuild- 
ings, carrying  forward  the  work  of  cultivation  until  1899,  when  he  dis- 
posed of  the  land  and  bought  one  hundred  acres,  upon  which  he  now 
resides.  To  this  he  added  forty  adjoining  acres,  rebuilt  and  remodeled  the 
house,  built  a  fine  barn  and  a  smoke  house  with  an  excellent  cellar  and 
erected  other  necessary  buildings.  He  fenced  and  cross-fenced  his  fields 
and  stocked  the  place  with  good  grades  of  cattle,  horses  and  hogs,  which 
he  makes  a  specialty  of  breeding  and  raising.  Mr.  Cool  was  reared  to 
the  occupation  ot  farming  and  has  alwajs  followed  that  pursuit  in  its 
various  phases.  His  methods  are,  therefore,  practical  and  productive  of 
good  results  and  his  success  has  come  by  virtue  of  his  well  directed  activi- 
ties. His  farm  comprises  one  of  the  finest  properties  in  this  section  of 
Appanoose  county  and  is  kept  in  excellent  condition,  the  buildings  being 
modern  and  his  stock  of  good  grades. 

Mr.  Cool  married,  in  W^ayne  county.  Iowa,  on  April  13.  1876,  Miss 
Sarah  Francis,  who  was  born  in  Lee  county,  Iowa,  and  who  was  reared  in 
Wapello  and  Davis  counties.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cool  became  the  parents  of 
thirteen  children,  ten  of  wliom  are  living:  Flora  I,.,  the  wite  of  Joe  Kes- 
terson;  Frata  Ellen,  who  married  William  Bettis:  Rosa,  who  became  the 
wife  of  Bert  Bums;  Opal  J.,  who  married  Linzy  Bettis;  Elsie,  who  mar- 
ried Lee  Burkhiser;  Omar  C.  who  is  married  and  is  eng.iged  in  farming; 
Osie,  the  wife  of  John  Curl;  Orvillc  O.,  who  is  aiding  his  father  in  the 
operation  of  the  home  farm;  Everett  G.:  and  Charles  L.  Three  of  the 
children  horn  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cool  have  passed  away.  Two  died  in 
infancv  and  the  death  of  Dora  L.  occurred  when  she  was  one  and  a  half 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  387 

}ears  ot  age.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cool  arc  tkvimt  adherents  ot  the  Mount  Olive 
Christian  church  and  both  are  active  religious  workers,  acting  as  deacon 
ami  deaconess. 

Mr.  Cool  has  been  a  republican  since  casting  his  first  ballot  and, 
although  he  has  never  sought  nor  desired  office,  his  influence  is  always  given 
tor  the  turtherance  ot  all  projects  which  he  deems  essential  or  desirable 
tor  the  welfare  and  upbuilding  of  the  community. 


ALEXAXDKK  M.  Dl  CK. 


Alexander  M.  Duck,  who  died  in  1899,  was  for  many  years  a  resident 
of  Appanoose  county  and  his  memory  is  still  cherished  by  his  many  triends 
in  this  section.  He  is  held  in  grateful  remembrance  not  only  for  his  work 
along  business  lines  and  the  upright  standards  by  which  it  was  directed 
but  also  for  his  four  years'  able  service  in  the  federal  army  during  the  Civil 
war.  He  was  born  in  Ohio,  February  17,  1838,  and  was  a  son  of  Philip 
and  Jane  ( Smithj  Duck,  the  former  a  native  of  Germany  and  the  latter 
of  Scotland.  The  father  was  a  potter  by  trade  and  worked  at  this  occupxi- 
tion  in  his  native  country  and  also  after  he  came  to  America.  He  settled 
in  Indiana  in  pioneer  rime^  anti  refilled  in  that  state  tor  the  remainder  of 
his  lite. 

Alexander  M.  Dui  k  was  reared  and  educated  in  Ohio.  .\r  rlie  out- 
break of  the  Civil  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  One  Hundred  and 
Thirty-fourth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantr)-,  and  served  through  the  tour  years 
of  the  conflict  as  first  lieutenant,  finally  receiving  an  honorable  discharge. 
.\fter  the  close  of  hostilities  his  family  moved  to  Indiana  and  there  .Alex- 
ander M.  Duck  followed  the  stone  mason's  and  cutler's  trades,  which  he 
had  learned  in  his  youth.  After  some  years  in  Indiana  he  went  to  Minne- 
sota but  remained  in  that  state  only  one  year,  returning  to  Imliana  at  the 
end  of  that  time.  There  he  resided  vmtil  1882,  when  he  came  to  Iowa, 
locating  in  Bra/iK  .Appanoose  county,  where  he  worked  in  the  coal  mines 
tor  five  years.  He  became  known  as  a  man  of  strict  conscientiousness,  high 
standards  of  honor  and  unblemi.shed  integrity  anil  he  made  his  name  hon- 
ored and  respected  wherever  it  was  known.  In  1887  he  retired  from 
active  life  and  moved  into  Centerville.  He  died  in  January,  l8()^-,  and 
his  death  brought  to  a  close  an  active,  useful  and  honorable  career. 

On  June  i.  1867.  Mr.  Duck  married  Miss  Margaret  Moore,  a  daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Julia  (  Micewonder)  Moore,  natives  of  \irginia.  The 
father  farmeil  in  that  state  for  some  time  and  came  as  a  pioneer  to  Indiana. 


388  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

residing  there  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  was  killed  in  an  acci- 
dent in  December,  1881,  and  his  wife  survived  him  two  years.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Duck  have  been  born  the  following  children:  Mary,  who  died  in 
February,  1869;  Philip,  who  passed  away  in  April,  1912;  Cora,  whose 
death  occurred  in  1890;  Julia,  who  is  the  wife  of  Thomas  Newcome  and 
resides  in  Canada;  Maggie,  who  is  the  wife  of  John  Ash  and  lives  in  the 
state  of  Washington;  James,  who  makes  his  home  with  his  mother;  George, 
living  in  Illinois;  Bertha,  who  passed  away  in  May,  1912;  Mattie,  who  is 
the  widow  ot  Prank  Wilson  and  resides  in  Centerville;  William,  who 
lives  with  his  mother;  Alexander,  whose  death  occurred  in  1896;  Grace, 
who  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1897. 

Mr.  Duck  did  not  have  extensive  fraternal  affiliations  but  delighted 
in  keeping  in  touch  with  his  comrades  ot  the  battlefield  through  his  mem- 
bership in  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  He  was  a  stanch  republican 
in  his  politics  but  never  sought  nor  desired  public  office.  Upright  and 
honorable  in  all  the  relations  of  his  life,  he  won  the  regard  and  esteem  of 
those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact  and  his  death  was  deeply  mourned  by 
a  large  circle  ot  friends.  His  widow  makes  her  home  in  Centerville,  at 
428  East  Jackson  street.  She  is  a  devoted  member  of  the  Methodist  church 
and  exemplifies  its  teachings  in  her  daily  life. 


RE\'.  AXEL  W.  P.  ELFSTROM. 

A  philosopher  has  written,  "Not  the  good  that  comes  to  us  but  the 
good  that  comes  to  the  world  through  us  is  the  measure  of  our  success," 
and  judged  by  this  standard,  the  life  of  Rev.  Axel  W.  P.  Elfstrom  was 
a  most  successful  one.  His  time  and  energies  were  devoted  to  the  min- 
istry and  he  was  not  denied  the  full  harvest  nor  the  aftermath  of  his 
labors.  His  influence  was  tar-reaching  and  beneficial,  his  words  of  wis- 
dom bearing  fruit  in  the  lives  ot  many  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  He 
was  born  March  29,  i860,  in  Ullervad,  Vestergotland,  Sweden,  a  son 
of  Gustave  Elfstrom,  who  was  also  a  native  of  that  country  and  a  manu- 
facturer by  occupation.  Liberal  educational  opportunities  were  accorded 
the  Rev.  Axel  W.  P.  Eltstrom,  who.  after  attending  high  school  in 
Falkoping  and  Skotde,  Sweden,  spent  several  terms  in  stud}  in  the  col- 
lege at  Gottenborg.  In  the  fall  of  1884,  then  a  young  man  of  twenty- 
four  years,  he  came  to  America  and  at  once  entered  Augustana  College, 
at  Rock  Island,  Illinois,  there  pur'^iiing  a  classical  course  for  two  years. 
In    1886  he  matriculated   in   Augustana  Theological   Seminary   and   was 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  389 

aradiiattd  with  the  class  ot  1H88.  The  same  \ear  he  was  ordained  to  the 
ministry  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  and  accepted  the  pastorate  of 
Algona,  Bancroft  and  Swea,  making  his  home  at  Algona,  Iowa,  where 
he  remained  for  fourteen  years,  doing  excellent  service  in  the  upbuild- 
ing of  the  church  and  the  extension  of  its  influence  there.  In  1902  he 
accepted  a  call  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  in  Cen- 
terville  and  that  he  was  equally  honored  here  and  that  his  services  proved 
highh  acceptable  to  the  church  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  was  pastor 
to  the  time  of  his  death  on  the  16th  of  August,  1910.  Wliile  an  active 
representative  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  ministry  for  twenty-two  years 
he  had  but  two  pastorates  during  that  period.  His  influence  and  labors 
were  of  far-reaching  effect.  He  was  an  earnest  and  ofttimes  an  eloquent 
speaker  and  had  the  qualities  which  are  so  acceptable  in  pastoral  work, 
a  social  disposition,  kindly  spirit  and  an  understanding  and  sympathetic 
nature.  He  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  Iowa  conference  ot  Augus- 
tana  s)  nod  of  his  denomination  and  was  recognized  throughout  the  state, 
in  which  he  lived  and  labored,  as  a  student  and  man  of  scholarly  attain- 
ments. He  kept  in  touch  with  the  world's  work  along  all  the  lines  of 
vital  significance  to  mankind. 

On  the  5th  of  Decenibcr.  1S90.  rtic  Rev.  Axel  W.  V.  EHVtrom  was 
married  to  Miss  Marikia  Carlson,  a  daughter  of  Carl  and  Johanna  Carl- 
son, both  of  wliom  were  natives  of  N'estergotland,  Sweden.  The  father 
was  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  died  when  his  daughter  Matilda  was  but 
four  vears  of  age.  The  mother  is  still  living  in  Sweden,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-nine  years.  Mrs.  Elfstrom  came  to  the  United  States  in 
1885  and  took  up  her  residence  in  Chicago,  where  she  was  married.  Since 
her  husband's  death  she  has  continued  to  live  in  Centerville.  Their  chil- 
dren are:  Gustav  Sigfrid,  who  was  born  November  11,  1891,  and  is 
clerking  in  the  Mating  grocery  store  in  Centerville;  Hanna,  who  was 
born  September  18,  1893,  graduated  from  the  Centerville  high  school, 
in  1911,  and  is  a  teacher  in  the  Garfield  school  of  this  city;  Ester,  who 
was  born  May  24,  189,-,  and  will  graduate  from  the  Centerville  high 
school  with  the  class  of  1913;  and  Carl,  who  was  born  December  27, 
1897,  and  is  a  high-school  student. 

The  familv  arc  all  members  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  chiirch  and 
their  influence  is  always  on  the  side  of  right,  progress,  reform  and  truth. 
Rev.  Elfstrom  gave  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  nor 
was  he  neglectful  of  the  iluties  of  citizenship.  He  stood  for  all  that  is 
highest  and  best  in  material  things  ami  in  intellectual  activities  while 
working  untiringly  for  the  moral  progress  of  the  community  in  which  he 


390  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

made  his  home.  His  influence  was  ot  no  restricted  character.  He  was 
regarded  as  one  ot  the  strong  preachers  of  his  denomination  and  his  work 
added  much  to  the  moral  tone  of  the  community.  He  embodied  the 
words  of  the  spirit  of  Abraham  Lincoln  who  said,  "There  is  something 
better  than  making  a  living — making  a  life,"  and  therefore  he  put  forth 
untiring  effort  in  the  great  field  of  character  building. 


J.  H.  LUSE. 


Since  the  }ear  1864  J.  H.  Luse  has  been  a  resident  of  Appanoose  county 
and  is  therefore  qualified  to  speak  with  authority  of  the  events  which  have 
shaped  its  history  and  have  had  important  bearing  upon  its  progress.  He 
is  now  filling  the  office  of  postmaster  at  M\  stic  and  has  held  other  public 
positions,  the  duties  of  which  he  has  ever  promptly  and  faithfully  dis- 
charged. He  was  born  in  Fayette  county,  Pennsylvania,  September  20, 
i860,  a  son  of  Boan  and  Hannah  (Horner)  Luse,  who  were  also  natives 
of  the  Kevstone  state,  the  father  having  been  born  in  Greene  county  and 
the  mother  in  Fayette  county.  The  family  comes  of  French  ancestry  on  the 
father's  side  and  is  of  German  lineage  in  the  maternal  line.  The  grand- 
father, Henry  A.  Luse,  was  a  native  of  New  Jerse} ,  served  as  a  soldier  of 
the  War  of  1812  and  led  an  active  business  life,  devoting  the  greater  part 
of  his  time  and  attention  to  farming,  his  mterests  in  that  line  being  so 
carefull}-  conducted  that  in  time  he  became  a  wealthy  man.  He  con- 
tinued a  resident  of  Pennsylvania  until  his  death. 

In  the  }ear  1864  Boan  and  Hannah  Luse  lett  their  native  state  and 
came  to  Iowa,  taking  up  their  abode  in  Walnut  township,  Appanoose 
county,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  north  of  Mystic.  They  settled  on  the 
farm  that  is  now  owned  and  occupied  by  their  son,  James  F.  Luse,  and 
both  died  upon  the  old  home  place.  They  had  for  thirty-seven  years 
lived  in  the  county  when  the  father  passed  away  in  1901,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-seven  years.  His  wife  also  reached  the  age  of  seventy-seven, 
her  death  occurring  in  1906.  He  had  made  farming  his  life  work  and 
as  he  prospered  in  his  undertakings  he  extended  the  boundaries  of  the 
home  place  until  he  owned  tour  hundred  acres  in  one  body.  He  was  a 
very  quiet,  resourceful  man,  of  retiring  disposition  but  genuine  worth 
gave  him  the  warm  regard  of  those  who  knew  him.  In  the  family  were 
four  sons,  while  the  only  daughter,  Ella,  who  was  the  third  in  order  of 
birth,  died  in  Pennsylvania  when  but  a  year  old.  The  sons  are:  Henry 
A.,  who  died  in  1876.  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years;  Joseph  R..  a  resi- 


HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY  391 

dent  of  Seymour,  Iowa;  J.  H.,  ot  this  review;  and  .lames  Frank,  a  farmer 
ot  this  county. 

J.  H.  Luse  was  but  four  years  ot  age  when  the  tamily  arrived  in 
Iowa,  and  the  experiences  of  his  youth  and  bo}hood  were  those  which 
usually  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  fami  lad.  When  not  in  the  school  room, 
his  time  and  attention  were  largely  taken  up  with  the  work  of  the  fields 
and  he  continued  with  his  parents  until  1885.  He  then  started  in  the 
business  world  as  a  clerk  and  was  employed  in  various  stores  in  Mystic 
for  eight  or  ten  vears.  In  the  meantime  he  took  an  active  interest  in 
politics  and  his  fellow  townsmen,  recognizing  his  worth  and  ability, 
elected  him  to  the  office  of  mayor  of  Mystic  in  1892.  He  served  for  one 
term,  or  two  years,  and  afterward  went  upon  the  road  as  a  traveling  sales- 
man, representing  the  Lodwich  Brothers  Coal  Company  for  three  years. 
He  then  held  the  office  of  assistant  postmaster  for  one  year  ;ind  during 
the  past  rive  vears  has  been  postmaster  of  Mystic.  He  also  rilled  the  posi- 
tion of  township  assessor  for  one  term  in  the  '80s.  His  political  sup- 
port has  ever  been  given  to  the  republican  party.  He  was  reared  in  that 
faith  and  has  never  seen  occasion  to  change  his  principles. 

Mr.  Luse  has  been  married  twice.  In  1884  he  wedded  Flora  B. 
Stevens,  who  was  born  in  Wapello  county.  Iowa,  and  died  in  Appanoose 
county  in  i88q,  when  twenty-six  years  of  age.  leaving  a  little  daughter, 
Jessie  M..  who  died  at  the  age  of  four  years.  In  1806  Mr.  Luse  was  again 
married,  his  second  union  being  with  Malina  A.  Fuller,  who  was  born  in 
Appanoose  county  in  1858.  There  are  four  children  of  this  marriage. 
May.  Helen,  Marjorie  and  John  Boan.  The  parents  are  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  in  the  work  of  which  they  are  actively 
interested,  while  to  its  support  they  contribute  liberally.  Mr.  Lvise  is  now 
serving  on  the  official  board  and  otherwise  manifests  his  interest  in  the 
growth  of  the  church  and  in  promoting  its  influence.  He  is  a  Master 
Maxin.  belonging  to  Walnut  Lodge.  Xo.  588,  at  Mystic,  and  his  ridelity 
to  its  teachings  makes  him  a  worthy  exemplar  of  the  craft. 


JOSEPH  S.  Hl'GHES. 
Jo.-eph  S.  Hughes  makes  his  home  in  Cenferville,  owning  and  occupy- 


onj. 


ing  an  attractive  residence  at  1401  North  Ninth  street.  He  has  1 
been  the  owner  of  farming  property  and  at  one  time  was  very  active  in 
its  cultivation.  Hi>-  birth  occurred  in  Johnson  county.  Indiana.  Jime  26, 
1847.  his  parents  being  Jtihn  and  Charity  W.   (  Sr.  John)   Hughes.     The 


392  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

father,  a  narivc  of  Indiana,  was  born  July  31,  1822,  while  the  mother's 
birth  otrurred  near  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  August  '2,  1820.  The  paternal 
grandparents  were  natives  of  Tennessee  and  the  great-grandfather  came 
from  Ireland.  In  the  maternal  line  some  of  his  ancestors  were  among  the 
earliest  settlers  of  New  JeriSe}',  locating  there  in  1664  after  a  previous 
residence  in  Plymouth,  Massachusetts.  Charity  St.  John  removed  to  Indi- 
ana with  her  grandparents  and  there,  in  1843,  she  gave  her  hand  in  mar- 
riage to  John  Hughes,  who  was  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  carried  on 
general  agricultural  pursuits  in  that  state  until  185:5,  when  he  came  with 
his  family  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Appanoose  county.  He  purchased  one  hun- 
dred acres  ot  land  in  Pleasant  townshij)  and  later  entered  forty  acres  more. 
To  this  he  kept  adding  from  time  to  time  until  he  owned  about  seven 
hundred  acres  and  carried  on  farming  on  an  extensive  scale  until  1878, 
when  he  divided  his  land  among  his  children  and  took  up  his  abode  in 
Centerville,  where  he  lived  retired  until  his  death  in  i8()2.  He  had  for 
three  years  survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  March,  1889.  He  was 
greatly  and  actively  interested  in  public  affairs,  contributing  to  the  welfare 
and  upbuilding  ot  the  community,  and  for  several  years  served  as  a 
member  of  the  school  board  and  was  also  justice  of  the  peace.  Unto  him 
and  his  wife  were  born  five  children,  namely:  William  M.,  who  was  killed 
in  battle  at  Atlanta,  Georgia,  and  was  buried  there;  Joseph  S.,  of  this 
review;  Jacob  A.,  a  retired  agriculturist  residing  in  Portland.  Oregon; 
Jesse  r.,  who  follows  farming  in  Pleasant  township,  Appanoose  county; 
and  Mary  E.,  who  lives  with  a  cousin  at  Dillon,  Montana. 

