Poweshiek County, Iowa Biographies

JOHN BAKER.

John Baker, a former agriculturist of Poweshiek county, who is now living retired in Searsboro, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on the 3d of November, 1834. His parents were Richard and Catherine (Thompson) Baker, also natives of Beaver county, the father having been born on the 22d of February, 1799, and the mother in 1807. The father who during the entire period of his active life engaged in farming, was living retired at the time of his death, which occurred on the 2d of December, 1882. His wife survived him for almost two years thereafter, her demise occurring on the 9th of October, 1884. He voted for the candidates of the democratic party, and while residing in Pennsylvania he acted as postmaster at Baker's Bank. Sixteen children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, the order of their birth being as follows: James, who died in Andersonville prison during the Civil war: Sophronia, who is a resident of Detroit, Michigan; William, who is deceased: Sidney, the widow of William Beatty, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania; Lorenzo B.. who was killed at the siege of Vicksburg; John, our subject; Thomson, who is living at Ansley, Custer county, Nebraska; Sarah, the widow of Benjamin James, of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania; Mary Ann, the widow of Fred Stralia, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania; George, who is a resident of Butler county, Pennsylvania; Matilda, the widow of Walter Craig, of Pittsburg; Nancy Jane, the wife of Walter Swagers, of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania; Catherine, the wife of Robert Mills, of Custer county, Nebraska; Wesley B., also a resident of Custer county, Nebraska; Robert, who died in the army: and Rachel, the widow of Mr. Wood, of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania.

The first twenty-two years in the life of John Baker were spent on the homestead where he was born and reared, his education being acquired in the district schools of Beaver county. After laying aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the homestead until April, 1856, at which time he migrated to Iowa. Upon his arrival in this state he first located in Mahaska county, where he worked by the month as a farm hand. In 1859 he came to Poweshiek county, settling in Sugar Creek township where for a time he continued to do farm work. In 1888 he purchased forty acres of land, in the cultivation of which he met with such success that he was later able to add another forty acres to his tract. He still owns this property, but has for some time been living retired in Searsboro. Mr. Baker followed general farming. He also had a fine orchard and made a specialty of raising stock.

On the 24th of March, 1859, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Julia Stanley, a daughter of John T. and Mary (Berry) Stanley, of Sugar Creek township, Poweshiek county. Mrs. Baker was born in Miami county, Ohio, on the nth of June, 1835, her parents having resided there for about twenty years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stanley were natives of Virginia, from which state they migrated to Ohio, settling in Miami county in 1830. In 1851 they came to Iowa, settling on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sugar Creek township, Poweshiek county, which Mr. Stanley purchased. He later added to this another eighty acres, continuing to make his home on the farm until his death on the 27th of March, 1888. The mother survived him until the I5th of August, 1890. He was a supporter of the democracy and served as township trustee, while both he and his wife held membership in the Baptist church. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Baker numbered six children, five of whom are now surviving: Mary C., the wife of Paul Nelson, of Rochester, Minnesota; Wesley, who is a resident of Kendall, Missouri; Lucy Jane, who is deceased; George, who makes his home in Mahaska county, Iowa; Clarissa; and Cora, the wife of Bert Sexton, of Sugar Creek township.

The family always worshiped in the Christian church, of which Mrs. Baker is a member, and fraternally Mr. Baker has been affiliated with the Masonic order for forty-three years. His political support he gives to the republican party, and for several years served as road supervisor. Many notable changes have taken place in Poweshiek county during the long period of Mr. Baker's residence, in all of which he has ever taken a keen interest.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

FRED BAUSTIAN.

As the name indicates, Fred Baustian comes of German ancestry and the traits of character which ever mark the people of that nationality are strongly manifest in his life. He is the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of land on section 4, Pleasant township, and here he is devoting his energies to its further improvement and cultivation.

Mr. Baustian is a native of Poweshiek county, born in Chester township, July 12, 1872, a son of George and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Baustian, both of whom were born in Germany, the former in Pashinn, January 26, 1837. He was a young man of twenty-one years when he emigrated to the new world with his parents, the date of their arrival being June 21, 1861. They located in Illinois and it was in Lockport, that state, that George Baustian was married, on the 13th of October, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Schmidt. He remained in Illinois until the spring of 1866, when he removed with the family to Jasper county, Iowa, where he made his home for five years. He then came to Poweshiek county and engaged in farming, in which he continued until in May, 1901, when he suffered a stroke of paralysis. He remained in an invalid condition until his sufferings were terminated by death on the i6th of November, 1906, when he was in his seventieth year. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church and was a member of that denomination in Malcom. He was an industrious man and led an upright life, his genial spirit and kindly deeds endearing him to all those with whom he came in contact. His widow, who was born in Germany, May 9, 1835, still survives, and now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Appleby, in Chester township. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children ; John, a resident of Rock Rapids, Iowa ; George ; Henry: Peter; Joseph: Fred; Emma, the wife of Andrew Appleby, of Chester township ; and Sophie, deceased wife of John Baltisberger, of Poweshiek county. Fred Baustian spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and was early trained to habits of industry and economy, which have proved valuable assets in his later life. At the time of his marriage he started out upon an independent business venture, operating rented land for five years. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Chester township but sold this and bought his present farm of one hundred and fifty acres in March, 1906, this farm being located on section 4, Pleasant township. He here gives his time and attention to general farming, and his labors have brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity.

Mr. Baustian was married February 14, 1895, to Miss Henrietta Schultz, who was born in Sheridan township, November 8, 1873, a daughter of Carl Heinrich Martin and Augusta (Blat) Schultz. Her father was born September 1, 1843, in Richtenberg, Pomerania, Prussia, and came with his parents to America in 1855, the family home being established at Princeton, Illinois. After residing for ten years in that state, the family removed to Poweshiek county, and here Mr. Schultz followed farming in Sheridan township for many years but the last five years of his life were spent in Malcom, where he was called to his final rest, when more than sixty-two years of age. His widow still survives and makes her home in Brooklyn. Their marriage was blessed with seven children but two of the number are deceased: Minnie and August, who died at the age of fifteen years. Those living are : Lena, the wife of Peter Baustian; Henrietta, the wife of our subject; Jacob; Theodore F. ; and Gertrude. All are residents of Poweshiek county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baustian have been born three children ; Alfred, Carrie and Grace.

Mr. Baustian gives his political allegiance to the republican party and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church of Malcom. He is a representative young farmer, who rapidly discerns opportunities- of advancement and is working his way to the front among the substantial citizens of Poweshiek county.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

C. O. BOWERS.

Well known among the younger business men of Malcom is C. O. Bowers, cashier of the Malcom Savings Bank, with which institution he has been identified for almost two decades. He was born in Delaware county, Indiana, December 28, 1872, a son of Shem and Ruth Jane (Painter) Bowers. The parents, who were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, were married in Indiana, and there the mother passed away when the subject of this review was about six years of age. Later the father was again married and, in 1883, came with his family to Iowa, locating on a farm six and a half miles northwest of Brooklyn. He devoted his entire active life to farming and was connected with agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he removed to Brooklyn and there lived retired until his death in March, 1893, when he was sixty-two years and seven months old. By his first marriage there were ten children, eight of whom yet survive, our subject being next to the youngest in order of birth.

C. O. Bowers was eleven years of age when he came with his father to Poweshiek county, and his education, which had been begun in his native state, was continued in the country schools here. Later he received the benefit of a commercial course at the Iowa Business College of Des Moines, and on the 2d of January, 1893, accepted a position as bookkeeper in the private bank of Johnson, Dorrance & Leonard. He was thus engaged until August 7, 1905, when the bank was reorganized under the name of the Malcom Savings Bank, at which time he became cashier of the institution. His connection with the business extends over a period of eighteen years, his long association therewith being proof of his ability and integrity. He is popular alike with the patrons and officers of the bank, for he is prompt, accurate and faithful in the discharge of his duties, while at the same time he treats all patrons with a thoughtfulness and kindly consideration that not only wins their good will for himself, but reflects credit upon the institution. Aside from his connection with financial circles he is interested in Dakota and Canada lands, in which he has invested rather extensively.

On the 14th of June, 1899, Mr. Bowers was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Wilcox, who was born in Malcom on the 2/th of July, 1876, a daughter of Dr. V. S. Wilcox, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Unto this union have been born four children: Donovan Hamilton, Vinton Shem, Roberta Painter and Wilbur Oscar.

Mr. Bowers holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He gives his political support to the republican party and, although he has never sought nor desired public office for himself he has ever been a public-spirited citizen, advocating every measure which has for its object the development and general welfare of the community in which he resides. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspired confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has brought him into a position of trust and responsibility, and he ranks high among the well known and valued young citizens of Malcom.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

JOSEPH D. CARPENTER.

