HISTORY
OF
I O W A C O U N T Y
IOWA
AND ITS PEOPLE
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1915
[Portrait]
Thomas Leader
BIOGRAPHICAL
Index
THOMAS LEADER.
Thomas Leader, a citizen of Marengo, Iowa, was a self-made man whose word was a credit to humanity and whose life was a factor in the growth of his community. He was a native of England, born in Norfolk on the 20th of August, 1825, a son of William and Anna (Lawrence) Leader. His father, William Leader, was a soldier in the English army and captain of an English man-of-war. He participated in the battle of Waterloo, receiving a number of saber wounds and being one of twelve of his regiment that survived. His vessel transferred to Gibraltar, where he was stationed for some time and where he met his wife, Miss Anna Lawrence, a Spanish lady, who was born and reared in that place. They were romantically married on the rocks of Gibraltar. He remained in the English army for a number of years, proving to be a brave and loyal soldier. When he retired to private life he took up the business of a glover. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years, longevity being a family characteristic, as his father lived beyond the century mark. His wife passed away at the age of ninety-two years. They were members of the Baptist church and highly respected by all who knew them. They were the parents of sixteen children, thirteen of whom reached maturity and of whom our subject, Thomas Leader, was the third youngest and was the only one to emigrate to America.
Our subject was reared in his native town. As he was obliged to work and earn his own living when but eight years of age, he received limited educational advantages in his youth. His education was largely achieved from the school of experience and the actualities of life. He was naturally very observing and by close application and contact with the business affairs of life, the channels through which comes the best of education, he became a well informed man. Although he began work at the age of eight years, he resided with his parents until the age of sixteen, when he left his parental home and boarded himself. At this time he was receiving twelve cents a day and when able to do a man's work he received but twenty-four cents a day. He worked for a number of years on a fine old English estate.
While there Mr. Leader met Miss Anna Atkins, a daughter of the foreman of the estate and a native of Cambridgeshire, whom he married in 1847. Miss Atkins was a woman of sterling worth and character, loving everything good and uplifting, and beloved by all who knew her. She proved to be a helpmeet [sic] in the broadest sense of the word, always ready to bear cheerfully her part of the burdens of a pioneer life. They remained on this estate two years after marriage and then concluded that the prospects for a home of their own in England
were not favorable. In the fall of 1849 Mr. Leader and wife bade farewell to friends and native land and embarked at Liverpool, England, on a sailing vessel bound for America. The vessel was shipwrecked off the coast of Wales and for three days the passengers were compelled to remain upon the wrecked vessel. At length they were once more on their way and after eighty-five days landed in New York.
Mr. Leader immediately made his way westward to Elgin, Illinois, where he was employed during the winter on the Northwestern Railroad. In the spring of 1850 he went to Medina, Ohio, where he worked for a year as a farm laborer, then rented land on shares and at the end of three years had saved enough to enable him and his wife to come to Iowa. In the autumn of 1855 he located in Marengo township, Iowa county, and in partnership with two other men who came to America with him purchased a quarter section of prairie and timber land bordering the Iowa river. They then built a log cabin, in which they lived for a number of years. They farmed and operated the land together for five years, at the expiration of which time Mr. Leader bought his partners' interests and began operating the land alone. The farm is known as "the old Leader homestead." Mr. Leader stocked his farm with high grade animals and for a number of years gave much attention to stock-raising. That his efforts prospered is shown by his obtaining possession of hundreds of acres of land surrounding his home and elsewhere, all of which was well improved and comprised some of the best land in Iowa county, the land being rolling and well watered and thus excellent for stock-raising. He raised Durham cattle, also some fine horses and did a great deal of riding and driving.
In 1889 Mr. Leader retired from active farm life and built a home in Marengo, where he resided until his death. He was quite prominent in financial circles, being an organizer, stockholder and director of the Marengo Savings Bank; a director and stockholder in the Victor Savings Bank, the North English Savings Bank and the Hartwick Savings Bank; was a stockholder in the Marengo Telephone and Electric Light Company; and was president of the Electric Light Company at the time of his death. he was also active and took an interest in other lines of business.
