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.
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ALVA STALEY - Among those whom Appanoose county once numbered among her citizens but who have now passed to the Home Beyond was Alva Staley, who through much of his life engaged in carpentering here. He also made a creditable record as a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting in the army as a musician. Ohio claimed him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Perry county, on the 4th of June, 1831. His parents were Joel and Matilda Staley, also natives of the Buckeye state, where the father followed the occupation of farming until he came to Appanoose county at a very early day. He then bought land, which he improved and cultivated throughout the remainder of his life with the exception of a short period in which he engaged in the manufacture of flour.
With the removal of the family to Iowa, Alva Staley became one of the pioneers of Appanoose county, arriving here, however, in his childhood days. He acquired his education in the public schools and after he had put aside his text-books began learning the carpenter's trade, which he thereafter followed in order to provide for his own support and that of his family. He was an industrious and energetic workman and gained for himself a creditable place in industrial circles. Mr. Staley possessed much natural musical talent and following the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted as a musician with the Third Iowa Cavalry.
It was on the 13th of January, 1856, that Mr. Staley was united in marriage to Miss Mary Smith, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Smith) Smith, who were natives of Ireland. The father was a farmer by occupation and operated a tract of land on the Emerald isle throughout his active life. Following his death his wife and children came to the new world, settling first in Canada, where Mrs. Smith spent her remaining days. Mrs. Staley is the only one of the family now living. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children but two of the number died in infancy. The others are: Mary, residing with her mother; Minnie C, the wife of L. M. Campbell, a farmer of this county; Bingham S., a contractor of Centerville; Owen W., who follows farming in this county; and Rollin M., who resides in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mrs. Staley owns a pleasant home at No. 520 North Ninth street, but at the time of her husband's death they were living on a farm of one hundred and one and a half acres which he had purchased and was cultivating. Since his demise, however, Mrs. Staley has sold that property and resides in the city, where she also owns a good dwelling just north of her home. She is a consistent and faithful member of the Baptist church, as was Mr. Staley, and he was also a worthy member of the Odd Fellows society. His political support was given to the republican party and he kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day but did not seek nor desire office. He passed away April 1, 1892, after a residence of about fifty years in Appanoose county, during which period he had witnessed its development as wild lands were converted into productive farms and as towns and villages sprang up. He had always been deeply interested in the changes which occurred and he bore his share in the work of general progress and improvement.
BINGHAM S. STALEY, architect and builder, whose prominence in the field of his chosen calling is indicated by the importance of the contracts awarded him, is one of the native sons of Appanoose county, his birth having occurred on the 15th of November, 1871, a son of Alva and Mary (Smith) Staley. The father was born in Perry county, Ohio, June 4, 1831, and for a long period was identified with building operations in Centerville, but is now deceased. Extended mention of him is made on another page of this work.
In the district school Bingham S. Staley pursued his education, and when seventeen years of age started out in life on his own account. From that time forward he has depended upon his labors and resources and whatever success he has enjoyed has arisen therefrom. He learned the carpenter's trade and for some time worked for wages in the employ of others, after which he began contracting and building on, his own account. He has since continued in this business and ranks with the most prominent in his line in Centerville, having erected a large number of the different homes of the city, also the present post office, a new courthouse and a number of business blocks. At the present time he is engaged on the erection of the big plant for the Hercules Manufacturing Company. The character and importance as well as the volume of his work indicates his high standing and his success in his chosen field. When he started out he was determined to thoroughly master the work at hand and to perform every duty faithfully, and the same spirit has ever characterized him in the exercise of his contracts, winning for him, therefore, a prominent position in the business circles of the city.
Mr. Staley was married to Miss Mary B. Smith, a daughter of Thomas M. and Amanda (Joiner) Smith, who are mentioned at length in connection with the sketch of R. N. Smith, on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Staley have become the parents of six children: Frederick Paul, who is a graduate of the Centerville high school of the class of 1912 and is now working with his father; Robert A., who was born October 16, 1895, and is attending high school; Howard R., who was born December 16, 1900, and is also a high-school student; Mary L., born December 25, 1902; Thomas D., born February 9, 1904; and Donald Kieth, born August 7, 1908. The wife and mother, who was a native of Fairfield, Iowa, passed away in Centerville on the 8th of September, 1908, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends who recognized her sterling traits of character and many good qualities of heart and mind.
Mr. Staley holds membership with the Elks and Masonic lodge of Centerville. He has never had any political ambition but has always voted with the republican party and is unfaltering in his loyalty thereto. He is a member of the Christian church and it is well known that his influence has always been on the side of right, progress, justice, truth, and improvement.
CHARLES A. STANLEY, is capably filling the position of postmaster at Unionville and is a well known and highly respected citizen of this community, who as a public officer and in private life has made a creditable record. He was born in this county, March 30, 1874, his parents being William and Ruth (Buckmaster) Stanley. He represents one of the old pioneer families of this part of the state, his father having been a farmer of Udell township and at one time also postmaster of Unionville.
Charles A. Stanley completed his education in the Unionville high school when sixteen years of age. He afterward remained upon the home farm for a time, assisting his father in the work of the fields until he attained his majority. He did not wish to make agricultural pursuits his life work, however, and when he reached manhood came to Unionville, where he worked in a livery stable for one year. In 1903 he was appointed rural mail carrier and was on his route for two years. He then determined to resume farm work and rented a tract of land, which he continued to cultivate and improve until the fall of 1912. On the 1st of October he was appointed postmaster and assumed the duties of the office, which he is now filling in a manner that reflects credit upon himself and is entirely satisfactory to his constituents.
