HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY, IOWA
FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO l909
BY Samuel Gillespie and James E. Steele
BIOGRAPHICAL
CHARLES S. WEAVER.
Charles S. Weaver, clerk of the court in the fourteenth judicial district and a well known resident of Spencer, was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, June 24, 1859. In the paternal line he is of English lineage, for his grandfather, Stephen Weaver, was a native of Sussex, England, and when a young man came to America, settling in Oneida county, New York, near Utica. There he followed the blacksmith's trade for a time and in 1837 removed westward to Wisconsin with four brothers, all locating in Waukesha county about eighteen miles from
Milwaukee. A short time afterward Stephen Weaver returned to New York, but his brothers remained in the middle west and followed the occupation of farming. About eighteen years later he again made his way to Wisconsin, purchased a farm and there carried on agricultural pursuits. He died in 1888 at a very advanced age, while his wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Maxon, also passed away. at a ripe old-age. Their family numbered one daughter and five sons, including Martin H. Weaver, the father of Charles S. Weaver. He was born in the Empire state and throughout his life followed the occupation of farming until the past twelve or fifteen years. His parents went to Wisconsin to make permanent location when he was eighteen years of age and he lived in Waukesha county and in the northern part of the state for twenty-six years. In 1881 he came to Spencer, where he resided until 1908. In early manhood he wedded Adeline Bartlett, who was born in New York city, a daughter of Charles and Abbie (Smith) Bartlett. Her father was a native of New Hampshire and a carpenter by trade, but principally followed the occupation of farming. In 1845 he removed westward to Wisconsin and traveled extensively over the country. He died in the Badger state at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife, surviving him for some time, was more than eighty years of age at the time of her death. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Smith, Adeline, Abbie, John, Charles, Henrietta, Lavinia and Franklin. Of this number Adeline became the wife of Martin H. Weaver and passed away at their home in Spencer in May, 1908, at the age of seventy-one years, since which time Mr. Weaver has returned to Wisconsin to make his home in Milwaukee. They had four children: Charles S., of this review; Emma, the wife of Walter Davidson, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; William M., a resident of Milwaukee; and Olin B., whose demise occurred when he was seven years of age.
Charles S. Weaver was reared upon the old home farm in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and attended the district schools, while in the summer months he aided in the work of the farm. He taught one term of school in Wisconsin and after removing to Iowa followed that profession for four years. In 1881 he came to Spencer, where he has since made his home and after devoting a brief period to teaching he engaged in clerking in a store for six years. Ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he then established a grocery store which he conducted for five years, after which he again engaged in clerking. In 1898 he was elected clerk of the district court and has since filled the position, covering a period of eleven years. He discharges his duties with marked promptness and fidelity and his excellent record is indicated in the fact of his re-election. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Traverse county, Minnesota, and also owns a good home in Spencer.
In 1881 Mr. Weaver was married to Miss Mary E. Hindes, a daughter of Frank and Eliza (Smith) Hindes. They were the parents of six children, four daughters and two sons: Ralph Mortimer, Nina Pearl, Ethel May, Frank, Helen and Mary. The mother passed away in 1898, at the age of thirty-eight years, in the faith of the Episcopal church, in which she held membership. In 1902 Mr. Weaver was again married, his second union being with Miss Florence E. Mack, a daughter of Squire and Lucy (Barry) Mack. Mr. Weaver belongs to Spencer Lodge, No. 247, I. O. O. F., and also to Encampment No. 189. He is likewise a
member of Harmony Lodge, No. 188, K. P., and he gives his political allegiance to the repubHcan party. He is recognized as one of its stalwart workers, active in its support and earnest in his efforts to promote its success. He has made a most commendable official record and has the good will of all the lawyers practicing at the bar of the district, while in other relations of life he enjoys to the full extent the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
DANIEL D. LONG.
Lone Tree township has its full quota of progressive farmers who have contributed their share to the upbuilding and development of the county. Among this number is Daniel D. Long, now living on section 32, Lone Tree township, where his time and energies are fully occupied with the care and further improvement of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which presents a neat appearance and is the visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift. Mr. Long is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Somersetshire, December 21, 1863. There he was reared to the age of seventeen, when he heard and heeded the call of the new world. The reports which he had received concerning its business conditions proved irresistibly attractive to him and in 1880 he crossed the Atlantic, becoming a resident of Morrison, Illinois. He had acquired a good common school education in his native country and had afterward received a systematic and thorough business training when clerking in a store, so that he was well qualified to start in on his own account when he came to the United States. In Morrison he purchased a general mercantile store and carried on the business for three years, after which he sold out and turned his attention to dealing in implements, in which line he continued for another period of three years.
It was during his residence in Morrison that Mr. Long was married, on the l0th of February, 1886, the lady of his choice being Miss Esther Murray, who was born and reared in Illinois. They have become the parents of four sons, Bert S., Franklin L., Murray S. and Frederick C, all of whom are yet under the parental roof and assist in carrying on the home farm.
It was in 1901 that Mr. Long came to Clay county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 32, Lone Tree township, constituting his present farm. On the land was a small house and a corn-crib, but otherwise it was destitute of improvements. He fenced the place and with characteristic energy began to cultivate his land in the production of cereals best adapted to climatic conditions here. Today fine fields of waving grain give promise of golden harvests in the autumn and he has erected a large granary and corn-cribs to shelter his products. He has also built large cattle-sheds and has used woven- wire fences to surround his fields, thus protecting the crops from hogs and sheep. He has also put out beautiful shade trees and an orchard of his own planting yields its fruits in season. His home is one of the fine country residences and, glancing over his place, it is seen that none of the accessories of a model farm is here lacking. In the pastures and feed-lots are found good grades of stock and
he annually fattens about two carloads of hogs and cattle. He also raises short- horn cattle, keeping, high grade animals. He is now turning his attention to the breeding and raising of pure-blooded Leicestershire sheep. His financial interests extend to the Everly Fanners' Elevator Company, of which he was one of the promoters and is now a stockholder and the secretary. In all of his business dealings he has shown good judgment and marked enterprise and has made his efforts count to the utmost, utilizing every opportunity to the best advantage.
Mr. Long has been a stalwart republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen, for he believes that the party principles are most conducive to good government. While in Morrison he was elected and served three years as township clerk and also served on the equalization board and the board of commissions. His wife is a member of the Evangelical church, while Mr. Long belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and has passed all the chairs in Morrison, being, now a past chancellor. He is likewise connected with the Woodmen and in fraternal relations is loyal to the beneficent spirit which constitutes the basic element of these organizations. In a review of his life it will be seen that he is a man of good business training and of undaunted enterprise, who has formed his plans readily and has carried them forward to successful completion, ever basing his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and unfaltering industry.
SAMUEL FERGUSON.
Scotland has many representatives in the new world and they have been found foremost in giving impetus to the march of progress and in directing affairs along safe and conservative lines and consequently this country in its various vocations has been in many ways eminently honored and benefited by the sturdy Scot to whom for its civilization and institutions it is in large measure indebted. Samuel Ferguson, who is well known in agricultural lines in Logan township, this county, is a native of that country, his birth having occurred in Thornhill, Perthshire, May 21, 1855. He comes from a family which can trace its ancestry far back in the annals of the nation, while its members attained considerable distinction in their native land. His paternal great-grandparents were John and Kate Ferguson and on the maternal side the grandmother's name was Katherine McCauley. His grandfather, Archibald Ferguson, was a blacksmith by trade and worked in Glasgow with the great ship builder, Napier. Living at Thornhill, a distance of thirty miles from that city, he would regularly make the journey back and forth for his stay over Sunday and, leaving home early each Monday morning, would walk the thirty miles and be on hand at six o'clock to resume his duties ‐ a fact indicative of both his industry and hardihood. All the members of the Ferguson family were noted for their strength and agility, while longevity was also a family characteristic. James Ferguson, a son of Archibald Ferguson and father of the subject of this review, was also a black- smith in his native land until he departed this life in 1859 when eighty years old. His wife, who was Elizabeth McCauley, passed away in 1899.
Picture of MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL FERGUSON
Samuel Ferguson was a lad of five years when his father passed away and three years later he was put out to service, where he remained until he was about twenty-seven years old, during which time he was employed herding cattle. In 1882, hearing of the opportunities offered in the new world to industrious young men, he decided to try his fortune in the United States and in the month of May, 1882, set sail on the vessel, Devonia, for New York city. He did not remain long in the metropolis, but went instead to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for four years, at the expiration of which time he came to this county. Land was then cheap and he purchased the place on which he now resides, but instead of locating on this at once he worked a farm in Garfield township, which he cultivated for about one year and then began to improve his own property. The new country was fast being settled and upon all sides the land, which had lain for untold centuries in a crude state, was being overturned by the plow. Mr. Ferguson recalls that one morning he counted sixty different places where plows had been in operation. The first year of his settlement in this county there were only three families living between his place and Ruthven, a point six miles distant, and land was worth only from six dollars to ten dollars per acre. From time to time he added to his first purchase until he now owns two hundred and forty acres in Logan township, all of which is thoroughly drained and under a high state of cultivation. Aside from producing general crops — raising hay, wheat and oats — he also takes an interest in stock-breeding and keeps on hand a number of head of the best specimens of cattle and hogs. He also produces a great deal of corn, but during his long career he has never sold as much as three hundred bushels, claiming that the most profitable department of farming is stock feeding, and to this purpose he has practically devoted all of his corn. His farm is in excellent condition, all his buildings and fences being substantial and in good repair and everything about the place is indicative of thrift and progress.
In 1893 Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage to Anna Campbell, daughter of John and Anna (Dewarr) Campbell, both natives of Perthshire. Her parents never left their native land. Her father departed this life in 1897, at the age of seventy-six years, while her mother still survives, at the advanced age of ninety years. Mrs. Ferguson comes from an illustrious line of ancestors, as perhaps no name is better known in Scotland than that of Campbell, represented by one of the most famous Scottish clans. On her father's side her grandparents were Duncan and Jessie (McCullam) Campbell, he having been a sheep raiser and a direct descendant of the West Highland branch of the Campbells of Craigish. It is well known that the Campbell clan was the most powerful in Scotland and that it has figured most prominently in the history of that nation. Its head is the Duke of Argyll, called McCullam More, and for centuries the policy of the Argyll family was predominant. During the Stuart troubles they threw their entire influence on the side of the House of Hanover. The brother-in-law of King Edward VII is the present head of the clan, the family seat being Inverary Castle and the war cry of the clan is "Cruachan," the name of a mountain near Loch Arve, while the wild myrtle is inscribed upon the coat of arms. During the days of its ascendancy the clan had a fighting force of about five thousand and the well known march, "The Campbells Are Coming," was written to celebrate its power and bravery.
The ancient family of the Campbells of Craigish dates back to about the year 1150 and descends from Dugal Campbell, son of Archibald Campbell, so that the family runs backward close to the head of the clan. During the period of Roman conquests Scotland was inhabited by the Picts, Scots and Britons, each being governed by their own kings, but after the Romans partially subdued them they placed over them their own governors to secure their conquests. One of the governors went to France with a colony of Britons, who there, in Brittania Gallicae, were ruled by their own sovereigns and presently their brethren at home, being harassed by the Picts and Scots, sent to them for aid, offering the rulership to their king, which he declined, but he sent his son Constantine with an army to their assistance in the year 404, during the reign of Fergus II. Constantine reigned over the Britons until about the year 420 and he was the grandfather of Arthur of the Round Table, with whom the Campbells generally begin their genealogy. Thus the ancient race can trace back from father to son in an unbroken line for nearly fifteen centuries. They have alike poets, philosophers, philanthropists, doctors and divines.
The descendants of the Craigish family, although so numerous, have been dispersed throughout many parts of the world since. Being inspired with the spirit of adventure, they have settled throughout the British dominions and the United States. In the straith of Craigish they are represented at present by Mrs. Campbell, of Milford, who holds possession of the land belonging to the original family, the members of which were Admiral Campbell, of Barbrec, and Duncan Mclver Campbell, of Arkaneish and Loch Gair. Duncan Campbell, another celebrated member of the family and an uncle of Mrs. Ferguson, was a piper to Sir Charles Forbes, of Castle Newe, Strathdon, that gentleman always having pledged his faith that Duncan Campbell was the "creme de la creme" of all the pipers in Scotland.
The members of the Ferguson family all belong to the Presbyterian church, in which they are active workers. In politics Mr. Ferguson is a republican and although he is not an active politician he is always interested in public affairs and contributes his influence and support toward securing, the election of the candidates of this party. He was one of the principal promoters of the new telephone lines and is always ready to further any measure which will in any degree tend toward bettering the conditions of the locality. He is a man of high moral character, industrious and enterprising, and his honesty and uprightness have always merited him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.
JOHN P. MILLS.
John P. Mills, filling the office of supervisor, is found to be a faithful and efficient incumbent in that position. Moreover, he has long been well known as a representative farmer of the county but is now living retired, having in previous years attained success sufficient to enable him to put aside business cares at the present time. He was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1845, and his parents, Samuel and Nancy (Emery) Mills, were also natives of that
state. The paternal grandfather died in Pennsylvania when about sixty or sixty- five years of age, while his wife lived to be almost ninety years of age. They had several children, including Samuel Mills, who was reared in the Keystone state and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He removed from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin in the spring of 1846 and settled in Lafayette county. There he engaged in farming and teaming, and became a factor in the early development and progress of that portion of the state. In 1869 he removed to Carroll, Iowa, and in the spring of 1870 came to Clay county, settling near Sioux Rapids. In that state he purchased about six hundred acres of land which was mostly improved through his efforts. He lived a life of intense and well directed activity and as the years passed prospered in his undertakings, his farming interests being very valuable. In his later life he took up his abode in Sioux Rapids, where he passed away at the age of eighty-four years. He had for a little more than a year survived his wife, who died at the age of eighty-two. They were both members of the Methodist church and Mr. Mills held various township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mills were born ten children, of whom our subject is the second in order of birth.
John P. Mills was reared in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, on the home farm, amid the scenes and environments of frontier life. As the public-school system of the state was not then organized, he attended one of the old time subscription schools, pursuing his studies through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked on the farm. He remained at home until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when the patriotism in his nature responded to the country's need and in 1864, although but nineteen years of age, he enlisted as a member of Company E, Forty-third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He served until the close of the war as a private, being only engaged on garrison duty. When hostilities had ceased he returned to his Wisconsin home and there engaged in farming until the spring of 1869, when he became a resident of Carroll county, Iowa. In January, 1870, he arrived at Clay county and rented land near Sioux Rapids, carrying on farming there until 1873. In that year he invested his savings in a farm of eighty acres in Gillett Grove township, on which he established his home, and from time to time added to that property by purchase until he at one time had five hundred and sixty acres. He has since sold one hundred and sixty acres, so that his landed possessions now embrace four hundred acres of rich and valuable land in Clay county. From this property he derives a substantial annual income and he is also the owner of two hundred and thirty-eight acres in Redwood county, Minnesota. In 1902, putting aside the active work of the farm, he removed to Spencer, where he has a nice home and is now living, retired. He is the president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, which was organized twenty years ago and of which he has been the chief executive officer for seventeen years.
On the 19th of December, 1867, Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Sprague, a daughter of Samuel and Ann Sprague. Mrs. Mills was born in Cornwall. England, July 25, 1846, and her parents were also natives of that country. She lost her mother when a little girl and her father died about 1873. They were the parents of six children, of whom four reached adult age.
After the death of his first wife, her father married again and there were two daughters by that union, Helen and Adaline. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mills have been born seven sons and three daughters. One son, Samuel, is operating his father's farm and he married Bessie Woodman, by whom he has a daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Mills are both members of the Friends church and are most highly esteemed people. Mr. Mills belongs to Annett Post, No. 124, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He is as true and loyal to his country in the days of peace as in days of war and is always interested in every progressive movement for the welfare of his community. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party and his fellow townsmen have frequently called him to public office. He has served as school treasurer and school director and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He has likewise been town clerk, road commissioner and has served for two terms as supervisor. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree and his fidelity to honorable, manly principles has ever won for him the good will and friendship of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
LEWIS SCHARNBERG.
Lewis Scharnberg is one of the well known business men of Clay county, who for the past fifteen years has been actively identified with commercial interests in Everly. His labors have not only been a source of profit to himself but have also constituted an element in the general prosperity. He has lived in the county since 1884 and throughout this period has been an interested witness of its growth and progress and an active supporter of many measures for the public good. Iowa numbers him among her native sons, for his birth occurred in the city of Davenport, on the 13th of March, 1866. There his boyhood and youth were passed and the city schools afforded him his educational privileges. In early boyhood — when twelve years of age — he left Davenport and went to Benton county, locating on a farm near Dysart. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits for several years, but believing that he would find commercial interests more congenial and profitable, he went west and lived on a farm in Clay county for three years. He then worked for A. W. Sleeper as manager of his farm. Working at the carpenter's trade for a year gave him experience in the lumber business and gained him a lucrative position with a lumber company of Everly. Later he purchased the business of Deacon & Clement, thus becoming proprietor of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank. He has always been a man of enterprising spirit and his efforts have reached out into fields which have constituted sources of public progress as well as individual success. He was one of the promoters and organizers of the First National Bank of Everly and was elected cashier and manager. In this connection he is proving himself a capable and successful financier, making this one of the strong moneyed institutions of the county, while his business is continually increasing in scope. He also buys and deals in Clay county lands, also handles Minnesota property and is altogether regarded as a most progressive, energetic,
determined and prosperous business man. He is part owner of a lumber yard, elevator and tile factory in Everly and his cooperation is eagerly sought in the conduct of business affairs, for it is well known that whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion.
In Everly, in 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Lewis Scharnberg and Miss Amelia Jurgens, who was born in Davenport and there spent her girlhood days to the age of thirteen years, after which she lived in Clay and O'Brien counties. Four children have been born of this marriage, Emma F., Lewis C, Elsie and Nola.
In his political views Mr. Scharnberg is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as councilman for a number of years and exercises his official prerogatives in support of all measures that are calculated to advance the best interests of the town. He has likewise been president of the school board for a number of years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion, whose labors in its behalf are practical, beneficial and far- reaching. His opinions carry weight in the local councils of his party and he is frequently a delegate to the county and state conventions. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church, while fraternally he is connected with Everly Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Spencer Chapter, R. A. M., while of the former he is a past master. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp and is in thorough sympathy with the principles and purposes of these organizations. He occupies a very prominent position in business and social circles and is popular in Everly and vicinity, being frequently consulted by numbers of people on business matters, for his advice is always impartial and his judgment is considered sound. He has aided materially in the upbuilding and advancement of the county, being particularly active in promoting the growth and development of this locality. He readily and correctly judges the value of any situation in its bearing upon business conditions and in his private interests has so managed his affairs that he has made steady and substantial progress, being now numbered among the men of affluence in Everly.
HENRY W. EGGERS.
One of the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of Summit township is Henry W. Eggers, who is living on section 12. There he owns and cultivates a farm of three hundred and eighty-one acres which is constantly increasing in value because of the care and labor which he bestows upon it. The farm lies partly within the corporate limits of Fostoria. While there are many fine farming properties in this portion of the state there are none which excel, in the productiveness of the soil nor the practical methods of its operation, the farm of Mr. Eggers and his careful management and indefatigable energy constitute the salient features of his success.
Henry W. Eggers was born in Hardin county, December 17, 1865. In both the paternal and maternal lines he comes of German ancestry. His parents were Herman and Taalka (Steenblock) Eggers, both of whom were natives of Ger-
many. In that country the father was reared and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to the new world. For some years he was employed in a sugar factory in New York and while a resident of the Empire state was married. With his young wife he removed westward to Illinois, settling on a farm in Stephenson county, where they lived two years and on the expiration of that period came to Iowa, arriving about 1855. They settled in Hardin county, where the father purchased a tract of raw prairie and opened up a new farm, comprising one hundred and thirty acres of land. On this he placed substantial improvements, making it a desirable property, and there reared his family and spent his remaining days, continuing in active connection with general agricultural pursuits until his demise in 1892. His widow still survives him and now resides in Abbott, Iowa. Their family numbered two sons and four daughters: John, who is now engaged in the harness business in Fostoria; Etta, the wife of J. Cramer, of Wright county, Iowa; Tena, the wife of John Groathous, a resident of Kossuth county, Iowa; Margaret, the wife of Albert Leverton, of Hardin county, this state; and Delia, the wife of John Schlaumpp.
Henry W. Eggers, the other member of the family, was reared on the home farm in Hardin county, Iowa, and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. He assisted more and more largely in the work of the fields as the years passed by and thus his early training in agricultural lines well qualified him to successfully carry on business on his own account. He has never sought to figure prominently in public life, preferring to concentrate his energies on his business affairs and, as the years have passed, he has won a creditable measure of success, his diligence constituting an important element in his prosperity.
On the 3d of March, 1891, Mr. Eggers was married in Grundy county to Miss Bertha Heikens, a native of that county, where her girlhood was passed and her education was obtained. She is a daughter of George Heikens, a native of Germany, who became one of the first settlers of Grundy county. Following, his marriage Mr. Eggers engaged in cultivating the old home farm for three years and in 1894 removed to Clay county. He had previously visited this locality and had purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. He came to this property when he took up his abode in the county and not only tilled his own acres but also cultivated one hundred and sixty acres adjoining that belonging to his father-in- law. There he carried on general farming for eight years, when he sold this property and purchased where he now resides, becoming owner of three hundred and eighty-one acres, on section 12, Summit township. The work of improvement has been steadily carried forward since that time. He has built an addition to and has otherwise remodeled his dwelling. He also built a good barn and has put up all the necessary sheds and outbuildings for the protection of grain and stock from the inclement weather. The farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, mostly made of barbed or woven wire. He has also set out considerable fruit and in fact all of the features of a model farm property of the twentieth century are here found and indicate his progressive spirit, while his practical methods are evidenced in the success which has attended him. He raises and feeds high-grade stock, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. He is also financially interested in the elevator at Fostoria and in the telephone company.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eggers has been blessed with six children: Tarana H., Ina Georgia, Pearl M., Gertie Rose, Herman John Henry and Harland Gerle. The parents are members of the German Evangelical church and Mr. Eggers gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has supported since age gave to him the ballot. He has served on the school, board several years and is always interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous and kindly and those who know him personally have for him a warm regard.
CHARLES A. ROBISON.
Charles A,. Robison, editor of the Royal Banner and postmaster of the town of Royal, was born in Poweshiek county, Iowa, on the 11th day of February, 1868. He is a son of Henry and ]Mary (Carleton) Robison. His father was a native of Montreal, Canada, and his grandfather was of French birth, while his mother was a native of England. Henry Robison was afforded liberal educational privileges, being a graduate of the Montreal Military Academy. He came to Iowa about 1846 or 1847, when it was regarded as one of the frontier states, and locating in Poweshiek county, he engaged in driving a stage from Iowa City to Grinnell for two years. It was long prior to the period of extensive railroad building and the stage driver was an important personage in the town, as he formed the connecting link between the scattered little sections of civilization. In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made his way to the Pacific coast in search of the precious metal and spent two years in that state. On his return to Iowa he again located in Poweshiek county, where he operated a sawmill. Various occupations claimed his time and energies until his death, which occurred on the 18th of February, 1881, his remains being interred in a cemetery which was then known as Dresden but is now known as Deep River, Iowa. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was almost continuously an office holder, being called to fill various local positions. His wife was a native of Maine and they were married in Poweshiek county. Mrs. Robison still survives and is now living, in Spencer. They were the parents of six children: J. W., who is engaged in the jewelry business in Grinnell, Iowa; Charles A., of this review; H. E., who is a barber at Denison, Washington; C. E., a piano tuner at Boise City, Idaho; William C, a printer at Corsica, South Dakota; and Emma, twin sister of William, now in the Reporter office in Spencer.
Charles A. Robison, entering school at the usual age, continued his studies in Poweshiek county until twelve years of age and later became a student in the high school at Spencer. He started in business life as a clerk at the county seat and was thus employed for several years, after which he secured a position in a printing office and learned the trade. In 1892 he embarked in business on his own account, conducting the Dickens Tribune, at Dickens, Iowa. After a year there he returned to Spencer and in partnership with his brother, J. W. Robison, conducted a bottling works for four years. On the expiration of that period he
went to the vicinity of Spooner, Wisconsin, where he devoted two years to fishing and hunting and then once more came to Clay county, being again engaged in newspaper work in Spencer until his removal to Royal in 1900. Here he founded and began the publication of the Royal Banner and has been at the head of the paper continuously since. The postoffice, too, was moved to the town from a residence about three miles east and he is the first and only postmaster that Royal has ever had. He is prompt and faithful in the discharge of the duties of the office and at the same time is conducting an interesting country newspaper, which has a large and growing circulation. He also conducts a good job office in connection with the publication of the Banner and is receiving a good patronage therein.
In 1890 Mr. Robison was married to Miss Sylvia Dean, of Spencer, and unto them have been born four children, Ethel, Hazel, Sharley and Jack. In his political views Mr. Robison is a republican, having supported the party since he attained his majority. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Royal and has served as noble grand. Since the age of twelve years he has depended upon his own resources, without support from any one, and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well. He early learned that industry is the key which will unlock the portals of success and, as the years have passed, he has labored diligently and perseveringly to gain a comfortable competence and win for himself a creditable position in the business world. The course that he has followed commends him to the confidence and good will of all. He has an extensive circle of friends in the county.
HELON WETMORE.
Helon Wetmore, one of the honored veterans of the Civil war, whose military service has been matched by his loyalty to duty in days of peace, has been a resident of Iowa since 1857 and of Clay county since 1873. Coming here in pioneer times, he has thus been a witness of the growth and progress of the state through more than a half century. His birth occurred in Jefferson county, New York, on the 28th of July, 1832, and when about ten years of age he became a resident of Wisconsin, the family home being established in Jefferson county, where he grew to manhood on a farm, sharing in the hardships and experiences incident to pioneer life. All of the conditions of the frontier were there to be seen and Mr. Wetmore assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm, for his father, John Wetmore, secured a tract of unimproved land, which was covered with timber. This had to be cleared away and the stumps grubbed up before the fields could be plowed and planted. As he had opportunity Mr. Wetmore attended the common schools and when not occupied with his text-books was busily employed at the farm work.