For six years Mr. Leader served as school director in his district and was an unusually efficient road supervisor for nineteen years. for three years he superintended the Iowa county farm, making it largely self-supporting and bringing everything to a good condition. Mr. Leader was a stanch republican, espoused the principles of the party on all occasions and was many times a delegate to state and county conventions. He was active in political circles, as a bank official was at once judicious and enterprising, as a farmer and stockman was very prominent in his community. He always measured up to the highest standard of mankind. Integrity, intelligence and system are the characteristics that will advance the interest of any life or calling and these most essential attributes Mr. Leader possessed. His career throughout life was characterized by hard labor, earnest application and the desire to make the most of every opportunity for bettering his financial and social condition, but never at the cost of self-respect. His career through life teaches a useful lesson and should be emulated by others who are desirous of obtaining wealth, happiness and above all a good name. He made a life and he left a good name without a single
tarnished spot, and he left the memory of eighty-two honest, industrious, faithful years.
Nine times did baby fingers place the crown of parenthood upon Mr. and Mrs. Leader's brow. To them were born the following children: Sarah J., deceased; Eliza A., the widow of George Royal, Sr., and the mother of three sons--Leader G., Joel T. and William S.; Pauline M., a physician in the Clarinda State Hospital; Jennie H. Harlow, who is deceased and who became the mother of four children--Mildred, Mona, Ethel and Thomas; Sarah A., who resides in the home and looks after the estate; Mrs. Belle Royal, who became the mother of five children--Ethel (deceased), George E., Everette, Max and Kenneth; A. T., who has passed away and who was the father of five children--Ralph, Marie (deceased), Esther, Ruth and Anna; L. C., who is the father of seven children--Irene, Pauline D., Thomas, Lester, Helen, Dorothy and James; Ethel D., a trained nurse by profession, who is now the wife of Dr. J. H. Fowler and the mother of three children--Catherine, Sarah Louise and James H. John B. Fry, now deceased, was made a member of this family circle when a small boy.
Mr. Leader was reared in the Episcopalian faith but in his last years was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Leader was a Presbyterian from childhood and always remained in the church of her choice. Mr. Leader passed away on the 31st of May, 1908, while his widow was called to her final rest on the 23d of February, 1912. They were excellent people and the world was happier and better for their having lived and heaven richer for their having died.
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ARTHUR M. VETTE.
German enterprise and thrift have done much toward building up the state of Iowa materially and the admirable traits of character of the typical German-American have enriched the moral and spiritual life of the state. Arthur M. Vette, president of the Peoples Savings Bank of Marengo, was born in this county on the 14th of February, 1865, but his father, Charles Otto Vette, was born in Germany. His birth occurred on the 4th of February, 1830, and he passed away on the 28th of April, 1893. His widow, who was in her maidenhood Miss Ursula Wilkins, was born in New York in 1832 and is residing at Carroll, Iowa. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Ella, deceased; Edith, the widow of D. H. Park and a resident of Carroll, Iowa; Belle, now Mrs. Charles M. Power; Arthur M. and Victor, twins, the latter a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah; Charles E., residing at Kearney, Nebraska; Bertha V., the wife of B. H. Stover, of Watertown, South Dakota; and Frank J., of Omaha, Nebraska.
Arthur M. Vette entered the public schools of the county at the usual age and supplemented the education thus acquired by attendance at the academy of Blairstown, Benton county, from which he was graduated with the class of 1887. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1893, when he became deputy treasurer under J. C. Dunwiddie. He held that office for four years and then entered the creamery and grain business, becoming a partner of C. L. Shipton. That relation was maintained with mutual pleasure and profit for five years but in 1905 Mr. Vette
organized the Peoples Savings Bank with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars and became its first president, being still its executive head. In the ten years of its existence the bank has enjoyed continuous prosperity and its deposits have now reached a large figure. Although it is conducted upon a conservative basis it earns good dividends for its stockholders and is liberal in the extension of credit, thus promoting the expansion of the business interests of Marengo. Mr. Vette is a stockholder in the North English Savings Bank and has served as a director of that institution. He is highly respected in banking circles of his part of the stat and opinion is often asked on matters of investment by the citizens of Marengo.
In March, 1891, Mr. Vette was united in marriage with Miss Martha Turner, who was born in Watkins, Iowa, a daughter of J. W. and Rachel (Leonard) Turner. Mr. and Mrs. Vette have two children: Florence, the wife of Eugene S. Kell, of Des Moines, by whom she has a daughter, Helen Rachel; and Rachel, who is studying music and the languages in Des Moines.
