Appanoose County

Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa. Volume II

Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. L.L. Taylor, editor. 1913

Transcribed by Renee Rimmert. A complete copy of this book is available on-line at archive.org.

C - D

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, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, December 13, 1858, and is a son of John and Lavinia (Chicken) Calvert. The father was a native of Durham county, England, born March 28, 1822, and the mother's birth occurred in Devonshire, England, in 1829. Crossing the Atlantic John Calvert 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, Illinois, 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 accumulated 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 away January 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 country. 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 held to an independent course in politics, having supported candidates whom he thought best qualified for office whether they were affiliated with the democratic or republican party. He held membership in the Episcopal church and was one of its earnest 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; Fremont A., who is occupying the old homestead 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, however, 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 employee 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 filled the position of agent for the past thirty years, spending four years of that time at Seymour, two years 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 Railroad Company, living at Havre, Montana; Blanch A., student in the Centerville high school; Daniel Webster, also in school; Sarah Marie; Major Clemmer; and Reta.

Mr. Calvert has been a lifelong republican and a most active worker in support of the party. For the past four years he has been chairman of the republican county central committee and at different times and in different places he has capably filled various local offices. He was mayor of Braymer, township trustee at Seymour and has held other local positions. In fact he has always 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 fraternity and has been honored with most of the offices in the local organization 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 beneficent principles which underlie these organizations and exemplifies in his life the spirit of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.

JAMES W. CAMPBELL, a wholesale dealer in coal whose careful management 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 always been well known in this locality since his arrival in Appanoose county more than three decades ago. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in August, 1848, a son of William and Anna (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 twenty-one years he 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, working 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 fulfillment 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 out and purchased the marble and granite works of Centerville. 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 Company, which he represented for a short time. He then once more embarked in business on his own account as a wholesale 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 & Company. 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 father 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; and Harry, now attending school. The family reside at No. 115 North Tenth street, in a residence which Mr. Campbell owns.

Mr. Campbell has been a member of the Masonic lodge in this county since 1869 and while in Scotland served as Master Mason. For twenty- seven years he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given to the republican party and he served as township trustee for nine years, but while he has ever been loyal to the best interests of the community he has preferred that his public service should be done as a private citizen rather than as an official.

His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and its teachings have guided his life, shaping his conduct in all of his relations with his fellowmen. He has never been afraid of work, knowing that earnest, honest labor is the basis of 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 returning to him a good income.

ROBERT BEECHER CARSON - Among the estimable pioneers of Appanoose county, who belong to the rapidly thinning ranks of the honored men who donned the blue and went to the front 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 carne 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, of 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 Bloomfield, Iowa. The Carson family is of Scotch-Irish extraction, but have long been residents of the United States, some of the forefathers having sought refuge from religious persecution in southern Pennsylvania during colonial days. There the grandfather, John Carson, was born on the nth of May, 1788. In early life he removed to Miami county, Ohio, going from there to Shelby county, Indiana, where he passed away in 1873. His father was a veteran of the Revolutionary war. Accompanied by his wife and family, in 1851 William T. Carson came to Iowa and preempted a quarter section of land in Davis county, which is still in possession of the family. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Carson numbered ten, two of whom died in infancy. Those who lived to attain maturity are as follows: James, a resident of Davis 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 Bloomfield, Iowa; Mary C, who is unmarried and residing at home; John W., a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, located at Waveland, Iowa; Alice, who married W. J. Baldridge, of Bloomfield, Iowa; and Joseph G., a resident of Seattle, Washington.

The first 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 country youths during the pioneer period and early 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 participated 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 campaign. 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 business 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 1851, 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. Carson. Mr. and Mrs. Carson have four children, as follows: Guy R., who is married and residing m Des Moines; Craig, who married Verna 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 order and the Eastern Star, of 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 majority, and its measures and candidates find in him a stalwart champion. Mr. Carson is widely and favorably known in this vicinity where he has many friends who accord him the respect and esteem he merits by reason of the honorable and upright manner in which he has directed his career.

