Johnson County, Iowa
Biographies
Hon. Moses Bloom  Hon. Moses Bloom is a retired merchant, capitalist and Vice-President of the Johnson County Savings Bank, of Iowa City. The best biography of an honorable and influential man is sure to be his own works. The simple recital of prominent events in the life of Mr. Bloom need not be elaborated by the biographical writer, and the personality of names, places and dates is important only as they enable the reader to trace the steps of his mental growth. The birth of our subject occurred March 27, 1834, in Alsace, France, now comprised within the limits of Germany. He received a good college education, and when still quite young concluded to leave his native land and seek his fortune in the more highly favored United States. Leaving Germany in 1849, he was fifty-four days upon the bosom of the broad Atlantic. He sailed from the port of Havreand on his arrival at his destination. New York City, he at once obtained employment in a wholesale notion house. From that place he went to Lafayette, Ind., where he clerked in a clothing store for two years, coming to Iowa City in the fall of 1857. Soon after he entered the store of Isaac Kahn, a clothing merchant, as a clerk, and so economical, careful and industrious was he, that at the end of one year he purchased the store of his employer and continued in that business at the same stand very successfully for twenty-seven years, when he sold out and has since devoted himself to other interests. For over thirty years Mr. Bloom has held various important offices in the gift of the people. On April 2, 1860, he was elected Alderman from the Second Ward of the city, and was a candidate for Mayor in 1871, being defeated by only fourteen votes. A year later he ran for the same position and was again defeated, this time by seven votes. In 1873 he returned to his native land on a visit and upon his return from Europe was elected Mayor of Iowa City, in the spring of 1874, by a large majority. He was afterward solicited to be a candidate for re-election, but declined the honor. In 1876, Mr. Bloom was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated by C. W. McCune. Two years later he was elected to that responsible position, and in 1879 was re-elected. In all the offices of honor and trust he has been called upon to fill, he has been faithful and honest in the performance of his duties. During his first term in the Legislature he took an active part in opposing the repeal of the Railroad Granger Tariff Bill, and also, with Hon. George Paul, was instrumental in securing to the State University its first annual endowment of $20,000, a thing which had often been tried, but never before with success. He was active in his opposition to the Prohibitory Constitutional Amendment, and was a member of the Committee on Temperance and of the Executive Committee of the State Anti-Prohibition Organization. Mr. Bloom was appointed on the committee to investigate charges of fraud against the Warden of the State Penitentiary at Ft. Madison, but declined because it was necessary for him to be present all the time in the House, to aid in securing necessary legislation for the interest of his constituents. At the Council Bluffs Convention he was nominated for Lieutenant-Governor on the Democratic ticket, but promptly- declined. In 1885, he was elected State Senator, serving for four years, and bore a prominent part in the legislation of that period. He served on several important committees, on one of which he was Chairman, although the Senate was Republican. Mr. Bloom is recognized as among the prominent Democrats of the State of Iowa, and his counsel is sought by the representative men of his party in the State in forming the policy of the party. In all public improvements, Mr. Bloom has ever taken a lively interest, and is one of the leading and substantial financial men of Iowa City', being recognized as one of the very few large tax-payers of this section of country. He is a broad-gauged man of business and affairs, and all enterprises in which he has engaged have succeeded as the result of his wise foresight. No man has been more potential in developing the business and financial enterprises of Iowa City than has Hon. Moses Bloom. One thing particularly has been told the writer by many business men—that the word of Moses Bloom has ever been regarded as as good as his bond. He holds membership with several Masonic fraternities, having attained to the thirty-second degree in Masonry, and is also a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being one of the charter members of Teutonia Lodge. He is Vice-President of the .Johnson County Savings Bank and a member of the Executive Committee; w.as President of the Iowa Alcohol Works, and a member of the Board of Trade of Iowa City and a stockholder in the Citizens' Savings and Trust Company. In short, Mr. Bloom has ever been industrious and honorable in his various business and official positions, thus winning. the confidence and high regard of a large circle of social, political and financial friends. He has just completed the finest residence in the city, and one of the best in the State, one which is built on the most modern plan and furnished elegantly. Page183 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Mrs. Eleanor Hoyt Brainard Among the Iowa authors Eleanor Hoyt Brainard stands very high in the realm of short story writers. She was born and reared in Iowa City, born in 1868. She is the daughter of Water Hoyt and Louisa Smith, who were married in that city in the early 60's. She received her early education in the public schools of Iowa City and was graduated from the Cincinnati Wesleyan College with the degree A.M. She taught for several years in the Cincinnati Wesleyan College and in the Gardner schools for girls, 5th Ave., New York. She was married in June, 1904, to Charles Chisholm Brainard, of New York. Their home is at 319 W. 95th St. Since 1898 she has been on the staff of the New York Sun. Besides this she writes regularly for many periodicals of the best class. Her short stories deal largely with the experience of girls, in society, in school, and in business. Her long experience in teaching young women gives her a very keen insight into the life which surrounds the girls of today. Her style is bright and clever and appeals to the older people as well as to the younger generation. She is the author of the following books: "Nancy's Country Christmas and Other Stories," "Concerning Belinda," "In Vanity Fair," "Bettina" and "The Personal Conduct of Belinda." [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Renee Capitanio]
Nathan Hoit Brainerd  Nathan Hoit Brainerd, a pioneer settler, honored citizen, and for many years the able and enterprising editor of the Iowa City Republican, but now retired from active duties, has been a resident of Iowa from early days, and throughout the changing years has been intimately associated with the upward growth and progress of Johnson County and its capital city. Our subject is a native of New England and was born in Bridgewater, N. H., January 11, 1818. His father, Enoch Brainerd, was also a native of the old Granite State, and combined the useful occupations of a farmer and blacksmith. The paternal grandfather was born in Connecticut but lived for a time in Vermont. The remote ancestors of the Brainerds were of English birth, but emigrating to this country' in 1630, made their home upon the rock-bound coast of New England, and became well known as men of sterling worth and patriotism. The mother of our subject, Theodate (Hoit) Brainerd, was a native of New Hampshire and a daughter of Nathan Hoit, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who served with brave fidelity four long years, suffering the many privations incidental to those troubled times, replete with heroic deeds. This veteran of 1776 lived to be eighty-five years of age, and, having survived to witness the prosperity of the American nation, passed peacefully away. Mrs. Theodate (Hoit) Brainerd was a woman of more than ordinary ability and was born in Sanbornton, N. H., in 1789, being three years her husband's junior, his birth having occurred in 1786. Nathan Hoit Brainerd, named in honored remembrance of his maternal grandfather, passed his youthful days in his birthplace, Bridgewater, one of the most beautiful spots in the State. He attended the village schools and later enjoyed the advantage of instruction in the Holmes Plymouth Academy. When old enough he taught school two winters, and meantime had learned of his father the blacksmith trade, and, a natural mechanic, soon became an expert in this line of work. After a time Mr. Brainerd entered the employ of Collins & Co., the Hartford axe manufacturers, who were running the largest plant of the kind in the United States. In 1845, our subject received the charge of forging axes, a responsible position, which lie held for eleven years, but in 1856, having long since determined to try his fortunes in the West, he then came to Iowa City and profitably embarked in the grocery business, which he conducted for three years. In 1861, Mr. Brainerd received an appointment upon the military staff of Gov. Kirkwood and served in that official capacity until 1864. December 1, 1863, he entered upon the ownership of the Iowa City Republican, and up to 1874 gave