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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JOSIAH SAMUEL WAILES, M. D. , actively engaged in the practice of medicine in Mystic, the foundation for his success being laid in a thorough course of study in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, is a native of Wellsboro, Indiana, born June 21, 1848. His parents, John Perry and Sarah (Wilson) Wailes, were both natives of Prince George county, Maryland, but were married in Kentucky, where they remained until 1830, when they removed to Indiana, living there for twenty years. The father entered a tract of eighty acres of wild land and developed a farm on which he eventually platted the town of Wellsboro, which bears his name although a different spelling is followed. His wife was a granddaughter of James Wilson, one of the signers of the declaration of independence. The year 1853 witnessed the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Wailes in Appanoose county, at which time they took up their abode in Chariton township, where they remained for an extended period. About three months before his death, however, John P. Wailes removed to Marion county, Kansas, where he passed away October 11, 1882, at the age of eighty-seven years. The mother died on the old homestead farm in Chariton township in August, 1861, when forty-one years of age. Mr. Wailes had always followed farming, thus providing for the support of his family, numbering a wife and nine children, namely: James W., deceased; George W., a Civil war veteran who is now living retired in Mystic; Mary Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen years; Margaret Ann, who is the widow of Tilghman Davidson, and resides in Walnut township; Josiah S.; Lavinia, the wife of C. H. Hanson, of Florence, Kansas; Susan, the wife of A. L. Whitlock, also of Florence; John P., living in Plano, Appanoose county; and Sarah, who died at the age of four years.
Dr. Wailes was a lad of five summers when he came with his parents to Iowa. He resided in Appanoose county until 1874 and in that period acquired a good public-school education. He was reared to farm life and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He was twenty-six years of age when he left Iowa for Marion county, Kansas, where he remained for a number of years, when he returned to Appanoose county. In the meantime he had practiced medicine for fifteen years in Kansas, receiving a state certificate which permitted his following the profession. Wishing, however, the benefits of further college training he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk and was graduated therefrom in 1889. It was at that time that he returned to Appanoose county where he has since practiced with good success. He is a member of the Appanoose and Wayne Counties Medical Societies and at all times he keeps in close touch with the advancement that is being made by the profession as scientific investigation adds to the knowledge of its representatives.
In 1871 Dr. Wailes was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Cross, a native of Bartholomew county, Indiana, with whom he traveled life's journey for twenty-eight years, being then separated by the death of the wife in Mystic in 1898 when she was fifty-four years of age. They were the parents of the following children: William M., who is living in Van Wert, Iowa; Ida, the wife of LaFayette Bates, a resident of Mystic; Mabel, who is the widow of James Wakefield and is living in Mystic; Ellen, the wife of R. B. McMahan, of Mystic; Myrtle, who died in Kansas at the age of four years; and Lizzie, the wife of Charles Morman, of Mystic.
Dr. Wailes on attaining his majority gave his political allegiance to the republican party and remained thereafter one of its supporters until about twenty years ago, when he joined the ranks of the democratic party. He has, however, never sought nor desired public office. He holds membership with the Foresters and with the Yeomen and he is interested in all matters of public-spirited citizenship. He holds to high standards in his professional service, gives his patrons the benefit of conscientious and earnest effort and has long been accorded a liberal patronage.
BELFORD ALEXANDER WALKER, is now living retired in Mystic but for many years he was actively associated with agricultural interests in southern Iowa, the energy and industry which he manifested in the conduct of his business affairs bringing to him the substantial measure of success which now enables him to rest from further labor. He was born in Morgan county, Missouri, February 14, 1844, a son of Simon and Margaret (Bryan) Walker. The father was born in Ohio in 1809, and the mother in Pennsylvania in 1818, and they were married in the latter state. After a two-years' residence in Ohio they removed to Morgan county, Missouri, in the fall of 1839 and there resided until 1855, when they came with their family to Walnut township, Appanoose county, where their remaining days were passed. The father secured here a farm, one mile and a half northwest of Walnut City, and converted it into a rich and productive place. He also worked to some extent at the carpenter's trade. His political support was given to the democratic party until Stephen A. Douglas became its presidential candidate, after which he voted with the republican party. He was a loyal member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his life was ever honorable and upright. He died at about the age of ninety-four years and six months and his wife passed away when ninety-four years of age. They were the parents of eleven children of whom one died in infancy, the others being: James N., a general merchant of Walnut City, Iowa; Sarah Ellen, the widow of Nehemiah Swift and a resident of Washington; B. A., of this review; Mary Elizabeth, who is the widow of S. H. Smith, of Walnut City; Marshall, of Nebraska; Simon, whose home is in Coon Rapids, Iowa; R. B., of Walnut township; Harriet C, the wife of Jasper Stoltz, of Mystic; B. F., of Johnson township; and Lucy, the wife of John Bland, of Oklahoma.
Belford A. Walker was a lad of eleven years when in 1855 the family home was established upon a farm in Walnut township. He has since resided in Appanoose county save for a period of three years spent as a soldier in the Civil war. In August, 1862, when a lad of about eighteen years, he enlisted as a member of Company F, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of hostilities, being mustered out at Duval's Bluff, Arkansas, in 1865. He was a brave and patriotic soldier, never faltering in the performance of his duty whether on the lonely picket line or fighting on the firing line. On his return to this county he began farming and was actively connected with agricultural interests until 1911, when he retired and took up his abode in Walnut City. Year after year he carefully, systematically and successfully conducted his farming enterprise and his well managed business interests brought to him the desirable competence which is now his and which enables him to live retired. He is still the owner of two hundred and sixty-three and a half acres of land lying along the Chariton river on section 28, Walnut township, and for thirty years he resided upon that place.
On the 28th of March, 1867, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Lucinda Bartlett, who was born in Walnut township, January 21, 1849, and is a daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Childress) Bartlett, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Kentucky. They were married in Bloomfield, Iowa, the mother having come to this state with her parents when a little maiden of nine summers. Mr. Bartlett died in Keokuk while a member of the army, having enlisted in the same company in which Mr. Walker served. Mrs. Bartlett passed away in Appanoose county, November 14, 1891, at the age of sixty-three years. They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom six are now living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been born five children: Franklin, a resident of South Dakota; Mary, the wife of Arthur Scott, of Chariton township; Olive, the wife of Charles Scott, of Lucerne, Missouri; Simon, who married Jessie Haines and makes his home in Walnut township; and Gertrude, the wife of Harrison McLeod of Walnut township. The parents are members of the Christian church and have a circle of warm friends that is continuously expanding as the circle of their acquaintance widens. Mr. Walker votes with the republican party and he holds membership with the Grand Army of the Republic. He is as true and loyal in all of his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields, proving his fidelity to his country during the darkest hour in her history.
CHARLES WEBER, is a well-known resident of Udell and an enterprising, progressive business man who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He is proprietor of a gristmill in the town and he also deals in farm implements and wind pumps. He was born in Germany, May 12, 1861, and is a son of Phillip and Minnie (Fulton) Weber, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, who was a physician, died in that country in 1861 and the following year the mother with three of her children came to the United States, settling first in New York city, where she went to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Minnie Drummyer, who with two of her brothers had come to America two years before. Later Mrs. Weber removed to Illinois, where she resided until her death in 1894.
Charles Weber was only a year old when brought to this country and when only six years of age began to earn his own living. He herded cattle in Illinois for twenty-five cents per week and that he was faithful, even though so young, is seen in the fact that he remained with the same man for two years. He afterward herded cattle for another man for fifty cents per week and when he was ten years of age he began working as a farm hand and was thus employed for five years. He afterward removed to Washington Heights, Illinois, where he learned the butchering business, and when eighteen years of age he came to Iowa, settling in Poweshiek county, where he entered the employ of Craver, Steele & Austin, manufacturers of grain headers. After seventeen months spent in that employ he went to Des Moines, Iowa, and became a brakeman on the Rock Island Railroad. He next removed to Moulton and afterward to Moberly, Missouri, where he worked on the Wabash Railroad for a few months, and then returned to Moulton, where he engaged in house moving and well drilling. He next turned his attention to farming in Douglas township and for five years remained upon that place. In 1905 he went to Davis county, Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land which he afterward traded for a hardware store at Moulton. He had been engaged in merchandising there for only a brief period, however, when he sold the store and bought one hundred and ten acres of land in Van Buren county, Iowa, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1907. In that year he sold the farm and came to his present home in Udell, purchasing of John McConnell the gristmill which he yet operates, carrying on a successful business. He also deals in farm implements and wind pumps and has a good sale for this product.
On the 20th of December, 1884, Mr. Weber was married to Miss Sarah Morrow, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Miller) Morrow, natives of Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent. The latter accompanied her aunt on her removal to Davis county, Iowa, in the early 40's and John Morrow went with his parents to the same county a few years later. There the young people became acquainted and were married in 1852. Subsequently they removed to Appanoose county and settled upon a farm which continued to be their home until their life's labors were ended in death, both passing away in this county, in 1909 and 1910 respectively. It was in Appanoose county that Mrs. Weber was born, May 2, 1868. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Etha, who died in infancy; Virgil, born April 27, 1887, and lives at home; Carl, who was born August 24, 1889, and is a traveling salesman in the employ of the Haw & Simmons Hardware Company of Ottumwa, Iowa; Owen Orval, born September 26, 1891, teaching in the public schools of this county; and Frank, whose birth occurred on the 12th of November, 1893, and lives at home. He taught school for a time in Monroe county, Iowa. The parents are members of the Christian church, to the support of which they contribute liberally, and take an active part in its work.