In 1900 Mr. Stanley was married to Miss Grace Vaught, a daughter of Andrew J. and Mary (Ogle) Vaught, the former a farmer of Douglas township. Her father was born in Appanoose county, October 8, 1856, and is, therefore, a representative of one of the old pioneer families here. He was of Dutch descent and was married in this county in 1875 to Mary Ogle, who was born just across the boundary line in Missouri, December 27, 1860. Following his marriage he purchased a large farm in Appanoose county and carefully and successfully cultivated it until 1897, when he sold the place and purchased a flourmill at Blakesburg, Iowa. He operated the mill until 1900, when it was burned to the ground and he lost practically everything he had. He then returned to Douglas township, Appanoose county, where he rented land, on which he now carries on general farming. His daughter Mrs. Stanley was born in Douglas township, August 4, 1880, and by her marriage became the mother of four children: Clarence, who was born May 29, 1901; Fred, March 14, 1903; Mildred, June 23, 1905; and Robert, February 19, 1911. The three eldest are in school.
Mr. Stanley is a stalwart republican, giving unfaltering support to the party and doing everything in his power to secure the adoption of its principles. He has served as township trustee for four years and as assessor of Udell township for a similar period, and he is now a member of the school board of Unionville, in addition to which he is proving an efficient officer in the position of postmaster. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge at Unionville and with the Modern Woodmen camp. His wife is connected with the Rebekahs and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr. Stanley also attends. They are both native residents of Appanoose county and are held in high esteem here by an extensive circle of friends.
WILLIAM B. STICKLER - In a history of the agricultural development of Appanoose county it is imperative to mention William B. Stickler, who owns a fine farm of nearly four hundred acres in Pleasant township and has been well known for many years as a progressive agriculturist and a successful live-stock dealer. He is numbered among the old settlers in Iowa, having lived in Appanoose county since 1856, but his birth occurred in Miami county, Ohio, on the 4th of October, 1839. He is a son of John Stickler, who was born, reared and educated in Ohio and who there married Miss Nancy Wralson, who passed away when the subject of this review was only one year old. The father of our subject was a carpenter by trade and followed this line of work and also engaged in farming during his entire active life. He moved to Iowa in 1856 and located in Appanoose county.
William B. Stickler acquired his education in the public schools of Appanoose county, but his advantages along this line were limited, as he had no chances to attend school beyond the primary grades. However, he has made up for all deficiencies in his early education by study and observation during his later years and is today a well-informed man. He remained at home and worked at various occupations until he was twenty- three years of age, in which year his marriage occurred. He then purchased forty acres in Franklin township and operated and improved that property for three or four years, selling it in order to move to Pleasant township, where he purchased sixty-seven acres of slightly improved land, upon which were no buildings. He concentrated his energies upon the development of this property, adding to it from time to time, until he now owns three hundred and eighty-seven acres, highly improved. Since locating here he has erected an excellent residence, a barn and the necessary outbuildings, all of which are in good repair, and he has in addition planted a large orchard. Besides general farming Mr. Stickler is extensively engaged in feeding and shipping stock and is one of the best known men in that business in this section of the state. His affairs are conducted along modern lines and in accordance with the highest standards of commercial integrity, and the success which has been the result places him among the substantial and representative men of this community.
Mr. Stickler has been twice married. In 1862 he wedded Miss Caroline Beer, who was born in Ohio but was reared in Iowa. She passed away in 1890 and is buried in North cemetery in Cincinnati. To this union were born eight children: William M., who is farming in Pleasant township and who holds the position of township trustee; George L., a farmer in Oklahoma; C. A., who owns and operates a valuable property in Pleasant township; J. C, who is married and who engages in farming upon the homestead; Daisy, the wife of W. H. Streepy, a farmer in Pleasant township; Harriet S., who married Samuel Stollebarger, who passed away leaving one daughter; Josephine, who became the wife of Moses Adson and who upon her death left one son and one daughter; and one, who died in infancy. In 1896 Mr. Stickler was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Parks, who passed away on the 7th of September, 1910. She had four daughters and one son by a former marriage.
Mr. Stickler gives his allegiance to the democratic party and served as township trustee for six consecutive years, having held the same office from time to time ever since. He has served as delegate to numerous county conventions and is active and progressive in all matters of citizenship. He is seventy-three years of age, but is still an important factor and active in agricultural circles, a man whose life has always been in keeping with high standards and influenced by worthy aims and ambitions.