No resident of Poweshiek county has achieved greater success in agricultural pursuits than has Joseph D. Carpenter, whose beautiful home on section 3, Pleasant township, is one of the most attractive spots in this locality. He was born at Pownal, Vermont, and comes of old Revolutionary stock, his ancestors in both the paternal and maternal lines having fought in the war for independence. He was the only son of Joseph I. and Augusta E. (Gardner) Carpenter, who were also natives of Pownal, where the father's birth occurred in 1821 and the mother's in 1829. The latter, who passed away when her son was but three days old, was born on the old homestead on which her father and her son were both born. She was the daughter of Captain David Gardner, who died in 1866 at the age of eighty-two years, and a sister of Abram Gardner, lieutenant governor of Vermont at one time and also a well known and prominent lawyer of that state. The Gardner family was one of the first to settle at Pownal, Vermont, and the old homestead in which our subject was born, still remains in the family, being now owned by his cousin. Shortly after the death of his wife Joseph Carpenter went to Illinois, locating in Bureau county, and in 1857 he was joined by his son, who was reared in that county. The father engaged in the lumber business in Princeton until his son was eleven years of age, when they removed to a farm near that city and there he passed his remaining days. His death occurred at Princeton in September, 1902. By a second marriage he had become the father of four sons and a daughter.

Joseph D. Carpenter, whose name introduces this review, spent his early life in Princeton and Bureau county, Illinois, and in 1877 came to Poweshiek county, where he has since maintained his residence. His home place consists of half of section 3, Pleasant township, about two and a half miles southwest of Malcom, and is one of the finely improved and valuable properties of this section. In its midst stands the beautiful residence which Mr. Carpenter erected in 1907, containing fifteen rooms, all equipped with the most modern improvements. In the rear are substantial buildings and on the place is found every convenience for facilitating farm labor. In addition to the cultivation of this property Mr. Carpenter gives considerable attention to his extensive live-stock interests, being one of the heaviest stock-feeders and shippers in the county. He ships an average of ten carloads of stock annually and has also shipped as high as one hundred carloads a year. Prosperity has attended him in the conduct of his affairs, for he possesses in large measure those qualities which are positive forces in the acquirement of financial independence, and as success has come to him he has purchased more land, being now the owner of three valuable farms aside from his home place. His wife also possesses considerable property in her own right and, together with their children, they now own about one thousand acres of good land in Poweshiek county.

Mr. Carpenter was married, on the 10th of June, 1875, at Princeton, Illinois, to Miss Minerva E. Judd, who was born in that city on the 27th of October, 1852. She is a daughter of Eli P. Judd, now deceased, a very wealthy man of whom mention is made on another page in this volume. Unto this union have been born nine children as follows: Sarah A., who has filled the office of county superintendent of schools since January 1, 1911; David Eli, of Pleasant township; Flora, the wife of William C. Stimson, of Scott township; Reynolds R., also of that township; Joseph L., of Pleasant township; Forest D., still under the parental roof; Vera, a teacher residing at home; Lodi, at home ; and Hazel, who is engaged in teaching.

Mr. Carpenter is a member of the Masonic order, holding membership in Lily Lodge, No. 54, A. F. & A. M., at Malcom, and in politics is a republican. The honors and emoluments of office, however, have never possessed any attraction for him, for he has desired to concentrate his energies upon his personal business affairs. Substantial and enviable success has come to him as the legitimate and logical result of his well directed efforts, for with him perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life, bringing him to the honorable and prominent position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens, among whom he has so long lived and labored.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

JOHN CAUDLE.

One of the enterprising young agriculturists of Poweshiek county is John Caudle, who is engaged in general farming in Union township. He was born in Sugar Creek township, this county, on the 4th of August, 1882, and is a son of Jacob C. and Mary (Watson) Caudle, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Sugar Creek township. Jacob C. Caudle, who was a farmer, migrated to Iowa in his early manhood and located in Poweshiek county. He first engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sugar Creek township, where he rented land and later he bought a farm which he cultivated for a time. On disposing of it he bought the place in Union township upon which his son John now resides. The father is now living retired in New Sharon, Iowa, but the mother passed away on the 23d of June, 1892. Three children were born of this union: Cora, who is the wife of Alford Allen, of Sugar Creek township: Hattie, who is deceased: and John, our subject. The family worshiped with the Baptist denomination, of which church Mr. Caudle is a member, while in politics he is a democrat and has served as a member of the school board.

The education of John Caudle was acquired in the district schools in the vicinity of his home. After he had obtained a sufficient knowledge of the common branches to enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities of life he laid aside his text-books and gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits. He continued to remain at home with his father until he was twenty three years of age and then rented land, which he cultivated until 1906, when he purchased his present farm of his father. This contains fifty acres of land, all of which is under a good state of cultivation and well rewards the efforts of Mr. Caudle, who is engaged in general farming.

In Union township on the 1st of April, 1906, Mr. Caudle married Miss Rosie Elmira Vought, a daughter of Robert and Jennie (Johnson) Vought. Her father is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in the vicinity of Pittsburg, and her mother of Iowa. Mr. Vought, who is a farmer, in his early manhood located in Missouri but later came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, locating in Union township, where he continues to be engaged in agricultural pursuits. He votes the democratic ticket and Mrs. Vought belongs to the Christian church. Their daughter, Mrs. Caudle, is a native of Poweshiek county, having been born in Union township on the 14th of July, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Caudle have two children: Mary Elnora, who was born on the 1st of October, 1907; and Fannie Christine, whose birth occurred on the18th of August, 1909.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Caudle affiliate with the Christian church and he votes with the democracy, feeling that their policy is best adapted to subserve the interests of the majority. Since starting out in life for himself Mr. Caudle has given evidence of possessing the perseverance and foresight as well as executive ability essential for success in any vocation.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

ELBERT W. CLARK, JR.

Elbert W. Clark, Jr., conducting a lumber yard in Grinnell, is accounted one of the leading and progressive business men of the city, and his life record indicates what may be accomplished when determination, energy and laudable ambition constitute the foundation for success. He was born here on the 28th of February, 1880, a son of Dr. Elbert W. Clark, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was one of the best loved citizens of Grinnell, not alone because of his professional skill in the practice of medicine, but also because of his ready sympathy and his kindly assistance whenever aid was needed.

Under the parental roof Elbert W. Clark, Jr.. spent his youthful days, his time being largely given to the acquirement of an education in the public schools, and later in Iowa College of this city, from which he was graduated with the class of 1900, winning the degree of Bachelor of Science. There was no intermediate period between his school days and his entrance into business life, for when he put aside his text-books he at once sought employment and secured a position in the lumber yard of Carney Brothers, with whom he remained a year and a half. Later, in association with E. B. Brande, he purchased a half interest in the business that belonged to W. J. Carney, the senior member of the firm, at which time the style of the business was changed to Carney, Brande & Clark. This was on the 1st of February, 1902. Under this organization the business was conducted for five years, during which time Mr. Clark, had charge of the yard, and in that capacity learned all of the details of the lumber business. At the end of that time he and J. L. Fellows purchased the interests of Mr. Carney and Mr. Brande and the style of the firm became Clark & Fellows, February i, 1907. This partnership relation was maintained for two years.

Mr. Clark is today one of the best informed men concerning lumber in this section of the state and he has displayed skill and ability as a manager. On the 1st of February, 1909, he purchased his partner's interest in the business, since which time he has conducted his lumber yard independently. For the past three years he has also operated a branch yard at Vancleve, Iowa, and in Grinnell is known as the president of the Grinnell Planing Mill Company and also as a member of the board of directors of the People's Light & Fuel Company. He possesses that keen insight into business affairs which, for want of a better term, has been called commercial sense. His plans are carefully made and then forcefully executed and what he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. On the 30th of April, 1904, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Ada Valleau, of Grinnell, a daughter of Mrs. Angie Valleau of this city, and they now have one son, E. W. Clark III. In politics Mr. Clark is an earnest republican, but not an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with Grinnell Lodge, No. 58, I. O. O. F. and with Marshalltown Lodge, No. 312, B. P. O. E. He is a charter member of Poweshiek Club and both he and his wife hold membership in the Congregational church. Having spent his entire life in Grinnell, he is very widely known and the many sterling qualities of character which he has developed has made him a popular citizen as well as a progressive, enterprising and prosperous business man.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

JOHN E. DEMPSTER.