Joseph  S.  Hughes  was  but  eight  years  of  age  when  brought  by  his 
parents  to  Appanoose  county,  where  he  has  remained  continuously  since. 
He  attended  the  Centerville  schools  and  when  nineteen  years  of  age  began 
teaching,  which  profession  he  followed  for  six  years  in  the  district  schools. 
He  then  began  farming  in  \'ermillion  township  and  in  1878  removed  to 
Pleasant  township,  occupying  a  part  of  the  old  home  place — a  tract  of 
one  hundred  anci  sixty  acres  which  his  father  had  given  him.  He  capably 
managed  his  farm  and  met  with  success  in  its  operation  but  in  1883,  on 
account  of  ill  health,  he  rented  the  land  and  removed  to  Centerville,  estab- 
lishing his  home  on  North  Eleventh  street,  where  he  lived  until  l8c)o,  when 
he  removed  to  his  present  residence  at  No.  1401  North  Ninth  street  just 
outside  the  corporation  limits.  He  continued  to  rent  his  farm  until  i8g6, 
when  he  sold  the  })lace  and  invested  in  town  property. 

In  1873  Mr.  Hughes  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Harriett  J.  Brooks, 
a  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary  (McMurray)  Brooks,  the  former  a  farmer 
of  Wayne  county,  Iowa.  He  was  born  in  Tennessee  and  was  ot  German 
descent.    \\'hen  ten  years  of  age  he  removed  with  his  mother  and  steptather 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  393 

to  Kentucky  and  was  married  in  that  state  to  Mary  McMurray,  who  was 
born  in  Kentucky  and  was  of  Irish  lineage.  In  the  early  '40s  thej  removed 
westward,  settling  in  Mahaska  county,  Iowa,  where  Mr.  Brooks  engaged 
in  farming.  In  1853  he  went  to  Wayne  county,  Iowa,  where  he  again 
secured  a  tract  of  land  which  he  continued  to  develop  and  improve  until 
the  time  of  his  death  in  F"ebruar}.  US75.  His  wife  passed  away  at  almost 
the  same  hour  and  they  were  laid  to  rest  on  the  same  day.  Mrs.  Hughes 
was  born  in  Mahaska  county,  Iowa,  September  28,  1849,  and  was  the 
youngest  of  a  family  of  eight  children,  the  others  being  as  follows:  Mar- 
garet, George,  John,  Joseph  and  James,  all  of  whom  are  deceased;  Mar_\, 
who  is  the  wife  of  William  Rogers,  a  farmer  residing  at  Alba,  Missouri; 
and  William,  who  has  passed  away. 

Mr.  Hughes  has  held  various  townshij)  offices,  the  duties  of  wliich  he 
has  discharged  with  promptness  and  fidelity,  and  his  political  allegiance 
is  given  to  the  democratic  party.  He  and  his  wife  are  widely  and  favorably 
known,  having  a  circle  of  friends  almost  coextensive  with  the  circle  of 
their  acquaintance. 


EDWARD  TRENTON  PHINTZ.  M.  D. 

The  medical  profession  of  Moulton  finds  a  worthy  representative  in 
the  person  of  Dr.  Edward  Trenton  Printz,  who  for  twenty-six  years 
has  been  actively  engaged  in  practice  in  Appanoose  county,  where  he  is 
recognized  as  a  physician  and  surgeon  of  more  than  average  ability.  He 
was  born  in  Newton,  Jasper  county,  Illinois,  on  the  6th  of  November. 
1856,  and  is  a  son  of  Solomon  and  Sarah  (Kibler)  Print/,  natives  of 
Virginia,  the  father's  birth  having  occurred  in  the  year  1816  and  that 
of  the  mother  in  1812.  In  the  paternal  line  the  family  is  of  Dutch 
extraction,  but  they  have  long  been  residents  of  \'irginia,  the  grandfather, 
Peter  Print/  having  been  born  in  Page  county,  that  .state.  He  was  a  mill 
owner  and  also  had  a  large  plantation  and  many  slaves.  His  entire  lite 
was  passed  in  the  state  of  his  nativity  where  he  reared  a  large  family,  all  of 
whom  remained  in  the  south  with  exception  of  the  son  Solomon.  .Accom- 
panied by  his  wife  and  four  children  the  latter  brought  a  colony  of  \'ir- 
ginians  to  Illinois  in  1848,  locating  in  Ja.sper  county,  when-  hi-  took  up 
a  large  tract  of  government  land.  The  remainder  of  his  active  life  was 
devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  his  farm,  where  he  passed  away  in  1S76. 
He  was  one  of  the  prominent  pioneers  of  that  section,  and  took  an  active 
and   helpful    interest    in    all    community    affairs,   contributing   his   quota 


394  HISTORY  Ul'  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

toward  promoting  the  progress  and  development  of  the  country.  He 
served  with  efficiency  in  various  township  offices,  and  was  knov\n  as  a 
man  ot  high  principles  and  progressive  ideas,  who  was  accorded  the  esteem 
and  respect  of  his  neighbors  and  fellow  townsmen.  It  was  in  \'irginia 
Mr.  Printz  was  married  to  Miss  Kibler,  a  daughter  of  John  Kil>ler,  also 
a  \'irginian,  who  came  to  Illinois  with  his  son-in-law's  colony,  in  1848 
and  purchased  an  extensive  tract  of  government  land  in  Jasper  county, 
where  he  passed  the  remainder  of  his  days.  Mrs.  Printz  lived  to  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  seventy-five  years,  her  death  occurring  in  1887.  ^he  was 
the  mother  of  eight  children,  four  of  whom  were  born  in  \'irginia,  in  order 
of  birth  they  are  as  follows:  Calvin  F.,  who  died  in  Jasper  county,  Illi- 
nois; Jane,  who  passed  away  at  the  age  of  twelve  years;  Sarah,  who  was 
eight  at  the  time  of  her  death;  Hiram,  who  is  a  resident  of  Newton,  Illi- 
nois; Lj'dia,  the  deceased  wife  of  Albert  Strole,  of  Jasper  county,  Illinois; 
John,  a  farmer  and  stock-raiser  of  Jasper  county;  Edward  Trenton,  our 
subject;  and  Mary,  the  deceased  wife  of  P>ank  Davis,  of  Jasper  count)-. 

There  was  no  event  of  especially  importance  to  vary  the  routine  char- 
acteristic of  farm  life  during  the  period  of  Dr.  Printz's  minority.  His 
early  education  was  obtained  in  the  public  schools,  following  which  he 
attended  the  normal  school  at  Newton  and  then  taught  for  five  jears. 
He  early  decided  to  adopt  a  professional  career  and  in  1881  matriculated 
in  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  at  Chicago,  Illinois,  from  which 
institution  he  was  awarded  the  degree  of  M.  D.  with  the  class  of  1884. 
Immediately  thereafter  he  returned  to  his  home  town  and  engaged  in 
practice  until  1886,  when  he  came  to  Moulton  and  established  an  office, 
which  he  has  ever  since  maintained.  As  he  is  a  man  of  studious  habits  and 
has  continually  promoted  his  efficiency  by  keeping  in  close  touch  with 
the  i^rogress  of  his  profession,  Dr.  Printz  has  met  with  more  than  an 
average  degree  of  success  and  has  built  up  a  large  and  profitable  practice. 
He  has  had  ample  opportunity  to  manifest  his  ability,  both  as  a  general 
practitioner  and  surgeon,  during  the  long  period  of  his  connection  with 
the  medical  fraternity  ot  this  county,  and  is  held  in  high  repute  by  the 
fellow  members  of  his  profession  and  the  community  at  large,  among 
whose  citizens  he  numbers  many  close  friends. 

Dr.  Printz  has  been  married  twice.  His  first  union  was  with  Miss 
Lizzie  Marshall,  whose  father  is  mentioned  at  greater  length  elsewhere 
in  this  work.  They  were  married  in  1888,  and  in  1890  Mrs.  Printz 
passed  away.  One  child  was  born  to  them  but  it  died  in  infancv.  In 
l8g5.  Dr.  Printz  married  Miss  \'erna  Dye.  Of  this  marriage  were  born 
two  children:  Esther  and  Edward  Trenton.  Jr..  who  are  attending  high 
school.     Tlic  mother  passed  away  in   iQoo. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  395 

The  family  attend  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  ot  which  Dr.  Trintz 
is  a  member.  Fraternally  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  order,  and  the 
Independent  Order  ot"  Odd  PVllows,  while  he  maintains  relations  with 
his  tellow  practitioners  through  the  medium  ot  the  Appanoose  County 
Medical  and  the  Iowa  State  Medical  Societies.  His  political  support  he 
gives  to  the  republican  party,  and  he  is  now  a  member  ot  the  local  school 
board.  Dr.  Printz  is  widely  and  favorably  known  in  the  county  by  reason 
of  his  sterling  worth  and  integrity  as  well  as  because  of  his  skill  as  a 
practitioner  and  the  high  protessional  standard  he  maintains. 


C.  F.  HOWELL. 


One  ot  the  strong  and  torcefui  members  of  the  Appanoose  county 
bar  is  C.  F.  Howell,  practicing  at  Centerville,  as  a  member  of  the  tirm  of 
Howell  &  Elgin.  He  possesses  all  the  qualities  requisite  for  advance- 
ment in  the  legal  protession — comprehensive  knowledge  of  the  principles 
of  jurisprudence,  analytical  power  and  a  ready  recognition  of  the  relation 
ot  cause  and  etfect.  The  ease  with  which  he  solves  intricate  problems  has 
given  him  command  of  a  large  practice,  in  the  conduct  of  which  he  has 
won  man}   notable  verdicts. 

Centerville  claims  him  as  a  native  son,  for  he  was  here  born  March 
1),  i860,  his  parents  being  C.  H.  and  Lavina  (Ward)  Howell,  who  were 
natives  ot  New  York.  The  father,  however,  became  one  of  the  pioneer 
residents  of  this  city,  arriving  here  in  1847  and  establishing  the  second 
mercantile  enterprise  ot  the  town.  He  continued  in  business  for  almost 
a  third  ot  a  century,  or  until  1879,  when  he  retired,  spending  his  remain- 
ing days  in  the  enjoyment  of  well  earned  rest.  He  died  in  188S,  while 
his  wife  passed  awa)  in  1882. 

C.  F.  Howell  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  city  and  after 
attending  the  public  schools  entered  Iowa  College  at  Grinnell,  where  his 
more  specifically  literary  course  was  pursued.  He  entered  upon  the 
study  ot  law  in  the  office  and  under  the  direction  of  Tannehill  ^^  Fee, 
with  whom  he  continued  from  1880  until  1882,  when  he  was  admitted 
to  the  bar  and  at  once  entered  u[ion  active  practice  here.  Thirty  }ears 
have  since  come  and  gone  and  almost  from  rlic  beginning  he  has  main- 
tained a  prominent  position  as  a  representative  of  the  legal  profession  in 
his  native  county,  his  record  standing  in  contrailistinction  to  the  old  adage 
that  a  prophet  is  never  without  honor  save  in  his  own  countrv.  In  l()09 
he  was  joined  in  partnership  by  Charles  H.  Elgin,  and  they  are  now  prac- 


396  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

ticing  under  the  firm  style  of  Howell  &  Elgin,  commanding  a  very  exten- 
sive and  important  clientage,  and  their  loyalty  to  the  interests  thereof  is 
proverbial. 

In  November,  1883,  Mr.  Howell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Anna  Maddox,  of  Frankfort,  Kentucky,  a  daughter  of  H.  and  Maria 
(Jones)  Maddox,  who  were  natives  of  \'irginia.  The  parents  never 
came  to  this  state  and  both  are  deceased,  the  father  having  passed  away 
in  1879,  «i"d  '^he  mother  in  1910.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Howell  have  become 
parents  of  three  children,  Winifred,  Max  and  Ward.  They  have  a  pleas- 
ant and  hospitable  home  and  its  good  cheer  is  enjoyed  by  their  man\- 
friends. 

Aside  from  his  law  practice  Mr.  Howell  has  other  interests,  being  a 
stockholder  in  a  bank  at  Promise  City  and  another  at  Numa.  Mr.  Howell 
votes  with  the  republican  party  and  is  a  stanch  advocate  of  its  principles. 
The  only  office  he  has  held,  however,  has  been  in  the  strict  path  of  his 
profession — six  }'ears'  service  as  county  attornei,-.  He  belongs  to  the 
Aiasonic  lodge,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Benevolent  and  Protective 
Order  of  Elks,  and  he  holds  firmly  to  the  religious  faith  of  the  Presbyterian 
church.  His  influence  is  always  on  the  side  of  progress,  reform  and  im- 
provement and  his  activities  have  constituted  a  potent  force  in  the  upbuild- 
ing and  development  of  this  section. 


CHARLES  P.  TILLMONT. 

Dr.  Charles  P.  Tillmont,  who  has  been  a  successful  medical  practi- 
tioner and  surgeon  for  the  past  twelve  years  in  Centerville,  is  prominent  in 
both  professional  and  social  circles  of  the  community  and  is  now  serving 
a  second  term  as  county  coroner  and  is  president  ot  the  Appanoose  County 
Medical  Society.  His  birth  occurred  in  New  Bremin,  Lewis  county.  New 
York,  on  the  13th  of  February,  1871,  his  parents  being  Stephen  and  Eliza- 
beth (Bach)  Tillmont,  both  natives  of  France,  and  whose  ancestors  were 
of  French  nobility,  meeting  disaster  in  the  French  revolution.  The  par- 
ents and  grandparents  emigrated  to  the  I'nited  States  in  1842,  locating 
in  northern  New  York,  in  which  state  they  subsequently  resided,  the 
father's  death  occurring  in  1906  and  the  mother's  in  1904. 

Charles  P.  Tillmont  obtained  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  town  and  subsequently  attended  the  Lowville  Academy  at 
Lowville,  New  York,  and  later  the  Dixon  Business  University  at  Dixon, 
Illinois.     From  there  he  made  his  way  to  Detroit.   Michigan,  where  he 


1)K.  C.   r.  TIl.I.MdNT 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  399 

entered  the  eniplo)-  of  H.  S.  Robinson  &  Company  as  a  traveling  sales- 
man, covering  the  states  of  Illinois,  Indiana  and  Iowa.  In  1897,  having 
determined  upon  the  practice  of  medicine,  he  entered  the  College  of 
Physicians  and  Surgeons  of  the  University  of  Illinois  and  graduated  from 
that  institution  in  June,  1901,  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.  During  his 
college  years  he  had  service  at  Cook  County  Hospital,  Chicago,  Illinois; 
at  Cook  County  Infinnary,  Dunning,  Illinois;  and  at  Oakwood  Sanitarium, 
Lake  Geneva,  Wisconsin,  under  Dr.  Oscar  A.  King  at  that  time  superin- 
tendent. In  September,  1901,  he  opened  an  office  in  Centerville,  Iowa, 
which  has  remained  the  scene  of  his  professional  labors  to  the  present 
time,  his  practice  steadily  growing  as  he  has  demonstrated  his  skill  in 
coping  with  the  intricate  problems  which  continuously  confront  the  physi- 
cian in  his  efforts  to  restore  health  and  prolong  life.  Through  his  mem- 
bership in  the  Appanoose  County  Medical  Society,  of  which  he  is  now 
president,  the  Iowa  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical 
Association,  he  keeps  in  close  touch  with  the  progress  of  his  profession. 

In  1900  Dr.  Tillmont  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Kather\n  Con- 
ners,  of  Dixon,  Illinois,  her  parents  being  John  and  Martha  (Davlin) 
Conners,  who  come  of  Irish  and  Dutch  descent  and  are  still  residents  of 
Dixon.  The  father,  John  Conners,  was  horn  in  New  York  city,  October 
10,  1848.  He  left  there  when  seventeen  years  of  age  and  went  alone 
to  Dixon,  Illinois.  Soon  afterward  he  enlisted  in  the  Seventh  Illinois 
Cavair}-  and  at  the  close  of  the  war  was  mustered  out  at  Chattanooga, 
having  in  the  meantime  participated  in  man}-  battles.  Following  his  return 
to  Dixon  he  married  Martha  Davlin,  a  daughter  of  James  and  Catherine 
Klizabeth  (Holister)  Davlin,  of  Dixon,  whose  ancestry  can  be  traced 
back  to  a  soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  The  Davlin  family  was 
established  in  Pennsylvania  in  colonial  days.  Mr.  Conners  is  still  living 
in  Dixon,  where  he  is  well  known  as  a  contractor.  In  1911  he  came  to 
Centerville  and  built  a  beautiful  home  for  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Tillmont, 
at  119  South  street.  This  is  one  of  the  fine  homes  of  the  city.  He  and 
liis  wife  occupy  their  own  home  in  Dixon.  In  religious  faith  they  are 
Catholics  and  in  politics  he  is  a  democrat.  He  belongs  to  the  Grand  Army 
of  rhe  Republic,  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  the  Ancient  Order  of 
I  nited  Workmen  and  of  the  last  named  is  a  charter  member.  His  daugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Tillmont,  is  eligible  to  membership  with  the  Daughters  of  the 
American  Revolution. 

Into  Dr.  Tillmont  and  his  wife  have  been  born  four  children:  Martha 
Elizabeth,  whose  birth  occurred  January  10,  1902,  and  who  is  a  student 
in  the  C<nrerville  [lublic  schools;  John,  born  January  iv  1904:  Marv 
Josephine,  born  \o\cmber  2.   190>.  who  i-^  likewi<e  a  stuil<-nf  in  the  pub- 


400  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

lie  schools;  and  Elizabeth  Ann,  whose  natal  day  is  December   17.    1909. 
The  second  child  died  in  iniancy. 

In  politics  Dr.  rillniont  is  a  republican,  loyally  supjjorting  the  men 
and  measures  of  that  party.  He  acted  as  city  physician  tor  tour  years 
and  is  now  serving  the  second  term  as  coroner  of  Appanoose  county. 
Fraternally  he  is  identifieti  witli  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks, 
Lodge  No.  741.  He  is  likewise  a  member  of  the  Country  Club.  The 
Doctor  and  his  wife  are  devoted  members  of  the  Catholic  church  and  the 
families  on  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  side,  as  far  back  as  they  have 
been  traced,  have  been  devoted  adherents  to  the  Catholic  faith.  Dr.  Till- 
mont  maintains  the  strictest  conformity  to  the  highest  professional  ethics 
and  enjoys  in  full  measure  the  confidence  and  respect  of  his  professional 
brethren,  as  well  as  the  general  public. 


RINEHART  BROTHERS. 