EDWIN L. STICKNEY, who for eight years has been cashier of the First National Bank of Moulton, is a native of Aplington, Butler county, Iowa, his birth having occurred on the 22d of August, 1871. In the parental line he is descended from an old New England colonial family, and is a son of William C. Stickney, who was born in Prince Edward county, Ontario, June 8, 1842. The American branch of the Stickney family is descended from one William Stickney, who was born in England in 1592. He emigrated to America during the early colonial days and located in Massachusetts, where he passed away in 1665. He was the father of Samuel Stickney, who was born in 1633, and who in 1663 became the father of another Samuel Stickney. The next in line of descent was Richard Stickney, who was born in 1709, and in 1844 became the father of John Stickney. The last named was a veteran of the Revolutionary war, having enlisted on the 15th of January, 1777, in Captain Moses Greenleaf's Company of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, in which he served until discharged on January 15, 1780. His son, John Stickney, Jr., who was born in 1772, in his early manhood removed to the province of Ontario, Canada, and there was born, in 1805, Walter H. Stickney, our subject's grandfather. He married Phoebe Christy and they became the parents of William C. Stickney, who was born on the old family homestead in Ontario, in the same house where his father's birth and death occurred. The family were Quakers in religious belief and largely followed agricultural pursuits. William C. Stickney was reared in his native province and educated in the public schools. When he was twenty-four years of age he crossed the border into the state of New York, where he resided for about a year. About 1867 he removed to Illinois, settling in Nora, Jo Daviess county, where he remained until he came to Iowa in 1870. He first settled at Aplington, Butler county, where he bought some land, but the following year he disposed of his interests at that point and returned to Canada. He remained in his native country five years and then came back to Iowa, locating in Hempton, Franklin county, where he engaged in the implement business. In 1885, he removed to Sheffield, Iowa, and identified himself with the banking business. Two years later he came to Moulton and established the Moulton Bank, which he conducted for three years. In 1891 he sold this enterprise to William Bradley and it was known as Bradley's Bank until it was incorporated as the First National Bank of Moulton. Mr. Stickney went to Denver, Colorado, in 1904, and engaged in the box manufacturing business, but he later removed to Spokane, Washington, where he is now living retired. On the 13th of October, 1870, he was married to Miss Nancy E. Coble, who was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, on the 15th of January, 1845, and is a daughter of William Coble. The family removed from Wisconsin to Iowa in 1869, settling in Butler county, where the father engaged in farming until his retirement. To Mr. and Mrs. Stickney there were born four children, as follows: Edwin L., our subject; Arthur R., who is engaged in the oil business at Fullerton, California; Walter C, a graduate of the University of Colorado, now engaged in the practice of law in Spokane and residing with his parents, and Edna L., the wife of Edwin R. Post, of Spokane, Washington.
Edwin L. Stickney was reared at home and educated in the public schools of Moulton and the Swarthmore College, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his business career in the Moulton Bank, where he was employed from the time he left school until January, 1897, when he went to East St. Louis, Illinois, where he engaged in the live-stock commission business for a time. In 1900, he returned to Moulton, and upon the organization of the First National Bank was made assistant cashier. He retained this position until 1904, when he was made cashier, in which capacity he has ever since served, and he is also a member of the board of directors.
On the 4th of June, 1895, Mr. Stickney was married to Miss Katharine Guinn, who was born on the 20th of March, 1874, and is a daughter of James T. and Nancy C. (Dameron) Guinn. The father's family came from Kentucky to Iowa in the early pioneer days and were among the first settlers in Appanoose county. To Mr. and Mrs. Guinn were born two children, the elder of whom is a son, George, who is a resident of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Stickney have two sons, H. Guinn, who is attending the Interlaken School near La Porte, Indiana; and Alan C., who is at home.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church of which the parents are members, and fraternally Mr. Stickney is affiliated with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Iowa Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association. He takes an active interest in local politics and served for six years as treasurer of Moulton. Mr. Stickney is a man of many commendable qualities and in his business transactions has manifested those principles which well entitle him to the confidence of the people with whom he is associated. In matters of citizenship he is progressive and public-spirited, extending his support to every worthy enterprise and indorsing such movements as he considers designed to promote the welfare of the community and the interests of the people at large.
BURT STONE, closely connected with business interests of Plano as a successful general merchant, is a native son of Appanoose county, born in Johns township, on the 15th of February, 1877, his parents being J. J. and Sarah E. (Cole) Stone. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana, and they came to Appanoose county separately in 1855. The father established himself in 1859 in the general merchandise business in Plano and also engaged in farming. He operated his store successfully until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in a Kansas regiment and served for four years. Afterward he resumed his former occupation and engaged in it until 1892, when he moved his establishment to Mystic and after a short time retired. He has now reached the age of seventy years, while his wife is sixty-nine.
Burt Stone was educated in the public schools of Plano and after completing the usual course worked in his father's store until 1896. In that year he accepted the position as superintendent of the Juckett Coal Company's mine in Mystic and was later an independent general merchant in Diamond. He conducted this enterprise from 1899 to 1901 but in the latter year sold his interests and established a restaurant in Mystic, which he operated until 1903, when he and his brother formed a partnership and purchased the Evansville mine, which they developed for some time. In 1905 Mr. Stone purchased the Mystic Letter and made this an excellent weekly journal, both the news and the business departments being in a flourishing condition under his able management. In the fire which destroyed most of the business section of Plano the plant was consumed and Mr. Stone turned his attention to other pursuits. In March, 1911, he came to Plano and here established a general store, which he has since conducted. In business affairs he has met with excellent success and has steadily prospered, being regarded as one of the most progressive and reliable business men in the community.
Mr. Stone married, on the 15th of July, 1896, Miss M. Frogle, a daughter of Peter and Matilda (Long) Frogle, natives of Missouri, where the father followed mining until his retirement. He is now living in Keokuk, Iowa. Mr. Stone gives his allegiance to the democratic party and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist church. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of high integrity and commercial honor, who enjoys in highest measure the respect of all who know him. That many of his firmest friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood to the present time is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright life and one well worthy of the highest esteem.
B. FRANK STURDIVANT, M. D. - College training well qualified Dr. B. Frank Sturdivant for the onerous and responsible duties connected with the practice of medicine, to which he gives his attention in Centerville, his native city. He was born June 30, 1883, his parents being Dr. John M. and Elizabeth (Wood) Sturdivant, who were natives of Iowa and Ohio respectively. In 1861 the father removed to Cincinnati, this county, and there entered upon the practice of medicine and surgery, in which he continued until 1882, when he opened an office in Centerville, here practicing for eight years or until his death in 1890. His widow survives and is now seventy-two years of age. Dr. Sturdivant was reared and educated in Centerville, completing the high-school course by graduation with the class of 1903. Desirous of enjoying further educational opportunities, he then matriculated in Drake University at Des Moines, which he attended for a year. He next entered the Northwestern Medical College at Chicago and, completing his course in that institution, was graduated in June, 1908. Immediately afterward he returned to Centerville and became associated with Dr. J. L. Sawyer, with whom he practiced for two years or until the 15th of February, 1911, when he opened an independent office and has since been alone. In the interval he has secured a liberal practice which is indicative of the confidence and trust reposed in his professional skill. He keeps in touch with the advanced work that is being done by the profession through his membership in the Appanoose and Iowa State Medical Societies.