John E. Dempster, who owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres of good land in Chester township, Poweshiek county, and is now living retired, has made his home in Iowa for fifty-two years and is well acquainted with the resources of the state and the history of its development since the Civil War. He is a native of Morgan county, Ohio, born January 3, 1837, and is a son of Thomas and Phebe (Lane) Dempster, the former born on the eastern shore of Maryland and the latter in Dutchess county, New York. The ancestors upon both sides of the house fought in the Revolutionary war, the Crafts, who belonged to the maternal branch, being driven from the ground where the battle of White Plains, New York, was fought. The paternal grandfather moved with his family in the early part of the nineteenth century to Morgan county, and there passed the remainder of his days. Thomas Dempster came to Iowa with his family early in the '60s and settled in Scott county, near Davenport, on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He was successful in his business and acquired two hundred and eighty acres. He died in this state and is buried at Vail in Crawford county.

John E. Dempster, of this review, was the second in a family of seven sons. He attended the district schools and worked on his father's farm, coming to Scott county, Iowa, March 5, 1859, his eldest brother having preceded him to this state. He applied himself industriously to agriculture and stock- raising and became one of the well known and popular citizens of Scott county. He was commissioned captain of the militia September 17, 1864, and served in that office until the close of the war. He taught school several terms in his early manhood and also purchased an interest in a threshing outfit, with which he was connected for several years. In June, 1868, he bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and as the years advanced his prosperity increased until he became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of good land in Scott county. Since 1900 he has lived in Poweshiek county, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres, which are cultivated by his sons, as he retired from active work several years ago.

In 1868 Mr. Dempster was married to Miss Esther E. Burch, a daughter of Ira and Catherine (Deyo) Burch, and to this union three children were born, two daughters and one son : Emma E., who married E. W. Fisher, a farmer of Chester township, and has three daughters, Esther E., Ruth M. and Dorothy E. ; Mary J., the wife of W. W. Sherman, of Ottertail county, Minnesota, and the mother of three children, Harold W., Edith M. and Bernice; and John J., now living upon his own farm, who is married and has two sons, J. Gaylord and Keith G. The mother of these children died December 24, 1873, and Mr. Dempster was again married in 1875, his second union being with Miss Josephine Fitzsimmons, a daughter of Felix Fitzsimmons, a contractor of New York state. Three children were born of this union, two sons and one daughter: Alden H., who married Oral J. Neely and has two children, Gertrude J. and Mildred L. ; Edna A., who lives at home ; and Roscoe, also living at home. In politics Mr. Dempster gives his allegiance to the republican party and for many years was one of the active workers for its success. He served as secretary of the independent school district of Linn Grove from 1868 to 1899, a record which probably has never been surpassed in Iowa. He also filled the office of township clerk for three terms. In 1897 he was elected a member of the state legislature from Scott county, filling the position with an ability that reflected upon him the highest credit. He also served in charge of the United States census of 1890 for Scott county. He displayed an interest and efficiency in all his official duties which met the hearty approval of the people, his constant aim being to promote the public good. Successful as a business man and farmer he now enjoys a rest, which he richly earned, and also possesses the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

WILLIAM J. ELWOOD.

Of honest and resolute Irish parentage, William J. Elwood, of Sheridan township, was endowed at birth with those qualities of grit and perseverance which generally lead to the accomplishment of worthy objects. He is a native son of Iowa and was born in Tama county, March 27, 1873, his parents being James and Anna (Jackson) Elwood. The father was born in Ireland and came to America early in the '505, locating in Tama county, Iowa. The mother was married to Mr. Elwood at Dunlap, Iowa.

William J. Elwood was reared in his father's home and early engaged in railroad construction in Tama county. In 1896 he came to Poweshiek county and engaged in farming, later renting land until the fall of 1910, when he purchased two hundred acres on section 24 of Sheridan township, where he established his home. His place is under excellent cultivation and is well watered and drained, there being no waste land on the farm. He engages in general farming and also fattens stock for the market. His wife is interested in the raising of full-blooded Plymouth Rock chickens.

On the 15th of February, 1898, Mr. Elwood was married to Miss Kate Mulligan, a daughter of Michael and Anna (Martin) Mulligan, who came from County Louth, Ireland, to America after their marriage in the early part of the '505. They located on a farm of two hundred acres in Sheridan township, Poweshiek county, and, in 1895, Mr. Mulligan purchased eighty acres additional in Chester township. In 1904 he moved to Tama. where he still lives. Mrs. Mulligan died about 1886 at the old homestead in Sheridan township. Mr. and Mrs. Elwood are the parents of one child, Anna Arlene. She was born March 31, 1902, and is now attending the Hickory Grove district school.

Mr. Elwood and his family are sincere members of the Roman Catholic church of Tama. He gives his support politically to the democratic party and is a great admirer of William Jennings Bryan, considering him one of the brightest political leaders that America has ever known. As a good friend of education Mr. El- wood has served very acceptably as member of the school board of District No. 8, Sheridan township. He is interested in all movements for the promotion of the permanent welfare of the county and is at the present time a member of the board of directors of the Sheridan Creamery Company. Although in actual ownership of his farm but comparatively a short time, he has demonstrated his ability as an agriculturist, and his place promises to become one of the highly productive properties of this part of the county. His success is well deserved, as it is the result of years of well directed labor.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

ALFRED J. EWART.

Alfred J. Ewart, who is a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockdealer, owns a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 21, Pleasant township, and is also a representative of one of the old and well known families of this section of the state. Mr. Ewart was born in the little village of Ewart in Pleasant township, January 25, 1867, a son of Robert and Euphemia (Burns) Ewart, who are now deceased. The parents were both natives of Morrow county, Ohio, and were there reared and married, coming to Poweshiek county about the year 1862. Here the father engaged in agricultural pursuits and became an extensive landowner, the village of Ewart being built on land which was once in his possession. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ewart were born six children: Sarah, the wife of M. E. Sturgeon, of Saskatchewan, Canada; T. E., who makes his home in Chicago; Alfred J., of this review; Mattie, the wife of F. C. Rayburn, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; James S., a resident of Ewart; and Mamie, who became the wife of Charles Smith but is now deceased. The father departed this life in 1905, and the mother, surviving for only a year, passed away in 1906. Thus the community mourned the loss of two of its most prominent and highly esteemed residents.

Alfred J. Ewart was reared on the home farm in Pleasant township and was early trained to the duties that fall to the farmer boy, and the instruction which he received in his youth and early manhood proved a valuable asset in after life. When he reached mature years he began business on his own account and is today the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land on section 21, Pleasant township, this property adjoining the village of Ewart on the east. In addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Ewart also buys and ships stock on quite an extensive scale and this branch of his business is proving profitable to him.

Mr. Ewart chose as a companion and helpmate on the journey of life, Miss Anna Powell, their marriage being celebrated on the 22d of December, 1888. She was born in Searsboro, Poweshiek county, in 1866, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Powell. By her marriage she has become the mother of three daughters and three sons, namely: Leta, Alfred R., Nellie, Ruth, Kenneth and Robert.

In politics Mr. Ewart is independent, voting for the men and measures which he deems will prove most beneficial to the community. He is serving as assessor of his township and for three terms filled the office of township trustee. In his fraternal relations he is a Knight of Pythias. He is ever alert and progressive, and his advancement in life is the result of honorable business principles coupled with sound judgment. He is well known in the community in which he lives and labors, and the high reputation which his honored father always bore is also enjoyed by the son.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

JOHN W. FISHER.

The son of a soldier who lost his life in the Civil war, John W. Fisher, of Chester township, early learned to depend upon his own resources, and thus developed those sturdy traits of character which inevitably lead to success in business and to leadership in the community. He is a native of Tama county, Iowa, born July 31, 1862, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Cooper) Fisher, the former having been born in Ohio and the latter in Pennsylvania. They were married in 1861. The father was drafted in an Iowa regiment in defense of the Union at the time of the Civil war and died in a hospital, his body being buried in the south. The mother was married in 1868 to W. S. Harris, at that time a resident of Tama county, Iowa.'

John W. Fisher received his early education in the common schools and also attended Albion Seminary near Marshalltown, Iowa. He engaged in farm work in Tama county and in March, 1892, being then thirty years of age, he came to Chester township, Poweshiek county, subsequently moving upon his present location in section 29, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres, and being also the owner of a tract of eighty acres in the same township. He has been highly successful in raising Guernsey cattle and Chester White hogs, and as an exhibitor at the fairs has carried off some of the most desirable prizes. He devotes special attention to the dairy business.