his entire attention to the able management and editing of his paper, which, typographically' attractive and containing the reliable and local news of the day, gained a wide circulation and extended patronage throughout Johnson County and the adjoining communities of the State. Mr. Brainerd's facile pen long did active and valuable service, and in all the questions of the hour was ever the powerful advocate of right and justice. In editorial work he especially excelled, giving careful consideration to all matters of public interest, and in a graphic yet practical style presenting the same to the attention of his numerous readers. It was upon July 1, 1840, that Nathan Hoit Brainerd and Miss Eliza Hatch, of Blandford, Mass., were united in marriage. Five children blessed the happy home of Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd, four now living. Sarah L. is the wife of David S. Barber, Justice of the Peace of Iowa City; Catherine is the wife of Prof. C. P. Rogers, Superintendent of Schools of Marshalltown for the past twenty 3'ears; Edward E. is the able editor of the People's Paper, of Phillipsburgh, Kan.; and Ossian L. is Principal of the High School in Beatrice, Neb. Our subject and his estimable wife are the proud grandparents of fourteen grandchildren, and in 1890, when they celebrated their golden wedding, welcomed to their home eleven grandchildren, whose bright faces gave promise of future usefulness and success in life. Mr. Brainerd politically was originally a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party was among the first to join it and has since steadfastly adhered to its principles. During the war he was a stanch Union man. From June 8, 1872, to August 13, 1876, he was Postmaster at Iowa City. The pleasant home residence, No. 120 Market Street, is the frequent scene of social gatherings and happy reunions of friends of other days. During the many years of his residence in Iowa City, Mr. Brainerd has always been prominently identified with local enterprises and improvement, and with word and pen has urged the upward progress and advancement which have made Iowa City the home of culture and refinement, and have aided in the promotion of the best interests of the county and State. A liberal and public-spirited citizen, our subject long since won and yet firmly holds the sincere regard of his fellow-townsmen, and in the evening of his days may well enjoy the pleasing retrospect of a most useful and prosperous life. Page176 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Isaac Bowen Isaac Bowen, a prominent and successful general agriculturist and highly' honored pioneer settler of Johnson County, Iowa, has been a resident of section 18, Scott Township, for more than half a century, and, locating in the broad West when it was but little more than a wilderness, has lived to witness the wonderful progress of his adopted State and behold the miles and miles of waving corn where once the rugged and uncultivated prairies held their barren sway. Our subject was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 23, 1812, and was reared upon the farm of his parents, honest. God-fearing people, Jesse and Priscilla Bowen, both natives of Maryland, who made their lifetime home in Ross County, Ohio, where they passed away at a good old age, respected and beloved by all who knew them. Having remained upon the old homestead until he was about twenty-four years of age, Mr. Bowen determined to try the West, and in 1836 journeyed to Indiana, there sojourning for three years, but in April, 1839, left the Hoosier State, and, intent upon following Horace Greeley's advice, continued his travels toward the setting sun, and finally located in the far West of Iowa. It was upon May 5, 1839, that our subject arrived in Johnson County, and in a brief time had purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scott Township. The land, with the exception of eighteen acres, was entirely unimproved, but the ambitious young settler went to work with a will, and year after year has, in the rapidly growing value of the land as it yielded to a high state of cultivation, been richly repaid for the care and toil of seed-time and harvest. Since 1890, the advancing age of Mr. Bowen has somewhat interfered with his active management of the old homestead, but the farm is still under his supervision. As a rule, our subject has enjoyed excellent health, and his earnest efforts in life have been abundantly blessed. Mr. Bowen was united in marriage in Johnson County, Iowa, November 25, 1841, to Miss Susan P. Williams, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 27, 1824, and the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ferry) Williams. The father died in Hamilton County, Ohio, when Mrs. Bowen was but ten years of age, and she was then given to the care of her uncle, William B. Snyder, with whom she came to Iowa in 1839. Our subject and his worthy wife have been the parents of ten children, and of the sons and daughters who brightened the home with their presence, seven still survive. These brothers and sisters in the order of their birth are: William J., Mary Eliza, Elizabeth E., Maria J., Isaac N., George E. and Susan Z. Mary Eliza is the happy wife of Emory Westcott; Elizabeth E. is the wife of LaFayette Strahl; Maria is married to Smith Bradley; Susan is Mrs. Charles Westenhaven; William man led Miss Ruth Strickland; Isaac was united in marriage with Miss Clara Thomas; and George is the husband of Fanny Merridon. Two of the children died in early infancy, and the beloved daughter, Anna P., who had married Thomas Faucett, died in her Kansas home November 22, 1882. During his years of useful citizenship, Mr. Bowen has held the official position of Justice of the Peace and been one of the most valued members of the School Board, and, serving efficiently as a Director, did much for the educational advancement of the youth of the county. As a Justice he was ever upright and impartial In his decisions, which were governed by law and evidence and in his official capacity, as in his private life, has been distinguished for his keen sagacity, excellent judgment and sterling integrity of character. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have been almost lifetime members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to the first Evangelical Society ever established in Johnson County, being numbered among the active workers and liberal supporters of the same. Our subject and his wife, and their entire family in their various homes, enjoy the full confidence and high esteem of the communities among whom they dwell, and, occupying positions of influence and usefulness, are prominent factors in the growth and prosperity of their native land. Pioneer settlers, facing privations and sacrifices together, Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, now in the serene evening of their lives, can review with calm content the spotless record of the many years they have traveled hand in hand, and, bequeathing to their children and their children's children an honored name, leave behind them a legacy of priceless value. Page 153 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Ambrose A. Call Ambrose A. Call, one of the earliest pioneers of Kossuth County, was born in Huron County, Ohio, June 9, 1833. He was educated in the common schools of Indiana and left home at the age of fifteen. In the spring of 1854 he came to Iowa, journeying from Iowa City over the wild prairies to Kossuth County, where with his brother, Asa C., he formed the nucleus of a settlement by erecting the first log cabin north of Fort Dodge. The two brothers founded the town of Algona, and in 1861 Ambrose established the Algona Pioneer Press, the first newspaper in that section of the State. For years these pioneers labored to secure railroads and develop their town and county, working also for the material interests and settlement of northwestern Iowa. Ambrose has acquired large interests in land and business enterprises in Algona and has expended his means freely in the improvements which have made Algona one of the most prosperous towns of northwestern Iowa. He has contributed many valuable historical articles to the literature of early times in that section of the State. [Iowa Biography By Benjamin F. Gue, 1903 – Transcribed by AFOFG]
Rush Clark Clark, Rush, a Representative from Iowa; born in Schellsburg, Bedford County, Pa., October 1, 1834; attended the common schools, the local academy at Ligonier, Pa., and was graduated from Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa., in 1853; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1853 and commenced practice in Iowa City, Iowa; member of the Iowa house of representatives 1860-1864, serving as speaker in 1863 and 1864; served on the staff of the Governor of Iowa in 1861 and 1862, and aided in the organization of volunteer regiments from Iowa during the Civil War; trustee of Iowa University at Iowa City 1862-1866; again served in the State house of representatives in 1876; elected as a Republican to the Forty-fifth and Forty-sixth Congresses and served from March 4, 1877, until his death in Washington, D.C., April 29, 1879; interment in Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City, Iowa. [Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-Present; transcribed by A. N.]