THOMAS J. CASE, M. D. - Among the able and progressive members of the medical fraternity in Appanoose county is numbered Dr. Thomas 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 Thomas and Jane (Wagoner) Case, the former born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1830, and the mother in Wayne county in the same year. On the paternal side Dr. Case is of Welsh ancestry, his grandparents having come to America 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, engaging at the same time in general contracting and building. Later he abandoned teaching and established himself independently as a contractor. He married in Ohio but in 1858 removed to Indiana and there taught school and followed the carpenter's trade until 1873. In that year he removed to Hamilton county, 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 23rd of February, 1907. For 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 degree of M. D. He located for practice at Giltner, Nebraska, and there remained until 1898, when he 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 have followed his labors. Along lines of his profession Dr. Case belongs to the Iowa State Medical Society, 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.

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, where 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 county, buying 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 church 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 F., the wife of the subject of this review; and Sarah, twin to Mary F., who married Samuel Hudgens a farmer and school teacher in Appanoose county.

Fraternally 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.

JOHN G. CLARK, is a worthy native son of Appanoose county who has twice served as sheriff of the county and since retiring from that office has been engaged in business as the proprietor of a feed stable at Centerville. 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 observation. 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 William A. Clark on the 30th of October, 1849. In 1854 they removed to Davis county, Iowa, and a year later came to Appanoose county, locating on a farm of 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 forty 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 Washington township for 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. as follows: Laura, who was born on the 30th of March, 1851, and is the wife of T. C. Rueker, a retired agriculturist of Centerville; Sarah, whose natal day was October 23, 1855, and who gave her hand in marriage to T. W. Killion; John G., of this review; Susan, who was born on the 31st day of May, 1860, 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 farming in Bellair township, Appanoose county; Elijah, who is an agriculturist residing at Moulton, this county; James P., who was born on the 23rd 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 remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, when he was married and established a home of 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 followed farming until the winter of 1888, when he returned to Appanoose county 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 Woolridge, who was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, in 1863, her parents being William 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 (Woolridge) Clark were born two children, namely: Defsy Grace, whose birth occurred in January, 1881, and who is the wife of Madison Howell, an agriculturist of Guthrie, Oklahoma; and LeRoy, 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. The 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 county.

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 offices and in 1906 was elected sheriff of Appanoose county, proving such a capable official that he was reelected in 1908. On the 29th of July, 1910, it fell to his duty to hang at the state penitentiary John Junkins, a colored man, for the murder of Clara Roisein, a Swedish woman of Ottumwa, Iowa, and so became the instrument of justice in atonement of an atrocious crime. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of 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.

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 with 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 respectively. The father was born in Canada in January, 1835, while the mother's birth occurred in that country on the 26th of October, 1838. Andrew Climie 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 Van 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 until 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 Centerville, where his demise occurred in 1911. 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. Subsequently 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 county, 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 business, having since handled the Chase, Kimball, Milton, Hammond, Winkel, Kohler, Campbell and Chickering pianos. He is likewise a stockholder 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 united 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 year was 1843. James Dale came to Appanoose county, Iowa, when a youth of seventeen and it was here that he married Miss Malinda Long, who 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 hundred acres of 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 1895, coming to Centerville, where he made his home until called to his final rest on the 2nd of January, 1902. After losing his first wife, in 1863, he married Miss Ida Bobo, who passed away a few years later. Subsequently he wedded Miss Sarah Kirkman, who survives him and resides in Centerville. Mr. and Mrs. Climie have two children, namely: Clyde, who was born on the l0th of October, 1891, and is employed as clerk in the store of J. J. Frankel at Centerville; and Lloyd 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, yet 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.

