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.
Sa - Sp
 Lewis Salinger |
LEWIS SALINGER, needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for he is well known to the residents of Centerville, where he has resided since 1895. He is one of the active business men and public-spirited citizens and his work as a partner in the dry-goods business conducted by Salinger & Goldstein has closely touched the general business development of the community. He was born in Poland, March 7, 1865, and is a son of A. M. and Tina H. (Rosuck) Salinger, natives of that country, where the father conducted a hotel until his death, in 1896. The mother of our subject died in the following year. |
In the acquirement of an education Lewis Salinger attended school in Poland but laid aside his books at the age of seventeen years in order to come to America. He crossed the Atlantic and on the 7th of July, 1882, reached Des Moines, Iowa, and soon afterward secured work as bookkeeper in a wholesale house. For two years he held that position and then in March, 1885, left Des Moines and went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was connected with the jewelry business until 1891. In January of that year he traveled west to Idaho and located at Pocatello where he was employed in a clothing store for one year. Leaving Pocatello he went to Montpelier in the same state, working, however, in the interests of his former employers and establishing there a branch of their business. He acted as treasurer of the company for three years but eventually disposed of his interests and in 1895 moved to Centerville, being influenced in this removal by the failing health of his wife. He established himself in the general merchandise business and continued to conduct a profitable enterprise of this kind alone until 1903, when he formed a partnership with Abe Goldstein, of Nebraska City, and the business is now conducted under the firm name of Salinger & Goldstein. Their enterprise is conducted in a fine modern building two stories in height, with a basement, and in it is found everything necessary for the successful conduct of a modern mercantile establishment. The lines of goods are complete and the stock is always tastefully arranged, so that the store presents many of the aspects of a metropolitan concern. The firm has made courtesy and constant consideration for the wishes of their customers the policy of the house and has as a result secured a substantial patronage which is steadily increasing. Besides the main store the firm of Salinger & Goldstein conducts also what was formerly called The Grand Leader, dealing in dry goods, carpets and cloaks, succeeding J. J. Strickler in the management of this enterprise.
Mr. Salinger, being a man of resourceful business ability, enterprise, discrimination and of wide interests, has naturally been carried forward into important relations with the general business life of Centerville. He is a stockholder in the Centerville Gypsum Company, in the Centerville & Mystic Interurban Railroad Company, and is president of the Retail Merchants Association. He is one of the public-spirited men of the community and gives active and hearty cooperation to those movements which have for their object the promotion of growth and development. In this relation he is a member of the Booster committee of the Centerville Commercial Club, which was instrumental in securing for the city electric lights around the main square, and he is at all times a force in the work of civic improvement.
On the 11th of August, 1890, Mr. Salinger married Miss Rose Gottstein, a daughter of Simon and Hannah Gottstein, natives of Poland. The father came to America in early life and located first in New York, whence he went to Des Moines, Iowa, where for thirty-five years he conducted a store. Later he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and finally to Detroit, Michigan, where he died in the fall of 1911. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Salinger became the parents of a daughter, Honora, who has reached the age of twenty-one. Mrs. Salinger passed away May 16, 1905, after an illness which had extended over a period of eight or nine years.
Mr. Salinger has extensive property interests in and around Centerville, owning his home at No. 412 Drake avenue and a fifty-acre tract one mile east of the town. He gives his allegiance to the republican party but is never active as an office seeker, preferring to work along lines of public welfare without desire for official recognition. He has extensive fraternal relations, being a blue lodge Mason and belonging also to the chapter, and is likewise prominent in the affairs of the Knights of Pythias. He is a devout member of the congregation B'nai Israel and is its president. Mr. Salinger takes an active interest in all kinds of religious and charitable work. He is a national director in the Jewish Consumptive Relief Society of Denver and this is by no means the extent of his work along lines which directly aid the needy and suffering. There are few citizens in Centerville more widely and favorably known than Mr. Salinger, for his business enterprise has carried him into important commercial and financial relations, while his genial manner and unfailing courtesy have gained him the warm and lasting regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
ELDRIDGE HALL SAWYERS - Appanoose county numbered Eldridge Hall Sawyers among its representative, honored and valued citizens. He did much to uphold law and order here and to promote public progress, and in his life displayed many sterling traits of character. He was born in Giles county, Tennessee, May 14, 1828, his parents being Allen and Martha Louise (Stinson) Sawyers. The father, who was of Scotch descent, was born in 1804 and learned and followed the wagon-maker's trade. In 1824 he wedded Martha L. Stinson, who was born in 1801 and was of Welsh lineage. The paternal grandfather, David Sawyers, was a native of Tennessee. The maternal grandparents were Alexander and Elizabeth (Bradley) Stinson, the former born in 1776. The latter was a daughter of Francis Bradley, who was murdered near his home in Pennsylvania by four Tories at the time of the Revolutionary war. Francis Bradley had wedded Mary Patterson, a native of Germany, so that the blood of Scotch, Welsh and German ancestors mingled in the veins of Eldridge H. Sawyers. In the year 1846 his parents left Tennessee and came to Iowa, settling in the vicinity of Troy, Davis county, where they lived for a few years, but in 1849 they came to Appanoose county, casting in their lot with the pioneer residents of this section of the state. The father purchased a farm near West Grove and also entered considerable land for many of the broad acres of the county were then in possession of the government. The old homestead is still owned by the family and upon that farm both the father and mother remained until called to their final rest. Allen Sawyers passed away December 15, 1884, having for a long period survived his wife. They were accounted worthy and representative residents here and took an active part in the early development of this section of the state as well as in promoting its later day progress and improvement. They had a family of ten children, namely: Ophelia, James, Eldridge Hall, Electra, Mary, Martha, Louisa, John, Dell and William.
