Biographical and genealogical history of Appanoose and Monroe counties, Iowa
New York, Chicago: Lewis publishing Co., S. Thompson Lewis, editor. 1903
Transcribed by Renee Rimmert. A complete copy of this book is available on-line at archive.org.
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JAMES A. CALHOUN - The above named is one of the well established farmers of Franklin township and enjoys general respect among his neighbors and fellow citizens generally. This is proved by the fact that he has been entrusted with the important office of assessor as well as the consideration accorded him in all movements affecting the public interest. Mr. Calhoun's paternal ancestry were residents of the Scottish Highlands, so famous in song and story and the background for many of Sir Walter Scott's charming romances. As the highlanders were born fighters, it is not surprising to learn that Joseph Alexander Calhoun, the first of this family who crossed the Atlantic, had been ashore but a short time when found helping his adopted country against the British in the war of 1812. This gallant old highlander, who subsequently ended his days in Indiana after living at different times in other states, left a son whom he christened David Bell Calhoun. The latter was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1819. and after growing up engaged in farming, but later taught school and clerked in a store for awhile at Wheeling, West Virginia. There lived in Allegheny in those days a family by the name of Fife, and as they were also of Scottish origin it was natural that David should have been drawn towards them on account of racial affinities. It is pleasant to learn, therefore, that in time a match was made between David Bell Calhoun and Margaret B., daughter of William Fife. An intermarriage between the Calhouns and Fifes was peculiarly appropriate, a reunion as it were of the Scottish clans, whose chivalrous bearing, daring deeds, love affairs and wild war music add much spice to the history of the highlands. After marriage this couple lived many years in the section of country bordering on the upper Ohio, but in 1874 decided to try their fortunes in the distant west. Their journey brought them to Appanoose county, Iowa, where a location was found on land in Chariton township, on which they lived until Mr. Calhoun's death in 1894. They had nine children in all, but of these only five are now living, namely: W. F., James A., John B., Mary J. Kingery, of Brighton, and C. C. of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
James A. Calhoun, second in age of the surviving children, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1855, and was a young man when his parents came to this section of country. About five years after his arrival, when twenty-five years old, he engaged in teaching, and followed this occupation for eight or ten seasons in Monroe and adjoining counties. In 1882 he went to South Dakota, took up a claim and spent about eight years in that territory. At the expiration of that period he returned to Monroe county and engaged in farming, which has since continued to be his regular occupation. His place consists of a hundred acres of land, which is all improved and comfortably provided as to residence, outbuildings and other improvements. Mr. Calhoun is regarded as a good farmer and esteemed as a man of industrial habits, who attends strictly to his own business and is honorable in all dealings with his neighbors. While living in South Dakota he held the office of trustee, and is at present assessor of Franklin township. In 1884 he married Martha C., daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Potts) Rinehart, who are mentioned in a family sketch on another page of this work. Mrs. Calhoun, who was a member of the Christian church, was much esteemed in the social circles to which she belonged as a kind and affectionate mother and accommodating neighbor. She died in 1890, leaving two children, whose names are Mary D. and Carl H. Calhoun.
 W.F. Calhoun residence |
W. F. CALHOUN , the well known proprietor of the Lone Elm stock farm and one of the most successful agriculturalists of Chariton township, his home being on section 17, came to Appanoose county in 1874, and has since been prominently identified with its upbuilding and development. He was born near Salem in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 17th of April, 1852, and comes of a good family, noted for intelligence, industry and honesty. His father, David Bell Calhoun, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1819, and was a son of James Alexander Calhoun, who was of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject's ancestors were devout members of the Presbyterian church and were early settlers of western Pennsylvania. From that state his grandfather removed to Indiana, where his last days were passed. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. |
David B. Calhoun grew to manhood in his native state and received a good education during boyhood. On reaching man's estate he married Miss Margaret B. Fife, who was also a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, but was reared in Washington county, that state. Her people came originally from the highlands of Scotland, though her father, William Fife, spent his entire life in the Keystone state, dying in Washington county. In early life David B. Calhoun taught school and also engaged in clerking in a store. For a time he made his home in Wheeling, West Virginia, and on coming west in 1874 located in the northern part of Appanoose county, and in 1892 moved to Avery, Monroe county, Iowa, where he died October 25, 1894, honored and respected by all who knew him. In religious faith he was a Covenanter and in politics was a Jacksonian Democrat, holding office during his residence in Ohio. His widow, who was to him a faithful companion and helpmeet, still survives her husband and now makes her home in Franklin township, Monroe county, near Iconium. In the family of this worthy couple were seven' children, of whom W. F. Calhoun is the eldest. The others are J. A., a resident of Monroe county, Iowa; John B., of Decatur county, this state; Mrs. Mary J. Kingery, of Brighton, Iowa; C. C, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Matthew, deceased; and Lee, who died in childhood.