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 agricultural pursuits and in the field of public life and his success and prominence have rewarded an active, useful and honorable business career filled with hard work and persevering labor. He was born on the farm which he now operates and which he calls the Hillside Stock Farm, August 8, 1862, and is a son of Elias Conger, a native of Ohio. The grandfather of the subject of this review, Enos Conger founded the family in Iowa, moving to this state in the early period of its pioneer development and making a definite 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 prosperous village. Enos Conger later left his original tract and located upon the farm now owned by his grandson, this property having therefore been in possession of the family for three generations. The grandfather owned two hundred acres which 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 upon 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 Volunteer Cavalry and served for three years and six months in the Federal army. Afterward 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 maidenhood Miss Jane Ireland, was also a representative of a well known pioneer 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 remained at home until after the death of his mother, when he was bound out to a Mr. Tibler, a farmer of Putnam county, Missouri, from whom he received kind treatment and where he found a good home, and a quiet but strong affection sprang up between master and employee. 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 years, disposing of it in 1886. In that year he left Missouri and returned to Appanoose 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 and is now the owner of two hundred and 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 annually. He has made a specialty of raising and feeding stock and sometimes ships his animals direct to the markets, where they have a ready sale. A man of quiet, steady industry, sound judgment and conservative business methods, 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 part of the state.

Mr. Conger married in Putnam county, Missouri, December 15, 1884, Miss Betty Speak and they became the parents of six sons, of whom Roy N. met death by an accident in 1911, 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 numerous 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.

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 county, November 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 but 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 Appanoose county 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 the established hardware, implement, carriage, furniture and undertaking business conducted by Clarke & Berger. Since that time he has concentrated his energies upon the further expansion of this concern and as his patronage has increased his activities have constantly broadened. 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 endorsement and hearty support to whatever tends to promote the best interests of the community.

JOHN HENRY COOL, is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of rich farming land on section 12, Franklin township. It is a well improved and valuable property and in its further development the owner is giving evidence of a thorough understanding of the most modern and progressive methods of agriculture. Mr. Cool is one of Iowa's native sons, born near Libertyville, in Jefferson county, October 17, 1850. His father, Marcus L. 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. There the father of our subject grew to the age of seventeen and then came to Iowa, making his first settlement in Lee county, where he worked by the month as a farm laborer. He later married in Jefferson county Miss Rosanna Jennings, a native of Ohio, and farmed in that section for some years, later moving 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 of development, carrying it forward steadily through the years until it finally became one of the most valuable farming properties in the locality. 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 maturity the father 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 outbuildings, carrying forward the work of cultivation until 1899, when he disposed 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 of farming and has always 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 activities. 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 Wayne 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 whom are living: Flora L., the wife of Joe Kesterson; Frata Ellen, who married William Bettis; Rosa, who became the wife of Bert Bums; Opal J., who married Linzy Bettis; Elsie, who married Lee Burkhiser; Omar C, who is married and is engaged in farming; Osie, the wife of John Curl; Orville O., who is aiding his father in the operation of the home farm; Everett G.; and Charles L. Three of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cool have passed away. Two died in infancy and the death of Dora L. occurred when she was one and a half years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Cool are devout adherents of the Mount Olive Christian church and both are active religious workers, acting as deacon and 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 for the furtherance of all projects which he deems essential or desirable for the welfare and upbuilding of the community.

THOMAS CROXTON, is conducting a hotel and boarding house at Centerville, continuing in the business for the past three years. He was born in Ohio, January 19, 1852, a son of Thomas 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 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 by 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 improved eighty acres which he also operated for some years, and on selling out he once more rented land. His time and energies were given to farming until 1908, when he removed to Plano, 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 years 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 away in infancy.

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.

REMEMBRANCE H. CURL, who owns and operates a farm of four hundred acres, one of the best improved and most valuable properties in Franklin township, has long been a resident of Iowa, having settled in Washington county in 1878. His birth occurred in Peoria county, Illinois, July 20, 1858, and he was reared upon his father's farm, acquiring his education in the public schools. When he reached manhood he left Illinois and came to Iowa, locating in Washington county, where he remained for a number of years. He there purchased a farm of seventy-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 disposed of that property he bought two hundred and sixty acres in the same locality and farmed upon it until 1902, when he moved to Appanoose county and bought four hundred acres, upon which he now resides. Upon this property 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 has planted a number of acres in orchard. As a result of his well directed activity he now owns a well improved farm, which in all of its details shows the careful supervision of an expert and experienced agriculturist. In addition to general farming 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 Van Atta, who was born and reared in Washington county. They became the parents of 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, Wilma. 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 Christian 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 conventions. He has thus done not a little to promote public advancement and to mold public policy in Appanoose county, and his cooperation has always been given to projects and movements which have for their object improvement and substantial progress.