Mrs. Victor Gurnee Coe Mrs. Ernestine Kent Coe was born in Roscoe, Ill., Sept. 6, 1862. She is of Puritan ancestry, the daughter of George H. S. Kent and Belinda Smith, who came from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1844. Her great-grandfather had a thrilling experience in the early days of Pennsylvania, fighting the Indians to protect his home. Later he fought in the Revolutionary War for American Independence. Her grandmother, Charlotte Cray Smith, was one of the first pupils in Miss Emma Willard's school in Troy, N. Y. Mrs. Coe, after having graduated from the high school, took a course in music in the Kimball Conservatory in Chicago. In 1887 at Roscoe, Ill., she was married to Victor Gurnee Coe of Rock Rapids, Ia. In 1891 they moved to Iowa City, where MR. Coe completed his law course. In 1893 they moved to Clinton where they now reside. They have three sons, Leonard Gurnee, Allan Kent, and Floyd Herman. She is an active member of the Congregational Church. She is a charter member of the Harmonic Club, a musical organization and of the Woman's Club. During the time she was president of the Sunoida Club, through its influence, the Civic Association was organized and the public rest room established. She is a member of the Library Extension Com. I. F. W. C. She has traveled a good deal in this country and in 1910 traveled in Europe and witnessed the Passion Play. Not with standing an interest in the outside world she believes that "Home keeping hearts are the happiest, Home loving hearts are the best." [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Renee Capitanio]
Winfield S. Collins Winfield S. Collins, attorney; civil engineer; county and prosecuting attorney Big Horn county; (Rep.); b. March 30, 1848, Mechanicsburg, Ohio; s. of Horace W. and Juliette (Sattley) Collins; educ. pub. schls. Johnson county, Iowa; grad (C. E.) Iowa State Agricultural College, Ames, Iowa, 1876; taught winter schools while going to college and studied law; studied law, Springfield, Ills., 1877, and taught school same time; admitted to practice, June, 1879; practiced in Springfield, Ills., 1880-2; res. in Nebraska, 1882-5; located at Fort Fetterman, nr. Douglas, Wyoming, fall of 1885; one of the first settlers and the first law practitioner in Douglas, 1886-7; removed to what is now Big Horn county, Wyoming, 1887: first one to drill for oil in Big Horn county, at Bonanza, 1888; engaged in surveying and civil engineering, 1888-92; took filings on lands for settlers, surveyed their ditches, secured permits for water, and took final proofs until 1896; surveyed townsite of Basin, 1896, under U. S. Townsite laws, and secured the county seat of Big Horn county; organized Big Horn County Bank, 1898; director same bank, 1898-1902; 1903 began organization of The Big Horn Canal Co.; financed and became manager and president same. 1905-8; located Big Horn Fuel Co. fields, 1908; has practiced law in Basin since; county surveyor, Brown county, Nebraska, 1882-5; appt U. S. Commissioner, (only one in Big Horn Basin) 1892-8; county and prosecuting attorney, Big Horn county, 1899-1903 and appointed to same office, 1913-15; elected same office, 1915-17; first mayor of the town of Basin; mem. I. O. O. F.; Elks; M. W. of A.; Eagles. Address: Basin. Wyoming. [Men of Wyoming: The National Newspaper Reference Book of Wyoming Containing Photographs and Biographies of Over Three Hundred Men Residents, 1915 - Transcribed by AFOFG]
Hugh Crawford Hugh Crawford, our subject, for the past fifty years has engaged in farming in Johnson County, and is well worthy of a place in the record of its early settlers, for he has taken a prominent part in everything pertaining to the welfare of this community. He now owns the greater portion of the old homestead formerly belonging to his father, which is situated on section 34, Lincoln Township. His property comprises six hundred acres of valuable land, which has been brought under good cultivation and yields a goodly income to the owner. Mr. Crawford keeps from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty head of cattle and upwards of eighty sheep, one hundred hogs and a number of horses. Hugh Crawford, Sr., now deceased, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was reared to mature years. In that country was celebrated his marriage with Janet McConchie, and two of their children, Hugh and William, were born in that glorious land of Burns and Wallace. About the year 1838, Mr. Crawford removed with his family to America, at first locating in Newburg, N. Y., where lie engaged in merchandising for two years, after which he became a resident of Ontario, Canada, where he remained until coming to the West. Ill the early '50s, he started toward the setting sun, and on his arrival in this county entered five hundred and twenty acres of land in the southern portion of Lincoln Township. To the improvement of this land he turned his attention and well-directed energies for many years. He died in 1872, having the respect and friendship of all whom he had chanced to meet. While in Newburg, his son Andrew was born, and in Canada, Maggie H., Robert and Jessie came to bless their home. The two latter children died while quite young, in Iowa. The others are respected citizens of the community in which they make their home. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Scotland, September 1, 1836, and was married in Iowa City to Miss Lovina Maekey, by whom he has a family of four living children: Jennie M., Mary M., George R. and Maggie L; Allie died at the age of five years. Mr. Crawford is thoroughly independent in regard to political questions, and prefers voting for the nominee who represents what lie believes are the measures best calculated to advance the interests of all. He was reared in the faith of the old Scotch-Presbyterian Church, to which he is still greatly attached. For twelve years he served as Justice of the Peace in Lincoln Township. Twice he was elected and failed to qualify. In 1892 he was again elected Justice in this township. page 181Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Watson Holmes In days gone by the subject of this sketch, who is a man of great energy, perseverance and determination, did as much to advance the reputation which Johnson County enjoys as a prosperous farming community as any man within its borders. As he was careful and painstaking in the cultivation of his land, shrewd and far-seeing in his business ventures, he amassed a comfortable competency, which he has the satisfaction of knowing was obtained by honorable business methods, as well as by his own undeviating industry-. A Canadian by birth, he was born near Montreal February 19, 1855, being the eldest member and the only son in a family of five children born to his parents, Robert and Rebecca (Mahan) Holmes, the former of whom died when the subject of this sketch was but two years of age. Soon after this lamentable event the widow with her family removed to the United States, arriving in Iowa City in 1858, where she made her home for a few years, after which she removed to a farm in Pleasant Valley Township, consisting of about twenty-three acres. Here she bravely labored and reared her family, and here she is still residing at the age of sixty years. Her other children were Jane E., wife of A. J. Morford, an ex-soldier of the Civil War; Isabella, widow of W. W. Emmons; Cresela, who died when young; and Caroline, who died after her marriage. Watson, the only son, passed his boyhood on the farm in Johnson County, and up to the age of fifteen years was an attendant at the district schools of Pleasant Valley Township, during which time he showed good mental capacity and became a very good scholar. He then began working out by the month on a farm, his time being thus employed until he was twenty 3'ears of age, when he decided to become the head of a home of his own, and he was married to Miss Jennie Loan, of Pleasant Valley Township, she being a daughter of William H. and Mary Jane (Emmons) Loan, who were among the early and prominent settlers of that section, and were thrifty and progressive tillers of the soil. Soon after the celebration of his nuptials Mr. Holmes purchased a farm of his own in Pleasant Valley Township, consisting of forty acres of improved land, but to one of his ambitious and energetic temperament this was not a sufficient amount of land to satisfy him, and he shortly after added fifty acres to his original purchase. After residing on this farm for five years and greatly improving it in many ways, he sold it and bought another tract of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he afterward added one hundred and twenty acres, and he now has an excellent farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which land is well adapted for the purpose of general farming, to which it has always been given. Stock-raising has received a by no means small share of his attention, and he always took great pride in having a good class of animals about him; prior to his removal to Iowa City to make his home in 1890, he disposed of a large number of animals at a fair profit. He still owns his farm, which he rents, and has a very pleasant and comfortable residence in the city at No. 508 South Dubuque Street, where he expects