As a young man he went to Michigan and attended school in Berrien county, for he was ambitious to secure a better education than had been afforded him in Wisconsin. He pursued his studies during the cold seasons and in the summer months worked as a farm hand in order to secure the funds necessary to meet the
Picture of HELON WETMORE
expenses of his school work. While living in Winneshiek county, Iowa, Captain Wetmore was married, on the 18th of January, 1858, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Lucy Wilson, nee Stewart, who was then a widow. She was born in Ireland, but in early girlhood was brought to the United States and reared in Illinois, where she married Augustus Wilson. Later they removed to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where Mr. Wilson opened up a farm and made his home until his death. In 1857 Captain Wetmore became a resident of Winneshiek county, Iowa, and carried on general farming, on his wife's land until after the inauguration of the Civil war. On the 1st of November, 1864, he was drafted into the Union army and became a member of Company C, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. He joined the regiment at Chattanooga and participated in a battle at Kinston, North Carolina. He was with General Sherman's troops at Goldsboro and later went to Raleigh, North Carolina, going into camp there. Subsequently the regiment marched to Washington, where he participated in the grand review. Becoming ill in the capital city, Mr. Wetmore remained in the hospital there until honorably discharged, when he returned home, arriving on the 3d of July, 1865. He was still ill and quite emaciated and it was some time before he recovered his health, but as soon as possible he resumed farming and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits in Winneshiek county until 1873. In that year he removed to Clay county and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of raw land, on which not a stick had been laid or an acre broken. In a short time, however, he turned the sod, harrowed the fields and when the soil was brought into fit condition he planted the seed and eventually gathered good crops. He also fenced his land and built a fair house on the place. He also planted a nice grove of cottonwood, maple, ash and walnut trees, the grove covering ten acres, while he likewise set out a willow hedge. He also planted an orchard and for a number of years energetically and successfully carried on his farm work until his labors brought to him a substantial competence and he retired from active life, since which time he has lived in Everly. It was in 1896 that he took up his abode in the village, purchasing a lot and erecting thereon a substantial and attractive residence in modern style of architecture. Here he has since lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. His tastes are not extravagant and therefore his means are sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and comforts of life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wetmore were born two sons: Seymour, who is now living in Redwood county, Minnesota; and Thomas, a carpenter, residing with his parents. By her former marriage Mrs. Wetmore had two children: Clara, the wife of James McMullen, a farmer living in Winneshiek county, Iowa; and D. C. Wilson, who also follows farming in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Wetmore are widely and favorably known and their extensive circle of friends indicates that their lives have been worthily passed. In politics Mr. Wetmore has been an earnest republican since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. At each presidential election since that time he has been found at the polls giving his allegiance to the standard bearers of the party. For some years he served as school treasurer and the cause of education has always found in him a stalwart champion. He has never sought nor desired office, however, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs. His wife is a member of the Christian church and their son, Thomas, belongs to the Masonic
lodge at Everly. Mr. Wetmore has lived a most busy and useful life. He has assisted in clearing farms in Wisconsin and Michigan and two in Iowa and has helped to improve and make the county what it is today. During their early residence here he and his wife endured many hardships and privations incident to life on the frontier, but they persevered until advancing civilization did away with the difficulties and obstacles which the early settlers must meet. They have rejoiced in what has been accomplished as the county has steadily progressed until it is now in the foremost ranks among the leading counties of the state. Mr. Wetmore has never failed to do his part in citizenship, while in business he has always held to a high commercial standard, never overreaching another in any business transaction.
MATTHEW HOFSTAD.
A good farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 10, Summit township, is the property of Matthew Hofstad and in its cultivation and further improvement his time is busily occupied with the result that he is meeting success in his efforts. He has lived in Iowa since 1871, arriving in this state when a little lad of five years. He came to America from Norway, where he was born the 25th of March, 1866. His father, Mathias Hofstad, was also a native of the land of the midnight sun and there he was reared, choosing as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Grethe Olson, who was likewise born in Norway. Mr. Hofstad was a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit in Norway until 1868, when he came to the new world. He made his way direct to Chicago, where he worked at his trade for three years and in 1871 came to Iowa, securing a homestead of eighty acres, upon which his son now resides. At that time it was a tract of raw prairie, on which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. This he broke, also fenced the fields and in course of time his careful cultivation was manifest in the rich crops which he gathered. He also built and carried on a blacksmith shop, doing work for the neighborhood. In his farming interests he manifested a progressive spirit, which was soon evidenced in the attractive appearance of his place. He set out a grove of forest trees, which was a pleasing feature in a landscape that naturally was destitute of any forest growth. As he prospered in his undertakings he added to his original holdings, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, Summit township, across the road from his first farm. There he continued to carry on general farming until his death, which occurred July 29, 1884. His widow still survives him and yet resides on the old home place, being one of the esteemed pioneer women of the community.
Matthew Hofstad, whose name introduces this review, was a little lad of five years when brought to Iowa by his parents. His youth was passed on the home farm and the common schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges. His brother, Olaf Hofstad, owns a farm adjoining, the old home place. Following his father's death Matthew Hofstad took charge of the farm and business and has since added to and remodeled the house, has erected a good
barn and built other substantial outbuildings, so that ample shelter is afforded grain, stock and farm machinery. He also set out an orchard, planted ornamental trees and has done some tiling. The fences are kept in a state of good repair and a glance over the place shows that everything is orderly and well managed. Large crops of corn and other cereals are annually garnered and with his farming Mr. Hofstad also raises and feeds stock, this branch of his business proving to him a profitable source of income. He is likewise a shareholder in the Cooperative Creamery, in the Farmers' Elevator and in the telephone company.
In his political views Mr. Hofstad is a republican, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has acted as road supervisor and has been identified with the schools as a director for several years. He and his mother are both members of the Lutheran church and are greatly esteemed in the community. He is one of the active and progressive young farmers of Summit township, a man of good business capacity and enterprise and of unquestioned business integrity, enjoying in an unusual degree the confidence and good will of the community.
JOHN B. BURGER.
John B. Burger, who owns one of the finest farms near Royal, Clay county, on which he located when it was in a raw condition and has since so improved the land that it yields abundantly hay and various grains, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1848. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Boyer) Burger, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until he departed this life in 1892, his wife surviving him fifteen years. They had the following children: Jacob, who operates a large farm in Clay towaiship, this county; John B., of this review; Liddie Ann, the widow of George Reinhart, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Andrew, deceased; Lizzie, who became the wife of William River, a railroad man residing in Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania; Mary Ellen, who wedded Anton Stauch, of Pennsylvania; and Katie, deceased.
When a lad John B. Burger attended the district schools of his native town, where he acquired his education and, completing his study, he remained at home and engaged in the daily routine of the farm until he was twenty-three years of age, at which period of his life, being desirous of starting out in the world for himself, he left the home farm and spent four years at various occupations in different portions of Pennsylvania. At the end of that time he located in Randolph county, Indiana, where he rented a farm which he kept under cultivation for four years and then, giving up agriculture, he went to work on the Shoo Fly railroad, where he remained for some months. He afterward spent one year in the employ of the Pan Handle Railroad. Later he spent two years in Illinois and in 1879 came to Iowa, locating in Buena Vista county, where he followed farming for six years and at the expiration of that time, upon hearing, that Clay county offered better inducements to the agriculturist, he bought eighty acres here, upon which he has since resided. His land is situated on the northeast
quarter of section 17, Clay township, and since Mr. Burger purchased it he has provided the farm with a comfortable residence, substantial buildings and every convenience with which to carry on farming by modern methods. He engages in general farming, producing large quantities of hay and various grains of excellent quality, and in addition takes considerable interest in stock-raising and has a number of head of fine horses and cattle. When Mr. Burger took hold of this property it presented anything, but the appearance of a farm, being in a primitive state and far from arable, but by his industry and good management he has succeeded in putting it under a high state of cultivation and in converting it into one of the finest farms in the vicinity.
In 1871 Mr. Burger was united in marriage, in Goldsboro, Pennsylvania, to Miss Josephine Spengler, a native of York county, that state, and to this union were born the following children: Elizabeth, deceased; Rosa, who was united in marriage to Harvey Goyette; Martin, who remains on the farm wath his father; Berdell, who became the wife of John Mingus, and resides on a farm in this county two miles from Spencer; Anna, the wife of Alvin Petit; and Edith, who wedded Otto Ruch, a farmer of this county.
Mr. Burger is a stanch adherent of the republican party and, being convinced that it contains the secret of the nation's financial prosperity, he has always been loyal to its candidates during campaigns. He is one among others who deserves great credit for turning the wild prairie into fertile lands, thereby adding to the wealth of the country, and it was by making, use of his youthful energy that he won success and finally attained his present prosperity. When he came to this county he had very little as far as wealth is concerned but he was rich in enterprise, perseverance and patience and these, directed toward the soil, soon enabled him to draw forth its wealth and gradually win prosperity so that now in his declining years he may rest in comfort and enjoy somewhat of the hard earned but substantial fruit of his long years of earnest and unremitting labor. Mr. Burger has not only been industrious but has evidenced in his transactions those qualities which make friends and, being upright in his dealings and interested in the moral as well as the financial welfare of the community, he enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him.
ED SITZ.
Ed Sitz, who operates a large flour mill in Peterson and is well known throughout the state because of the excellence of his manufactured product, was born near Berlin, Germany, December 31, 1853, a son of Lewis and Augusta (Klath) Sitz, both of whom were also born near that city. In the old country his father engaged in agricultural pursuits and in 1859 came to the United States, having made the voyage across the sea in a sailing vessel, which while enroute the captain lost his bearings and as a consequence those aboard were four months upon the high seas before reaching a harbor. Being enroute for so long a time the water gave out as well as provisions and there was much suffering among the passengers and a number died of thirst and hunger. After a long and tedious
Pictures of MR. and Mrs. ED. SITZ
journey, accompanied by many hardships and anxieties Mr. Sitz and his wife finally landed in New York from which place they went directly by rail to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Sitz engaged in farming near that city for two years and then went to Green Bay, Wisconsin, farming in that place for the same period, thence to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and after a sojourn of six years in that place came to this county in 1869, making the trip in a prairie schooner. Here he homesteaded land in the northern part of section 2, Peterson township and later removed to a farm two miles northeast of Peterson, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising until he departed this life, his remains being interred in the cemetery here. His wife still lives at an advanced age and resides in the village of Peterson. In the family were eight children, namely: Ed, of this review; Amos, who owns a telephone line at Peterson; Augusta, wife of Harry Teller, an agriculturist of Douglas township; Eunice, who is the widow of James Frasher and resides in Peterson; Delia, who became the wife of Eph Williams, residing on a farm in Douglas township; Ida, who is wedded to C. H. Atkinson, a barber in the village of Peterson; Tillie, wife of Samuel Wilkison, a merchant of Wilkins, Minnesota; and one who died in infancy.
In the common schools of Wisconsin and also the graded schools of Milwaukee Ed Sitz acquired his education. He remained at home, engaging in the daily routine of the farm, until he was twenty-one years of age when he began work in the flour mill at Peterson, which was owned by J. A. Kirchner, his father-in-law, who established the business in 1865. Mr. Sitz has since been connected with this enterprise, with the exception of one year spent in the employ of Charles Beckworth, a miller of Cherokee, Iowa. About fifteen years ago Mr. Sitz purchased the mill but prior to that time he was practically in full management of its affairs. Shortly after he became associated with the business he installed new rollers and new machinery and about the time he bought out the concern he replaced the old water-power system by steam power so that now the enterprise is in every sense conducted upon modern principles and today the Peterson Rolling Mills are known throughout the county and the state as well. Mr. Sitz turns out about one hundred and fifty barrels of flour a day and fifty barrels of corn meal and in addition manufactures a special pancake flour known as Ida's Pure Wheat Cake Flour and of this commodity he produces about forty cases per day. Mr. Sitz has invented a special process by which to manufacture corn meal and he is now contemplating the construction of a large plant by which to supply his constantly growing, trade for that superior commodity.
In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella Kirchner, daughter of J. A. Kirchner, a pioneer of this county, she being the first white child born in Clay county. Mr. and Mrs. Sitz have four children, namely: R. E., who is connected with the elevator business here; L. A., who is associated with his father in the milling business; Ida, who became the wife of Clyde Martin, an agriculturist of O'Brien county; and Le Roy, who attends school at Valparaiso, Indiana.
Mr. Sitz gives his political allegiance to the republican party and cast his first vote for General Grant when he was a candidate for presidential honors. He has served the township in a number of useful offices and for the past twenty-four years has been a member of the school board. He is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Daughters of Rebekah, the Masonic Lodge, in
which he is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter at Sioux Rapids, Eastern Star, Ancient Order United Workmen, Yeomen, Homesteaders and Legion of Honor. Mr. Sitz is as attentive to his religious duties as to those incumbent upon him in the business world and attends services at the Congregational church, to which he is a large contributor. He is a man of excellent business ability, well known throughout the community for his honesty and the interest he takes in public improvements. He is in every sense of the word a man worthy of the confidence of the people and is one of the township's most substantial business factors.
FRANK HUSS
Among the agriculturists of Everly, Clay township, Clay county, who are numbered among the substantial farmers and representative citizens and who have achieved success and surrounded themselves with prosperity by their own exertions and persevering efforts, is Frank Huss, whose birth occurred in Jackson county, this state, on August 20, 1865. His industry and enterprise together with good management, have been the means of enabling him to acquire considerable acreage of excellent land, which he has for many years kept under cultivation and from which he has derived bountiful harvests. His parents were Henry and Anna (Gross) Huss, the father having been born in Lutzenburg, Germany. In 1846 he crossed the seas to seek his fortune in the new world, locating in Jackson county, Iowa, where he followed agricultural pursuits until he departed this life in 1887, his remains being interred in that county. He was a man who had a high sense of honor and his excellent qualities of character together with his aggressiveness have made him a substantial farmer and have enabled him to stand high as a citizen of the community. The mother was also born in Germany, where she was united in marriage, accompanying her husband to this county, where they spent the remainder of their lives and reared the following family: John, deceased; Pile, a retired farmer of Dubuque, Iowa; Nicholas, who lives a retired life in Dumont, Iowa; Anthony, who resides in Miner county, South Dakota; John, who follows agriculture in that state; John, deceased; Lizzie, of Sheldon, O'Brien county, Iowa; Mary, who resides in Dubuque county, Iowa; and Frank.
In his native county Frank Huss was reared and there he attended the district schools, where he acquired his education, in the meantime assisting his father in the duties of the farm. Upon completing his studies he remained under the parental roof, daily engaged in farm work, until he was about nineteen years of age, at which period of life he became ambitious to be self-supporting and work independently. During his labors thus far he had lived modestly, laying by the larger portion of his earnings, so when he desired to conduct a farm for himself he had sufficient means with which to buy a tract of land and made a purchase in Jackson county, and for a period of six years engaged in general agriculture and stock-raising for himself. In this venture he prospered, but, upon thinking that the state of Nebraska offered greater opportunities for his occupation than that of Iowa, he repaired to that place, but after one year he
decided to return to Iowa, locating in O'Brien county. In this county he was married and remained seven years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, at the expiration of which time he settled in Clay township, Clay county, where he resides at present, owning section 3, in that township, also eighty acres in Lone Tree township. Both farms are in a high state of cultivation and Mr. Huss has provided them with all modern improvements, each farm being supplied with its own dwelling, barns and other buildings and since he has made a special study of soils he has been able to preserve the growing properties of his farms and consequently he succeeds in deriving from them their full quota per acre of hay and various kinds of grain. In addition to general farming interests he pays some attention to stock breeding and makes it a point to deal only in thoroughbreds, doing quite a buying and shipping business.
In the year 1890 Mr. Huss wedded Miss Mary Gillespie and they have reared the following children: Nellie, Edward, Gertrude, Laura, Elmer, Mabel, Ralph and Evelyn. In politics Mr. Huss does not bind himself to any particular party but thinks more of the man who seeks office than of the principles of the party to which he belongs. He therefore deems it just and right to consider the qualifications of candidates irrespective of partisan ties and uses his vote and influence in behalf of the interests of the commonwealth. One of the services which he has rendered the township is that of school director, having served efficiently for several terms as a member of the school board. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church and, considering his religious obligations first, he is a regular and faithful attendant upon divine services. He inherited industry, perseverance and patience from his sturdy Teutonic parents and, always evidencing that willingness to work and ambition to succeed common to those of his race, he has, step by step, made his way in the world until now he has risen to a position where he is numbered among Clay county's substantial farmers and most highly respected citizens.
THEOPHILUS PARRY POWELL.
Among the successful men of Clay county is numbered Theophilus Parry Powell, whose former activity in agricultural lines now enables him to live retired in Spencer. He has also been active in political circles and at one time served as recorder of the county. His birth occurred near Scranton, Pennsylvania, May 26, 1847. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Powell, was a native of Wales and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He died when seventy- four years of age, while his wife, Mrs. Margaret Powell, passed away in middle life. They were the parents of ten children: Theophilus, Thomas, William, Leah, Peter, Emma, Joseph, Christmas, and two who died in childhood. Of this family, Thomas T. Powell, father of T. P. Powell, was also a native of Wales, and having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Margaret Parry, who was also born in the little rock-ribbed country of Wales. Her father died in early manhood at Waterloo, Belgium. Thomas T. Powell, while a resident of his native country, followed the occupation of mining. In March, 1846, he came to
America, locating in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, where he continued in the same line of business. In 1852 he removed westward, taking up his abode in Iowa county, Wisconsin, where he purchased an eighty-acre farm, to which he afterward added until he was the owner of three hundred and twenty acres. There he died in June, 1880, at the age of sixty-six years, while his wife survived him until 1896 and passed away at the age of eighty-two years. They were members of what was known as the Close Communion Baptist church.
T. P. Powell, their only child, was reared to manhood in Wisconsin from the age of five years, spending his boyhood and youth upon the home farm, during which time he became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His education was obtained in one of the old-time rock schoolhouses of that period and he assisted in the arduous task of developing new fields and converting his father's land into a rich and productive tract. He remained at home until he had attained his majority and the only interruption to his farm work came through his service as a soldier of the Civil war. He enlisted in October, 1864, as a member of Company K. Fiftieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until June, 1866, holding the rank of corporal.
Following the close of hostilities between the north and the south Mr. Powell resumed farming in Wisconsin and was closely associated with agricultural interests in that state until 1881, when, believing that he might have still better opportunities in the new but growing west, he removed to Richardson county, Nebraska. Not fully satisfied with that location, he remained there only until the following November, when he came to Clay county. For twenty-seven years he has now been a resident of this county and throughout much of the period has devoted his attention to the tilling of the soil. He first bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Douglas township, which he cultivated and improved, making his home thereon until 1892. In that year he was elected to the office of county recorder and removed to Spencer in order to facilitate the discharge of the duties of the position. That he proved capable and efficient is indicated in the fact of his reelection to his incumbency in the position, covering eight years, or until 1900. Since that time he has lived retired in the enjoyment of well-earned and well-merited rest. He still owns the farm, however, and derives therefrom a good annual rental.
On the 19th of October, 1869, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Emma S. Edwards, who was born in Byron township, Genesee county, New York, on the 14th of January, 1847. She is a daughter of Edward T. and Sarah (Edwards). Edwards, who were natives of North Wales. Coming, to America, they settled in Genesee county. New York, where they lived for some years and then removed westward to Wisconsin in 1855, making their home in Ridgeway township, Iowa county. The father there secured a tract of land and devoted his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits, his death occurring in 1882. when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-two years. He had long survived his wife, who died in 1863, when forty-seven years of age. They were the parents of six children who reached maturity: John W., a resident of Chicago: Marv A., the wife of James Kinton, of Stella, Nebraska; Sarah J., the widow of Joseph Martell; Anna S., the wife of T. P. Powell; Thomas R., also a resident of Stella. Nebraska; and Roseltha Abby, the widow of John Higgins.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Powell was blessed with eleven children, but eight of the number died in childhood. Those living are: Thomas Edward, who is now a mail carrier; Margaret Sarah, the wife of Joseph Roberts, a druggist of Linn Grove, Iowa; and Charlotte Louise, the wife of Albert O. Anderson, who is conducting a drug store in Peterson, Iowa. They also have an adopted son, Royal Brown Powell. Both Mr. and Mrs. Powell are devoted and faithful members of the Baptist church and Mr. Powell belongs to Annett Post, No. 224, G. A. R., while his wife is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps. He is serving as chaplain of his post and is interested in its work. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party, since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has been loyal in his support of its principles and proud of the fact that he cast his first vote for Grant. For a number of years he filled the office of justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He was also township assessor of Douglas township for several years and has likewise filled the office of school director. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and at all times he is interested in the welfare and progress of the community, giving his support to many measures for the public good. In his business dealings he has ever been straightforward and reliable, enjoying the full confidence of those with whom he has been associated and as a worthy and representative citizen of Clay county he well deserves mention in this volume.
O. H. ERFFMEYER.
The Sunny Slope Stock Farm, one of the most attractive farm properties in Summit township, is cultivated by O. H. Erffmeyer. It is situated on section 13 and comprises three hundred and twenty acres. Here Mr. Erffmeyer carries on general farming, stock-raising and dairying and his capable business judgment is seen in the excellent results which attend his labors. He dates his residence here since the 2d of March, 1900, and in the intervening years has made many substantial improvements on his property, which is today most valuable and sightly.
On the 1st of February, 1873, Mr. Erffmeyer started on life's journey, the place of his nativity being Winnebago county, Illinois. No event of special importance occurred in his boyhood and youth. He was reared to manhood in his native county and educated in its common schools, supplemented by two years' study in the Rockford Academy, so that he was well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He remained with his father on the home farm until twenty-seven years of age and his training in the work of field and meadows was of a most thorough character, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and as his years and experience increased he more and more largely assumed the management and care of the farm. In March, 1900, he arrived in Clay county and took charge of the farm here. He is a most energetic, industrious man, faltering in the performance of no duty that devolves upon him. Progress and improvement may well be termed the keynote of his character. He has given his time and energies to the further development of his
place and has here erected a large barn, forty by eighty feet. It is one of the largest in the county and indicates in what an extensive measure Mr. Erffmeyer is engaged in general farming. He also has a large granary, double corn cribs and sheds, wherein his farm machinery is protected from the storms. He has planted some fruit and has greatly improved the place, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation. He is not afraid of work but on the contrary is a most diligent, energetic man and his success is therefore well merited.
On the 15th of December, 1904, Mr. Erffmeyer was married in Summit township to Miss Kathryn G. Schony, who was born in Freeport, Illinois, and is well educated. She engaged in teaching in her native state and afterward in Iowa and South Dakota. She is a daughter of Squire Schony. Mr. and Mrs. Erffmeyer attend the Methodist Episcopal church of Fostoria and contribute to its support, while Mr. Erffmeyer is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp there. Politically he is a republican where national issues are involved but votes independently at local elections, nor has he ever desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, which are now capably conducted, so that he is justly classed with the progressive farmers of the county.
JACOB BURGER.
Jacob Burger, who engages in general farming and stock raising in Everly, Clay, county, and who is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of this vicinity, is a native of Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred January 7, 1847. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Boyer) Burger, both of whom were natives of York county, Pennsylvania, where they resided on a farm until they departed this life in the years 1882 and 1901, respectively. They reared a large family, as follows: Jacob, of this review; John B., an agriculturist of Clay township, this county; Liddie Ann, the widow of George Reinhart, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Andrew, deceased; Lizzie, who became the wife of William Rhiber, a railroad man residing in Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania; Mary Ellen, who wedded Andrew Stough, residing near Strinestown, Pennsylvania; and Susan, deceased.
During his boyhood days Jacob Burger worked on his father's farm and passed through the usual experiences which enter the life of a country boy, engaging in the general routine of the farm during the summer season and attending the district school during the winter. He assisted his father in his agricultural duties until he was eighteen years of age, when, ambitious to take up arms in support of the honor of his country, he enlisted in Company D, Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, afterward engaging in a number of battles under Generals Mosby, White and Kinslow until he received an honorable discharge. After his military career had ended he returned to his father's farm, remaining there until the year 1880, when, hearing of the exceptional chances offered to agriculturists in Iowa, he came to this state. He did not move direct to that place, however, but spent one year in Putnam, Illinois, then followed farming in Buena Vista county, Iowa, for three years, and then came
to Clay township, Clay county, where he purchased the southeast quarter of section 5 and immediately took up the raising of crops. When he settled upon the land it was in a rough state, but he gradually succeeded in making improvements, so that now his farm is provided with an excellent dwelling, barn, outbuildings, machinery and all the necessary conveniences of a successful farm. He engages in a general agricultural business, producing hay, grain and other crops, and also devotes some attention to stock raising, breeding some excellent specimens of graded cattle and hogs.
In 1878 Mr. Burger wedded Miss Ellen Miller, and to this union were born the following children: John, a guide who resides in Okoboji, Dickinson county, Iowa; Joe, who is taking up a homestead in Dakota; Lydia, wife of Eli Gerard, and resides on a farm in Tennessee; Clinton, who is locating land in Dakota; Robert, who follows agricultural pursuits in this county; and Mary, the wife of William Richard, a Dakota farmer. After the death of Mrs. Burger, Mr. Burger was united in marriage, in 1899. to Mrs. Anna Dammann, a daughter of Dellef and Anna (Kanck) Thorston, who came to the United States from Schleswig-Holstein in 1872, settling in Ohio. From there they went to Davenport, Iowa, then to Crawford county, Iowa, and in 1898 came to O'Brien county, Iowa, where they now reside. Mrs. Burger had one son by her first marriage, Julius Dammann, who lives with his mother. Unto Mr. Burger and his second wife has been born one child, Lloyd. Mr. Burger is a loyal supporter of the republican party. He is a man of integrity and ambition, and is accounted among Clay county's representative citizens.
HEINE O. GREEN, M. D.