Eldridge H. Sawyers was a youth of eighteen when he accompanied his parents to Iowa and arrived in Appanoose county about the time he attained his majority. His education was acquired in the district schools and when not busy with his text-books he aided his father in the work of the fields, continuing upon the home farm until twenty-seven years of age, when he began farming on his own account, cultivating a tract of land near West Grove, Iowa, until 1861, when he removed to Orleans where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits for two years. He afterward lived at Moravia for a year and following the close of the Civil war came to Unionville, where he worked at the wagon-maker's trade. He always led a busy, active and useful life. He had few idle or leisure moments and he always accomplished what he undertook. Called to public office, he was kept busy during his service as constable in warring on the horse thieves that then infested this region, helping to drive them out of Appanoose county. At one time he served as deputy sheriff of Davis county and for several terms was justice of the peace in Udell township, this county. He proved capable, efficient and trustworthy in office and in every relation of life commanded the respect, confidence and good-will of those with whom he was associated. His political allegiance was always given to the democratic party but in the discharge of his duties he was no partisan and performed his public service fearlessly and faithfully. This was in keeping with the aid which he rendered his country in days of war, for during the period of hostilities between the north and the south he was captain of a company of border guards. He helped to organize the company, was elected to its command and was busily engaged at times in preventing invasions of the enemy into southern Iowa. With his command he took part in a number of lively skirmishes.
On the 10th of June, 1855, Mr. Sawyers was married, in Bloomfield, Iowa, to Miss Margaret Stoner, who was born October 28, 1838, a daughter of Christian and Margaret (Moses) Stoner. The father, a native of Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent, made farming his life work. His wife was also born in the Keystone state and came of Dutch ancestry. They were married in Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio, their daughter, Mrs. Sawyers, being born at Ashland, Ohio, where Christian Stoner continued to reside until his death. His widow afterward came to Iowa, settling in Davis county, and was married in Ohio to Isaac Van Nordstrand. Subsequently they removed to Kansas, where both died. Mrs. Sawyers came to Iowa from Ohio in 1854 with his brother Henry Stoner and her sister Elizabeth, and they settled on a farm near Bloomfield, Davis county, where they were living at the time of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sawyers, who became the parents of seven children. Minnie, the eldest, is the wife of J. A. Collins, a grocer and feed merchant of Kansas City, Missouri, by whom she has five children, Allen, William, Kathryn, Claude and Margaret. Ida May died in infancy. Orville married India Christy, has one child, Le Rex, and is now agent for the Rock Island Railroad Company at Seymour, Missouri. Thomas died in infancy. Lou is at home with her mother. May Belle is the wife of D. C. Horton, who is conducting a stone quarry at Jacksboro, Texas, and they have four children, Helen, Harold, Fet and Margaret Hall. Roy Allen, a railroad man of Newton, Kansas, married Gertrude Vermilya, of Unionville, and they have three children. Beryl, Doris and Robert Hall.
Mr. Sawyers always gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a devout member. His wife is now prominently and actively connected with the church at Unionville and her labors have constituted an important element in its growth and progress. She is connected with the Ladies Aid and the Home Missionary Societies of her church and cooperates in various other departments of the work. Mr. Sawyers belonged to the Knights of Labor of Unionville and to the Odd Fellows lodge at Bloomfield. He passed away April 17, 1909, and is survived by his widow, who occupies a pleasant residence in Unionville. For sixty years he had lived in Appanoose county and none of its citizens was perhaps more familiar with the history of this section of the state as the work of development and improvement was carried on. He stood for all that is progressive in citizenship, for all that is honorable in business life and for all that works for the betterment of the individual and the community at large. Those who knew him found him kindly in spirit and action and he had a host of friends in Appanoose county, limited only by the circle of his acquaintance.
 William M. Scott & Family |
WILLIAM M. SCOTT, M. D, for many years was a capable physician with large practice in Centerville but since 1894 has lived retired. He was born February 25, 1836, in Iowa, when this state was still under territorial rule, his birthplace being in what is now Lee county. His parents were James and Sarah (Grant) Scott, natives of Kentucky. The father came to Iowa in 1835 and from the government entered a tract of wild land which he cleared and improved, carrying on farming for many years. He also ran a stage coach in the early days which antedated railroad travel in this part of the country, and he likewise carried mail across the country. He continued to live there for years or until he retired, when he removed to Burlington, making his home with his son until his death, which occurred in 1897, when he had reached the remarkable old age of ninety-seven years. For two decades he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1877. |
Their son, Doctor Scott, was reared and educated at West Point, Iowa, and also attended Mount Pleasant College. He later entered the Keokuk Medical College at Keokuk, Iowa, in order to acquaint himself with the principles of medical practice and in 1860 he removed to Knoxville, Iowa, where he practiced until the time of his enlistment for service as a surgeon of the Thirty-third Iowa Regiment in the Civil war. He was on active duty until the close of hostilities and his professional skill and ability proved a boon to many a suffering soldier. With the close of the war Doctor Scott came to Centerville, Iowa, where he entered upon the practice of medicine, in which he continued actively until 1894, when he retired. He has never recovered from disease contracted in the service of this country.
On the 2nd of June, 1861, Doctor Scott was married to Miss Sarah R. Neuse, a daughter of Frederick and Anna (Saffell) Neuse, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Virginia. In the year 1847 Mr. Neuse came to Iowa, settling in Keokuk. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and developing a very extensive trade leading to the establishment of lumber yards all over Iowa and also in Missouri. He thus became one of the prominent representatives of commercial interests in Keokuk, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 2nd of April, 1891, when he was seventy-eight years of age. He had for a number of years survived his wife, who died in 1880 at the age of sixty-three. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Mrs. Scott is the only one now living. The Doctor and his wife have but one child, Laura B., the wife of O. B. Wallace, a prominent silver and lead mine operator, in whose honor the town of Wallace, Idaho, was named. They became the parents of five children, three of whom have passed away. Those still living are Walter S. and Helen, and the latter, now seven years of age, is attending school in Centerville. The former is a practicing physician of Newport, Washington, where he has his own hospital, and married Verna Starbird, by whom he has one child, Mercedes, who is a great-grand- child of Doctor and Mrs. Scott.