Mr. Vette is a republican in politics and is a member of the Methodist church, while fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He is among the best known citizens of Marengo and also among the most highly respected.
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O. G. JONES.
O. G. Jones is the proprietor of a furniture store in Williamsburg and is also an undertaker and embalmer. He was born in Westmoreland, New York, on the 24th of August, 1872, a son of John R. and Ann (Owen) Jones, both natives of Wales, whence in 1859 they emigrated to the United States, first settling in Oneida county, New York. There the mother died in 1880 but the father continued to reside in that locality until 1898, when he removed to Iowa, where he passed away in 1909. Six of their seven children survive.
O. G. Jones remained at home until he was eighteen years of age and then found employment in a door factory, where he remained for two years. at the end of that time he went to Seattle, Washington, where he spent a similar period and where he learned the plumbing trade. He was then for a year in Chicago, after which he came to Williamsburg. Not long afterward, however, he went to Missouri, where he resided for two years, after which he returned to Williamsburg and entered the furniture and undertaking business. In July, 1906, he graduated in embalming and is an expert in that line of work. He carries an excellent stock of furniture of high grade and his fair dealing and courtesy have enabled him to build up a large patronage in the years that he has been connected with mercantile circles in Williamsburg.
In 1898 Mr. Jones married Miss Mary D. Hakes, a daughter of B. H. Hakes, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. To this union have been born four children: Cecile E., whose birth occurred on the 22d of February, 1906; Eunice G., born July 25, 1914; and two who died in infancy.
Mr. Jones is a republican and is now serving as a member of the town council. Fraternally he is associated with Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, A. F. & A. M., of which he is worshipful master; Troy Chapter, No. 119, R. A. M.; Williamsburg
Lodge, No. 368, I. O. O. F.; and Lodge No. 172, K. of P. Both he and his wife are affiliated with the Presbyterian church, of which he is one of the trustees, and they not only contribute to its support but also take an active part in its work. Mr. Jones has prospered materially and owns his store building and also his residence. The success which he has gained is the more creditable in that it is due entirely to his own energy and business ability, and all who know him esteem him for his many admirable qualities.
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FRANK MATHES.
For the past twenty-five years Frank Mathes has been assessor of Summer township, the length of his service proving his efficiency. He is well known as a prosperous farmer and is a native son of Iowa county, as he was born in Marengo township on the 9th of November, 1865, his parents being John and Emma (Mumby) Mathes. The father was born in Germany but in his early manhood emigrated to the United States and located in Marengo township, Iowa county, Iowa, where he worked for a number of years as a farm hand. Subsequently he purchased land in Marengo township, which he owned until 1869, when he sold that place and bought the farm in Sumner township which is now in possession of our subject. The father passed away there in November, 1898. He was a republican in politics and formerly a member of the German Reformed church. His wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant church and makes her home with our subject, was born in England and in 1850, when nine year of age, accompanied her parents, Charles and Mary (Dale) Mumby, on their removal to the United States. The family home was established in Clinton county, Iowa, whence after several years a removal was made to Honey Creek township, Iowa county.
Frank Mathes was reared at home and during his boyhood and youth considerable time was devoted to the acquirement of an education in the district schools. After reaching man's estate he continued to assist his father with the work of the farm until he was about twenty-five years of age, when he assumed the management of the homestead and has since operated that place, which he now owns. He receives a good financial return from his labor and has made a number of improvements upon the farm from time to time.
In January, 1889, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mathes and Miss Agnes Scandridge, of Sumner township, a daughter of the late James Scandridge. To this union were born six children: Irene E., the wife of Fred Kahler, of Honey Creek township; and James A., Alma S., Ralph, Frank D. and Joseph, all at home. The wife and mother passed away in October, 1902, and her demise was mourned not only by her immediate family but also by a large circle of friends.