Dr. Heine O. Green, discharging his professional duties with a sense of conscientious obligation because of his thorough understanding of the responsibility that devolves upon the physician and surgeon, has won for himself a foremost place in the ranks of the medical fraternity of this part of the state. He has practiced successfully in Spencer and the public has attested its faith in his skill and ability by giving to him a liberal patronage. One of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred at Postville, June 10, 1870. He was one of four children born to Dr. John S. and Mary A. (Cameron) Green. The others were: Emma, now the wife of Dr. C. M. Coldren, a resident of Milford, Iowa; Dr. John E., deceased; and Carrie, who died in infancy.
Dr. H. O. Green spent his boyhood days in Postville, Iowa, and, mastering the work of successive grades in the public schools, eventually became a high- school student and was graduated in the class of 1887. He then attended the Tapper Iowa University for three years and was graduated from the Western College at Toledo, Iowa, in 1891. In preparation for a life work he began the study of medicine in the medical department of the State University of Iowa in 1893, continuing until 1895. He then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in St. Louis, and is numbered among its alumni of 1895, being valedictorian of the class. That year he began practicing in Spencer, Iowa, where
he has remained continuously since. He has gained recognition as one of the able and successful physicians here, and by his labors, his high professional attainments and his sterling characteristics has justified the respect and confidence which he is held by the medical fraternity and the local public.
On the 22d of January, 1907, Dr. Green was married to Miss Judith Bernheim, a daughter of Joseph and Marie (Sands) Bernheim. Mrs. Green was born in Denver, Colorado, while her parents were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1881 and settled in Denver, Colorado, where her father carried on business as a mining broker.
Dr. and Mrs. Green have but one child, Joseph Elmore Sands. Mrs. Green is a member of Temple Israel at Helena, Montana. Dr. Green belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. His political support is given to the democracy and he keeps well informed on all questions and issues of the day. In his professional relations he is connected with the Clay County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Austin Flint Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He thus keeps abreast with the profession in its onward march, continually broadening his knowledge also through individual research and investigation, until his ability places him in the foremost rank of the medical fraternity in Clay county. He enjoys a large practice, is a progressive citizen and one whose position in the community is enviable, as the expression of public opinion concerning him is altogether favorable.
EVAN JONES.
Nature seems to have intended that man should enjoy a period of rest in the evening of life. In youth one is filled with hope and enthusiasm, in mature years his energy and determination are tempered by sound judgment and experience and therefore, if he is persistent in his labors, success will attend him and then when the evening shadows fall he will find it possible to enjoy a period of rest from labor. Such has been the history of Mr. Jones who, for the past six years, has lived retired in Everly, although for a long period he was one of the active and energetic farmers of Sioux township. Moreover he is entitled to special mention in this volume from the fact that he is one of the pioneer settlers and aided in reclaiming the district for the purposes of civilization. He came to the county in 1867 and found here a region that was wild and unimproved, giving little indication of the progress that was soon to transform it into a thickly settled region. However, some years were to pass before Clay county was to take its place among the leading counties of the commonwealth and in those years men of resolute spirit and undaunted energy found it necessary to labor indefatigably in order to convert the raw prairie into productive fields.
Mr. Jones has ever borne his full share in the work of public progress and his life history cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born in Oneida county, New York. January 13, 1829, and was reared on the home farm where, he early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall
Pictures of Mr. and Mrs. EVAN JONES.
to the lot of the agriculturist. In 1855 he removed westward to Wisconsin, settling in Dane county, where he worked at farm labor by the month. He then rented land and engaged in farming on his own account in that county, later purchasing two hundred and forty acres of land in Adams county, Wisconsin. However, he found this land so poor and sandy, that after owning it for eleven years he sold it for one dollar an acre, or two hundred and forty dollars.
While living in Wisconsin Mr. Jones was married in Fort Atkinson, that state, on the 1st of December, 1859, to Miss Mary E. Frink, who was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, January 11, 1841. Her father, Hiram W. Frink, came to Wisconsin in 1836 when that state was still a territory. His father settled in New York city in early days when the city was called New Amsterdam. Mr. Hiram Frink died in 1881, long surviving his wife who passed away in 1846. Mrs. Jones is distantly related to Senator B. Payne of Ohio. They took up their abode on a rented farm in Dane county, where they lived until 1867 and then removed to Iowa, securing a homestead claim in Sioux township, Clay county. Mr. Jones thus obtained possession of eighty acres which were entirely destitute of improvement, but soon the track of the shining plow was seen across the fields for he early broke the sod and turned the furrows that he might in course of time gather rich crops. He also bought eighty acres of land in section 14 adjoining his original place, so that his farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres. After some years he replaced the little buildings by more modern, commodious and substantial farm structures and he bought other land, including one hundred and twenty acres on section 26, Sioux township. He cultivated this in connection with his other farm and was busily occupied with the work of the fields for a number of years, after which he rented his land and removed to Spencer. For a year he resided in the county seat, during which time Mrs. Jones assisted in the organization of the old Methodist church of which she was a charter member. He later bought his present home, locating where he now resides in Everly. His place was one of the well known homesteads of Clay county for he featured in the early development and every pioneer settler knew the location of the Jones farm and many were there entertained by the hospitable owner.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born three sons. J. E. Jones, who now owns and operates the old homestead, is married and has a daughter Blanche. H. E. Jones, living in Everly, is married and has three daughters, Edith, Ella and Ruth. A. T. Jones, also of Everly, is married and has four children, Theodore, Leslie, Grace and Mamie.
In his political views Mr. Jones was a democrat until 1856, when the newly organized republican party placed a ticket in the field and he supported John C. Fremont. He remained an unfaltering advocate of the republican principles until 1896, when he returned to the democratic ranks. In Sioux township he was elected and served as justice of the peace and he was also trustee for Spencer township for two terms. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he served as one of the first directors of the schools in his district. He was frequently a delegate to county conventions and it is characteristic of Mr. Jones that his position has ever been an unequivocal one. He has stood fearlessly in support of whatever he has believed to be right and neither fear
nor favor could swerve him from this course. He has now reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and for forty-two years of this time has been a resident of Clay county. His memory goes back to the time when the homes were widely scattered and when there were many log houses in the district. Much of the land was untillable because it was low and wet, but drainage has changed all of this, and where once were seen wild animals of the prairie are now found large herds of cattle and other stock. There were still traces of Indian occupation here when he arrived but the work of progress has been carried so steadily forward that as one now looks over the fine farms and progressive towns it seems hardly possible that it is within the memory of a living man when this was largely a wild and unimproved region.
JOHN M. SOKOL, M. D.
The well established family physician obtains an influence in any community which is more far reaching than that of any man sustaining other relations to the public, and if his life is actuated by honorable principles and lofty ideals, he becomes a notable force for good in support of those measures and movements which are calculated to benefit the community at large. Such a physician is Dr. John M. Sokol, one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Monmouth, Jackson county, January 18, 1876. His parents were Frank and Anna (Wanacheck) Sokol, both of whom were natives of Bohemia. The former was a son of Frank Sokol, a farmer by occupation, who was born, reared and married in Bohemia. He came to America in 1854 and settled at Monmouth, Iowa, where he died at an advanced age, while his wife, Mrs. Josephine (Nishka) Sokol, had also traveled far on life's journey before she was called to her final rest. They had a large family, four of whom, John, George, Frank and Josephine, reached adult age. The maternal grandfather of Dr. Sokol was Vincel Wanacheck, and he, too, was a native of Bohemia, whence he came to the United States in 1854. In that year he established his home at Baldwin, Iowa, and devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. The maternal grandmother was Anna (Dolezal) Wanacheck. Unto him and his wife were born four children: Frank, Vincel, John and Anna, the daughter becoming the wife of Frank Sokol and the mother of Dr. Sokol.
In the year 1854 Frank Sokol accompanied his father to America, the family home being established at Monmouth, Iowa, where he remained until 1861, when he crossed the plains to the Pacific coast with a prairie schooner, and there engaged in mining for four years. He then returned east, and in 1880 removed to Onslow, Iowa, and there established business as a lumber merchant. He is still residing there and is one of the most prominent and influential residents of the town. As the years, have gone by he has extended his business interests and is now well known in financial circles as the vice president of the Onslow Savings Bank. In political circles he is also recognized as a leader, and for a number of terms served as a member of the board of supervisors of Jones county, while for two terms he represented his district
in the state legislature, his reelection coming to him as an endorsement of his devotion' to the interests of the commonwealth during his first term. No native- born citizen of Iowa is more loyal to the state and its upbuilding than is Mr. Sokol, whose patriotism and devotion to the general good stand as unquestioned facts in his career. It was following his arrival in the new world that he wedded Anna Wanacheck, and unto this marriage were born four children, two sons and two daughters: George, now a resident of Sibley, Iowa; Blanche, the wife of William Shuttleworth, of Ocheyedan, Iowa; Emma, the wife of Frank Shimmerola, of Oxford Junction, Iowa; and John M., our subject.
Dr. John M. Sokol, of this review, whose youth was largely passed in Onslow, Iowa, continued his studies through the successive grades in the public schools until he was graduated from the high school of that place with the class of 1890. He afterward entered Ames College and was graduated from the scientific course in 1895. While attending there he engaged in teaching school two winter terms and after his graduation he resumed the profession of teaching, becoming principal of the high school at Oxford Mills, where he remained for two years. He then studied medicine with the intention of making his practice his life work, matriculating in the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, where he completed his course in 1902. He was then house physician in the Cook County Hospital for one and a half years, and added to his theoretical training the broad experience of hospital practice. In October, 1904, he arrived in Spencer, where he has practiced continuously since.
On the 28th of June, 1905, Dr. Sokol was married to Miss Winifred Dando, a daughter of Simon Dando. They have one child, Charles. Dr. and Mrs. Sokol hold membership in the Congregational church and are actively interested in its work. He belongs also to Evening Shade Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M., and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has held several positions in the line of his profession, acting as health officer of Spencer for four years, as county physician, and also as county coroner, being the incumbent in this office at the present time, following his election in 1908. Professionally he is connected with the Clay County, the Iowa State and the Upper Des Moines Medical Societies, and thus keeps in touch with the general progress of the profession. Anything which tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life is of interest to Dr. Sokol, who is now an extremely busy and successful practitioner, constantly overburdened by demands for his services. He is an industrious and ambitious student, patient under adverse criticism, while in his expressions concerning brother practitioners he is friendly and indulgent.
M. O. NEWMAN.
General agriculture and stock raising engage the attention of M. O. Newman, a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Peterson township, this county, who was born in Green county, Wisconsin, March 5, 1860, a son of Samuel A. and Mary (Roderick) Newman, his father having been a native of Pennsylvania.
He removed to Wisconsin about the year 1846, locating in Green county, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and remained there until his death, which occurred November 17, 1876. His mother, who was a native of Wirginia, lived in Pennsylvania to the age of twelve and then removed to Wisconsin. She was united in marriage in Wisconsin and departed this life in Green county March 3, 1906. They were the parents of six children: Elliott, who passed away in 1861; George, a stock buyer of Monroe, Wisconsin; Ella, who departed this life in 1888; Hattie, matron of a hospital in Monroe, Wisconsin; Marion J., a dentist; and M. O.
In the common schools of his native town M. O. Newman acquired his education and remained on the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age, when he went to Kansas, thence to Nebraska, and after a sojourn of two years he returned to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1897. which year found him settled in Clay county, this state, having located in the south- eastern portion of section 12, in Peterson township. After a period he removed to the southwestern portion of section 14, where he now resides and cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of highly improved land, on which he raises general crops and pays some attention to stock raising. In addition to this tract of land he owns eighty acres in section 15 and a quarter section of land in Brooks township, Buena Vista county, these tracts of land being highly improved and under cultivation. Mr. Newman's farms present the appearance of thrift, and the neat and complete fencing, together with a comfortable residence, barns, outbuildings and other conveniences, evidence the industry and prosperity of the owner.
In 1887 Mr. Newman wedded Miss Catherine Stauffacher. a native of Green county, Wisconsin, and the couple are the parents of two sons, Ralph, who departed this life in 1903, and Harold J., and one daughter, Marian. Mr. Newman votes with the republican party, and among the other services which he has rendered the township is that of trustee, in which capacity he is now acting. He belongs to Royal Lodge, A. F. & A. M., the Eastern Star, of which his wife is also a member, and both attend divine services at St. John's Evangelical church. Mr. Newman is among the substantial farmers of the township and all he has he acquired by his own efforts, having started out in life with few educational advantages and without means, but with the more valuable assets of laudable ambition, patience and perseverance, by which he gradually bettered his condition. Now he is in comfortable circumstances and occupies a prominent place in the financial interests of the county, and is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Peterson.
LEVI EDWIN La BRANT.
For more than a quarter of a century Levi Edwin LaBrant has been a resident of Clay county, and throughout this entire period has been identified with farming interests, although much of the time he has lived in the city of Spencer, where he now makes his home. Many changes have occurred in the county since his
Picture of L. E. LaBRANT
arrival and at all times his influence and aid have been given to further progressive public movements. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, July 5, 1844, and is one of a family of thirteen children, whose parents were Jonathan and Margaret (Eisenbrei) LaBrant. The father followed the occupation of farming as a life work and in 1830 sought a home in America, arriving in this country on the 23d of September of that year. He first located in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, but afterward became an early settler in De Kalb county, Illinois, and gave his attention to the tilling of the soil' in that locality. There he died June 22, 1875, when about seventy-two or seventy-three years of age, while his wife passed away July 9, 1878, at the age of seventy-three years. Both were members of the German Methodist church and earnest religious faith characterized their lives and guided them in their relations with their fellowmen. While living in Germany Mr. LaBrant served as a soldier in accordance with the laws of his native country. The following is the record of the eight sons and five daughters in their family: Andrew, who died when a year old; William, a resident of Malta, Illinois; Margaret, the widow of John French, of Dwight, Illinois; Jonathan, of Weir City, Kansas, and who was a soldier in the Civil war; Sophia, who became the wife of Samuel Flanders but is now deceased; Josephine, the wife of Josiah Myers, a resident of Somonauk, Illinois; Catharine, the widow of Albert Perigo, and a resident of Chicago, Illinois; Charles, who served in the Civil war and lost his life in the battle of Shiloh; Levi E., of this review; Elizabeth, who died in childhood; John, a resident of Kansas; and Henry and Jacob, both residents of Spencer.
Levi Edwin LaBrant was only six years of age when the family went from Ohio to Illinois and there upon the home farm he spent his youthful days to the age of eighteen years, attending the district schools, working in the fields and indulging in such sports as the youth of the period enjoyed. He was about nineteen years of age when in 1863 he donned the blue uniform of the nation and offered his services to the government in defense of the stars and stripes. He went to the front with Company C of the Seventeenth Illinois Calvary and served for two years, during which time he participated in a number of skirmishes and in a three weeks' campaign against General Price, during which time they did considerable fighting with the bushwhackers. Mr. LaBrant was first duty sergeant. He continued at the front until the close of hostilities and with a creditable military record he returned home. After the close of the war he again took up his abode in Illinois and began farming on his own account in De Kalb county, where he brought a tract of land under a high state of cultivation, his energy and determination converting it into rich and productive fields. In 1883 he came to Iowa and purchased land in what was then Spencer township but is now Sioux township, Clay county. His first purchase embraced one hundred and sixty acres, which he at once began to develop, making it an arable and valuable tract. He has since extended the boundaries of the place by additional purchase until it now comprises two hundred and eighty acres. He lived in Spencer for five years, beginning in 1897 and then returned to the farm, whereon he remained for another period of three years. He then came again to Spencer, where he now makes his home. He erected an attractive residence in 1907 and has built altogether four houses in the county, having on his farm a most attractive and commodious residence which he built at a cost of five thousand dollars.
On the 25th of December, 1868, Mr. LaBrant was married to Miss Alice Edinburn, a daughter of William and Rachel (Byers) Edinburn. There were three children of that marriage: Albert B.; Gertrude E., who died at the age of seven years; and one who died in infancy. The living son wedded Cora Kindlespire, and they have three sons, Simon, Roscoe and Merle. Mrs. Alice LaBrant passed away September 10, 1879, and on the same day their little daughter Gertrude died. On the 14th of December, 1880, Mr. LaBrant wedded Mrs. Isabel Gilbert, the widow of Arthur B. Gilbert; and a daughter of Garrett and Sophia (Weed) Seeber. Mrs. Seeber was born in McHenry county, Illinois. Her parents were natives of New York but became early settlers of Illinois and there reared their family of six children: Persis, the wife of William Delano, a resident of Sandwich, Illinois; Anna, the wife of A. C. McCrory, of Cogswell, North Dakota; and Isabel, now Mrs. LaBrant; while three died in childhood. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. LaBrant was William Seeber, a native of the Empire state. Her maternal grandparents were Lewis and Esther Weed, also natives of the state of New York, where the father followed the occupation of farming.
By her former marriage Mrs. LaBrant had two children, Elmer and Winifred, but both died at an early age. There is one son of the second marriage, Roy Seeber, who was married to Miss Audrey E. Livingston, daughter of A. J. Livingston, of Spencer, Iowa, on August 2, 1905. They are living on his father's farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. LaBrant hold membership in the Congregational church and he belongs also to Annett Post, G. A. R., thus maintaining cordial and friendly relations with his old army comrades. His political views are in harmony with republican principles and he has served for several terms as school treasurer and school director but public office has had little attraction for him. He has lived to witness many changes in the county since he arrived here, for the conditions of frontier life have been replaced with the evidences of a modern and progressive civilization. As the years have passed he has prospered in his undertakings and is now one of the substantial residents of the county, deriving his income from the judicious investments which he has made.
THOMAS McPHERSON.
Thomas McPherson, a worthy and respected representative of agricultural interests in Logan township, owns and cultivates a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and in addition owns another tract of forty acres, all of which is under a high state of development. Aside from any business connections Mr. McPherson also has a strong hold upon the regard of his fellow men, owing, to a kindly spirit and generous disposition. He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, May 19, 1833, a son of James and Katherine (Cullum) McPherson, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The grandfather, Angus McPherson, resided in Scotland up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was more than eighty years of age, while his wife also passed away at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather, Thomas Cullum, died when about seventy vears of age, and
his wife, Mrs. Catherine (Buchan) Cullum, was also long-lived. The parents of Thomas McPherson never left their native land, but passed their entire lives there amid the scenes of their early childhood. They were of a sturdy race and came from a long line of ancestry, who developed a type of character noted for courage, strength and the strictest integrity. The death of Katherine McPherson occurred in 1879, when she was sixty years of age, while James McPherson passed away in 1886, at the age of eighty years. In their family were the following named, Margaret, Mary, Nancy, James, William, Thomas and John. The last named crossed the Atlantic to Canada and settled near Ottawa, the other members of the family remaining residents of the land of hills and heather.
America is especially indebted to the hardy pioneers who came from England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and other countries, who patiently and heroically endured the privations and hardships incident to dwelling far out upon the border lines of civilization, away from railroads and markets, there performing the work of converting the wild prairie into fertile fields. To such tasks Thomas McPherson has devoted his energies. He was reared in the land of his nativity and remained there until about twenty-eight years ago, crossing the Atlantic to the United States in the spring of 1881. It was the morning of the anniversary of his birth that he first set foot upon the shores of the new world, and from New York he made his way direct to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he remained for about four years. During most of that time he was associated with Marion R. Mason, an attorney of that place. In 1885 he came to Clay county, where he purchased a tract of land from Griffin and Adams, paying for it eight dollars per acre. This is the old homestead, whereon he has since resided. He is now the oldest settler in the township and has been closely identified wath the progress and interest of the county during his residence here, covering a period of twenty-four years. His farm now embraces nearly one hundred and twenty acres. His home place is under a high state of improvement, being equipped with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. The place presents an attractive appearance because of its neatness and thrift, and in springtime gives promise of golden harvests in the autumn, because of the practical methods which Mr. McPherson employs in the development and management of his place.
Mr. McPherson has been married twice. About 1855 he wedded Robena Downer, who died about 1869. They had several children. James, their oldest son, was born October 10, 1856, and wedded Mary Cram, by whom he had four children, Thomas, William, Mary Robena and John. Having lost his first wife, James McPherson wedded Jessie Furgeson, August 12, 1901, and they reside in Scotland. Their children are David and Gavin. Robena, the second child of Thomas and Robena McPherson, was born January 1, 1859, and on the 25th of November, 1883, became the wife of William Bremer, of Canada. Their children are: Robena, born November 10, 1884; Robert, who died in infancy; Nettie, born April 20, 1892; Thomas, August 5, 1894; Katie, May 5, 1896; Mary, September 4, 1901; and Nellie, November 19, 1903. William Downie McPherson, the third member of the family of Thomas and Robena McPherson, was born August 9, 1862, and was killed in an accident in April, 1867. Sarah, the fourth member of the family, born October 13, 1867, married William Watson, who lives in Logan
township. William Downie McPherson, the second of the name, was born March 16, 1869, and resides on the old homestead, being in charge of the place and looking after the comfort of his father and mother. For some years he has been correspondent for the Spencer newspapers and has been active in official circles, serving as assessor twelve years and also acting as constable for some time.
On the 9th of January, 1875, Thomas McPherson, of this review, was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth Furgeson, a daughter of David and Margaret (Campbell) Furgeson, both natives of Scotland. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. McPherson were Alexander and Hellen (Gieggie) Furgeson and the maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth (McQueen) Campbell. The parents of Mrs. Elizabeth McPherson passed their entire lives in their native land, where Mr. Furgeson died in 1873, while Mrs. Furgeson departed this life April 30, 1875. Unto the marriage of Thomas McPherson and Elizabeth Furgeson there were born two children. The elder, Maggie Campbell, born July 15, 1876, was married April 5, 1899, to Thomas O. Kenyon, and they have two children, Helen and Ronald Thomas, the family residing in South Dakota. The younger daughter, Elizabeth McPherson, who was born July 12, 1879, died June 26, 1881.
Thomas McPherson has reached the seventy-sixth year of his existence and his has been a useful life, for not only has he won success in business but has been ever willing and ready to bear a full share in matters of public improvement. For more than seventeen years he filled the position of school director and the cause of education has found in him a warm and stalwart friend. He is now serving as justice of the peace, having been incumbent of that office fourteen years, during which time his decisions have ever been fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity of the case. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows while in Scotland. He votes with the democracy and he and all of his family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. McPherson belongs to that class of men who are the real builders and promoters of the country. Indeed, so broad has been his philanthropy, so kind his heart, so open his purse and so generous his disposition that he is honored and beloved among, his neighbors, amid whom he has labored. Being the oldest citizen of the township, no history of Logan would be complete without extended reference to him.
PROFESSOR AMPLIAS HALE AVERY.
Prof. Amplias Hale Avery, superintendent of the city schools of Spencer, in which connection he is giving the benefit of his broad knowledge and ability to his chosen field of labor, winning for himself recognition as one of the foremost representatives of educational interests of Iowa, was born in Richwood township, Richland county, Wisconsin, May 20, 1870, and is one of seven children whose parents were Alden Hale and Sarah (Otto) Avery. The father was a son of Richard Avery, a native of Vermont. His grandfather was likewise born in the Green Mountain state, and was of English descent. He fought for the
independence of the colonies in the Revolutionary war and lived for many years to enjoy the fruits of liberty, passing away in Vermont at an old age. Richard Avery learned and followed the cabinet maker's trade until the time of the Mexican war, when he joined the army as a cavalryman and died in the service. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jerusha Hale, long survived him, living to the age of about seventy-nine years. They were the parents of six children, Alonzo, Amplias, Alden, Henry, Jerusha and Deborah. The maternal grandfather of Professor Avery was John Otto, a native of New York and of German descent. He followed the occupation of farming, married a Miss Teller, and lived to the age of eighty-three years.
Alden Hale Avery, the father of Professor Avery, was a cabinet maker in early manhood, but later turned his attention to other pursuits. Removing westward to Wisconsin, he settled in Richwood township, Richland county, among its pioneer residents, establishing a home there when the district was largely covered with forest growth and when the work of improvement and development seemed scarcely begun. He built a saw mill, grist mill, woolen mill and chair factory, becoming closely associated with the industrial progress of the community. In fact he was numbered among the prominent and influential residents of Richland county because of his business activity and his enterprising efforts in behalf of general improvement. He wedded Sarah Otto, a native of New York, who died in 1873, at the age of thirty-seven years, while his death occurred in 1879 when he had reached the age of forty-seven years. They were both of the Unitarian faith. Of their family of four sons and three daughters five reached adult age: Maria, the deceased wife of Samuel Yeager; Caroline, the deceased wife of Emmet Paine; Richard; Frank, who died just a month prior to the date on which he would have graduated from the University of Wisconsin law school; and Amplias H.
Professor Avery left Wisconsin when fourteen years of age and came to Iowa. He then entered the Cedar Falls Seminary at Osage and worked his way through that school. In 1889 he removed to South Dakota and for a year and a half devoted his time to the study of law in Aberdeen. Because of the financial stringency of that period he accepted a country school in order to replenish his depleted exchequer, and later became principal of the public schools of Ashton, South Dakota, where he remained for three years. He was so successful as a teacher that it was with no difficulty that he obtained schools, accepting the principalship of the Woonsocket public schools, where he remained seven years. In 1901 he came to Spencer, where he acted as principal of the high school for a year, and was then called to the superintendency, in which position he has since remained. There are four schools of the city, over all of which he has general supervision, and during his incumbency as superintendent he has introduced many substantial improvements in the methods of teaching and also in the branches taught. His labors are at all times practical and he inspires the teachers under him with much of his own zeal and interest in the work.
Professor Avery was married December 11, 1889, to Miss Grace Cornwall, a daughter of A. R. and Amanda (Luse) Cornwall. There was one child of that marriage, Theta, who is now attending Stanley Hall School for Girls. On the 30th of November, 1899, Professor Avery wedded Miss Grace Dunham, who
was born at Wheatland, Iowa, July 6, 1878, a daughter of Niles J. and Clara (Rogers) Dunham, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of New York city. There are two children by this marriage, Margaret and Alden Dunham Avery. Mrs. Avery is a member of the Congregational church and has won for herself an enviable position in social circles. Professor Avery belongs to Evening Shade Lodge No. 312, A. F. & A. M., and Clay Chapter No. 112, R. A. M. Politically he is a republican, but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, as every true American citizen should do, he does not seek public office. He is a man of strong intellectual and marked force of character, whose natural ability makes him a leader of public thought and opinion.