In politics Mr. Weber is a progressive and is now serving as marshal of the village of Udell. At one time he was a member of the school board of Douglas township and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He likewise belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge and the Modern Woodmen camp, and in every relation of life he commands the respect, confidence and good-will of his associates. While he has lived in many places the greater part of his life has been passed in this section of Iowa and he has been an interested witness of its growth and improvement and has taken an active and helpful part in advancing its welfare and progress.
MRS. SARAH S. WEBSTER - At different periods Mrs. Sarah S. Webster has been closely associated with the educational progress and intellectual development in Appanoose county where she is now filling the position of superintendent of schools. Her labors have been of far-reaching and beneficial effect and in her work she has held to high standards of practical achievement as a preparation for the responsible duties of life. Iowa may be proud to number one of her force and ability among her native daughters. Mrs. Webster was born in Monroe county, this state, October 26, 1858, her parents being John W. and Nancy J. (Stoops) Clodfelter, who were natives of Putnam county, Indiana. The father came to Iowa during the pioneer period in the development of this state, settling in Monroe county, where his father entered land from the government, securing a wild tract which he converted into rich and productive fields. John W. Clodfelter was reared and educated on the old family homestead, early assisting in the plowing, planting and harvesting when not busy with the duties of the schoolroom. He continued with his parents until after the outbreak of the Civil war when his spirit of patriotism prompted his enlistment and he became a member of Company A, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, with which he served for about two years. He then became ill, his death resulting from exposure. His widow survives and now resides at Moravia, Appanoose county, at the age of seventy-three years.
Mrs. Webster was reared and educated in Monroe county, attending the district schools and afterward entering the Albia high school. She began teaching school when but sixteen years of age and after two years of successful work in the schoolroom was married, in July, 1877, to Alvah Webster, a son of Alvah and Cynthia (Legg) Webster, who were natives of New York. The father was a farmer and became one of the early residents of Illinois, where he secured a tract of wild land, entered as a claim from the government, and began farming, devoting his remaining days to agricultural pursuits near Kankakee, Illinois, in which city he also conducted a general store for a number of years or until his death. His wife has also passed away. Their son, Alvah Webster, Jr., is a cheese maker by trade and followed that business continuously and successfully until January, 1899, when he suffered from a stroke of paralysis which incapacitated him for further business activities. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have one child, Claudia M., the wife of William P. Schrock, engaged in the manufacture of medicinal remedies at Plano, Iowa. They have four children. Hazel, Beatrice, Leonard and Sarah.
Mrs. Webster taught school continuously from 1883 until 1907, when she was elected county superintendent of schools, being the first woman chosen to that position in Appanoose county. She was the candidate on the democratic ticket and was again elected for the office in 1912. Her efforts in behalf of the schools have been resultant of great good. She holds to high standards of instruction and believes in thorough training without the unwise adoption of school fads which often prevent a pupil from becoming thoroughly grounded in the fundamental principles of school work. As far as possible she makes a study of each pupil and labors for individual benefit. Wide reading keeps her in touch with advanced methods employed by educators throughout the country and her labors have at all times been fruitful of results.
Mrs. Webster is a stockholder in the Centerville Light & Traction Company, owning and operating an interurban line between Centerville and Mystic, a distance of six miles. She is also the owner of a nice residence where she and her husband reside at No. 512 Drake Avenue and a good residence property in Moravia, Iowa. She holds membership in the Women's Relief Corps and her religious faith is that of the Christian church. Her standards of life are high and her influence is ever cast on the side of righteousness, reform, truth and improvement.
ALEXANDER J. WELLER, partner in the Red Cross Drug Company, is one of the many business men of modern times who base their success upon long familiarity with one line of work and special efficiency in its details. A spirit of energy and determination has characterized his career since entering the business world and has brought him a degree of success which places him among the representative business men of Centerville. He is a native of Iowa, having been born in Sigourney, November 2, 1873, and he is a son of Richard F. and Jennie (Shaffer) Weller, the former a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio. His father was a pioneer in Keokuk county, coming to that section when Iowa was still a territory. In the early '40s he began teaching school, receiving for his services a dollar and fifty cents per month from each pupil. His attention was given to this work for some time, but he later abandoned it and established him- self in the general merchandise business at Richland. In 1870 he settled in Sigourney and opened a general store in that town, which he operated until his death, which occurred in March, 1880. His wife survived him many years, dying in May, 1900.
Alexander J. Weller was reared at home and attended the public schools in Sigourney. Later he took a course in pharmacy at the Northwestern University in Chicago, receiving his degree in 1895. Being thus splendidly equipped for what he had determined to make his life work, he returned to Iowa and conducted a drug store in Sigourney for six years. In 1902 he sold this enterprise and came to Centerville, where he has since resided. He purchased a drug business from Carl Weeks and one year and a half later entered into partnership with H. C. Adams, under the firm name of the Red Cross Drug Company. The store is located at 116 East Jackson street and is one of the most modern pharmacies in the town. The drug and medical department contains everything necessary to fill the most difficult prescriptions, while the more popular lines of goods are kept full and complete. Mr. Weller is a progressive, able and enterprising business man and these qualities in his character have been felt as vital forces in the building up of the extensive patronage which the Red Cross Drug Company enjoys.
On April 21, 1896, Mr. Weller married Miss Stella H. Adams, a daughter of Henry C. and Sophronia (Minteer) Adams, natives of Iowa, the father being the first white child born in Washington county. When he grew to maturity he followed the blacksmith's trade in his native section and from 1878 to 1882 served as sheriff of Keokuk and Washington counties. He enlisted in Company D, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and served for four years, after which he returned to Iowa and resumed his trade. The latter years of his life were spent in the Indian service, to which he was appointed by President Cleveland. For a number of years he had his headquarters at Fort Defiance, Arizona, and later went to Fruitland, New Mexico, where he was accidentally drowned in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Weller have one daughter, Mildred, who was born April 30, 1898. The family residence is at No. 904 West Maple street.
Fraternally, Mr. Weller holds membership in the Masonic order and is past exalted ruler of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He gives his support to the principles of the democratic party and has served ably and conscientiously on the town council, working for the promotion of measures of general benefit. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity have been standards, bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the respect and esteem of his many friends.
EUGENE G. WENTWORTH, owner of coal deposits extending under one hundred and twenty acres in Center township and well known in this part of Appanoose county as an extensive and successful coal operator, was born in Elliott, Maine, on the 13th of February, 1856. He is a son of Cyrus G. and Sarah C. (Bartlett) Wentworth, the former born in Lebanon, Maine, December 18, 1827, and the latter in Elliott, in the same state. Both were of English ancestry, the Wentworth family having been founded in America by William Wentworth, who came from Great Britain early in the seventeenth century and settled in New England. The father of our subject was a brick manufacturer, a contractor and builder and worked at all of these occupations in Maine until 1848, when he went to California and worked in the mines for two years. In 1850 he returned to his native state and was there married, coming in 1857 to Iowa and locating at Centerville. Here he worked at brick manufacturing for a number of years but in 1860 went to Boise City, Idaho, and engaged in freighting, driving oxen from that city to Walla Walla, Washington. In 1863 he returned to Centerville and a few years later, in partnership with Joseph Goss, opened a brickyard here. Their association continued for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Goss sold out his interest to his partner, who conducted the enterprise alone for some time. Later he became engaged in contracting and building and in this relation was identified with the construction of some of the most important business and residence structures in the city and to a great extent built Centerville. He erected the First National Bank and two other buildings for important financial institutions as well as a great many private residences. He continued to engage successfully in this line of work until a few years previous to his death, which occurred September 29, 1906. His wife passed away on the 26th of December, 1907. The father of our subject was a keen and able business man and always quick to recognize true business opportunities. As a result he noted the rising value of Appanoose county lands and invested in them extensively, owning at the time of his death one hundred and twenty acres of valuable coal property in Center township, which he leased to the Rock Valley Coal Company. He was prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the blue lodge of Masons and Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., at Centerville.
Eugene G. Wentworth acquired his education in the public schools of Appanoose county and in the Centerville high school, and he remained with his father until he was twenty years of age. In that year he began his business career and through the successive stages of progress and development, through many changes in location and interests, has advanced step by step until he is now one of the leading business men in this part of the county. At first he entered the drug store belonging to Dr. Stephen Wright in Centerville and there studied pharmacy for three years, becoming skilled and expert in this science. He eventually purchased a half interest in the business and two years later, when Dr. Wright sold his stock to S. S. Cole, conducted the concern with the new partner for one year. At the end of that time, however, he sold his interest to Mr. Cole and went to Essex, Iowa, where he obtained employment in the drug store owned by Mr. Barlow. After eighteen months he returned to Centerville and after working one year for his father removed to Guthrie Center, Iowa, and there clerked in the drug store for A. D. Lemmon, working in his interests for three years. When he again returned to Centerville he secured a position as clerk in J. W. Clark's drug store and made such good use of his opportunities that he was later able to purchase his employer's interest. The store was located near the Burlington station and there Mr. Wentworth continued in business for three years, after which he moved upon the farm in Center township, which belonged to his father. After a short time, however, he abandoned agricultural pursuits and established himself in the grocery business in partnership with Tom Manson, continuing in this connection for one year and a half. In 1911 he recalled the lease on his coal mines from the Rock Valley Coal Company and has since operated the coal mines himself. In this he has met with gratifying success, being regarded as one of the most substantial as well as one of the most progressive and reliable business men of Centerville. In addition to his mining property he owns seventy-nine acres of land in Missouri and twenty-five acres in Center township.