W. F. Calhoun spent the first thirteen years of his life in his native state and then accompanied his parents on their removal to northern Indiana. Later his home was near Joliet, Will county, Illinois, and from there he removed to Putnam county, Indiana, settling near Greencastle. His education was obtained in the schools of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, where he was fitted for the teacher's profession. In 1874 he came to Appanoose county, Iowa, where he commenced teaching two years later, being thus employed through eight winter terms with good success. Since then he has given his attention exclusively to his farming and stock-raising interests. He is now the owner of a valuable farm of four hundred and fifty-five acres, known as the Lone Elm stock farm, which is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, and improved with a good residence, barn and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He raises a high grade of cattle, which he finds quite profitable.
On the 6th of November, 1877, Mr. Calhoun married Miss Henrietta Elizabeth Free, who was born, reared and educated in this county. Her father, John Free, a prominent stockman of Chariton township, is one of the pioneers of this county and one of its largest land owners. He was born in North Carolina in 1830, a son of William and Sarah (Alfred) Free, who were natives of South Carolina and died in Indiana. From that state John Free came to Iowa at an early day and here he has steadily prospered until he is now the owner of about sixteen hundred acres of land, mostly valley land, on which are good and substantial farm buildings, though his first home in this state was a log cabin, sixteen by sixteen feet. He raises a large number of cattle and horses and has been remarkably successful in all his undertakings. In 1854 he married Harriet Sheeks, a native of Indiana, and to them were born eleven children, seven of whom are still living, and they also have fourteen grandchildren. During the Civil war Mr. Free enlisted, in August, 1862, in Company F. Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain Vermillion, and was in the service for three years, being a prisoner at Camp Ford, Tyler, Texas, for nine months of that time. When hostilities ceased he was honorably discharged and returned home. He is a supporter of the Republican party and a man of prominence in the community where he resides. Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun have five children: Harley Z., a mechanic and farmer, married Miss Laura Jennison, November 5, 1902; Lori Garfield, one of the popular teachers of this county; Lillie May, also a popular and successful teacher; Ina Osa and Sylvia Emily.
Our subject, his wife and oldest daughter are members of the Christian church, and no family of Chariton township stands higher in public esteem. By his ballot Mr. Calhoun supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and for thirteen years most efficiently and satisfactorily served as a member of the school board in his township. He is a well informed man and is hospitable and jovial in disposition.
WILLIAM A. CALLEN - One of the men of Appanoose county who started in life with few of the artificial aids to success and by pluck, industry and perseverance and after engaging in many pursuits has now arrived at a place of prominence in the affairs of his city and exerts a wide influence in all public matters is William A. Callen, the mayor of the thriving city of Centerville. He has earned that enviable distinction of being a self-made man and possesses the force of character which always accompanies such a man. The father, Peter H. Callen, was a native of the state of Tennessee, and the mother, Susan F. Willett, a native of Virginia. The parents of both had settled in Appanoose county about 1852, and there they were married, after their marriage they farmed for a few years in Franklin township, then removed to Orleans, where he engaged in the general merchandise business for two years, and then came to Moulton, Iowa, and carried on mercantile pursuits for a period of twenty-one years. The next move was to Eldon, Iowa, where this worthy couple now reside, but he is retired from active business. They became the parents of four children, of whom our subject is the oldest.
William A. was born on his father's farm in Franklin township, Appanoose county, Iowa, on the 8th of November, 1864, but was reared to manhood and received his early education in Moulton. After studying pharmacy he followed that occupation for one year in Nebraska and also one year in Colorado. Then, returning to Moulton, he taught in the country schools for two years. He first came to Centerville in 1890, and there served three years as deputy county auditor. Then, in connection with J. M. Willett, he embarked in the grocery business for two years. From 1895 to 1897 he was in the real estate and contract business. On June 13, 1898, Mr. Callen was appointed mayor of the city and was elected in August of the same year, at a special election in March, 1899, was re-elected and again in 1901. As a further proof of his popularity, he was elected to this office in a strong Republican city, although he has been a lifelong adherent of the Democracy. Mr. Callen is a prominent member of the orders of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. His marriage occurred in 1893 to Miss Minnie T. Swearingen, and they have two bright children in their home.