Among  the  extensive  landowners,  prominent  farmers  and  progressive 
and  enterprising  business  men  of  Appanoose  county  James  \V.  and  David 
H.  Rinehart  hold  places  of  weight  and  influence.  Since  the  beginning  ot 
their  active  careers  they  have  been  in  partnership  and  this  association  has 
been  effective  of  lasting  results,  gaining  for  the  two  brothers  a  substantial 
measure  of  success.  Both  are  natives  of  Monroe  county,  James  ^^'.  having 
been  born  in  January,  1862,  and  David  H.  on  the  17th  of  February,  1864. 
They  are  sons  of  Samuel  and  Eliza  (Potts)  Rinehart,  natives  of  \'irginia, 
the  former  of  whom  came  to  Monroe  county  in  1858  and  entered  land  from 
the  government.  He  gave  his  entire  attention  to  the  development  and 
improvement  of  this  property  during  the  remainder  ot  his  lite,  becoming 
a  successful  agriculturist  and  an  extensive  landowner.  He  had  valuable 
holdings  in  both  Monroe  and  Ajipanoose  counties  and  tor  the  last  twenty 
years  of  his  life  resided  in  the  latter  section.  He  died  in  October.  1900, 
and  was  survived  by  his  wife  until  May,  1909. 

Both  of  the  Rinehart  brothers  had  the  same  educational  advantages. 
They  were  still  very  young  when  their  parents  moved  into  Appanoose 
county  and  there  they  attended  district  school,  later  graduating  trom 
the  Moulton  high  school.  Alter  completing  his  education  James  ^^'. 
Rinehart  taught  in  the  graded  schools  of  Appanoose  county  for  eiglu 
years  and  did  such  able  work  along  lines  of  public  education  that  he  was 
elected  county  superintendent  of  schools,  holding  this  office  tor  two  years 
and  accomplishing  a  great  many  lasting  and  beneficial  results.    On  August 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  401 

1,  1892,  James  W.  and  David  H.  Rim-liart  tormcd  the  partnersliip  which 
has  existed  since  that  time.  They  have  been  engaged  in  many  important 
business  enterprises  and  have  gradually  become  forces  in  the  growth  ot 
Appanoose  county,  always  working  together  in  harmony,  each  supple- 
menting and  aiding  the  other's  work  in  an  effective  way.  Immediately  after 
their  association  was  formed  they  engaged  in  the  newspaper  business,  pur- 
chasing the  Centerville  Journal,  which  was  at  that  rime  a  weekly  democratic 
organ.  The  Rinehart  brothers,  however,  published  the  paper  semi-weekly, 
James  W.  acting  as  editor  and  David  H.  as  foreman.  For  nineteen  years 
they  conducted  this  enterprise,  doing  much  during  that  time  to  raise 
the  standards  of  local  journalism  and  to  influence  and  direct  public 
thought  and  opinion  along  worth}  lines.  In  .\ugust,  lyii,  they  sold  the 
Centerville  Journal  and  have  since  devoted  their  entire  time  to  the 
management  of  their  extensive  farming  interests  and  their  valuable  tracts 
of  town  propert}.  At  the  present  time  they  own  and  operate  three  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  just  across  the  state  line  in  Missouri  and  they  also 
have  large  coal  mining  interests  in  that  state.  The  latter  part  of  their 
interests  is  under  the  personal  supervision  of  David  H.  Rinehart,  while 
his  brother  manages  their  two  hundred  and  sixt}-  acre  farm  in  -Appanoose 
lounty,  upon  which  they  are  extensively  engaged  in  raising  mules.  Both 
are  able,  resourceful  ami  progressive  business  men  of  acknowlcdgid  abil- 
ity, capable  of  forming  plans  readily  and  determined  in  their  execution, 
and  accordingly  in  the  course  of  )ears  they  have  won  a  degree  of  suc- 
cess which  places  them  among  the  representative  citizens  of  this  part  of 
Iowa. 

On  the  13th  of  October.  i(SS4,  James  W.  Rinehart  married  Miss 
Ida  Boal,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  and  Susan  (Mills)  Boal,  natives  of  Ohio, 
where  the  father  practiced  his  profession  before  he  went  to  Bloomtield, 
Iowa.  There  he  secured  a  gratifying  patronage  as  a  physician  and  sur- 
geon ami  was  very  successful  in  the  conduct  of  his  affair^  until  hi^  death, 
which  occurred  in  i8()2.  His  wife  still  resides  in  Bloomheld.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Rinehart  became  the  parents  of  three  children:  Delmar  I).,  aged 
twenty-six,  who  is  now  in  the  newspajier  business  in  Chicago;  P2arl.  aged 
twenty-two,  who  is  also  a  Chicago  journalist ;  ami  Ruby,  who  is  the  wife 
of  A.  Ziver,  well  known  in  the  cement  business  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 
Ruby  Rinehart  inherited  nuich  of  her  father's  news  instinct  and  reportorial 
talent  ami  before  her  marriage  did  some  truly  remarkable  work  in  journal- 
i>m.  Of  her  ability  in  this  direction  one  of  the  local  papers  wrote  in  jiart 
as  follows:  "Ruby  Rinehart.  rlu'  twelve-year-old  daughter  of  Editor  J. 
W.  Rinehart  of  the  Centerville  Journal,  experienced  the  unu.sual  event 
that  won  for  her  the  distinction  of  being  the  \(iungest  newspajier  wofiian 


402  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

in  the  world.  Each  da}'  at  the  [iress  table  in  the  Centerville  courthouse 
sat  little  Miss  Rinehart,  covering  the  murder  case  of  John  Junkin  for  her 
father's  paper.  All  the  horrible  details  of  the  murder  of  Clara  Rosen  by 
John  Junkin  were  diligently  recorded  by  the  little  newspaper  woman, 
who  covered  the  assignment  in  the  absence  of  her  father,  who  was  other- 
wise engaged.  Little  Miss  Rinehart  is  the  youngest  feminine  reporter  in 
the  world,  but  this  is  only  shown  in  her  youthful  appearance.  Her 
stories  have  that  degree  of  clearness  and  accuracy  that  would  do  credit  to 
many  older  men.  experienced  in  the  profession.  Her  position  at  the  press 
table  placed  her  immediately  in  front  of  the  accused  negro,  who  was 
sentenced  to  hang,  but  she  was  too  much  engrossed  in  her  work  of  report- 
ing the  case  to  be  bothered  by  anything  like  that.  Miss  Rinehart  has 
been  doing  regular  work  for  her  father  since  the  death  of  her  mother, 
some  two  years  ago,  and  she  hesitates  not  a  moment  in  recording  the  most 
difficult  stories  for  her  paper.  The  youngster  when  but  seven  )'ears  old 
won  the  Demarest  medal  in  a  declamation  competition  and  aside  from 
her  talents  as  an  elocutionist  she  possesses  a  strong  soprano  voice.  Her 
father  has  been  in  the  newspaper  business  for  seventeen  years  and  little 
Miss  Rinehart  has  practically  had  nothing  but  a  newspaper  environment 
her  entire  life."  Mrs.  James  W.  Rinehart  died  on  the  23d  of  December, 
1906,  after  a  long  illness. 

The  Rinehart  brothers  are  lo}  al  democrats  and  James  W.  was  for 
twenty  years  chairman  of  the  democratic  committee.  He  also  served  for 
a  number  of  years  on  the  Centerville  board  of  education,  discharging  his 
official  duties  in  a  conscientious  and  straightforward  way.  Both  James 
W.  and  David  H.  Rinehart  are  members  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  and  belong  to  the  Christian  church.  In  numberless  ways 
they  have  assisted  in  advancing  the  permanent  welfare  of  this  commun- 
ity and  no  record  of  Appanoose  county  would  be  complete  without  a 
review  of  their  lives  and  of  their  long  and  honorable  business  association. 


JOHN  R.  BRADLEY. 


Through  well-directed  activity  and  enterprise  John  R.  Bradley  has 
gained  a  high  place  in  the  business  circles  of  Centerville.  where  since 
1892  he  has  been  engaged  in  general  contracting  and  building.  He  was 
born  in  Morgan  county,  Indiana,  August  9,  1850,  and  is  a  son  of  William 
H.  and  Martha  (Elliott)  Bradley,  the  former  born  in  Clark  county, 
Indiana,  January  30.  1826,  and  the  latter  in  Kentucky,  February  20,  of 
the  same  year.     Mr.  Bradley's  paternal  grandfather  was  Benjamin  Brad- 


HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY  403 

ley,  a  native  ot  the  south.  His  wite  was  born  in  Ireland.  The  mother 
of  our  subject  removed  from  Indiana  to  Kentuck\-  when  she  was  still  a 
child  and  there  her  marriage  occurred.  Immediately  afterwaril  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  William  H.  Bradley  came  to  Iowa,  locating  in  Appanoose  county, 
where  they  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land  in  \'ermillion  township,  adding 
to  it  trom  time  to  time  until  the  tarm  comprised  six  hundred  and  eighty 
acres.  Upon  this  the  father  engaged  in  general  farming  but  later  gave 
much  attention  to  bu\ing  ami  shipping  stock,  carrying  on  an  extensive 
business  along  this  line  for  a  number  of  years.  His  wife  passed  away  in 
1881  and  six  years  later  the  father  sold  ihe  farm  and  went  to  Xuma, 
where  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  He  remained  there  for 
eight  years  and  then  sold  his  business  interests  and  moved  to  Centerville, 
where  he  made  his  home  with  the  subject  of  this  review.  Later  he  moved 
to  Mount  Pleasant  and  there  his  death  occurred  at  the  home  of  his  daugh- 
ter. Melvina  Boydston.  For  many  years  he  was  active  in  the  Masonic 
order,  holding  membership  in  Centerville  Lodge,  No.  42,  F.  &  A.  >L 

John  H.  Bradley  acquired  his  education  in  the  district  schools  of 
Appanoose  county  and  in  the  Centerville  high  school.  After  he  laid  aside 
his  school  books  he  helped  his  father  with  the  work  of  the  farm  until  he 
was  married,  after  which  he  moved  upon  a  portion  of  the  homestead, 
which  he  developed  anil  inij)rovcd  tor  some  time.  In  1884  he  Itarneti 
the  carpentering  trade  and  worked  at  it  for  wages'  for  eight  years,  after 
which  he  e^tablished  himself  inde[)endently  as  a  contractor  and  builder, 
in  which  work  he  is  still  active.  He  has  erected  some  of  the  finest  and 
most  attractive  business  houses  and  residences  in  Centerville  and  the  sur- 
rounding district  and  has  handled  much  valuable  property,  doing  a  very 
extensive  and  profitable  business. 

Mr.  Bradley  has  been  thrice  married.  His  first  wife  was  in  her  maiden- 
hood Miss  Mary  Crist,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  .\nn  Crist,  the 
former  a  farmer  in  Appanoose  county.  The  first  Mrs.  Bradley  died  one 
year  later  and  in  1884  the  subject  of  this  review  wedded  Mrs.  Martha 
C.  Brown,  a  daughter  of  Addison  and  Rhoda  (Bryant)  \'each,  the  former 
born  in  West  \'irginia  and  the  latter  in  Cialesburg,  Illinois.  Both  came 
to  Appanoose  county  in  the  early  '5.0s  and  there  the  father  learned  the 
blacksmith's  trade,  later  opening  a  shop  in  Centerville.  Afterward  lie 
removed  to  Numa  and  engaged  in  the  same  business  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  i8c)v  His  widow  returned  to  Centerville  and  d'wd 
in  that  city  at  th<-  home  of  the  subject  of  this  review.  Mrs.  Martha 
Bradley  passed  away  on  the  1  irh  of  Febru.iry.  1902,  ami  on  the  2()rh  ot 
December,  of  the  following  year,  Mr.  Bradley  was  again  married.  His 
third  union   was  with  Miss  Ann  Spooner,   a  daughter  ot  JauK--^  B.   and 


404  HISTORY  Ol'   AI'i'ANOOSE  COUNTY 

Catherine  (Bryant)  Spooner,  the  tormer  a  native  of"  Indiana,  horn  in 
1828,  and  the  latter  of  Galesburg,  Illinois,,  where  her  birth  occurretl  in 
1833.  I'he  father  came  to  Iowa  in  1846  and  entered  eighty  acres  of 
government  land  in  Center  township,  A})panoose  county.  A  few  years  later 
the  mother  came  and  in  this  section  their  marriage  occurred,  after  which 
they  settled  upon  the  farm,  where  they  jxissed  the  remainder  of  their 
lives,  the  mother  dying  in  1898  and  the  father  on  the  2yth  of  April,  1905. 
Mr.  Bradley  had  one  daughter  b)-  his  second  marriage,  Martha,  who  was 
born  May  10,  i8go.  and  who  died  October  9,  1911.  During  her  life  she 
was  a  member  of  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star  at  Centerville.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Bradley  are  devout  members  of  the  Methodist  church. 

Mr.  Bradley  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  has  held 
various  responsible  township  offices,  for  he  never  seeks  to  avoid  the  duties 
of  citizenship.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  Centerville  Lodge,  No. 
42,  F.  &  A.  M.  Throughout  his  business  career  he  has  always  faithfully 
discharged  any  obligation  devolving  upon  him  and  has  thus  establi.shed 
a  reputation  for  integrity  and  reliability,  his  name  being  an  honored  one 
wherever  it  is  known. 


LEM  McDonald  henry. 

Among  the  estmiable  pioneer  citizens  of  Centerville  who  donned  the 
blue  and  went  to  the  front  in  defense  of  their  country's  flag  must  be 
mentioned  Levi  McDonald  Henry,  who  is  now  living  retired  but  was 
for  many  years  activel}-  engaged  in  business  here.  He  is  a  native  of 
Martinsburg,  Knox  county,  Ohio,  his  birth  having  occurred  on  rlie  11th 
of  September,  1828.  His  father,  Robert  Henr)',  was  of  Irish  and  Welsh 
extraction  but  was  born  in  Huntington,  Pennsylvania.  When  a  small  lad 
he  removed  with  his  parents  to  Knox  county.  Ohio,  where  he  made  his 
home  until  his  death  in  1877.  He  was  married  in  the  town  of  Martins- 
burg to  Mi.ss  Mar}  Ann  McDonald,  who  was  of  Scotch  descent,  her 
parents  both  having  been  born  in  the  city  of  Edinburgh.  Scotland.  She 
only  lived  a  few  years  after  her  marriage,  and  for  his  second  wite  Mr. 
Henrv  chose  Rebecca  Dillon,  who  had  been  married  before,  and  was  a 
daughter  of  Robert  and  Martha  Dillon,  nrircd  tanning  people  of  Martins- 
burg, where  Mrs.  Henry  passed  away  in  1906. 

Reared  in  a  home  of  limited  means  the  early  advantages  of  Levi 
McDonald  Henry  was  very  meagre.  His  schooling  was  confined  to  a 
few  terms  of  irregular  attendance  in  his  home  district,  but  as  he  always 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  403 

was  a  close  observer  aiui  a  wide  reader,  lie  has  aecjiiired  a  lar^e  turn!  ot 
general  information,  which  marks  him  as  a  well  educated  man.  In  his 
earh  \outh  he  went  to  Mount  \'ernon,  Ohio,  where  he  began  his  appren- 
ticeship at  the  tailor's  trade,  completing  his  period  ot  service  in  Columbus, 
that  state.  Feeling  that  he  was  qualified  to  develop  a  business  ot  his  own, 
he  went  in  the  spring  of  1851  to  Washington,  Missouri,  where  he  estab- 
lished and  maintained  a  shop  tor  a  time.  From  there  he  went  to  Spring- 
field, Illinois,  but  six  months  later  he  made  a  tour  ot  the  south.  In  1H53. 
he  returned  to  Springfield,  where  he  was  married  the  same  year.  His 
next  removal  was  to  Minnea[K)lis,  Minnesota,  ot  which  city  he  became  a 
resident  in  1854,  remaining  there  for  two  years.  At  the  expiration  ot 
that  time  he  returned  ro  Illinois,  locating  at  Bloomfield,  where  he  resided 
until  1863.  when  he  removed  to  Centerville,  and  opened  a  tailor  shop. 
The  same  )ear  Mr.  Henry  enlisted  in  Company  F.  Thirty-sixth  Iowa 
\'olunteer  Infantry,  and  went  into  camp  at  Camden.  Arkansas.  He  was 
captured  by  the  enemy  at  Marks  Mill  and  was  held  for  a  }ear  prisoner  at 
Camp  Frith,  Texas,  being  released  in  February,  186^.  He  was  mustered 
our  at  Davenport.  Iowa,  on  July  27.  of  that  year,  and  upon  receipt  of  his 
discharge  returned  to  Centerville  and  engaged  in  the  clothing  business. 
Mr.  Henry  was  successfully  identified  with  the  commercial  develop- 
ment of  this  city  for  many  years  thereafter,  and  upon  his  retirement  from 
active  life  sold  his  store  to  his  son,  George  A.,  who  has  since  passed  away. 

The  ladv  who  now  bears  the  name  of  Mrs.  Henry  was  known  in  her 
maidenhood  as  Mi»  P^leanor  Boyd,  and  was  born  in  Ohio  on  the  4th  of 
July.  183V  her  parents  being  Alexander  and  Margaret  Boyd,  farming 
people  of  Coshocton  county,  that  state.  The  father  was  murdered  during 
the  childhood  of  Mrs.  Henr\,  who  was  reared  by  an  uncle,  Lyman  Shaffer, 
ot  Springfield.  Illinois,  and  lost  all  trace  of  her  mother  many  years  ago. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  were  born  two  sons:  John  \\'..  who  was  born  in 
Minneapolis,  on  Christmas  day,  1854:  and  George  A.,  whose  birth  oivurrril 
on  the  17th  of  March,  1857.  'it  Bloomington,  Illinois.  They  are  both 
deceased.  The  last  named  married  Miss  Jessie  Sjwoner  and  to  them  wen- 
born  two  children:  William,  decea.sed;  and  Cora,  the  wife  ot  C.  H. 
Wvman,  of  Sheridan,  Wyoming,  and  the  mother  of  two  chiKlnn.  Jessie 
and  John  Henry. 

In  religious  faith  Mr.  and  Mr-.  Henry  arc  Presbyterians,  and  are 
consistent  members  of  the  local  church  of  that  denomination.  Fraternally 
he  has  attained  high  rank  in  the  Masonic  order,  being  a  member  of  the 
blue  lodge,  commandery  and  shrine.  He  is  also  affiliat<d  with  the  Royal 
Arcanum,  and  the  local  post  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  His 
political   support  he  .accords  to  the  democratic  party,  but  has  never  held 


406  HISTORY  Ol-'  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

a  public  office.  In  Appanoose  count)-,  of  which  ht;  has  been  a  resident  for 
practically  a  half  century,  Mr.  Henry  is  held  in  favorable  regard,  having 
been  known  as  a  straightforward,  reliable  business  man,  progressive  and 
patriotic  citizen,  and  a  loyal  and  trustworthy  friend.  He  is  passing  the 
evening  of  life  in  honorable  retirement,  enjoying  the  ease  and  comfort 
provided  b}'  the  accumulations  of  an  active  and  intelligently  spent  life, 
and  the  respect  and  esteem  of  a  large  circle  of  acquaintances. 


PEARL  A.  WHITE. 