Mr. Wentworth was united in marriage to Miss Arthelia Wertz, a daughter of Isaac and Lavina (Spitler) Wertz, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio, both of German ancestry. They came to Appanoose county in early times with their parents and grew to manhood and womanhood in this section. Mrs. Wentworth's paternal grandfather became one of the extensive landowners in this part of the state, holding title to over eight hundred acres of valuable farming property near Centerville. Mrs. Wentworth's parents married in Appanoose county and settled upon a farm in this section. In 1862 the father offered his services to the government as a volunteer in the Federal army and died in the hospital at Fort Scott, Kansas, in August of the following year. Afterward the mother married again, her second husband being John Banks, the sheriff of Appanoose county at that time. They later moved to Kansas and from there to Golden City, Missouri, where Mr. Banks passed away in 1892. After his death the mother moved to Webb City, Missouri, and there remained until her demise. To her first union were born two children: Perry A., who passed away at the age of eighteen months; and Arthelia, the wife of the subject of this review. By her second husband she had seven children: Charles, who has passed away; Lynn, who resides at Webb City, Missouri; Clem, deceased; Wylie, also of Webb City; Lucy; Ray, who is a minister of the Baptist church and lives in Indiana; and Pearl, who has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth was born one daughter, Leah M., whose birth occurred on the 9th of January, 1887, and who is at home with her parents. They have also a foster son, Gilbert K. Mcintosh, who is a railroad engineer of Centerville.
Mr. Wentworth is connected with Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., and Appanoose Camp, No. 3553, M. W. A. Both he and his wife are members of Anna Rebekah Lodge, No. 95, of the Rebekahs of Centerville and Mrs. Wentworth is a member of the Arthelia District Court of Honor, No. 98, a lodge which was organized under her leadership and named in her honor. The family are devout adherents of the Presbyterian church, holding membership in Centerville. Mr. Wentworth gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a man of high integrity and honor in all the relations of his life, enjoying in great measure the respect of his associates and friends.
JAMES B. WERTZ, is one of the able and progressive men of Numa, where he conducts a general store and is otherwise connected with important enterprises which have been factors in the general development and progress of the town as well as a source of gratifying income to him. He is a native of Appanoose county, born in Bellair township, September 24, 1871, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Sarah (Hubler) Wertz, the former born in Ohio and the latter in Indiana. The father came to Appanoose county in 1854 among the early settlers and purchased land in Bellair township, operating a valuable and profitable farm for many years. In 1902 he went to Oregon and in that state his death occurred in September, 1911. His widow still resides in Oregon.
James B. Wertz was reared upon his father's farm in Bellair township and acquired his education in the district schools. After laying aside his books he obtained a position in a coal mine, working in that capacity until he was twenty-five years of age. At that time he accepted a position as clerk in the general store conducted by J. W. Martin, and when he resigned it went to Kansas, where he worked for two years. Returning to Numa, he entered the employ of J. W. Hubbs, acting as clerk in his general store for two years and a half. In all of his subordinate positions Mr. Wertz worked diligently and intelligently, gaining the broad experience which has proven the foundation for his success as an independent business man. In 1909 he established himself in the general merchandise business and has conducted his enterprise since that time. He carries a complete line of stock and enjoys a large patronage as a result of his upright and honorable methods of dealing and his high standards of business integrity. He has displayed sound judgment in all that he has undertaken and his energy has been one of the powerful features in his progress. He is also a stockholder in the Numa State Savings Bank and has valuable property interests in the town, displaying in all business matters keen insight and good judgment.
In April, 1907, Mr. Wertz was united in marriage to Miss Maude Kewley, a daughter of Thomas P. and Hanna F. (Allen) Kewley. The father was a farmer and stock-raiser and followed both occupations in Appanoose county, to which he had come in early days. However, he afterward abandoned agricultural pursuits and moved into Numa, where he engaged in the mercantile business until his death, which occurred in 1895. His wife still makes her home in this community.
Mr. Wertz gives his allegiance to the republican party and takes an active interest in the growth and welfare of the community. He served for a number of years as treasurer of the town of Numa, displaying in his official work the same energy, enterprise and integrity which influenced and hastened his business success. He has important fraternal affiliations, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Foresters of America. He is one of the prominent business men of Numa, interested in the growth and development of this community and identified with it and is well known throughout his native county as one of its public-spirited and progressive citizens.
LEWIS WEST, whose family are now residing in Appanoose county, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, December 10, 1829, his parents being Harmon and Lucinda West. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, never left his native state but after his death his widow came to Iowa and for a time made her home with her son Lewis. Later, however, she returned to Ohio and her last days were spent in Clinton county.
The educational opportunities enjoyed by Lewis West were those afforded by the public schools of his native state and after he had put aside his text-books he learned the carpenter's trade and subsequently took up building and contracting. Removing westward, he settled first at Galesburg, Illinois, where for several years he engaged in carpentering, and then came to Iowa, establishing his home in Mahaska county, where he became acquainted with and married Miss Sarah Ann Gray, the wedding being celebrated on the 18th of September, 1856. Mrs. West is of Scotch descent. Her grandfather, William Gray, came from Scotland to the new world and settled in Tennessee. He was a saddler by trade and long followed that pursuit. He lived to the remarkable old age of one hundred years, while his wife, Mrs. Ann Gray, reached the advanced age of ninety- five years. Their son Taswell Gray was born in Tennessee and learned the tanner's trade but became a minister of the German Baptist or Dunkard church. He afterward not only worked at his trade but engaged in preaching the gospel, and his influence was a potent force for good in many communities in which he lived. He was born October 26, 1811, and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Priscilla Dillman, who was born in Virginia, November 14, 1808, and was descended from New England and Irish ancestry. They were married in Ohio and in 1855 came to Iowa, settling upon a farm in Mahaska county, which Mr. Gray purchased. He carefully and systematically tilled his fields and also continued his church work, establishing a number of Dunkard churches in different parts of the state. At length, because of his wife's failing health, he sold the farm and removed to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he purchased other land. When the Civil war was at its height, however, rendering existence in that district perilous, they left the border state of Missouri and took up their abode in Udell township, Appanoose county, where Mr. Gray invested in eighty acres of land, which he cultivated for a time but afterward removed to Unionville, where both he and his wife passed away, the latter dying September 2, 1883. Their children were eight in number but only three are now living: Mrs. Lewis West; Mrs. Hannah West, of Lancaster, Missouri; and Albert Gray, a resident farmer of Udell township.
It was subsequent to his marriage that Lewis West removed to Missouri, where he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he came to Appanoose county and settled on a farm south of Unionville. He rented land there for seven years, after which he went to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he invested in one hundred and sixty acres, on which he lived until his death January 27, 1882. At the time of his demise he was preparing to return to Appanoose county, expecting to make his home in Udell township. He had sold his Missouri farm, had packed his goods and was ready to come to Iowa when he was taken ill and passed away. His widow carried out their plans, removing to Appanoose county and taking charge of the farm which her husband had purchased in Udell township. After a year, however, she rented the land and came to Unionville, where she purchased a lot and built a new home, which she now occupies. She still owns the farm of one hundred and twenty acres, from which she derives a good rental.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. West were born two children. Alfred H., whose birth occurred in Mahaska county, August 11, 1857, is now living at Las Vegas, New Mexico, and for twenty-five years has been a railroad conductor. He married Miss Nettie Ely, and they have two children, Everett and Nellie. Albert, a twin brother of Alfred, is an invalid in the State Hospital at Mount Pleasant. Mrs. West adopted a daughter, Clara, the daughter of William West, her husband's brother, the mother having died when the child was only eight days old. Clara West grew to young womanhood knowing Mrs. Lewis West as a mother and is as dear to her as an own child could be. She became the wife of Frank Crow, of Ottumwa, Iowa, and they have five children, Bertha, Alfred, Mary, Jessie and Dorothy.
Lewis West is remembered by many of the older settlers of Appanoose county. He was one of the pioneer residents of the state and took active and helpful part in its early development, sharing in the hardships and privations of pioneer life and doing all in his power to promote the improvement and upbuilding of the district in which he lived. For a year after his marriage he and his wife were living north of Oskaloosa, at which time the Indians were numerous but were always friendly. They often brought prairie chickens to Mrs. West. While residing in that locality Mr. West was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Oskaloosa. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and at one time he was a member of the Dunkard church of Udell township, with which his widow is still connected. He lived an upright, honorable life and left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
AARON S. WHISTLER, a successful agriculturist and representative citizen of Appanoose county, owns and operates a well improved farm of three hundred acres on section 18, Udell township. He is a native son of this county, his birth having occurred on a farm two and a half miles east of Udell, in Udell township, on the 31st of December, 1860. His parents, Henry and Margaret (Clemens) Whistler, were both of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. The father, who was born near Rockbridge, Virginia, on the 28th of September, 1824, accompanied his parents on their removal to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1831 and four years later went to Wayne county, Indiana. He was married in 1846 and in 1850 established his home in Appanoose county, Iowa, on the farm where our subject was born, having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of school land at Centerville by public auction at a dollar and a quarter per acre. On that place he spent the remainder of his life, devoting his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising with excellent success. His demise occurred in Udell township on the 31st of October, 1899, and thus the community lost one of its respected and substantial citizens who had made his home here for almost a half century. He gave his political allegiance to the democracy and was a consistent and devout member of the German Bapist Brethren church, which he joined in 1848. It was on the 5th of November, 1846, in Wayne county, Indiana, that he wedded Miss Margaret Clemens, who is a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, and removed to the Hoosier state in company with her parents. She died March 30, 1904, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Ullrick, on a farm a mile southwest of Udell. Her religious belief was that of the German Baptist Brethren church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henry Whistler were born ten children, as follows: J. M., an agriculturist of Fremont county, Iowa; Mary Ann, who is deceased; Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of C. A. Ullrick, who is a farmer residing near Udell; Jacob R., who is engaged in farming four miles east of Udell; Isaac B., living in Missouri ; David M., who is a resident of Centerville; Aaron S., of this review; Catharine and Ella May, both of whom have passed away; and Henry A., of California.