Mr. Mathes is a stanch republican and is a loyal worker in the party ranks. For twenty-five years he has been assessor of Sumner township and for a number of years was a member of the school board, of which body he has been president for four years. He takes a commendable interest in public affairs and circulated the petition which resulted in establishing the first rural mail route in Iowa county. Fraternally he is identified with Marengo Lodge, No. 114, A. F. &
A. M., and Jerusalem Chapter, No. 72, R. A. M. In addition to his valuable farm he owns stock in the Iowa Mutual Telephone Company and he has gained a competence as the result of long continued and efficient work. His justice and fairness, combined with personal traits that win warm regard, have gained him the friendship of many.
Index
GEORGE E. SWAIN.
George E. Swain is cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank at North English, Iowa, and is well known as a prominent representative of business interests there, his efforts having been an important element in the successful conduct of the institution with which he is now connected. He was born in Iowa City, Iowa, April 24, 1860, a son of E. O. and Emily J. Swain, who became residents of Iowa City in the year 1854. In 1881 George E. Swain removed to Iowa county, taking up his abode at Marengo, where he was employed in the Marengo Savings Bank until 1890. He has since been engaged in the banking business on his own account and since 1897 has been cashier and director of the Farmers Savings Bank of North English. As one of its executive officers he has guided its course and molded its policy and his comprehensive knowledge of banking has been one of the potent factors in the success of the institution.
Mr. Swain was married in Marengo on the 5th of May, 1886, to Miss Elizabeth Hedges, a daughter of Christian Hedges, and they have become the parents of three children: Helen, now the wife of G. A. Yoakam; Russell Hedges, born in 1898; and Sherwood S., whose birth occurred in 1900. Mr. Swain concentrates his efforts upon his business affairs and he believes that every day must mark off a full-faithed attempt to know more and to grow more. Hard thinking always results in greater efficiency and Mr. Swain thinks hard with the end in view of advancing the interests of the institution with which he is connected. The story of his life is the story of honest industry and thrift.
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HON. JOHN N. W. RUMPLE.
The record of Hon. John N. W. Rumple as representative of his district in congress was highly creditable to him and he not only commanded the respect of his fellow citizens because of his ability and integrity but his personal characteristics were such that he was also held in warm regard. He was born on a farm near Fostoria, Ohio, on the 4th of March, 1841, a son of William and Mary J. (Rosenberger) Rumple. The mother was a daughter of J. A. Rosenberger, who removed from Virginia to Tiffin, Ohio, where his daughter's marriage occurred.
Hon. John N. W. Rumple was eight years of age when the family removed from the homestead to the town of Fostoria. Not long afterward the father came to Iowa and purchased land but a few hours after his return home died of cholera. For two years thereafter his widow and her six children lived with
[Portrait]
HON. JOHN N. W. RUMPLE
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her parents at Tiffin, Ohio. However, in 1853, accompanied by a number of friends and relatives, she came with family by wagon to Iowa county, Iowa, and took up her abode upon a farm, which her sons operated. In 1857 she was again married and not long afterward our subject entered Ashland Academy in Wapello county. He was then sixteen years of age and as his previous schooling had been somewhat meager he applied himself assiduously to study as he was ambitious to acquire a god education. A year later he entered Western College, in Linn county, where he remained for two terms. Upon leaving that institution he began teaching and so continued until 1860, when he matriculated in the normal department of the State University of Iowa. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside his plans for the time being and on the 14th of August, 1861, entered the Union army, being enrolled as a member of Company H, second Iowa Volunteer Cavalry. he was mustered in at Camp McClellan, near Davenport, and for more than four years served as a valiant member of the Union army. He was promoted in turn to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain and proved an excellent commanding officer, his personal valor inspiring his men to gallant action and his natural leadership giving them confidence in his ability to command. He was mustered out in October, 1865, and upon his return home began studying law with Hon. H. M. Martin. After tow years of preparation he was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with his preceptor. Sometime afterward he became associated with Mr. Hedges, the firm being styled Hedges & Rumple. Its reputation extended all over the state and it was retained as counsel in much of the important litigation in Iowa. Much of its success and high standing was due to the marked ability of Mr. Rumple, who was recognized as a leader in his profession.