to spend some years in order to educate his children, and perhaps will spend the remainder of his days here His family consists of four children: Walter M., Emery Otis, lona B. and O. D. The revenue which Mr. Holmes receives from the proceeds of his farm is amply sufficient for his wants, and he and his family are surrounded not only with all necessary comforts, but with many of the luxuries of life. In his political views he has always been a Republican, and socially is connected with Kosciusko Lodge No. 6, I. O. O.F., of which he is an honored member. Page 120 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Dr. John Claude Holson Dr. John Claude Holson is one of the most successful dentists in this part of the state. He is an Iowan by birth having spent his early days in Iowa City. Here he received his early and higher education. A graduate of the city high school, he matriculated at the medical college of the state university of Iowa, pursuing the regular practitioner's course. From this he graduated in 1890. He then took a course in the Iowa State University Dental College, graduating in 1892. He opened his dental parlors in Ord in the summer of 1896 making a specialty of crown and bridge work. In September, 1895, he was married to Rose I. Robbins and together they continued to make Ord their home till in 1903 they removed to Burwell where they are nicely situated in their cosy home in the south part of town. Dr. Holson not alone takes care of the Burwell patients but has branch offices at Comstock, Taylor and Greeley Center. [The Trail of the Loup, 1906, submitted by CD=FOFG]
Mrs. James B. Howell One of the splendid women of Iowa who in her day was known in Washington society and in many cities of Europe was Mrs. James B. Howell. She was born in Iowa City, Oct. 29, 1829, daughter of General Jesse Bowen, who served as State Senator and as Adjutant General of Iowa. At the beginning of the Civil War he was appointed paymaster in the regular army by President Lincoln. After several years of service he resigned and passed the remainder of his life in retirement. At her father's home in Iowa City, Mary A. Bowen was married, Oct. 3, 1850, to James B. Howell, of Keokuk. Judge Howell was at that time the Whig leader of Iowa and was publisher of the Keokuk Gate City. He had been publisher of the Des Moines Valley Whig at Keosauqua, from 1845 to 1849, when he moved the paper to Keokuk and changed its name. He distinguished himself as a journalist, a statesman, and a scholar. He became U. S. Senator from Iowa and later Federal Judge of the Court of Claims by appointment of President Grant and President Hayes. He was a man of wide influence in Iowa affairs from the time he came to the state in 1841, to the day of his death in 1880. The Hon. Sam M. Clark, one of the most brilliant writers Iowa has produced, said of him: "We have seen Judge Howell's life from the earth side of view where we stand with the general lookers on; and then from the moonside of Browning's fine fancythat other side of a character which is its sacred own, and which those who look only at the public side can never know. So we know him well enough to know that it takes no charity to judge him. There is nothing to forgive and nothing to forget as to his character. * * * We are disposed to hold him the most sagacious man we have ever known; the wisest in his judgment of men and events. While a man of affairs, he was a man of books; his reading was large and accurate * * * and finally James B. Howell was a supremely honest man." Seven children were born to Judge and Mrs. Howell, three of whom died in infancy. A son, Jesse B. Howell, died at the age of 45 years. He succeeded his father in the management of the Keokuk Gate City and for twenty-five years was its able business manager. Three children are still living: Miss Lida Gordon Howell, in whom are embodied the traditions of her family, a scholarly woman of the highest culture. Col. Daniel Lane Howell, U. S. A., and Capt. James Fredrick Howell, U. S. A. Mrs. Howell's life was a very full one. From her childhood she was associated with people in public life, for in her father's home in the territorial days were gathered the men who made the early history of this state. She had always a vital interest in her husband's career, and her fine tact and charming manners made her a helpmate indeed to her talented husband. She had a knowledge of business and politics which would have done credit to a man, and yet she was always womanly, full of sentiment, and high ideals. Her residence in official Washington society and in the capitals of other nations made her familiar with the usages of cosmopolitan society, and yet her heart was always in her home and its interests. She was a strikingly handsome woman and a woman of great dignity. She died June 17, 1903, in Keokuk, which had been her home for more than half a century. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Dana Kraft]
David B. Hughes Among the Welsh-American citizens who have done good, stalwart work in the cultivation and development of Sharon Township, Johnson County, Iowa, we may well mention the name just given, for he came to this region when it was in its primitive condition, labored faithfully early and late to provide a home for himself and family, and is now possessed of a competence gained by energetic and well-directed efforts. lie is well known to the citizens of his section, and his correct mode of lining has gained him a popularity which is merited in every respect. On the 18th of June, 1814, he first saw the light of day in the North of Wales, and after receiving some educational advantages he came to America in 1829, and first set foot on American soil five weeks after embarking on what then seemed a voyage fraught with many dangers and uncertainties. The first three years were spent in Oneida County, N. Y., after which he resided in Cambrian County, Pa., until he attained his majority. Fifteen years were then spent in Pittsburgh, where he followed the trade of a plasterer. He then decided to come farther West, and for three years followed his trade in the city of Chicago. Mr. Hughes arrived in Johnson County, Iowa, in 1853, and the same year entered the land on which he is now residing, but did not settle on it until 1856, renting it for the first three years. Even at that time there were not many settlers in the region, but after the Civil War settlers began to pour in and the country was soon thickly peopled. His home place comprised two hundred and sixty acres of fine land, well tilled and well improved, but he has another tract of land amounting to one hundred and thirty-seven acres, which is also valuable and well-improved property, and the result of his own shrewd management and business acumen. The improvements on his place have been made by himself and consist of good buildings of all descriptions, excellent fences and well-tilled fields. Not only is Mr. Hughes energetic and industrious, but he is also very public-spirited and the good of his section is of paramount importance with him. He has been extremely liberal in the use of his means and is prominent in agricultural and social circles, his many noble traits of mind and character winning him numerous friends wherever he is known. In 1843 he married Miss Margaret Reed, who died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving him with a family of four children to care for: Joseph, Haniet, Mary and Margaret. On the 13th of August, 1853, he took for his second wife Miss Casana Reed, a native of the State of Maryland, and their union resulted in the birth of an interesting family of five children: Benjamin, Albert, Clara, Luke and Sarah. The mother of these children was an intelligent and amiable lady, an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church, and at the age of seventy-two years was called from the scene of her earthly labors, since which time Mr. Hughes has remained a widower. He has seen a great deal of the improvement of the county and has aided largely in developing the resources of the same. The Republican party embodies in its declaration the political views which Mr. Hughes considers most sound, and he is an intelligent student of national movements. Page 135 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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David D. Jones David D. Jones, the subject of this sketch, has passed from earth, but his memory is kept fresh by many who were acquainted with his kindness of heart and his many other good qualities. He was born in.South Wales in October, 1826, and came to America with his parents at the age of ten, in 1836. He was reared in Pennsylvania and was married there, coming to Union Township, Johnson County, Iowa, in 1866, where he bought a farm, owning at one time as much as three hundred acres. That he-was one of the very best farmers in Johnson County was generally agreed, he having improved in excellent shape a great many acres of land. He always raised fine crops and maintained a high degree of excellence in his stock. In politics, he was a Republican, actively working for his party's success; he held a number of township offices and was widely known, being esteemed by all who knew him. His zeal for the Congregational Church, of