Dr. Sturdivant was married on the 24th of May, 1910, to Miss Cecil Blackburn, a daughter of Noel C. and Mary (Houston) Blackburn, who are natives of Ohio and Iowa respectively. The father came to this state with his parents when about three years of age. He was the son of a Baptist minister and when old enough he turned his attention to farming and also worked to some extent at the carpenter's trade. At different times school teaching constituted a source of income to him and he also delivered on a rural mail route here for eight years. Both he and his wife are now living in Centerville.
Dr. and Mrs. Sturdivant occupy a nice home at No. 408 South Main street. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and his political faith is indicated by the support which he gives to the democratic party. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and both are highly esteemed here, where they have many friends not only among the younger but also among the older citizens of Centerville.
JOHN B. TAYLOR, was born in Washington township, Appanoose county, Iowa, and moved with his parents to Centerville, Iowa, November 19, 1879, where he has since resided. He is a son of Senator Lewis L. Taylor and Mrs. Miriam Taylor, the latter a daughter of Benjamin H. and Jane Siler.
John B. Taylor attended the public schools of Centerville, after which he took a thorough course in the College of Pharmacy, in the Northwestern University of Chicago, Illinois. Since that time he has been engaged in the drug business until the year 1910, when he was elected to the office of county auditor of Appanoose county. He was reelected to the office at the general election, November 5, 1912.
On the 9th of January, 1907, John B. Taylor was married to Miss Katharine Eby, who was born in Moulton, this county, and is a daughter of S. J. C. and Grace Eby, whose maiden name was Grace Price. Mr. and Mrs. John B. Taylor and her parents are members of the Christian church.
JOHN J. TAYLOR, a prominent and influential resident of Udell, is engaged in business as a banker and farmer, owning five hundred and forty acres of well improved and valuable land. His birth occurred in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 3rd of June, 1861, his parents being King P. and Asenath (Cox) Taylor, who were of English and German descent respectively. The father was born in the northern part of North Carolina in 1815, while the mother's birth occurred in Guernsey county, Ohio. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was a native of England and a Quaker. James Taylor, the grandfather, served in the Revolutionary war and was wounded in the battle of Brandywine, dying a few years later as a result of his injuries. King P. Taylor, the father of John J. Taylor, removed to Ohio with his widowed mother when a youth of eighteen, having lost his father in North Carolina when he was but eighteen months old. He was married in the Buckeye state and in 1865 removed to McDonough county, Illinois, where he purchased land. In 1874 he took up his abode in Clarke county, Iowa, and purchased a farm of three hundred and sixty acres, continuing its operation until called to his final rest in 1891. The demise of his wife occurred in 1889. Both were devoted and consistent members of the Baptist church of Science Hill, in Clarke county, Iowa.
John J. Taylor obtained his education in the district schools and when a youth of sixteen began teaching, acting as a public school instructor for two years and spending the summer seasons in the normal schools at Aurora, Illinois, and Valparaiso, Indiana. In 1880 he was elected principal of the high school at Murray, Clarke county, serving in that capacity for five years, at the end of which time he was chosen county superintendent of schools. In 1886 he resigned that position and removed to Broken Bow, Custer county, Nebraska, where he took charge of the public schools. In the fall of 1888 he went upon the road as traveling salesman for Harper Brothers, publishers of New York city, remaining in the service of that concern for one year. In 1889, because of the failing health of his parents, he returned home and took charge of the farm, continuing its operation until after the death of both his father and mother. In 1900 the home place was sold and Mr. Taylor came to Udell, buying one hundred acres on section 17 and engaging in the real-estate business. In 1903 he purchased his present bank of R. P. Jordan and has since conducted the institution in a manner that has insured its continued growth and success. He has augmented his landed holdings by additional purchase and now owns five hundred and forty acres that yield him a gratifying annual income. Enterprising, alert and energetic, his undertakings both as a banker and agriculturist have been attended with prosperity and have won him a place among the leading and substantial citizens of the community.
In 1890 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Chastina Elliott, who was born in Illinois on the 25th of April, 1864, her parents being William and Sarah (Andrews) Elliott, natives of Ohio. William Elliott lost his father when a small boy. His mother was a school teacher. Removing to Oswego, Iowa, William Elliott purchased two hundred and forty acres of land and through its cultivation made sufficient money to educate his brothers and sisters. Sarah Andrews removed to Illinois about the same time and in that state gave her hand in marriage to William Elliott, and they resided on the same farm for fifty years. Prior to her marriage she had followed the profession of teaching. She passed away in Illinois, in 1907, but Mr. Elliott survives and makes his home with our subject.
Mrs. Taylor was graduated from Jennings Seminary at Aurora, Illinois, in 1884, and prepared for the profession of teaching in Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana, acting as a teacher for three years altogether. In 1885 she went to Murray, Iowa, as principal of the high school at that place and the two following years served as school superintendent. She likewise taught in a summer school in Custer county, Nebraska, and was very successful as an educator, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that she had acquired. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have four children. Isabella Asenath, who was born on the 31st of October, 1891, completed the high-school course at Des Moines in 1909, assisted her father in the bank for three years and is now editor of the Udell American. William King, whose birth occurred on the 6th of March, 1893, is a senior in the Centerville high school. Mary Ida, whose natal day was March 28, 1895, is a senior in the Des Moines high school. John Judson was born on the 6th of March, 1909.