Pearl  A.  White,  tilling  the  office  ot  city  clerk,  is  recognized  as  one  of 
the  prominent  republican  leaders  of  Appanoose  county.  He  was  born  on 
a  farm  two  miles  north  of  Moulton,  in  \\'ashington  township,  Appanoose 
county,  Iowa,  December  30,  1878,  and  is  a  son  of  John  W.  and  Mary  F. 
(Hollingsworth)  White.  The  father  was  born  in  Indiana -and  both  were 
of  Scotch  English  descent.  He  devoted  his  life  to  farming  and  to  the 
real-estate  business.  The  grandfather,  John  White,  was  born  in  Nash- 
ville, Tennessee,  February  22,  1816,  and  was  a  son  of  Abraham  White,  a 
soldier  of  the  Revolutionar}'  war.  In  1849  John  White,  the  grandfather, 
removed  from  Indiana  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Douglas  township,  .Appanoose 
count}',  where  he  preempted  a  claim  which  he  purchased  when  the  land 
was  placed  upon  the  market.  To  his  original  holdings  he  added  from 
time  to  time  until  he  was  the  owner  of  nearly  two  thousand  acres.  He  was 
also  an  extensive  stock  trader  and  real-estate  dealer  and  his  business  af- 
fairs were  so  carefully,  systematically  and  wiseh'  managed  that  success 
resulted  in  large  measure.  Deeply  interested  in  the  moral  progress  of  the 
community,  he  built  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  at  Salem.  His  wife 
was  a  native  of  Kentucky.  Their  son,  John  W.  White,  came  to  Iowa  with 
his  parents  in  1849,  at  which  time  the  family  home  was  established  in 
Douglas  township.  Some  years  afterward  he  wedded  Mar}-  F.  Hollings- 
worth, who  was  brought  to  Appanoose  county  b}-  her  parents  in  1847, 
settlement  being  made  in  Vermillion  township.  The  young  couple  began 
their  domestic  life  upon  a  farm  in  \\'ashington  township.  .Apixinoose 
county,  Iowa,  and  John  \\'.  White,  like  his  father,  becanie  in  time  an  ex- 
tensive landowner  and  stock-raiser,  his  holdings  embracing  over  six  hun- 
dred acres.  In  1894,  however,  he  disposed  of  his  farm  propert}  and  re- 
moved to  Centerville,  where  he  opened  a  real-estate  office  and  is  still  ac- 
tive in  the  business.  He  has  never  sought  nor  desired  political  preferment 
but  by  his  ballot  supports  the  republican  party.     His  children  are  six  in 


PIISTORY  UF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  409 

number,  namely:  Ella,  who  is  the  wile  ot  C.  E.  Snyder,  a  carpenter  of 
Centerville;  Myrtle,  who  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  William  Nye,  a 
barber  of  Centerville;  Pearl  A.,  of  this  review;  John,  at  home;  Clarence 
L.,  a  graduate  of  the  Centerville  high  school  and  the  Iowa  State  Uni- 
versity, who  is  now  city  engineer  of  Dallas,  Oregon;  and  Harry,  who  is 
a  barber  of  Centerville. 

Pearl  A.  White,  pursuing  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  .Moiil- 
ton,  became  a  high-school  pupil  but  when  in  his  junior  year  entered  the 
Kansas  State  Normal,  continuing  his  studies  there  for  a  year.  On  the 
expiration  ot  that  period  he  returned  to  Centerville  and  studied  law,  his 
reading  being  directed  for  three  years  h\  Claude  K.  Porter  and  C.  E. 
Howell.  He  afterwanl  taught  for  four  rcriii^  in  the  district  school  and  in 
1907  he  was  called  to  public  office  in  his  election  as  mayor  of  Centerville. 
He  served  tor  one  term  and  his  administration  was  characterized  by  many 
needed  retorms  and  improvements.  In  1911  he  was  appointed  city  clerk 
and  is  still  the  incumbent  in  that  office.  He  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  party 
leaders  in  this  section  of  Iowa  and  in  the  spring  of  1912  was  elected  secre- 
tar}-  of  the  republican  county  central  committee.  His  fraternal  relations 
are  with  Centerville  Lodge,  No.  940,  B.  P.  O.  E.,  in  which  organization 
he  has  many  friends.  He  attends  the  Methodist  church  and  is  well  known 
throughout  Centerville  and  Appanoose  lounry  In  reason  of  his  active  and 
hearty  support  of  many  measures  and  movements  for  the  public  good.  He 
is  at  all  times  actuated  by  a  public-spirited  citizenship  and  his  labors  have 
been  an  effective  force  for  the  welfare  and  beneht  of  the  communitv. 


ZIBA  B.  NIGHSWONGEK. 

Ziba  B.  Nighswonger,  who  is  serving  his  third  term  as  a  member  of  the 
board  ot  supervisors  of  Appanoose  count}-,  is  numbered  among  the  suc- 
cessful agriculturists  and  stockmen  of  Moulton,  where  he  owns  a  well 
cultivated  farm  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  acres.  He  was  born  in  Mar- 
shall county,  Illinois,  on  the  23d  of  February,  1862,  and  is  a  son  of  Rea- 
son and  Ellen  (Gregory)  Nighswonger.  The  father,  whose  birth  occurred 
in  the  vicinity  of  Richmond,  \'irginia,  on  the  20th  of  January,  1819, 
belonged  to  an  old  colonial  family,  but  was  of  German  extraction.  His 
grandfather  emigrated  to  this  country  in  early  manhood  and  located  in 
Pennsylvania,  where  his  wife  and  two  children  were  mas.sacred  by  the 
Indians.  He  subsequently  married  again  and  of  this  union  was  born  a 
son,  al-o  called  Reason  Nighswonger,  and  the  grandfather  of  our  subject. 


410  HISTORY  Dl"  Al'I'AXOOSE  COL'XTV 

The  great-grandfather  was  a  veteran  ot  the  P'rench  and  Indian  war.  In 
early  lite  Reason  Nighswonger,  Sr.,  removed  to  \'irginia  and  engaged  in 
tanning  and  also  ratted  logs.  He  lost  his  lite  on  the  Ohio  river  in  the 
'30s.  leaving  a  widow,  who  in  her  maidenhood  was  known  as  Susan  ButKng- 
ton,  and  nine  children,  all  of  whom  lived  to  attain  maturity.  Some  years 
atter  the  death  ot  her  husband  Mrs.  Nighswonger  and  her  family  removed 
to  Illinois,  locating  in  Pike  county,  that  state,  in  the  late  '30s.  One  mem- 
ber of  this  family,  Asa  Nighswonger,  is  still  living  and  resides  in  Marshall 
county,  Illinois.  Reason  Nighswonger,  Jr..  who  was  the  fourth  child 
born  to  his  parents,  obtained  his  education  in  the  subscription  schools  of 
Virginia.  He  assisted  his  brothers  in  clearing  and  cultivating  the  fam- 
ily homestead  in  Illinois,  and  he  also  worked  in  the  lumber  woods  and 
rafted  logs  to  St.  Louis.  On  the  12th  of  October,  1843,  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Ellen  Gregory,  a  daughter  of  Robert  and  Nancy  (Broyles) 
Gregory.  The  family  were  natives  of  Tennessee,  whence  the  father  removed 
to  Illinois  in  1830,  and  passed  away  in  Marshall  county,  that  state,  about 
1867.  He  was  a  son  of  John  Gregory.  His  widow  subsequently  removed 
to  Iowa  and  here  passed  her  latter  years.  About  1850  Reason  Nigh- 
swonger removed  with  his  wife  and  two  eldest  children  to  Marshall  county, 
Illinois,  and  bought  government  land,  which  he  cultivated  with  a  fair 
measure  of  success  until  1876.  In  the  latter  year  he  came  to  Appanoose 
county,  and  purchased  a  farm  southeast  of  Moulton,  where  he  later 
acquired  extensive  holdings.  Although  he  lived  practically  retired  dur- 
ing his  latter  years  he  continued  to  make  his  home  on  his  farm,  where 
he  passed  away  on  .\pril  23,  1904.  He  was  survived  by  his  widow  until 
the  1st  of  March,  lyoy.  Mr.  Nighswonger  was  a  very  devout  man  and 
a  zealous  worker  in  the  Christian  church  of  which  his  wife  was  also  a 
member.  To  this  worth\^  couple  were  born  twelve  children,  two  of  whom 
died  in  infanc\.  In  order  of  birth  the  others  are  as  follows:  David, 
who  pas.sed  away  in  1867,  a  volunteer  in  a  company  of  Illinois  infanrr\ 
during  the  Civil  war  and  for  thirteen  months  confined  in  the  Confederate 
prison  at  Tyler,  Texas;  Melissa,  the  wife  of  W.  B.  Hoskins,  of  Orient. 
Iowa;  Minerva,  the  deceased  wife  of  J.  B.  Teagarden,  of  Fairfield. 
Nebraska:  Elizabeth  Ann.  who  married  A.'  S.  Hoskins.  of  Hiawatha. 
Kansas;  Charles  D..  who  is  residing  in  the  vicinity  ot  Wildon.  Decatur 
county,  Iowa;  Robert,  who  died  ar  the  age  of  thirteen;  Addie,  the  wife 
of  John  P.  Stansberry,  of  Moulton.  Iowa;  Ziba  B..  our  subject;  William 
F.,  who  is  residing  in  Leroy,  Kansas;  and  Eva,  the  deceased  wif<-  ot  J.  P. 
Stan.sberry.  of  Moulton,  Iowa. 

The  first  fourten  years  in  the  life  of  Ziba  B.  Nighswonger  were  passed 
in  the  state  of  his  nativity.     He  w.as  reared  in  verv  much  the  manner  of 


HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY  411 

all  tarmer  lads  ot  that  period,  and  in  the  acquirement  of  his  education 
attended  the  public  schools  ot  Illinois,  the  high  school  ot  Moulton  and 
the  State  Normal  School  at  Kirksville,  Missouri.  While  engaged  in  the 
mastery  ot  the  various  branches  ot  learning  he  was  also  litting  himself 
for  the  career  of  an  agriculturist  by  assisting  his  father  with  the  cultivation 
ot  the  tields  and  care  ot  the  stock  when  not  occupied  with  his  lessons.  He 
cultivated  his  father's  land  until  about  1890,  when  he  purchased  eighty 
acres  on  section  1,  township  67,  where  he  continued  his  agricultural  pur- 
suits for  three  years.  In  1893,  he  removed  to  his  present  farm,  which  is 
located  on  section  24,  township  68,  where  he  made  his  home  until  1910. 
In  the  year  last  named  he  removed  to  Mouhon  where  he  has  since  resided, 
hut  >till  superintends  the  operation  ot  his  farm.  His  fields,  which  are 
planted  to  such  cereals  as  he  deems  best  adapted  to  the  soil,  annual  1\  \  k  Id 
abundant  harvests  and  in  connection  with  diversified  farming  he  engages 
in  stock-raising.  He  deals  largely  in  sheep  and  hogs,  and  as  he  is  a  capable 
man,  of  practical  ideas  and  good  business  judgment,  is  meeting  with  more 
than  an  average  degree  of  success. 

On  the  23d  of  September,  1883,  Mr.  Nighswonger  was  married  to 
Mi.->  Hattie  M.  Guile,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  l  ^th  of  February, 
i860,  her  parents  being  Richard  and  Hannah  (Finley)  Guile.  The  father 
was  born  in  the  vicinity  of  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  he  resided  until  a  youth 
ot  about  tourteen  years,  when  his  parents  removed  to  Indiana,  rturc  the 
grandtather  passed  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Richard  Guile  was  reared 
to  manhood  in  Indiana,  where  he  was  married  and  made  his  home  until 
185).  In  the  latter  year  accompanied  by  his  wife  and  three  children  he 
removed  to  Davis  county,  Iowa,  where  Mrs.  (iuile  passed  away  in  1894. 
\  (-r\  soon  thereafter  he  came  to  Moulton,  making  his  home  here  until  his 
tleath  in  1905.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nighswonger  have  been  born  three 
children,  as  follows:  Floy,  the  wife  of  Ira  Powell,  of  Moulton,  Iowa; 
Blanche,  who  married  Rama  C.  Dye.  ot  Moulton,  and  has  one  child  five 
years  of  age;  and  Mildred  Naomi,  who  is  living  at  home. 

The  family  are  members  ot  the  Christian  church,  and  fraternally  Mr. 
Nighswonger  is  affiliated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odtl  Fellows, 
Modern  Woodmen  ot  America  and  the  Brorherhood  ot  American  Yeomen. 
U(  has  served  with  efficiency  as  town.ship  a.ssessor,  road  supervisor  and 
.school  trustee  ami  tor  three  terms  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  boanl  ot 
supervisors.  In  the  execution  of  his  official  duties  he  manifests  the  same 
foresight,  >^agacity  and  capability  which  characterize  him  as  a  business 
man.  His  public  career  has  been  noticeably  free  from  any  taint  of  sus- 
picion as  to  his  integrity,  nor  has  there  ever  been  ca.st  at  him  any  of  the 


412  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

aspersions,  whirh  often  fall  to  the  lot  of  those  in  official  life.  Mr.  Nigh- 
swonger  has  passed  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  this  immediate  vicinity 
where  he  is  widely  known  and  enjojs  the  esteem  and  regard  of  a  large 
circle  of  friends. 


JAMES  M.  WILSON. 


James  M.  Wilson  is  a  graduate  of  the  law  department  of  the  Iowa 
State  University  and  since  his  admission  to  the  bar  has  been  actively 
engaged  in  practice  in  Centerville,  where  he  has  won  a  well  merited  and 
enviable  reputation.  He  was  born  September  8,  1866,  near  the  city  of 
Monmouth,  Warren  county,  Illinois,  and  is  one  of  the  four  living  chil- 
dren of  James  and  Elizabeth  (Welsh)  Wilson,  both  of  whom  were  of 
Scotch  descent.  His  early  educational  training  was  received  in  the  com- 
mon schools  and  with  the  removal  of  the  family  to  Centerville  in  1882 
he  went  to  work  as  weigh  master  in  the  coal  mines  with  which  his  father 
was  connected.  He  was  then  sixteen  years  of  age.  Desiring,  however, 
to  enjoy  better  educational  privileges,  he  later  attended  the  Centerville 
high  school  and  was  graduated  therefrom  with  the  class  of  1885.  He 
next  entered  Monmouth  College  in  which  he  spent  two  years  and  upon 
his  return  to  Iowa  took  up  an}-  honest  work  which  wouUl  \  ieici  liini  a 
living  and  enable  him  eventually  to  carry  out  his  cherished  ambition 
of  preparing  for  a  professional  career.  For  one  year  he  engaged  in  rail- 
roading and  was  clerk  in  the  United  States  railway  mail  service.  He 
afterward  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching  which  he  followed  tor  one 
year  in  \'ersailles,  Illinois.  He  displayed  much  versatility,  thoroughness 
and  ability  in  all  of  these  branches  but  gradually  his  attention  concentrated 
upon  the  law  and  he  began  reading  under  the  direction  of  the  Hon.  T.  M. 
Fee.  He  then  entered  the  law  department  of  the  Iowa  State  University 
at  Iowa  City  and  was  graduated  in  1906  as  president  of  a  class  of  one 
hundred  and  three  members.  He  had  been  admitted  to  the  bar,  however, 
in  iHg;,  and  has  since  engaged  in  practice  in  Centerville,  where  he  is  now 
accorded  a  large  clientage,  connecting  him  with  much  ot  the  most  impor- 
tant litigation  tried  in  the  courts  of  the  district.  He  is  in  partnership  with 
R.  W.  Smith,  the  present  county  attorney,  under  the  firm  style  of  Wilson 
&  Smith.  In  i8g6  Mr.  Wilson  was  elected  county  attorney  on  the  repub- 
lican ticket  and  was  reelected  in  the  fall  of  i8q8.  He  had  previously 
served  as  city  attorney  of  Centerville  and  in  1901-2  he  was  reading  clerk 
at  the  state  convention  held  in  Iowa.     In  everj'  relation  his  official  record 


HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY  413 

has  been  an  excellent  one  and  he  ha>  also  gained  prominence  at  the  bar, 
again  and  again  demonstrating  his  ability  to  handle  important  questions 
and  rinding  a  correct  solution  tor  involved  judicial  problems. 

On  the  24th  of  December,  1891,  Mr.  Wilson  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Flora  M.  White,  a  daughter  of  James  A.  White,  a  very  promi- 
nent citizen  of  Centerville.  They  became  the  [)arents  of  two  children: 
Eva,  born  October  13,  1892;  and  Jean,  born  July  12,  1894.  Mr.  Wilson 
is  prominent  in  fraternal  circles,  especially  in  Masonry.  He  has  served 
as  high  priest  of  Euclid  Chapter,  No.  4^,  R.  A.  M.,  is  a  Knight  Templar 
and  also  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  likewise  belongs  to  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  lodge  and  both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  church.  High  principles  actuate  him  in  every  relation  of 
life  and  his  sterling  traits  of  character  have  gained  for  him  a  most  credit- 
able position  in  the  regard  of  his  fellow  townsmen.  The  different  interests 
of  his  life  are  well  balanced  and  in  his  profession  he  has  gained  a  creditable 
place,  owing  to  the  careful,  thorough  and  systematic  manner  in  which  he 
prepares  his  cases,  and  his  fidelity  to  the  interests  of  his  clients  which  has 
become  almost  proverbial. 


JOHN  A.  -McMURR.W 


John  A.  McMurray,  a  well  known  resident  of  Centerville,  is  num- 
bered among  those  who  have  contributed  to  the  upbuilding  and  develop- 
ment of  the  state  of  Iowa  and  his  work  along  business  lines  has  been  tor 
manv  years  of  an  important  and  influential  character.  He  has  resided  in 
this  part  of  the  middle  west  during  practical!)  all  of  his  lite  and  with  the 
exception  of  a  few  years  spent  in  Missouri  has  been  in  Iowa  since  1849. 
In  all  of  his  activities  he  has  proved  his  worth  as  a  loyal  and  progressive 
citizen  and  is,  moreover,  entitled  to  esteem  and  honor  as  a  veteran  of  the 
Civil  war.  He  was  born  in  Ro.ss  county,  Ohio,  August  5,  1845,  and  is  a 
.son  of  John  and  Eliza  (Shockey)  McMurray,  the  former  a  native  of 
Ohio,  horn  .\ugust  24,  1812,  and  the  latter  of  Penn.sylvania.  The  grand- 
father of  our  subject  on  the  paternal  side  was  a  native  of  Irelaml,  who 
came  to  the  I'nited  States  in  1808  and  located  in  Ohio.  In  i84()  he 
started  with  his  family  for  Jefferson  county,  Iowa,  making  the  journey 
with  wagon.s,  in  which  he  brought  his  household  goods  and  farming 
implements.  He  was,  however,  seized  with  illness  at  Decatur,  Illinois, 
and  died  in  that  city.  The  father  of  our  subject  i)ushetl  westwartl  and 
finallv  locateil  in  Jefferson  county,  taking  up  a  government  claim,  pur- 


414  IlISTOKV  UF  Al'l'A.XOUSE  COUXTV 

chasing  the  land  when  it  came  into  the  market.  In  i86y  he  sold  hi>  hold- 
ings and  moved  into  Livingston  county,  Missouri,  where  he  resided  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  in  i8c)6.  He  was  a  veteran  of  the  Mexican  war 
and  a  man  always  loyal  and  progressive  in  matters  of  citizenship.  He 
had  long  survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  1876. 