Aaron S. Whistler obtained his education in the district schools of his native township and remained on the home farm with his parents until twenty-three years of age, when he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing and locating on a tract of eighty acres near the old homestead and cultivating the same for three years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and removed to Fremont county, this state, where he purchased another farm of eighty acres, devoting his attention to its operation for three years and then selling the place. In 1890 he returned to this county and purchased the farm of three hundred acres on which he has resided to the present time. The property lies just outside the corporate limits of Udell and is highly improved in every respect. Mr. Whistler carries on general farming and stock-raising, breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle and feeding both cattle and hogs for the market on quite an extensive scale. He has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the prominent agriculturists of Udell township and is well known as a successful and esteemed citizen of the community.
In 1885 Mr. Whistler was united in marriage to Miss Mattie King, a daughter of William and Fannie (Watkins) King, both of whom were natives of Indiana, the former being of German and the latter of English descent. They were married in the Hoosier state and in the early '50s came to Appanoose county, Iowa, locating one mile southeast of Udell, where Mr. King purchased land and carried on general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest in 1894. His widow spent the last years of her life in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Whistler, passing away in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. King were the parents of ten children, namely: Mrs. John McFall, who is deceased; Mrs. Lea Swank, of Kansas; Abraham, of Barnard, Kansas; Mrs. Nancy Good, of the same place; David and Charles twins, also of Kansas; J. R. King, of Udell; G. C, who makes his home near Moulton, Iowa; Mrs. Mattie Whistler; and Vincent, who is deceased.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born nine children. Merton, whose birth occurred on the 12th of February, 1886, is a farmer of Udell township. He married Miss Sadie Price and has one daughter, Myrtle. Delia, whose natal day was August 31, 1887, is the wife of Guy McConnell, a farmer of Jasper, Missouri, by whom she has one child, Ferne. Maude, who was born in 1889, died when but sixteen months old. Ross, whose birth occurred on the 3rd of December, 1891, assists his father in the operation of the home farm. Verna, born December 15, 1894, gave her hand in marriage to John Burger, an agriculturist of Udell township, by whom she has two children, Merle and Dorothy. Blanche, whose natal day was June 29, 1897, is a student in the Udell schools. Floyd, whose birth occurred on the 19th of January, 1900, likewise attends school at Udell. Otto, born August 22, 1902, is a public-school student at Udell. Ivo, whose birth occurred on the 7th of May, 1906, is also attending school in Udell.
Mr. Whistler is a stalwart democrat in politics and has served as school director at Udell for fifteen years, acting in that capacity before this was made an independent district. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Baptist Brethren church of Udell township, to which his wife also belongs. Both are widely known throughout the district in which they have resided for so many years, and their many excellent traits of heart and mind have gained for them a wide circle of acquaintances and a host of warm friends.
PEARL A. WHITE, filling the office of city clerk, is recognized as one of the prominent republican leaders of Appanoose county. He was born on a farm two miles north of Moulton, in Washington township, Appanoose county, Iowa, December 30, 1878, and is a son of John W. and Mary F. (Hollingsworth) White. The father was born in Indiana - and both were of Scotch English descent. He devoted his life to farming and to the real-estate business. The grandfather, John White, was born in Nashville, Tennessee, February 22, 1816, and was a son of Abraham White, a soldier of the Revolutionary war. In 1849 John White, the grandfather, removed from Indiana to Iowa, settling in Douglas township, Appanoose county, where he preempted a claim which he purchased when the land was placed upon the market. To his original holdings he added from time to time until he was the owner of nearly two thousand acres. He was also an extensive stock trader and real-estate dealer and his business affairs were so carefully, systematically and wisely managed that success resulted in large measure. Deeply interested in the moral progress of the community, he built the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem. His wife was a native of Kentucky. Their son, John W. White, came to Iowa with his parents in 1849, at which time the family home was established in Douglas township. Some years afterward he wedded Mary F. Hollingsworth, who was brought to Appanoose county by her parents in 1847, settlement being made in Vermillion township. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Washington township, Appanoose county, Iowa, and John W. White, like his father, became in time an extensive landowner and stock-raiser, his holdings embracing over six hundred acres. In 1894, however, he disposed of his farm property and removed to Centerville, where he opened a real-estate office and is still active in the business. He has never sought nor desired political preferment but by his ballot supports the republican party. His children are six in number, namely: Ella, who is the wife of C. E. Snyder, a carpenter of Centerville; Myrtle, who gave her hand in marriage to William Nye, a barber of Centerville; Pearl A., of this review; John, at home; Clarence L., a graduate of the Centerville high school and the Iowa State University, who is now city engineer of Dallas, Oregon; and Harry, who is a barber of Centerville.
Pearl A. White, pursuing his education in the public schools of Moulton, became a high-school pupil but when in his junior year entered the Kansas State Normal, continuing his studies there for a year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Centerville and studied law, his reading being directed for three years by Claude R. Porter and C. F. Howell. He afterward taught for four terms in the district school and in 1907 he was called to public office in his election as mayor of Centerville. He served for one term and his administration was characterized by many needed reforms and improvements. In 1911 he was appointed city clerk and is still the incumbent in that office. He is regarded as one of the party leaders in this section of Iowa and in the spring of 1912 was elected secretary of the republican county central committee. His fraternal relations are with Centerville Lodge, No. 940, B. P. O. E., in which organization he has many friends. He attends the Methodist church and is well known throughout Centerville and Appanoose county by reason of his active and hearty support of many measures and movements for the public good. He is at all times actuated by a public-spirited citizenship and his labors have been an effective force for the welfare and benefit of the community.
FRANK P. WHITSELL - Among the men who for many years were active factors in shaping and directing the business life of Centerville was Frank P. Whitsell, who died May 28, 1908. Since he was six years of age he made his home in this community and his active career was closely connected with its general development. His death was, therefore, a distinct loss, depriving Centerville of one of its most active, representative and enterprising men. Mr, Whitsell was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Beaver county, May 14, 1852. His parents were Lawrence and Isabelle (Earl) Whitsell, also natives of Pennsylvania, the former a hatter by trade. He followed this occupation in his native state but abandoned it about 1858, when he came to Appanoose county and began farming. He purchased land just north of Centerville and operated this enterprise successfully for a number of years. Afterward he moved into the town and became identified with the hotel business, conducting what was known at that time as the Keystone Hotel. He was active in the management of this house for several years but finally abandoned it in favor of farming. He resumed his agricultural operations upon three hundred and sixty acres of land which he owned and this property he developed until he retired from active life. He moved into Centerville and there made his home until his death, which occurred in 1897. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1854.
Frank P. Whitsell was educated in the public schools of Centerville, for he was only six years of age when the family moved to Iowa. After completing his studies he worked in his father's hotel and when he moved back on the farm assisted in the work of cultivation and improvement. In 1875 he began his independent business career, conducting a livery stable in Centerville. His intelligently directed energies brought him success and he continued in this business until his death on May 28, 1908. He was a man of excellent ability and sound judgment and in the conduct of his affairs met with a degree of success which placed him among the leading business men of Centerville.
In January, 1877, Mr. Whitsell married Miss Cora E. McCreary, a daughter of John and Martha (Pennington) McCreary, natives of Virginia. The father came to Centerville in 1858 and there worked at the carpenter's trade until his death, which occurred in 1859, one year after he took up his residence here. His widow survives and is making her home with her daughter. She has reached the advanced age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Whitsell became the parents of two children: Lloyd L., aged thirty-five, who is in the livery business in Centerville; and Roy R., aged thirty-two, who is deputy county treasurer at Trinidad, Colorado. Mrs. Whitsell inherited a comfortable competency upon the death of her husband and now has some valuable business interests in Centerville. She owns her attractive home at 202 West Maple street and the livery business which her husband formerly conducted. She is a member of the Eastern Star and an adherent of the Christian Science religion. Her many fine qualities of heart and mind have gained her a wide circle of friends in the city in which she lives.
Mr. Whitsell was a member of the Masonic lodge and his political allegiance was given to the democratic party. He was public-spirited and loyal in all matters of citizenship, taking a deep interest in all projects which had for their object the further development of his community. He made good, use of his time and opportunities and as the years passed gained prosperity, and at his death left to his children the record of a blameless life and the memory of an untarnished name.
LOYD L. WHITSELL - One of the progressive and enterprising young business men of Centerville is Loyd L. Whitsell, who is also a graduate in dental surgery. He is a native of this city, born October 25, 1877, and is a son of Frank P. and Cora (McCreary) Whitsell, the former for many years prior to his death closely connected with business interests in Centerville. For many years the father of our subject conducted a livery stable in the city and continued his identification with this enterprise until his death, which occurred on the 28th of May, 1908. His widow survives and is making her home in Centerville with her mother who has reached the age of eighty years. More extended mention of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Whitsell is found an another page in this work.
Loyd L. Whitsell of this review acquired his primary education in the public schools and was graduated from the Centerville high school in 1897. After laying aside his school books he worked for some time as bookkeeper for the Centerville Block & Coal Company but in 1902 resigned his position in order to enter the State University at Iowa City, Iowa, graduating in 1905, with the degree of D. D. S. He located for practice in Centerville and secured a gratifying patronage, the results he obtained being the best proof of his ability. After the death of his father, however, Mr. Whitsell gave up his dental practice and assumed charge of the livery business, working in the interests of his mother. In business affairs he has proved capable and reliable and has won a measure of success which places him among the substantial and representative men of this community.