Mr. Taylor has given his political allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge at Unionville, Appanoose county, and the commandery at Osceola, Clarke county. He is also a member of Lodge No. 713 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Udell, while his wife belongs to the Rebekah Lodge at that place. His religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the Brethren church at Udell, to which his wife and children likewise belong. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his and the directing of his efforts along lines where mature judgment is leading the way.
 Hon. L.L. Taylor |
HON. L. L. TAYLOR, has ably represented the third Iowa district in the state senate since first elected to that body in 1903. He has been a resident of Appanoose county for more than six decades, and has made his home in Centerville for a third of a century. His birth occurred near Munfordville, Hart county, Kentucky, his parents being John M. and Nancy A. (Wilson) Taylor, who were natives of South Carolina and Virginia, respectively. His paternal grandparents were John and Susan (Moberly) Taylor, the former born in Maryland on the 1st of May, 1772, and the latter a native of South Carolina. John Taylor was a gentleman of Scotch descent. His first wife passed away in Hart county, Kentucky, in 1808, and eight years later he wedded Miss Susan Trotter, whose demise occurred in Davis county, Iowa. He was called to his final rest on the 7th of June, 1857, in Appanoose county, at the age of eighty-five years, one month and six days. His first wife bore him eight children who lived to maturity, and by his second marriage there were nine, who lived to maturity. William and Nancy Ann (Parks) Wilson, the maternal grandparents of our subject, were natives of Virginia, and became early settlers of Hart county, Kentucky, where both passed away. William Wilson reached the ripe old age of eighty-five years. He and his wife reared a family of five children. |
John M. Taylor, the father of the Hon. L. L. Taylor, was a farmer by occupation, and also followed carpentering and contracting. When two years of age he was taken by his parents to Hart county, Kentucky, and was there reared. In 1849 he came to Appanoose county, Iowa, locating in Washington township, where he entered land from the government, developed and improved a farm and reared his family. Disposing of that property, he purchased another farm a mile and a half west, and thereon spent the remainder of his life. His demise occurred on the 14th of April, 1889, but fourteen days before his eighty-fifth birthday. His wife, who survived him for a number of years, passed away on the 2nd of September, 1896, when more than eighty-five years old. Both were Baptists in religious faith. John M. Taylor held various township offices and was widely recognized as a representative and esteemed citizen of this county, within the borders of which he resided for four decades. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, seven sons and two daughters, seven of whom grew to adult age, as follows: William J., who passed away on March 28, 1910; Holland P., whose demise occurred on the 16th of July, i860; Lewis L., of this review; Isaac W., who resides near Blythedale, Harrison county, Missouri; James N., deceased; Mary Jane, who is the wife of William S. Beggs, and lives near Moulton, Iowa; and Nancy Alice, the deceased wife of Frank Hughes.
Lewis L. Taylor, whose name introduces this review, was brought to Appanoose county when a small boy, and has resided within its borders since 1849. He was reared on his father's farm, and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. He began teaching when twenty years of age, and taught thirty terms of school, altogether, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In 1879 he was elected clerk of the district and circuit courts, and held that office for four terms, or eight years. He took up his abode at Centerville in November, 1879, and has lived in the town continuously since. At the end of four terms' service as clerk of the courts he entered the First National Bank of Centerville as bookkeeper and teller, acting in the dual capacity for several years. In 1903 he was elected state senator of the third district, comprising Appanoose and Davis counties, and by reelection has been continued in that office to the present time, his record fully justifying the confidence of his constituents and winning general approval. He held various minor offices in former years, and has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the leading and valued citizens of the community. In Washington township, this county, he owns a well improved farm of one hundred and eighty acres.
On the 26th of May, 1864, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Miriam Siler, a native of Shelby county, Illinois, and a daughter of Benjamin H. and Jane (Fleming) Siler, who passed away in Davis county, Iowa, where they had established their home, in 1847. Mrs. Taylor was one of a family of six daughters and two sons, who reached mature years, the others being as follows: Lucy A., William Henry, Levi, Amanda, Joanna, Mary E. and Ellen. Unto our subject and his wife were born two children, namely: Henrietta, who was active in Sunday school and Endeavor work, and passed away at the age of thirty-four years; and John B., who wedded Miss Katharyne Eby, January 9, 1907, and is now serving his second term as county auditor. Mr. Miriam Taylor was called to her final rest on the 30th of March, 1906, at the age of sixty- two years, one month and two days. She had long been a member of the Christian church, and her life had been in consistent harmony with its teachings. Her surviving husband has been an elder in the Central Church of Christ of Centerville for many years.
GEORGE W. THOMPSON, was a well known and highly respected resident of Centerville and also had a wide acquaintance in other parts of the county. He was in the seventy-fourth year of his age when called to his final rest on the 20th of March, 1910, his birth having occurred in Dearborn county, Indiana, September 7, 1836. His parents were George and Alice A. (Murray) Thompson, the former a native of Yorkshire, England, while the latter was born in Zanesville, Ohio. George Thompson was a farmer by occupation and when eighteen years of age came to the United States with his father, settling first in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until the time of his marriage, when he removed to Guilford, Indiana. There he purchased a farm which he at once began to develop and improve, living upon that place throughout his remaining days and converting it from a wild tract into one of rich fertility. He died there in 1876, at the age of seventy- two years, while his widow survived until September, 1888.