On the 12th of January, 1888, Mr. Fisher was married to Miss Anna J. Hendrixson, a daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Waldron) Hendrixson. The father was a physician and practiced for a number of years at Columbus, Ohio, his birth having occurred in Clermont county, that state. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher. She has attended high school and is now engaged in teaching school No. 4 at Chester.

Politically Mr. Fisher supports the principles and candidates of the republican party. He has served with marked ability as justice of the peace and as president of the school board. In religious belief he adheres to the Methodist church. A broad-minded and conscientious man, he has accumulated a competency by his industry and thrift and has set an example which reflects high credit upon himself and those with whom he is associated. He is known as an earnest and patriotic citizen who appreciates the responsibilities of American citizenship and manfully endeavors to discharge them.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

S. W. GRAY.

In his early boyhood S. W. Gray came with his parents to Poweshiek county and ever since that time he has been a resident of this county. He is now a prosperous farmer of Washington township who, by his upright character, well applied industry and sound business judgment, has gained the respect of the entire community.

He is a native of Davenport, Iowa, and was born October 8, 1870, a son of Herman C. and Almeda (Booth) Gray. The father was born in Holmes county, Ohio, May 30, 1822, and the mother in one of the eastern states. They were married at Valparaiso, Indiana. At the time of the Civil War Mr. Gray served faithfully in behalf of the Union. He was discharged at Davenport, following which he engaged in teaming for a number of years. In the spring of 1877 he came with his family to Poweshiek county and purchased the farm upon which his son, S. W., now lives. He died April 10, 1902, having previously retired from active labors. The mother is now living at Grinnell.

Mr. Gray was a man of exceptional character, who exercised a good influence upon all with whom he came in contact. Politically he was an ardent supporter of the republican party. He took an active part in politics and served as township trustee and also as school director. In religious belief he adhered to the Methodist church and for a number of years filled very acceptably the offices of trustee and steward in the church. There were eight children in the family and Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Gray, namely ; Josie, who is deceased ; Ella, the wife of Tilman Vestal, of Lynnville, Iowa; Herbert, who lives at Grinnell; Carrie, also deceased; Alfred and Ida, twins, the former now living in Montana and the later with her mother ; S. W., our subject ; and Bert, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

S. W. Gray arrived in Poweshiek county with his parents when he was seven years of age and received his education in the public schools of Washington township. He assisted his father upon the home farm until attaining his majority, when he rented a farm for two years on his own account. He then purchased eighty acres in Washington township, which he cultivated to good advantage for five years and then disposed of, buying the old homestead of two hundred acres upon which he is now well established. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser, paying special attention to the raising of horses and cattle, for which he has a rare aptitude.

On the 25th of June, 1893, Mr. Gray was married at Searsboro, to Miss Clara Spillman, a daughter of J. A. and Sarah (Vestal) Spillman, of Washington township. Mrs. Gray was born in Washington township, September 15. 1870. Her parents are both natives of North Carolina. The father settled in Poweshiek county about fifty years ago and is now living retired. The mother died about 1900. Mr. Spillman has for many years been identified with the Masonic order. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gray, namely: Grace, who is deceased ; and Farrell Ray, Robert and Addie, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Gray has never been a seeker after political office, but casts his vote for the republican party believing that its principles are highly important in advancing the permanent welfare of the state and nation. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows, his membership being in the lodge at Searsboro. He has many friends in the order and also among men who are not identified with any fraternal organization. Genial in manner and pleasing in address, he easily makes his way wherever he desires to be known, and he enjoys the good will of all with whom he comes into contact.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

CHARLES H. HALL.

Farming claims the time and attention of Charles H. Hall, who owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scott township, as well as a tract of eighty acres in Bear Creek township. He is a native of the latter township, born July 27, 1873, a son of George and Katharine 'Deardorff) Hall, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of O. D. Hall, a brother of our subject, on another page of this work. Their family numbered nine children but only seven are now living.

Charles H. Hall was reared on the home farm in Bear Creek township and was early trained to the work of plowing, planting and harvesting during the spring and summer months, while in the winter season he attended the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until he reached mature years, when he began working out by the month as a farm hand. He was thus employed for three years, when, having saved sufficient capital, he began farming on his own account. As his financial resources have permitted he has invested in land and today owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 6, Scott township, where he resides, and eighty acres in Bear Creek township. Both tracts are improved with good buildings, and his fields are in a cultivable state, from which he annually gathers abundant harvests.

Mr. Hall was married in March, 1898, to Miss Nellie Robertson, who was born in Scott township, December 28, 1871. a daughter of Charles and Annie 'Gibbs) Robertson, both of whom were natives of Scotland but were reared and married in New York. The father came west with his family at an early (lay and accumulated three hundred and twenty acres of land in Poweshiek county. He died here in early life, in 1886, when but forty-five years of age, while his wife passed away in 1893 at the age of fifty-two. They had two daughters and a son: Nellie, now Mrs. Hall; Thomas, a resident of Scott township; and Maggie, the wife of William Johnson, a resident of Brooklyn. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born four children: Lester, Grace, Ray and Lyle. Politically Mr. Hall is a democrat. Having spent their entire lives in Poweshiek county, both Mr. and Mrs. Hall are well and favorably known, having a wide circle of friends in their home locality.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

ELDOX LINCOLN HALL.

Eldon Lincoln Hall is a prosperous and progressive farmer of Poweshiek county, his possessions comprising three hundred and twenty acres, located in Scott and Bear Creek townships. He was born in Jerrien county, Michigan, September 23, 1860, a son of George and Katharine (Deardorff) Hall, the former a native of Butler county, Ohio, born in February, 1826, while the latter was a native of Indiana. They came to Poweshiek county in 1865 and the father was here engaged in farming to the time of his death on the I2th of January, 1898. The mother survives and makes her home in Brooklyn. More extended mention of the family is made in connection with the sketch of Orlando D. Hall on another page of this work.

Eldon L. Hall, the third in order of birth, was a little lad of five years at the time the family home was established in Poweshiek county. He was reared on the home farm, early being trained in the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farmer boy, and in the winter season he pursued his studies in the district school near his father's home. After reaching mature years he decided to start out upon an independent business venture, choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. From time to time he has made investment in land until today he is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in Poweshiek county, one hundred and sixty acres of which lie in the home farm on section 4, Scott township, while he has eighty acres on section 3 and an eighty acre tract in Bear Creek township. This is all cultivable land and the two farms in Scott township are well improved and valuable properties.

It was on the eighth of March, 1885, that Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Miss Mary Milne, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, February 4, 1864. In her childhood she accompanied her parents, Stewart and Mary (Chapman) Milne, to Poweshiek county but after residing here for some time they removed to Oregon, where they are now living.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born five children: Elza Ross, of Scott township; John LeRoy, who makes his home in South Dakota; Lewis Arden; Roscoe; and Eldon Clinton. They also took into their home Lois Marie Hall, when she was but three days old, she being a daughter of Mr. Hall's brother and his wife's sister. She is being reared and educated as her own.

Mr. Hall has always given his political support to the democratic party but is not active in its ranks, taking merely a citizen's interest in public affairs. His success has been by no means the result of fortunate circumstances. It has come to him through energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principles. In manner he is quiet and straightforward, and his word has become a synonym for business integrity.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

ORLANDO D. HALL.

Orlando D. Hall is well known as the owner of the Maple Lawn Farm, located on section 3, Scott township, Poweshiek county, and his popularity among his fellow townsmen has been proven by the fact that in 1906, although living in a republican stronghold, he was elected on the democratic ticket to the office of county supervisor. He is a native of Berrien county, Michigan, his birth having occurred May 4, 1852. His parents were George and Katharine (Deardorff) Hall, the former born in Butler county, Ohio, in February, 1826, while the latter claims Indiana as the state of her nativity. The father removed to Michigan from Ohio with his parents when he was a lad of ten years but after one year the family returned to Ohio and there the grandfather passed away. The father of our subject, however, remained in Berrien county, Michigan, until 1865, when he removed with his family to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. He was a prosperous man and became the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich farming land. He died here on the I2th of January, 1898, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother, however, still survives and makes her home in Brooklyn. Their family numbered seven children, namely : Orlando D., of this review ; Curtis, a resident of Madison county, Iowa ; Eldon L., of Scott township, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume ; Cass L., of Brooklyn ; Charles H., who is also mentioned in this work; Myrtle, of Brooklyn; and Guy O., who makes his. home in Malcom.