John  A.  McMurray  was  a  child  of  four  years  when  he  came  with  his 
j)arents  into  Iowa  and  practicall)  his  entire  life  has  been  spent  in  this 
state.  He  acquired  a  district-school  education  but  laid  aside  his  books 
at  an  early  age  to  helj)  his  father  on  the  farm.  On  the  gth  of  Ma}-,  1862, 
when  he  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  he  enlisted  at  Fairfield,  Jefferson 
count}',  in  Compan}-  E,  Fortieth  Iowa  \'olunteer  Infantry,  and  was  almost 
immediately  afterward  mustered  into  service,  taking  part  in  the  battles 
at  Helena,  Arkansas,  Marks  Mills,  Prairie  du  Chien  and  Jenkins  Ferry. 
In  the  latter  engagement,  which  took  place  on  the  30th  of  April,  1864. 
he  was  captured  by  the  rebels  and  taken  to  the  prison  at  T}ler.  Texas, 
where  he  was  confined  until  the  end  of  the  war.  He  was  mustered  out 
at  Fort  Gibson  on  the  16th  of  September,  1865,  and  after  his  discharge 
returned  to  Jefferson  county,  where  he  took  up  mining,  which  he  followed 
for  a  period  of  forty-five  years,  although  his  activity  in  this  line  of  work 
was  not  continuous.  In  1877  he  went  to  Marion  count}  and  there  engaged 
as  a  mining  engineer  for  four  years,  removing  at  the  end  of  that  time  to 
Missouri,  where  he  spent  a  similar  period  as  foreman  on  a  railroad.  In 
1889  he  returned  to  Iowa  and  located  at  Mystic,  Appanoose  county, 
where  he  again  followed  mining.  However,  he  eventually  abandoned 
this  occupation  and  opened  a  grocery  store  in  Mystic,  conducting  this 
enterprise  successfully  until  he  disposed  of  it  and  bought  a  brick}ard. 
In  igio  he  sold  all  of  his  business  interests  in  Mystic  and  came  to  Center- 
ville,  purchasing  two  acres  of  land.  Since  that  time  he  has  lived  prac- 
tically retired,  although  he  still  does  some  gardening.  During  the  entire 
course  ot  his  business  career  his  work  has  been  at  all  times  so  earnest, 
progressive  and  straightforward  that  it  has  not  only  contributed  to  his 
own  prosperit}'  but  has  constituted  also  a  force  in  general  upbuilding. 

Mr.  McMurray  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  union  occurred  on 
the  gth  of  March,  1865,  when  he  \vedded  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Hawthorn, 
a  daughter  of  Jesse  and  Hannah  (Barnett)  Hawthorn,  the  former  a 
native  of  Tennessee  and  the  latter  of  North  Carolina.  Mrs.  McMurrav's 
grandfather  on  the  maternal  side  was  a  slaveholder  in  the  south  before  the 
Civil  war  and  the  family  is  well  known  in  North  Carolina.  Jesse  and 
Hannah  Hawthorn  came  north  to  Iowa  after  their  marriage  in  1840  anil 
located  in  Jefferson  county,  where  the  father  preempted  land,  upon  which 
he  resided  imtil  his  death  in    1S76.     His  wife  survived  him  two  years. 


HISTORY  Ul-   Al'I'ANOOSE  COLXTV  415 

Mr.  McMurrays  first  wite  was  born  in  Jefferson  county,  Iowa,  on  the 
6th  of  November,  1844,  and  died  in  Mystic  on  the  27th  of  September, 
1904.  She  left  four  chiidrtn:  Otto,  born  May  2.4,  1866,  who  is  a  miner 
in  Springfield,  Illinois;  Mrs.  Lepper,  of  whom  further  mention  is  made 
elsewhere  in  this  work;  Elmer,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  14th  ot  June, 
1873,  and  who  is  a  miner  in  Mystic;  and  Bertha,  born  December  28,  1876, 
the  wife  of  Ed  Warrington,  weigh  boss  in  a  coal  mine  at  Decatur,  Illinois. 
After  the  death  of  his  first  wife  Mr.  McMurray  wedded  Mrs.  VAhi  Walker, 
a  tiaughter  of  Hiram  and  Susanna  (Medley)  Hooper,  natives  of  Indiana, 
who  removed  to  Kansas  in  1875  and  in  iyo2  went  to  Washington,  where 
they  now  reside.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McMurray  are  members  of  the  United 
Brethren  church. 

Mr.  McMurray  is  well  known  in  fraternal  circles,  having  gained  a 
place  of  distinction  in  the  Improved  Order  of  Red  Men,  of  which  for 
two  years  he  was  great  chief  and  great  prophet.  For  a  number  ot  years 
he  belonged  to  the  Fraternal  Order  of  Eagles  at  Oskaloosa  but  has  since 
given  up  this  identification.  He  keeps  in  touch  with  his  comrades  of  the 
Civil  war  through  his  membership  in  Post  No.  122,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Center- 
ville,  of  which  he  is  commander.  He  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican 
party  and  in  1876  was  justice  of  the  peace  in  Jefferson  county.  He  has 
always  given  a  lo\al  support  to  various  measures  tor  thi-  public  good,  his 
labors  constituting  an  element  in  general  advancement.  Wherever  he 
is  known  he  is  respected  for  his  unfaltering  allegiance  to  principles  of 
honorable  manhood,  which  he  has  manifested  in  his  business  and  social 
relations  and  in  his  public-spirited  citizenship. 


HON.  W  AHHKN    I.   DANIELS. 

Hon.  Warren  T.  Daniels,  one  of  rlic  well  known  men  in  public  lite 
in  Iowa,  who  has  recentl)  completetl  one  term  in  the  state  general  assembly 
anil  who  was  reelected  in  November,  iyi2,  is  a  prominent  and  influential 
citi/en  of  W^ells  township,  where  he  1ki>  made  his  home  since  1891.  H< 
was  born  in  Jackson  county,  Ohio,  .September  23,  i8^f),  a  son  of  William 
Daniels,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  in  Pittsburg  in  1812.  The  fatiier 
grew  to  maturity  in  his  native  city  but  in  1848  or  1849  crossed  the  plains 
with  ox  teams  to  California  and  spent  three  years  in  the  mines  ot  that  .state, 
meeting  with  a  fair  degree  of  success.  He  gave  up  this  occupation,  however, 
and  again  cros.sed  the  country,  settling  this  time  in  Jackson  county.  Ohio. 
There   he    married    Miss   Marv   Jane    H' :i,|.    \\\u>   w  a>   born,    reareil    ami 


416  HISTORY  OF  APPAXOOSE  COUNTY 

educated  in  Columbiana  county,  Ohio.  After  his  marriage  he  turned  his 
attention  to  farming.  He  developed  and  improved  his  tract  of  land  for 
twent)-five  years,  gaining  a  place  among  the  substantial  and  rejiresenta- 
tive  agriculturists  of  Jackson  county.  In  1881  he  left  Ohio  and  moved 
to  Iowa,  locating  in  Wells  township,  where  he  purchased  land.  He  oper- 
ated this  farm  during  the  remainder  of  his  lite  and  upon  it  passed  away 
in  igo6.  He  had  many  warm  friends  in  this  section  of  the  state  and  his 
passing  was  widely  and  deeply  regretted. 

Hon.  Warren  T.  Daniels  grew  to  manhood  in  Jackson  county,  Ohio, 
and  acquired  his  education  in  the  public  schools.  He  spent  his  child- 
hood and  youth  uj)on  his  lather's  farm  and  even  after  attaining  his 
majority  aided  in  the  operation  of  the  homestead.  Alter  his  marriage, 
which  occurred  in  1881,  Mr.  Daniels  engaged  in  farming  in  Jackson 
county  lor  ten  years,  developing  a  property  of  one  hundred  and  ten  acres 
along  progressive  modern  lines.  In  i8c)i,  however,  he  sold  his  Ohio 
land  and  moved  to  Iowa,  joining  his  father  in  Appanoose  count)-.  He 
soon  afterward  acquired  a  tract  of  timber  land,  erected  a  sawmill  upon 
it  and  engaged  in  cutting  lumber  and  selling  it  in  the  local  markets.  For 
five  years  he  carried  on  this  business,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  pur- 
chased one  hundred  and  eighty  acres,  upon  which  he  now  resides.  ■  Later 
he  sold  his  first  tract  and  gave  his  entire  attention  to  the  improvement 
and  development  of  his  present  farm  which  he  has  made  in  the  course 
of  years  one  of  the  most  valuable  and  highly  productive  in  this  part  of 
the  state.  To  it  he  has  added  from  time  to  time  and  now  owns  four  hun- 
dred and  fortj-six  acres,  which  he  has  named  the  Plainview  Stock  Farm. 
The  residence  which  was  upon  the  place  Mr.  Daniels  has  built  to  and 
remodeled,  has  erected  a  good  barn  and  installed  modern  machinery,  includ- 
ing an  engine  to  pump  water  lor  the  stock  and  to  nm  a  wood  saw.  He  has 
sunk  a  well  of  one  hundred  and  sixteen  feet  in  depth  and  this  affords 
sufficient  water  for  every  purpose.  Mr.  Daniels  gives  most  of  his  atten- 
tion to  stock-raising,  feeding  and  shipping  high-grade  animals  to  the  Chicago 
markets,  his  yearly  average  being  from  one  to  three  carloads.  He  raises 
a  high  grade  of  cattle,  hogs  and  horses.  As  a  larmer  he  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  most  progressive  in  the  township,  his  success  coming  as  a  natural 
result  of  his  practical  modern  methods  and  his  well  directed  labor. 

On  November  30,  .1881,  Mr.  Daniels  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
I'Ji'/a  Craig,  who  was  born  and  reared  in  Ciallia  count).  Ohio.  The) 
have  become  the  parents  of  four  children:  Lizzie,  who  married  A.  R. 
Probasco,  a  farmer  of  Wells  township;  Craig,  who  is  a  partner  with  his 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  417 

tather  in  the  operation  ot  the  home  farm;  Emma,  who  is  employed  as  a 
bookkeeper  in  Des  Moines;  and  Ward  T.,  at  home. 

Mr.  Daniels  i,s  a  Master  Mason  and  has  rilled  all  ot"  the  chairs  in  the 
Indcj)endent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  being  past  grand  of  his  lodge.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Daniels  and  their  daughter  Lizzie  hold  membership  in  the  order 
ot  the  Kebekahs,  and  the  family  are  all  devout  adherents  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  church.  Mr.  Daniels  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the 
republican  part\  and  has  gained  a  position  of  prominence  and  distinction 
in  official  circles  of  the  state.  In  1910  he  was  elected  to  represent  Appa- 
noose county  in  the  general  assembly  and  he  did  such  able,  conscientious 
and  public-spirited  work  that  in  1912  he  was  reelected  b)-  a  large  major- 
ity. At  the  present  time  he  is  a  member  of  the  committees  on  intemper- 
ance, on  school  text-books,  on  mines  and  mining,  and  the  telegraph  and 
telephone  committee  and  is  active  in  the  atfairs  of  all.  Never  havin^r 
been  content  to  be  a  mere  figurehead  in  politics,  he  works  fearlessly,  dili- 
gently and  intelligently  in  support  of  the  movements  in  which  he  believes 
and  in  this  way  has  gained  the  respect  and  esteem  which  the  public  always 
accords  to  high  integrity  and  evident  sincerity  of  purpose. 


I 


WILLIAM  L.  DOWMXG.  M.  D. 

Dr.  William  L.  Downing,  who  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  representa- 
tive members  of  the  medical  fraternity  of  Appanoose  county,  has  for 
twent}-two  }ears  been  successfully  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine 
in  Moulton.  He  is  a  native  of  Iowa,  having  been  born  in  Davis  county 
on  the  nth  of  March,  1862,  and  is  a  son  of  Samuel  Bell  and  Felitha  P. 
(Starkj  Downing,  both  of  whom  are  deceased.  The  paternal  grand- 
tather  was  born,  reared  and  married  in  Scotland,  whence  he  emigrated 
to  America  prior  to  1830.  His  energies  were  always  devoted  to  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  and  when  he  rirst  came  to  this  country  he  located  in 
Pennsylvania  in  the  vicinity  of  Pittsburg.  His  family  numbered  ten, 
seven  sons  and  three  daughters,  all  of  whom  were  born  in  America.  In 
1849,  rive  ot  the  sons  and  two  of  the  daughters  went  to  Oregon,  settling 
near  Salem.  They  are  all  deceased,  but  many  of  their  descendants  are 
residing  in  that  vicinity.  Samuel  B.  Downing  was  born  on  his  father's 
farm  near  Pittsburg,  obtaining  his  education  in  the  common  schools  of 
that  section.  He  early  terminated  his  student  days  and  went  to  work  as 
a  farm  hand  near  where  he  was  reared.  When  a  lad  of  fifteen  \ears  he 
came  to  Iowa,  locating  in  Van  Burcn  county,  whence  he  later  removed  to 
Davis  county.     He  continued  to  work  out  as  a  farm  hand  until  h<'  had 

Vol.  n— 2  3 


418  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUxVTY 

attained  his  majority  when  he  entered  a  tract  of  government  land  on 
which  he  settled  and  began  his  independent  career  as  an  agriculturist.  The 
remainder  of  his  active  life  was  devoted  to  the  further  improvement  and 
cultivation  of  his  farm  on  which  he  resided  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
about  1903.  He  was  thrifty  antl  industrious  and  as  his  circumstances 
permitted  he  added  to  his  land  until  his  holdings  aggregated  thirteen 
hundred  and  eighty  acres.  He  was  a  consistent  Christian  and  a  zealous 
worker  in  the  Christian  church,  in  which  he  was  a  laj-  minister  and 
assisted  in  the  organization  of  many  of  the  churches  of  that  denomination 
throughout  this  section  of  the  state.  In  matters  of  citizenship  Samuel 
B.  Downing  was  public-spirited,  and  took  an  active  interest  in  every 
movement  designed  to  forward  the  development  of  the  countrj-  or  promote 
the  welfare  of  its  citizens.  For  three  successive  terms  he  represented  his 
district  in  the  state  legislature,  having  been  a  member  of  that  body  in  the 
'80s.  He  was  a  veteran  of  the  Mexican  war,  having  served  throughout 
the  period  of  hostilities,  and  during  the  Civil  war  he  was  a  member  of  the 
local  guard  that  looked  after  bushwhackers  on  the  Missouri  border.  It 
was  in  Davis  county  Mr.  Downing  met  Miss  Stark  who  subsequently 
became  his  wife.  She  was  born  in  Frankfort,  Indiana,  of  which  state  her 
parents  were  likewise  natives.  The  family  came  to  Iowa  in  the  early 
days  and  were  among  the  first  settlers  of  Davis  county.  Of  the  eleven 
children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Downing,  ten  lived  to  attain  maturity.  In 
order  of  birth  the  children  are  as  follows:  John  W.,  a  resident  of  Davis 
county;  Abner  A.,  who  for  twenty-seven  years  has  been  steward  of  the 
Davis  County  Poor  Farm;  Temperance  E.,  the  wife  of  Calvin  J.  Moss, 
a  retired  farmer  of  Eldorado,  Kansas;  India  L.,  the  wife  of  J.  M.  Kutch, 
a  farmer  and  stock  buyer  of  Drakeville,  Iowa ;  Ida,  who  married  Charles 
Jones,  who  is  a  farmer  of  Drakeville,  this  state;  Anna,  who  became  the 
wife  of  Perry  Ralston,  a  farmer  of  Drakeville;  Mary  L..  the  wife  of 
Henry  H.  LeMaster,  a  general  merchant  of  Purcell.  Oklahoma;  June,  the 
deceased  wife  of  Elmer  Morris,  of  Drakeville;  Etta,  who  died  at  the  age 
of  eleven  years;  William  L.,  our  subject;  and  Sherman  G..  who  is  also  a 
resident  of  Drakeville. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  William  L.  Downing  were  very  much 
like  those  of  other  lads  who  were  reared  in  the  rural  sections  ot  Iowa 
during  the  pioneer  period.  He  obtained  his  preliminary  education  in  the 
local  schools  and  while  engaged  in  the  mastery  of  the  common  branches 
assisted  with  the  cultivation  of  the  home  farm.  Upon  completing  hi< 
course  of  study,  he  engaged  in  teaching  for  a  few  years,  and  then  took  up 
the  study  of  medicine  in  the  office  of  Drs.  S.  H.  and  J.  L.  Sawyer,  father 
and  son,  in  ITnionville.  Iowa.  He  subsequently  matriculated  in  Rush 
Medical  College,  Chicago,  being  awarded  his  degree  from  that  institution 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  419 

with  the  class  ot  1886.  Immediatt-ly  thereafter  he  went  to  I'nionville, 
Missouri,  and  established  an  office,  which  he  maintained  for  four  years. 
In  1890,  he  came  to  Moulton,  where  he  has  ever  since  been  located.  Dur- 
ing the  long  period  of  his  residence  here  Dr.  Downing  has  succeeded  in 
building  up  a  large  practice,  as  he  is  not  only  a  physician  of  more  than 
average  efficienc}",  but  is  very  conscientious  in  his  devotion  to  his  patients. 

In  1887,  Dr.  Downing  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  A.  Coons,  who 
was  born  in  1865,  and  is  a  daughter  ot  R.  P.  ami  Elizabeth  (Pile)  Coons. 
The  family  are  pioneers  of  Davis  county,  where  the  paternal  grandfather 
located  in  the  '40s.  Mr.  Coons  now  lives  retired  and  he  and  his  wife  are 
residing  in  Moulton.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Downing  have  two  children:  Inez, 
a  graduate  of  the  Moulton  high  school  and  of  Drake  University  at  Des 
Moines,  where  she  completed  a  tour-year  course  in  liberal  arts  in  1911, 
being  awarded  a  scholarship  in  history  in  the  Illinois  State  University  in 
which  institution  she  took  a  post-graduate  course  the  same  year;  and 
Wendell  L.,  a  graduate  of  the  Moulton  high  school,  who  is  attending 
Drake  University. 

The  family  are  members  of  the  Christian  church,  and  fraternally  Dr. 
Downing  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  order  and  the  Independent  Onlei* 
of  Odd  Fellows.  He  maintains  relations  with  his  fellow  practitioners 
through  the  medium  of  his  membership  in  the  American  Medical  Asso- 
ciation, the  Tri-.State  and  Des  Moines  Valley  Medical  Societies,  and  the 
Iowa  State  and  Appanoose  County  Medical  Societies  and  also  belongs  to 
several  other  professional  organizations.  He  is  also  local  surgeon  tor  the 
Wabash  and  the  Chicago,  Burlington  \:  Quincy  Railroads.  Owing  to  the 
exactions  of  his  large  practice  Dr.  Downing  has  never  figured  prominently 
in  local  public  affairs,  but  he  always  meets  the  requirements  of  good  citizen- 
ship by  appearing  at  the  polls  on  election  day,  and  extends  his  support  to 
every  worthy  enterprise  or  commendable  movement.  His  genial  manner, 
pleasing  personality  and  unfeigned  cordiality  have  won  him  many  friends 
in  this  community,  wlio  hold  liiin  in  tiigh  regard  by  reason  ot  his  profes- 
sional ability  as  well  as  because  of  his  sterling  worth  of  character. 


GKORGK  T.  PTT.MAM. 