WILLIAM KENNETH CURRIE, is a member of the firm of 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 county, Wisconsin, December 18, 1870, his parents being John and Sarah Ellen (Byers) Currie. The father was a native of the state of New York and was of Scotch descent. The mother was born in Virginia 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, they established their home at Mount Ayr, Iowa, and there in the public schools William Kenneth Currie pursued his education. In early manhood he became connected with hotel interests and remained in that business for a number of years as proprietor of one of the hotels at Mount Ayr. Subsequently he became connected with journalistic interests 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, 1911, 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 Appanoose county. During the pre-convention campaign of 1912 the Centerville Journal was one of the strongest newspaper supporters of Woodrow 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 situation as he sees it and presents concisely and forcibly the vital principles and questions at stake.

He cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland, supported William Jennings Bryan 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.

JAMES M. DALE - 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 yet cherished by those who knew him, although ten years have passed since he was called to his final rest. A native of Indiana, Mr. Dale 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 pursuits until 1855, when he came to Appanoose county and purchased a farm just northeast of Centerville, which he improved and operated for the remainder of his life. He died in 1892, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1873.

James M. Dale acquired his early education in Indiana and was fourteen years of age when he came to Appanoose county. He completed his studies in the district schools and after laying aside his books worked upon his father's farm until he attained his majority. He then began his independent career, purchasing land from his father. He operated this farm for the remainder of his life, 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 Valentine and Fanny Long, natives of Indiana, where the father farmed before he came to Appanoose county among the early settlers. Here he purchased land and operated a model agricultural 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 Centerville, 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 politically supported the democratic party. In all the relations of his life he worked toward high ideals, seldom failing to accomplish what he undertook. 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.

HON. WARREN T. DANIELS, one of the well known men in public life in Iowa, who has recently completed one term in the state general assembly and who was reelected in November, 1912, is a prominent and influential citizen of Wells township, where he has made his home since 1891. He was born in Jackson county, Ohio, September 23, 1856, a son of William Daniels, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Pittsburg in 1812. The father 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 of that state, meeting with a fair degree of success. He gave up this occupation, however, and again crossed the country, settling this time in Jackson county, Ohio. There he married Miss Mary Jane Read, who was born, reared and educated in Columbiana county, Ohio. After his marriage he turned his attention to farming. He developed and improved his tract of land for twenty-five years, gaining a place among the substantial and representative agriculturists of Jackson county. In 1881 he left Ohio and moved to Iowa, locating in Wells township, where he purchased land. He operated this farm during the remainder of his life and upon it passed away in 1906. 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 childhood and youth upon his father's farm and even after attaining his majority aided in the operation of the homestead. After his marriage, which occurred in 1881, Mr. Daniels engaged in farming in Jackson county for ten years, developing a property of one hundred and ten acres along progressive modern lines. In 1891, however, he sold his Ohio land and moved to Iowa, joining his father in Appanoose county. 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 purchased 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 hundred and forty-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, including an engine to pump water for the stock and to run 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 attention 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 farmer 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 Eliza Craig, who was born and reared in Gallia county, Ohio. They 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 father in the operation of the home farm; Emma, who is employed as a bookkeeper in Des Moines; and Ward T., at home.

Mr. Daniels is a Master Mason and has filled all of the chairs, in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past grand of his lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Daniels and their daughter Lizzie hold membership in the order of the Rebekahs, and the family are all devout adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Daniels gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has gained a position of prominence and distinction in official circles of the state. In 1910 he was elected to represent Appanoose county in the general assembly and he did such able, conscientious and public-spirited work that in 1912 he was reelected by a large majority. At the present time he is a member of the committees on intemperance, on school text-books, on mines and mining, and the telegraph and telephone committee and is active in the affairs of all. Never having been content to be a mere figurehead in politics, he works fearlessly, diligently 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.