The home of the doctor and his wife is a large and beautiful residence at No. 205 West Franklin street, in addition to which he owns seven other dwellings in this city and two excellent farms in Appanoose county. At one time he had the largest practice in his part of the county, and many were loath to give up his services when he retired. He held to the highest professional standards and performed every duty with a sense of conscientious obligation, while throughout the years of his practice he kept in close connection with the advancement being made by the members of the medical fraternity. He is still a member of the Appanoose County Medical Society and he also belongs to the Masons and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church. There are no residents of Centerville more highly esteemed than this worthy couple, who for more than a half century have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and its prosperity. Their high character worth, their broad intelligence, their kindly spirit and their genial hospitality have won them the friendship and warm regard of all who know them and no history of Centerville would be complete without reference to Doctor and Mrs. Scott.
GEORGE F. SEVERS, M. D. , has for more than two decades been engaged in the practice of medicine at Centerville and has won and maintained an enviable reputation as a skilled and able representative of his profession. His birth occurred on a farm near Moulton, Appanoose county, Iowa, on the 20th of April, 1858, his parents being William P. and Elizabeth (McPherson) Severs, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and were of Scotch-Irish descent. The father came to this county on the 4th of July, 1851, purchasing a farm two and a half miles southwest of Moulton, whereon he made his home for five years. On the expiration of that period he removed to a farm five miles north of Moulton, there carrying on general agricultural pursuits for four years and then returning to his former place. Subsequently he settled on a farm a mile and a half west of Moulton, continuing to reside there until 1875, when he removed to Davis county, Iowa, where he made his home until 1880. In that year he took up his abode on the old homestead at Orleans, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away on the 18th of April, 1890. Mis widow survives him and makes her home at Moulton in this county. George F. Severs obtained his early education in the district school near Moulton and subsequently attended a graded school in Davis county. Having determined upon the practice of medicine as his life work, he entered the medical department of Drake University at Des Moines in the fall of 1885 and was graduated therefrom with the degree of M. D. in the spring of 1887. He won the highest mark in a class of eighteen at the commencement examination and was elected valedictorian. He asked the special privilege of writing his own valedictory and, though such a request had never been made before, the faculty told him that if he wrote a satisfactory one they would allow him to use it. The address which he prepared won both their approval and commendation. It was at Dean, Iowa, that he first began practice and he remained there for two years. Going to Cincinnati, Ohio, he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute and was graduated therefrom on the 4th of June, 1889. After spending a short time in West Grove, Davis county, this state, he came to Centerville, Iowa, on the 11th of December, 1889, and has here made his home continuously since, with the exception of a year and a half spent at Houston, Texas. In 1896 and 1897 he went to Chicago and pursued a special course in surgery and gynecology at the Chicago Polyclinic. On the completion of a course in psychology at the Chicago School of Psychology he was given the degree of P. D. Continually demonstrating his skill and ability in the line of his chosen profession, he has enjoyed a liberal and lucrative practice and is widely known as a popular and successful practitioner. He belongs to the Appanoose County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and is a member of the Iowa state board of health and the Iowa state board of examiners. On the 10th of March, 1878, Dr. Severs was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe J. McAtee, a daughter of Oliver and Sarah (Lundy) McAtee, both of whom were natives of Van Buren county, Iowa, and were of Scotch-Irish descent. Oliver McAtee, who followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active career, passed away in 1902 on a farm three miles east of Moulton. His widow resides in that city. To Dr. and Mrs. Severs have been born five children. Agnes is the wife of Edward B. Isett, a lumber dealer of Wickes, Arkansas, by whom she has three children, Donald, Margaret and Stanton. Blanche gave her hand in marriage to Orrie B. Forman, a bookbinder of Centerville, Iowa. Madge is at home with her parents. Essie passed away at the age of six years and Georgia died when but nine months old. Dr. Severs is a democrat in politics and was the candidate of his party for the' office of county coroner in 1912. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Centerville. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 76 at Centerville, and his wife is a member of the Rebekahs. He is well known in social, professional and political circles in the county of his nativity and the force of his character and his enterprising spirit have gained him influence.
 William N. Shaffer |
WILLIAM NORMAN SHAFFER - Almost four decades have come and gone since William Norman Shaffer passed away, but he is yet remembered by the older settlers as a progressive and enterprising farmer of Vermillion township and his widow yet remains here, his wife and children having taken an active and helpful part in promoting public progress along many lines. Mr. Shaffer was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1844, his parents being Michael and Mary (Enfield) Shaffer. The father, a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent, was a carpenter by trade and eventually took up contracting. On his removal to Iowa he settled in Appanoose county, locating on land which he purchased in Vermillion township in 1868. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. She died upon the farm in Vermillion township in 1878, having for six years survived her husband, who passed away in 1872. |
William Norman Shaffer attended the public schools of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and also Swickley Academy in that city. After leaving school he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in Donegal, Pennsylvania, but in 1868 came west with his parents and settled with them upon the farm. For two years he worked on the farm through the summer months and in the winter seasons engaged in teaching. In 1870 he leased from his father eighty acres of land upon which he lived for four years, this being located near Shawville mine, in Vermillion township. There he passed away on the 20th of June, 1874. He practiced industry, and energy was always one of his salient characteristics while in all of his business relations he was thoroughly reliable.
Following the death of Mr. Shaffer, his wife and children purchased a house and forty acres of land from his father and occupied the place for four years, the home being situated three miles southwest of Centerville. Mrs. Shaffer then bought eighty acres four miles southeast of Centerville and occupied that farm for seventeen years, except when she was away educating her children. She took up the business of raising fruit and vegetables and annually gathered good crops. At length, however, she disposed of that property and purchased her present homestead of eighty acres. She still lives upon this place but rents the land, deriving therefrom a substantial annual income.
To Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer were born three children. Pearl M. and Carl J., twins, were born May 12, 1872. The former attended the district school of Vermillion township and later the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, Iowa, from which he was graduated with honors in the class of 1894. He then went to the state reform farm at Eldora as military instructor and at one time he was military instructor in the state college at Manhattan, Kansas, being appointed to that position over a competitor who was a West Point graduate. He was detailed for two years' service there but was so well liked that he was asked to return and remained for the four years' limit. While acting as instructor at Eldora he was appointed second lieutenant of the United States army. During the Spanish-American war he served in the Philippines but was taken ill and returned home. He has served there under three enlistments since and at the present time is Captain of Company B, of the Twentieth Regiment of United States Regulars, now on detached duty at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He married Miss Zepherine Towne, of Saratoga Springs, New York. Carl J. attended the district school in Vermillion township and was for four years a student in the State Normal at Cedar Falls. Following his graduation he took up the profession of teaching which he followed for two years, and then entered upon the study of medicine in the State University of Iowa City, being graduated with the M. D. degree. He afterward pursued a post-graduate course of study in Chicago and then located in Carson, Iowa, where today he enjoys a large and growing practice. He was married to Miss Florence Flint, of Council Bluffs. Fannie, the only daughter of the family, was born April 27, 1874, and is now in California. Like her brothers she attended the district schools and the State Normal at Cedar Falls until graduated. For nine years she was a teacher in the public schools of Des Moines, Iowa, and then went to Los Angeles, California, where she pursued a four years' course of study in osteopathy. She then practiced for a year in New York but because of impaired health returned to California.
Mr. Shaffer was a democrat in politics and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal church of Vermillion township, to which his widow still belongs. She is also a member of the Ladies Aid Society of that church and takes an active and helpful interest in the various lines of church work, doing all she can to further the cause and to promote the upbuilding of the denomination, having been class leader for nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Shaflfer have long been held in high esteem here and at his death the former left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
JAMES A. SHANKS, one of the progressive and enterprising young business men of Centerville, is the proprietor of a well appointed and well patronized drug store at No. 1109 South Eighteenth street. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Appanoose county, his birth having occurred in Centerville on the 25th of June, 1886, and his parents being Albert C. and Mary E. (Wyatt) Shanks. The father is a native of Ohio and a carpenter by trade. He came to Centerville when it was but a small village and for a number of years worked as a bridge carpenter in the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Wabash and Rock Island Railroads. After abandoning railroad work he followed carpentering in Centerville and at the present time resides with his son, Clyde C., on East Maple street in this city. It was here that he wedded Miss Mary E. Wyatt, a native of Appanoose county, who passed away at her home in Centerville in 1908.
James A. Shanks attended the public schools of Centerville in the acquirement of an education, completing the high-school course in 1906. In 1907 he entered the Highland Park College of Des Moines and the same year passed the examination required by the state board of pharmacists. During the four previous years he had been employed as a clerk in the Red Cross drug store and after passing the state examination he spent three years in the McCreary drug store. On the 19th of January, 1911, he opened a store of his own at No. 1109 South Eighteenth street, where he has since been located as the proprietor of an up-to-date drug establishment. He carries a large and well selected line of drugs and druggists' sundries and enjoys a liberal and lucrative patronage.
On the 19th of July, 1911, Mr. Shanks was united in marriage to Miss Delia Hill, of Moulton, Iowa, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Cramer Hill, the mother being a Miss Peck before her marriage. The father, who comes of Yankee stock, is a retired agriculturist residing at Moulton. The demise of his wife there occurred in 1903.
Politically Mr. Shanks is a democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Centerville, while his wife belongs to the church of that denomination at Moulton. He is likewise a member of Centerville Lodge, No. 941, B. P. O. E., and in the line of his profession is connected with the Iowa State Pharmaceutical Association. He is well known in the section of the county where he has always lived and his many good qualities have gained for him the friendship and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
F. S. SHARP, is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and ninety acres on section 15, Taylor township, and his careful management is evidenced in its well kept appearance and in the substantial crops which are annually garnered. It was in this township, on the 3rd of January, 1865, while his father was at the front in the Civil war, that F. S. Sharp was born. He is a son of F. M. and Maggie R. (Beaty) Sharp. The father's birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1839, while the mother was born in Marshall county, Illinois, September 19, 1838. In 1855 F. M. Sharp came to Taylor township, Appanoose county, with his parents, J. W. and Anna Sharp, being at that time a lad of sixteen years. His father secured the last piece of land open for entry in the township and there developed a farm, upon which he and his wife spent their remaining days. They had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom F. M. Sharp was the eldest. He was reared in the usual manner of farm lads and always carried on general agricultural pursuits. He purchased eighty acres of the present homestead, which at that time was a tract of raw land, but with characteristic energy soon transformed it into fertile fields, to which he added from time to time until two hundred and eighty acres were comprised within the boundaries of his place. He continually carried on general farming here until ten years ago, when he sold the old home to his son F. S. Sharp and went to Missouri to live in the Ozark country for the benefit of his health. He was a valued and highly respected resident of this part of the state, honored and esteemed wherever known and most of all where he was best known. He enlisted on the 24th of June, 1861, as a member of Company D, Sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served for more than four years, or until the close of the war, being mustered out at Washington, D. C, where he took part in the Grand Review, the most celebrated military pageant ever seen in the western hemisphere, thousands of victorious troops marching through the streets of the city, between the ranks of a cheering multitude that welcomed their return. Mr. Sharp participated in many hotly contested battles, never faltering in the face of the gravest danger. In days of peace he was a loyal and progressive citizen and filled a number of local offices, while at one time he was a candidate for the legislature and also for county superintendent of schools on the democratic ticket. Although his party was largely in the minority, such was his personal popularity that he came within a few votes of being elected. He and his wife were active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and he was a valued member of the Grand Army post here. In Masonry he had also attained high rank, being a member of the Knight Templar commandery and the Mystic Shrine. Unto him and his wife were born eight children: F. S., of this review; J. E., a hardware merchant of Centerville; Lillie R., the wife of J. W. Yates, of Thomasville, Georgia; Annie, the wife of William Spencer, of Albia, Thomas P., of Thomasville, Georgia; Luella, the wife of T. E. Robinson, of Elkhead, Missouri; John G., living in Tampa, Florida; and Alberta, the wife of W. H. Blake, of Tampa.