H. C. CATE - On a farm on section 22, Taylor township, Appanoose county, resides H. C. Gate, whose landed possessions comprise two hundred and twenty acres. For thirty-six years he has lived in the county and is a representative of one of its pioneer families. His birth occurred in Mercer county, Missouri, October 22, 1858, and his father, Samuel Cate, was born in Sevier county, Tennessee, while the grandfather, William Cate, became one of the early settlers of Iowa. He took up his abode in Appanoose county and later resided with a daughter in Mercer county, Missouri, where his last days were passed. Samuel Cate became a farmer and when he had reached years of maturity he chose Miss Lucinda Wicker for a companion and helpmate on life's journey. She was born in North Carolina, and they began their domestic life in Mercer county, Missouri, where they lived for some time. Mr. Cate devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, thus providing for his family. His wife died in Mercer county, Missouri, at the age of twenty- five years, leaving two children: James M., a resident of Centerville, Iowa; and H. C. Cate. The father was a second time married and resided upon a farm in Taylor, in York county, Nebraska. He died while on a trip to attend a funeral, aged sixty-four years. He deposited his ballot for the Democratic nominees and he was a worthy member of the Primitive Baptist church.
H. C. Cate spent the days of his childhood in Mercer county, Missouri, until eight years of age, when the family moved to Appanoose county, Iowa, and as his age and strength increased he gave more and more time and attention to farm work. In his youth he pursued his studies in a log schoolhouse, sitting upon a slab bench, but later in a more modern school house. When twenty-two years of age Mr. Cate took up his abode upon his present farm. He sought as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Laura Hiatt, of Taylor township, who was born and reared here, her parents having been among the early settlers of the township. They took up their abode here in 1845 before the admission of Iowa into the Union. Her father, Lewis Hiatt, was born in Stokes county, North Carolina, and he married Rachel Swaim, whose birth occurred in the same locality. They journeyed westward to Iowa with a one-horse wagon, bringing with them their household goods and one child, O. A. Hiatt. After spending the winter in Henry county, they came the following spring to Appanoose county and settled upon what is now the old Hiatt homestead. Here the mother is still living at the ripe old age of eighty-one years, but the father passed away September 5, 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years. He had always carried on agricultural pursuits, and his life was so honorable and upright that he enjoyed the unqualified confidence of those with whom lie came in contact. He voted with the Republican party. His widow, who has lived upon the old homestead farm for fifty eight years, became the mother of eight children, namely: O. A.; Lydia A.; Mrs. Sarah Andrews; Mrs. Emeline Williams, of Rocky Ford, Colorado: Preston S.: Laura, now the wife of our subject; Mary J., who died at the age of sixteen years, and Martha, who passed away at the age of seven years.
Mr. Cate now has a farm of two hundred and twenty acres; he has made a specialty of the raising of sheep for a number of years. He has known no other occupation than that of farming, nor has he desired to engage in other pursuits, because he has found this profitable, and through his untiring energy and well directed labor he has gained a comfortable competence. To him and his wife has been born a daughter, Lucinda Rachel, who is yet living. They lost one son, Samuel Zelvin, who died at the age of eight years, and three children who died in infancy. Mr. Cate belongs to the Primitive Baptist church and in politics is independent, taking little active part in political affairs and never seeking or desiring office. He is yet in the prime of life and already has achieved creditable success, which augurs well for his future.
CHARLES CLAWSON , is the proprietor of a meat market at Cincinnati and also a well known stock dealer. He was born in Lexington, McLean county, Illinois, January 1, 1868, and is a son of William and Minnie (Myers) Clawson. His father was a native of Indiana, and his mother of Illinois. Jesse Clawson, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. Hoping to enjoy better business opportunities in the west he emigrated to Indiana at an early day in its development, and prior to the Civil war took up his abode in Lee county, Iowa. Subsequently he removed to Wayne county, Iowa, and died at Promise City. By occupation he was a farmer throughout his entire life. The parents of our subject were married in Illinois and the year 1877 witnessed their arrival in Iowa. They settled north of Corydon in Wayne county and later became residents of Allerton, Iowa, where they yet reside. By their marriage they had eight children, one of whom is deceased.
Upon his father's farm Charles Clawson was reared and early became familiar with the work of tilling the soil. He obtained a common school education. Not desiring to follow the plow as an occupation, at nineteen he became connected with the butchering business in Allerton, where he remained for two years. He then went to Mendota, Missouri, and entered the employ of the Putnam Supply Company, with which he was connected for five years. On the expiration of that period he arrived in Cincinnati, and with the money which he had saved embarked in business on his own account as proprietor of a good meat market here. He also deals in stock and owns two imported stallions. In his business interests he is associated with his brother-in-law, George M. Smith.