GEORGE W. MANNING.
George W. Manning is one of the active and prosperous farmers and stock- raisers of Riverton township, and is conducting his business interests on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres within four miles of Spencer. The farm's neat and thrifty appearance indicates Mr. Manning's careful supervision and practical methods and he is justly accounted one of the leading agriculturists of the community. He came to Iowa in 1870, at which time he took up his abode in Cedar county, while, since March, 1892, he has lived in Clay county. His birth occurred in Ontario, Middlesex county, Canada, August 5, 1848. His father, Jotham Manning, was born in Massachusetts and was of English descent. His youthful days were passed in his native state and when a young man he went to Canada, where he married Ann Dale, who was born in Pennsylvania and was of German lineage. Mr. Manning became a farmer of Ontario, Canada, and there reared his family and spent his last years. He performed the arduous task of developing a farm in the midst of the forest, cutting away the timber and clearing away the stumps in order to till the fields. His remaining days were there passed and his death occurred in 1876.
The old home farm in Canada was the training ground of George W. Manning and, under the guidance of his father, he was prepared for the practical duties of business life. He assisted in the cultivation and improvement of the homestead until he had attained his majority and then crossed the border into the United States, locating first in Livingston county, Missouri. He had previously learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in Chillicothe, Missouri, for nine months, then removed to Cedar county, Iowa. There he worked at his trade, in the employ of others for a time, but later became a contractor and builder, and was thus closely identified with the substantial improvement of the district.
While living in Cedar county Mr. Manning was married, in 1871, to Miss Anna J. Wareham, who was born in Pennsylvania but was reared in Iowa. Her death occurred in Cedar county. By that marriage there were six children. On the 13th of January, 1886, Mr. Manning was again married, in Cedar county, his second union being with Mary C. Gano, a native of that county and a daughter of David Gano, who was one of the first settlers there and is now living in Scotland, South Dakota, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife also survives and is now
sixty-seven years of age. Mrs. Manning was reared and educated in Cedar county and there continued until 1892. It was in that year that Mr. Manning removed with his family to Clay county and purchased eighty acres of land, on section 36, Riverton township, where he now resides. The place had but slight improvements upon it and he began to further develop and cultivate it, while later he purchased an adjoining tract of eighty acres. He has erected a good two-story residence, has fair outbuildings and has fenced the entire place. He has also done some tiling and carried his work forward along lines that he believes will produce practical and substantial results. In addition to tilling the soil he raises and feeds a large number of hogs annually. For three years after his arrival in this county he worked more or less at the carpenter's trade in Spencer and his own home is evidence of his skill and ability in this direction.
By his first marriage Mr. Manning, had six children: E. J., who is married and lives in Oklahoma; B. D., residing in Sutherland; O. D., who is married and lives upon a homestead claim in North Dakota; Georgia, the wife of C. R. Dahms of Oklahoma; Eva L., the wife of C. A. Skov, of Clay County; and Ella M., of Wilton, Iowa. The children of the second marriage are: Ethel L., now in Oklahoma; M. M., E. G., G. F., and Alora Pearl, all yet at home. They also lost a daughter, Attia May, who died in infancy. The parents are members of the Friends church, of Spencer, and Mr. Manning gives his political support to the republican party, of which he has been a faithful advocate since becoming a citizen of the United States. While he still has a deep love for the land of his birth, he has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for in conditions here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has won for himself a creditable place as a substantial business man.
CONRAD RIEDINGER.
General farming and stock-raising command the attention of Conrad Riedinger. who cultivates an extensive tract of land in Dickens, and is a man who began life with little education and without pecuniary means or influence. On the strength of his own resources, through the constant application of perseverance, coupled with hard work and careful management, he has put his energies to excellent work and has subserved them to such a degree that he has been able to rise in the world from comparative penury and obscurity to a position of prominence in the affairs of the county, both as a man of finance and a substantial agriculturist. He is a native son, his birth having occurred in Scott county, February 9, 1858, and his parents were Conrad and Mary (Brindel) Riedinger. His father was a native of Germany and came to the United States in 1852, locating in Davenport, this state, where he lived seventeen years, removing to Welton, Clinton county, in 1876, and thence to Jackson county, where he resided until he departed this life in 1892. In his native land he followed rope making as an occupation and after coming to this country engaged in general agriculture, in which he continued until the time of his death. Mr. Riedinger's mother, also a native of the fatherland, was married in Scott county and now resides in Jack-
son county. She was the mother of the following children: William, who resides on a farm in Jackson county; Conrad, of this review; Emma, deceased; Lewis and Albert, both operating farms in Jackson county.
The boyhood days of Conrad Riedinger were spent in Scott, Clinton and Jackson counties, this state, where he attended the district schools, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-four years of age, at which period he started out in the world for himself. He rented a farm in Clinton county and followed general agriculture and stock-raising until the death of his father, when he bought the home farm and worked it until the year 1900, when he removed to Clay county and purchased a quarter of section 6, and since settling upon it has met with such prosperity as to enable him to add to his tract eighty acres in section 5. The soil of his farms is very fertile and both of them are highly improved and provided with every convenience with which to successfully carry on his occupation, and aside from doing a general farm business, he pays considerable attention to buying, feeding and shipping stock. In the spring of 1909 Mr. Riedinger and sons, John and Daniel, bought and added another one hundred acres of land to the farm, so that he now owns three hundred and sixty-one acres. In addition to his growing farm interests he is concerned in a number of other commercial enterprises and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company.
In 1883 Mr. Riedinger wedded Miss Veronica Ast, a native of France, who came to the United States in 1872 with her parents, and to this union were born: John, at home; Mary, deceased; Daniel, whose birth occurred in 1887; Bernice, who was born in 1890; Ida, born in 1894; Albert, died in infancy; and Cora, born in 1904. Mr. Riedinger is an independent democrat in politics and belongs to the Lutheran denomination. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, meeting at Dickens, and of the M. B. A., meeting at Welton, Clinton county, with which his wife is also affiliated. Mr. Riedinger is one among, many who deserves great credit for his successful career, inasmuch as he has gained his way in life by his own exertions. Industrious habits and straightforwardness have enabled him to maintain his standing in the community as a substantial and desirable citizen.
JOHN B. WILSON.
Since 1872 John B. Wilson has resided on a farm in section 28, Freeman township, which is yet his home. He is, therefore, familiar with the pioneer history of the county and his memory forms a connecting, link with the primitive past and the progressive present, with all of the advantages that have been secured through the labors and efforts of its enterprising citizens. His birth occurred in Derby, Orleans county, Vermont, January 21, 1843. He was the onlvychild of Chauncey and Emily (Ballou) Wilson, both of whom were natives of the Green Mountain state. The mother died when her son was only three or four days old and the father married again, his second wife being Harriet M. Blodgett. There were five children of this marriage: Frank B. of Derby, Vermont; Henry
Pictures of Mr. and MRS. J. B. WILSON
M., of Monona, Iowa; Willie E., of Janesville, Minnesota; Mary Ada, who died at the age of fifteen years; and Emma, the wife of C. C. Clark of Derby, Vermont. The father of this family also devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and continued for many years a resident of Derby, where he died in 1893 at the age of eighty-three years. His second wife survived him two years and then she, too, was called to the home beyond. In community affairs he was quite prominent and aided in shaping public thought and opinion. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to represent them in the Vermont legislature. Tracing back the history of the family we note that John Wilson, the grandfather of John B. Wilson, was one of the early settlers of Vermont. He married Miss Elizabeth Ellsworth and devoted his energies to the occupation of farming. He died when past middle life, while his wife reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. The maternal grandfather of John B. Wilson was Otis Ballou, a resident of Waterford, Vermont, who later made his home in Littleton, New Hampshire, just across the Connecticut river.
John B. Wilson spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, amid the picturesque scenery of the Green Mountain state, and attended the district schools to acquire his preliminary education, which was later supplemented by an academic course in Derby. He also engaged in teaching school for several terms in the east and then heard and heeded the call of the west. In 1866 he arrived in Minnesota, settling near Kasson, in Dodge county. In the spring of 1872 he came to Iowa and took up his abode on his present farm, which then comprised eighty acres of land and which had been secured as a homestead by his brother- in-law, George Keller. As the years have gone by Mr. Wilson and his children have added to the farm until they now have about six hundred acres of valuable land, the place being rich and productive, the well-tilled fields responding readily to the care and labor which were bestowed upon them. All days, however, have not been equally bright with him. During, the early period of his residence here there were several seasons in which the grasshoppers ate almost every spear of living grain in the county. This brought on hard times and many of the settlers, becoming discouraged, removed from this district, but Mr. Wilson persevered and in the course of years his energy and industry triumphed over obstacles and difficulties. In the winter he could not obtain coal or wood and had to burn hay for fuel. This he would twist into a hard bundle and use in the cooking and heating stoves. He could also well remember "the winter of the deep snow." It was in 1880, when snow fell to the depth of several feet all over this part of the country and continuing cold, laid upon the ground for weeks. It was almost impossible to get beyond one's own home but, though so many hardships were to be endured, such as were incident to frontier life, Mr. Wilson, with resolute courage, continued here until changing conditions brought all of the comforts and evidences of a modern civilization. Year after year he carried on the work of the farm and has now developed a fine property, improved with good buildings and equipped with all the modern accessories and conveniences of the model farm of the twentieth century.
On the 24th of December, 1868, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Betsy E. Keller, who was born in Jefferson county. New York, November 19, 1842, a daughter of Matthew and Catharine (Zimmerman) Keller, who were
likewise natives of the Empire state. On removing westward they settled first in Minnesota, among the pioneers who were reclaiming that region for the purpose of civilization. They made their home in Dodd county, eventually removing to Canton, South Dakota, where their last days were passed, both being about seventy-five years of age when they were called to their final rest. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are now living: Barbara A., the widow of Charles Van Allen of Minnesota; Henry Keller of Washington; Betsy E.; Mary, the wife of Charles Storing of North Dakota; George, of Deadwood, South Dakota; and Frank, also of Deadwood.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson has been blessed with a son and two daughters: Edward J., who is associated with his father in the operation and improvement of the home farm; Katie, who is a teacher in Minnesota; and Hattie E., at home. Mr. Wilson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He served as county supervisor for two terms and has been school director for many years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend, for he believes that the public school system is one of the bulwarks of the nation. During the first few years which he lived in Clay county he taught school and at times went four miles each day to the school house, but for about two years of the time taught in his own home. He also taught several terms in Minnesota. He thus was among the early promoters of the educational interests of the community and at all times has been a stalwart advocate of whatever tends to promote the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community. He has lived to see a remarkable transformation in the county, as pioneer customs have been replaced by the evidences of a progressive and advanced civilization. Little pioneer homes have been replaced by the commodious and substantial residences built in modern styles of architecture, trees have been planted and the native prairie grasses have been replaced by all the cereals that are cultivated by the farmer today. In all the work of general improvement Mr. Wilson has borne his part and well deserves mention in this history.
WILLIAM PARKER BOWMAN.
Spencer has a goodly proportion of retired men — men who for many years were closely associated with agricultural, industrial or commercial interests here or elsewhere, and in the management of their affairs won the success that now permits of honorable rest from labor. To this class belongs William Parker Bowman, now one of the venerable citizens of Clay county, having reached the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey. He was born in the town of Jay, Essex county, New York, February 12, 1823, a son of Thaddeus and Martha (Upham) Bowman, both of whom were natives of Windsor county, Vermont. The family was established in New England when this country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain. His grandfather, Thaddeus Bowman, Sr., was born in the Green Mountain state and was of German and English lineage. He was a shoe maker by trade, and at the time of the second war with England he put aside business and personal considera-
tions to fight in defense of American interests. He lived to be more than ninety years of age and was twice married, having a family of five children by his first marriage, this number including Thaddeus Bowman, the father of our subject. The maternal grandfather was Alonzo Upham, who also lived in Windsor county, Vermont, where he devoted his life to the pursuits of the farm. He, too, was twice married and to him was allotted a ripe old age, his years numbering more than ninety when he was called to his final rest.
Thaddeus Bowman, Jr., engaged in the tilling of the soil as a life work, but did not remain always a resident of New York. In fact, he became one of the pioneer citizens of Wisconsin, locating there when it was under territorial government. He took up his abode in Waukesha county and was closely identified with the early development and progress of that part of the state in the effort to plant the seeds of civilization upon the virgin soil of the west. After following farming in Wisconsin for a number of years, he removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, where he remained for seven years, passing away in 1880 at the age of eighty-nine years and seven months. His wife died in 1833 in the faith of the Congregational church, to which Mr. Bowman also belonged. While living in New York he served as justice of the peace. Following the death of his first wife he wedded Nancy Nichols. His eight children, however, were all born of the first marriage.
There were five sons and three daughters, but William Parker Bowman is the only one now living. In his boyhood days he worked on his father's farm in Essex county. New York, taking his place in the fields as soon as he was old enough to handle the plow. When the crops were all harvested in the autumn he had the opportunity of attending the district school, the sessions of which covered little more than the winter months. He was twenty-four years of age when, in 1847, he became a resident of Wisconsin, living in Waukesha county. Subsequently he took up his abode in Rock county, that state, and afterward lived at Marquette, Wisconsin. In 1864 he donned the nation's blue uniform and went to the front in defense of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company K, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, in which he served until the close of the war. After the war was ended and victory perched upon the northern banners, he resumed the pursuits of peace, returning to his home in Marquette county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in general farming. The following year, however, he came to Iowa, and since 1865 has lived continuously in that state, first locating in Mitchell county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. Eight years were devoted to farming that tract, and in 1874 he came to Spencer, Iowa, where he has since lived, covering a period of thirty- five years. Here he made investment in three hunred and twenty acres of land in Lone Tree township and operated the farm for three or four years, after which he sold that property. His bank deposits and other investments have been amply sufficient in the evening of life to supply him with all necessities and many comforts and luxuries, and thus in his declining days he has not found it necessary to labor for those things which have contributed to his welfare.
On the 2d of June, 1847, Mr. Bowman was married to Miss Lestina Charlotte Boynton, a daughter of Ephriam and Alice (Thurston) Boynton. She was born in the town of Jay, Essex county, New York, and in her girlhood days
was a schoolmate of him who later became her husband. For more than sixty years they traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, adversity and prosperity, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years went bv. At length, however, they were separated in the death of Mrs. Bowman, who passed away January 4, 1908, at the age of eighty years and five months. There were eleven children in their family, five sons and six daughters. Harriet is the widow of Sidney Purdy, and they had four children, but Lula is the only one now living. Caroline became the wife of R. E. Talpey, and died, leaving five of her six children, one having already passed away. The others are Fred, Roy, Edward, Katherine, and Mattie. Henry is a physician and farmer, of Buckhorn, Wyoming, who wedded Miss Ida Potter. They have three children, Laura, Potter and Dorothy. Charles, also living at Buckhorn, married Miss Lucy Osborn, and has two children, Minnie and Reuben. Martha is deceased. Minnie is the wife of Dr. McDonald, of Fremont, Nebraska, and they have one son, Duncan Bowman. Wilbur, living in Owatonna, Minnesota, married Nellie McKay ,and has three children, Clifford, Jessie and Lloyd. Ella is employed in the money order department of the Spencer postoffice. The others of the family died in infancy.
Mr. Bowman belongs to Spencer Lodge, I. O. O. F., and to the Annett Post, G. A. R. He has been a stalwart advocate of republican principles since the organization of the party, and while in Wisconsin served as supervisor and served as a member of the city council of Spencer. A life of activity and usefulness has won for him an enviable position in the regard of his fellowmen. He early learned to value life's opportunities and appreciate its purposes, and never has been content to choose the second place. He is now one of the revered patriarchs of his community, who was born during the administration of President Monroe and has lived to witness the notable events which have not only shaped the history of the country but have also largely molded the destiny of the world. His reminiscences of the earlier days are interesting and give a glimpse into the bygone civilization almost totally unknown to the youth of the present time.
ALBERT W. GREENE.
Albert W. Greene is numbered among the prosperous and enterprising business men of Spencer, where he is well known as proprietor of a fire, lightning and tornado insurance agency. He is now the president of the Iowa Mercantile Mutual Fire Insurance Association and secretary of the Clay County Farmers' Mutual Insurance Association. A native of Ohio, he was born in Clinton county on the 20th of February, 1845, and is one of a family of ten children, whose parents were David and Mary (Jessup) Greene, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of North Carolina. The paternal grandfather, Reuben Greene, was likewise born in the Old Dominion and was of English descent. He followed the occupation of farming as a life work, thus providing a good living for his family. He wedded Rhoda Ballard, who died when about fifty years of age, while he survived to the age of eighty years. They reared a large family,
Picture of A. W. GREENE
including Isaac, David, Robert, John, Abigail, Rhoda, Asa and Roland. The maternal grandparents were Thomas and Ann Jessup, natives of North Carolina. He, too, followed agricultural pursuits as a life work and died in middle life, while his wife was about eighty-five years of age at the time of her demise.
David Greene, reared in Ohio from the age of nine to a life on the farm, chose general agricultural pursuits as a means whereby to obtain a substantial income, and was connected with farming interests in Ohio until 1863. He spent four years in Indiana and then removed westward to Iowa, taking up his abode in Marshall county. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for he passed away in 1868 at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow afterward removed to Clay county, where she passed away in 1872 at the age of sixty-eight years. Both were members of the Friends' church and were people whose loyalty and honorable principles won them the love and friendship of all with whom they came in contact. Their family numbered ten children, eight sons and two daughters, of whom four are now living: Dr. E. H. Greene of Loveland, Ohio; Rebecca, widow of Alva Griest of New Haven, Connecticut; Albert W., of Spencer; and Levi, also of Spencer.
Albert W. Greene was reared in Clinton and Warren counties, Ohio, remaining on the farm until seventeen years of age, after which he spent four years in Indiana. He attended the district and select schools and also engaged in teaching for several terms. In the spring of 1867 he started for Iowa, riding one horse and leading another, but not knowing definitely where he was going. He believed, however, that there were good business openings west of the Mississippi and realized that the country was growing more rapidly than the older sections of the east. He stopped first at Marshalltown, Iowa, where he had friends, and in that vicinity worked by the month as a farm hand, while in the winter seasons he engaged in teaching. During the last year of his residence there he rented and cultivated a farm. In the spring of 1869 he came to Clay county and located on the present site of Greenville, which town was named in his honor. A postoffice was established there at his home and he served as postmaster for twenty-two years. During the first few years of his residence here his time was devoted to farming in the summer seasons and teaching in the winter months. Later he purchased a general store from E. P. Stubbs, which he conducted for seven years. Later he followed farming for two years, having two hundred and forty acres which he purchased and improved from the raw land, save a tract of eighty-eight acres which had formerly been entered as a homestead claim. Thus the years passed in active, earnest toil, his enterprise and industry and determination winning for him a substantial competence as the years went by. In 1893 he removed to Spencer for the purpose of giving his children better educational privileges, and here he established an insurance office, having already been engaged in the insurance business. In 1895 he was instrumental in organizing the Iowa Mercantile Mutual Fire Insurance Association, of which he has since been president. He has also been secretary of the Clay County Farmers' Mutual Insurance Association for more than eighteen years, and is today one of the best known insurance men in the city, both companies owing their success in large measure to his capable business management and keen discrimination.
On the 28th of February, 1868, ]Mr. Greene was married to Miss Lizzie Stanfield, of Albion, Iowa, who was born in Marion county, Indiana, April 12, 1849. Her parents, David and Jane (Baldwin) Stanfield, were natives of North Carolina, who became early settlers of Indiana and afterward established their home in Marshall county, Iowa, in pioneer days. The father was drowned in the Iowa river in 1859 and the mother, surviving him for some time, passed away in Osborn county, Kansas, about 1890. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are now living: Irena, Lindsay, Elizabeth, Sarah, Leander and David. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Greene was David Stanfield, who was likewise born in North Carolina, and became a preacher of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. He wedded Elizabeth Baldwin and both lived to an advanced age. They reared a large family. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Greene was Charles Baldwin, and both he and his wife were natives of North Carolina and were identified with the Friends' church.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greene have been born four sons and three daughters: Evalena, now the wife of Oscar D. Jenkins, a resident of Spencer, by whom she has one daughter, Ruth; Orvan E., a practicing, dentist of Clinton, Iowa, who married Gertrude Wheeler of Manona, Iowa; Edgar L., who died at the age of eight months; Elnora, the wife of Clarence L. Thuirer, living near Fostoria, Iowa, by whom she has two living children, Leland and Merrill; Clinton D. and Clara B., who are college graduates and are now at Phoenix, Arizona; and Fred W., who married Susan Carver, and is living in Spencer.
Mr. and Mrs. Greene are birthright members of the Friends' church and are people of genuine personal worth, to whom the hospitality of many of the best homes of the county is freely accorded. In politics Mr. Greene favors the republican party, though the character and life of the man influence him to a larger degree than the party affiliation. He has held various township offices, for twenty-one years serving as justice of the peace in Gillett Grove township, also as township trustee and township clerk. At the present time he is serving as a member of the city council and is a member of the school board of Spencer. He is interested in all that pertains to the substantial improvement and development of the community, being, widely recognized as a public-spirited and patriotic citizen.
HARRY L. FARMER.
One of the signs of the times is the fact that young men are filling the important business positions and controlling the trade interests of the country. The reason for this lies in the fact that better educational opportunities have been enjoyed by them than were secured by the majority of the people a generation ago. Then, too, in the middle west a spirit of progress prevails that prompts the individual to put forth his strongest effort and utilize his opportunities to the best advantage. A representative of this class of men is found in Harry L. Farmer, the wide-awake, energetic and popular cashier of the Greenville Bank He was born in Franklin, Massachusetts, October 23, 1879, and is one of four
children whose parents are John P. and Jennie (King) Farmer, natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts respectively. The mother was a daughter of Dr. George E. King, a physician and surgeon, who was born and reared in the old Bay state. There he married Miss Lucy Eddy and they both lived to advanced years. Their family numbered several children but all died in early youth save Mrs. Farmer and Francis E. The latter was a soldier of the Civil war and for two weeks was incarcerated in Libby Prison but was released on parole for attending the sick.
John P. Farmer, father of Harry L. Farmer, is one of the most prominent citizens of western Iowa. He was reared as a farm boy and afterward worked with his father, who was a contractor. In early manhood he went to Massachusetts and there became interested in the manufacture of woolen goods, becoming connected with several large woolen mills. For some years he was thus associated with manufacturing interests in the east but in 1882 sought the opportunities of the growing west and that the step which he then took was a wise one is indicated in the success which has since attended his efforts. Arriving in Iowa, he took up his abode in Sioux Rapids and there organized the Bank of Sioux Rapids, of which he is now the president. This is a private banking institution and in its ownership he is associated with F. H. Helsell. As he has prospered Mr. Farmer has extended his efforts to other undertakings, being now interested in a number of banks, so that he figures prominently in the financial circles of the state. He is a man of well balanced capacities and powers, who inspires confidence in others and at the same time is capable of mature judgment of his own capacities and of the people and circumstances that make up his life contacts and experiences. He is eminently a man of business sense and easily avoids the mistakes and disasters that come to those who, though possessing remarkable faculties in some respects, are liable to erratic movements that result in unwarranted risk and failure. He has never failed to venture where favoring opportunity is presented and his judgment and even paced energy generally carry him forward to the goal of success. Aside from his connection with the banking interests of the state he is known locally as a progressive citizen whose labors have been of value in promoting public progress. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having taken the Royal Arch degree. His wife is a member of the Congregational church. Their family numbers three sons and a daughter: Harry L., Clara L., George E. and William H.
Harry L. Farmer was reared in Sioux Rapids, for the removal of the family from New England to the middle west occurred when he was but a lad. Hei was graduated from the high school at Sioux Rapids and then further continued his education as a pupil in the Iowa State College at Ames. After putting aside his text-books he took charge of a bank at Peterson, where he continued for a short time and then went to Laurens, Iowa, acting as assistant cashier of the bank at that place for eight months. On the expiration of that period he came to Greenville as cashier and general manager of the Greenville Bank, which was organized September 20, 1900, by Dr. Charles McAllister, Mrs. Emma S. Miller, A. F. Lamar, E. B. Herrington and M. P. W. Albee. In the early part of 1901 it was purchased by the well known banking firm of Sioux Rapids, Farmer & Helsell, who are the present proprietors. On the 16th of November. 1901, the
bank was burglarized and the safe blown to pieces by two white men and a negro, who secured fifteen hundred and twelve dollars and thirty-nine cents, which was reimbursed by the New York Burglary & Casualty Company of New York city, for the bank carried a policy with that company, as it still continues to do. The crime occurred after midnight and the burglars made their escape on a hand car to Albert City, where they were in the depot waiting for a train when they were discovered by officers, who ordered them to throw up their hands. This they did, although at the same time they shot the constable and a deputy. One of the burglars — a white man — was killed. The other two were later captured in a running fight, tried and sentenced to be hung, but secured a new trial and ha4 the sentence commuted to imprisonment for life, so that they are now serving their time at Anamosa in the state penitentiairy.
Mr. Farmer is well known as one of the enterprising young bankers of western Iowa and is also a popular resident of this part of the state. He belongs to Enterprise Lodge, No. 332, A. F. & A. M., of Sioux Rapids, and to Sioux Rapids Chapter, No. 129, R. A. M. He is likewise connected with Estherville Lodge, No. 528, B. P. O. E., Harmony Lodge, No. 188, Knights of Pythias of Spencer, and Buena Vista Chapter, No. 109, of the Eastern Star. His membership relations extend to Greenville Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America and he is in thorough sympathy with the teachings of all of these orders. Politically he is a republican, interested in the success of his party and alive to the issues of the day. Alert and energetic, he is in close touch with all the interests which are factors in the life of a progressive citizen and of the community at large and is recognized as a forceful factor for development and improvement in the locality where he now makes his home.