O. D. Hall was reared in the state of his nativity to the age of thirteen years, at which time he accompanied his parents on their removal to Poweshiek county, the family home being established on a farm in Bear Creek township, just across the road from the present home of our subject. At that time much of the land was unbroken prairie and the homes of the settlers were widely scattered. He assisted his father in breaking new land and making a home and his experience then proved of value to him when making a home for himself. He remained with his father until 1875, when he was married to Miss Savilla Shuler, who was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1856, a daughter of George and Sarah (Woodley) Shuler. The father died in the Keystone state in 1868, after which the daughter accompanied her mother to Poweshiek county in 1874. The mother passed away here on the 27th of February, 1895.

Following his marriage Mr. Hall located on his farm of two hundred acres on section 3, Scott township, which at that time was unbroken prairie. He at once set to work to break the land and cultivate his fields and as time passed he gathered rich harvests as a reward for the labor which he bestowed upon it. He also made all the improvements on the place, building a good substantial residence and outbuildings, all of which work was done with his own hands with the exception of some help he received in the construction of the house. His place is now known as the Maple Lawn Farm and is one of the most beautiful, as well as productive tracts, in this section of the county. He gives his time to general farming and stock-raising and also does some feeding. He follows modern methods in carrying on his work and his success is well merited for it has come to him through his own well directed labors and sound business judgment.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hall has been blessed with eight children : Sherman, of Scott township ; Carrie, the wife of B. F. Kensinger, of Bear Creek township ; Homer, who makes his home in Huron, South Dakota : Glenn, who is attending school in Davenport, Iowa ; Kathryn, the wife of Glenn Crider, of Bear Creek township ; and Fred, Clyde and Helen, all at home.Mr. Hall has been a lifelong democrat and on that ticket in 1906 was elected as county supervisor, his term of service beginning on the 1st of January, 1907, and he was the first democrat to hold that position in the county, this being a republican stronghold. He was elected for a second term, polling all but thirteen out of the one hundred and fifty-six votes cast in Scott township.

He has also filled the office of justice of the peace and has served in other minor offices of the township. He is a popular official and ever discharges his duties with the same fidelity that he conducts his private business affairs.

He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, and he and his family attend and support the . Methodist Episcopal church. Having resided in Poweshiek county for forty-six years, Mr. Hall feels a deep interest in its welfare and is ever found ready to do what he can to advance its interests, while at the same time he is meeting with success in the conduct of his own business affairs.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

GEORGE H. HAMLIN.

George H. Hamlin is cashier of the Merchants National Bank but the performance of his duties in that connection do not by any means indicate the extent of his activities nor the breadth of his usefulness as a citizen of Grinnell. One of the native sons of this city, he was born October 23, 1855, his father being Homer Hamlin, one of the four founders of Grinnell and well known as a prominent and honored resident of Poweshiek county. His youthful days were spent upon the home farm and his early education was supplemented by study in the high school of Grinnell. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in the days of his boyhood and youth.

When old enough to handle the plow, he began work in the fields and continued to assist in the cultivation of the crops until his seventeenth year, when, feeling that he would find other pursuits more congenial and profitable, he sought employment elsewhere, entering the First National Bank of Grinnell as teller. He filled the position for ten years and in 1883, upon the organization of the Merchants National Bank, he was elected cashier and business manager of the new institution, in which he has served continuously for more than twenty years, having complete control of the bank's policy throughout the entire time. He is today recognized by bankers and business men generally as one of the ablest financiers of this section of the state and under his guidance the Merchants National Bank has met with remarkable success, being by far the largest banking institution of the county and the largest national bank between Davenport and Des Moines on the Rock Island railroad. A general banking business is conducted and progressive methods are instituted whenever the interests of the depositors and patrons can be better safeguarded, or the business of the bank promoted along substantial lines. The policy maintained has ever been such as to commend the bank to the confidence and patronage of the public, and its success is attributable in large measure to Mr. Hamlin.

On the 12th of January, 1881, Mr. Hamlin was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie R. Bonsall, of Grinnell, a foster daughter of Dr. S. C. Cravath, president of the Merchants National Bank. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin are members of the Congregational church, in which he is serving as a trustee. They are also prominent in social circles of the city and their own home is the abode of a warmhearted and generous hospitality.

In politics Mr. Hamlin is a republican and has served as a member of the town council and as town treasurer; He was also for several years a member of the board of education and the public schools have found in him a stalwart champion. He was one of the principal factors in the organization of the Poweshiek County Agricultural Society and served for years as treasurer and secretary of the society. He is now one of the park commissioners of Grinnell and is a member of the Commercial Club. He is actively interested in every movement of that organization for the upbuilding and benefit of the city and both individually and in connection with others, he does everything in his power to promote the work of general progress. His labors have been far-reaching and beneficial, and he is justly accounted one of the most prominent residents of this city.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

EDWIN E. HARRIS, M. D.

Dr. Edwin E. Harris, physician and surgeon, who in the practice of medicine gives evidence of his comprehensive understanding of the principles upon which his work is based and whose ability is further attested in the large practice that is accorded him, was born in Fremont county, Iowa, January 2, 1867. His parents were Jared J. and Mary E. (Ewell) Harris, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Iowa, and they were married in Fremont county, Iowa. The father was reared in his native state and there enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of the Seventeenth Ohio Infantry. He was with that command for less than a year when he was discharged on account of illness, after which he came west for his health. Later he reenlisted in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and served until the close of the war. Following the cessation of hostilities he was married and took up his abode in Fremont county, Iowa. In early life he had studied pharmacy and for some years practiced his profession. After the war he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar, practicing for eight or nine years in Sidney, Iowa. In 1876 he went to California, where he entered upon the work of the ministry, preaching the gospel for about seven years in the Methodist Episcopal church. About 1882 he returned to Fremont county and turned his attention to educational work. After teaching school for a short period he was elected county superintendent of schools, in which position he served for three terms, or six years. On the expiration of his third term of office he retired from active life and five years later again went to California, where his death occurred in 1903. His wife is still living on the Pacific coast, her home being in Berkeley, California. came to Iowa, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in Jasper county, and applied himself with such diligence that he became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of good land. He is now retired from active labor and has reached the age of eighty-four years. The beloved wife and mother died April 14. 1909 being then eighty-two years of age. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, and in politics he gives his allegiance to the democratic party. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, namely: Alexander, of Washington township, who is married and has two children, Elsie Elizabeth and Alice Mary; Ernest, also of Washington township, who is married and has two children, Frances Elizabeth and Roy Ernest: David, of Washington township, who is married and has five children; Emma May, Albert Ernest, Grace Susan, William David and Harry Ralph; Charles, of Washington township, who is married and has two children, George Edwin and Ross Arthur; Susan Mary, who married B. N. Whittaker, of Washington township, and has one child, Ona Elizabeth; John E., deceased; and Francis Henry and George Edward, both of whom are at home.

In politics Mr. Lincoln is independent, preferring to cast his ballot for the man rather than in support of any party organization. He is active in local affairs and has held most of the township offices, including those of trustee and road supervisor. He is greatly interested in education and for twenty-five years past has served as a member of the school board. He has an intimate knowledge of the development of Poweshiek county and through his genial characteristics has gained many warm friends, who regard him as one of the most capable and useful men in the township.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

ERNEST JAMES HARRIS.

The records of the successful men of Poweshiek county are doubly interesting from the fact that so many of them won their way from humble positions and today are in the enjoyment of an abundance acquired through their own intelligently applied industry. Ernest James Harris is among those who surmounted great obstacles, and although he started as a boy of seventeen practically empty-handed, he is now the owner of a beautiful farm of which he has just reason to be proud. He is a native of Dorsetshire, England, and was born January 6, 1871, a son of James and Elizabeth (Slade) Harris. The parents were both born in the same county as the son, the father November 22, 1835. and the mother December 7, 1838. They were married in England and Mr. Harris spent his entire life in that country, being identified with farming interests. The mother came to America in 1890 and is now living with her sons in Poweshiek county. There were five children in their family: Elizabeth, who is deceased; Thomas A., who engages in farming in Chester township; Frederick, of Brule county, South Dakota; Ernest James, of this review; and Edgar J., of Chester township.

Ernest James Harris received his preliminary education in the public schools of England. In 1887, seeking to take advantage of opportunities presented in the new world, he came to Iowa and began working on the farm of his uncle, George Harris, in Washington township, Poweshiek county. After a short time he went to Grinnell and entered the employment of James Bailey, with whom he continued for two years, and then working under A. G. Williams, of Chester township, for one year. At the end of this time he rented forty acres of land in Chester township which he cultivated for two years, and, having acquired sufficient capital, purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Washington township, upon which he established his home. He makes a specialty of raising hogs and Shorthorn cattle. He has provided the farm with a good residence, barn and outbuildings, and also with all modern accessories and conveniences, and its neat appearance indicates the great interest which he takes in his work.