George W. Thompson, who was born at Guilford, spent his youthful days in his native state, acquiring his education in the district schools and when not busy with his text-books working in the fields. After he left school his entire attention was given to farm work on the old homestead until the opening year of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government and joined the boys in blue of Company K, Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry. He served for three years and three months and was often in the thickest of the fight, his regiment doing active duty at various points in the south. When the war was over and the country no longer needed his military assistance he returned home and began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed in connection with farming, which he carried on on the old homestead in partnership with his brother until 1867. In that year George W. Thompson was married and removed to Missouri, where he engaged in carpentering until 1876. He then entered the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company as foreman of a bridge gang and came to Centerville in 1876, living here for three years. He was then transferred to Cameron, Missouri, and continued in that capacity until 1897, when he left the railroad company and again came to Centerville, where he did carpenter work for the Centerville Block Coal Company, with which he continued until 1907. He then retired and built two houses in Centerville, so that his widow now owns two attractive residence properties here, occupying the one at No. 406 East State street and renting the one next door at No. 402 State street.
It was on the 1st of January, 1867, that Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Catherine C. Lockridge, a daughter of Steward and Hannah (Perrine) Lockridge, natives of Kentucky and New York respectively. The father was left an orphan at an early age and removed from his native state to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. He entered business life as a traveling salesman and was thus employed for many years. In fact he was but twenty-one years of age when he went upon the road and devoted his remaining days to that vocation. He died in June, 1865, and was long survived by his widow, whose death occurred on the 24th of October, 1900. Their daughter, Mrs. Thompson, was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, October 18, 1847, and by her marriage she became the mother of five children but four have passed away, the living son being Ralph B., a window decorator at Denison, Iowa. The others were: Truman, who died in 1875; Jennie, in 1889; Freddie, in 1890; and Murray, in 1895. The death of the husband and father occurred March 20, 1910, after an illness lasting but a single day. The news of his demise came as a great shock to the community and brought a sense of sincere regret to all, for he was highly esteemed as a man of sterling worth. He held to the high principles inculcated by the different lodges to which he belonged. He was a member of the Grand Army post, of the Masonic fraternity, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Degree of Honor and the local carpenters' union. His widow became a member of the Rebekah lodge, the women's auxiliary of Odd Fellowship, and also of the Degree of Honor, serving as financier of the last named for ten years. Mr. Thompson gave his political allegiance to the republican party and kept thoroughly informed on the questions and issues of the day but did not seek nor desire office. His religious belief was that of the Methodist church and his was an upright, honorable life, worthy the friendship, confidence and good-will always extended him.
 Dr. Charles P. Tillmont |
DR. CHARLES P. TILLMONT, who has been a successful medical practitioner and surgeon for the past twelve years in Centerville, is prominent in both professional and social circles of the community and is now serving a second term as county coroner and is president of the Appanoose County Medical Society. His birth occurred in New Bremin, Lewis county. New York, on the 13th of February, 1871, his parents being Stephen and Elizabeth (Bach) Tillmont, both natives of France, and whose ancestors were of French nobility, meeting disaster in the French revolution. The parents and grandparents emigrated to the United States in 1842, locating in northern New York, in which state they subsequently resided, the father's death occurring in 1906 and the mother's in 1904. |
Charles P. Tillmont obtained his early education in the public schools of his native town and subsequently attended the Lowville Academy at Lowville, New York, and later the Dixon Business University at Dixon, Illinois. From there he made his way to Detroit, Michigan, where he entered the employ of H. S. Robinson & Company as a traveling salesman, covering the states of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. In 1897, having determined upon the practice of medicine, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the University of Illinois and graduated from that institution in June, 1901, with the degree of M. D. During his college years he had service at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; at Cook County Infirmary, Dunning, Illinois; and at Oakwood Sanitarium, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, under Dr. Oscar A. King at that time superintendent. In September, 1901, he opened an office in Centerville, Iowa, which has remained the scene of his professional labors to the present time, his practice steadily growing as he has demonstrated his skill in coping with the intricate problems which continuously confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. Through his membership in the Appanoose County Medical Society, of which he is now president, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, he keeps in close touch with the progress of his profession.
In 1900 Dr. Tillmont was united in marriage to Miss Katheryn Conners, of Dixon, Illinois, her parents being John and Martha (Davlin) Conners, who come of Irish and Dutch descent and are still residents of Dixon. The father, John Conners, was born in New York city, October 10, 1848. He left there when seventeen years of age and went alone to Dixon, Illinois. Soon afterward he enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry and at the close of the war was mustered out at Chattanooga, having in the meantime participated in many battles. Following his return to Dixon he married Martha Davlin, a daughter of James and Catherine Elizabeth (Holister) Davlin, of Dixon, whose ancestry can be traced back to a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The Davlin family was established in Pennsylvania in colonial days. Mr. Conners is still living in Dixon, where he is well known as a contractor. In 1911 he came to Centerville and built a beautiful home for his daughter, Mrs. Tillmont, at 119 South street. This is one of the fine homes of the city. He and his wife occupy their own home in Dixon. In religious faith they are Catholics and in politics he is a democrat. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the last named is a charter member. His daughter, Mrs. Tillmont, is eligible to membership with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Unto Dr. Tillmont and his wife have been born four children : Martha Elizabeth, whose birth occurred January 10, 1902, and who is a student in the Centerville public schools; John, born January 15, 1904; Mary Josephine, born November 2, 1905, who is likewise a student in the public schools; and Elizabeth Ann, whose natal day is December 17, 1909. The second child died in infancy.