which he was a member, manifested itself in aiding in building a house of worship, in liberal contributions to its maintenance, and in labors inside the church. The wife of our subject, Mary (Hughes) Jones, was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, November 11, 1831, being the daughters of Hugh and Margaret Hughes, the former a native of North Wales, who came to America in 1811, and located in Cambria County, Pa., where he was a farmer and ended his days. The mother was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, and died at the age of sixty-seven, years, in Pennsylvania, having been the mother of eight children, the sons and daughters being numerically the same, Mrs. Jones being the sixth child and the second daughter. She came to this country when ten years old, and was married to Mr. Jones February 1, 1855, in Cambria County, Pa., where they lived upon a farm until 1866, and then came to Johnson County, Iowa, locating upon the present place of residence. There Mr. Jones died in 1891. Mrs. Jones bore her husband six children, five daughters and one son, namely: Harry, who died in 1856, at the age of two months; Margaret, who was born in 1856, and died in 1863; Melinda, the widow of Robert Thomas, living in Union Township; Annie D., who was born in 1865, attended the Academy and Commercial College of Iowa City, graduating from the latter, and now a teacher in District 6, Union Township, and living with her mother; Elizabeth, who was born in 1869, and is in her third year at the University at Iowa City; and Ella J., a graduate in June, 1892, of the Academy and now a student in the University at Iowa City. Mrs. Jones took charge of the farm upon the death of her husband and has managed it successfully since. It is a finely improved property, consisting of two hundred acres on section 24. She is a lady of excellent business tact and, a good mother and kind neighbor, has many friends strongly attached to her for her many fine womanly qualities. Page 171 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Mrs. Max Mayer A woman who stands very high in her own city in social, civic, and club life, and one who leaves behind her wherever she goes friends and admirers, is Mrs. Max Mayer of Iowa City. She has spoken in many cities of the state, before clubs and conventions of both men and women, on "The New Civic Spirit," "Public Playgrounds," "The Sanitary Disposal of Garbage," and other subjects of a civic nature. She has a logical mind, is quick witted, and always very pleasing to an audience. Julia B. Mayer was born in Iowa City, Sept. 28, 1872, the daughter of Moses Bloom and Sarah Wise. Her father came to America from Prance at the age of seventeen, and for fifty years was a resident of Iowa City where he was a successful business man and held many positions of honor and trust. Her mother was of German ancestry and was always a great inspiration to her daughter and her close companion until her death in 1914. Mrs. Mayer was educated in Sacred Heart Convent, Omaha, St. Mary's, in South Bend, Ind., and at St. Katherine's Hall, Davenport. She was married to Mr. Max Mayer in Iowa City, March 20, 1894. One son has been born to themEdward Bloom Mayer, who with two children of Mr. Mayer's, Florence and Lawrence Mayer, form the family. Mrs. Mayer is President of the Iowa City Improvement League, Treasurer of the Home for Aged Women, Chairman Public Playground committee, Chairman Visiting Nurse Association, member of the Art Circle, Charities Council, King's Daughters, Child Welfare Committee, Fine Arts Association, State Historical Association. For many years she has been very prominent in the I. F. W. C. as an officer and committee worker. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Dana Kraft]
Otto Murschel As an old settler of Valley county, Nebraska, an agriculturist of untiring energy and perseverance, and worthy citizen, the gentleman here named needs no introduction to the people of his locality. He has spent over twenty-four years of his life in their midst, has gained a host of staunch friends and incidentally acquired a good home, and placed himself in a position to be counted among the substantial citizens of this region. Mr. Murschel was born in Iowa City, Iowa, April 2, 1868, and was fourth of five children in the family of John G. and Charlotte (Doll) Murschel, who had three sons and two daughters. The parents died in Iowa City, both passing away in the year 1899, survived by four of their children: Albert Murschel, who lives in New York City; George J. lives in Santa Clara, California; and Emma, now Mrs. Emma K. Ahrens, resides in Iowa City, Iowa. Otto Murschel, the principal subject of this sketch, lived in Iowa City until attaining the age of eighteen years. He received the usual schooling, and in his eighteenth year left his Iowa home, going to Omaha, Nebraska, remaining there for six years. Mr. Murschel, prior to his eighteenth year, worked in a drug store, and when in Omaha was connected with the barber trade. In his twenty-fourth year he returned to Iowa to attend business college in Iowa City, and took a commercial course there for one year, returning to Omaha when he had completed same. Shortly after, on May 10, 1893, he came to Ord, Valley county, taking up his occupation as barber. He then engaged in the restaurant and bakery business, in which he continued until the fall of 1909. Mr. Murschel, during his residence in Ord, has been actively connected with the democratic party, and also actively engaged in the upbuilding of Ord and also of Valley county, and is a young man progressive along all helpful lines. He was a member of the city council in 1902, served as city clerk of Ord in 1903, and creditably filled the important office of mayor for a period of three years, taking the chair in 1904. In 1906 he was a candidate for county treasurer, and defeated. In the fall of 1909, he was nominated by his party for county clerk, being elected in a republican county, and is the only county official of democratic faith. Mr. Murschel was united in marriage in Council Bluffs, Iowa, January 3, 1895, to Miss Anna Hansen, who is a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Murschel has always stood for progressive, modern improvements in city affairs. [Compendium of History, Reminiscence and Biography of Nebraska, 1912, submitted by CD=FOFG]
Mrs. Ada E. North Mrs. Ada E. North, the first Iowa woman to hold a state office, was the daughter of the Rev. Milo N. Miles, a prominent Congregational minister in this state. She was educated in the schools of Iowa City. In 1865 she was married in Des Moines to Maj. George J. North, who was military secretary to Gov. Stone during the Civil War. In 1870 Maj. North died, leaving his wife with two little children. She at once began to look for a means to support her little family, and was given a clerical position in the legislature, being one of the first women clerks in the Iowa state house. In 1871 a vacancy occurred in the office of state librarian and Gov. Merrill appointed Mrs. North to the position, being thus the first woman in Iowa to hold a state office, if not the first woman in the United States to hold a state office. The state library was in its infancy and had received little attention, the appropriations had been small and it had not been considered a very important department, Mrs. North, with a real interest in the work, and with a realization that the eyes of the officials were upon her, to see whether or not a woman was capable of administering the duties of a state office, undertook the work with the careful attention to detail, and with the conscientious effort which marks the work of women. At her suggestion a bill was passed by the 14th general assembly, providing for a board of trustees, consisting of the Governor, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Judges of the Supreme Court. For eight years she was state librarian, and laid the foundation for our present splendid state library. Resigning in 1879 she was for thirteen years librarian of the State University. She died Jany. 9, 1899. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Dana Kraft]
J. W. Palmer J.W. Palmer, dentist, Council Bluffs, was born in Vinton, Benton County, Iowa, September 2, 1861; lived there four years, then moved to Iowa City. After residing in Iowa City for six years, he moved to Harrison County, Iowa, where he lived until the fall of 1879, when he came to Council Bluffs. Mr. Palmer began the study of dentistry under Drs. Swinton & West on Pearl Street, Council Bluffs, in the spring of 1882, and purposes completing the study of his profession at the Iowa City dental college. He is the son of Capt. J.E. Palmer, of Company A Twenty eighth Iowa Volunteers, who was born in Ohio in 1821, and who was killed September 19, 1864, at the battle of Winchester, his remains being brought back to Vinton, Iowa, for interment. Subject's mother was born in Essex County, NY, in 1822, was married at Vinton, Iowa, in 1856, and resided there until 1862. [1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Part 2, page 48, submitted by Ann]