His knowledge of the fundamental principles of law and his familiarity with the conditions of his day, combined with his ability to foresee in a large measure the effect of a proposed plan or action fitted him for the work of a legislator and in 1873 he was elected to the state senate, succeeding Hon. J. P. Ketcham. He was a member of two succeeding general assemblies and his keen mind and power of forceful speaking were factors in securing the passage of a number of important bills that proved of value to the people of the state. In 1900 he was his party's nominee for member of congress and after a close and exciting campaign was elected over Hon. Henry Vollmer, one of the strongest democrats in the district. The vote was twenty-three thousand tow hundred and two for Mr. Rumple and twenty-one thousand seven hundred and twenty-seven for his opponent. Our subject carried all of the counties of the district save Johnson county, which was lost by a nominal plurality. In congress he was appointed on the committees on levees and improvements of the Mississippi river, invalid pensions and expenditures of the state department. His record was one of which he had just cause to feel proud, and he possessed the power that is often lacking, of seeing things in large, of considering measures from the standpoint of their effect upon the country as a whole. He was painstaking and thorough in his work upon committees and when he addressed the house was lucid and convincing of speech.
Mr. Rumple was naturally one of the leaders in party plans in his town and county and has been major of Marengo, a member of the city council, city attorney and a member of the school board. He was for a number of years
on the board of regents of the Stat University of Iowa and in casting his ballot sought always to further the best interests of the institution and to build for its greatness in the future as well as to meet its needs of the present. He was also curator of the State Historical Society and in that connection did much to further the interest of the past of the state. He was one of the real republican leaders in Iowa and his advice was highly valued in his party's councils.
Mr. Rumple was twice married, his first union being with Miss Adaline K. Whitling, a daughter of John and Adaline Whitling. She became his wife on the 13th of December, 1866, and passed away on the 14thof February, 1870, leaving a daughter, Adelaide. On the 18th of December, 1871, Mr. Rumple married Miss Mary H. Sheppard, of Iowa City, and to their union was born a son, Carl, who died when seven years of age.
Mr. Rumple was a prominent Mason, having taken all of the degrees in the York Rite and belonging to the commandery at Burlington, Iowa. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For thirty-three years he was the leader of the choir of the Presbyterian church and was very active in all lines of church work. To him Christianity was a vital force and the guiding principle of his life. In whatever he did he was upright and honest, believing that if a thing required deceit or unfairness it were better left undone. Kindness was also one of his characteristics and there were many who remembered with gratitude some occasion when he had befriended them. His frankness and out-reaching generosity endeared him to all who came in contact with him and there were people not only all over the state of Iowa but in many parts of the Union who felt that they had lost a personal friend when he passed away on the 31st of January, 1903.
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L. W. HATTER.
L. W. Hatter, who is cashier of the Millersburg Savings Bank and ex-treasurer of Iowa county, was born in Sigourney, Iowa, on the 29th of November, 1860, of the union of John V. and Catherine (Thompson) Hatter. The father was born in Ohio but was married in Indiana, of which state the mother was a native. Soon after their marriage, about 1858, they came west and located in Washington county, Iowa, whence they removed to Keokuk county and still later took up their abode in this county. For a short time they lived in North English, but in 1865 the father entered the mercantile circles of Millersburg and was a prominent business man of that town until his demise, which occurred in 1896. His wife passed away the preceding year.
L. W. Hatter was but five years of age when the family removed to Millersburg and here it was he received his education. For five years he was employed in his father's drug store and subsequently was a clerk in a general store owned by his father-in-law, E. K. Rankin. He remained in that connection until his father's death, after which he purchased the drug store from the estate and conducted it until his election to office of county treasurer in the fall of 1902. He then disposed of the business to his son and removed to Marengo, the county seat. He served as treasurer for two terms, or five years, and on leaving that
office became one of the organizers of the Millersburg Savings Bank, which opened its doors for business on the 19th of January, 1909, with Mr. Hatter as cashier. He has since filled that position and is responsible for the financial policy of the institution, which has grown steadily and rapidly. He seeks to serve the community, to promote legitimate business expansion and at the same time to adequately safeguard the interests of depositors and stock-holders, and that he has succeeded in his purpose may be gathered from the fact that the bank holds the full confidence of the general public and pays good dividends to those who own its stock.