F. S. Sharp, whose name introduced this review, has always resided upon the old homestead, devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits. He acquired a public-school education and when his text-books were put aside he concentrated his energies upon farm work and ultimately became the owner of the farm which had long been the property of his father, comprising two hundred and ninety acres of rich and productive land on section 15, Taylor township. Upon this place his father had put many improvements and Mr. Sharp keeps it in excellent condition, devoting his attention to the cultivation of grain and the raising of stock. He has also been a director of the Moravia State Savings Bank since its organization.
On the 21st of July, 1895, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Hilton, who was born in Monroe county, Iowa, near the Hilton Post office, which was named in honor of her father, Judge James Hilton, who came to this part of the state in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have two children, Mary and James Hilton. Mr. Sharp votes with the democratic party but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He is, however, an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree and has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. A lifelong resident of Taylor township, he is, indeed, widely known and his many admirable characteristics have gained for him the warm regard of those with whom he is associated.
ANDREW J. SHOULTZ, is one of the prosperous farmers and progressive business men of Franklin township, where he owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres. The larger portion of this property has been in possession of members of the Shoultz family for many years and is known throughout Appanoose county as the Washington Shoultz homestead. He was born in Franklin township, November 1, 1865, and is a son of Marion Shoultz, a native of Indiana, who came to Iowa with his father in 1850. The grandfather of our subject acquired soldiers' warrants for four hundred and twenty acres of land in Franklin township and broke the soil and developed a profitable and productive farm, upon which Marion Shoultz grew to manhood. He became one of the substantial men of the locality and was greatly respected by all who knew him. In 1864 he married Miss Margaret Peaster, a native of Germany, and to them were born four children: Andrew J.; Jackson A., who died in infancy; Jacob; and Mary.
Andrew J. Shoultz was reared in the home of his uncle and aunt, in Franklin township, and acquired his education in the district schools. His uncle died in 1881 and he continued to live with his aunt until the latter also passed away. His advantages along educational lines were very limited and although he is today a well-informed man, most of his culture has come by wide reading and close observation. When not engaged with his books he aided in the operation of his aunt's farm and after her death inherited the one hundred acres upon which he lives. He also fell heir to a forty-acre tract given him by his uncle and later he bought out his sister's and brother's share of his father's farm and has now combined the holdings into one tract of two hundred and twenty-five acres. The buildings already upon the property he repaired and remodeled, erected new ones, built a modern home and a fine stable and in many other ways made substantial improvements. He has a number of acres planted in orchard and is in addition extensively interested in stock breeding, keeping fine thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, good horses and hogs. His farm is neat and attractive in appearance and in all of its details evidences the thorough care and supervision which Mr. Shoultz has bestowed upon it for many years. Of late years he has rented out a large portion of his farm and employs the leisure time thus obtained in looking after the repairs and improvements.
Mr. Shoultz is a stanch democrat on all national issues but casts an independent ballot on local questions. He is a member of Seymour Lodge, No. 352, I. O. O. F., and has served in all the chairs of that organization, being a past grand. He is recognized throughout Appanoose county AS one of its representative agriculturists and progressive citizens, whose labors have proven beneficial and effective in the upbuilding and development of this section of the state.
BURTON W. SHUTTS, was well known to the patrons of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad on the Centerville division, for through a long period he served as railroad conductor and was known as a courteous, obliging official, ever ready and willing to look after the interests of the corporation which he represented. These qualities won him high regard and gained for him many friends in this part of the state. His birth occurred in Milford, Oswego county, New York, January 14, i860, his parents being Nelson and Sarah (Wells) Shutts, who were also natives of the Empire state. The father was a lumber dealer and in early life removed to Pennsylvania where he conducted a lumber business, operating extensive sawmills. He built up a business on large and gratifying proportions and gained therefrom a most satisfactory income. In 1897 he retired from business and now makes his home at Starrucca, Pennsylvania, his former interest and activity in manufacturing circles providing him with a handsome competence that enables him to enjoy all comforts of life. His patriotic spirit was manifest at the time of the Civil war, for he enlisted as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-first New York Volunteer Infantry with which he served throughout the period of hostilities, participating in a number of hotly contested battles. Both he and his wife are living and both have reached the age of seventy-five years.
Burton W. Shutts spent his youthful days in Pennsylvania and its public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He worked for his father until he had attained maturity and was then married and started out in life on his own account. This was in 1879. In 1886 he and his wife removed to Frankford, Missouri, where he took up railroading as an employee of the Hannibal & St. Louis Railroad Company, acting in the capacity of brakeman for six months. He was then promoted to the position of conductor and remained with that road for six years, after which he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road Company as a brakeman. Two years passed and he was then promoted to the position of conductor, after which he removed to Burlington, where he resided for a year. He was next transferred to Moulton, Appanoose county, where he remained for ten years, when Centerville was made the division point of the road and in consequence Mr. Shutts removed to this city, where he remained until his death, which resulted from an accident that he sustained while getting on his train on the 12th of January, 1909. He had made an excellent record in railway service and enjoyed the full confidence and trust of the corporations which he represented.