In politics Dr. Tillmont is a republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. He acted as city physician for four years and is now serving the second term as coroner of Appanoose county. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 741. He is likewise a member of the Country Club. The Doctor and his wife are devoted members of the Catholic church and the families on both the paternal and maternal side, as far back as they have been traced, have been devoted adherents to the Catholic faith. Dr. Tillmont maintains the strictest conformity to the highest professional ethics and enjoys in full measure the confidence and respect of his professional brethren, as well as the general public.
JOHN TILLMONT, engaged in general farming on section. 6, Taylor township, is the owner of three hundred and fourteen acres of rich and productive land, upon which he has made many improvements so that the farm is one of the attractive properties in his part of the county. A native of New York, he was born in New Bremen, Lewis county, October 10, 1864, his parents being Stephen and Elizabeth (Bach) Tillmont, who were natives of Alsace-Lorraine, but were reared and married in Lewis county, New York. The father came to the United States when fourteen years of age and the mother was but a little girl at the time of her arrival in the new world. They remained in the Empire state until their son, John, was three years of age, when they removed westward to Michigan. After a year and a half, however, they returned to New Bremen, where their remaining days were spent. The father followed farming throughout his entire life and at different times he also held some local offices, including that of highway commissioner, overseer of the poor and inspector of elections. In politics he was ever a stanch democrat. Unto him and his wife were born eight children: Kate, who died in Centerville, Iowa, in 1911; John; Mary, the wife of John C. Bardo, of New Bremen, New York; P. J., who died in Iowa in 1910; Emma, living in Centerville; J. B., who died in Oregon in 1909; Jennie, the wife of Charles Walter, of New Bremen, New York; and Dr. C. P. Tillmont, of Centerville.
John Tillmont remained under the parental roof to the time of his marriage and the experiences of farm life in the Empire state were his. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the public schools and he learned lessons of industry, economy and enterprise upon the old homestead. On the 4th of March, 1886, he married Miss Sarah Mills, who was born in New Bremen, New York, April 14, 1861, a daughter of David and Magdalene (Lodenberg) Mills, the former a native of Germany and the latter of France. They were married, however, in New York, where the father followed shoe making and where both he and his wife died. Mr. and Mrs. Tillmont became parents of five children, Nina, Fred, Celia, David and Magdalene.
It was in the year 1899 that Mr. Tillmont came with his family to Iowa, settling in Taylor township, Appanoose county, where he has since carried on general agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of three hundred and fourteen acres of rich and fertile land and the place is well improved with substantial buildings and all modern equipments, including the machinery necessary to facilitate and promote the work of the fields. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and is very successful in his undertakings. His political support is given to the democratic party and while living in New York he filled a number of township offices, but since coming to the west has concentrated his energies upon his farm work with the result that he is meeting with substantial success in his undertakings and is accounted one of the leading and representative agriculturists of Taylor township.
ALFRED G. TREMBLY - Among the enterprising and highly successful young business men of Centerville must be mentioned Alfred G. Trembly, senior partner of the Trembly-Huston Electric Company. He was born in Freeport, Illinois, on the 5th of March, 1891, and is a son of Sylvester M. and Lucy E. (Briggs) Trembly. The father was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred near the Pennsylvania border in 1854, but he was of New England extraction. He came to Iowa in early childhood and his boyhood and youth were passed in Des Moines. In 1888, he went to Grinnell, Iowa, as local representative for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, remaining there for three years. At the expiration of that period he was transferred to Centerville, but he later withdrew from the service of the Singer company and engaged in the grocery business with John Zook. He continued to be identified with local commercial circles until his death, which occurred on the 5th of January, 1898. At Freeport, Illinois, in 1889, Mr. Trembly was married to Miss Briggs, who was born at Olmstead, in the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late John and Hester Briggs. The father was born in the state of New York, while the mother is a native of Ohio, but both were of New England extraction. John Briggs passed the greater part of his life in the railway service. In his early manhood he was employed on the first railroad constructed across the Isthmus of Panama, and at the time of his death he was foreman of the round house at Freeport. He passed away in May, 1895, and is buried at Freeport, where his widow still resides. Mrs. Trembly makes her home at No. 531 North Ninth street, Centerville, with her son.
Alfred G. Trembly, who is an only child, was less than a year old when his parents removed to Centerville, and here he has ever since made his home. He was reared in the parental household and acquired his education in the public schools, terminating his student days when graduated from the high school in 1909. He early manifested unusual mechanical skill and was deeply interested in electricity, in which business he resolved to engage before leaving school. For two years, thereafter, he engaged in the mail-order business in electrical appliances, in which he met with a fair measure of success. He next established the Trembly Electric Company, which he conducted until October, 1912, when he went into partnership with George M. Huston, under the firm name of the Trembly-Huston Electric Company. Mr. Huston, who is a son of William P. Huston, and a young man of twenty-nine years, takes able charge of the mechanical end of the business, being well fitted therefore by the experience which he gained during the ten years he was connected with the Centerville Electric Light & Power Company. He is popular and well known in Appanoose county, where he has many friends who esteem him for his high qualities of mind and character. Their establishment is located on the north side of the square, where they carry a carefully selected stock of electrical supplies and they also take contracts for wiring and the installing of all kinds of electrical apparatus.
Although he is not yet twenty-two years of age, Mr. Trembly has won a name and position for himself in local business circles, where all who know him prophesy for him a promising future in his chosen field of activity. He is a young man of marked foresight and sagacity in matters of business, thoroughly honorable and reliable in his transactions and applies himself to his work with the unremitting diligence which invariably wins success in any undertaking. Mr. Trembly is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Yeomen, while he accords his political support to the democratic party. He is well known in this vicinity where he has many stanch friends, the majority of whom have known him since boyhood and have watched with interest the development of his career.