ANDERSON G. HARDIN.
Almost four decades have passed since Anderson G. Hardin became a resident of Clay county and throughout the years he has figured prominently in community affairs through his business activity and his unselfish devotion to the general good. For the past twenty years he has been numbered among the merchants of Spencer, where he is now dealing, in furniture and household goods, having a well appointed store, while his straightforward business methods commend him to the liberal patronage of the public. He started upon the journey of life in Marion county, Indiana, December 1, 1833, and has therefore reached the age of seventy-six years. Few men at his time of life remain as active factors in the world's work and indeed many a younger man seems anxious to relegate to others the duties and responsibilities which he should bear in business relations. Mr. Hardin, however, has been a most diligent and energetic man and his life of usefulness has been crowned with success.
His paternal grandfather was a native of Kentucky and became one of the pioneer residents of the Miami valley of Ohio, while later he established his home in Indiana. He served as a soldier of the war of 1812 and fought the Indians in Kentucky when they contested the invasion of the white race into what they
regarded solely as their hunting grounds. Henry Hardin, father of Anderson G. Hardin, was born in Ohio and was reared in that state amid conditions which are always prevalent in a frontier district. He devoted his life to farming pursuits and on leaving his native state went to Marion county, Indiana, becoming also a frontier settler there. Again he sought the "far west" when he came to Iowa in 1839, crossing the Mississippi river at New Boston. He settled first at Black Hawk in Louisa county, where he lived for about two years, when he removed to Yellow Springs township, Des Moines county, and took up his abode near Burlington, where he continued for two years. He next located in Jefferson county near Fairfield and helped to lay out that town and also the town of Burlington. His attention was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he preempted a large tract of land in the midst of an Indian camping ground. As the years passed, however, the evidences of Indian occupancy were replaced by the improvements of modern civilization and Mr. Hardin was among those who labored to promote the progress and development of his portion of the state. He lived upon his farm for twenty years, after which he removed to the town of Richland, Keokuk county, where his remaining days were passed in the enjoyment of well earned rest and when in old age he was called to the home beyond his years numbered eighty-three. His wife had passed away the previous year at the age of eighty. In their lives they exemplified their Christian faith as members of the Methodist church and Mr. Hardin was one of the pioneer preachers of that denomination in Iowa. In early manhood he had wedded Catharine Ludwick, also a native of Ohio and a daughter of George Ludwick, a farmer, who was killed in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hardin were parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, of whom four are now living: Anderson G., of this review; Luther, residing near Sioux City, Dakota county, Nebraska; Sylvanus, also living at that place; and Margaret, the wife of Levi Johnson, living near Independence, Kansas.
When only five years of age Anderson G. Hardin was brought to Iowa and from that time was reared in this state, which at that time was under territorial government. Acre after acre of land was not only uncultivated but was also as yet unclaimed, still belonging to the government. There were no railroads and few towns beyond those which bordered the Mississippi. The state, however, was rich in its natural resources and there came within its borders a colony of progressive pioneer people who realize the advantages that might here be obtained and laid the foundation for the present enlightened, progressive and prosperous commonwealth. Mr. Hardin was reared as a farm boy in a day when most of the homes were log cabins, heated by fireplace and lighted by tallow candles. The farm machinery, too, was very crude as compared with the modern implements of the present time, but neighbors were hospitable and friendly and did what they could to assist others. In his youthful days Mr. Hardin walked three miles to attend a subscription school. The teacher "boarded round" and gave instruction in a few of the elementary branches but the schools bore no comparison to the present school system of a state which today has every reason to be proud of her public schools, which are in advance of the system of public instruction in any other state in the Union. Mr. Hardin remained upon the home farm until twenty-one years of age, after which he worked for a time by the month as a
farm hand and then rented land until his labors and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase eighty acres in Keokuk county. There he lived for five years and afterward gave his attention to the live stock business during the period of the Civil war. In 1870 he came to Clay county and settled in Spencer, where for seven years he conducted a hotel and also bought stock. That was before the era of railroad building in this section of the state. He also did auctioneering and after a time he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Gillett Grove township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for seven years, although making his home in the town. On the expiration of that period he disposed of his farm and established a store in Spencer, dealing in furniture and household goods here for the past twenty years. He has enjoyed a gratifying and growing trade and has one of the well appointed mercantile houses of the city.
Mr. Hardin was married September 29, 1855, to Miss Sarah Jane McConnell, a daughter of James and Nancy McConnell, and a native of Pennsylvania, where her birth occurred December 3, 1835. Her parents later came to Spencer, Iowa, where they passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on September 29, 1905. They became the parents of six children. Arabel, the eldest, died in infancy. Belle became the wife of David Potter of Kansas City, Missouri, and they have had six children: Harry, deceased; Inez, Coral, Iva, Pearl and Rea. William died at the age of forty years. Alonzo, now living in Ames, Iowa, is editor of the Ames Times. He wedded Ella Eckley and they have one son, Max. Lillie is the wife of Charley Jones, of Spencer, and they have two sons living. Dale and Charles H., and Iva married William Lewis, of Des Moines, and their two children are Madge and Franklin. Mrs. Hardin's grandfather McConnell was a native of Scotland, but having come to America, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. On her mother's side she is a descendant of the famous Dana family of New York.
Mr. Hardin is a republican in his political views, having supported the party since its organization. He has never sought nor desired office, however, yet has never been remiss in the duties of citizenship and at all times has given his allegiance to those interests which he believed would promote the public welfare. Few residents of the state have remained within its borders for a longer period, as seventy years have come and gone since he came to Iowa. He has been a witness of many events which to others are matters of history and he relates many interesting incidents of the pioneer days.
A. J. PADDOCK.
A. J. Paddock is one of the few remaining veterans of the Civil war and one of the early settlers of Clay county, dating his residence here since 1869. He now owns and occupies a good homestead property in Riverton township. He was a young man of twenty-six years when he arrived in the county, for his birth occurred in Lake county, Illinois, December 6, 1843. There he was reared on the home farm, receiving the educational opportunities offered by the common
schools. He was but eighteen years of age when, in June, 1862, he responded to the country's call for troops and was assigned to duty with the boys in blue of Company D, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He went south with the Army of the Tennessee and later was with the Army of the Cumberland. At Brentwood he was first under fire and later participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and the Atlanta campaign. He participated in the capture of Atlanta and later was at Franklin, Tennessee, where Hood charged the Union works. There Mr. Paddock was taken prisoner on the 30th of November, 1864, and was kept in captivity by the Confederate forces until the close of the war. When hostilities had ceased he was taken to Vicksburg and thence returned northward to Chicago, where he was honorably discharged in 1865.
When the country no longer needed his aid, Mr. Paddock returned to Lake county and subsequently worked on a farm for about four years. He knew that land could be secured at cheaper rates in Iowa and he saw no reason why the wild prairie of the west could not be converted into productive fields. Accordingly, in 1869, he came to Clay county, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he now resides. He broke the sod with ox teams and during the first summer built and lived in a sod shanty. Later he erected a little frame house and continued the work of improving and cultivating his farm until he had brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and had added many modern equipments to his place. He divided the farm into fields of convenient size, by well kept fences, and bent his energies toward cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate, so that he annually gathered and marketed good harvests.
On the 27th of December, 1877, Mr. Paddock was married in Spencer to Miss Rosa Damon, who was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Joseph Damon, a native of Canada and of French descent. In Canada her father wedded Mary Venoir, a French lady. At the time of the Civil war he joined the Union army and served throughout the period of hostilities, while later he came to Iowa, locating in Palo Alto county, where his daughter, Mrs. Paddock, was reared.
Following his marriage Mr. Paddock engaged in farming and continued the work of improving his place, erecting a good residence and substantial barn and adding other modern equipments, which have made this an excellent property. As the years passed four children were added to the household: Bert, who is now a resident farmer of Clay county; Florence, the wife of Sewell Rogers, of North Dakota; Lewis, also of that state; and Clara, at home. They lost one son, Walter, who died at the age of four years.
Politically Mr. Paddock is a republican and cast his first presidential ballot for General U. S. Grant, in 1868, since which time he has voted for every nominee of the party. He served here for some years as township trustee, is now township school treasurer and for eight years has been assessor. He has been identified with the schools for a long period, and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. He has also frequently served as a delegate to the county conventions. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and attends its services, while fraternally he is connected with the Grand Army post
at Spencer. He has been a resident of Clay county forty years and has helped to make it what it is today. With the growth and development he has been closely connected and he is a man of tried integrity and worth, who has the confidence and esteem of all.
STEPHEN D. FRAD.
Stephen D. Frad, who is largely identified with the financial interests of Logan township, is a farmer and stock-breeder and also a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company and Creamery. He is a native of Lucas county, this state, his birth having occurred on the 2d of February, 1861, a son of Joseph and America (Berget) Frad, his father, who was of German origin, having been born in Brown county, Illinois, locating in Lucas county, this state, where he followed agricultural pursuits until he departed this life in 1896. His mother, who was a native of Indiana, passed away in 1876. Among their children were: Hilda, deceased; Mary, the wife of Frederick Irging, engaged in agriculture in Lucas county, Iowa; Stephen D., of this review; Henry J., a farmer; William, deceased; Joseph, a farmer, and Hannah, deceased. One child passed away in infancy.
On his father's farm Stephen D. Frad was reared, taking part in the daily routine of the home place during ihe summer months and in the winter attending the district school, where he acquired his education. Remaining under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, he at that period of life "hired out" by the month and finally acquired sufficient means with which he purchased forty acres of land in the county of his birth. This he cultivated one year, at the expiration of which time he again worked by the month, and so continued until he was twenty-four years of age, when he located in O'Brien county and there bought a small farm, on which he engaged in general farming a few months. Two years more were then spent as a hired hand, at the termination of which he came to Clay county, in the year 1890, and first located on section 5, where he remained until 1894. That year he located on section 9, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of highly improved land, provided with a comfortable dwelling, outbuildings, machinery and other necessities with which to successfully pursue his occupation. Since acquiring this land he has worked hard and perseveringly and the fruits of his toil have enabled him to add to his possessions one hundred and seventy-two acres in Lake township and as well, to become a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company and in a large creamery at Dickens. Aside from these interests he is also infiuentially affiliated with the Grain Elevator at Gillett's Grove. In addition to producing general grain crops, Mr. Frad takes some interest in stock-breeding and has a number of head of high grade specimens of cattle, sheep and hogs.
In 1888 Mr. Frad wedded Miss Jennie Miller, a native of Whiteside county, Illinois, where her birth occurred February 11, 1868, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Marshall) Miller, her father having, followed agriculture until he departed this life in 1901. Mr. Miller was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, and
Pictures of Mr. and MRS. S. D. FRAD
came to this county in 1876. He first settled in Whiteside county, Illinois, and moved from there to O'Brien county, where he died. Mrs. Miller was born in Bellsills, Scotland. Both were life-long members of the Presbyterian church. They reared seven children, namely: Mary, who became the wife of William Crighton, a farmer of South Dakota; Jennie, the wife of Stephen D. Frad; Elizabeth, who married John McCallum, a carpenter of Pipestone, Minnesota; Robert, engaged in agriculture in O'Brien county; John, of Sioux City; and James and William in O'Brien county, on the old homestead, which is called the Miller farm.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Frad were born: Elizabeth, who departed this life March 12, 1894; Robert, who was born November 11, 1893, and is at school; Ethel, whose birth occurred August 10, 1896, and resides with her parents; Esther, who was born August 17, 1902; and Ida, whose birth occurred December 14, 1904. Politically Mr. Frad is loyal to the republican party and, while he has always been ready with his vote and influence during campaigns in an endeavor to assist his party in attaining success, he is not an aspirant for public office. He is a member and liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church and for the past two years has been affiliated with Dickens Lodge, I. O. O. F. Mr. Frad is well known throughout the community as an honest and reliable farmer and enjys the respect and confidence of all with whom he is acquainted.
HUGH CORCORAN.
Hugh Corcoran, influentially identified with the agricultural and stock- raising interests of Peterson township, this county, where for a number of years he has kept an extensive acreage under a high state of cultivation, was born in Ross county, Ohio, August 9, 1852, a son of John and Bridget (Cavanagh) Corcoran. His father was a native of the Emerald Isle and came to the United States in 1850, locating in Ross county, where he operated a large farm and resided until he died. He was a man deeply interested in the welfare of the community and always in favor of such improvements as would tend to make living easier, and was particularly interested in the school system, which he desired to see reach the highest possible standard. In politics he was a democrat, and although not ambitious to receive office, he was enthusiastic during campaigns in endeavoring to secure the election of his party's candidates. His wife, also a native of Ireland, was married there, but passed away and was laid to rest in the Chillicothe (Ross county) Catholic cemetery. She gave birth to the following children: Dennis, Thomas, John, P. H., Andrew, and William, all of whom are agriculturists in Ross county, Ohio; James, deceased; Mary, who became the wife of Jacob Baum, a farmer of Ross county; Margaret, wife of Samuel Shots, also a farmer of that county; and Hugh, the oldest of the family.
In the common schools of Ross county, Ohio, Hugh Corcoran acquired his education and remained at home, engaging in farm duties, until he was twenty- one years of age, when he went to Chillicothe, worked at the dairy business and
518 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
delivered milk throughout the city. Leaving this occupation he tended stock
two years, at the expiration of which time he came to Iowa, in the year 1882,
locating in Clay county, where he bought up a number of acres of school land,
in the southeastern portion of section 16, which he highly improved, providing
a comfortable dwelling, outbuildings and all conveniences necessary to the
farming occupation, and has given his time to raising general crops, together
with stock breeding. As a farmer he has been quite successful, and, taking
pride in the appearance of his farm, he has added every improvement which
might contribute to its neatness and fertilitv. He has also made such study of
the soil as to enable him to so adapt his crops as to reap the maximum yield
per acre. While he does not deal extensively in livestock, he always keeps on
hand a number of the finest specimens of horses, cattle and sheep, and puts
them in condition for the market.
On the 7th of January, 1879, Mr. Corcoran wedded Miss Kate Conley,
daughter of Patrick and Sarah (McCarville) Conley, her father having been
a native of Ireland, where her mother was also born and married. The parents
came to the United States in 1850, locating in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, later
removing to Darlington, where they both died and were laid to rest. They
reared the following family: Michael, a general mechanic, residing in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin; P. H., an attorney at law, of Darlington, Wisconsin; Owen,
who operates a large farm near that place; John, a clerk, of Darlington,
Wisconsin; James, deceased, who was ordained for the priesthood; Frank, an
attorney, at law in Darlington; Sarah, who became the wife of H. J. Gallagher,
a banker; Margaret, deceased; and Kate. To. Mr. and Mrs. Corcoran the
following children were born, namely: Sarah, deceased; May Eveline; and
Margaret Agnes. Politically Mr. Corcoran gives his support to the republican
party. He has been treasurer of the school board of this township fourteen
years and a trustee four terms. He belongs to the Catholic church of Sutherland,
and is a man whose high moral character, industry and straightforwardness,
together with his interest in the general welfare of the community, have given
him high standing in the township.
Adam Simington is one of the early settlers and the extensive landowners of
Clay county, who owes his success, not to any fortunate combination of circumstances,
but to the fact that he has worked earnestly and persistently to attain it.
He is now located on section 34, Freeman township, where he has a valuable
and well-improved farm, his possessions altogether aggregating six hundred acres
in this county. He was born in Canada, near Sovereign Bridge, July 4, 1860,
and is a son of William and Margaret Simington, who were natives of Ireland.
The father devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. He, too, was
born on the Emerald Isle and, on crossing the Atlantic to America, settled in
Toronto, Canada, where he engaged in farming. About 1872 he came to the
United States. He had investigated business conditions in Iowa and believed
that in the western portion of the state, where settlements were then comparatively
few, he might have opportunity to attain success more quickly than he
could hope to do in the Dominion. Accordingly, on crossing the border, he made
his way to Clay county and secured a homestead claim of eighty-eight acres in
Freeman township. Here he at once began to plough the land and cultivate his
crops, for which he found a good sale on the market. Thus his financial resources
annually increased and, from time to time, he added to his propertv until he
became the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. The
last few years of his life were spent in the home of his son, Adam. He died in
Montana while on a visit in that state, passing away in April, 1902, when eighty-
one years of age. His wife had died about three years before. She was a
consistent Christian woman, holding membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr.
Simington also belonged to the same church. Unto them were born twelve sons
and two daughters. Eight of the family are now living: William, who resides in
Canada; Samuel, living in Orillia, Canada; John, whose home is in Albert, Canada;
James, a resident of Spencer; George, who is located at Red Lodge, Montana;
Adam, of this review; Noble, who is living in Colorado; and Eliza, the wife
of Moses McClelland, of Orillia. Canada.
In the country of his nativity Adam Simington remained until twelve years
of age and began his education in the schools there. He came with his parents
to Clay county, Iowa, in 1872, and here continued his education as a public-school
student. On his father's farm he was reared to manhood and was early trained
in the best methods of tilling, the soil and caring for the crops. He started upon
an independent business venture by working by the month as a farm hand, and
by his industry and economy was at length enabled to purchase his present home
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he bought from his father and
improved with a good house, barn and granaries. He added to this place all the
accessories of a model farm property and brought his fields under a high state of
cultivation. He now owns six hundred acres of land in Clay county and his extensive
property holdings are the visible proof of his life of industry, thrift and
careful management.
The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Simington was in her maidenhood
Miss Eulalia Drake, a daughter of Joseph and Betsy Drake. Her father was a
soldier of the Civil war. Both he and his wife became early settlers of Clay
county and here remained until they were called to the home beyond. They had
a family of five sons and three daughters, of whom five are now living: Frank,
Edward, Chester, Charles and Eulalia. The last named, now Mrs. Simington,
was born in Northfield, Minnesota, December 23, 1863, and by her marriage
became the mother of eleven children: Minnie, Edward, Maude, Oren, Bessie,
Ernest, Clarence, Gladys, Elmer, Bernice and Charley. The eldest daughter is
now the wife of William Roseaeker and they have two children, Elmer and Elsie.
Mr. Simington votes with the republican party, in support of principles
which he believes are most conducive to good government. For several years he
has been a school director and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend.
He is always interested in the progress of the community and has been an
influential factor in many measures for the general good. Great changes have
occurred since he came to the county — thirty-seven years ago. At that time the
homes were widely scattered, for there was but a sparse population. Today there
is hardly an acre of uncultivated land in the county and the farms present a splendid
appearance, showing what has been done by a class of enterprising, resolute
agriculturists. The work of Mr. Simington has constituted an excellent example
for others to follow and his record proves conclusively that success and an honored
name may be won simultaneously.
In this day of close competition the successful business man is he who
watches every opportunity and uses every honorable chance to further his interests,
basing his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict
and unswerving integrity and unfaltering industry. In this manner Eli B.
Herrinton has gained a creditable position as a prosperous general merchant of
Greenville. He was born in Belvidere, Illinois, March 27, 1867, and is a son of
Alva and Sylvania (Barlow) Herrinton. The father was a son of Joseph Herrinton,
a native of Connecticut, who wedded Mary Risley and followed the occupation
of farming as a life work. The maternal grandfather was Eli Barlow, a
native of New York. He became an early settler of Kane county, Illinois, where
he followed the occupation of farming and thus provided for his family. He
married a Miss Moore and died at the age of fifty-nine years, while his wife
passed away at the age of seventy-three.
Alva Herrinton, while of New England ancestry, was a native of the state
of New York and became an early settler of Illinois, residing on Bouns Prairie
in Boone county. There he followed the occupation of farming and with characteristic
energy brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. In 1883
he came to Iowa, settling near Shellrock, in Butler county, and after a residence
of ten years in the Hawkeye state passed away in Mason City in 1893 at the age
of seventy-one years. His widow, also a native of New York, yet survives him
and now resides with her son, Eli B. Herrinton, in Greenville. She is a consistent
member of the Methodist church, to which her husband also belonged, and their
close conformity to the teachings of the church made them worthy Christian
people, helpful and charitable in their relations to their fellowmen. Their family
numbered seven children, of whom three are yet living: Eli B., of this review;
Mary, the wife of O. A. Bowen; and Minerva, a practicing physician of Appleton,
Wisconsin. The last named is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and was
in medical school for six years.
In taking up the personal history of Eli B. Herrinton we present to our
readers the record of one who is widely and favorably known in this part of the
state. He spent his boyhood days in Boone county, Illinois, being reared on the
home farm until sixteen years of age, while in the district schools he acquired
his early education and later became a high school student in Belvidere. Through
the periods of vacation he worked on the home farm, giving valuable assistance
to his father until twenty-five years of age, when he started upon an independent
business career. Thinking to find commercial pursuits more congenial and profit-
Picture of MR AND MRS. E.B. HERRINTON.
able, he removed to Portland, Iowa, where he opened a general store. Later he
resided in Waterloo, Iowa, where he engaged in the wholesale confectionery
business and thence went to Spencer, where he established a grocery store. In
1894 he arrived in Greenville and opened a general mercantile store, which he
conducted for six years. On the expiration of that period he assisted in organizing
the Greenville Bank and was its cashier for more than two years, after
which he resumed general merchandising and still continues in this field of activity.
He was postmaster here for eight or ten years and was very prompt and
efficient in the discharge of his official duties. He also bought and shipped stock
for several years and thus various interests have contributed to his success,
bringing him a substantial income. He is now prospering in his undertakings as
a general merchant, carrying a large and well selected line of goods which is
proving attractive to the general public — a fact indicated by his liberal patronage.
On the 23d of July, 1892, Mr. Herrinton was united in marriage to Miss
Myrtle Stewart, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Townsend) Stewart.
Mrs. Herrinton was born in Shellrock, Iowa, to which place her parents had
removed from Wisconsin, becoming early settlers at Shellrock. Her father, who
died in August, 1907, when sixty-one years of age, was an honored veteran of the
Civil war. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Herrinton has been blessed with three
children: Fern, Keith and Stewart. Mr. Herrinton belongs to the Knights of
Pythias fraternity and also holds membership relations with the Elks, Modern
Woodmen and Odd Fellows. Politically he has ever been a republican and
though he does not desire office he is loyal to the interests of the party and does
what he can to further its success. In community affairs he is ever found helpful
and progressive, supporting many measures for the public good. He has made
for himself a creditable position in commercial circles and his name is now an
honored one throughout the community by reason of the progressive spirit and
luifaltering commercial integrity which he has displayed in all his business
transactions.
Mr. Webb was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, October 7, 1849,
and is of English lineage. He is a son of Henry Webb, who was born in
England, where he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. After arriving at
years of maturity he wedded Grace Stevens, an English lady, and in 1848 sought
a home in the new world, first establishing his residence in Pennsylvania, where
he was employed as overseer of some mines for six or eight years. Thinking
that he would have still better business opportunities in the recently developed
but rapidly growing middle west, he made his way to Wisconsin and was engaged
in merchandising- in Linden for a number of years. Subsequently he became a
resident of Lafayette county, that state, and carried on business there. The
year 1874 witnessed his arrival in Iowa, at which time he took up his abode at
Clear Lake, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1884
at Spencer. His widow survived him for almost twenty years and passed away
in the fall of 1903.
William H. Webb spent the greater part of his youth in Wisconsin, and the
common schools afforded him his intellectual training. He received good business
discipline in his father's store, continuing with him until he had attained his
majority and thus gaining intimate knowledge of modern business methods.
He later turned his attention to farming, which he followed for a year or two
and in order to establish a home of his own he was married in Clear Lake, Iowa,
on the 30th of September, 1875, the lady of his choice being Miss May Goodwin,
a daughter of the Honorable James Goodwin, one of the well known and prominent
citizens of Iowa, who occupied a leading place in the business circles of
Spencer for some years. Here his ability and well known loyalty in matters of
citizenship led to his selection for legislative office and for one term he represented
Clay county in the general assembly. As his financial resources increased he made
judicious investment in property and became the owner of several hundred acres
of land in Clay county, so that he was classed with its prosperous citizens.
Following his marriage Mr. Webb cng.agcd in merchandising at Clear Lake
for a few years but in 1877 took up his abode permanently in Clay county,
locating on the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Roy Webb. He began
there with two hundred acres of land, which was largely undeveloped and
unimproved. Upon him therefore devolved the arduous task of breaking the sod,
harrowing the fields and preparing the land for the plow. He also fenced his
farm, erected substantial buildings thereon and in course of time made his place
a valuable tract, the rich soil responding readily to his care and cultivation. As
the years brought him abundant crops and his financial resources increased
through their sale, he added to his holdings from time to time until he is now the
owner of eight hundred acres of very valuable land in Clay county. In 1899
he left the farm and removed to Spencer, where in 1900 he lost his daughter,
Ann Grace, at the age of fifteen years. In the fall of that year he removed
westward to Gettysburg, South Dakota, and established business at that place.
He also opened a general store at Evarts, carrying on both enterprises for three
years, then he sold out and returned to Spencer. In 1906 he was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 26th of July of that year. her death
being deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family, because
she had displayed in her life a kindly and helpful spirit and had therefore gained
the warm regard of those who knew her.
Since the death of his wife Mr. Webb has devoted his time to the supervision
of his business and landed interests in the Dakotas. He owns some four
thousand acres in Roberts and adjoining counties and in the control of his
property displays keen discernment and enterprising management. While on
the farm here he was extensively engaged in breeding and dealing in shorthorn
cattle, Poland China hogs and Percheron horses and became widely known by
reason of the extensive business which he carried on in those connections. He
is one of the public-spirited men of the county and has aided materially in the
promotion and development of the best interests of Spencer, He was one of the
largest contributors to the fund for the erection of the new Methodist Episcopal
church, his donations reaching three thousand dollars. He acted as chairman
of the building, committee and the church was named Grace Methodist church,
in honor of his daughter. This was also his mother's name and Mr. Webb felt
the church to be largely a memorial to both. In politics he has been a life-long
republican and has endeavored to further the public interests by his stanch
advocacy of the party, for he believes that it contains the best elements of good
government. He has been elected and served in various positions of honor and
trust and has ever proved loyal to' the duties devolving upon him. He has led
an active life, stands as a man among men and is recognized as a gentleman of
tried integrity and worth. No history of this part of the county would be
complete without extended reference to William H. Webb.