On the 16th of May, 1894, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Lula Lillian Patrick, a daughter of Andrew and Gertrude (Spire) Patrick, and eight children have blessed this union, namely: James A., who was born July 27, 1895 and died January 29, 1907; Winifred I., born August 15, 1897; Arthur E., born August 15, 1900; Elsie May, born September 23, 1902; Bessie Luella, born May 15, 1904; Dorothy Irene, born November 6, 1905; Alfred, born April 13, 1907, and died April 21, 1907; and Roy Roscoe. born April 3, 1909. Mrs. Harris was born April 14, 1874, at Jasper county, Iowa. Her mother was a native of New York and was married to Mr. Patrick in New York state. They came to Iowa and lived for several years in Chester township, Poweshiek county, after which they established their home in Jasper county. The father died in August, 1881, and the mother passed away March 2, 1909. He was an earnest adherent of the republican party, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church and also of the Grange.

Mr. Harris has been from boyhood a member of the Episcopal church, while his wife is connected with the Methodist church. In politics he supports the republican party and has served to the general satisfaction of the community as a member of the school board. He is an active and helpful citizen, intelligent and progressive in whatsoever he undertakes, and always governed by a worthy ambition to promote to the extent of his ability the best interests of those with whom he is associated. P.y undaunted resolution and zeal he has won deserved recognition as one of the substantial citizens of Poweshiek county.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

JOHN F. HATCHER.

John F. Hatcher, one of the leading citizens of Poweshiek county, is a retired agriculturist of Brooklyn and a prominent factor in financial circles as the president of the Poweshiek County Savings Bank. His birth occurred in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 21st of April, 1842, his parents being Elijah and Jane (Craig) Hatcher, both of whom were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia, the former born on the 18th of August, 1796, and the latter on the I5th of August, 1806. Elijah Hatcher, a farmer by occupation, was one of the earliest settlers of Ohio, making his way to that state from Virginia on horseback. He cleared his ground of the timber, erected a log cabin and then returned to the Old Dominion for his bride, driving back to the Buckeye state in a wagon. There he continued to reside until called to his final rest at the age of eighty-three years. His wife was also eighty-three years old when she passed away.

John F. Hatcher remained on the home farm until twenty-one years of age, obtaining his education in the district school and the seminary at Lloydsville, Ohio. After attaining his majority he removed to Illinois, where he had a sister living. In the meantime his father had entered three hundred and twenty acres of land near Webster City, Iowa, and had sent money to pay the taxes but, in spite of the fact that he received receipts, the land was sold for taxes. Our subject then came to Iowa with the receipts and regained possession of the property. He was married after returning to Illinois and in 1864 purchased and located on the old Bates farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Malcom township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, being successfully engaged in its further cultivation and improvement until 1902, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Brooklyn. While residing on the old homestead in Malcom township, he purchased four farms, aggregating four hundred and eighty acres of land, all of which he leases at the present time. The home place has been sold.

In 1904 Mr. Hatcher was elected a member of the board of directors of the Poweshiek County Bank of Brooklyn, Iowa, serving in that capacity until 1908, when the institution was organized as the Poweshiek County Savings Bank. He has been chosen president of the bank just prior to the change and retained his position as chief executive officer of the new organization. A man of splendid executive ability and sound judgment, his efforts have been a potent factor in the continued growth and success of the institution. He is likewise the president of the Brooklyn Heating & Lighting Company and a large stockholder in the Brooklyn Grain & Lumber Company.

Mr. Hatcher has been married twice. On the 15th of November, 1864, he wedded Miss Mary J. Hoge, a daughter of Isaac and Caroline (Holderman) Hoge, who were natives of Virginia and from that state removed to Illinois. By his first wife Mr. Hatcher had two sons. Isaac F., a retired agriculturist of Morris, Illinois, married Miss Cora Palmer, by whom he had two children, Carrie and Paul. Charles E. Hatcher, a retired farmer living in Marshalltown, Iowa, married Lizzie Ballisberger. Mrs. Mary J. Hatcher passed away on the home farm in Malcom township on the 18th of January, 1879, and on the I4th of June, 1883, Mr. Hatcher was again married, his second union being with Miss Clara L. Brown, a daughter of William H. and Martha J. (Pancoast) Brown, who were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia, and spent their entire lives in the Old Dominion. Mr. Brown, who followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, died on the 21st of January, 1898, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 23d of January, 1893. In politics Mr. Hatcher is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. For twelve years he served as trustee and for eight years as school treasurer of Malcom township, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. For many terms he was also a member of the school board of district No. 5, Malcom township. Both he and his wife are members of the Goose Creek church of Quakers of Loudoun county, Virginia. Mr. Hatcher has resided in Poweshiek county for almost a half century and enjoys a very wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders, being honored and respected by all by reason of the cpmmendable policy he has followed in an active business career and also owing to the excellent traits of character which he has displayed in all reality.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

PHILIP HEISHMAN.

Some men are endowed at birth with the faculty for business which is further developed by practical experience, and naturally become leaders in the community. To this class belongs Philip Heishman, of Sheridan township. He was born in Hardy county, Virginia, now West Virginia, May 29, 1838, a son of Philip and Rebecca (Bowers) Heishman. The parents were both natives of Hardy county and spent their entire lives in that county. The father died at the age of eighty-two years, the mother having been called away twenty years previously. The grandparents were John and Mary Heishman, natives of Germany, who came to America and settled in West Virginia.

Philip Heishman spent his boyhood years on his father's farm, and continued there until he was married. He then began farming on his own account upon rented land. In 1861 he answered the call of the south, enlisting as a private in Company I, Eighteenth Virginia Cavalry. For four years he wore the gray, serving on scout duty on the left flank under Stonewall Jackson, and later under General Early. He participated in a number of prominent battles and in skirmishes in the Shenandoah Valley and was captured at Winchester, January 3, 1863, and conducted as a prisoner of war to Harper's Ferry. Later he was confined at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where for two months he enjoyed northern hospitality. Then he was confined at Fort Delaware, where he remained a prisoner of war until June 20, 1865, when he was released and returned to his home, via Baltimore, Maryland. After laying aside the, accouterments of war he took .up farming and after two years removed to Delaware county, Indiana, where he rented land for ten years. Having accumulated sufficient capital, he came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, in 1877 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Sheridan township, upon which is now his homestead. At various times he acquired more land until he is the owner of six hundred acres in the garden spot of Iowa, four hundred acres of which are located in section 13, eighty acres in section u, and forty acres in section 14, of Sheridan township, and eighty acres in section 18, Madison township. The land is well drained and excellent buildings have been erected, the farm being one of the largest and best in this part of the county. All of the land is under cultivation. Mr. Heishman is an extensive raiser of corn, oats and grass. He is also a large breeder of horses and of full-blooded Duroc Jersey hogs. He feeds three hundred head of hogs yearly and also feeds three carloads of cattle for the market each winter. As is readily to be seen, he farms upon an exceptionally large scale and prides himself on the fact that he has never gone into debt for a single acre of the land he now owns.

On the 9th of June, 1859, Mr. Heishman was united in marriage in Hardy county, Virginia, to Miss Maggie Richman, a daughter of Daniel and Lydia Richman, the father being a farmer of Hardy county. Eleven children were born to this union, seven of whom are now living, namely: Alice, who became the wife of N. P. Boyle, a farmer of Grundy county, Iowa; Andrew J., at home; Elmer C, who is a farmer and lives in Grinnell; William H., who engages in farming near the old homestead; John L., also a farmer, residing near Grinnell; Augustus, who is engaged in farming near Brooklyn; and Ernest, at home. The mother of these children died April 7, 1890, and Mr. Heishman was married December 8, 1892, to Mrs. Catharine (Shank) Miller, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Mason) Shank, natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, where Mrs. Heishman was born and reared. In 1876 she came west with her former husband, John M. Miller, to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and Mr. Miller died at his home in this county June 8, 1887. At the time of her marriage to Mr. Heishman she had four daughters; Ida, Betty, Sally and Mary. The first three daughters married three of the sons of Mr. Heishman; Ida became Mrs. William H. Heishman; Sally became Mrs. Ernest Heishman; and Betty married Augustus Heishman. John L., another of the sons of Mr. Heishman, married Miss Anna Miller. By his second marriage Mr. Heishman has three sons: Clifford P., Lester J. and Elza F., all of whom are living at home.