BARRACK E. TURNER, owns one of the finest farms in Taylor township, a well-improved property of three hundred and seventy-five acres, upon which he has resided since 1892. Appanoose county numbers him among her native sons and here he has spent his entire life, becoming in the course of years, by reason of steady work and well-directed ambition, a successful and influential man, a force in agricultural development and general upbuilding. His birth occurred October 22, 1863, and he is a son of William and Jemima (Parsons) Turner, both natives of North Carolina, where they were reared and married. Two of their children were born in that state, but in 1852 they came west to Iowa, locating on a farm in Taylor township, where the father resided continuously for over forty years. After a long, useful and successful career he retired from active life and moved into Moravia, where his death occurred in the spring of 1905. His widow survives and makes her home in Moravia. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and widely known as a woman of exemplary life.
Barrack E. Turner was reared at home, acquiring his education in the district schools. After his marriage, which occurred in 1886, he began farming for himself and for six years cultivated land which he rented. In 1892, however, he invested his savings in a farm of his own, buying a tract two miles south of Moravia, upon which he has since resided. He owns three hundred and seventy-five acres which is conceded to be one of the best improved farms in Taylor township and in its management has displayed that excellent judgment and resourceful business ability which are the secret of his success.
On the 27th of February, 1886, Mr. Turner married Miss Cora Gordon, a daughter of William and Susan (Bryant) Gordon, natives of Kentucky, who moved from that state to Illinois and thence to Iowa, settling here about the year 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have four children, Fairie, Frank, Flossie and Virgil. All of these children are still with their parents, the two latter being students in the Centerville high school.
Mr. and Mrs. Turner are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Turner is serving as trustee. He is a progressive in his political beliefs and is interested in everything pertaining to the advancement of the section, and movements for the public good never seek his aid in vain. Moreover, in his career he has demonstrated the value and worth of un- flagging perseverance, determination and unsullied business integrity and he enjoys in full measure the respect and confidence of all with whom he has had business or social relations.
JOSEPH TURNER - Industrial activity in Appanoose county finds a prominent and worthy representative in Joseph Turner, proprietor of the Centerville Granite & Marble Works. Moreover, his life record is proof of the opportunities that America offers to ambitious young men, enabling them through industry and determination to work their way upward. Mr. Turner was born in Staffordshire, England, November 12, 1845, a son of Joseph and Honour (Turner) Turner, who were also natives of that country. The father was throughout his life a mine superintendent and in 1898 he passed away at the venerable age of eighty-six years. His wife survived him until 1909, dying at the ripe old age of ninety years.
Joseph Turner was reared and educated in England and when a young man went to work in the coal mines, being thus employed until May, 1869. Thinking to find better and broader business opportunities in the new world he then crossed the Atlantic and again sought employment in mines, working in Pennsylvania until 1875. That year witnessed his arrival in Centerville, where he was a mine worker until 1876, after which he was similarly employed in Missouri until October, 1882. Then returning to Appanoose county, in partnership with two others he purchased forty acres of coal land at Brazil, while later additional purchases were made. The business was at length reorganized under the name of the Phoenix Coal Company, with Messrs. Turner and Freese as proprietors. They continued together for fourteen years, on the expiration of which period Mr. Freese sold out to Mr. Campbell, who remained a partner of Mr. Turner in the coal mine business for thirteen years, when they sold out and established a granite and marble business. A few months later, how- ever, Mr. Turner bought his partner's interests and since has remained alone, being sole owner of the Centerville Granite & Marble Works. He has a large plant and enjoys an extensive business which is represented on the road by a traveling salesman. Energy and determination are salient features in the success which has attended his labors. He came to the new world practically empty-handed but he possessed courage and willingness to work and those qualities often conquer when others fail. Year by year he has slowly but steadily advanced and is now at the head of a large, growing and well managed business which is bringing to him a substantial financial return. He is likewise a stockholder in the Centerville & Mystic Interurban line and is owner of a nice residence property at No. 410 West State street.
On the 19th of November, 1870, Mr. Turner was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Martin, a daughter of John A. Martin, a native of England, who became a coal miner in Pennsylvania and always resided there until his death in 1880. His wife passed away when her daughter Ruth was but four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Turner became the parents of two children, of whom John A., born in October, 1871, died in 1877. The daughter, Lottie, born in August, 1875, is the wife of Arthur Draper, who is agent for the Burlington Railroad Company at Stanford, Nebraska. Mrs. Turner passed away in March, 1877, after a two weeks' illness. In July, 1879, Mr. Turner married Rosa L. (Root) Moore, a daughter of Levi and Mary (Stewart) Root, who were natives of Athens county, Ohio. Her father was a farmer and for a number of years owned and cultivated a tract of land in Ohio. In 1872 he removed to Missouri where he again engaged in general farming. He has now passed away but his wife resides in Gait, Missouri. To the second marriage of Mr. Turner were born four children: Joseph L., a traveling salesman residing in Centerville; Frank E., a miner; Robert L., who is employed in a grocery store in Brazil; and Pearl, who died in July, 1881, and was a twin sister of Frank. By her former marriage Mrs. Turner had two children, Minnie Mae and James H. Moore, the latter a traveling salesman.
Mr. Turner votes with the republican party and is a stanch advocate of its principles but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has made a signal success. He is loyal to the teachings and tenets of the Masonic fraternity with which he affiliates and he is also a consistent member of the Methodist church. There have been no spectacular phases in his life record but his history is one which may well inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when energy and ambition lead the way. Moreover, his record proves that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.