George  T.  Pulliani,  who  is  now  living  retired  in  .Moulton,  where  for 
many  years  he  was  engaged  in  the  clothing  business,  belongs  to  that  cla.ss 
of  men  who  owe  their  advancement  and  success  to  persistent  and  intelli- 
gently directed  effort.     H<-  was  born  in  Pike  coimty,  Illinois,  on  the   1st 


420  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

of  November,  1849,  and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Charity  (Hindi J  Pulliam. 
Ihe  lather,  who  was  a  native  of  Barron  count}',  Kentucky,  was  born  on 
the  31st  of  December,  1818,  while  the  mother's  natal  day  was  the  11th 
of  February,  1822.  The  paternal  grandfather,  William  Pulliam,  who 
was  of  Welsh  extraction,  married  a  Miss  Decker  and  located  in  Kentucky, 
where  for  many  years  he  engaged  in  farming.  Accompanied  by  his  fam- 
ily he  subsequently  removed  to  Pike  count)-,  Illinois,  where  both  he  and 
the  grandmother  passed  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  James  Pulliam  made 
his  home  in  Illinois  until  about  1853,  when  he  came  to  Iowa,  lirst  locating 
in  the  vicinity  of  Eddyville.  The  next  year  he  purchased  some  land  near 
Orleans,  Davis  county,  on  which  he  settled.  About  two  }ears  later,  in 
1856,  he  extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  by  establishing  a  general 
mercantile  store  at  Orleans,  which  he  conducted  in  connection  with  the 
cultivation  of  his  farm  and  also  bought  and  sold  live  stock.  He  continued 
to  be  identified  with  these  various  enterprises  until  1864,  when  he  dis- 
posed of  his  store  and  farm  and  removed  to  a  place  he  had  purchased 
two  miles  southeast  of  Moulton,  now  known  as  the  George  Ballew  sheep 
farm.  There  he  passed  away  in  1869.  The  mother's  death  occurred  at 
Orleans  in  1858.  Mr.  Pulliam  was  an  industrious  man  of  keen  business 
ability  and  sterling  worth  and  integrity.  He  possessed  high  standards  of 
citizenship  and  took  an  active  interest  in  all  things  pertaining  to  the 
welfare  and  progress  of  the  community.  He  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of 
this  section  who  actively  participated  in  breaking  up  the  organized  band 
of  horse  thieves  operating  in  Illinois,  Iowa  and  Missouri,  and  was  shot 
and  severely  wounded  in  a  fight  with  this  gang  of  outlaws.  To  Mr. 
Pulliam  and  his  first  wife,  the  mother  of  our  subject  whom  he  married  in 
Pike  county,  Illinois,  were  born  six  children,  who  lived  to  attain  maturity. 
In  order  of  birth  they  were  as  follows:  W'illiam  H.,  a  member  of  the 
Twenty-first  Missouri  Infantry  and  later  of  the  Eighth  Iowa  Cavalry 
during  the  Civil  war,  who  participated  in  the  Battle  of  Shiloh  and  was 
killed  in  a  skirmish  in  the  vicinity  of  Atlanta,  Georgia,  July  31,  1864; 
Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  George  M.  Bunten,  of  Drakeville,  Iowa,  who  was 
also  a  member  ot  the  Eighth  Iowa  Cavalry  and  was  taken  prisoner  at 
the  same  time  his  hrother-in  law  was  killed;  ^Iary  J.,  the  widow  of  J.  F. 
Wooldridge,  of  Phoenix,  Arizona;  George  T.,  our  subject;  Orlando  S.,  a 
resident  of  Custer  county,  Nebraska;  and  James  W.,  of  Lyons,  Nebraska. 
After  the  death  of  the  mother  of  these  children,  the  father  married  Miss 
Dorcas  W'ooldridge,  of  Bloomfield,  Iowa,  who  passed  away  the  next  year. 
For  his  third  wife  he  chose  Miss  Eliza  Gale,  of  Orleans,  Iowa,  and  of 
this  marriage  were  born  three  children:    Eva,  who  died  at  the  age  of 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUXTY  421 

three  years;  E.  Burton,  who  passed  away  when  he  was  tort)-six;  and 
Emma  (PuUiam)  Hickman,  of  Moulton,  Iowa. 

In  the  acquirement  ot  his  education  George  T.  I'uiliam  attended  the 
public  schools  ot  Iowa,  completing  his  course  of  study  in  Moulton.  .\ttcr 
the  death  of  his  father,  which  occurred  when  he  was  twenty  years  ot 
age,  he  started  out  to  make  his  own  wa)-  in  the  world,  first  engaging  in 
the  buying  and  shipping  of  live  stock.  About  the  same  time  he  went  into 
the  clothing  business  in  Moulton,  subsequently  devoting  his  entire  energies 
to  this  enterprise.  He  continued  to  be  identified  with  this  activity  until 
1898,  during  a  portion  of  which  tinu-  he  had  as  his  partner  J.  F.  Wool- 
dridge,  his  brother-in-law,  whose  interest  he  purchased  in  1894.  Mr. 
PuUiam  conducted  the  business  alone  thereafter  imtil  1898,  when  he  dis- 
posed of  it  and  has  since  lived  retired. 

On  the  21st  of  June,  1885,  Mr.  Pulliam  was  married  to  Miss  OUie  M. 
Gates,  who  was  bom  in  Minerva,  Essex  county.  New  York,  her  parents 
being  David  L.  and  Rosetta  (Hough)  Gates.  The  father  was  of  Scotch- 
Irish  extraction  and  the  mother  of  English  and  German  lineage.  The 
family  removed  from  Essex  county,  New  York,  to  Iowa  in  1856,  locat- 
ing in  Jefferson  county  in  the  vicinity  of  Fairfield,  where  the  father  bought 
some  land  which  he  cultivated  for  many  years.  By  profession  Mr.  Gates 
was  an  architect  and  when  he  first  located  in  this  state  was  employed 
by  the  Rock  Island  Railroad  Company  to  construct  the  bridges  on  their 
line  between  Washington  and  Centerville.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gates  were 
the  parents  of  eight  children,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  Those  who 
reached  maturit}-  were  as  follows:  Addie,  the  deceased  wife  of  George 
Metzler,  of  Fairfield;  Jennie,  the  deceased  wife  of  George  \V.  Culli.son, 
of  Harlan,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Pulliam;  Ellen  V.,  the  deceased  wife  of  James  A. 
Dunshee,  of  Troy,  Iowa;  David  M.,  a  resident  of  Jordan,  Missouri; 
ami  Mary  I.,  who  married  George  W.  Cullison,  an  attorney  of  Harlan, 
Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pulliam  have  no  children  of  their  own  but  reared 
and  educated  her  nephew.  Jay  D.  Dunshee,  who  is  a  physician  at  Ke\st()n, 
Iowa. 

Their  religious  faith  they  manifest  through  their  connection  with  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church,  in  the  work  of  which  they  taki'  an  active 
interest.  Fraternally  Mr.  Pulliam  is  afliliated  with  the  Knights  of 
Pvthias,  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows.  Mrs.  Pulliam  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  P.  E.  O.  ot 
Iowa,  and  the  local  chapter  of  this  order  was  organized  in  her  home.  She 
is  a  woman  of  marked  culture  and  refinement  and  for  fifteen  years  was 
a  teacher,  the  last  four  years  of  that  period  having  been  spent  in  the 
schools  of  Moulton  ju.st  prior  to  her  marriage.     Mr.  Pulliam  has  never 


422  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

actively  participated  in  local  politics,  although  he  is  not  at  all  remiss 
in  matters  of  citizenship,  and  has  always  been  interested  in  educational 
matters.  For  forty-two  years  he  served  as  secretary  of  the  local  school 
board,  in  which  capacity  he  gave  most  efficient  service,  establishing  a 
record  as  a  public  official  that  is  seldom  equaled.  A  desire  to  withdraw 
from  all  public  duties  and  responsibilities  prompted  him  to  offer  his 
resignation,  which  was  most  reluctantly  accepted,  in  igi2.  Mr.  PuUiam 
has  led  a  life  of  intelligently  organized  and  capably  directed  activity,  and 
is  now  able  to  spend  his  latter  years  in  well  earned  ease  and  comfort. 


GEORGE  D.  LYNCH,  M.  D. 

Dr.  George  D.  Lynch,  who  since  igoi  has  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
medicine,  opening  an  office  in  Moravia  in  1905,  is  one  of  Iowa's  native 
sons,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Monterey,  Davis  county,  February  21, 
1872.  His  parents  are  William  and  Catherine  (MoyerJ  Lynch.  The 
father  was  born  in  Kentucky,  January  8,  1840,  and  the  mother's  birth 
occurred  in  the  same  state  in  1841.  They  came  to  Iowa  with  their  re- 
spective parents  at  an  early  age  and  were  married  in  Davis  county.  The 
father  resided  at  Hilltown  until  the  time  of  his  marriage  and  engaged  in 
the  operation  of  a  mill  at  that  place,  but  for  many  years  has  carried  on 
farming  and  now  owns  and  occupies  a  good  tract  of  land  in  this  county. 
In  their  family  are  the  following  children:  Amarilla,  the  wife  of  J.  S. 
Horn,  of  Moulton,  Iowa;  John  S.,  also  of  that  place;  George  D.;  Etta, 
the  wife  of  Ambrose  Horn,  of  Moulton;  and  Marine,  the  wife  of  Bud 
Henson. 

Dr.  Lynch  resided  at  the  place  of  his  birth  until  1899,  spending  his 
Aouthful  days  in  the  usual  manner  of  farm  lads  whose  time  is  occupied 
with  the  work  of  the  fields  and  the  duties  of  the  schoolroom.  He  was 
liberally  educated,  supplementing  his  early  advantages  by  a  course  of 
study  in  the  Southern  Iowa  Normal  School  at  Bloomfield,  in  which  he 
completed  the  teacher's  course  by  graduation  with  the  class  of  1890.  He 
then  taught  for  sixteen  terms,  between  1890  and  1898,  after  which  he 
entered  the  Keokuk  Medical  College,  in  which  he  studied  for  two  years. 
He  next  became  a  student  in  Barnes  t^niversity  at  St.  Louis,  where  he 
completed  his  medical  course  in  1901.  Dr.  Lynch  located  for  practice 
at  Tindall,  Missouri,  where  he  remained  until  igov  when  he  came  to 
Moravia,  where  he  has  since  engaged  in  general  practice.  He  is  capable, 
earnest  and  conscientious  in  the  performance  of  his  professional  duties 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COLXTY  423 

and  is  accorded  a  liberal  patronage,  tor  he  has  demonstrated  his  ability 
to  successfully  cope  with  the  intricate  {)roblems  that  continuously  confront 
the  physician.  He  has  some  business  interests  outside  of  his  profession, 
being  a  stockholder  in  the  Farmers  State  Bank  at  Trenton,  Missouri,  and 
is  also  the  owner  of  excellent  farm  land  hrtween  Moravia  and  Center- 
ville. 

In  1891  Dr.  Lynch  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mattie  A.  Davis, 
a  native  ot  Wayne  county  and  a  daughter  of  \\'.  M.  and  Emma  Davis. 
They  have  one  child,  Fanchen  Pauline.  Dr.  Lynch  gives  his  political 
allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  at  one  time  was  candidate  for 
nomination  for  state  senator  from  the  district  comprising  Appanoose  and 
Davis  counties.  He  is  lo}al  in  his  service  of  the  party  and  through 
political  activity  seeks  to  further  the  best  interests  of  good  government. 
Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Masons  and  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows,  but  after  all  it  is  his  professional  duties  which  claim  the 
greater  part  of  his  time  and  attention  and  to  the  end  of  promoting  his 
knowledge  and  efficiency  in  the  line  of  his  chosen  profession  he  is  a  member 
of  the  countv  and  state  medical  societies. 


JOHN  H.  MAY. 


John  H.  May,,  prominently  identitied  with  newspaper  publication  in 
Appanoose  county  as  editor  and  owner  oi  the  Cincinnati  Review  and 
as  owner  and  publisher  of  the  Exline  Messenger,  was  born  in  .Adair 
county,  December  26,  1859,  his  parents  being  James  Washington  and 
Mary  Ann  (Forrest)  May.  The  father  was  born  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Tennessee,  .\ugust  8,  1805,  and  was  a  grandson  of  John  Sevier,  the  first 
governor  of  that  state  and  also  its  first  member  of  congress.  He  served 
as  governor  for  fourteen  years  and  aided  largely  in  shaping  the  policy 
of  the  commonwealth.  He  was  equally  distinguished  as  an  Indian  fighter 
and  as  an  officer  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  being  one  of  the  American 
officers  in  command  at  the  battle  of  Kings  Mountain.  In  the  maternal 
liiK  John  H.  May  is  a  representative  of  an  old  Missouri  family.  His 
mother  was  born  in  Pike  county,  near  the  birthplace  of  Mark  Twain,  in 
1817,  before  the  admission  of  the  state  to  the  l^nion. 

In  the  public  schools  of  Cincinnati,  Iowa,  John  H.  May  pursued 
his  education,  the  family  removing  to  .Appanoose  county  in  his  boyhood 
days.  He  completed  his  course  in  18S1  and  for  about  twelve  years  there- 
after devoted  his  time  to  farming  and  teaching.     He  proved  cap.ablc  and 


424  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

efficient  in  each  line  bur  in  .Iul\,  1893,  turncti  his  attention  to  news- 
paper publication,  becoming  editor  and  owner  of  the  Cincinnati  Review. 
He  made  this  a  popular  journal  with  a  large  local  patronage  and  in  Mav, 
igio,  he  extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  to  include  the  publication 
of  the  Messenger  of  Exline,  Iowa.  Capable  management  and  under- 
standing of  the  public  desire  in  connection  with  newspaper  publication  and 
unfaltering  energy  and  perseverance  have  brought  to  Mr.  May  a  sub- 
stantial measure  of  success. 

On  the  1st  of  February,  1894,  at  Council  Grove.  Kansa-.  was  cele- 
brated the  marriage  of  John  H.  May  and  Miss  Anna  B.  Fo.x,  a  daughter 
of  John  and  Sarah  J.  Fox.  Mrs.  May  v.-as  born  in  Cincinnati,  Iowa, 
September  4,  1862,  but  for  a  number  of  years  resided  in  Morris  county, 
Kansas.  By  her  marriage  she  has  become  the  mother  of  three  chil- 
dren: Elbridge  F.,  Jennie  Pauline  and  Erma  Josephine.  The  family 
attend  the  Christian  church,  of  which  Mr.  May  became  a  charter  mem- 
ber on  its  organization.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  and  the  Rebekah  degree,  is  a  past  noble  grand  and  has  filled 
all  of  the  chairs  in  the  local  organization.  In  politics  he  is  a  republican 
with  tendency  toward  the  progressive  wing  rather  than  the  stand-pat 
branch  of  the  organization.  He  is  an  admirer  of,  and  supported.  Senator 
A.  B.  Cummins  and  also  Colonel  Theodore  Roosevelt.  He  has  held 
some  local  offices  including  that  of  assessor,  member  of  the  city  council 
and  trustee,  and  for  ten  years  has  been  a  member  of  the  Cincinnati  school 
board  of  which  he  is  now  serving  as  president.  He  isat  all  times  deeply 
and  actively  interested  in  affairs  relating  to  the  material,  intellectual, 
political  and  moral  progress  of  the  community  and  his  influence  and 
efforts  have  been  a  potent  force  in  advancing  the  general  good. 


CHARLES  A.   MONTGOMERY. 

For  rhirry-seven  years  Charles  A.  Montgomery,  of  the  firm  ot  Mont- 
gomery Sons,  has  been  actively  connected  with  the  commercial  circles 
of  Moulton,  of  which  city  he  has  been  a  resident  since  1872.  He  was 
born  in  New  Lexington,  Perr}-  county,  Ohio,  on  the  2d  of  March,  1850, 
and  is  descended  from  one  of  the  pioneer  families  of  the  Buckeje  state. 
His  father,  John  C.  Montgomery,  who  was  born  in  the  earh  ^os.  removed 
to  Iowa  about  1852,  locating  in  Henry  county,  where  he  bought  a  farm. 
Three  years  later  he  removed  to  Agenc\,  Wapello  count)-,  this  state,  and 
established  a  general  mercantile  store,   which  he  conducted  until    1869. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  425 

In  the  year  last  named  he  removed  to  Adair  county,  Missouri,  where  he 
continued  to  engage  in  the  mercantile  business  until  the  spring  ot  1872. 
His  next  removal  was  to  Moulton  and  here  he  founded  the  grocery  store 
now  owned  and  operated  by  his  son  and  grandsons.  Mr.  Montgomery- 
passed  away  in  July,  1875,  -^^  the  age  of  about  fifty-eight  years.  He 
was  married  in  New  Lexington,  Ohio,  in  1847,  to  Miss  Susan  Turner, 
who  was  born  on  the  1st  of  June,  1826,  and  was  a  daughter  of  Hiram 
Turner.  The  father,  who  \^  as  a  farmer  and  lay  preacher  in  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church  removed  from  Ohio  to  Iowa  in  the  early  days,  and  was 
residing  about  two  miles  from  Burlington  at  the  time  of  his  death.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Montgomery  were  born  six  children,  as  follows:  Mary 
F.,  who  is  deceased;  Charles  A.,  our  subject;  Margaret  J.,  the  wife  of 
R.  M.  Brashear,  of  Kirksville,  Missouri;  Victor  E.,  of  Moulton,  Iowa, 
deceased;  and  Timothy  and  John,  who  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Mont- 
gomery passed  away  on  April   16,   1910,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three  years. 

The  bojhood  and  youth  of  Charles  A.  Montgomery  were  passed  in 
the  parental  home,  his  education  being  obtained  in  the  public  schools 
of  Agency,  Iowa.  He  came  to  Moulton  in  1872  and  entered  the  employ 
of  the  Moulton  Bank,  remaining  there  until  the  death  of  his  father,  fol- 
lowing which  he  and  his  brother,  Victor  E.,  took  over  the  management  of 
the  store.  They  conducted  this  enterprise  on  a  partnership  basis  until 
the  hitter's  death  in  1003,  when  the  sons  of  Charles  A.  Montgomery  were 
admitted  to  the  firm,  which  has  since  been  conducted  under  the  name  of 
Montgomery  Sons.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest  and  largest  groceries  in  the 
city  and  as  it  is  the  policy  of  the  company  to  conduct  their  business  in 
a  manner  which  commends  them  to  the  confidence  of  the  communit)-  they 
enjoy  a  large  patronage. 

On  August  6,  1876,  Mr.  Montgomery  was  married  to  Miss  Josephine 
T.  Dome,  who  was  born  in  Harrison  county,  Indiana,  July  g,  1855,  '^"^ 
is  a  daughter  of  Hiram  and  Sarah  (Parker)  Dome.  The  parents  were 
both  natives  of  Indiana,  where  they  passed  their  entire  lives.  Of  this 
marriage  have  been  born  four  children,  as  follows:  C.  Ward,  of  the  firm 
of  Montgomery  Sons,  who  married  Olive  Ma\-  Reisncr  anil  has  one  child, 
Pauline;  Arthur  E.,  who  is  also  a  member  ot  the  firm  ot  Montgomery 
Sons;  John  C. ;  and  LaFayette  D.,  who  is  likewise  engaged  in  business 
with  his  father  and  brothers. 