In 1880 Mr. Hatter married Miss Jessie M. Rankin, a daughter of E. K. Rankin, who was one of the foremost merchants of Millersburg. He came here from Ohio with his parents in 1856 and continued to reside here until his demise, which occurred in January, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Hatter have become the parents of nine children: Merrill K., senior member of the firm of Hatter & Bauer, clothing merchants of North English; Orville E., who has succeeded his father in the conduct of the drug store at Williamsburg; Elva, who married A. J. Bauer, a farmer of English township, this county; Ruth, the wife of H. W. McCallister, who is farming in Pilot township; Gladys N., the wife of Frank F. Bauer, junior member of the firm of Hatter & Bauer, of North English; Edith E., and Edna, at home; Gail, who has passed away; and Ward R., also under the parental roof.
Mr. Hatter gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and both he and his wife are identified with the Methodist Protestant church, whose work is materially aided by their support and co-operation. He is a member of Social Lodge, No. 231, A. F. & A. M., of Millersburg; Jerusalem Chapter, No. 72, R. A. M., of Marengo; and Iowa Consistory, No. 2, of Cedar Rapids; and he, as well as his wife, belongs to Millersburg Chapter, No. 324, O. E. S. He is one of the influential residents of Iowa county, whose energy and public spirit have been factors in the success of many worthy movements, and his worth is widely recognized in the financial circles not only of Millersburg but of the whole county, as he has proved very capable and efficient in the discharge of his duties as cashier of the Millersburg Savings Bank.
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FRANK O. BISHOP.
Frank O. Bishop is successfully engaged in business as the proprietor of a furniture and undertaking establishment in Marengo and also handles the Ford and Dodge automobile. His birth occurred in Springville, Linn county, Iowa, on the 8th of May, 1870, his parents being Jacob and Eliza J. (Cook) Bishop, the former born in Hamilton county, Indiana, November 20, 1836, and the latter a native of Henry county, Iowa. Both are now deceased. Jacob Bishop, who was a mechanic by trade and come to the Hawkeye state in 1864, served as a member of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry in the Civil war for nearly two years. To him and his wife were born the following children: Jonathan, who is a resident of Toledo, Iowa; Alva R., living in Cedar Rapids, this state; Lena, the deceased wife of James H. Chatten, by whom she has three children--Lena Maude, Harl
and Jennie; Corwin S., who passed away leaving one child, Lulu, now the wife of Jesse Gregory; Mattie, who is deceased; Frank O., of this review; and Morris G., living at Cedar Rapids.
Frank O. Bishop acquired his education in his native town and subsequently worked at various trades. During the past ten years, however, he has engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, being for eight years located at Gowrie, Iowa. In 1912 he came to Marengo and purchased the stock of Theodore Fries, remodeling the store to meet his desires and needs. As a furniture dealer and undertaker he has been accorded an extensive and well merited patronage and he also handles the Ford and Dodge automobiles, selling a large number of machines annually.
On the 26th of June, 1892, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage to Miss Genta Evans, who was born on the 25th of May, 1871, her parents being John and Amanda (Drake) Evans. they had six children, as follows: Carl, who is a resident of Spokane, Washington; Mrs. Genta Bishop; Fred, living in Lisbon, Iowa; Daisy, who is the wife of Albert Axelson, of Gowrie, Iowa; Vertie, of Des Monies, this state; and Elva, who have her hand in marriage to Joseph Fritsch, of Anamosa, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Bishop have also been born six children, namely: Lena, who died at the age of four years; Lola, at home; Lois, a junior in the high school; and don, Harl and Dorothy Jane, who are also attending school.
In politics Mr. Bishop is a republican, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity, and all who know him entertain for him the highest regard and esteem.
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RAE L. DEAN.
Rae L. Dean, assistant cashier of the North English Savings Bank, was born in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, on the 29th of June, 1880, a son of Warren and Georgiana (Hardenburgh) Dean, natives respectively of Natick, Rhode Island, and Ulster county, New York. Both were brought to Iowa in their childhood by their respective parents, the Dean family settling in Pottawattamie county and the Hardenburgh family is Cass county. Warren Dean enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company I, Twenty-third Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was at the front until the end of the war. He then returned home and shortly afterward his marriage occurred. He and his bride began their domestic life on a farm near Griswold, where they continued to live until 1902, when, as their children had left home they also left the farm and took up their residence in Griswold. The death of the father occurred in 1910 in Marengo, Iowa, but the mother is still living and spends her time among her children.