Roy G. Webb needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. The
family name has figured conspicuously in connection with substantial progress
in Clay county for many years and the subject of this review is now classed with
the representative agriculturists of Summit township, his home being on section
36. In all of his business affairs he is energetic and progressive and as a farmer
and stock-raiser is doing, a successful business, being now the owner of some
five hundred acres of arable land which includes his father's old homestead.
Mr. Webb is a native son of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Clay county
on the farm which is still his home, his natal day being September 3, 1878.
Here he was reared, and the public schools largely afforded him his educational
privileges. His course in the Spencer high school was supplemented by two
years' study in Mount Vernon College, and thus well equipped for life's practical
and responsible duties, he later joined his father in South Dakota and assisted
him in the management and conduct of his stores there. Like his father, he
manifests notable enterprise in carrying forward to successful completion what-
ever he undertakes. In 1903 he returned to Clay county and to the old home
farm, and has since given his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, being one
of the active, wide-awake and alert farmers of this portion of the state. He makes
a business of raising, feeding and fattening stock for the market, handling, cattle,
sheep and hogs. He now has a flock of six hundred sheep, about one hundred
and fifty head of cattle and a large number of hogs. He fattens and ships
several carloads of stock each year and this brings him a substantial annual
income.
A wedding ceremony which was performed in Mount Vernon, Iowa, on the
2d of October, 1900, united the destinies of Roy G. Webb and Miss Mabel
Growther, who was born in Correctionville, Iowa, but was reared and educated
in Sioux City. They now have one daughter, Lola May. The parents are
members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church at Spencer, to which his
father also belongs. In its work they are much interested and are generous
contributors to its support. Mr. Webb has never sought nor desired office, yet
has always given unfaltering allegiance to the republican party and its principles.
He has been identified, however, with the schools in an official capacity, serving
as president of the school board for several years, during which time he has done
effective work in upholding the standard of public education. Prominent in
Masonry, he belongs to the lodge and chapter at Spencer, while he and his wife
are members of the Eastern Star. He has served as an officer in both the lodge
and chapter and is loyal to the teachings of the fraternity which is based upon
the principles of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.
C. P. Buckey, cashier of the First National Bank of Spencer and vice
president of the Bank of Everly, Everly, Iowa, possesses the alert, enterprising
spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle west,
and in his present business relations is contributing in substantial measure to
the success of what is today one of the strongest financial concerns of this part
of the state. He was born in Maryland, near Frederick City, on the 9th of
November, 1850, and represents one of the old families of that state. His
grandfather was there born and was of French descent. He died when only twenty-
four or twenty-five years of age, while his widow, Mrs. Maria Buckey, reached
the very advanced age of eighty-seven years. She married a second time.
J. M. Buckey, the only son of the first marriage, was born and reared in
Maryland, and there followed the occupation of farming for some time. He
wedded Miss Harriet Buckey, who was likewise a native of Maryland, and
was one of a family of four children, her sister Evelyn being older than she,
while Isabel and Daniel were younger. Her father married again after losing
his first wife and there were several children by that marriage. Mr. and Mrs.
J. M. Buckey began their domestic life in Maryland and subsequently moved to
West Virginia, settling near Chariestown. The father, however, spent his last
days in Frederick City, Maryland, where he died in 1886. His wife passed
away in 1875. Both were members of the Episcopal church and were greatly
esteemed by those who came in contact with them in business or social relations.
Their family numbered four children, who still survive: Clarence P., of Spencer;
Kemp, who is living in Baltimore, Maryland; Hattie, the wife of T. B. Wilson,
a resident of Chicago; and Ridie L., the wife of Benjamin Riley, of Baltimore.
Clarence P. Buckey spent the first sixteen years of his life in his native
state, and then accompanied his parents to the vicinity of Chariestown, West
Virginia. He was reared upon the home farm and attended the private schools
and also the parochial school at Frederick City, Maryland. He then supplemented
his preliminary education by study in Claymont College, in West Virginia.
Lessons of industry, enterprise and perseverance were early impressed upon his
mind and in the course of years have borne rich fruit in his labors. When his
education was completed he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and entered tlie
employ of Graff, Bennett & Company, iron manufacturers, with whom he
remained for two years, but believing that the opportunities of the middle west
were greater, he came to Spencer, in May, 1876, and here entered the Clay
County Bank as assistant cashier, filling the position until 1882. In that year
he removed to Montana, where he spent a year, after which he returned to
Spencer and began business on his own account, purchasing a stock of groceries.
He was also postmaster of Spencer during President Cleveland's first
administration, and following his retirement from the office he entered the Peoples
Savings Bank as cashier. Later the Clay County Bank, the Peoples Savings
Bank and the First National Bank were consolidated, and since that date —
1901 — Mr. Buckey has been cashier of the institution, which is known as the
First National Bank. He is now thoroughly conversant with the bank business,
and his enterprise, thorough understanding of banking principles and his
unfaltering devotion to the concern with which he is connected have constituted
important elements in its growth and success.
On the 17th of October, 1888, Mr. Buckey was married to Miss Mattie De
Hart, a daughter of William and Mary De Hart, of Carthage, Hancock county,
Illinois. There are two children of this marriage, Clarence and William D.
Mr. and Mrs. Buckey are communicants of the Episcopal church, in which he
is serving as junior warden. In his political views Mr. Buckey is a democrat, and,
keeping well informed on the issues of the day, is always able to support his
position by intelligent argument. For some years he served as a member of the
city council and exerted his official prerogatives in support of various measures
for the public good, his labors constituting an element in municipal virtue and
advancement. Wherever known he is respected for his unfaltering allegiance to
the principles of honorable manhood as manifest in business and social relations
and in public-spirited citizenship.
Thomas J. Hurt, who is contributing largely toward the financial worth of
Dickens, Freeman township, Iowa, was born in Bedford county near Bedford
City, Virginia, on June 18, 1875, a son of John F. and Margaret E. (Morgan)
Hurt, natives of that state and parents of the following children: Lizzie, wife
of G. D. Harmon, of Midway, Tennessee; Sallie, deceased, who was the wife of
Thomas Jacobs; Bertie, deceased, who wedded Robert Kirk; John P., of Fresno
Flats, California; Flora, who was united in marriage with Ira A. Bowles, of
Mosheim, Tennessee; Oscar, of this place; Virginia, who wedded Jacob R.
Bowles, of Midway, Tennessee; and Thomas J., our subject. The elder Mr.
Hurt was a merchant in Davis Mills, Virginia, and from there he removed to
Tennessee and went into the business of tobacco raising at Little Chucky, where
he died in 1888 at the age of fifty-two years. His wife survived him eighteen
months and departed this life when forty-five years old. He was a Confederate
soldier under General Robert E. Lee, engaging in active service for two years,
during which time he was commissioned as captain of a company. Toward the
end of hostilities he was taken prisoner in Virginia and was held for six months,
being released at the close of the war. The paternal and maternal grandfathers
were also natives of Virginia.
When his parents removed to Tennessee Thomas J. Hurt was an infant, and
be was consequently reared there, acquiring his education in the common schools.
He left that state in 1893, repairing to Nebraska, where he went to work on a
farm in Gage county, and followed agricultural pursuits for two years, at the
expiration of which time he formed a partnership with M. Van Moyer and went
into the harness business. While in Nebraska he served for a time as clerk of the
township in which he resided. In the year 1900 he came to Dickens and
established himself in the business which he has since been successfully following.
In 1904 he wedded Miss Hepsie Baker, a native of Clay county, and a daughter
of Nathaniel and Rosa E. (O'Grady) Baker, and they have one daughter,
Bertha E. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt are faithful in the fulfillment of their religious
obligations, being members of the Congregational church in which they are
active workers. Mr. Hurt is numbered among the up-to-date men of the community
and through his industry and perseverance has acquired a high standing
in commercial circles.
R. S. Watson, who a number of years ago turned his attention to the undeveloped
prairie lands of this state and who has since by his unfaltering industry
succeeded in becoming one of the foremost farmers of Douglas township, this
county, is a native of the state of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Sandwich,
July 26, 1862. He had little or nothing when he began agricultural life, but
through his constant application and unremitting energy he has been able from
year to year to so cultivate the soil that now he owns one of the finest farms in
this county. Mr. Watson's parents were Albert and Eleanor (Vanderhofif) Watson.
His father, who was born in the state of New York, near Venice, traveled
westward when a young man and located near Aurora, Illinois, where he remained
actively engaged in agricultural pursuits for a time. Subsequently he settled in
Sandwich, De Kalb county, Illinois, where he remained until his son, R. S. Watson,
was about six years of age, and then removed to La Salle county, in the
same state, where he engaged in farming for several years. Finally he removed
to Santa Clara county. California, where he departed this life in 1902. His wife,
whom he married in Illinois and who was a native of the Keystone state, departed
this life in the year 1895 in Santa Clara county, California. Their family consisted
of seven children, namely: Sylvester and Adelaide, deceased; Thomas
Burnett, who is engaged in carpentering in Santa Clara county, California; Cora,
who became the wife of Charles Townsend, who also resides in that place; Leroy,
a carpenter in Santa Clara county, California; Jennie L., deceased; and R. S.
In La Salle county, Illinois, R. S. Watson spent his boyhood days, working
on the farm during the summer months and attending the district school during
the winter seasons. He remained on the home farm until he was twenty years
of age, at which time, becoming, ambitious to launch out in life for himself, he
bought a number of acres of wild prairie land in Douglas township and at once
began to apply his energy in putting it into a cultivatable state. By hard work
he succeeded and now his property, which was once barren and unfruitful land,
presents the appearance of a succession of fine fields from which from year to
year he has reaped large crops, bringing him his present prosperity. While to
some extent he engages in stock breeding, having a number of fine horses, catle,
sheep and hogs, yet he devotes most of his attention to producing hay and
the various grains, and the attention which he has given the soil enables him to
produce the maximum yield per acre. He owns two hundred acres on sections
2 and 10, and two hundred and thirty-seven and a half acres in Weakley county,
Tennessee.
In 1887 Mr. Watson wedded Miss Mary Elizabeth Williams, a resident of
this county, to whom were born three children, namely: Howard A., whose birth
occurred October 21, 1889, and who attends school at Sioux Rapids; Eleanor P.,
who was born January 4, 1892, and who also attends school in Sioux Rapids;
and Ruth A., whose birth occurred July 11, 1899. Mr. Watson gives his political
support to the republican party, and while he is not an active politician nor desires
to hold public office, he takes an interest in his party during campaigns and does
all he can by his vote and influence to secure the election of its candidates. Both
he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are
liberal supporters, and Mr. Watson is a member of the board of trustees. The
tenor of his life is such that he is numbered among the most valued citizens and
entertains the respect and confidence of the entire community.
J. W. French, who is of English extraction, and a well-to-do farmer of Peterson
township, this county, an ardent temperance worker and a strong supporter
of the prohibition movement, is a native of Licking county, Ohio, where he was
born May 23, 1846, a son of Bethuel and Sarah (Sinkey) French. His father
was a native of the Keystone state and removed to Ohio when a boy, where he
remained until the fall of 1846, when he located in Jones and Jackson
counties, Iowa. In 1872 he placed his family and effects in covered wagons and
removed to Clay county, where he followed agriculture and was held in excellent
repute. He died in 1903. The mother was a native of Ohio, where she was united
in marriage, after which she removed to this countv with her husband and remained
until she departed this life. She was laid to rest in Peterson cemetery
beside her husband. They were the parents of: James, of this place; J. W.;
Ann, wife of Wilham Johnson, of Sioux township, where he is proprietor of a
large farm; Sarah, who married J. W. Lemaster, an agriculturist of this county;
Mary, deceased; and A. C, a Peterson township farmer.
After acquiring his education in the district schools of Jones county J. W.
French remained with his parents and engaged in the daily routine of the farm
until 1880. During this time he had laid by considerable of his earnings, which
he invested in a timber claim in Clay county and, in addition to this in the year
1880, he purchased a tract of land from the railroad company, and now owns one-
half of sections 8 and 9, part of which he cultivates and the remainder he has
planted in flourishing groves. His farm is highly improved, and aside from having
an excellent dwelling house it is provided with all the buildings, machinery,
and other conveniences necessary to carry on the occupation in hand. He engages
in general farming, raising hay and various kinds of grain, giving some
attention to stock-breeding and, on the whole, by a strict attention to business and
employing modern methods, his farm is one of the best paying propositions in
the county.
In the year 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Cary Larm, a native of
Sweden, who came to the United States in 1868 with her parents. This family
first went to Canada, thence to Illinois, and thence to Clay county. Mr. and Mrs.
French have the following family: A. L.; Guy E., a general delivery clerk in the
postoffice at Des Moines; Gertrude, deceased; Harry; and Mary. Mr. French is
a strong agitator of temperance and being desirous of doing all he can to abolish
the liquor traffic and thereby benefit the country at large he has allied himself
with the prohibition movement, in behalf of which he is an untiring and enthusiastic
worker. He is an efficient member of the school board and attends divine
services at the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. French is a man of high morals
and it has been a salient feature of his life to devote as much of his time and
energy as possible to enhance the moral standing of his fellowmen, and his noble
aims, honesty and industry, have won him the respect and confidence of his fellow
citizens.
Among the younger generation of men who are making their mark in agricultural
circles in the state is John Kruse, who was born in Iowa county, Iowa,
March 17, 1871, and is conducting large farming interests in Clay township. He
is a son of Frederick and Sophie (Jacobs) Kruse. His father, born in Germany,
located in the United States after the war, immediately going to Iowa county
where he engaged in farming for thirty years, at the expiration of which time he
removed to Clay county, where he departed this life in 1897, his remains having
been interred in the cemetery of Clay township. In his native land he was a
laborer and upon coming to this country he hired out for a period of one year,
after which he purchased forty acres of land on which he worked and met with
such success as to be able to add to his acreage from time to time, until at his
death he owned two hundred and forty acres of the finest land to be found in the
vicinity. His wife, also a native of Germany, where they were married, is still
living in Hartley, this state. They had the following children: Sophia, the wife
of Lew Kline, who operates a large farm in Iowa county, this state; Henry, a
farmer of this county; Emma, who became the wife of John Bobzein, an agriculturist
of Hartley, Iowa; Charley, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in
O'Brien county, Iowa; Frederick, deceased; and John, of this review.
Picture of Mrs. John Kruse
In the common schools of his native village John Kruse acquired his education,
in the meantime engaging in the daily routine of the farm, and after completing
his studies he remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age,
when he conducted a farm for himself in Iowa county for a period of three
years. In 1895 he came to this county, where he bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land, to which he perseveringly devoted his energies and from which he
derived substantial harvests which finally enabled him to add to his holdings, until
he now possesses four hundred and sixty acres of the most highly cultivated land
in the county, four hundred acres of which is situated in Clay township and is
very valuable property. In addition to tilling the fields he also pays considerable
attention to stock-raising and keeps on hand quite a number of head of fine cattle
and sheep, which he feeds for the market. His farms are highly improved, being
provided with every convenience: roomy barns, outbuildings and an elegant residence
of nine rooms, together with machinery and everything requisite to make
farming a paying proposition. His fields are very productive and the attention
which he has paid to his place has won for it the reputation of being one of the
finest farms in Clay county.
In 1896 Mr. Kruse was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Kuch, a native of
Iowa county, and a daughter of John and Catherine (Coller) Kuch. Her father,
a native of Germany, came to the United States when he was twenty years of age,
being, one of the pioneer settlers of Iowa county, where he spent his life in
agricultural pursuits and passed away in 1906. He reared the following children:
John, a farmer in Iowa county; William, Jacob and Louis, all of whom are agriculturists
of Iowa county; Katie, who became the wife of Philip Vaught, a resident
farmer of Iowa county; and Louisa, the wife of John Kruse. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Kruse have been born Esther, Ida, Ivan, Bernice, Archie and Floyd,
all of whom reside with their parents.
In politics Mr. Kruse gives his allegiance to the republican party and being
quite prominent in the community in which he lives, he has for several years served
as a member of the school board. In company with his wife he attends divine
services in the Lutheran church of which they are members. Mr. Kruse inherits
the industrial qualities, together with the honesty, of his German ancestry, and
aside from being numbered among the substaucial farmers of the community, he
is also acknowledged to be one of the representative citizens of the township.
J. T. Goldsworthy is one of the active and progressive farmers and stock-
breeders of Clay county, making his home on section 8, Riverton township, where
he is now engaged in raising and feeding shorthorn cattle. His farm is a well
improved property of two hundred and forty acres and the fact that it is located
within four miles of Spencer makes it easy for him to obtain all of the advantages
of city life and at the same time enjoy the opportunities of a rural existence.
Almost a third of a century has come and gone since he arrived in Clay
county and during this period he has witnessed great changes here, for the county
has put off all the evidences of frontier life and taken on all of the improvements
of modern civilization. Mr. Goldsworthy is a native of Wisconsin. His birth
occurred in Kenosha county on the 15th of February, 1860. There he was reared
to the age of seventeen years and in the district schools he obtained his preliminary
education, while later he attended the high school at Racine and the Oshkosh
(Wis.) Normal. He afterward engaged in teaching in Racine, Wisconsin, for
three years and in 1877, when a young man of but seventeen years, arrived in
Clay county to become a factor in its substantial growth and development as the
years have gone by. Here he has raised and fed stock for a number of years, becoming
well known as a dealer in shorthorn cattle. He is an excellent judge of
stock, so that he is able to make judicious purchases and profitable sales. In the
cultivation of his crops, too. he has displayed keen business judgment, and as the
years have gone by he has become the owner of valuable property. At one time
he owned four hundred and eighty acres of rich land in Summit township, and
it was upon that farm that he began his domestic life. He broke the sod, fenced
the fields, erected good buildings and continued the work of improving his farm
for six years. Later he bought the place upon which he now resides and, subsequently,
he sold his original farm and took up his abode on his present place. It
presents a pleasing appearance with its commodious two story residence, in the
rear of which stands a very large barn with substantial cnrn cribs and other evidences
of his progressive spirit. He has planted a grove, put out some fruit and
has divided the farm into fields of convenient size by well kept fences. He today
has one of the best improved properties of Riverton township. He uses the latest
inventions in farm machinery for tilling his fields and caring for the crops, and
none of the accessories of the model farm of the twentieth century are lacking.
All these years he has been raising, feeding and fattening stock and now makes a
specialty of hogs. Prosperity has attended his efforts as the years have gone by,
and as his financial resources have permitted he has invested in land in Minnesota
and Dakota. His life has, indeed, been a very active and useful one. Putting
forth his efforts in financial fields he established a bank at Ruthven, which he
conducted for five years, residing in the town during that time.
Prior to his marriage, Mr. Goldsworthy went west and spent a year in Montana,
largely engaged in hunting. During that time he killed a great many buffaloes,
antelopes, deer and three bears, having now one of the bear skins, which
he uses as a laprobe and which is, perhaps, the only one in the county and, undoubtedly,
the only one which was taken from the animal by the present possessor.
On the 3d of July, 1884, Mr. Goldsworthy was married to Miss Ella Bedford,
who was born in Wisconsin but was reared in Clay county. She was liberally
educated and was a teacher in her maidenhood days. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goldsworthy
have been born two daughters: Edna Blanche, who is a teacher in Albert
City, Iowa; and Maud Lisle, a teacher in the home school, both daughters being
graduates of the Spencer high school.
Mr. Goldsworthy belongs to the Masonic lodge, at Spencer. Politically he
is a stalwart republican where national issues are involved, but casts an
independent local ballot. He has never sought for nor would he consent to hold
office and is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, but prefers to do his public
service in a private capacity. Mrs. Goldsworthy belongs to the Methodist church.
is active in its work and has been a teacher in the Sunday school. Our subject's
life has been well spent and his diligence and perseverance have constituted the
strong element in the succcess which he is now enjoying. He stands high in
business and social circles and is well known in Clay and adjoining counties.
Sam Tillinghast, a prominent citizen of Peterson township, whose ancestors
came to the new world from England two hundred and twenty years ago, is a
farmer and is known throughout the state as one of the foremost stock breeders
and an authority on the qualities of Poland China hogs. He was
born in Kent county, Rhode Island, November 4, 1857, and is the son of Ira and
Julia C. (Bowen) Tillinghast. His father was a native of Connecticut and
during the Civil war was a soldier in Company E of the Seventh Rhode Island
Volunteer Infantry. During the service he received wounds which disabled him
for the remainder of his life. His death occurred in December of the year 1883
and his remains were interred in Rhode Island. The mother of our subject was
also a native of Rhode Island, where she was married and still resides. She gave
birth to the following children: Emily, wife of L. S. Place, of Providence, Rhode
Island; A. W., of Peterson township, this county; R. B., who lives at Woodside,
Idaho; Jane A., the wife of Reuben Johnson, and residing in Providence, Rhode
Island; E. H., of Oakland Beach, that state; Alvin, at Hill's Grove, Rhode Island;
John, deceased: John, making, his home on the old place; and Sam.
In the common schools of his native state Sam Tillinghast acquired his education
and after completing his studies remained with his parents until seventeen
years of age, at which period of his life he secured employment, which he pursued
for three years and then made Iowa his objective point, locating in Marshall
county, that state. There he procured a tract of land which he held under cultivation
three years and then removed to Peterson township, Clay county, where he
owns one hundred and sixty acres in section 10, which he took when in a raw
state and put such improvements upon it as to make it one of the finest farms in
the vicinity. In addition to this tract of land he also owns one-half section in
Brookings county. South Dakota. When Mr. Tillinghast began farming he devoted
his attention to producing general crops and raised large quantities of hay
and grain, but in 1894, he made a specialty of stock-breeding and has since raised
a number of head of Poland China hogs and in this business has become widely
known throughout the state. Previous to the year, 1894 he devoted some time to
this branch of farming, but on a very small scale. After that year, however, he
turned his attention almost exclusively to hog-breeding and has since raised some
of the finest specimens of thoroughbred Poland China hogs in the state. He has
read a great deal on the subject and in the past fourteen years has spent considerable
time experimenting, until now he is acknowledged to be an authority on the
various breeds of this class of animal. At present he has one hundred and thirty
head of breeding stock, all thoroughbreds and include the following: Perfection
Great, No. 85,127; Victor Price, No. 118,921; Crows Ideal, No. 134,981; Long
Prospect. No. 134,341; and Look On. Of the female class: Whitefooted Beauty,
I Am It, I Be Perfect, Rosebud, Blackbird, Third Dina, Rhody, and Lucretia, the
registration numbers of this class not being obtainable. Mr. Tillinghast breeds
from all the above named, which are as fine as can be secured and devotes his
time almost exclusively to this department of the farm. All of these beauties are
high priced and list at upwards of one hundred dollars a head.
In 1881 Mr. Tillinghast wedded Jennie Vauthrin. by whom he had four children,
namely: Victor S., a farmer of Clay county; Carl, at home; Garth, deceased;
and Velma, who resides with her parents. He is a republican in politics
and although he keeps abreast of the times as to the paramount economic issues
before the country, he does not take an active interest in political aflfairs beyond
using his vote and influence to aid the candidates of his party in securing office.
He has served the township in several public offices. He belongs to Peterson
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Tillinghast
is one of Clay county's enterprising men, who has contributed much toward
the general welfare of the community, in which he is held in high confidence and
is numbered among its substantial and representative citizens.
The Scandinavian peninsula has furnished to America many valuable citizens,
including Gustaf Freeburg, who is interested in agricultural pursuits and
stock-raising at Rossie, this county. His birth occurred near Guttenberg, Sweden,
May 22, 1849, and he is a son of Magnus and Mary (Anderson) Johnson, his
father having pursued general farming in his native land until his death in 1862,
while his wife also departed this life, during the same year. In their family were
the following children: Christina and Andrew, deceased; Anna, widow of Carl
Lunbeck; John, who resides in Sweden; and Gustaf.
In the common schools of his native land Gustaf Freeburg acquired his education
and upon completing his studies remained at home until he was thirteen
years of age, at which period of his life he went to live with an aunt with whom
he spent three years. He then secured employment on a farm, where he remained
until his marriage and then rented land which he cultivated until the year 1880,
when he came to the new world and visited with a brother located in Lincoln
township, where he remained for ten weeks. Later he removed to Summit township,
where for two years he was in the employ of James Goodwin and in the
year 1882 removed to the farm on which he now resides. Here he owns eleven
hundred and twenty acres of excellent land, all the improvements on which he
has made himself, and aside from having a comfortable dwelling he also has a
commodious barn and all the necessary outbuildings together with machinery
and other conveniences with which to carry on his work by modern methods.
When Mr. Freeburg first took possesison of this property he owned but a single
team of oxen and a lumber wagon, which conveyance he not only employed in
his farm work but also utilized to take himself and family to church. At that
time his barn and stable combined consisted of a building fourteen bv sixteen
PIcture of
MR. AND MRS. GUSTAF FREEBURG
feet and in it he kept his provender and also his oxen and later a team of mules,
when he had earned sufficient money to buy them during the first winter he
engaged in farming for himself. These were his sole possessions but he was not
so fortunate with them as he would have liked to have been, since one of the
mules died shortly after he purchased it and he was compelled to borrow a horse
from a neighbor in order to complete the team, and as he had no money with
which to pay for the hire of the animal he worked it out on his neighbor's farm.
In three years time he mortgaged his farm, which then consisted of eighty acres,
and with the money he obtained he purchased a team. By hard work and good
management he saved his earnings from year to year, until finally he increased
his small farm of eighty acres to his present extensive landed possessions, including
more than eleven hundred and twenty acres. He is regarded as one of the
most industrious as well as one of the most prosperous agriculturists in the
county. Aside from general farming in the production of hay and the various
kinds of grain, he also engages in stock raising and keeps on hand a number of
fine cattle and hogs, and he does a considerable shipping business.