The  family  attend  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  in  which  the  par- 
ents hold  membership.  In  matters  of  citizenship  Mr.  Montgomery  is 
public-spirited  and  rakes  an  active  interest  in  all  local  affairs,  particularly 
of  a  political  nature.  He  has  served  for  several  terms  as  township  clerk 
and  he  has  also  been  school  director  and  a  member  of  town  coimcil.     His 


426  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

commercial  career  has  been  characterized  by  the  honesty  of  purpose  and 
rehable  methods,  which  invariably  win  permanent  advancement  and  an 
honorable  name,  and  both  as  a  business  man  and  private  citizen  he  enjoys 
the  esteem  and  respect  of  a  large  circle  of  acquaintances  among  whom  he 
has  won  many  stanch  friends  during  the  fort}-one  years  of  his  residence 
in  the  community. 


EDWIN  L.  STICKNEY. 


Edwin  L.  Stickney,  who  for  eight  years  has  been  cashier  of  the  First 
National  Bank  of  Moulton,  is  a  native  of  Aplington,  Butler  count)-,  Iowa, 
his  birth  having  occurred  on  the  22d  of  August,  1871.  In  the  parental 
line  he  is  descended  from  an  old  New  England  colonial  family,  and  is 
a  son  of  William  C.  Stickne}-,  who  was  born  in  Prince  Edward  count}', 
Ontario,  June  8,  1842.  The  American  branch  of  the  Stickne\-  family 
is  descended  from  one  William  Stickney,  who  was  born  in  England  in 
1592.  He  emigrated  to  America  during  the  early  colonial  days  and  located 
in  Massachusetts,  where  he  passed  away  in  1665.  He  was  the  father  of 
Samuel  Stickne)-,  who  was  born  in  1633,  and  who  in  1663  became  the 
father  of  another  Samuel  Stickney.  The  next  in  line  of  descent  was 
Richard  Stickney,  who  was  born  in  1709,  and  in  1844  became  the  father 
of  John  Stickney.  The  last  named  was  a  veteran  of  the  Revolutionary 
war,  having  enlisted  on  the  15th  of  January,  1777,'  in  Captain  Moses 
Greenleaf's  Company  of  the  Fifteenth  Massachusetts  Regiment,  in  which 
he  served  until  discharged  on  January  15,  1780.  His  son,  John  Stick- 
ney, Jr.,  who  was  born  in  1772,  in  his  earh-  manhood  removed  to  the 
province  of  Ontario,  Canada,  and  there  was  born,  in  1805.  Walter  H. 
Stickney,  our  subject's  grandfather.  He  married  Phoebe  Christy  and 
they  became  the  parents  of  William  C.  Stickne)%  who  was  born  on  the  old 
family  homestead  in  Ontario,  in  the  same  house  where  his  father's  birth 
and  death  occurred.  The  family  were  Quakers  in  religious  belief  and 
largely  followed  agricultural  pursuits.  William  C.  Stickne)-  was  reared 
in  his  native  province  and  educated  in  the  public  schools.  When  he  was 
twenty-four  years  of  age  he  crossed  the  border  into  the  state  of  New 
York,  where  he  resided  for  about  a  year.  About  1867  he  removed  to 
Illinois,  settling  in  Nora,  Jo  Daviess  coimty,  where  he  remained  until 
he  came  to  Iowa  in  1870.  He  first  settled  at  Aplington,  Butler  countv, 
where  he  bought  some  land,  but  the  following  year  he  disposed  of  his  inter- 
ests at  that  point  and  returned  to  Canada.     He  remained  in  his  native 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  427 

country  five  years  and  then  came  back  to  Iowa,  locating  in  Hcnipton, 
Franklin  county,  where  he  engaged  in  the  implement  business.  In  1885, 
he  removed  to  Sheffield,  Iowa,  and  identitied  him>elt  with  the  banking 
business.  Two  }ears  later  he  came  to  Moulton  and  established  the 
Moulton  Bank,  which  he  conducted  for  three  years.  In  1891  iu-  >()Id 
this  enterprise  to  William  Bradley  and  it  was  known  as  Bradley's  Bank 
until  it  was  incorporated  as  the  First  National  Bank  ot  Moulton.  Mr. 
Stickney  went  to  Denver,  Colorado,  in  1904,  and  engaged  in  the  box 
manufacturing  business,  but  he  later  removed  to  Spokane,  Washington, 
where  he  is  now  living  retired.  On  the  13th  ot  October,  1870,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Nancy  E.  Coble,  who  was  born  in  Janesville,  Wiscon- 
sin, on  the  15th  ot  January,  1845,  and  is  a  daughter  ot  William  Coble. 
The  family  removed  from  Wisconsin  to  Iowa  in  1869,  settling  in  Butler 
count)-,  where  the  father  engaged  in  farming  until  his  retirement.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stickney  there  were  born  four  children,  as  follows:  Kdwin 
L.,  our  subject;  Arthur  R.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  oil  business  at  Fuller- 
ton,  California;  Walter  C,  a  graduate  of  the  University  of  Colorado, 
now  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  in  Spokane  and  residing  with  his  par- 
ents, and  Edna  L.,  the  wife  of  Edwin  R.  Post,  of  Spokane,  Washington. 

Edwin  L.  Stickney  was  reared  at  home  and  educated  in  the  public- 
schools  of  Moulton  and  the  Swarthmore  College,  of  Philadalphia,  Penn- 
sylvania. He  began  his  business  career  in  the  Moulton  Bank,  where  he 
was  employed  from  the  time  he  left  school  until  January,  1897,  when  he 
went  to  East  St.  Louis,  Illinois,  where  he  engaged  in  the  live-stock  com- 
mission business  for  a  time.  In  1900,  he  returned  to  Moulton,  and  upon 
the  organization  of  the  First  National  Bank  was  made  assistant  cashier. 
He  retained  this  position  until  1904,  when  he  was  made  cashier,  in  which 
capacity  he  has  ever  since  served,  and  he  is  also  a  member  of  the  board  of 
directors. 

On  the  4th  ot  June,  189^,  Mr.  Stickney  was  married  to  Miss  Kath- 
arine Guinn,  who  was  born  on  the  loth  of  March,  1874,  and  is  a  daugh- 
ter of  James  T.  and  Nancy  C.  (Dameron)  Guinn.  The  father's  family 
came  from  Kentucky  to  Iowa  in  the  early  pioneer  days  and  were  among 
the  first  settlers  in  A[)panoose  county.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Guinn  were 
born  two  children,  the  elder  ot  whom  is  a  son,  George,  who  is  a  resident 
of  Muskogee,  Oklahoma.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stickney  have  two  sons,  H. 
CMiinii,  who  is  attending  the  Interlaken  School  near  I.a  Porte,  Indiana: 
and  Alan  C,  who  is  ar  home. 

The  family  attend  the  Methodist  Episc()|)al  church  ot  which  tlie  p.ir- 
ents  are  members,  and  fraternally  Mr.  Stickney  is  affiliated  with  the 
Masonic  order  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odil  Felows.     He  is  also 


428  TTISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

a  member  of  the  Iowa  Bankers  Association  and  the  American  Bankers 
Association.  He  takes  an  active  interest  in  local  politics  and  served  for 
six  years  as  treasurer  of  Moulton.  Mr.  Stickncy  is  a  man  of  many  com- 
mendable qualities  and  in  his  business  transactions  has  manifested  those 
principles  which  well  entitle  him  to  the  confidence  of  the  people  with 
whom  he  is  associated.  In  matters  of  citizenship  he  is  progressive  and 
public-spirited,  extending  his  support  to  every  worthy  enterprise  and 
indorsing  such  movements  as  he  considers  designed  to  promote  the  wel- 
fare of  the  community  and  the  interests  of  the  people  at  large. 


GEORGE  A.  SINGLEY. 


George  A.  Singley,  cashier  of  the  Moulton  State  Savings  Bank  and 
vice  president  of  the  Exline  Savings  Bank,  is  a  native  of  Appanoose 
county,  his  birth  having  occurred  on  his  father's  farm  in  Washington 
township,  on  the  1st  of  January,  i860. 

The  family  is  of  German  extraction,  the  paternal  great-grandfather 
having  been  born  and  reared  in  the  old  country,  whence  he  emigrated  to 
America  in  colonial  days.  He  located  in  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  and 
there  passed  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  was  a  strong  advocate  of  the 
rights  of  the  colonists  and  valiantly  served  in  the  ranks  during  the  Rev- 
olution. His  sort,  George,  was  born  March  28,  1772,  in  Lawrence  county, 
Pennsylvania,  where  he  resided  until  1829,  when  he  removed  to  Johns- 
town, in  the  same  state,  at  which  place  he  owned  and  operated  a  canal 
boat  until  1840,  when  he  removed  to  Nauvoo,  Illinois.  He  came  to  Appa- 
noose county  in  1854  and  took  up  a  tract  of  governnunr  land  in  Washing- 
ton township,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  also  followed  the  trade 
of  a  gunsmith  until  age  compelled  his  retirement.  He  died  at  the  age 
of  one  hundred  and  nine  while  his  father  lived  to  the  advanced  ace  of 
one  hundred  and  ten  and  his  mother  was  one  hundred  and  five  j'ears  of 
age  at  the  time  of  her  death. 

His  son,  George  W.  Single}',  whose  natal  year  was  in  1818.  was  the 
father  of  our  subject.  He  was  born  and  reared  in  Pittsburg,  Pennsjl- 
vania,  where  he  learned  the  machinist's  trade  and  was  for  some  years  em- 
ployed in  the  Baldwin  Locomotive  Works  of  that  city.  In  18^8  he  came 
to  Iowa  and,  purchasing  a  tract  of  government  land  in  Washington  town- 
ship, turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits.  In  connection  with 
farming  he  worked  at  the  machinist's  and  gunsmith's  trades  and  installeii 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  429 

He  was  married  September,  1843,  in  Johnstown,  Pennsylvania,  to 
Miss  Mary  A.  Treftz,  whose  natal  day  was  the  8th  of  March,  1824.  She 
is  also  of  German  extraction,  her  father,  Adam  Treftz  having  been  born 
and  reared  in  the  old  countr}-  where  he  served  as  a  member  of  the  king's 
body  guard. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Singley  were  born  nine  children,  our  subject  being 
the  sixth  in  order  of  birth,  the  first,  Sophia,  having  died  at  the  age  of  two 
years.  The  other  members  of  the  family  are  as  folows:  William  H., 
who  resides  in  Bloomdale,  Ohio;  Lowman  and  Jennie,  who  are  deceased; 
Alice,  who  married  Robert  R.  Wilson  and  now  resides  at  Moulton;  Ella, 
the  wife  of  W.  C.  Kapp  of  Warrensburg,  Missouri;  Mary  F.,  who  is 
at  home  with  the  mother;  and  Matilda,  the  wife  of  A.  H.  Corey,  of  Des 
Moines.  The  father  passed  awa)-  in  September,  1892,  but  the  mother  is 
still  living  and  will  celebrate  the  eighty-ninth  anniversary  of  her  birth, 
.March  8,   1913. 

George  A.  Singley  was  reared  at  home  and  at  the  usual  age  began 
his  education  in  the  public  schools.  He  subsequently  attended  the  Lean- 
der  Clark  College  at  Toledo,  Iowa,  then  known  as  \\'estern  College,  at 
which  institution  he  completed  a  four-year  course.  During  his  student 
days  he  became  quite  well  known  in  college  circles  by  reason  of  holding 
the  office  of  president  of  the  Iowa  State  Oratorical  Association.  I'pon 
completing  his  education  he  returned  to  Moulton  and  tor  twenty-three 
years  thereat ter  was  in  the  employ  of  R.  B.  Carson.  He  established  the 
reputation  of  being  a  trustworthy  and  reliable  man  of  business  and  in 
1908  was  called  to  the  position  of  cashier  of  the  Moulton  State  Savings 
Bank,  of  which  he  is  one  of  the  directors.  He  is  likewise  a  stockholder 
and  vice  president  ot  the  Exline  Savings  Bank. 

On  the  30th  of  January,  1898,  Mr.  Singley  was  married  to  Miss 
Eva  Barnes,  a  daughter  of  J.  T.  and  Cynthia  (Wood)  Barnes,  who  resided 
in  Parke  county,  Indiana,  at  the  time  of  her  birth,  November  15,  1869, 
and  later  removed  to  .A[){ianoose  count)'.  The  father  and  mother  are  now 
living  in  Moulton. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Singley  have  been  born  .seven  children,  as  follows: 
George  C,  Thomas  E.  who  died  in  infancy;  William  Clifford;  .Albert  H.; 
Helen  Roberta;  and  Maude  Etta  and  Mary  Eva.  who  are  twin>. 

The  family  attend  the  Presbyterian  church  and  faternally  .Mr.  Singley 
is  affiliated  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Iowa 
Bankers  Association,  through  the  metlium  ot  which  he  keeps  in  touch 
with  those  who  are  actively  connected  with  the  banking  int«-rests  ot  the 
'-fate.  Mr.  Singley  has  for  twenty-eight  years  hern  secretary  of  the  school 
board  of  Washington  township.     He  has  never  sought  public  honors  or 


430  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

political  preferment.  He  is  a  man  of  good  principles,  commendable  busi- 
ness methods  and  high  standards  of  citizenship,  all  of  which  have  united 
in  winning  him  the  respect  and  esteem  of  his  fellow  townsmen,  many  of 
whom  were  friends  and  comrades  of  his  boyhood.  He  now  resides  on  the 
old  homestead  north  of  Moulton,  where  he  was  born. 


JAMES  MADISON  LEPPER. 


In  every  line  of  activity  hard  work,  determination  and  ambition  are 
the  foundation  of  success  and  upon  them  James  M.  Lepper  has  built  up 
his  prosperity  in  the  general  contracting  and  building  business  in  Center- 
ville.  He  has  been  engaged  in  this  line  of  occupation  during  all  of  his 
active  life  and  has  gained  a  proficiency  in  it  which,  combined  with  his 
straightforward  and  honorable  principles,  makes  him  one  of  the  leading 
business  men  of  his  community.  He  is  a  native  son  of  Appanoose  county, 
born  February  23,  1861,  his  parents  being  James  and  Mary  Ann  (Clark) 
Lepper.  The  father  was  born  in  New  York  state.  May  31,  1821,  and  at 
an  early  age  became  acquainted  with  the ■  hardships  and  responsibilities 
of  life,  being  burdened  when  he  was  still  a  child  with  the  support  of  his 
parents.  He  faced  the  obstacles  in  his  path  with  confidence  and  courage 
and  at  the  age  of  sixteen  was  able  to  bring  his  father  and  mother  west 
to  Waverly,  Pike  county,  Ohio,  where  he  rented  a  home  and  secured 
employment  as  a  farm  hand.  Being  ambitious,  energetic  and  economical, 
he  saved  his  money  and  was  eventually  able  to  rent  land  which  he  devel- 
oped and  improved  successfully  for  a  number  of  years.  He  married  in 
Ohio  in  1855,  his  wife  being  a  native  of  Jackson  county,  that  state,  born 
December  15,  1827.  Later  the  father  of  our  subject  came  to  Appanoose 
county  and  purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Walnut 
township,  whereon  he  resided  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1895. 
After  his  demise  his  widow  remained  upon  the  farm,  making  her  home 
with  her  son  Barton.  She  passed  away  in  September,  1912.  James 
Lepper's  career  offers  many  splendid  examples  of  the  value  of  determina- 
tion and  resolute  purpose  in  the  accomplishment  of  success,  for  he  started 
out  without  money  and  destitute  of  outside  help  or  influence  and  grad- 
ualh-  worked  his  way  upward  until  he  became  known  as  one  of  the 
most  prominent  breeders  of  Durham  cattle  in  Appanoose  county.  In 
official  circles,  too,  he  made  his  name  honored  and  respected  and  held 
various  township  ofBces,  representing  always  republican  doctrines  and 
principles.  He  was  a  man  of  upright  character  and  exemplified  in  his 
life  the  doctrines  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  in  which  he  believed. 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  431 

James  M.  Lepper  of  this  review  attended  the  district  schools  and  spent 
his  childhood  upon  his  father's  farm.  After  he  had  attained  his  majority  . 
he  went  to  Mystic  and  there  learned  the  carpentering  trade,  working  at 
it  for  wages  for  one  year.  He  soon,  however,  abandoned  carpentering 
in  order  to  engage  in  contracting  and  building  and  in  this  way  he  gained 
valuable  experience  in  his  chosen  line  of  activity.  In  the  fall  of  1903 
he  came  to  Centerville  and  established  his  office  in  this  city.  With  char- 
acteristic energy  he  applied  himself  to  his  duties,  bending  his  energies  to 
the  building  up  of  a  representative  patronage.  In  this  he  has  succeeded, 
for  his  ability  soon  made  him  widely  known  and  today  he  occupies  a  place 
among  the  leading  contractors  in  tha  city.  He  does  a  great  deal  of  resi- 
dence work  and  has  built  many  of  the  finest  homes  in  Centerville,  all  of 
which  are  attractive  in  design  and  substantial  in  construction.  Mr.  Lepper 
has  carefully  watched  his  business  interests,  noting  his  opportunities  for 
success,  and  the  }ears  have  brought  him  gratifying  prosperity  as  reward 
for  his  well  directed  labors. 

On  the  4th  of  Oecember,  1889,  Mr.  Lepper  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Louisa  McMurray,  a  daughter  of  John  A.  and  Elizabeth  (Haw- 
thorn) McMurra}-,  of  whom  further  mention  is  made  elsewhere  in  this 
work.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lepper  have  become  the  parents  of  a  son,  Jesse, 
whose  birth  occurred  in  Appanoose  county,  July  19,  1892,  and  who  is 
now  assisting  his  father.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lepper  are  devout  members 
of  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  both  are  well  known  in  the 
affairs  of  the  Woman's  Relief  Corps.  Mr.  Lepper  is  a  republican  in  pol- 
itics and  has  always  been  interested  in  the  growth  and  advancement  of 
Appanoose  county,  although  his  public  spirit  never  takes  the  form  of 
office  seeking,  and  he  is  a  progressive  man  who  seems  to  realize  the  value 
of  ever\-  situation  and  to  make  the  most  of  his  many  opportunities. 
Through  legitimate  lines  of  expansion  he  has  built  up  a  growing  business 
which  is  indicative  of  his  spirit  of  enterprise  and  determination. 


CHARLES  WEBER. 


Charles  Weber  is  a  well-known  resident  of  Udell  and  an  enterprising, 
progressive  business  man  who  carries  forward  to  successful  completion 
whatever  he  undertakes.  He  is  proprietor  of  a  gristmill  in  rlic  town  and 
he  also  deals  in  farm  implements  and  wind  pumps.  He  was  bom  in  Ger- 
many, May  12,  1861,  and  is  a  son  of  Phillip  and  Minnie  (Fulton")  Weber, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Germany.    The  father,  who  was  a  physician. 


432    '  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

died  in  that  country  in  1861  and  the  following  year  the  mother  with  three 
.  of  her  children  came  to  the  United  States,  settling  hrst  in  New  York  city, 
where  she  went  to  the  home  of  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Minnie  Drummyer, 
who  with  two  ot  her  brothers  had  come  to  America  two  years  before. 
Later  Mrs.  Weber  removed  to  Illinois,  where  she  resided  until  her  death 
in   1894. 