Rae L. Dean was educated in the common schools, the Griswold high school and Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa. At the last named institution he graduated with the class of 1902, receiving the degree of Ph. B., and also completed the business course. The following year he filled the chair of Latin and German
at Amity College at College Springs, Iowa, but in August, 1903, he came to North English and entered the North English Savings Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper. He has since been identified with that institution, with the exception of the year 1907, when he was cashier of the Webster Savings Bank at Webster, Iowa. On the expiration of that time, however, he returned to the North English Savings Bank as assistant cashier, an office which he still holds. His systematic, careful work enables him to handle efficiently the routine matters of which he has charge, and he is developing a keen interest and a thorough understanding of those phases of business and finance that underlie banking practice.
In 1908 Mr. Dean married Miss Cora E. Wiggins, a native of Keokuk county, who, however, at the time of her marriage was residing in Iowa county. They have a daughter, Edna G. Mr. Dean is an adherent of the republican party and has served as a member of the town council, while he is now filling the office of town clerk. Fraternally he holds membership in Triumph Lodge, No. 479, A. F.& A. M.; in Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R., of the Valley of Cedar Rapids; and North English Lodge, No. 256, K. P. Both he and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and he is the efficient recording secretary of that organization. He has made himself felt in various lines of activity, and in business, civic, fraternal, religious and social circles has gained the respect and goodwill of those who have come in contact with him.
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DAVID A. JONES.
David A. Jones, who has lived retired at Williamsburg since 1911, has been a resident of Iowa county for nearly six decades and throughout his active business career was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits. His birth occurred in Blossburg, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of December, 1852, his parents being William and Mary (Aubray) Jones, who were born, reared and married in Wales. They were born in the years 1820 and 1822 respectively and celebrated their marriage in 1841. A decade later they emigrated with their three children to the new world, settling in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where they resided for six years. On the expiration of that period they came to Iowa county, Iowa, William Jones here purchasing a quarter section of land which he began cultivating and improving. As time passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until they embraced five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. His demise, which occurred at Williamsburg, Iowa, in 1892, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had lived in the community for more than a third of a century and was widely recognized as one of its esteemed and substantial citizens. For many years he had survived his wife, who passed away at Williamsburg in 1878. They became the parents of five children, as follows: William R., who was born in 1842 and died in 1898; Ruth, born in 1846, who is the widow of Thomas Ellis and makes her home in California; Rachel, whose birth occurred in 1849 and who passed away in 1904; David A., of this review; and Daniel, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1855 and now makes his home in Seattle, Washington.
David A. Jones remained under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. At that time he also started out as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing a farm near Williamsburg which he operated with excellent success throughout his active business career. In connection with the cultivation of cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also devoted considerable attention to live stock, raising shorthorn cattle and also hogs, and both branches of his business brought him a gratifying annual income. In 1911 he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Williamsburg, where he has since lived in honorable retirement, renting the farm to his three sons, Frank, Ralph and Lloyd.
On the 20th of January, 1879, Mr. Jones was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. Jones, who was born in Cassville, Oneida county, New York, on the 6th of September, 1852, her parents being John W. and Martha (Owens) Jones. The father's birth occurred in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1828, while the mother was born in that country in 1830. John W. Jones emigrated to the United States in 1850 and Miss Owens came in 1851, in which year they were married in New York. After a residence of six years in the Empire state they came to Iowa county, Iowa, Mr. Jones purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His demise occurred at Williamsburg in 1896. Mrs. Mary j. Jones, the only child of her parents, has by her marriage become the mother of ten children, namely: Ina, who was born November 28, 1879, and is at home; Edwin, born April 4, 1881, who is a resident of Waterloo, Iowa; Lloyd, whose birth occurred September 26, 1882, and who is engaged in farming; Gertrude, who was born December 23, 1884, and died on the 23rd of November, 1888; Frank, whose natal day was June 19, 1886, and who is an agriculturist by occupation; Ralph, born September 7, 1887, who also follows farming; Clark, who was born June 4, 1890, and lives in this county; Ruth, born December 23, 1891; Bess, November 19 1894; and David D., November 10, 1896. The three last named are at home.
In his political views Mr. Jones is a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No.368 at Williamsburg. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, while his children belong to the Methodist church. His life has been upright and honorable in all relations and he enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance in Iowa county, so that the record of his career cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers.
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