Politically Mr. Heishman gives his support to the republican party and all of his sons vote in support of the same organization. He served as township trustee for six years and for the past thirty-four years has uninterruptedly filled the office of member of the school board in District No. 6, Sheridan township. His son, William H. Heishman, also holds membership on the same board. Mr. Heishman has passed the Psalmist's span of three score and ten years, but he is still actively interested in business affairs and his advice is eagerly sought by neighbors and friends who regard his opinion on many subjects as final. By a life of industry and by his constant regard for the welfare of others he has earned the place he holds as one of the highly respected citizens of central Iowa.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

CHARLES C. HUNT.

Charles C. Hunt, engaged in the abstract business in Montezuma, serving for his third term as county treasurer and well known throughout the state as a prominent representative of the Masonic fraternity, was born at Cleveland, Ohio, November 9, 1866, his parents being William George and Mary (Chase) Hunt. The father was born in Kent county, England, August 7, 1803, and there resided until about forty years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic to New York. He was a gilder, working for a long period in gold leaf. After coming to the United States he studied medicine and engaged in its practice. In 1870, after living for some time in Ohio, he came to Iowa, settling in Jones county, and his death occurred in Monticello, that county, in 1886. He was three times married and was a widower when he left his native land. He afterward wedded Mary Chase, who was born in Pennsylvania, July 5, 1845, and is now a resident of Walsenburg, Colorado. They were the parents of two children, the younger being W. C. Hunt, also of Walsenburg.

Charles C. Hunt, the elder son, accompanied his parents on their removal from Cleveland, Ohio, to Monticello, Jones county, Iowa, where he resided until 1887. Having attained his majority, he left home and made his way to Grinnell,- where he resumed his education. In 1892 he was graduated from Iowa College at Grinnell with the Bachelor of Arts degree and later he engaged in teaching school until appointed deputy county treasurer in May, 1895. At a later election he was chosen treasurer and is now serving for his third term in that office, proving himself a most faithful custodian of the public funds. He has made an unassailable record in this position and the confidence reposed in him is indicated in the fact that he has been three times chosen for the office. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he is an earnest worker in its ranks. For one term he served as a member of the school board at Montezuma and in March, 1911, was again elected to that position for a three years' term. He has ever been an active champion of the cause of education. On the 1st of January, 1911, he took charge of the abstract books formerly owned by E. J. Lewis. He purchased these books and now has a complete set of abstracts of real estate in Poweshiek county.

In 1898 occurred the marriage of Charles C. Hunt and Miss Catharine M. Knapp, who was born in Minnesota, July 4, 1871, and there resided with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Knapp, of Smithfield, Minnesota, up to the time of her marriage. She has become the mother of four children: Lucian F., George A.. Evelyn K. and Catharine L.

Mr. Hunt is a very prominent Mason, having attained high rank in the order. He belongs to Lafayette Lodge, No. 52, A. F. & A. M., and both he and his wife are members of Lafayette Chapter, No. 232, O. E. S. He is connected with Capitular Masonry as a member of Hyssop Chapter, No. 50, K. A. M., with Cryptic Masonry as a member of King Solomon Council, No. 20, R. & S. M., and with Chivalric Masonry as a Knights Templar of De Paynes Commandery, No. 6. He has also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Des Moines Consistory, S. P. R. S., and belong to Kaaba Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. His quietude of deportment, his easy dignity, his frankness and cordiality of address with a total absence of anything sinister or anything to conceal, foretoken a man who is ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that come of conscious personal ability, a right conception of things and an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

HENRY ILLIAN.

Among the veterans of the Civil war now living in Poweshiek county is numbered Henry Illian, whose birth occurred in the duchy of Waldeck, Prussia, Germany, on the 10th of January, 1838. He is a son of Frederick and Louise (Willis) Illian, also natives of the fatherland, the mother there passing away in 1846. The father again married, his second union being with Miss Caroline Rummell. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1853 brought his family to the United States, establishing his home in Davenport, where his death occurred in 1858. By his first marriage there were five sons and two daughters, of which number Henry Illian, of this review, was the third in order of birth, while by the second marriage there were two children, a son and daughter. With the exception of one daughter, who is married and resides in Germany, all of the children came to the United States.

In 1853, when a lad of fifteen, Henry Illian left his native country and came to the new world. After arriving in Iowa he gave his father the benefit of his assistance upon the home farm until July 25, 1862, when, in response to the call of the Union for more troops, he enlisted at Davenport as a member of Company G, Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years. He participated in all of the engagements of his regiment, including the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Forts Morgan and Blakely, and various minor skirmishes, and bears the scars of three flesh wounds received during his term of service, one a bullet wound in the breast, another in the back and the third in the arm. He was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, in August, 1865, after a most honorable and creditable military career.

Returning to Scott county, Iowa, Mr. Illian there engaged independently in farming for a number of years, and in the spring of 1883 came to Poweshiek county, purchasing his present home of eighty acres on section 23, Malcolm township. It is a well improved farm, its neat and thrifty appearance indicating the supervision of a practical owner, and he is widely recognized as one of the enterprising and prosperous agriculturists of the community.

In 1870 Mr. Illian was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Tissin, who was born in Holstein, Germany, in 1847, an^ in 1854 came with her parents to Iowa, the family establishing their home at Davenport. On the 4th of March, 1894, Mr. Illian was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, and eight children have also passed away, as follows: Henry, William, Fred and Tillie, all of whom died in Cleona township, Scott county, inside of three weeks, their deaths resulting from diphtheria; Lulu, who passed away at the age of four years; Barnard, at the age of two and a half years; Adam, at the age of four years; and Ellen, at the age of five years. One daughter, Genevieve, survives, and is now the wife of James B. McKeag. She has a daughter, Irma Marguerite, and a son, Kenneth Henry, and with her husband resides with her father on the old home farm.

Mr. Illian holds membership in the Lutheran church and also belongs to John T. Drake Post, G. A. R., at Brooklyn. He gives his support to the republican party and although not a politician in the sense of office-seeking, is a public spirited citizen, deeply interested in the substantial improvement of his home locality. He served, however, as road supervisor two years and as school director the same length of time. He is honorable and straightforward in his business dealings and is highly esteemed wherever known.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

FRANCIS W. JOHNSTON.

A farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 27, Scott township, claims the time and attention of Francis W. Johnston, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, in September, 1858. His parents, Joseph and Eliza Jane (Johnston) Johnston, were both natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married, and soon after that event in their lives they emigrated to the new world. They first located in Rock Island county. Illinois, where four of their six children were born. In 1868 the father removed with his family to Poweshiek county and here engaged in farming throughout his remaining years. He died at a comparatively early age, passing away when only thirty- five years old, at his home in Jackson township. The mother still survives and now makes her home in Montezuma. Their children were : Francis W., of this review ; John, who resides in Jackson township ; Mrs. Eliza Smith, deceased ; Mrs. Mary Moshier, who has also departed this life ; Matilda, the wife of William Rempp, of Montezuma ; and Josephine, the wife of Joseph Johnston, also of Montezuma.

Francis W. Johnston was reared, to the age of ten years in Rock Island county. Illinois, and at that age accompanied his parents on their removal to Poweshiek county. He has made farming his life work and is today the owner of a well improved farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Scott township. He has made many improvements on the place since it came into his possession and now has a valuable farm property, the fields annually yielding rich and abundant harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.

Mr. Johnston was married March 9, 1880, to Miss Maggie Hall, who was born in Ireland, October 31, 1858, and was but three years of age when, in 1861, her parents, John and Eliza (McKeever) Hall, emigrated to the United States, while she was a little maiden of nine years at the time the family home was established in Poweshiek county. Her father was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, December 28, 1829, and was married in that country, in 1854, to Miss McKeever. Three daughters were added to the household, Mary Jane, Margaret (now Mrs. Johnston), and Eliza, ere the emigration of the family to the new world. They first located in Rock Island county, Illinois, where three other children were born, these being Susan, Samuel and Rachel. In 1867 Mr. Hall removed with his family to Poweshiek county, Iowa, settling on a farm seven miles northeast of Montezuma, where many years were devoted to general farming. He was reared in the faith of the Episcopal church and died in that faith on the 29th of January, 1910, when more than eighty years of age. His wife died about thirteen years ago.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston has been blessed with five daughters, namely: Eliza, the wife of Joshua Johnston, of Scott township; Mary, who became the wife of James Johnston but departed this life January 4, 1911 ; Ethel, the wife of Joseph Hutchinson, a resident of Rock Island county, Illinois; and Ella and Maggie, at home.Mr. Johnston is a stanch supporter of the republican party but is not active as an office seeker. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church of Scott township. He is a man whom to know is to respect and honor, for his life is lived in harmony with his professions and his sterling traits of character have won him a host of warm friends.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

HARRY F. LANPHERE.