Charles  Weber  was  only  a  jear  old  w hen  brought  to  this  country  and 
when  only  six  years  of  age  began  to  earn  his  own  living.    He  herded  cattle 
in  Illinois  tor  twenty-five  cents  per  week  and  that  he  was  faithful,  even 
though  so  )oung,  is  seen  in  the  fact  that  he  remained  with  the  same  man 
tor  two  years.     He  afterward  herded  cattle   for  another  man   for  fifty 
cents  per  week  and  when  he  was  ten  years  of  age  he  began  working  as  a 
farm  hand  and  was  thus  employed  for  five  years.     He  afterward  removed 
to  Washington  Heights,   Illinois,  where  he  learned  the  butchering  busi- 
ness, and  when  eighteen  jears  of  age  he  came  to  low  a,  settling  in  Poweshiek 
count}-,  where  he  entered  the  employ  of  Craver,  Steele  v5i:  Austin,  manufac- 
turers of  grain  headers.    After  seventeen  months  spent  in  that  employ  he 
went  to  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  and  became  a  brakeman  on  the  Rock  Island 
Railroad.      He   next   removed   to   Moulton   and   afterward  to   Moberly, 
Missouri,  where  he  worked  on  the  Wabash  Railroad  for  a  few  months, 
and  then  returned  to  Moulton,  where  he  engaged  in  house  moving  and 
well  drilling.     He  next  turned  his  attention  to  farming  in  Douglas  ^own- 
ship  and  tor  five  )-ears  remained  upon  that  place.     In   1905  he  went  to 
Davis  county,  Iowa,  and  bought  eight}-  acres  of  land  which  he  afterward 
traded  tor  a  hardware  store  at  Moulton.     He  had  been  engaged  in  mer- 
chandising there  for  only  a  brief  period,  however,  when  he  sold  the  store 
and  bought  one  hundred  and  ten  acres  of  land  in  \*an  Buren  county,  Iowa, 
where  he  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  until    1907.     In  that 
year  he  sold  the  farm  and  came  to  his  present  home  in  Udell,  purchasing 
of  John  McConnell   the  gristmill   which  he  yet  operates,  carrying  on   a 
successful  business.     He  also  deals  in  farm  implements  and  wind  pumps 
and  has  a  good  sale  for  this  product. 

On  the  20th  of  December.  1884.  Mr.  Weber  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah 
Morrow,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Miller)  Morrow,  natives  ol 
Pennsylvania  and  of  Dutch  descent.     The  latter  accompanied  her  aun- 
on  her  removal  to  Davis  county,  Iowa,  in  the  early  40s  and  John  Morrov 
went  with  his  parents  to  the  same  county  a  few  years  later.     There  th 
young  people  became  acquainted  and  were  married  in  i8?2.     Subsequent! 
the}'  removed  to  Appanoose  count}-  and  settled  upon  a  farm  which  cor 
tinued  to  be  their  home  until  their  life's  labors  were  ended  in  death,  hot 
passing  away  in  this  county,  in   1909  and  1910  respectively.     It  was  ' 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  433 

Appanoose  county  that  Mrs.  Weber  was  born,  May  2,  1868.  By  her  mar- 
riage she  has  become  the  mother  of  rive  children:  Etha,  who  died  in 
infancy;  ^  irgil,  born  April  27,  1887,  who  lives  at  home;  Carl,  who  was 
born  August  24,  1889,  and  is  a  traveling  salesman  in  the  employ  ot  the 
Haw  i  Simmons  Hardware  Compan}  ot  Ottumwa,  Iowa;  Owen  Orval, 
born  September  26,  1891,  teaching  in  the  public  schools  ot  this  county; 
and  Frank,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  I2th  of  November,  1893,  and  lives 
at  home.  He  taught  school  tor  a  time  in  Monroe  county,  Iowa.  The 
parents  are  members  ot  the  Christian  church,  to  the  support  ot  which  they 
contribute  liberally,  and  take  an  active  part  in  its  work. 

In  politics  Mr.  Weber  is  a  progressive  and  is  now  serving  as  marshal 
of  the  village  of  I'dell.  At  one  time  he  was  a  member  of  the  school  board 
of  Douglas  township  and  the  cause  of  education  finds  in  him  a  stalwart 
champion.  He  likewise  belongs  to  the  Odd  Fellows  lodge  and  the  .Modern 
Woodmen  camp,  and  in  every  relation  of  life  he  commands  the  respect, 
confidence  and  good-will  of  his  associates.  While  he  has  lived  in  many 
places  the  greater  part  of  his  life  has  been  pased  in  this  section  of  Iowa 
and  he  has  been  an  interested  witness  of  its  growth  and  improvement  and 
has  taken  an  active  and  helpful  [)art  in  advancing  its  welfare  and  progress. 


JAMES  W .  .MASON. 


James  W.  Mason  is  now  acting  as  mail  carrier  on  the  rural  tree  de- 
livery route  out  of  Udell.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  in  the  county  and 
many  friends.  He  was  born  in  Caldwell  township.  May  23,  1857,  and  is 
a  representative  of  one  of  the  old  pioneer  families  here,  his  parents  being 
William  and  Phoebe  Ann  (Wells)  Mason.  The  father  was  born  in 
Mcadville.  Pennsylvania,  July  2,-.  1831.  and  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent, 
while  the  mother  was  bom  in  Randolph  county,  Missouri,  December  6, 
1831.  In  the  year  i8p  William  Mason  went  to  Davis,  Iowa,  with  his 
parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert  .Mason.  ;uui  his  grandfather,  Isaac  Mason. 
The  last  named  was  a  soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  war  and  is  [lossibly 
the  onl\  representative  of  that  conflict  who  now  lies  buried  at  Drakeville, 
Davis  county,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert  .Ma-on.  after  living  in  this 
city  for  a  time  returned  to  Titusville,  Pennsylvania,  and  there  pass<d 
away.  The  maternal  grand[)arents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  WclN.  were 
among  the  first  settlers  in  .\(>panoose  covmty,  arriving  here  in  18^7.  This 
region  was  a  gnat  wilderni-ss,  into  which  they  penetrated,  and  Jamrs 
Well.s   together  with  three  of  his  .son.s,  took  up  a  large  tract  of  govern- 


434  HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY 

ment  land  on  the  Chariton  river,  where  Cole  City  now  stands.  James 
Wells  was  a  Christian  preacher  and  organized  the  first  church  in  Appa- 
noose county,  known  as  the  Hilltown  church  of  Wells  township.  He 
proved  a  potent  force  in  the  moral  development  of  this  section  of  the 
state  and  was  also  concerned  with  its  material  progress  and  upbuilding, 
erecting  the  first  grist  and  sawmill  of  the  county  in  1839.  In  many 
other  ways  he  promoted  public  j)rogress  and  improvement  here  and  his 
name  is  inseparably  associated  with  this  part  of  the  state.  Wells  town- 
ship being  so  called  in  his  honor.  Both  he  and  his  wife  died  here  and 
were  laid  to  rest  in  Appanoose  county,  near  Cole  City,  Mr.  Wells  pass- 
ing away  in  February,   1857. 

The  marriage  of  William  Mason  and  Phoebe  Ann  Wells  was  cele- 
brated in  1856  and  they  began  their  domestic  life  upon  a  farm  in  Cald- 
well township.  Year  after  year  he  carefully  tilled  the  soil  and  developed 
his  property  until  1884,  when  he  sold  out  and  went  to  Thomas  county, 
Kansas,  where  he  took  up  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  government 
land.  Both  he  and  his  wife  remained  upon  that  farm  until  called  to 
their  final  rest,  Mr.  Mason  dying  in  1895,  while  his  widow  survived 
until   1908. 

James  W.  Mason  completed  his  education  in  the  Moulton  high  school 
and   afterward   engaged   in    teaching   for   seventeen   jears   in    the   public 
schools  of   this  county   and   in   Thomas  county,   Kansas,    and   Missouri, 
proving  a  capable  educator,  imparting  clearly  and  readily  to  others  the 
knowledge  that  he  had  acquired.     He  was  married  in   1883,  after  which 
he  removed  to  Thomas  county,   Kansas,   where  he  secured  a  homestead 
claim  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  government  land.     He  tau; 
school  during  the  winter  months,  while  the  summer  seasons  were  devo 
to  farm  work.     For  thirteen  years  he  remained  upon  that  place  and  t' 
returned  to  Appanoose   county,   taking  up   his   abode   in   the   village 
Udell,   although   he  continued   to   follow   farming  until    1906,   when 
was  appointed  rural  mail  carrier,  to  which  position  he  is  now  giving 
time. 

Mr.    Mason   was   married   in    1883   to   Miss   Sarah   Jane   Taylo 
daughter  of  William  and  Martha   (King)   Taylor,  who  were  native 
Ohio.     The  mother  was  born  near  Zanesville,  April   2 5,    1829,  and 
parents   were   natives   of  east   Tennessee.      With   them   she   removec 
Davis  county,    Iowa,    in    the    late   '40s   anil    about   the  .same    time 
Taylor  became  a  resident  of  Appanoose  county.     He  had  lost  his  f: 
in  Ohio,  after  which  he  came  to  Iowa  and  purchased  one  hundred 
sixty  acres  of  land  in  Washington  township,  Appanoose  county, 
was  prior  to  his  marriage.     Later  he  bought  forty  acres  in  Davis  ct 


HISTORY  OF  APPANOOSE  COUNTY  435 

and  was  closcl)  connected  with  the  agricultural  development  of  this 
section  of  the  state  tor  a  long  period.  It  was  in  Ap[):in()ose  county  that 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  were  marrieii  and  u[)on  the  tanii  in  Washington 
township  they  began  their  domestic  lite.  Three  years  later  he  invested 
in  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  7,  IMell  township,  just  north 
ot  his  original  purchase,  and  afterward  became  the  owner  ot  one  hun- 
dred and  tort}'  acres  in  \\'ashington  township,  on  which  he  took  up  his 
abode.  .A  tew  years  later  he  returned  to  the  old  home  place  and  there 
passed  away  in  1864.  His  widow  sold  the  tract  in  Washington  town- 
ship but  still  owns  the  old  homestead  ot  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on 
section  17,  Udell  township,  to  which  she  removed  after  the  death  of 
her  husband.     She  is  living  on  that  i)lacf  with  two  of  her  children. 

Unto  Mr.  antl  Mrs.  Mason  have  been  born  five  children.  Clara  Alice, 
born  November  20,  1884,  is  the  wife  of  Frank  Honar,  a  farmer  of  Doug- 
las township.  William  T.,  born  December  23,  1887,  is  a  barber  in 
Badger,  Iowa.  Oscar  D.,  born  February  5,  1891,  is  at  home.  Miles 
F.,  born  March  13,  1893,  is  a  barber  at  Moravia,  Iowa.  Chester  B..  born 
August  2,   1896,  is  at  home. 

Mr.  Mason  belongs  to  the  Odd  Fellows  Lodge  at  I'dell,  and  he  and 
his  family  are  members  of  the  Christian  church.  He  gives  his  political 
support  to  the  republican  party  and  is  well  informed  on  the  viral  ques- 
tions and  issues  of  the  da\.  For  tift\-hve  years  he  has  lived  in  this 
section  of  Iowa  and  has,  therefore,  been  a  witness  of  practically  the  en- 
tire growth  and  development  of  Appanoose  county.  He  has  seen  it  trans- 
formed from  a  frontier  district  into  a  populous  and  prosperous  .section  of 
the  state  and  rejoices  in  what  has  been  accomplished  as  the  years  have 
gone  by.  He  is  one  of  the  enterprising  citizens  of  this  section  and  a  man 
who.se  worth  is  acknowledged  by  his  man\    friends. 


INDEX 


Adams,   a.   B 289 

Adams,   H.   C 124 

Adamson.    K.    W 363 

Anderson,   Louis    178 

Ashhy.    .1.    C II' 

Uailey,    Amos    283 

Bailey,   W.    S 303 

Baker,  C.  C 16-* 

Bales,    Peter    246 

Bateman.  Miles    318 

Beck,   J.   M 316 

Beer,  M.  H 104 

Beer,  S.   W 193 

Berry,  W.  K 58 

Blachley.  H.  W 66 

Boujfliner.  ilartin    0."> 

Bradley.  B.   F 284 

Bradley.  D.  C 22 

Bradley,  .T.  R 402 

LradU-y,  William  11 

Brokaw,  Isaac 242 

Broshar,  Kdward   348 

Brown.  S.  C 77 

Brown,  W.  H 134 

Bryant    Brothers     61 

Bryant.  S.  \V ix 

Bryant.  \V.  R 299 

Bunker,  H.  K 20S 

Bnrkliiwr.  Ailam    196 

Burkland,  Andrew   260 

Calvert.  T.  W 139 

Campbell.  .1.  W 106 

Carson.  K.  B 36."i 

Case.  T.  I 343 

Clark.  . I.  (i 3.-.2 

Climie,  I!.  E 144 

Conger.  C.  S 356 

Cook,  ,S.  C 286 

Cool,  .1.   H 3R.'> 

Croxton,  Tliomas  121 

Curl.  R.  It 377 

Currie.  W.  K 7 


Dale,  .J.  M 203 

Daniels.  W.  T 415 

Davis.  P.  S 204 

Dean.  (i.  W 126 

I)c  Noon,  E.  S 112 

Dillon.  .1.  A 76 

Dillon.  T.  H 179 

Dines,  W.  M 81 

Downing,  W.  L 417 

Duek.  A.  M 387 

Dukes,  A.  S 51 

Duree,  James 80 

Edwards,  Morftan    115 

Edwards.    M.    S 161 

Edwards.  William    171 

Elfstrom.  A.  W.  P 388 

Klfrin.  C.   H 297 

Elliott,  G.  C 155 

Ellis,  W.  M 230 

Evans,  William    47 

Evans.  W.  V 271 


Fee,  T.  Li 

Kenton.  W.  J 

Korsytli.  R.  C 

Krimkel.  .J.  .1 

E\iller.  B.  A 


43 

170 

8 

36 
328 


Cladfelder,  Oeorgc  322 

Click,  F.  R 347 

Goldstein.  Abe 29 

Gray,  ,T.  F 259 

Grecnieaf,  H.  S 315 

Gribben,    1.   P 6" 

Harrison,  C.  1 3,32 

Hays.   .S.   P 136 

Hays.   W.    B 125 

llendersliot.    .T.    E 237 

Henry,   h.   McD. ■•O* 

Henry.  Melissa  A...  122 

Hilibs.  .r.   W 1"< 


4:j7 


438 


INDEX 


Hieks,  J.  M 304 

Hopkins,  J.  C 290 

Hopkins,  Steplipn    338 

Hopkins,  T.  E 257 

Hornaday,  C.  A 323 

House,  John ; 270 

Howell,  C.  F 395 

Hughes,  J.  S 301 

Johnson  Brothers 29.'> 

Johnson,  O.  W 227 

Johnson,   Seth    308 

Kelly,  S.  A 114 

Kerschner,  J.  N 287 

Killion,  T.  W 198 

Kincade,  A.  W 384 

Knapp,  Lincoln 176 

Knox,  S.  D 152 

Lane,  I.  S 87 

Lankford,  John 26 

Lepper,  J.   M 430 

Lodwiek,  David 276 

Loftus,  M.  M 53 

Long,  I.  L 210 

Luse,  Jackson  266 

Luse,  J.  H 390 

Luther,  H.   E 67 

Lynch,  G.  D 422 

McAnelly,  H.  C 307 

McCabe,  W.  H 214 

McC'auIey,  J.  H 225 

McClure,   J.   L 163 

MeCrory,  Marion  219 

McDonald,    IT.    F 143 

McDonald.  J.   C 250 

McMurray,   J.   A 413 

Main,   N.  J 90 

Maring,  Moses   337 

Maring.    M.    B 345 

Maring,   S.   P 358 

Maring,  S.  W 72 

Martin,   J.   W 228 

Mason.   .1.    W 433 

May,  J.  H 423 

Meyers,  C.  H 188 

Mitchell,  Alexander   325 

Moden.  E.  J 218 

Montgomery,  C.  A 424 

More,  Mathew 236 

More,  S.  J.  0 191 

Morgan,    F.    C 327 

Morrison,  LA ". 1  Hi 

Morrison,  W.  I ; . . . .   141 

]\[orrison,  \V.  R 249 


Murdy,  N.  E 181 

Myers,  W.  T 182 

Needels,  G.  \\' 10 

Nighswonger,  Z.  B 409 

Noland,  (i.  W 272 

Ogle,  B.  A ._ 70 

Ogle,  (i.  B .' 102 

O'Neil,  D.  C 94 

Organ,  W.  F 374 

Orr,  Alexander   278 

Parker,  C.  F 816 

Payton,   Corse    372. 

Payton,  John    220 

Peach,   Joseph    101 

Peacock,  Cordon  303 

Peacock,  Scott   207 

Peavey,  L.  B 82 

Phares,  J.  L 354 

Phillips,  H.  T l.',0 

Pixley,  A.  F 252 

Porter,  C.  R S 

Post,  Augu.st 33 

Pratt,  A.  J 200 

Pratt,  G.  S 120 

Printz,    E.    T 393 

Probasco.  D.  \V «2 

PuUiam,  C.  T 419 

Quiglcy.   John    281 

Replogle,  J,  A sis 

Rinehart   Brothers    400 

Robertson,  J.  H 186 

Rosenbaum.  Sol   1^9 

Rus.sell,  H.  A 334 

Salinger.  Lewis    ,'i4 

Sawyers,  E.  H 15 

Scott,  \V.  M 378 

Severs,  G.  F r 24 

Shaffer,  W.  N  108 

Shanks,  .L   A 280 

Sharp.  F.  S 283 

Shoultz.  A.  J 386 

Shutts,  B.  W 99 

Silknitter,  B.  F 335 

Singley,  G.  A 428 

Smith.  G.  M 367 

Smith,  .L  B 133 

Smith.  R.  \V 314 

Spooner.  D,  A 213 

Staley,  Alva    84 

Staler.  B.  S 206 

Stanley.  C.  A 32 


INDEX 


439 


Stickler,  \V.  B I'.iO 

Stifkney,  E.  L l-'ii 

.Stone,  Burt  ■i''^ 

Sturdivant,  B.  F 17 

Taylor,  J.  B l'J2 

Taylor,  J.  .1 174 

Taylor,  L.  L t.') 

Thompson,  G.  W 15 

Tillmont,  C.  P :;'.if. 

Tillmont,  John  .    M'-l 

Trembly,  A.  G '. :iOO 

Turner,  B.  E 24S 

Turner.  .Joseph   'i  J 

Wailes,  .J.  S 157 

Walker,  B.  A :i7.'; 

Weber,  Cliarles   431 

Webster,  Sarah  S     41 


Weller,  A.  .) 7S 

Wentworth,   E.   G 158 

Wertz.  J.  B 211 

West,  Lewis   1S3 

WhisOer,  A.  S :i8a 

White.  P.  A 400 

Whitsell.  F.  P SS 

WhitMll.  L.  1 105 

WiUox,   A.    K 97 

Wiluox,  Jame.t   137 

Williams,  .J.   W 49 

Wilson.  .1.   M 412 

Wilson.  X.  W 311 

Wilson.  Pierce   16S 

Wilson.   R.   E 2.19 

Wyckoff,  C.  S 30 

WyckolT,  Perry   26i; 

Zinimer.  .1.  M 1  IT 


^v