On the 14th of September, 1909, Mr. Whitsell was united in marriage to Mrs. Daisy Estes, a daughter of Henry C. and Sophronia (Minteer) Adams, natives of Iowa, the father being the first white child born in Washington county. After he grew to maturity Henry C. Adams followed the blacksmith's trade and worked at it successfully until he was elected sheriff of Washington and Keokuk counties, at the time when these were united. He served with conscientiousness and ability from 1878 to 1882 and afterward was appointed to the Indian service, being stationed first at Fort Defiance, Arizona, and later at Fruitland, New Mexico. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, having served through four years of that conflict as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His death occurred in New Mexico in 1893, in which year he was accidently drowned. His wife survived him two years, dying in 1895. Mrs. Whitsell has one child by her first marriage, a daughter, Marjorie, who attends school in Centerville.
Mr. Whitsell has attained high rank in Masonry, holding membership with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a republican in his political beliefs and takes an active and helpful interest in community affairs, although his public spirit never takes the form of office seeking. He has made good use of his time and of the opportunities which have come to him and has in this way gained prosperity, holding a place of prominence and importance in business circles of Centerville.
ALFRED ROSS WILCOX - On the long list of the brave men who went to the front as soldiers of the Civil war appears the name of Alfred Ross Wilcox. Unscathed, he faced death again and again on southern battlefields but met it at length by drowning when a passenger of the ill-fated steamer Golden Eagle that burned near Johnstown when making a trip on the Mississippi. Mr. Wilcox was a native of Gallia county, Ohio, born March 1, 1835, a son of Hiram and Elizabeth Alvia Wilcox, the latter a native of the Buckeye state, and the former born in the town of Chenango, Tioga county, New York, November 9, 1797. They never came to Iowa but spent their entire lives in Ohio, where they passed away in the same year. The father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Alfred Ross Wilcox pursued his education in the schools of his native county, was there reared to manhood and took up the occupation of farming. He continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits, following his removal to Iowa in 1850, at which time he located on Village creek near Ottumwa. There were still many evidences of frontier life in that section of the state at that day. With characteristic energy he began the development and improvement of his farm and converted the plains into rich and productive fields. He was living thereon when he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company K, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served until the close of hostilities. He participated in many hotly contested battles, took part in the long, hot marches and the weary waiting in winter quarters. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded in the left leg but as soon as able he resumed his place in the ranks and remained in that command until mustered out.
When the war was over Mr. Wilcox returned to the home farm near Ottumwa, having been married before that time to Miss Sarah McMillen, who died while they were living in Ottumwa, and was buried there. There were five children of that marriage: Alvenza, of Ottumwa; Mary, the wife of Harvey Bigford, of Kansas City, Missouri; Cora, who is the wife of Charles Keating, of Des Moines; Alvia, who died at the age of twenty-four years; and William, who was a twin brother of Alvia and died at the age of thirty years. Coming to Appanoose county Mr. Wilcox was here married to Anna Cole, who died at Lineville, Iowa. They had three children of whom one is now living, Josie, a resident of Des Moines. On the 3rd of June, 1877, Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Louisa J. Crews, a daughter of James and Delania (Allard) Crews. The father, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was of Dutch and Irish descent and throughout his life followed the occupation of farming. His wife was a native of New York and belonged to one of the old American families. On removing westward they located on the Goshen prairie in Missouri near Lineville, Iowa, where the father carried on farming for a few years and then took up another claim to which he removed five miles north of Lineville. They were among the early settlers of that section, locating in Wayne county, Iowa, seventy-five years ago. They built their cabin out of logs and experienced the usual hardships and privations of pioneer life at that early period. The father died in Holt county, Missouri, in 1881, and the mother passed away in Kansas in 1910, having survived him for almost three decades.
After Mr. Wilcox's third marriage he removed to Unionville, Iowa, where he lived for two years and then established his home at Eldon, Iowa, where he worked as a section boss until he was run over and had his left foot cut off. This left him in a crippled condition for life, rendering further labor of that kind impossible, so that he established a grocery and dry-goods store in Eldon. This he conducted with a fair measure of success until 1880, when he started for St. Louis for the purpose of purchasing an artificial leg. He took passage on the ill-fated steamer the Golden Eagle that caught fire and burned to the water's edge opposite Johnstown. His body was never recovered. Mrs. Wilcox conducted the store for a short time after his death and then closed out the stock, removing in 1883 to Centerville, purchasing here a nice home at No. 1012 West Maple street, where she has since lived. The children of the third marriage are: Lucy L., the wife of Charles Wilson; and Louisa J., of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson make their home with their mother and they have two children: Earl, twelve years of age; and Frankie, nine years of age, both attending the Central high school.
Mr. Wilcox was a republican but had no aspirations for office. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church to which his widow belongs and he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grand Army post at Unionville. He had many friends among his fraternal brethren and enjoyed in large measure the confidence and trust of those with whom he was associated in the various relations of life. He always endeavored to live peacefully with his fellowmen, to do unto others as he would have they do unto him and was known as a reliable and enterprising merchant, a loyal citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father.
JAMES WILCOX, is actively and successfully identified with the business interests of Unionville as proprietor of a large livery stable and is justly accounted one of the leading business men of the town. He is a native son of Iowa, born at Pella, Marion county, September 12, 1865, his parents being John and Sarah (Masters) Wilcox, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. The father of our subject was left an orphan at an early age and was reared by a family in New York. In Indiana his marriage occurred and afterward he removed to Illinois, where for a number of years he engaged in farming. He came to Iowa in the early '60s, locating on land in Marion county, and from there went to Missouri, where he remained until his death, which occurred on the 14th of August, 1893. The mother of our subject makes her home with her son Philip, who is a well known farmer in Appanoose county.
James Wilcox acquired his education in the public schools of Princeton, Missouri. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he began his independent career, renting a farm which he improved and developed for a number of years. Later, however, he purchased fifty acres of land in Union township and moved upon his property which some time afterward he sold and moved into Unionville, having determined to devote his time to business pursuits. He spent about twelve years dealing in timber but in 1910 purchased the livery stable belonging to Frank Neff and this enterprise he has since conducted, his energy and ability being rewarded by a patronage which is constantly increasing in volume and importance.
In 1887 Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Delithia May Edison, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Cooper) Edison, both natives of Quincy, Illinois, and of English ancestry. The father was a successful farmer and an honored veteran of the Civil war. His marriage occurred in Illinois and afterward he moved with his wife to Mercer county, Missouri, and from there to Grundy county, Kansas. Mrs. Jacob Edison passed away in the latter state and after her death her husband returned to Mercer county, where he is still residing. He was later united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Bryant, who passed away, and in 1911 his third marriage occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have become the parents of six children: Roy, who was born in December, 1887, and who is engaged in farming in Appanoose county; Bertha, who was born May 13, 1889, teaching in this county; James Ray, born April 29, 1892; Ralph E., whose birth occurred on the 29th of September, 1894, and who graduated from the Unionville high school in 1912; Nina Gretchen, who was bora January 1, 1901, and who is attending school; and Greta Margaret, born August 25, 1911.
Mr. Wilcox gives a stanch allegiance to the republican party and has held various township offices, and for several years was a member of the school board. However, he never seeks political preferment, although he is a most loyal and public-spirited citizen, giving active and hearty support to public measures in which he believes. He belongs to Yeomen lodge of Unionville, and with his wife attends the Methodist Episcopal church. His salient characteristics are such as have gained him the regard and good-will of all with whom he has been associated through either business or social relations and he is justly entitled to a foremost place among the successful and representative men of Unionville.
J. W. WILLIAMS, a representative and respected resident of Centerville who is now living practically retired, won recognition and success in business circles as the founder of the Williams Piano & Organ Company of Chicago, which owns two factories in the metropolis and is now conducted by him and his sons. His birth occurred in Freeport, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of July, 1833, his parents being Jacob and Eliza (Bowers) Williams. The father, who was a native of Maryland and of Dutch descent, worked at various occupations. About the time of the outbreak of the Civil war he made his way down the Ohio river by boat, landing at Cairo, Illinois. Continuing his journey westward, he located at Centerville, Iowa, and here both he and his wife lived until called to their final rest.
J. W. Williams spent the first twenty-one years of his life in the state of his nativity and had but limited educational opportunities in his youth. His knowledge has been continually augmented, however, through reading, experience and observation. In 1854 he came west to Centerville, Iowa, and having learned the tinner's trade in Pennsylvania, opened a tin shop in partnership with E. Washburn of Ottumwa. At the end of two years he purchased his partner's interest, conducting the business for several years in a shop near the northeast comer of the square. Subsequently he embarked in the hardware and implement business and gradually became identified with the organ and piano business. In 1887 he admitted into partnership with him his oldest son, H. B. Williams, and later his son, C. S. Williams. The firm began the manufacture of organs in Chicago in 1893 and in 1898 began to make pianos. The Williams Piano & Organ Company owns two factories in Chicago and has a capacity of twenty pianos and thirty-five organs per week. J. W. Williams won an enviable reputation as a successful and enterprising business man and was one of the well-known piano men of Chicago. At the present time he is living retired at Centerville in an attractive home on North Main street.