In 1872, in his native land, Mr. Freeburg was united in marriage to Miss
Catherine Peterson and to this union have been born eleven children, namely:
John; Carl, who wedded Mary Anderson and resides on a farm in Lincoln township;
Selma M., who became the wife of Andrew Olson, who is also an agriculturist
of Lincoln township; Clara Amelia, the wife of Gus Carlson, of Lincoln
township; Martin; Albert; Emma; Harry; Hannah; Elizabeth, and Beda. Mr.
Freeburg's political opinions have always been on the side of the republican party
and, having intelligently investigated the merits of the several political platforms,
he considers the principles of republicanism best suited to preserve the prosperity
of the country and promote its financial interests. Consequently he is always
ready with his vote and influence to secure the election of its candidates. He has
filled the positions of road supervisor and school director, in which capacities he
has served efficiently for a number of terms. He is a man of high moral character,
dutiful to his religious obligations as a member of the Swedish Lutheran
church, of the Sunday school, of which he is superintendent. Mr. Freeburg is
one of the most substantial farmers of the vicinity, well known throughout the
township for his diligence and enterprise, and he deserves great credit for his
present prosperity, which is due solely to his own exertions.
Professor David Morris Odle, who for four years has been principal of the
Spencer high school, is a man whose force of character and natural ability has
carried him into important relations with the educational interests of Iowa. From
the age of eight years he has been dependent on his own resources and his
laudable ambition prompted him to acquire the education that has served as
the foundation for his present successful career. His birth occurred in Randolph
county, Indiana, on the home farm about six miles north of Winchester, June 5,
1850. Through the greater part of the nineteenth century the family were identi-
fied with the pioneer development of the middle west. John Odel, the great-
grandfather of Professor Odle, removed from Ross county, Ohio, to Winchester,
Randolph county, Indiana, in 1818. He was of English lineage and was a pioneer
Methodist preacher of Indiana. He was accompanied by his son, William Odle,
the grandfather of Professor Odle, who became a farmer in Indiana and there
spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of fifty-four years. He
married Elizabeth Franklin, a grandniece of Benjamin Franklin.
Caleb Odle, son of William Odle, was born in Indiana and throughout his
entire life carried on farming in Randolph county. He wedded Miss Eliza Jack,
who was also born in the Hoosier state. Both the father and mother of
Professor Odle were devoted members of the Methodist church. Their children
were three in number.
Professor Odle, the youngest of the family, was only seven years of age
when left an orphan and at the age of eight years was bound out in Jay county,
Indiana, although he was reared to manhood in Randolph county, he lived on
a farm until seventeen years of age, during which period he assisted in the work
of the fields, from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested
in the late autumn. He attended the district schools for three months in the
winter season but was not satisfied with the educational advantages which he
thus secured and entered the college at Ridgeville, Indiana, working his way
through that institution by teaching in the fall and winter months. Thus he met
his expenses and completed a six years' course. He afterward engaged in teaching
for two years and then went upon the railroad as a brakesman. Later he again
took up teaching and in the profession has been very successful. For twelve
years he taught in the public schools of Ridgeville through the fall and winter
months and in the spring and summer was in college. In 1888 he went to Hull,
Sioux county, Iowa, to accept the principalship of the schools there and so
continued for twelve years. Later he spent five years as superintendent of the
schools of Hartley, Iowa, and in the fall of 1905 came to Spencer, where he is
now serving for the fourth year as principal of the high school. He is an able
educator, who has been a constant student of the best methods of instruction and
his own zeal and interest in the work has largely inspired his associates and pupils.
Progress has been his watchword from the beginning and his labors have been
attended with a measure of success that makes him one of the prominent
representatives of the public-school system of Iowa.
At the time of the Spanish-American war Professor Odle was captain of
Company E, Fourth Iowa National Guard. He had been connected with the
military interests of the state for some years as a representative of the National
Guard, serving as private in the Sixth Regiment. Iowa National Guards, then as
first sergeant in the Fourth Regiment from April, 1892, until June, 1893, when
he was elected first lieutenant of Company E, of the same regiment. In July,
1895, he was elected captain and on the 26th of April, 1898, entered the United
States service as captain of Company E. Fifty-second Regiment of Iowa Volunteers.
With this command he served until mustered out October 30, 1898. In
March, 1899, he was elected captain of Company E, of the Fifty-second Iowa
National Guard, and in May, 1900, was elected major of the Fifty-sixth Regiment,
with which rank he served for five years, so that his entire military experience
covered fourteen years, bringing him a wide acquaintance in the military circles
of the state and winning for him the high regard of all his associate officers
as well as of the men who were under his command.
On the 9th of March, 1878, Professor Odle was married to Miss Josephine
Houser of Virginian descent.
Professor Odle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs
to Hartley Lodge. I. O. O. F., and Hartley Lodge. K. P. He is a gentleman of
broad, general culture, who reads widely and thinks deeply, and association with
him means expansion and elevation. Since 1892 he has held a teacher's life
diploma and in his professional career has gradually worked his way upward
until he today occupies a position of distinction as one of the prominent educators
of the state. Moreover, in social relations he is held in the highest regard and has
a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
George S. Browm, a successful and highly respected farmer, prominent in
the affairs of Logan township, was born in Kankakee county, Illinois, February
26, 1864. His ancestors were among the pioneers of the state of Pennsylvania,
and the family was noted for longevity, his great-grandfather having attained
the remarkable age of one hundred and eight years. His paternal grandparents
were Severin and Elizabeth C. (Pace) Brown. The former was born in New
York, April 24, 1799, and when about twelve years of age he was taken to
Pennsylvania, where he subsequently located lands in Monroe township,
Wyoming county, upon which he resided until April, 1853. He then moved to
Lake county, Indiana, remaining there until he departed this life, April 17, 1875,
his remains being interred on his farm. In early life he devoted his time to
chopping timber and hunting, but later settled down to general farming and
stock raising, which he continued throughout his remaining days. In politics
he was a stanch whig and was prominent and influential in the affairs of his
party. He took a deep interest in church work and was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal denomination, in which for many years he officiated as
class leader. He was twice united in marriage, first in Wyoming county,
Pennsylvania, to Deliverance C. Rogers, who departed this life November 6. 1825,
leaving one son, John W., whose birth occurred in 1823, and his death about
the year 1905. His second marriage was with Elizabeth C. Pace, whose birth
occurred in North Milan township, Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, December
26, 1805, and who died February 15, 1873, being laid to rest in Lake county,
Indiana. She was the mother of seven children: Isaac B., born July 22, 1828,
died May 21, 1903. Asa P., who was a soldier in the Ninth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, in the Civil war, served three years and three months, participating
in the battles of Green Briar, Harper's Ferry and Lookout Mountain. During
these engagements he narrowly escaped death, a number of bullets piercing his
clothes, but miraculously was not wounded. Some time after the war he removed
to Pasadena county. California, where he is now living retired. James S., whose
birth occurred in Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, on August 1, 1831, now resides
in this county. Nancy E., born November 7, 1837, is the widow of John Wilson,
who for the past fifty years has occupied the same house in Valparaiso, Indiana,
in which she now lives. Amanda J. is the widow of David McCleaf, of
Valparaiso, Indiana. Thomas P., whose birth occurred February 18, 1843,
departed this life October 29, 1862, while serving as a soldier in the Black Hawk
Cavalry. Mary Anne, born November 1, 1845, is the wife of N. W. Hawkins,
of Putnam county, Missouri.
James S. Brown did not have any educational advantages beyond those
afforded him by the district school, and upon completing his studies there he
was employed in the work of the farm. At the age of sixteen years he was
engaged to drive a team on the canal, which occupation he followed for four
years. When twenty-one years of age he left home and went to Grant county,
Indiana, and thence to Kaskaskia county. Illinois, remaining in the latter county
for a brief period and then locating in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where he
engaged in farming. In 1884 he removed to O'Brien county, Iowa, and thence,
in 1892, to Palo Alto county, Iowa, and afterward to Carlton county, Minnesota,
in 1902. In politics he was an old-line whig, afterward became a republican and
recalls with pride the incident of his walking eight miles to poll his vote for
Abraham Lincoln. For many years he officiated in the capacity of deacon in the
Baptist church in Wisconsin, and is now serving in that position in the church
of the same denomination to which he now belongs. While a resident of the
state of Pennsylvania he belonged to the Sons of Temperance and has since
been an influential factor in promoting the cause of prohibition.
Mr. Brown was twice married. He first wedded Miss Rosetta T. Durland,
a native of Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, where her birth occurred January
1, 1836, and where she lived until October 30, 1860, when she departed this life,
leaving one son, Harry, who was born December 15, 1857, and follows
agricultural pursuits in Oklahoma. On February 28, 1861, Mr. Brown married
Sarah C. Smith, a native of Lake county, Indiana, who was born April 11, 1843,
and passed away October 15, 1903. By her marriage she became the mother of
the following children: George S.; Jennie M., born September 19, 1866, now
residing in Grant county, Wisconsin; Mary R., born March 8, 1869, and also a
resident of Grant county; James S., born May 24, 1874, an agriculturist of
Whipple township, Pottawattamie county, this state; Sadie, whose birth occurred
October 7, 1878, and who resides in Pottawattamie county; Callie, who was born
July 3, 1881, and departed this life on December 4, 1884; Charles A., who was
born December 6, 1884, and is night clerk in the Erling Hotel, at Spencer; and
Bertha, who departed this life in infancy.
At the age of eight years George S. Brown removed with his parents to
Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where he acquired his education in the district
schools. After completing his studies he remained at home until he was twenty-
one years of age, at which period of his life he located on a farm in O'Brien
county, where he followed agricultural pursuits for nine years, at the expiration
of which time he removed to Silver Lake, Palo Alto county, renting lands there
on which he carried on general farming and stock raising from 1892 to 1897,
when he came here and rented a farm including the acreage of one section. He
now owns eighty acres on section No. 10, Logan township. He does an extensive
farming and stock raising business and since the year 1897 has paid out twenty
thousand dollars for rent and hired help, which gives some idea of the proportions
of his farming interests. In addition to transacting the affairs of his farm,
which is one of the finest and most highly improved in the county, he is
concerned in other enterprises.
On August 4, 1887, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Maggie V.
Delmoge, a native of Ontario, Canada, and a daughter of John and Jane
(Wesley) Delmoge. Her father went from Ireland to Canada about the year
1833, living in Holton county for a while and then removeing to Wellington
county, where he departed this life May 21, 1897. Her mother, who was a
relative of John Wesley, and also of the Duke of Wellington, had ten children:
Adam, William, Jake, Julia A., Catharine, Mary, Francis, Sarah, Gusta and
Maggie V. Francis and Gusta are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are
parents of four children: Myrtie, born July 4, 1888; Eva, born August 15,
1889; James W., whose birth occurred September 15, 1890; and Lester D., who
was born August 21, 1894.
Mr. Brown is a stanch supporter of the republican party and having given
considerable study to the various political platforms, he is of the opinion that
the principles of republicanism mark out a policy which if kept in vogue will
insure the permanent peace of the country and place its finances on a firm
foundation. Consequently he is active in the affairs of his party and exerts his
influence to the uttermost in behalf of its candidates. For five terms he has
officiated as clerk in this township, and is still the incumbent, while for ten
years he has been central committeeman for the republican party. He belongs
to Ayrshire Lodge, I. O. O. F., with which he has been affiliated for fourteen
years and has passed through all the chairs. He is also a member of the Spencer
Encampment and Daughters of Rebekah. He is a man of high social and
business standing and is recog nized as one of the most honorable and valued
citizens of the community.
tember, 1905, lacking but four months of being ninety years of age. His widow
still survives him and is now living in Lafayette, Illinois, at the age of seventy-
seven years. She is a member of the Universalist church, to which Mr. Redfield
also belonged. In community affairs he was quite prominent and active and for
twenty years served as county commissioner, his capability and fidelity being
indicated in his frequent reelection. The only daughter of the household, Mary
A., is now the wife of E. F. Jones, of Olympia, Washington.
James A Redfield was reared on the home farm in Stark county, Illinois, to
the age of nineteen vears. When in the battle of life the city boy crosses swords
with the country lad, the odds are against him. The early rising, the daily tasks,
the economical habits of a country boy prepare him for the struggle that must
precede ascendency. The lessons of industry and enterprise which Mr. Redfield
early learned have been factors in his continued success. After attending the
district schools he became a pupil in Toulon Academy and later attended Lombard
University at Galesburg. He then engaged in the furniture business at Wyoming,
Stark county, Illinois, where he remained for fifteen months, during which
period he was married. He wedded Miss Laura A. Dickinson, a daughter of
R. J. and Letitia Dickinson, and unto them were born three children, but the
twins, Edith and Jane G., died in infancy. The surviving daughter is Irma N.
On his removal from Wyoming, Illinois, Mr. Redfield went to Toulon, that
state, and for three years was employed in the department store of Starrett
Brothers. In March, 1898, he arrived in Iowa and opened a furniture and hardware
store in Rippey, in connection with John W. Dickinson. On the 12th of
June, 1899, he came to Spencer and purchased his present furniture store. Here
he has a large and well selected line of goods and conducts a growing and
prosperous business. He also has an undertaking department and in his mercantile
pursuits is meeting with gratifying prosperity. He keeps in touch with the trade,
knows what the market offers and carries an attractive line of goods, while his
prices are reasonable and his treatment of his patrons always courteous.
In his political views Mr. Redfield is a stalwart republican, but the honors
and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He belongs to Evening
Shade Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M., Spencer Lodge, I. O. O. F., the Knights
of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his wife is a member
of the Congregational church. They are well known in the social circles of
the city and enjoy the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in
contact. Mr. Redfield occupies a place of prominence as one of the wide-awake,
energetic business men, completing what he undertakes by reason of his force
of character and his strict conformity to modern business methods and his loyalty
to all that is honorable in commercial dealings.
11, 1835, and represents an old New England family, long known in that section
of the country. His paternal grandfather, Nathan Marsh, of English descent,
was born in New Hampshire, and on removing to the Pine Tree state settled in
the town of Anson, Somerset county, where he secured a tract of land and followed
farming. He married a Miss Heald, who was of German hneage and they
had a family of six children. The death of Nathan Marsh, Sr., occurred when
he had passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey, while his wife had
also traveled far on the journey of life ere she was called to her final rest.
Nathan Marsh, Jr., father of Alonzo Marsh, was born in Maine and in early
manhood he determined to make the occupation to which he had been reared his
life work. He therefore took up the task of tilling the soil on his own account and
continued his residence in New England until 1856, when he removed westward
to Wisconsin, establishing his home near the town of Wautoma, Waushara county.
There he carried on general farming until his death, which occurred in 1864,
when he was sixty-two years of age. While a resident of Maine he had wedded
Miss Hannah Fling, also a native of that state, and a daughter of Samuel Fling,
who was a resident of Somerset county, and was of Irish descent. He married
Miss Abigail McFadden, a lady of Scotch descent, and they reared a large family,
including Hannah Fling, who became the wife of Nathan Marsh, Jr. She died
February 17, 1857.
In their family were ten children, but Alonzo Marsh, the first born, is the
only one now living. He was reared in Maine on his father's farm, remaining
at home until he had attained his majority. The district schools afforded him his
educational privileges and in the school of experience he has also learned many
valuable lessons, while reading and observation have also added greatly to his
knowledge. When twenty-one years of age he followed the injunction of Horace
Greeley, "Go west, young man, go west," and in Wisconsin he and his father and
his father's brother, Benjamin Marsh, together purchased one hundred acres of
land in Dakota township, Waushara county. They carried on farming interests
jointly until the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south. Alonzo
Marsh had watched with interest the progress of events which preceded the war
and noted the threatening attitude of the south and resolved that if a blow was
struck to overthrow the Union he would strike one in its defense. Accordingly in
1861 he enrolled his name wath the boys in blue and was assigned to duty with
the Eighth Wisconsin Battery of Light Artillery, with which he served for a little
more than three years, being mustered out in the winter of 1865. He had enlisted
as a private but was made a noncommissioned officer. Although he was never
wounded in battle, on one occasion he was badly injured and he experienced all
of the hardships and rigors of warfare, taking part in long marches, the sieges
and the pitched battles.
When the war ended Mr. Marsh returned to his home farm in Wisconsin.
In the meantime his father had died. He continued farming there for two or three
years and immediately after his return to the north he was married, the lady of
his choice being, Miss Emma Lydia Rowley, a daughter of Seth and Sallie (Hudson)
Rowley. In July, 1868, they removed to Kansas and at their home near
Mound City, in Linn county. Mrs. Marsh passed away on the 24th of September,
1868. There were two children born of that union, of whom one died in infancy,
while the other, Ernest Alonzo Marsh, is now living in Chicago, where he conducts
business as a machinist and manufacturer of time locks. He wedded Adaline Gifford,
and they have one daughter, Bernice Adaline. After losing his first
wife Mr. Marsh was again married on the 10th of October, 1869, his second union
being with Mrs. Elizabeth Helen Gustin, a daughter of James Marr, and the
widow of George Gustin, who died at City Point, Virginia, in the Civil war. By
her former marriage Mrs. Marsh had two daughters, Inez A. and Minnie D.
Gustin. The former is now assistant in the postoffice at Dickens, while the latter
is the wife of W. J. Moore, of Dickens, and has two children, Pearl Mellison and
Lola Inez Moore.
Mr. Marsh continued his residence in Kansas until 1868, when he removed
to Wautoma, Wisconsin, where he remained until the spring of 1884, when he
came to Clay county, Iowa. Throughout the entire period of his connection with
business interests he carried on general farming and found that the rich prairies
of the west offered good opportunities to the agriculturist, as the work of plowing
and planting is usually rewarded with abundant harvests. He was practical
in all that he did on the farm and his labors at length brought him the success
which now permits of his retirement. He belongs to Evening Shade Lodge, No.
312, and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as
township trustee and as school director, but his attention has been largely given
to his business affairs and in their capable management he has met with gratifying
success.
Henry Aebly is one of the public-spirited men of Meadow township who for
long years has been closely associated with the progress and development of this
part of the county. He has seen the district when it was largely an unsettled
and undeveloped region, when its prairies were covered with native grasses,
starred with a million wild flowers in June, while in the winter there was one
unbroken, dazzling sheet of snow. As the years have gone by, through his
agricultural interests and through his cooperation with various public movements,
he has contributed to the general improvement and at all times has manifested a
deep interest in whatever has calculated to advance the general welfare. He is
now living on section 24, Meadow township, and a valuable property of three
hundred and sixty acres pays tribute to his care and industry.
Mr. Aebly is a native of Switzerland. He was born June 5, 1842, and when
a youth of fifteen years left the land of the Alps to seek a home and fortune in
the new world. He had received fair school advantages in his native language
but was self-educated in English. Reared in the midst of what many travelers
recall as the most beautiful mountain scenery of the world, more than once he
has climbed the Alps and looked out over the vista of valley and of mountain
peak. The necessity of providing for himself, however, turned his attention to
the new world, with its broader business opportunities and advancement more
quickly secured. As passenger on a sailing vessel he left Havre, France, and
after a voyage of thirty-eight days across the broad Atlantic landed at New
Picture of HENRY AEBLY
York. While on the water was encountered one severe storm and the middle
mast of the vessel was carried away.
Mr. Aebly did not tarry long in New York but made his way westward by
rail to Milwaukee and crossed Lake Michigan from Grand Haven. He joined
an uncle and aunt in Green county, Wisconsin, and there worked by the month
for several years. He afterward engaged in selling milk for a year at the soldiers'
camp near Madison. He was employed as a farm hand by one man for
three years, after which he rented land and began farming on his own account,
for he desired that he should reap the benefits of his own labor and was, more-
over, anxious to one day become owner of a farm.
When a young man of twenty years Mr. Aebly was married in Portage
county, Wisconsin, to Miss Harriet Rogers, a native of Sullivan county, New
York, who was reared in Wisconsin. He then rented land and thus carried on
farming for some time. In 1871 he came to Iowa and looked over the state to a
considerable extent in search of a favorable location. Subsequently he settled
in Clay county, where he secured a homestead claim of eighty acres, constituting
the nucleus of his present fine farming property. Not a furrow had been turned
or an improvement made upon the place. He broke the sod and put in maple,
elm and box elder seed. Today he has a fine grove of trees, so that no longer
is his place a tract of treeless prairie, but on the contrary this portion of it
presents the appearance of a native forest and it seems hardly possible that from his
planting, have grown trees of such size and beauty as are today seen here. He
also put out an orchard of eight hundred apple trees, two hundred cherry trees
and other fruit, but later all these were eaten bare of leaves and bark and were
thus killed by grasshoppers. Subsequently he planted another orchard, which
was destroyed in a storm. Still undiscouraged, for he displays a most resolute
spirit in the face of difficulties, he planted a third orchard, which is now in
bearing and contains a variety of fine fruits. Mr. Aebly has also erected a large and
commodious house, which is conveniently arranged and constitutes one of the
attractive features of his farm. He has also built three barns, one of which has
a good basement, and he has erected other outbuildings, giving shelter to grain
and stock. He has likewise fenced his place and as the years have passed he has
extended the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises three hundred and
sixty acres, all well improved, constituting one of the valuable farm properties
of this section. He has a stationary engine and feed mill, a wind pump and
water works and, in fact, all the evidences of progressive farm life at the present
day are here seen, indicating the owner to be one of the enterprising agriculturists
of this locality.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Aebly have been born six children: Henry B., who is
married and resides in Spencer; George, who assists his father in carrying on
the home farm; Jacob, who is doing for himself; Fred, who is connected with
his brother George in the farm work; Maggie, who was formerly a teacher but
is now at home; and Grace, who became the wife of William Galbreath, a farmer
of this county, who died in February, 1908, leaving a daughter, Nellie May
Galbreath, now living with her grandparents.
In politics Mr. Aebly has been a lifelong republican, supporting each presidential
nominee of the party since he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln in i864.
His sons are also advocates of the same party. While he has never been a politician
in the sense of office seeking, his fellow townsmen have called him to positions
of public trust. He served for four years as justice of the peace, was later
road commissioner and is now filling, the office of township trustee. He has like-
wise served on the grand and petit juries a number of times. No trust reposed
in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. He is loyal to the best
interests of the community and his efforts in its behalf have been far-reaching
and beneficial. He and his wife joined the Free Methodist Episcopal church, in
which he served as class leader for several years, but they now attend the
Methodist church at Langdon.
Mr. Aebly is a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he has
accomplished. He started out in life empty-handed. In fact he was very poor in
his youthful days and it has been only through his untiring industry and
perseverance that he has worked his way upward. His sons are now associated with
him in his business dealings and in addition to tilling the fields they are making a
business of raising and feeding stock, including hogs, cattle and sheep. Mr.
Aebly is also a stockholder and was formerly a director in the Cooperative
Creamery Company of Langdon. For thirty-eight years he has lived upon the
farm which is now his home. The development of the county is a familiar story
to him and he relates many interesting incidents of the early pioneer times, when
Clay county had but a sparse population and all of the evidences of frontier life
were here to be found. Work — earnest, persistent work — has been the source
of his success, enabling him to pass on the highway of life many who started out
more advantageously equipped. He is now one of the substantial agriculturists
and his life history may well serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration
to others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and
to do.
The success which David C. Wallace is now enjoying is the result of close
application and intense and well directed energy. He early realized the fact that
there is no excellence without labor and has therefore based his advancement upon
energetic effort guided by mature judgment. He is widely known throughout
Clay county as a partner of the Moulton-Wallace Company, owners of a well
appointed department store in Spencer. New Hampshire numbers him among her
native sons, his birth having occurred in Sanbornton on the 19th of October,
1846. As his paternal grandfather died in early manhood, little is known concerning
the ancestral history of the family. His wife, Nancy Wallace, however,
passed away at an advanced age. Their family numbered three sons and four
daughters: Edmund, Reuben, Ephraim G., Hannah, Alvina, Mary Jane and
Nancy.
Of this number Ephraim G. Wallace, a native of the old Granite state, was
the father of our subject. He was a mechanic and acted as foreman of different
establishments, principally in knitting works in New England. He wedded Sarah
Jane Ames Clark, who was also born in New Hampshire, while her parents, David
H. and Charlotte M. (Burley) Clark, were likewise natives of the old Granite
state. Her father devoted his time and energies to general farming and passed
away in middle life, but his wife reached the extreme old age of ninety-four years
In their family were four daughters: Mary Ann., Sarah J. A., Jerusha S. and
Amanda E. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim G. Wallace was blessed with
four sons: David C, of this review; Ephraim L., a resident of Franklin, New
Hampshire; Alberto B., deceased; and Roscoe G., a merchant of Chicago. The
father died in Franklin, New Hampshire, in 1904, at the age of eighty-five years,
and his widow is still living there at the very advanced age of eighty-seven years.
Both were Christian Baptists and their many sterling traits of character gained
for them an enviable position in the regard and confidence of those who knew
them.
From the foregoing record it will be seen that David C. Wallace comes of a
family noted for longevity and it is probable that his years of usefulness will yet
be many. Although born in New Hampshire, the greater part of the first decade
of his life was spent at Lowell, Massachusetts, after which the family home was
established in Franklin, New Hampshire, where he remained until 1869. The
opportunities of the middle west, however, attracted him and with the hope of
bettering his financial condition in this great, growing section of the country, he
made his way to Chicago. He had obtained his education in the public schools
and in an academy of the east and following his arrival in Chicago he accepted
a position as bookkeeper for the firm of Bullock Brothers, dealers in boots and
shoes, with whom he remained for thirteen years. He then felt that his savings
and his experience justified him in engaging in business on his own account and
he opened a shoe store, which he converted into a general store, conducting it
until 1900.
In that year ]Mr. Wallace disposed of his interests in Chicago and came to
Spencer, opening a general store at the corner of Main and Third streets. In
1903 he consolidated his interests with those of L. H. Moulton and the present
Moulton-Wallace Company was organized. They have a large double store,
which includes various departments: boots, shoes, groceries, dry goods, etc. They
employ a large force of clerks and from the beginning have enjoyed a constantly
increasing trade, for their reliable business methods commend them to the patronage
of the public, while their stock is such as proves most attractive to the
general class of purchasers.
On the 8th of August, 1876, ]Mr. Wallace was married to Miss Lucelia B.