On Christmas Day of 1879 Mr. Shutts was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Eleanora Driggs, a daughter of Sherman and Rowena (Meyers) Driggs, the former a native of Nicholson, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Providence, that state. In early life the father learned the trades of shoe making and carpentering and devoted his life to industrial pursuits. Going to Green Bay, Wisconsin, he built a large dock there and was assisted in the same by Mr. Shutts. In 1884 Mr. Driggs removed to Frankford, Missouri, and accepted the responsible position of road master of the Hannibal & St. Louis Railroad. Finally, however, he ceased to engage in railroading and opened a shoe store at Frankford, where he continued successfully until 1891, when he retired, making his home, however, in Frankford up to the time of his death. He was born December 2, 1831, and was therefore almost seventy-two years of age when he passed away in August, 1903. His wife died January 16, 1902. Mr. Driggs was connected with the construction corps all through the Civil war and remained throughout his life a loyal and progressive citizen, actively interested in the welfare of his country.
Mr. and Mrs. Shutts became the parents of three children: George, a musician residing at Muscatine, Iowa; William, who is manager of the Brick Material Company of Centerville; and Edward, who is now assistant cashier of the First National Bank. The mother has every reason to be proud of her three sons. Mrs. Shutts was born at Nicholson, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1858, and acquired her education in the schools there. Her two eldest children were also born in that place. She now resides at No. 605 North Ninth street where she has erected a fine modern brick bungalow. Mr. Shutts held membership with the Masonic lodge and his wife belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. He belonged also to the Order of Railway Conductors and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church, to which his widow and children belong. In all his actions he followed the Golden Rule, and the companies which he represented found him trustworthy and capable. His associates knew him to be a faithful friend and his family found him a most devoted husband and father. His life was well spent and his untimely taking off was deeply regretted by all who knew him.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SILKNITTER, has made a creditable record as an official and business man. He is now engaged in handling live stock and is the owner of valuable farming property near Centerville. At different times he has put aside business cares to perform the duties of office and in other connections has proved faithful and loyal to the trust reposed in him. He was born in Indiana, March 15, 1845, and is a son of Solomon and Catherine (Carter) Silknitter, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. In the year 1850 Solomon Silknitter came to Appanoose county which was still a frontier district in which the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun. Much of the land was still in possession of the government and he entered one hundred and sixty acres to which he afterward added from time to time until his holdings embraced six hundred acres. After obtaining his original claim he at once began to clear and cultivate it and devoted his remaining days to his agricultural pursuits. He died in March, 1865, while his wife passed away in 1897.
Benjamin Franklin Silknitter was a lad of but five years when brought by his parents to Iowa, and was reared upon the home farm in Appanoose county, while the public schools afforded him his educational opportunities. After his text-books were put aside he devoted his entire time to the farm until elected to the office of sheriff in 1876. He filled that position for three terms, his reelection being incontrovertible proof of the confidence reposed in his ability and faithfulness. On his retirement from office he turned his attention to the coal trade and operated a mine at Brazil and another at Mystic for a number of years, or until 1894, when he was again elected sheriff, serving for one term. He has since been engaged in the live-stock business, handling a large number of cattle each year. His property holdings embrace a farm of four hundred and ten acres west of the town on which his son resides, while Mr. Silknitter makes his home in the city where he also owns considerable property. Whatever he has undertaken he has carried forward to successful completion, for his energy and industry enable him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and gradually advance him to the goal of prosperity.
In September, 1877, Mr. Silknitter was married to Miss Sallie Bell, a daughter of David and Nancy Bell. Her father was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit in Centerville for many years, and later retired, continuing, however, to make his home in this city to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Silknitter became the parents of five children: Jennie, the wife of H. S. Phillips, of Texas; George F., who is employed by the Union Meat Company at Portland, Oregon; Robert M., employed by Crane & Company, also of Portland, Oregon; Roscoe C. residing on his father's farm; and Richard, also making his home in Port- land, Oregon. The wife and mother passed away in February, 1909, after a short illness, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends who entertained for her warm regard.
In the life record of Mr. Silknitter is a creditable military chapter. On the 5th of May, 1864, when he was but nineteen years of age, he offered his services to the country for one hundred days, enlisting as a member of Company B, Forty-seventh Iowa Infantry. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he has ever been loyal to his professions. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and in addition to serving as sheriff he has been chief of police of Centerville and a member of the town council. The Masonic fraternity finds in him an exemplary member and a well-spent life has gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he has been associated. For more than six decades he has lived in this county and has been an interested witness of its growth and development. He has cooperated in many movements relating to the general welfare and his influence has ever been on the side of right, justice and progress.
GEORGE A. SINGLEY, cashier of the Moulton State Savings Bank and vice president of the Exline Savings Bank, is a native of Appanoose county, his birth having occurred on his father's farm in Washington township, on the 1st of January, 1860.
The family is of German extraction, the paternal great-grandfather having been born and reared in the old country, whence he emigrated to America in colonial days. He located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and there passed the remainder of his life. He was a strong advocate of the rights of the colonists and valiantly served in the ranks during the Revolution. His son, George, was born March 28, 1772, in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1829, when he removed to Johnstown, in the same state, at which place he owned and operated a canal boat until 1840, when he removed to Nauvoo, Illinois. He came to Appanoose county in 1854 and took up a tract of government land in Washington township, where he engaged in farming and also followed the trade of a gunsmith until age compelled his retirement. He died at the age of one hundred and nine while his father lived to the advanced age of one hundred and ten and his mother was one hundred and five years of age at the time of her death.
His son, George W. Singley, whose natal year was in 1818, was the father of our subject. He was born and reared in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he learned the machinist's trade and was for some years employed in the Baldwin Locomotive Works of that city. In 1858 he came to Iowa and, purchasing a tract of government land in Washington township, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In connection with farming he worked at the machinist's and gunsmith's trades and installed engines. He was married September, 1843, at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary A. Treftz, whose natal day was the 8th of March, 1824. She is also of German extraction, her father, Adam Treftz having been born and reared in the old country where he served as a member of the king's body guard.