In 1855, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Williams was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Elizabeth Bradley, a native of Belfast, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent, who came to the United States when a young girl. Our subject was married after establishing his home in the west, returning to Pittsburg for his bride. To them were born six children. H. B. Williams, of Evanston, Illinois, wedded Miss Lulu Corkhill, by whom he had two children. John C, who died at the age of twenty-five years; and Lucy. Ella V. is the wife of George W. Handle, of Centerville, and the mother of five children. Lulu, Ruby, Bess, Albert and Ralph. Lena is the wife of J. K. Huston, of Pasadena, California, by whom she has two children, Florence V. and Donald M. Carl S. wedded Miss May Weir, who died leaving three children, Faith, Weir and Bradley. For his second wife he chose Miss Elizabeth Bonnell. Mrs. Anna (Williams) Hinshaw, who died at the age of thirty-seven years, was the wife of Professor Hinshaw, of Valparaiso, Indiana, and the mother of four children, Carl W., William W., John T. and Marie. Albert E. Williams passed away when a youth of nineteen.
Mr. Williams is a republican in politics but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at Centerville. Both Mr. and Mrs. Williams are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Centerville, the former having been for many years a class leader, steward and trustee. Coming to this country almost six decades ago, he has witnessed the wonderful transformation that has occurred as pioneer conditions have given way before the onward march of civilization. He has now passed, the seventy-ninth milestone on life's journey and his career has ever been such that he can look back upon the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.
JAMES M. WILSON, is a graduate of the law department of the Iowa State University and since his admission to the bar has been actively engaged in practice in Centerville, where he has won a well merited and enviable reputation. He was born September 8, 1866, near the city of Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois, and is one of the four living children of James and Elizabeth (Welsh) Wilson, both of whom were of Scotch descent.
His early educational training was received in the common schools and with the removal of the family to Centerville in 1882 he went to work as weigh master in the coal mines with which his father was connected. He was then sixteen years of age. Desiring, however, to enjoy better educational privileges, he later attended the Centerville high school and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1885. He next entered Monmouth College in which he spent two years and upon his return to Iowa took up any honest work which would yield him a living and enable him eventually to carry out his cherished ambition of preparing for a professional career. For one year he engaged in railroading and was clerk in the United States railway mail service. He afterward took up the profession of teaching which he followed for one year in Versailles, Illinois. He displayed much versatility, thoroughness and ability in all of these branches but gradually his attention concentrated upon the law and he began reading under the direction of the Hon. T. M. Fee. He then entered the law department of the Iowa State University at Iowa City and was graduated in 1906 as president of a class of one hundred and three members. He had been admitted to the bar, however, in 1895, and has since engaged in practice in Centerville, where he is now accorded a large clientage, connecting him with much of the most important litigation tried in the courts of the district. He is in partnership with R. W. Smith, the present county attorney, under the firm style of Wilson & Smith. In 1896 Mr. Wilson was elected county attorney on the republican ticket and was reelected in the fall of 1898. He had previously served as city attorney of Centerville and in 1901-2 he was reading clerk at the state convention held in Iowa. In every relation his official record has been an excellent one and he has also gained prominence at the bar, again and again demonstrating his ability to handle important questions and finding a correct solution for involved judicial problems.
On the 24th of December, 1891, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Flora M. White, a daughter of James A. White, a very prominent citizen of Centerville. They became the parents of two children: Eva, born October 13, 1892; and Jean, born July 12, 1894. Mr. Wilson is prominent in fraternal circles, especially in Masonry. He has served as high priest of Euclid Chapter, No. 43, R. A. M., is a Knight Templar and also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. High principles actuate him in every relation of life and his sterling traits of character have gained for him a most creditable position in the regard of his fellow townsmen. The different interests of his life are well balanced and in his profession he has gained a creditable place, owing to the careful, thorough and systematic manner in which he prepares his cases, and his fidelity to the interests of his clients which has become almost proverbial.
NICHOLAS W. WILSON - Among the men who have contributed to the business, agricultural and political development of Centerville and the surrounding country, Nicholas W. Wilson holds a high place. He owns eighty acres of land just outside the corporate limits of the village and is there carrying on a modern and carefully managed agricultural enterprise, being ranked among the progressive and successful farmers of this locality. In addition he is doing able service on the board of township trustees, his official activity directly influencing the public welfare. In all of his business interests he displays keen discernment, energy and ambition and has, therefore, advanced step by step to prosperity.
He was born in Monroe county, Indiana, October 29, 1858, and is a son of Christopher and Cynthia Jane (Wilson) Wilson, natives of Kentucky, of Scotch lineage. The father was a well educated and broadly cultured man, whose keen intelligence enabled him to recognize opportunities and whose executive force enabled him to take advantage of them. He was successively a lawyer, merchant and farmer in Indiana, where he removed as a young man. For some time he taught in the public schools and in this way gained sufficient money to defray his expenses in attending State University. After he left Indiana he went to Iowa, settling there before the state was admitted into the Union. However, he did not remain long, returning to Indiana after a short time. At the outbreak of the Civil war he offered his services to the federal government, enlisting at Indianapolis and serving for three months. After his discharge he went to Missouri and there again enlisted and this time continued at the front almost until the close of the war, receiving his discharge on account of disability. After he was mustered out he located in Lewis county, Missouri, and opened a hotel at Monticello. He conducted, this enterprise successfully for some time but abandoned it later in favor of farming. In 1876 he moved to Chariton, Iowa, and there lived a retired life, passing away in 1874. His wife died in the same year. During the period of their residence in this state their fine qualities of mind and character gained them many warm friends and they were ranked with the leading and representative citizens of the community.
Nicholas W. Wilson was still a child when his father settled in Lewis county, Missouri, and his education was acquired in the public schools of that section. During his childhood he aided in the operation of his father's farm and continued at this work until he attained his majority. His training at farm labor was comprehensive, bringing him into close touch with all branches of agricultural work, so that his practical understanding enables him today to direct wisely the details of his farm operations. When he was twenty-one years of age Mr. Wilson bought land in Lucas county, Iowa, and afterward removed to Knox county, Missouri, where he followed farming. In 1902 he came to Appanoose county and located at Udell, where he engaged in the general mercantile business, conducting in addition a hardware and furniture store at Kellogg. After two years he disposed of both enterprises and bought one hundred and twenty acres east of Udell, giving his entire attention to general farming. In 1908 he sold the property and purchased eighty acres in close proximity to the village limits of Centerville and he has since remained upon this farm, his labors being attended with substantial success. Mr. Wilson has built a fine modern home upon his property and has made other important improvements in building and equipment. By close application and good management he has steadily progressed and is today one of the substantial and representative citizens of this part of the state.
Mr. Wilson has been twice married. On the 14th of February, 1882, he wedded Miss Nettie Scovel, who passed away in 1897. To this union were born six children: Pearl E., who passed away at the age of one year and two months; Edith M., formerly a teacher in Appanoose county, who is now attending Des Moines College; Amy L., the wife of E. M. Bishop, a farmer of Vermillion township, by whom she has two children, Marjorie and Vivian; Nettie Olive, who married Ralph Atkinson, a farmer of Udell, by whom she has two children, Ivan and Orene; Dellazon M., who is aiding in the operation of the home farm; and Adelia J., the wife of Ernest Paul Caylor, a farmer of Udell township. Mr. Wilson was married for the second time in 1898, in which year he wedded Miss Anna Williams, a daughter of Parkerson and Sarah Jane (Essex) Williams, the former a native of Indiana, of Welsh ancestry. He was a veteran of the Civil war and afterward one of the prominent farmers of this part of Iowa. He died in Chariton in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had three children: Sterling Harold, who was born April 4, 1900, and who now attends the Wright school in Vermillion township; Sarah Ruth, who passed away at the age of two months; and Kenneth, born February 4, 1907, who also attends the Wright school.
The family are devout members of the First Baptist church, which all of the children joined before they were ten years of age, some of them having been converted at the family altar. Mr. Wilson has always taken an active part in church work, has guided his life by its principles and for a long period has served as deacon. His wife is a member of the Foreign and the Ladies Home Missionary Societies. Mr. Wilson's political allegiance is given to the republican party and on several occasions he has been called upon to serve in local offices. He was assessor in Lucas county, Iowa, for two terms and also clerk of his township. In Chariton, Iowa, he served as street commissioner and, in the fall of 1912, was elected to the board of township trustees of Vermillion township. He has ever manifested a deep and helpful interest in those projects which are of vital significance to the welfare of the community and his cooperation in them has been beneficial and far reaching. Mr. Wilson belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Udell and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, in Centerville. His course has at all times conformed to the highest principles and most honorable methods, and his business integrity as well as his prosperity forms a fitting crown of a well spent life.
PIERCE WILSON - Among the residents of Centerville who at one time were closely associated with agricultural and coal-mining interests of the surrounding districts and who are now enjoying the fruits of their former toil is numbered Pierce Wilson. He is a native of Iowa and a son of one of its earliest and most prominent pioneers, and his entire life has been spent in the state where he makes his home. His birth occurred in Lee county, on May 23, 1852, his parents being Robert P. and Mahala (Harper) Wilson. The father was born in Cabell county, Virginia, on the 11th of July, 1813, and the mother in Pendleton county, in the same state, on May 12, 1820. The paternal branch of this family is of Scotch ancestry and has been for two generations in America. The mother is of German stock, her grand- parents having been born in the fatherland. Robert P. Wilson remained in what is now West Virginia until he grew to manhood and then moved to Wisconsin, where for a number of years he worked in the lead mines. In 1839 he came to Lee county, Iowa, among the early settlers in the state. He took up government land and in 1841 brought his young wife to live upon the farm. They remained there until 1847, in which year they came to Appanoose county and entered nine hundred acres of land in Lincoln township. After building a log cabin upon this property the father returned with his family to Lee county and there remained until 1852, when he made a permanent settlement in Appanoose county. From that time until his death he made substantial contributions to the develoment and advancement of this section of the state of Iowa and when he passed away in 1896 his death was felt as a distinct public loss. In every relation of his life he was true to the obligations and responsibilities which rested upon him. He served his state faithfully in the Black Hawk war under General Henry Dodge and was for one term a representative in the Iowa state legislature, displaying in his official life the same high courage and conscientiousness which marked his activities upon the battlefield. His wife died in 1894. She had come to Iowa with her uncle, Abe Hinkle, in 1838, having made the journey from West Virginia on horseback. She remained a resident of this state until her demise.