P. S. DAVIS - 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 of his careful supervision and practical methods. Mr. Davis is a native son of Iowa, born in Wapello county, September 1, 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 Appanoose county and his education 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 monthly farm laborer for five years, 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 developing this property for two years moved upon the land owned by 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 residence, 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 construction 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 blacksmith work of the neighborhood in addition to his own. Moreover, 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 15th of February, 1880, Miss Penelope 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 popular men in this part of Appanoose county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have adopted two daughters: Pearline, 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 county 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 dealings he is reliable and straightforward and in all the relations of his life honorable, progressive and upright.

Mr. & Mrs. George W. Dean

GEORGE W. DEAN - A man loyal 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 participant, 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, May 24, 1839, a son of Levin Dean, one of the pioneer settlers in Appanoose county.

Levin Dean

The father was a native of Kentucky 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 Kentucky. 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 purpose the father of our subject opened up a new farm just west of Unionville and steadily carried forward the work of its development and improvement until his death, making it finally one of the most valuable properties in the state. His wife survived him for many years, dying in Moravia at the advanced age of eighty-seven. In their family were seven children: Elizabeth, 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 Ham, of Glendale, California; Mrs. Martha McCauley, 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 W. Dean spent his childhood upon his father's farm in Udell township and continued to assist in its operation for many years. In a little log schoolhouse he began his education which he supplemented and broadened by wide and careful reading, deep thinking, experience and observation. In August, 1862, he offered his services to his country as a member of Company C, Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and went immediately to the front. He was wounded in the engagement at Marks Mills and taken prisoner 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 1860, 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 1906. He added to his holdings from 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, now of 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 purchased 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 represented standard quality. Mr. Dean sold for breeding purposes alone. Later he took his son, Emil, into partnership with him and in 1906 turned over to him the farm and moved into Unionville, where he died on the 28th of February, 1909.

On January 11, 1860, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to Miss Margaret C. Baldridge, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of W. C. and 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 bought a farm which he afterward sold and moved to the vicinity of Iconium, where he and his family resided for 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 years of age. He was a stanch democrat and active in his adherence to the party's principles. His religious views were in accordance with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church. After his death Mrs. Baldridge married William Miller and they continued to reside upon the farm for a number of years, Mr. Miller finally retiring and moving to Unionville, where his death occurred. 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, Alta, Dean and Dwight L. Arietta married Henry E. Morrison, of Topeka, Kansas, and both are deceased. They 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 Ames, 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, Margaret. 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 worthy helpmate who at all times has proven a blessing to the household and in an important way, by her counsel and wise management, has forwarded the best interests of the family. She and her children are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Unionville and for many years she has taught in the Sunday school. Her mother and 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 fundamental beliefs of his life and basing his actions upon his faith. He was a stanch republican and from the time he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln gave helpful and progressive support to its principles and policies. Mr. Dean was a charter member of the Masonic lodge 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 connected with its development and advancement, watched its progress from pioneer times and took a leading part in all that pertained to the general good.

ELISHA S. DENOON, proprietor of the Appanoose Cafe and one of the most influential, able and successful business men in Centerville, is a native son of Appanoose county, born October 16, 1859, on a farm in Bellair township. He is a son of E. S. and Julia Ann (Fouts) De Noon, the former a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, 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 twenty years. He was a well educated and cultured 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 county, 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 property 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 gradually 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 county and was at all times interested in the spread of Baptist doctrines. The last years of his life were spent with his children 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 section of 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 Seymour, Iowa, studying 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 many 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. Willets. For four and one-half years he clerked in a wholesale grocery store conducted by T. R. Riggs & Company but in 1908 established himself in business independently. He opened a restaurant 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 number of years 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 of his success is due to the fact that he possesses that executive force and power of control which is necessary 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 April, 1880, Mr. De Noon was united in marriage to Miss Rosa A. Campbell, a daughter of Luther M. and Cinderella (Dudley) 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 early date Luther M. Campbell came west to Iowa and took up government land three miles northwest of Centerville, upon which he 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 upbuilding and development of Appanoose county, to which he came as a pioneer. His first wife passed away in 1878 and in 1880 Mr. Campbell wedded Miss Minnie Staley, a daughter of Alva Staley, a farmer and carpenter, who formerly made his home just north of Centerville. Mr. and Mrs. De Noon became the parents of two children. Clarence E., a window 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 of America. The other son born to Mr. and Mrs. De Noon is Luther E., who is associated with his father in business. He is prominently 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 upright lives. Mr. De Noon has professed 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 intelligent interest in public affairs, although he has never sought official preferment. Centerville numbers him among her most valued residents and the respect and esteem in which he is held by his many friends is an indication that his life has been at all times honorable, upright and straight- forward.