To Mr. and Mrs. Singley were born nine children, our subject being the sixth in order of birth, the first, Sophia, having died at the age of two years. The other members of the family are as follows: William H., who resides in Bloomdale, Ohio; Lowman and Jennie, who are deceased; Alice, who married Robert R. Wilson and now resides at Moulton; Ella, the wife of W. C. Kapp of Warrensburg, Missouri; Mary F., who is at home with the mother; and Matilda, the wife of A. H. Corey, of Des Moines. The father passed away in September, 1892, but the mother is still living and will celebrate the eighty-ninth anniversary of her birth, March 8, 1913.
George A. Singley was reared at home and at the usual age began his education in the public schools. He subsequently attended the Leander Clark College at Toledo, Iowa, then known as Western College, at which institution he completed a four-year course. During his student days he became quite well known in college circles by reason of holding the office of president of the Iowa State Oratorical Association. Upon completing his education he returned to Moulton and for twenty-three years thereafter was in the employ of R. B. Carson. He established the reputation of being a trustworthy and reliable man of business and in 1908 was called to the position of cashier of the Moulton State Savings Bank, of which he is one of the directors. He is likewise a stockholder and vice president of the Exline Savings Bank.
On the 30th of January, 1898, Mr. Singley was married to Miss Eva Barnes, a daughter of J. T. and Cynthia (Wood) Barnes, who resided in Parke county, Indiana, at the time of her birth, November 15, 1869, and later removed to Appanoose county. The father and mother are now living in Moulton.
To Mr. and Mrs. Singley have been born seven children, as follows: George C, Thomas E. who died in infancy; William Clifford; Albert H.; Helen Roberta; and Maude Etta and Mary Eva, who are twins.
The family attend the Presbyterian church and fraternally Mr. Singley is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Iowa Bankers Association, through the medium of which he keeps in touch with those who are actively connected with the banking interests of the state. Mr. Singley has for twenty-eight years been secretary of the school board of Washington township. He has never sought public honors or political preferment. He is a man of good principles, commendable business methods and high standards of citizenship, all of which have united in winning him the respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen, many of whom were friends and comrades of his boyhood. He now resides on the old homestead north of Moulton, where he was born.
GEORGE M. SMITH, has been a resident of Pleasant township since 1893 and was for a number of years closely associated with business interests in Cincinnati. Of late, however, he has turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and as the owner of a well improved farm of two hundred acres holds a high place in farming circles. He was born in Bevier, Macon county, Missouri, on the 29th of December, 1872, and is a son of Charles E. Smith, a native of Indiana, who came west to Iowa with his parents when he was still a boy and from there moved to Missouri, where he grew to maturity. In Macon county he married and afterward obtained work in the mines, rising to the position of foreman. His wife passed away in 1894 and he now makes his home with his son, the subject of this review.
George M. Smith was reared upon his father's farm in Macon county and remained at home until after he had reached manhood, acquiring his education in the public schools. When he began his active career he came to Appanoose county and formed a partnership with Charles Clawson, with whom he engaged in the butcher business in Cincinnati for over sixteen years. The partners also engaged extensively in dealing in real estate and in handling stock. After a time Mr. Smith purchased his partner's interest in both enterprises and continued to operate them until 1911, although he had moved on to his farm one mile south of the city some years before. Since disposing of his business interests he has directed his attention almost entirely to the development of his land, the results of his care and supervision being apparent in the excellent condition of the farm. Mr. Smith has erected a fine house upon his property, has fenced his fields and made other substantial improvements and is ranked today among the most active and progressive farmers of this part of the state. He gives special attention to raising and feeding stock and his success in this branch of his work is the result of long experience and thorough knowledge. His business methods will bear the closest scrutiny and his integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career.
Mr. Smith married, in Cincinnati, November 5, 1907, Miss Luella James, a native of Ohio, who came to Iowa with her parents and later moved to Nebraska. Afterward, however, the family returned to this state and located in Appanoose county. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Samuel James, now a resident of Cincinnati. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children, Georgia, Mary and Doris.
In his political views Mr. Smith is a loyal democrat and has been affiliated with the party since casting his first vote. While a resident of Cincinnati he was elected to the town board and served with ability and conscientiousness for two or three terms. He is well known in the affairs of the Knights of Pythias and has served through all the chairs, being now past grand chancellor. He has also represented his Lodge in the grand lodge of the state at different times. He stands high in both business and social relations and deserves special mention as one of the representative agriculturists of Appanoose county.
JACOB B. SMITH, the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 4, Udell township, has for the past six years served as a mail carrier on R. F. D. Route No. 2 out of Unionville. His birth occurred on Soap creek, Davis county, Iowa, on the 6th of June, 1864, his parents being Paris S. and Nancy Jane (Jones) Smith, who are natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. The paternal grandfather of our subject was of Dutch descent and a native of Philadelphia. Coming to Iowa, Paris S. Smith took up his abode near Bloomfield, Davis county, where he purchased land and carried on general agricultural pursuits until the time of his retirement in 1902, when he removed to Blakesburg. He has now attained the venerable age of eighty-four years, while his wife is eighty years of age. On the 1st of April, 1911, at Blakesburg, they celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary.
Jacob B. Smith obtained his early education in the district schools of his native county, later attended the high school at Bloomfield and subsequently pursued a course of study in the normal school at that place. He then followed the profession of teaching for two years and on the expiration of that period took up a homestead in Rawlins county, Kansas, where he resided for one year. Returning to this state, he was here married and then took his bride to Kansas, where he remained for five years and proved up his claim. After again returning to Iowa he settled in Appanoose county and for twelve years devoted his attention to the operation of rented farms west of Unionville. In 1906 he sold his Kansas claim and purchased and located on his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres which lies just south of Unionville. He leaves the active management of the property to his sons, his time having been largely occupied during the past six years by his duties as a mail carrier on R. F. D. Route No. 2 out of Unionville. Mr. Smith and his son Dwight carry on general farming and breed registered Hereford cattle from the Peer- less herd of Herefords raised and bred in this county for years by his father-in-law, George W. Dean.