In 1891 occurred the marriage of Mr. Clawson and Miss Mary Smith, of Mendota, Missouri, and they now have three children. In his political views Mr. Clawson is a stalwart Republican and has served as constable and in other minor offices in his town. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and with the Independent Order of United Workmen. He has spent much of his life in Iowa, and in Cincinnati he has become recognized as a trustworthy man of business who means to win success through perseverance and honorable methods, and who therefore is accorded a good patronage.
J. D. CLEVELAND, M. D. - The family to which this eminent physician belongs has double charms for consideration, both as pioneers and patriots. Its first representatives figured conspicuously in the formative period of Iowa, while later descendants bore themselves bravely in behalf of the Union during the crucial era of the Civil war. Others have done well their part in various employments and in the discharge of diverse duties, such as fall to busy men in a great and growing country. It is fitting therefore that a volume devoted to the representative men of Iowa should contain some particulars of so interesting a family connection, and no apology is necessary for sketching at some length the lives of Dr. Cleveland and his immediate ancestors.
When Zedekiah Cleveland reached Iowa in 1835 the prospect was not so pleasing as it afterward became. It was at the time practically a wild and unredeemed territory. There were no railroads as yet, the principal avenues of communication being the rivers, and population was still very sparse and widely scattered. Only in a few places had the rich prairie sod of this region been broken by the plow, and little promise was given then of the mammoth corn crops which have astonished the people of the present generation. Zedekiah Cleveland was still little more than a boy when he reached Iowa, his birth having occurred in Washington county, New York, in 1811, but he was an adventurous spirit and had already seen much of life both on land and sea. He reached the west about the time of the Black Hawk purchase and became a pioneer farmer as well as one of the first hotel men in that locality. Later he moved to Van Buren and from there to Davis county, where he spent the remainder of his days. It is difficult to overestimate the value of the services rendered to those young western territories in their incipiency by such men as Zedekiah Cleveland. It is easy enough to travel the road after it is graded or to cross the river after it is bridged, but the pioneer does his best work before there are either roads or bridges. Each one, too, became a nucleus, a rallying point around which by degrees a settlement was formed from which gradually grew a county, eventually to become an integral part of a great state. We hear of this work collectively on account of its lasting results, but not much individually, as the separate units disappear in the general amalgamation. Zedekiah Cleveland in early life chose for his bride Anna Ware, a native of Orange county, Indiana, who shared all the hardships of his earlier struggles and passed away at the old home in Davis county when about fifty-six years old. The venerable husband survived his faithful companion some years, and finally closed his eyes on the world and its contentions in 1882, when approaching the seventy-second year of his age.
J. D. Cleveland, son of this worthy pioneer, was born in Lee County, Iowa, November 9, 1857, and remained at home until the twenty-first year of his age. He then entered the normal school at Bloomfield and from there went to the Northwestern Medical College at St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was graduated in the class of 1892. His first practice after receiving his degree was at Clearmont, Missouri, but after remaining there a while he returned to his native state. Dr. Cleveland located for short periods at different places in Iowa, growing steadily in reputation all the time, until finally he reached Iconium, where he has been a fixture since 1900. He is quite popular over the territory covered by his professional work and is an excellent example of the self-made man, who rises without extraneous aids until, by slow degrees and steady progress, he reaches that condition of stability which is the culminating ambition of every aspiring citizen. In politics the Doctor is Democratic and had the pleasure of casting his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. Nevertheless he is rather independent in his political views and does not hesitate to criticize the acts or policies of his party when they seem to him wrong. Dr. Cleveland is justly proud of his pioneer parents and also of his two brothers, who made honorable records on the right side during the great war for the time. One of these, E. Aaron Cleveland, was a member of the Sixth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, while his brother, Cyrus M., belonged to the Forty-sixth Regiment.
In 1888, while still in college, Dr. Cleveland was married to Miss Mally Fraley, by whom he had two children, but only one of these, a son, is now living. In 1895 Dr. Cleveland took a second wife in the person of Miss Belle Sponner, a popular young lady of Centerville, by whom he has an only daughter, having lost one child by death. The family are communicants of the Methodist church, in which Mrs. Cleveland is a zealous worker, and they enjoy high standing in the best circles of society. Dr. Cleveland is a member of the County Medical Society and is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. Both personally and professionally he is much esteemed at Iconium as well as at other places in the state where he has acquaintances.