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. Carefully trained for practice, Dr. James Arthur Dillon is following the practice in Centerville and is meeting with substantial success in his undertaking. 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 efficiency.

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, July 18, 1848, and the mother, who came of English lineage, was born in Illinois, April 6, 1845. In his boyhood days Mr. Dawkins accompanied 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. Dawkins continued to cultivate until his death. In 1898 his widow came to Centerville and now makes her home with Doctor and Mrs. Dillon. In 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 Conner, an insurance and real-estate dealer of Ottumwa, Iowa; and Luther, a merchant of Centerville, Iowa. To Doctor and Mrs. Dillon have been born three sons: John LeRoy, who was born September 7, 1905, and is now in school; Joe, who died in infancy; and James Arthur, born January 19, 1910.

Doctor Dillon has held no public 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, Missouri, and in politics he is a republican. While he is neglectful of none of the duties and interests of life he concentrates his efforts upon his professional services and has been accorded a liberal patronage which is bringing to him substantial success.

THOMAS H. DILLON - In the latter years of his life, Thomas H. Dillon figured in the commercial circles of Centerville as a grocer. He was well known as a representative 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) Dillon, 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 up farming, spending his remaining days in that locality. 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 Bloomfield, but after a year returned to Missouri, settling in Lancaster. In August, 1892, he arrived in Centerville, 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, 1908. 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 Ann (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. They 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 conducts 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 Luther 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.

Mr, Dillon was for several years treasurer of the Centerville Retail Grocers Association and stood high in the regard of his colleagues and contemporaries in the business circles of 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 by 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.

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 (Morrison) 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 under his father. He worked at this in Ohio until 1877 and after that spent two years in Kansas before finally settling in Appanoose county, Iowa, in 1879. He was in Ohio at the outbreak of the Civil war and enlisted immediately in Company E, Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, serving four years. The hardships of his service and the privations 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 business 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 Army post and was affiliated with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. He gave his allegiance 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 county, and thus it was that in his passing Centerville lost one of its representative and valued citizens.

WILLIAM L. DOWNING, M. D. , who is regarded as one of the representative members of the medical fraternity of Appanoose county, has for twenty-two years been successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Moulton. He is a native of Iowa, having been born in Davis county on the 11th of March, 1862, and is a son of Samuel Bell and Felitha P. (Stark) Downing, both of whom are deceased. The paternal grand- father was born, reared and married in Scotland, whence he emigrated to America prior to 1830. His energies were always devoted to agricultural pursuits, and when he first 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, five of 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 years he came to Iowa, locating in Van Buren county, whence he later removed to Davis county. He continued to work out as a farm hand until he had 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 and 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 lay 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 country 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 of 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 his 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 Unionville, Iowa. He subsequently matriculated in Rush Medical College, Chicago, being awarded his degree from that institution with the class of 1886. Immediately thereafter he went to Unionville, Missouri, and established an office, which he maintained for four years. In 1890, he came to Moulton, where he has ever since been located. During 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 efficiency, 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 of R. P. and 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 four-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 Order of Odd Fellows. He maintains relations with his fellow practitioners through the medium of his membership in the American Medical Association, 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 for 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 citizenship 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, who hold him in high regard by reason of his professional ability as well as because of his sterling worth of character.