George Powell  George Powell was an early settler and prominent business man of Iowa City, Johnson County. He was a liberal man and public-spirited citizen, who, unlike too many men in this day and age, did not make it his chief aim and ambition to acquire a fortune regardless of the rights and well-being of others. He was recognized as a business man of unusual ability, and was known to have a strict sense of honor and unvarying integrity, so that it might truly be said of him that his word was as good as his bond. Our subject was a native of Delaware, his birth having occurred April 1, 1810, in Wilmington. He was reared and educated in Pennsylvania and from his early youth was trained to business pursuits, and was a son of William and Martha (Sturgis) Powell. The former died when his son was a lad of only twelve years, and was buried at the old Quaker burying-ground at Roxbury, in Pennsylvania. The Powell family are of English descent, they having been early settlers in America. In 1853 Mr. Powell located in Iowa City, where he was engaged with his brother in the packing-house and they were also extensive dry-goods merchants. Being energetic, capable and enterprising, he enjoyed a career of prosperity as a business man. He continued in active business until 1871, when he retired from the daily round of duty, having acquired a comfort.able competence, and when he departed from this life, Maj' 4, 1884, he left his family in most excellent circumstances. He w.as politically in early years a Whig, later becoming an ardent Republican. During the war he was a stanch Union man, but never was a politician in any sense of the word, preferring to devote his attention and time to the success of his business enterprises and investments in the more peaceful walks of life. Upon the 8th of January, 1866, George Powell and Miss S. M. Patton were united in marriage, receiving the hearty congratulations and best wishes of their many friends. Mrs. Powell was born in Fayette County, Pa., July 19, 1836, and has from her youth resided within the boundaries of Iowa, where she is widely known, and enjoys the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends and old-time acquaintances. She was the daughter of Thomas Patton, a native of Ireland, though of Scotch-Irish descent, who emigrated with his parents to America when only six years of age. He was born in 1797, and in the year 1803 with his parents he settled in Pennsylvania. He was an intelligent man and although reared upon a farm enjoyed the advantage of an excellent education, and having adopted printing as his trade kept abreast of the times and was thoroughly posted in the current affairs of the day. In later years he became editor of the Genius of Liberty, or the Fayette Pennsylvania Democrat. When he removed to Iowa in 1854 he retired from the active duties of business life. The mother of Mrs. Powell was Matilda, daughter of William Morris, who was a cousin of Robert Morris, the celebrated American financier of the Revolutionary period, and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. and Mrs. Patton were married in Fayette County, Pa., where they resided many years, and reared a family of seven children. Mrs. Powell at the age of six years went to live with an uncle, Justin G. Morris, her mother's brother, who had no children. For seven years she remained with him and then, at the age of eighteen, came with her parents to Iowa City. After a time she returned to the East to complete her education, attending the Steubenville Female Seminary, near her old home. One son graces the union of our worth' subject and wife, William, now a student in the State University of Iowa, and a young man of intelligence and promise. George Powell in the early days of this city's prosperity was engaged with his brother John extensively in pork-packing, the latter being one of the earliest pioneers of the place. George Powell was at one time a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was reared a Quaker, never departing from the upright principles and quiet, unassuming goodness instilled into him by his parents. He had many warm friends is this city, in whose hearts his memory will ever be cherished. He was ever mindful of those less fortunate than himself, and it may be truly said of him that the world was made better by his life. Page153 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Dr. H. J. Rankin DR. H. J. Rankin was born in Des Moines County, Iowa, November 02, 1856, a son of D.C. and Mary J. Rankin. He was married to Miss Catherine Roberts April 28, 1893, a daughter of Levi and Mary J Roberts. Mrs. Rankin died at her home in Kirksville Missouri, June 13, 1910. She was also a native of Iowa and was born in Johnson County of that state, May 17, 1865. Dr. and Mrs. Rankin had no children. Dr. Rankin was reared on a farm in Iowa, attending the public schools of his section and later took a course at Kossouth Academy. He taught school five years and then began the study of medicine. He attended the medical department of the Iowa State University, from which he graduated in 1882. He entered the practice in Johnson County Iowa, remaining there eleven years. Then in 1893 he came to Kirksville, where he has since resided. He practiced his profession and conducted a drug store here till the death of his wife, when he sold the business and retired. [The History of Adair County Missouri" by E.M. Violette, 1911, sub. Desiree Burrell Rodcay]
John .J. Rees John .J. Rees, our subject, is a farmer on section 27, Union Township, Johnson County, Iowa, who was born in North Wales in May, 1818. He lived in the place of his nativity, at the home of his father, until he was thirty-four years of age, having received in his youth the benefit of common-school instruction. Leaving home at the time indicated, in 1852, he came to America and located at Waterville, N. Y. He remained in that city seventeen years and then, in 1869, came to .Johnson County, Iowa, settling upon the farm where he now resides, which had no improvements of any kind upon it. Our subject was married in North Wales to Mary Evans, a native of that country, who has borne him six children, namely: Robert, who died in New York at the age of fourteen; Mary, born at Waterville, the wife of David Griffith, of Iowa City; Samuel, born in New York, who died at the age of seventeen; Sarah, born in New York, wife of Robert M. Williams, of Union Township, Johnson County-; George W., born in New York September 30, 1866, and attending to his father's farm; and Catharine, born in Union Township, Johnson County, living at home. The farm of our subject contains one hundred and thirty-nine acres, ten of which are timber, the land being adapted to general farming and containing good and ample improvements. Mr. Rees is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. When he came to Johnson County he had about $60, all that has been added being the result of his own industry and economy. He is known as a farmer of more than average skill, with an aptitude for applying his ground to the best possible uses. The name of our subject will be found upon the roll of the Congregational Church. As a citizen he feels a concern in the great political questions of the day and heartily works with the Republican party, its teachings being in harmony with his own views. Mr. Rees had the misfortune to lose his most estimable wife by death February 1, 1889. She was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her, her characteristics being those well calculated to attach friends to her strongly. As a mother, she was devoted and watchful; as a wife, considerate and loving, and as a neighbor kind and sympathetic. Page 170 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Milton Remley Milton Remley. in all ages and countries the legal profession has ever numbered in its ranks the most intelligent and widely-read individuals of the time. Among the prominent lawyers of Johnson County, and one of the leading Republicans of Iowa City, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. In 1892 lie was one of the Harrison electors-at large, and had the honor of being made a delegate to the National Republican Convention which met in Chicago in 1888 and nominated Gen. Harrison. Mr. Remley was born in Lewisburgh, W. Va., in Greenbrier County, October 12, 1844, his father being the Rev. James Remley, a devoted minister of the Baptist denomination and a native of Virginia. Our subject's mother before her marriage was Miss Jane C. Alderson, also a native of the Old Dominion and a daughter of Col. George Alderson, who was of English descent, and Mrs. Jeanette (McCleary) Alderson, who was of Scotch ancestry. In November, 1855, the family of which our subject is a member removed to Iowa City, near which place the father settled on a large farm and at the same time did considerable preaching in the county for a few years. lie was called to the better land in 1875, at which time he was in his sixty-fifth year. He was a son of Elias Remley, a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent, who became one of the early settlers of Greenbrier County, W. Va. Mrs. Remley is still living, making her home with our subject. She was the mother of eleven children, of whom seven lived to maturity. Three sons and two daughter are still living. Lycurgus was in the Twenty-second Iowa Infantry during the late war and died at the siege of Vicksburg; George A. was in