Skinner, who was born in Dupage county. Illinois, and is a daughter of Charles
and Caroline (Martin) Boswell, both of whom died during her early childhood.
She was then adopted by Selinus M. Skinner and took his name. She was one of
four children, the others being Sarah Pearl, Carrie Louise and Ellen E. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have been born four children: Milton Gould, Eva E.,
Isabel and Laura R. Of these Milton died when ten months old and Eva E.
when but three and a half years of age. Isabel is well known as an elocutionist
and is now connected with the Ridpath bureau. Laura is at home. The parents
belong to the Episcopal church and Mr. Wallace is a member of Evening Shade
Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M., Chicago Chapter, R. A. M., and Apollo Commandery,
No. 1, K. T., of Chicago, while both he and his wife are members of
the Eastern Star. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and
while living in Naperville he served as alderman and in other town offices. While
he is always interested in matters of citizenship and supports all measures which
are sources of municipal and civic virtue and pride, he has at the same time been
most diligent in business, improving his opportunities to the best advantage. He
is now regarded as one of the representative residents of Spencer and wields a
wide influence.
Iowa largely owes her progress and wealth to her agricultural interests. History
has ever given proof of the fact that the most prosperous countries are the
ones which offer good opportunities to the agriculturist. More than a century
ago George Washington said, "Agriculture is the most useful as well as the most
honorable, occupation of man," and the truth of this statement has found verification
in all the ages. Living a life of intense and well-directed activity, Cummins
Clapper, residing on section 10, Riverton township, is numbered among the active
and progressive farmers and stock-breeders of that part of the state. He was
born in Muskingum county, Ohio, January 13, 1871. His father, James S. Clapper,
was a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and was born in 1834. There he
grew to manhood and married. He was a son of Philip Clapper, one of the early
settlers of the Buckeye state. Amid the conditions and environments of pioneer
life James S. Clapper spent his youth and after attaining, his majority married
Margaret Plants, likewise a native of Muskingum county. Turning his attention
to general agricultural pursuits, he became a prominent farmer there and is still
the owner of a well improved tract of land in the Buckeye state. He is a hale and
hearty old man of seventy-four years and on the 19th of October, 1908, he and
his wife celebrated their golden wedding. Twelve children were born unto them,
eleven of whom reached adult age, six sons and five daughters. The youngest,
Elmer, is now with his brother on the farm.
Cummins Clapper spent his youthful days, as do most farm boys who divide
their time between the pleasures of the playground, the duties of the schoolroom
and the work of the home farm. After attending the district schools Mr. Clapper
continued his studies in the high school, at Chandlersville, Ohio, and when he had
put aside his textbooks he gave his father the benefit of his services and continued
to assist in the operation of the home farm until 1891. That year witnessed his
arrival in Iowa and, taking up his abode in Cedar county, he rented land and
carried on farming on his own account for several years.
As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Clapper chose Miss
Mary C. Sleater, whom he wedded on the 13th of January, 1896. She was born
and reared in Iowa and pursued her education in the schools of Cedar county.
The young, couple began their domestic life on a farm in that county, where they
lived until the spring of 1902, when they came to Clay county, and Mr. Clapper
purchased the farm upon which he now resides. He at once began to till the soil
and cultivate the crops, and today has a valuable property, equipped with all the
conveniences and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth centurv. His farm
is enclosed with a woven wire hog fence, supported by cedar posts, he being one
of the first to put up this kind of a fence in the county. He was also the first
to introduce clover for pasture and hay, although it is now generally cultivated in
the neighborhood. He has set out an orchard and has made other substantial
improvements. The farm comprises one hundred and fifty-five acres of land,
which is rich and arable, and responds readily to the care and labor he bestows
upon it. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to climatic conditions
here, he breeds pure-blooded Poland China hogs, beginning this business in Cedar
county. He now has some of the best Poland China stock in the state and also
raises high grade shorthorn cattle. His pure-blooded registered male is at the
head of his herd. His stock-raising interests are constituting an important branch
of his business.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clapper were born three children: Sadie, George and
Margaret. The mother is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is an
estimable lady, who, like Mr, Clapper, has won many friends in this locality.
Politically, he is a republican, where national issues are involved, but locally casts
an independent ballot. He has never sought office as a reward for party fealty,
preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, in which he is
meeting with signal success. Thus he has become one of the enterprising and
substantial farmers of his adopted county.
Wallace B. Cruver has been engaged in the grocery business in Spencer
since 1881, or for a period of twenty-eight consecutive years, being first identified
with the trade as an employe of his father, while later he became proprietor of the
store which he is now successfully conducting. Throughout this entire period he
has maintained a reputation as an enterprising merchant and a reliable business
man, his commercial methods being at all times commendable and trustworthy.
A native of the neighboring state of Illinois, he was born in Lake county on the
26th of December, 1862. The family has been distinctively American in its lineal
and collateral branches through various generations. His grandparents were
Daniel and Ruby (Price) Cruver, natives of Pennsylvania, where the former followed
the occupation of farming. Believing that his opportunities would be better
in the middle west, he removed to Lake county, Illinois, establishing his home
near Diamond Lake, where he continued to engage in the tilling of the soil. He
died at Lake Zurich when about seventy-two years of age, while his wife was
more than seventy years of age at the time of her demise.
Their family of four children included Salem P. Cruver, who was born in the
Keystone state and on attaining his majority wedded Miss Hannah A. Pelton, a
native of New York. Her parents were Joshua and Esther Pelton, who were
likewise born in the Empire state. Her father was a farmer but died in early
manhood. Her mother lived to be about seventy years of age and, marrying
on general farming in Illinois until 1871, when he removed to Lake Zurich and
again, became Mrs. Hawthorn. Following his marriage Salem P. Cruver carried (sic)
there engaged in merchandising, conducting his store for nine years. In 1880 he
came to Spencer, where he estabhshed a general store, which he conducted until
1890. In that year he disposed of his other stock in order to confine his attention
to the grocery trade and was proprietor of the store until 1901, when he was succeeded
by his son Wallace. His remaining days were passed in the enjoyment of
well earned and well merited rest until he was called to the home beyond in
August, 1908, when seventy-six years of age. His widow is still living and has
now reached the age of seventy-one. She is a member of the Free Baptist
church, to which Mr. Cruver likewise belonged. Those who knew him — and he
had a wide acquaintance — gave him warm friendship and entertained for him
kindly regard because of his many sterling traits of heart and mind. As a
business man he contributed to the progress of the city in commercial lines and in
other ways gave his support to movements for the general good.
In a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, only three are
now living, the sister of our subject being Sylvia C. Cruver, of Spencer, who is
his senior, while his younger brother, Curtis L. Cruver, is now in Chicago. Upon
the home farm in Lake county, Illinois, Wallace B. Cruver remained until nine
years of age and then accompanied the family when they took up their abode at
Lake Zurich. There he continued his education in the public schools until he
became a high school student. Since 1881 he has been known as a factor in
commercial circles in Spencer, at which time he became a clerk in his father's
store, remaining as his assistant until 1901, when he purchased the business, of
which he has since been sole proprietor. He had thorough training and broad
experience before he undertook the management of the store alone and, well
qualified for his task, he is now meeting with creditable prospcrity in his chosen
life work.
On the 18th of September, 1894, Mr. Cruver was married to Miss Bertha
Richey, a daughter of Gasper T. and Charity (Casner) Richey. Mrs. Cruver was
born in Mount Vernon, Ohio. There are two children of this marriage, Marion
and Wayne. The parents attend the Congregational church and Mr. Cruver
gives his political support to the republican party. Their sociability and their
hospitality has made their home the center of a cultured society circle and they
have many friends in the community where they have now long resided.
The agricultural advantages offered by the state of Iowa are in many respects
superior to those offered by adjoining states and for this reason farmers in large
numbers, who for many years have followed that occupation in other quarters,
have disposed of their interests and removed to this state and engaged in general
agriculture with splendid success. The soil is in every respect adapted to the
various crops, and is particularly excellent for pasture land, enabling one who
desires to engage extensively in stock-raising to follow that business to great
advantage. Among others who have heard of the superior opportunities offered
here is W. D. Watson, who for a number of years has been cultivating a tract of
land which he has highly improved and from which, since his occupancy, he has
been reaping bountiful harvests which, from year to year, have enabled him to
place himself in prosperous circumstances. He farms by modern principles and
his land is as well kept and productive as any in the township.
Mr. Watson is a native of the central part of Scotland, where his birth
occurred October 10, 1856, and a son of John and Ellen (Dawson) Watson, his
father having been a farmer in his native country, where he departed this life
June 11, 1891. He was one of the stanchest of Scotch Presbyterians, and was
well known throughout the community in which he lived as an ardent supporter of
his faith and as a man of high, moral purpose, whose religious ambition and
usefulness in enhancing the moral and spiritual status of the community will long be
remembered. His mother, also a native Scot, who passed away there, had
the following children: James Sterling, who follows agriculture in Scotland;
Anne, who resides there; Helen, who also lives in Scotland; Effie, deceased;
and W. D.
W. D. Watson was educated in his native land, where he received an
academic course of training which he had completed at the age of sixteen years,
when he returned to the home farm and engaged in its active duties until he was
twenty-five years old, at which period of his life he came to the new world, locating
in Cedar Rapids, Linn county. Here he hired out as a farm hand and in that
capacity worked five years. In 1888, coming to this county, he rented a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres in section 27, which, through his enterprise and good
management, he has greatly improved and in general farming, and stock-raising
on a small scale, is keeping pace with the general prosperity of the community.
Since his occupation of the land he has met with excellent success in producing
crops, and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Gilletts Grove.
On January 19, 1888, he wedded Miss Sarah McPherson, a native of Sterling,
Scotland, to which union were born: Ruby Eleanor, William Waldorf and Helen
Beatrice. Mr. Watson is loyal in his support of the republican party, and while
he is not an active politician he keeps himself well-informed in regard to the
paramount issues of the day, and takes great interest in the success of his party. For
the past twelve years he has served efficiently as a trustee of the township and
belongs to the United Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a member.
Mr. Watson is a man whose high moral character, religious ambitions and industry
have placed him in high standing in the community, and he is acknowledged to
be a substantial and representative citizen.
The life record of Jacob Raveling, a well-to-do farmer of Peterson township,
is a splendid example of the value of German thrift and industry. Starting out
in life with practically nothing, without either influence or apparent prospect but
possessed of saving qualities, perseverance and patience, he set his mind upon
success and by hard labor he succeeded, in the course of time, in laying by
sufficient means with which to purchase his farm. He has since labored and the
harvests year by year have placed him in his present affluent circumstances.
Mr. Raveling was born in Germany, August 20, 1860, a son of Henry and
Sevie (Hendrick) Raveling. His father, having come to the new world in 1882,
settled in Plymouth county, Iowa, where he resided in retirement until he departed
this life in 1905. His wddow is also a native of Germany, but they were united in
marriage in this country and she still resides in Plymouth county. She was the
mother of nine children, namely: Tina, of Minnesota; John, a farmer of the
same state; Henry, who follows agriculture in Lyon county, Iowa; Tjffie, a
farmer of Plymouth county, Iowa; Hilka, who became the wife of Peter Tjaden,
an agriculturist of Plymouth county, Iowa; Jacob; George and Peter, both
farmers in that county; and William, who follows the same occupation in Minnesota.
Jacob Raveling had no educational advantages beyond those accorded him in
the common schools of his native country, where he remained until he was twenty-
seven years of age, in the meantime serving as a soldier in the German army. He
then came to the new world, locating in Plymouth county, Iowa, where he resided
until 1898, during which year he removed to Clay county and has since resided
here. Upon arriving in the United States he was compelled to seek employment
at once in order to meet his daily needs and was engaged as a section laborer on
the railroad. In that position he worked for some time and by modest and sober
living and practical economy he managed to lay aside the greater part of his
earnings and when he gave up railroad work he had sufficient money with which
to buy land. From time to time he added to his possessions until at present he
owns two hundred and forty acres on sections 24 and 25, Peterson township, and
a quarter of section 15 and keeps the entire tract under a high state of cultivation
From time to time Mr. Raveling has improved his property until he has as fine a
farm as there is in the township and it is provided with a comfortable residence,
barns, modern machinery and all conveniences requisite to carry on the work
successfully. He produces large quantities of hay and grain, gives some attention to
stock raising and is accounted one of the most industrious and substantial farmers
in the community.
In 1881 Mr. Raveling wedded Miss Lena Frasa, and unto them were born
the following: Mary, who became the wife of Carl Larson, a farmer of Buena
Vista county, Iowa; Henry, who engages in farming in this county and married
Mary Boese; George, Sever, Sophie. Annie, Peter, Ben and Clarence, all of whom
reside at home with their parents. In politics Mr. Raveling gives his support to
the republican party and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and
the German Evangelical church. He is a substantial citizen who merits the respect
and confidence of the entire community. His present prosperity is due to his own
exertions and careful management, and he is now comfortably situated in life.
George Eiler, for a number of years a prominent agriculturist of Douglas
township, this county, is the owner of an extensive tract of highly improved land
from which, through industry and perseverance, he has produced bountiful crops
and placed himself in prosperous circumstances. He was born in Waukesha
Pictures of Mr.
and MRS. GEORGE EILER
county, Wisconsin, October 3, 1852, a son of Phillip and Fredericka (Knoche)
Eiler. Phillip Eiler was a native of Bavaria, Germany, where he was reared
and for some time operated a mill. He came to the United States at an early
date and for a number of years was engaged in agricultural pursuits near Albany,
New York, from which place he came to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, in 1845,
living there until 1868, and then repaired to Cedar Falls, this state, where he
resided on a farm until his death in the fall of 1883. In politics he was an old
time whig, and upon the dissolution of this party he became a republican. He
was also a member of the German Evangelical church, in which he was an active
worker. He maintained an excellent reputation throughout the community and
was numbered among the substantial and representative citizens. He was
married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Fredericka Knoche, also a native of Germany,
who passed away in Cedar Falls in 1905. They were the parents of the following
children: George, of this review; Caroline, deceased; Daniel, an attorney at law
at Ackley, this state; J. P., deceased; Mary Louisa, deceased; and Sarah
Elizabeth, who became the wife of C. H. Plumer, county recorder of Black Hawk
county.
George Eiler acquired his education in the common schools of his native
county, and then engaged in the daily routine of the farm, until he was twenty-
four years of age, when in 1876 he engaged in farming for himself, at the same
time living, with his parents. Although his profits were small, through rigid
economy he saved the greater portion of his earnings and before long had
sufficient money to buy eighty acres of land in Black Hawk county, where he engaged
in general farming and stock-raising. He had been so successful in his farming
operations that he had increased his holdings from eighty acres to two hundred
acres, and in 1894 he sold this farm and the family removed to Cedar Falls. He
then started out for himself, going to Palo Alto county, this state, where he
bought a large tract of land which he improved and then sold, and in the spring
of 1895 went to Sioux Rapids, thence to Barnes township, Buena Vista county,
where he lived until 1904, and later in the same year located on the southeast
quarter of section 25, Douglas township, this county, where he has since resided.
He has a comfortable residence, outbuildings, and other conveniences on his
farm, the land is highly cultivated, and the attention which he has given his
property has made it one of the finest and most productive in the township. From
year to year he adds to his possessions until he now owns a quarter of section 36,
this township, and two hundred and forty acres in Lake township, as well as a
quarter section in Potter county, South Dakota. In addition to these farm holdings
he has become the owner of considerable valuable real estate in Sioux
Rapids. He is also concerned in a number of other enterprises, one of which is
the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company in which he is a stockholder. He has
gained quite a reputation as a stock buyer and feeder and as a shipper of an
excellent grade of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs.
On January 20, 1880, Mr. Eiler was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Emma Wardin, a native of Germany, who came to the United States when a girl
and who resided in Black Hawk county at the time of her marriage. She died
December 3, 1904, leaving to mourn her loss a husband and two children, namely,
Wesley and Daniel Webster. The latter is married to Amy Isadora Buland, and
564 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
they have one child, Glen, who was born September 22, 1907. Mr. Eiler is loyal
to the republican party in national and state politics and since coming to this
township has been affiliated with school work in the capacity of school director.
He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church of which he is steward
and trustee. For a number of years he has belonged to the Court of Honor at
Sioux Rapids. Mr. Eiler is not only industrious and enterprising, but is also a
man of high moral character and is highly esteemed both as a farmer and
business man throughout the township.
The commercial interests of Spencer find a worthy representative in T. H.
Jones, proprietor of a department store of that city. He is accounted one of the
most progressive merchants there, employing modern business methods in the
development of his trade and carrying a line of goods that makes his establishment
one of the most attractive stores of Clay county. Moreover, in matters of citizenship,
he is progressive, having ever been loyal to the interests of city, state and
nation since the days of his early manhood, when he responded to the country's
call for aid and joined the Union army.
Moreover, Mr. Jones is of that type of men which President Roosevelt states
is the strongest element in our American manhood — the man who is born in the
east and reared and educated in the west. Mr. Jones is a native of Avon, New
York, his natal day being November 10, 1842. His parents, Joshua and Hannah
Jones, were also natives of the Empire state and the former followed the
occupation of farming as a life work. Removing, westward to Wisconsin, he made his
way to Racine in 1850, and in that locality purchased a farm, which he cultivated
and improved until his death, which occurred when he was but fifty-four years
of age. His wife survived him ten years and died at the age of sixty-four. They
held membership in the Baptist church and Mr. Jones was called to various township
offices, wherein he proved a competent and loyal incumbent. The family
numbered eight sons and two daughters, of whom four are now living: Esther
Ann, the widow of Ezra Search, of Racine, Wisconsin; William W., a resident
of Sacramento, California; Thomas Harvey, of this review; and Mary Elizibeth,
the wife of Peter Etchells, of Racine, Wisconsin.
T. H. Jones spent his youthful days on his father's farm in Wisconsin and
was early trained to habits of thrift, industry and economy — habits which have
borne rich fruit in later years. After acquainting himself with the common
branches of learning in the district schools he began earning his own living by
working as a farm hand by the month. He was only eighteen years of age, however,
when he enlisted as a soldier of the Civil war, being enrolled in 1861 as a
member of Company H, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, with
which he served for fourteen months and was then discharged on account of illness.
Returning, to Wisconsin, he cultivated rented farms for two or three years,
after which he was married and in 1870 came to Clay county, Iowa. Here he
secured a soldier's claim of one hundred and sixty acres, in Summit township,
and partially improved it. At the time of his arrival here the county was still a
frontier district, with much land unclaimed and uncultivated, while the progressive
spirit of the cities had advanced but little beyond the conditions of villagehood.
After carrying on farming pursuits for several years Mr. Jones removed
to Spencer, where he conducted a restaurant for some time. He afterward
established a grocery store and with this as the nucleus has developed his present
enterprise, until it is today a large department store, in which he furnishes
employment to thirteen salesmen. It is now one of the most extensive mercantile
interests of the county, attractive by reason of its well-selected line of goods,
its tasteful arrangement and its reasonable prices. Mr. Jones demands that the most
honorable business policy shall be followed at all times and he is not slow to
reward faithful service on the part of his assistants.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Jones wedded Miss Mary Jane
Secor, a daughter of Dorence and Permelia Secor. They have two sons in the
family, Charles E. and Theodore M., who are with their father in the store, and
one child died in infancy. The elder son married Lillian Hardin and they have
two children, Dale G. and Charles H. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Congregational
church and has won many friends during the period of her residence in
Spencer. Mr. Jones is a popular and valued representative of Spencer Lodge,
I. O. O. F., and Annett Post, G. A. R. Politically he is a republican but has not
held local offices, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs,
which, capably conducted, are bringing, to him richly merited success. His worth
is widely acknowledged, his business enterprise having gained him distinction in
commercial circles and his business probity stands as an unassailable fact in his
life record.
J. C. Johnston, who has large agricultural interests in Clay township, this
county, and whose perseverance and grit have stood him well in turning the soil
of this state to the building up of his financial worth and prestige, was born in
Delaware county, this state, August 15, 1857, a son of David and Hepisoph
(Joyce) Johnston. His father, a native of New Brunswick, Canada, came to
Iowa in the early '60s, locating in Delaware county, where he remained for some
time engqged in agricultural pursuits and then removed to Buchanan county,
thence to Buena Vista county, and finally to this county, where he resided with
the subject of this review until he entered the Soldiers' Home at Marshalltown.
He served in the Civil war for three years, enlisting at the first call for troops,
and participated in many important engagements, finally receiving an honorable
discharge. After the war he worked as an agent for various firms in the sewing
machine business and was well known throughout various parts of the west. His
mother was a native of London, England, was united in marriage in Canada, and
departed this life in Sioux City, Iowa, in April, 1889. She was the mother of the
following children: William, a well known farmer in Curtis, Nebraska; Frank, a
fireman on the railroad, his address being Pipestone, Minnesota; John, who has
extensive agricultural interests in Buena Vista county; Anna, who became the wife
of Charles Tulan in the butcher business at Breckenridge, Minnesota; Jane, who
is united in marriage with Henry Hawkinson, conducting an ice and coal
enterprise in Sioux City, Iowa; Mary, deceased; and J. C, our subject.
J. C. Johnston remained under the parental roof in Delaware county until he
was sixteen years of age, in the meantime acquiring his education in the common
schools, at which time, ambitious to mingle with the business world for himself
and become self-supporting, he hired out with various farmers in Buena Vista
county, and at the age of twenty-three years undertook contract farm work,
which he followed for several years, but in 1880 he came to Clay county and
began to follow the occupation for himself. Success attended him from the
beginning and from year to year his prospects became brighter and his interests
more extensive until at present he is the owner of four hundred acres of the finest
agricultural land in this county, his farm being located on sections 28 and 29.
This property was in a crude state when Mr. Johnston took hold of it, but since
his occupation he has put upon it all necessary improvements, including a fine
dwelling house, substantial barns, outbuildings and all conveniences requisite to
carrying on successful farming. He engages in general agricultural pursuits,
raising large quantities of hay and grain, and deals in live stock on a small scale.
He also owns a quarter section of valuable land in the state of Texas, which is
especially adapted for fruit growing, and in addition to his farming interests
possesses considerable real estate in Sioux City. Although the affairs of his
farm are pressing and demand the uttermost attention he has found time to engage
in other lucrative enterprises, being a prominent stock holder and a director in the
Northern Rural Telephone Company, having erected most of the telephone wires
in the southern part of this county.
In 1882 Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Gusta Johnson, daughter
and only child of Neils and Tillie Johnson, both of whom were natives of Sweden,
and were there united in marriage. Coming to the United States in 1869, they
first located in Keokuk, Iowa, but subsequently came to this county, where Mr.
Johnson located land and carried on farming successfully until his death, July 18,
1904, aged ninety-one years. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnston one son was born, Irwin
Pearley, who departed this life in 1908. At the time of his death he was twenty-
four years of age and was in his third year at MIorningside College, Sioux City,
when he was taken sick with pneumonia. Upon recovering somewhat he was sent
to California for further improvement, and remained there two months, when he
returned home and then went to Phoenix, Arizona, where he stayed for a brief
period. He was then compelled to come home to submit to an operation, from
which he partially recovered, but his health was broken and he lingered in a
debilitated state for three years, when he suffered a general collapse and died
February 4, 1908. His remains were interred in Peterson cemetery.
Mr. Johnston's political views have always been on the side of the republican
party and being a man well informed upon the issues of the day, he has come to
the conclusion that the principles of the republican party are best adapted to
subserve the general interests of the country, and consequently he has always been
loyal to, and profoundly interested in, the success of that party. He has been a
member of the township school board, chairman of the school committee, a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Daughters of Rebekah,
to which his wife also belongs. Mr. Johnston is a man of remarkable intelligence
and broad views and he has done much toward securing public improvements and
he merits the respect and confidence of his fellow countrymen.
ADAM SIMINGTON.
ELI B. HERRINTON.
WILLIAM H. WEBB.
William H. Webb is one of the prominent business men and landowners of
Clay county. He became a factor in the agricultural life of this part of the state
thirty-five years ago and his residence in Clay county dates from 1877.
Throughout his business career he has manifested the substantial qualities of industry,
well directed perseverance and unsullied integrity and thus he has gained for
himself substantial prosperity as he has carried on his imdertakings. ROY G. WEBB.
C. P. BUCKEY.
THOMAS J. HURT.
R. S. WATSON.
J. W. FRENCH.
JOHN KRUSE.
(NOTE: There was two pictures of Mrs. John Kruse. I wonder if that was an error and one should have been of John Kruse)J. T. GOLDSWORTHY.
GUSTAF FREEBURG.
PROFESSOR DAVID MORRIS ODLE.
GEORGE S. BROWN.
JAMES A. REDFIELD.
Prominent among the energetic, successful and progressive business men of
Spencer is numbered James A. Redfield, owner of a furniture and undertaking
establishment, which he has conducted for ten years. He was born in Stark
county, Illinois, near Lafayette, August 2, 1868, and is the elder of two children
born unto G. H. and Mary R. (White) Redfield, natives of New Jersey and
Massachusetts respectively. The father was a son of John Redfield, a native of
Holland, who, on crossing the Atlantic to America, settled in New Jersey. He
died when about sixty-eight years of age, while his wife lived to be nearly one
hundred years of age and reared a family of four sons and two daughters. The
maternal grandfather of Mr. Redfield was John White, who followed farming
as a life work. G. H. Redfield was also an agriculturist and on leaving the east
became a resident of Illinois, being one of the first settlers of Stark county. There
he secured a tract of land, which he cultivated year after year. bringing it under a
high state of development and improvement. He died upon that farm in Sep- ALONZO MARSH.
Through the improvement of the opportunities which Iowa offers in agricultural
lines, Alonzo Marsh has become one of the substantial citizens of Clay
county. He is now living retired in Dickens, but for many years was closely
associated with active farming interests. He was born in Anson, Maine, February HENRY AEBLY.
DAVID C. WALLACE.
CUMMINS CLAPPER.
WALLACE B. CRUVER.
W. D. WATSON.
JACOB RAVELING.
GEORGE EILER.
T. H. JONES.
J. C. JOHNSTON