ALEXANDER M. DUCK, who died in 1895, was for many years a resident of Appanoose county and his memory is still cherished by his many friends 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 (Smith) Duck, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Scotland. The father was a potter by trade and worked at this occupation in his native country and also after he came to America. He settled in Indiana in pioneer times and resided in that state for the remainder of his life.

Alexander M. Duck was reared and educated in Ohio. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served through the four years of the conflict as first lieutenant, finally receiving an honorable discharge. After the close of hostilities his family moved to Indiana and there Alexander 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 Minnesota but remained in that state only one year, returning to Indiana at the end of that time. There he resided until 1882, when he came to Iowa, locating in Brazil, Appanoose county, where he worked in the coal mines for five years. He became known as a man of strict conscientiousness, high standards of honor and unblemished integrity and he made his name honored and respected wherever it was known. In 1887 he retired from active life and moved into Centerville. He died in January, 1895, and his death brought to a close an active, useful and honorable career.

On June 1, 1867, Mr. Duck married Miss Margaret Moore, a daughter of James and Julia (Micewonder) Moore, natives of Virginia. The father farmed in that state for some time and came as a pioneer to Indiana, residing there during the remainder of his life. He was killed in an accident 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 of Frank 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 of the battlefield through his membership 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 of 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.

ALVAH S. DUKES, holding a position of prominence and responsibility in financial circles of Unionville as cashier of 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 farmed for a number of years upon a tract of land three and one-half miles southwest of the city, carrying on general agricultural pursuits upon this property until his death, in 1872. 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 returned 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 of Appanoose county; Alvah S., of this review; and Ola L., who married H. W. 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 upon the home farm until twenty-five years of age and then secured a position as clerk in the general store of Miller & Dukes, in Unionville, 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 connection was maintained for some-time. During the period of their association they had established a store in Henry county, Iowa, and Alvah S. Dukes took charge of this enterprise, disposing of it after two years and returning to Unionville, where he and his brother again conducted a mercantile establishment under the firm name of Dukes Brothers. When 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. Buckmaster, a daughter of E. A. and Emma (Stanley) Buckmaster, the former of 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 Volunteer 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. When he returned home he established himself in the harness business in Unionville and remained in it until 1872, when he purchased a farm in Udell township. 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: Harry, who was born July 4, 1899, and who is attending school in Unionville; and Dorothy, born August 19, 1906, who is also pursuing her studies.

Mr. and Mrs. Dukes are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Unionville, and both belong to the Order of the Eastern Star and the Yeomen. In addition Mr. Dukes is affiliated with the blue lodge in Masonry. He gives his allegiance to the republican party and is at the present time serving as treasurer of the Unionville Independent school district. Trustworthy and faithful 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.

JAMES DUREE, who during the later years of his life lived retired in Centerville, was formerly connected with farming interests and contributed in substantial measure to the agricultural development of his district. He was born in Kentucky, March 29, 1822, his father being Peter Duree. The father, also a native of the Blue Grass state, was a farmer by occupation and spent his last days 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 they went to Missouri and established their home in Mercer county, where the father passed away. At a later date James Duree came to Iowa, locating near Numa, 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. Following 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 they 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 annually gathered therefrom rich harvests. The last six years of his life were spent in quiet retirement and he passed away March 4, 1896. He had purchased town property which he had remodeled, making a comfortable home that is now occupied 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 married Sarah Lowe, came to Iowa, settling in Davis county. In 1865 they removed to Appanoose county, establishing their home in Pleasant township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits. Later he retired from active business life and passed away at the home of his son, in Centerville, May l0, 1903, having for little more than half a year survived his wife, who died on the 18th of October, 1902. They were among the early settlers of this part of the state and took an active interest in furthering 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: Gilman Felkner, now living on a farm in this county; Leslie, of Centerville; 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 agriculturists of Appanoose county and through his diligence and business integrity won the success that enabled him in his later years to live retired.

Appanoose County IAGenWeb

Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa. Volume II