the same regiment, rose to the rank of Sergeant-Major, and was killed at the battle of Winchester. Milton Remley, of whom we write, passed his boyhood and youth in his native county and removed to Iowa City with his parents in 1855. He entered the schools of the city and later pursued his studies in the State University, from which institution he was graduated in 1867. From early years he had considered the idea of becoming a member of the legal profession, and therefore, carrying out his resolution, he entered the law office of C. R. Scott, with whom he read law and pursued his studies, being admitted to the Bar in 1868. He began the practice of his profession in Anamosa in partnership with J. S. Stacey, their connection lasting for three years. In 1874 our subject removed to Iowa City, where he opened a law office, and has since practiced before all the courts. In 1869 Mr. Remley and Miss Josephine Dennis were united in marriage. The lady was born in Tiffin, Iowa, and is a daughter of Bryan Dennis, formerly of Ohio and one of the early settlers of Johnson County. He owns about one thousand acres and is one of the most influential agriculturists of this portion of the State, of which he first became a resident in 1839. Four children grace the union of our worthy subject and wife. Hubert owns the Iowa Citizen, a weekly and daily paper, which has a large circulation; Jessie, George and Alice complete the family. The son is an enterprising and wide-awake young business man, who has already developed more than ordinary ability and has undoubtedly a future of great promise. The daughter is accomplished and amiable and with her brothers, and indeed the whole family, has many friends in this locality, whom it is their special pleasure to entertain in their hospitable home, consistent members of the Baptist Church, in the work of which they are active and zealous. Mr Remley's practice is steadily increasing and he justly ranks among the leading lawyers of the State. Page156 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Mrs. Elbert W. Rockwood Laura Clarke Rockwood, writer and lecturer, was born in Iowa City, which is still her home. She is a daughter of Charles Franklin Clarke and Julia Brown. Her father is a direct descendant of a brother of Benjamin Franklin. She is a graduate of the State University of Iowa, with the degrees B. Ph. and M. A.; a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She took post graduate work at Yale, Stoute Institute, and in Leipzig University and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. On March 21, 1894, she was married to Dr. Elbert W. Rockwood, professor of chemistry and toxicology of the State Univeristy of Iowa. They have two children,Paul Redd Rockwood, and Alan Clarke Rockwood. She is a member of the Congregational church, is President of the N. N. Club, a local organization, active in the college sorority, Phi Beta Kappa, and president of the King's Daughters. She is special advisor of the household economics committee of the I. F. W. C, and is chairman of the state social service committee of King's Daughters. She is the author of "Food Preparation and its Relation to the Development of Efficient Personality in the Home," "Dignified Drudgery," and has contributed numerous articles on household topics to leading magazines and periodicals. She believes in the justice of equal suffrage but does not believe it is expedient. She is fond of society, music, and of everything out of doors. She is one of the exceptionally well educated women of Iowa, having had unusual advantages in this country and abroad, and having spent her life in the atmosphere of a university town. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Dana Kraft]
Gen. L. F. Ross Gen. L. F. Ross, the subject of our sketch, is a distinguished citizen of Johnson County, Iowa, whose services to his country in its time of greatest peril entitle him to the gratitude of every patriot. He is the proprietor of Mt. Prospect Farm, on section 23, in East Lucas Township, and was born at Lewistown, Fulton County, Ill., July 18, 1823, being the son of O. M. Ross, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y. The latter was a merchant, farmer and slockdealer, and the son of Joseph Ross, a native of Dutchess County, who was the son of Zebulon Ross, a native of Scotland, who came to America in 1706, and located in the county in which his son and grandson were born. The mother of our subject, Mary (Minans) Ross, was a native of Elizabeth, N. J., of German and Welsh descent. She was married to the father of our subject in Western New York, and the newly married couple located near Penn Van, Yates County, N. Y.,the father dying in Mason County, Ill., in 1837, and the mother dying in 1875. The father was a stanch Whig and gave Clay an ardent support in 1832. He was also an upright Mason and quite prominent in the councils of the mystical order. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, six of whom grew to maturity, all living to be upward of sixty, and four are yet living. Gen. Ross is the fifth of the six children referred to. He was reared in his native county, received his first instruction in a log schoolhouse, and afterward at home from a teacher employed by his father, closing it with a year in the college at Jacksonville. He began the battle of life for himself at the age of nineteen, beginning with the management of the real estate inherited from his father. Two years later he began the reading of law in the office of Davidson & Kellogg, at Canton, Ill., pursuing his studies one year, at the same time attending to his regular business. Our subject was married at Lewistown, Fulton County, Ill., to Catherine .Simms, a native of Virginia, who bore him seven children, namely: Leonard, deceased; Joseph, of Avon, Ill.; Mary, who died at the age of four years; Ralph, who died at the age of eighteen months; Charles, of Marshall County, Iowa; Emma, deceased; and Adele, of Chicago. His first wife dying, our subject married in 1865 Mary Warren, a native of Vermont, who bore him four children, namely: Cora, wife of Charles W. Clark, of Langdon, N. Dak.; Frank, at home; Willis, of Portland, Ore.; and Ossian, of Minneapolis. Gen. Ross located at Vermont, Ill., in 1845, and engaged in the practice of law. He enlisted in Company K, Fourth Illinois Infantry, for service in the Mexican War, and entered as a private, but was elected First Lieutenant within six weeks, and served with that rank the whole term of service. He took part in the capture of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, being in command of the company in both engagements. Returning to Vermont, Ill., his home, in 1847, he was elected Probate Judge in 1849, and six weeks after was elected County Clerk in Fulton County, serving four years, during which time he was engaged in farming and merchandising. He was also a Director of the P. & H. R. R., now a part of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad system. During the years from 1853 onward to 1861 he was engaged in farming and merchandising, and served as Police Justice of his native village. In April, 1861, he organized Company H, Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, and went into camp at Peoria May 10, 1861. He was made Colonel of the regiment May 25, when it was organized, and remained with the command until April, 1862, when he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General of United States Volunteers, and served until August, 1863, when he resigned. Most of the time he was in command of some post, being in charge at Bolivar, Tenn., about four months, and at Helena, Ark., about the same length of time, and was in the latter place when he resigned and returned home. The death of his wife was one of the causes of his leaving the army, although he really thought the war was about over, the fall of Vicksburg having occurred the month before. Upon his return home our subject resumed his business as a farmer, and in the spring of 1865 removed to Avon, Ill., where he remained until 1882. While there he was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the Ninth District, which office he held from 1867 to 1869. He was candidate for Congress in 1868 from the Ninth District; was Supervisor of the township, and held other township offices. Gen. Ross came to Johnson County in 1882, settling first in Iowa City, and bought a farm on the west side of the river, two miles from the city. In the year 1884 our subject bought the Mt. Prospect Farm, one mile east of Iowa City, his chief business since that time being the buying and raising of thoroughbred cattle. He is President of the Red Polled Cattle Club of America, and was its Treasurer in the first year of its existence. Our subject has one hundred and forty two acres of land in his farm. He has retired from business, except that named, and spends his winters in California. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' lodge, the Sons of Temperance, and of the Grand Army post. Page 125 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Mrs. Samuel Kirkwood Stevenson On Washington Heights in Iowa City, reached by a climb of steps and a walk up a path, stands an old home christened by the young women who frequent it 'The Wayside Inn.' This is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kirkwood Stevenson since their marriage in 1898, a home of beautiful and unusual hospitality. To this home, day after day, year after year, flock the university girls. Should one of the large circle of Wayside Inn frequenters desire a night's rest away from all interruptions, or should Mrs. Stevenson desire such a rest for one of her 'children,' the Blue Room is called into use. Fresh and sweet in the memory of many a rested girl is the Blue Room, with its walls decorated with the pictures of girls who have been there beforeto rest. Thus does Florence A. Armstrong, one of Mrs. Stevenson's "girls," describe her home at Iowa City. In the atmosphere of that home you have the key to the unusual work done by her for young women. She was for years a member of the State Committee of the Y. W. C. A., and through that work and the summer conference she came to be known and loved by the young women all through the middle west. She has spoken in all the larger colleges of Iowa and in many colleges in neighboring states and almost every city Y. W. C. A. has been blessed by her visits, for it always means that. The great purpose she has in this work for young women is "to help them to fit the Bible into the plan of their daily lives." For fifteen years she has been a Bible teacher and all her life a Bible student. She is a polished speaker, every address is finished in a literary sense, and always bears in it a definite message which is never forgotten. In the summer of 1900 she visited the missions of Bulgaria, Turkey and Palestine, and has delivered many illustrated lectures of the journey. In all her addresses there is an evangelistic note which speaks of Christian life in a very personal way. She lovingly gives credit to her English mother for the inspiration for the work she is doing, saying"To her I owe very, very much of the inspiration, help and training for my present work. She was a great student of the Book before me and her father before her." For two years she carried on investigations for the university department of Political Economy and Sociology, acting as volunteer inspector in the state and speaking to many women's clubs on the need of a regularly appointed woman factory inspector. Largely as a result of this work the Iowa legislature made provision for such an office. During 1913 she made a scientific study of wage-earning women in small towns and presented the subject at the meeting of the Iowa charities and Correction, bringing to them a practical working plan of bettering the conditions. She has special addresses on the American Indian and his needs and on Social Settlement Work, having studied both these questions first hand. Before she was married her name was Marcia Jacobs, born at Galena, Ill., March 25, 1875, her parents, Henry Hayes Jacobs and Elizabeth Stephens. Was graduated from the State University of Iowa, 1898, B. A. Married Aug. 3, 1898, to Samuel Kirkwood Stevenson, an attorney, who sympathizes in every line of work she does. She is a Presbyterian. She belongs to the Charles Dickens Fellowship, London. Her mother's father befriended Charles Dickens, and when he came to America he made the long journey to Galena to see her mother. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Sally Masteller]
A. E. Swisher A. E. Swisher is a prominent attorney-at-law, and also President of the Citizens' Savings & Trust Company of Iowa City. His residence, which is neat and attractive, situated in the midst of pleasant surroundings, is located at No. 305 Summit Street. Our subject was born in this county on a farm near Iowa City, March 6, 1855, and is the second son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Smith) Swisher. The father was a native of Ohio, born near Columbus in 1821, and was reared a farmer. In 1839 he came to Iowa, and in the following year located in Johnson County on a farm, where he engaged in general agriculture and stock-raising. During his last years he resided with his son, our subject, and departed this life in 1887, leaving many friends to mourn his loss. His wife, our subject's mother, was born in Providence, R. I., in 1819, being a daughter of James and Cynthia Smith, who were of English descent. On the paternal side, A. E. Swisher is of German origin. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, and his education was acquired in the common schools of the neighborhood. Later, he attended the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, from which institution he was graduated in the Class of '72, after which he entered the law department of the same university, graduating with the degree of Master of Arts in 1874. He at once located in Iowa City, and was soon made local at Mr. Remley is socially a member of Eureka Lodge, I. O. O. F., and both he and his wife are attorney for the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad, for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway', and also for the Chicago, Milwaukee St St. Paul line. From the first start in his profession lie evinced marked ability and clear judgment, thus bringing to him a large patronage. He became interested in banking and helped to organize the Citizens' Savings it Trust Company in 1883, of which he was elected its first cashier. Four years later he was made President of the same bank, which position he still occupies. This institution does a general banking business and is considered one of the substantial financial institutions of the county. In Des Moines was celebrated the wedding of Mr. Swisher and Miss Ida F. Ingalls, the event taking place in June, 1879. Mrs. Swisher is a daughter of the Rev. P. P. Ingalls, a prominent minister of the Methodist Church. Our subject and wife have been blessed with a family of four children, three daughters and one son, namely: Esther, Alice, Helen and Ingalls. Our subject owns a good farm, in the cultivation of which he takes considerable interest. He is a stanch Democrat, and active in local and county politics. Since his early years he has been prominently identified with the progress and welfare of Johnson County, and has been a witness of vast changes within its borders as the march of civilization has moved steadily forward. His principal business is the practice of law, and he is recognized as being among the able lawyers of this part of the State. He is regarded as especially able in corporate, chancery or equity- practice, and also devotes much of his time to the management and care of large financial interests. page166 Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa Counties Chicago Chapman Bros 1893
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Charles W. Yockey The enterprising gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph is one of the leading men and agriculturists and fruit growers of the county of Latah, being a man of stanch qualities of moral worth, and happily possessed of fine business qualifications, as his possessions abundantly testify. Mr. Yockey was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on February 7, 1853, the son of Lawrence and Sarah A. (Weaver) Yockey. The father was a native of Germany and died about eight years since, while the mother was a native of Pennsylvania and is still living in Rinard, Illinois. While our subject was a small child of three years, his parents removed to Johnson county, Iowa, and when he was twelve they removed to Wayne county. Illinois. He was educated in the various places where the family lived, and grew up on a farm. When he had reached the age of majority he began farming for himself and for five years he was numbered with the thrifty tillers of the soil in Wayne county, Illinois. It was in 1881 that he came to Latah county, and he soon homesteaded a quarter section five miles south from Troy, where the family home is at the present time. Mr. Yockey has demonstrated himself to be a capable orchardist, having thirty-five acres devoted to choice fruits and he is making a brilliant success in this line, as also he is in all lines in which he operates. He has two acres planted to cherries and it is a goodly sight to see the luscious fruit in ripening. The balance of the orchard is devoted largely to winter apples. Mr. Yockey's residence is the finest in tins section, and doubtless the most imposing and beautiful and tastily arranged for both comfort and convenience with beauty, that is in the county of Latah. His whole premises manifest the thrift of the owner and his good judgment is apparent at every turn. The marriage of Mr. Yockey and Miss Armilda, daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Southerland) Greear, was solemnized in Rinard, Wayne county, Illinois, on February 12, 1874, and they now have three children: Minnie, wife of Zo Krisher, living in Latah county; Myrtle and Lawrence, at home. Mr. Greear was a native of Tennessee and died in Illinois, while his widow is residing with her son. Mr. and Mrs. Yockey are members of the Bethel church on American Ridge, it being a class of the Methodist church, South. [An Illustrated History Of North Idaho Embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai, Shoshone Counties, State Of Idaho, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903, submitted by Barb Z.] |