On the 7th of January, 1885, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ella Dean, her father being George W. Dean, a farmer and stockman of Udell township, who is deceased and a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children, Alta L., Dean and Dwight L.
Politically Mr. Smith is a republican. He is widely recognized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America at Unionville, while he and his wife and daughter are all members of the Order of the Eastern Star at that place. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their children belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Unionville, Mrs. Smith and her daughter Alta forming the younger half of the four generations that are active workers in that church. The life of Mr. Smith has been one of continuous activity, characterized by close application, untiring perseverance and well directed effort, and success has come to him in substantial measure.
ROLL W. SMITH, admitted to the bar in 1900, has since 1906 engaged in the practice of law and from 1908 filled the office of county attorney, his term expiring on the 1st of January, 1913. He was born in Wayne county, Iowa, in April, 1874, a son of Thomas M. and Amanda M. (Joiner) Smith, who were natives of Illinois and Indiana, respectively. The father became a resident of Wayne county, Iowa, at an early period in its development and engaged in farming, purchasing and improving a tract of land which he cultivated for many years, bringing the fields to a high state of development. He finally left the farm, however, and took up his abode in Centerville, where he engaged in the lumber business and, extending his efforts, he conducted a yard not only in Centerville but also in Mystic. His activities in this direction reached large proportions and he continued in the business until his death, which occurred September 4, 1901. His wife, surviving him for about eight years, died November 1, 1909.
Roll W. Smith was reared and educated in Centerville and after completing his preliminary education in the public schools, accepted a position as court reporter. He followed that pursuit for twelve years and while thus engaged his interest was awakened in the practice of law and he began studying with the purpose of one day following the profession. His reading was pursued under the direction of Judge Fee and he was admitted to the bar in 1900. In 1906 he entered actively upon the practice of law in Centerville and the experience which he had already had in the work of the courts enabled him to so conduct the litigated interests entrusted to his care that he was not long in building up a good practice. In 1908 he was elected county attorney for a four years' term and in the office has made an excellent record, carefully safeguarding the legal interests of this county. In 1906 he formed a partnership with J. M. Wilson, who has recently been elected state senator, and the law firm of Wilson & Smith has since occupied a prominent place in the legal circles of Appanoose county.
In September, 1895, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Nellie Bryan, a daughter of D. W. and Elizabeth (Hammock) Bryan. The father was a farmer by occupation and on coming to Appanoose county at an early day secured a tract of land which he carefully cultivated and improved for many years. At one time he filled the office of county recorder. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two children, Dorothy and Marjory, who are fifteen and twelve years of age, respectively. The parents are members of the Methodist church and Mr. Smith belongs to the Masonic lodge and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he has ever been a republican but the only offices he has held have been in the line of his profession. In his chosen calling his progress has been continuous and enviable and it is well known to the public and his colleagues that he prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care, so that his presentation in the court is clear and forcible. Court and jury listen to him with attention and he seldom fails to win the verdict desired.
DEXTER A. SPOONER - Among the men who were active in the business development of Appanoose county was Dexter A. Spooner, who for over half a century was prominently identified with the transfer business in Centerville. His death, therefore, removed from the city one whom it could ill afford to lose, a man of signal sincerity and integrity of purpose, whose individual work was an important factor in general development. Mr. Spooner was born in Indiana in August, 1832, and was a son of Benjamin and Martha (Ware) Spooner, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Kentucky. The father worked at the saddler's trade in that state for a number of years but came to Centerville in the early '40s and established himself in the grocery business. Prior to that time, however, he had been prominent in agricultural circles of Appanoose county. After moving into the town, however, he never resumed his agricultural pursuits and spent the remainder of his life engaged in the grocery business. He passed away in 1872 and was survived by his wife until 1884.
Dexter A. Spooner was still a child when his parents moved to Appanoose county and therefore his education was acquired in the public schools of this part of the state. After he laid aside his books he worked on his father's farm until he had attained his majority and then moved into Centerville and established himself in the transfer business. As time passed his enterprise grew and finally assumed large proportions, owing to his untiring and well directed efforts during half a century. He was a man of sound judgment and excellent business ability and in the conduct of his affairs met with well deserved success, indirectly assisting in a material way in the upbuilding of the community. He died November 4, 1907.
In May, 1871, Mr. Spooner married Miss Claudine B. Stratton, a daughter of J. F. and Laura W. (Foster) Stratton, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Massachusetts. The father was a civil engineer and his business took him to Michigan at a time when that state was still a territory. He worked at his profession there for a number of years but finally came to Centerville, Iowa, and served for many years as county surveyor of Appanoose county. Later he was elected county clerk and held this office for some time, showing in all the relations of his public life the same energy, ability and keen discrimination which marked his professional career. He died in 1884 and was survived by his wife until 1888. Mrs. Spooner, the widow of the subject of this review, has extensive property holdings in Centerville, owning an attractive home at No. 303 East Washington street and a controlling interest in the Spooner Transfer Company. She makes her home in the house which her father built in 1858, and intends to spend the remainder of her life in this house which is endeared to her through long association. Her father was one of the earliest settlers in Centerville and helped to lay out the town, as he did also the city of Arm Arbor, Michigan.
Mr. Spooner was well known in the Masonic order and for many years was active in the affairs of that organization. He gave his allegiance to the republican party and was a member of the Methodist church, molding his life in accordance with its doctrines. The years of his active career had been spent in honorable and worthy work in Centerville and his death brought to a close a life of genuine and unostentatious usefulness.