Pierce Wilson acquired his education in the district schools of Appanoose county and remained with his parents until his marriage, which occurred in 1879. In that year he purchased two hundred acres of land in Franklin township and made his home upon it. To this he later added three hundred adjoining acres and one hundred and twenty acres of his father's estate. The last tract was valuable coal land and is now leased to the Numa Block Coal Company. Upon the remaining portion of his farm Mr. Wilson resided until 1909 and during the period transformed it into a rich and productive property, supplied with modern equipment and accessory. In 1909 he rented the farm and moved into Centerville, where he has since resided.
In 1879 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah G. Holbrook, a daughter of Luther R. and Mary A. (Mitchell) Holbrook, the former born in Tolland county, Connecticut, on the 27th of August, 1813, and the latter in New York state, February 3, 1814, both of old New England families. Their marriage occurred in 1838 and in the same year they removed to Lee county, Iowa, where the father entered a tract of government land, which he developed and improved until 1850, when he came to Appanoose county and took up a large tract in Pleasant township, upon which he built the first log cabin on the prairie. In 1863 he changed the trend of his activities from general farming to the conduct of a nursery and he continued in that business for over twenty years, starting as a pioneer and becoming in time one of the leading representatives of this occupation. He remained upon his farm in Appanoose county until his death, which occurred in 1891. He had survived his wife for some time, her death having occurred in 1880. The wife of our subject is a native of Appanoose county, where she was born on the 27th of August, 1853. She was educated in the Centerville graded schools and supplemented this by a two years' course in the Iowa State College at Ames. Previous to her marriage she taught in the public schools of her native county, doing able work for twenty terms. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the parents of three children. Mary was born in Appanoose county, Octo- ber 4, 1885, and is the wife of B. W. Crossley, a dairyman of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Both are graduates of the Iowa State College. Halle was born February 20, 1888, and is now in training at the Murray Hospital in Butte, Montana. The youngest child, Faye, was born March 28, 1892, and after completing the course in the Centerville high school, in 1911, entered the Iowa State College, taking a course in domestic science. Mrs. Wilson and all the children in this family are members of the Daughters of the American Revolution at Centerville.
Fraternally Mr. Wilson is affiliated with Centerville Lodge, No. 940, B. P. O. E., and in politics is a democrat. He has, however, never sought nor desired public office, although he is public-spirited in matters of citizenship and loyal in his support of progressive public measures. He is interested in the welfare of Centerville and as the years have gone by has won for himself a creditable position as a valued citizen and business man.
PIERCE WILSON, conducting a barber shop in Unionville, has been a resident of Appanoose county since his childhood. His birth occurred in Knoxville, Knox county, Illinois, May 18, 1879, his parents being Jacob and Katherine E. (Brain) Wilson. The father was born in Greene county, Ohio, January 23, 1849, but the grandfather on the paternal side, John H. Wilson, was a native of Virginia. His birth occurred on September 14, 1816, and he died in Illinois, September 15, 1893. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Isabella Hogue. She was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1818 and died in Knox county, Illinois, in 1858. The father of our subject came to Illinois in September, 1856, with his parents and there grew to manhood. He married on the 25th of December, 1873, Miss Katherine E. Brain, a daughter of George and Ellen (Cox) Brain. Both were born in Gloucestershire, England, in which county their marriage occurred. They came to the United States in 1852 and located first at Yellow Springs, Ohio, and later in Knox county, Illinois. In 1878 they came to Appanoose county and here the father purchased two hundred and fifty acres of land in Udell township which he improved and developed until his death in 1899. His widow makes her home with the father of the subject of this review. The mother of our subject was born in Knox county, Illinois and after her marriage came with her husband to Appanoose county, locating in this section in February, 1880. For some time they lived upon a rented farm but in 1883 Jacob Wilson moved into Unionville and purchased the livery stable then conducted by William Crow. He was successful in the management of this enterprise, in which he continued until 1885 and then bought a hardware and furniture store in Unionville. In 1892 he took A. T. Bishop into partnership with him but two years later repurchased his partner's interests. He later disposed of the furniture and undertaking department but retained the hardware and implement end of the business and in 1898 added groceries and gentlemen's furnishings, con- ducting this business at present. He handles a fine general stock of goods and in addition complete lines of buggies and farm implements. In 1901 he joined with C. I. Harrison in the purchase of a grist and sawmill from the Joshua Riggs estate and seven years later the father of our subject was injured in this mill and later sold out his interest to his partner. He has served as postmaster of Unionville for four years and was for some time a member of the school board in Unionville. He served as tax collector and township clerk in Knox county, Illinois, and is in all matters of citizenship eminently progressive and public-spirited. Fraternally he is affiliated with Blue Lodge, No. 719, A. F. & A. M. He gives his allegiance to the democratic party, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. They are the parents of three children : Frederick, whose birth occurred November 3, 1874, and who is now a merchant of Unionville; Ralph E.; and Estella B., born May 17, 1889, at home.
Ralph E. Wilson came to Appanoose county when he was a child and grew to manhood in this part of Iowa. He received his early education in the public schools and completed a course in the Unionville high school in 1897, after which he spent one year in the Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines. In the fall of 1899 he began his active career, securing a position as stenographer and bookkeeper for the firm of Hicks & Cree, dealers in real estate in Centerville. He remained with them for three months, after which he returned to Unionville, worked in his father's store, until in 1902, when he purchased a barber shop from P. V. Underwood which he has since successfully conducted, his prosperity being the direct result of his own energy and business ability. In 1905 he was editor of the Unionville Chronicle and conducted the same for three years.
On the 22nd of April, 1902, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Clara B. Bishop, a daughter of Archibald T. and Jane (Hicks) Bishop, the former of whom was born in Lee county, Virginia, in 1848 and the latter in Jefferson county, Iowa, July 17, 1850. Mrs. Wilson's grandparents on the paternal side were Joseph and Polly Ann (Hopkins) Bishop, natives of Virginia and Tennessee. Her maternal grandparents were James T. and Elizabeth (Rogers) Hicks, both of whom were born in Lee county, Virginia. Mrs. Wilson's father came to Appanoose county with his parents when he was a child and grew to manhood in this section, where he still resides. In 1869 he rented a farm and conducted it so successfully that he was soon able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres in Union township. In 1900 he rented this property and came into Unionville, where he engaged in the mercantile business for some time, trading his store in 1911 for a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Allen county, Kansas. On the loth of April, 1912, he formed a partnership with Paris E. More and they purchased the general merchandise store belonging to R. M. Creech, which they have since conducted. Mr. Bishop has held various township offices, supporting always the democratic party, and fraternally is affiliated with Unionville Lodge, No. 665, I. O. O. F. Mrs. Bishop belongs to Unionville Lodge, No. 155, O. E. S., and she and her husband are members of the Baptist church. To them six children were born: Millie and Joseph F., both of whom are deceased; Etta, the wife of George Brain, a farmer of Udell township, Appanoose county; Florence, who married Fred Wilson, a merchant of Unionville; Clara B., now Mrs. Ralph E. Wilson; and Laura, the wife of Paris More, a merchant of Unionville. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the parents of three children: Genevieve, born June 30, 1905; John Russell, whose birth occurred August 7, 1908; and Edith May, who was born September 7, 1909, and died October 29, of the same year.
Fraternally Mr. Wilson belongs to Unionville Lodge, No. 665, L O. O. F., and to Unionville Lodge, No. 4248, M. W. A. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. As a citizen he is public-spirited and whatever tends to promote the best interests of the community receives his indorsement and hearty support.
CLARENCE S. WYCKOFF, who in January, 1913, assumed the office of county attorney to which he has been recently elected, has since 1898 engaged in the practice of law in Centerville, making continuous progress as the result of developing powers based upon wide study, practical experience in the work of the courts and thorough preparation of each specific case. Appanoose county claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Cincinnati, June 6, 1870. His parents were George W. and Josephine (Stanton) Wyckoff. The father was born in Illinois, March 4, 1838, and was of English lineage. In the early '40s his parents removed with their family to Iowa county, this state, and later went to Putnam county, Missouri, but in the late '50s George W. Wyckoff returned to Iowa and settled on a farm near Cincinnati which is still his place of residence. During the early part of the Civil war he was married to Josephine Stanton, who was born in Marion, Marion county, Ohio, in 1842, and is of Scotch- Irish lineage. She came to Appanoose county in the early '50s with her widowed mother, settling on a farm west of Cincinnati. She was educated in the schools of Cincinnati and afterward successfully engaged in teaching in the public schools of this county. Just prior to their marriage Mr. Wyckoff purchased the farm upon which they are now living and which he has continuously developed and improved up to the present time, save for the period of his service in the Civil war, when he was made captain of Company D, Eighteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He is not only numbered among the leading agriculturists of the county but has also left his impress upon the legislative history of the state, having for three terms represented Appanoose county in the general assembly.
Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Clarence S. Wyckoff, who supplemented his public-school course by study in Amity College at College Springs, Iowa, where he was graduated on the 14th of June, 1894, with the degree of B. S. He then entered upon preparation for the bar, having determined to make the practice of law his life work, and on the 8th of June, 1898, was graduated from the State University of Iowa with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. On the 1st of August of the same year he opened an office in Centerville and has devoted his time and attention exclusively to his professional duties since that day. While advancement at the bar is proverbially slow no dreary novitiate awaited him, for he soon demonstrated his ability to capably handle intricate and important law problems and each year his practice has grown in volume and importance so that he now has a large and satisfactory clientage. He was appointed by Judge Woolson, judge of the United States district court, as referee in bankruptcy for the district of Appanoose and Monroe, a position which he filled until the state was redistricted and the aforementioned counties were merged into a larger district. His public service, however, did not cease with his retirement from that office. For one term he served Centerville as its mayor and it was during his administration that the city began the building of sanitary sewers and the work of street paving. His administration was characterized by other needed improvements and reform measures for he stood at all times for the welfare of the municipality. On the 5th of November, 1912, he was elected county attorney of Appanoose county and entered upon the duties of the office on the 6th of January, 1913. He has always been a stalwart supporter of the republican party since attaining his majority and has taken an active interest in the political campaigns, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the successful adoption of the principles for which the party stands.
In Centerville on the 2ist of October, 1903, Mr. Wyckoff was married to Miss Kate Ogle, a daughter of B. A. and Minerva (Arnold) Ogle. Their children are: Helen Louise, aged eight years, her birth occurring August 20, 1904; Frederick Ogle, aged six years, born June 27, 1906; and Ruth Virginia, a little maiden of three, born September 14, 1909. The parents are members of the First Methodist church of Centerville and have been most active in its various lines of work, Mr. Wyckoff serving as a member of the official board for the past ten years, while his cooperation along other lines has been a factor in the excellent work being done by the church. He holds membership in the Masonic fraternity and has attained the Knight Templar degree. He also belongs to Centerville Lodge, No. 76, I. O. O. F., and the Elks lodge, and in the Knights of Pythias lodge of Centerville he has filled all of the offices. While all these varied interests lead to the development of a well-rounded character it is after all his profession that claims the majority of his time and energies, and Mr. Wyckoff ever holds to a high standard of professional ethics. He is entirely free from ostentation or display but the simple weight of his character and ability have carried him into important public relations, especially as an active factor in the work of the courts.
 Perry Wyckoff |
PERRY WYCKOFF, is now living retired in Centerville but for many years was closely associated with agricultural interests and in the tilling of the fields gained the substantial competence which enabled him at length to put aside arduous labor and enjoy the fruits of his previous toil. He was born in Johnson county, Iowa, October 8, 1845, when this state was still a territory, his parents being John and Maria J. (Merrill) Wyckoff, who were natives of Ross county, Ohio. The father devoted his life to farming and became one of the pioneer residents of Illinois, settling within its borders when the Indians were still numerous there and when the northern part of the state was practically uninhabited. He continued to reside in Illinois until 1838, when he again established his home upon the frontier, settling in Johnson county. He afterward went to Iowa county, where he once more entered land from the government and also bought some property, adding to his original holdings until he had three hundred and twenty acres which he improved and cultivated until 1856. He then sold out and removed to Putnam county, Missouri, where he purchased land which he successfully farmed until his death, on the 30th of March, 1897. His widow afterward took up her abode in Unionville, Missouri, where she lived until called to the home beyond, on the 12th of August, 1905. |
Perry Wyckoff spent his youthful days largely in Iowa county, this state, and in Putnam county, Missouri. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him until he was sixteen years of age, when he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union cause, enlisting as a member of Company G, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He remained at the front until wounded in battle, after which he was honorably discharged and returned home, where he remained until he was once more able for active duty. He then reenlisted, this time becoming a member of Company C, Forty-second Missouri Infantry, with which he continued until after the close of hostilities. On the first day of January, 1863, he was captured and was incarcerated in Libby and Andersonville prisons until the following June, undergoing all of the hardships and privations of southern prison life. He participated in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, when only seventeen years of age, and although but a youth when he enlisted he manifested valor and loyalty equal to that of many veterans of twice his years. His father was a captain in the Union army and Mr. Wyckoff has now in his possession various souvenirs of his father's and his own service.
When the country no longer needed his service Mr. Wyckoff returned home and for two years engaged in farming for his father. While at the front he had saved his earnings as a soldier and sent the money home with which to purchase a farm. After two years he began the development of that property and continued to cultivate the tract of one hundred and twenty acres until his success enabled him to extend its boundaries. From time to time he purchased other land and is now the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and seventy-nine acres which he continued to till until 1895, when he retired and took up his abode in Cincinnati, this county. There he lived for eight years, after which he came to Centerville where he has since made his home. He worked diligently and persistently while upon the farm, bringing his fields under a very high state of cultivation and annually gathering good crops as a reward for the care and labor he bestowed upon his land. His methods were at once practical as well as progressive and his farm ever presented a neat and thrifty appearance.
On the 9th of May, 1867, Mr. Wyckoff was married to Miss Angeline Stewart, a daughter of Perry and Emma (Myers) Stewart, who were natives of Indiana. They came to Appanoose county in 1856 and the father carried on merchandising, conducting a store until 1858, when he sold out and went to the west. During his leisure time while engaged in business he studied for the ministry and became the first preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church of Centerville. On starting west across the country he had become ill with typhoid fever and died at Numa, this county, November 13, 1858. His wife survived him until August 15, 1867. Mrs. Wyckoff was born at Greencastle, Indiana, February 7, 1848, and by her marriage she became the mother of nine children: Charles S., who is engaged in the automobile business at Sioux City, Iowa; William M., a barber of Centerville, who is also a horse dealer; Elbert and Elza, twins, both of whom are engaged in farming, the former in Montana and the latter in Putnam county, Missouri; Jesse M., a contractor of Lovilia, Iowa; Josephine, who married Jay C. Colburn, who is engaged in the music business at Webster City, Iowa; Stewart A., a rural mail carrier residing in Cincinnati, Iowa; Edna, who is still at home; and Arthur, who died May 19, 1893.
Mr. Wyckoff holds membership in John L. Bashore Post, No. 122, G. A. R., and his wife is a member of the Women's Relief Corps. They attend the Methodist church and Mr. Wyckoff votes with the republican party. His attention, however, has always been concentrated upon business affairs rather than upon public matters, his activity in citizenship being merely in support of the principles, in which he believes, by the exercise of his right of franchise at the polls. He now resides at No. 313 West Maple street where he has a pleasant home. Years of earnest, persistent labor, intelligently directed, brought him a substantial measure of success and he is now in possession of a comfortable competence, which supplies him with all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life.
JAMES M. ZIMMER, long in public office, is filling the position of justice of the peace, in which connection his decisions are strictly fair and impartial, being based upon both the law and the equity in the case. His official record has always been commendable by reason of his unfaltering fidelity to duty. Judge Zimmer is a native of Caldwell county, Missouri, born April 14, 1841. His father, John H. Zimmer, was born in New York and at an early period in the development of Missouri became a resident of that state, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for some time. He afterward enlisted for service in the Indian war under General A. C. Dodge. He came to Iowa in 1841, when this state was still under territorial rule, and took up his abode in Davis county. In 1848 he removed to Appanoose county, which was still a frontier district, the greater part of the land being wild and undeveloped, while only here and there a little cabin was to be seen showing that the work of civilization and improvement had begun. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land and at once began the arduous task of turning the furrows and cultivating the fields. In early manhood he had wedded Eliza D. Jackson, a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and after they had lived upon the Appanoose county farm for two years she was called to her final rest in 1850. Mr. Zimmer subsequently married again and bought another farm six miles north of Centerville, which he operated until 1862. He then enlisted as a member of Company F, Thirty-seventh Iowa Infantry, known as the Graybeard Regiment, with which he served until the close of the war, doing duty mostly at Rock Island, Illinois, in guarding prisoners. He then returned to his home, but his health had become greatly impaired during his service and eventually resulted in the loss of his mind, so that he passed away in the hospital at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1875, when seventy-two years of age.
James M. Zimmer was but eight years of age when he came with his parents to Appanoose county, where the greater part of his life has been spent. His education was largely acquired in the schools here and his youthful experiences were those that usually fall to the farm lad. There were four sons in the family and they as well as the father all enlisted, James M. Zimmer becoming a member of Company D, Sixth Iowa Infantry, with which he served for four years, doing active duty on many a southern battlefield. He was captured in the engagement at Shiloh and was held as a prisoner of war in Alabama.
When victory had crowned the Union arms Mr. Zimmer returned to Centerville and for some time was employed in a printing office, after which he engaged in driving stage for a year west of this city. He next worked on railroads as a member of an engineering corps for about three years, after which he went to Unionville, Missouri, where he conducted a livery barn for five years. Subsequently he was employed in the woods of that state for three years and in 1884 he returned to Iowa. Since 1890 he has almost continuously filled office, having in 1890 been elected constable, in which position he was retained by reelection for eight years. He was then elected justice of the peace and served for two years, after which he was defeated. In 1905 he was once more chosen for the office and has served since, presiding in able manner over the justice court.
On the 30th of May, 1894, Mr. Zimmer was married to Ella Morgan Sturdivant, a daughter of Timothy Sturdivant and Bridget (O'Donnell) Morgan, who were natives of Ireland. The father came to America at an early day, settling first in Ohio and subsequently in Missouri, where he continued the cultivation of a farm to the latter part of his life. He died when ninety years of age and his wife has also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmer occupy a pleasant and attractive home at No. 516 North Third street, which he owns, and in addition he is a stockholder in the Centerville Interurban Company. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, which finds in him an earnest and active worker. He belongs to John L. Bashore Post, No. 122, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades, with whom he delights to recall scenes and incidents connected with the war. He is ever as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag upon the battlefields of the south, bravely endeavoring to preserve the Union.