Harry F. Lanphere is numbered among those who have made of the Citizens National Bank a well balanced and carefully conducted financial enterprise. He is filling the position of cashier and is proving a popular officer with the patrons of the bank, to whom he gives courteous and faithful attention, while at the same time he is most loyal to the best interests of the institution and its stockholders. Iowa claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Davenport, on the nth of November, 1870. His parents were William H, and Esther (Canfield) Lanphere, both of whom were natives of Cattaraugus county, New York, where they were reared and married. The opportunities of the west attracted him, however, and in 1855 they came to Iowa, settling first in Davenport. On reaching manhood William H. Lanphere became express messenger on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, at which time Grinnell was the terminus of the line. Later he became identified with mercantile interests, going upon the road as a traveling salesman. He represented various houses in the state of Iowa and became widely and favorably known to the trade. He died in 1898, at the age of sixty-eight years, his birth having occurred in 1830. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and a man well known throughout the state of Iowa through his fraternal and business relations. His social qualities and genuine worth commended him to the confidence and good will of all, and few men have had more warm friends. His wife survived him for about ten years, passing away in 1908.

Harry F. Lanphere was reared under the parental roof and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. The family removed from Davenport to Grinnell in 1884 and he continued his studies in Grinnell high school, thus acquiring a fair practical education to equip him for life's responsible, duties. In January, 1889, two months after having attained his eighteenth year, he entered the First National Bank of Grinnell as bookkeeper and served in that capacity for about three and a half years, when he was made teller. After filling that important position for eight years he resigned to enter the office of the Spaulding Manufacturing Company, with whom he was associated for about three years, when he resigned and engaged in the land business. In July, 1904, the First National Bank closed its doors and soon thereafter Mr. Lanphere, recognized that a favorable opportunity presented for the establishment of another banking enterprise in the city, organized the Citizens National Bank, and on the 12th of December. 1904, the new institution opened its doors for business. In the capacity of cashier Mr. Lanphere dictated its policy and has since beep most active in Its management, making it one of the strong financial enterprises of Poweshiek county. A general banking business is conducted and the books of the company show a substantial balance. The safe, conservative policy instituted has won the confidence of the public and its patronage is steadily increasing.

On the 26th of November, 1891, Mr. Lanphere was married to Miss Kate Yost Grinnell, a daughter of Ezra H. Grinnell, and niece of Josiah Bushnell Grinnell, the founder of the town which bears his name. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lanphere have been born two children, Pauline and Katharine.

Mr. Lanphere is well known in several fraternal and social organizations, holding membership in Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., Palestine Chapter, R. A. M., and Grinnell Lodge, No. 175, K. P. He also belongs to Franklin Club, is a member of the Poweshiek Club and of the Grant Club of Des Moines. He is one of Grinnell's most prominent and best known men, actuated in all that he does by a spirit of enterprise and progress and seeking the public good as well as individual advancement in all of his business affairs. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate talents and powers. He has worked his way upward along a path that is clear and open and though difficulties and obstacles have beset him, as they do in every business career, he has overcome these by persistent purpose and stands today among the representative men of Poweshiek county.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

ERNEST EDWIN LINCOLN.

At the early age of four years Ernest Edwin Lincoln arrived in America with his parents from England. He has, perhaps, but a faint recollection of the green fields and crowded cities of the British Isles. In Poweshiek county he has spent about forty-five years of his life. He is now one of the honored citizens of Washington township and the owner of one of its highly productive farms.

He was born on Isle Sheppy, fifty miles east of London, in the Thames river, November 8, 1849, a son of Edward and Amy (Mapstead) Lincoln. The father was born at Chillham, a suburb of London, and the mother at Charing Cross. They were married in the old country and came to the United States in 1853, taking up their residence near Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Lincoln rented a farm for twelve years. He then came to Washington township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres upon which he established his family homestead. He died June 9, 1882, the mother being called away on the 4th of March, 1884. They were both baptized in the faith of the Episcopal church and the father gave his political support to the republican party. There were nine children in their family: John F. and George, both of whom are deceased; Mary Ann, who married George Simmons, of Grinnell; Edward, living in Washington, this county; Henry W., who is now living near Columbus, Ohio; Jane and Charles, both of whom are deceased; Ernest Edwin, of this review, and Amy, also deceased.

Ernest Edwin Lincoln was educated in the public schools of Ohio and as he grew to manhood assisted his father in the work upon the home farm. He came to Poweshiek county with his parents and inherited forty acres of the family estate, to which he added one hundred and sixty acres by purchase. Subsequently he disposed of his land and acquired his present farm of four hundred acres. He also owned sixty acres in the west side of the township, which he has sold his son. He erected the buildings, which are substantial and sightly, and has made many other improvements, the place being one of the valuable properties of the township. His business interests are well managed and he is a man of energy and determination, the reward he received as the result of his efforts being well merited.

On the 26th of December, 1876, Mr. Lincoln was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in Mercer county, Illinois, May 4, 1858, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Robson) Thompson. The father was born near Belfast, Ireland, and the mother also at the same place. They were married in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, having come to the United States in 1851. After their marriage they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, where Mr. Thompson purchased a farm. Subsequently he disposed of his property and West Virginia. The father was a farmer and fruit-grower and took up his residence in Henry county, Indiana, in 1853. Later he removed to Hancock county, Indiana, where he and his wife lived for twenty years. They died near Greenfield after having journeyed together in loving companionship for fifty-six years. They were both earnest members of the Baptist church and he was an ordained minister of that denomination. Politically he gave his support to the republican party.

Eleven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Heacock: Bertha, who married Edgar Williams, of Jasper county, Iowa; Mary, the wife of William McDowell, of Oak Grove, Poweshiek county, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this review; John Orla, of South Dakota, who was married February 27, 1900, to Genie Thompson, of Kellogg, Iowa; Louie Pearl, deceased; Mabel, who became the wife of Enos Norman, of Grinnell township; Ella, the wife of Henry Marshall, of Jasper county; Lizzie, who became the wife of John Foots, of Jasper county; Clifford, deceased; Arthur, at home, who married Alice Godfrey; Reppie, deceased; and Olivett, who married Nellie Thorp and is living at home.

In political belief Mr. Heacock is a prohibitionist, as he is firmly of the opinion that the saloon is the greatest evil in the country. The estimate in which he is held by the voters of the township is shown in the fact that he filled the responsible office of justice of the peace for eight years. He has also served as a member of the school board and is always ready to assist in promoting the welfare of this section. Religiously he adheres to the Society of Friends, and his life has in an important measure been controlled by the simple faith of that organization. He was an officer and overseer in the church for many years. He ranks as one of the leaders in Poweshiek county and is a man who conscientiously strives to follow in the footsteps of the Master.

(Mr. Heacock passed away April 9, 1911, after the above biography was written.)

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

LYMAN A. LONGLEY.

Lyman A. Longley, deceased, was one of the honored native sons of Poweshiek county, whose farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Jasper county, near Grinnell, is now the home of his widow and children. To him belonged the distinction of having been the first male white child born in Chester township, his birth occurring on the 6th of July, 1861. For many years he was a prominent farmer and business man of this section and at his death, in 1909, the community mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens. His father, Amos L. Longley, was a native of Maine and died when our subject was only three years old. He owned a farm of eighty acres of land in Chester township, north of Grinnell, and upon that place made his home until his death. His widow, who bore the maiden name of Cordelia Bigelow, was also a native of the Pine Tree state. After his death she became the wife of Benoni Howard, who was born in Massachusetts, and from that state removed to Princeton, Illinois, in 1854, the journey being made by rail. It was his intention to locate at Princeton, but, finding land too high for his resources, he decided to come farther west. Proceeding to Rock Island, he walked from that city to Vinton, Iowa, in search of a location and later went to Tama county. Not being satisfied with the outlook there, he came to Sugar Creek township, Poweshiek county, where timber was plentiful and conditions appeared more favorable than in the localities where he had previously stopped. He assisted in the original survey of the city of Grinnell and also in stoning up the first well that was dug there. After the surveyors had completed their work, however, it was found that the well was in the middle of the street and it was necessarily abandoned.

Lyman A. Longley attended the common schools during his boyhood and youth and was reared upon his stepfather's farm, displaying in early life an adaptability for farming and stock-raising. Subsequently he served for ten years as mail clerk and also engaged in the meat business for three years, but his life was principally devoted to farming and in 1882 he acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land, including the old homestead. In 1908 he began the erection of a handsome residence, containing all modern improvements, but did not live to see its completion. The family estate now comprises three hundred and twenty acres of well improved and valuable land.

On the 14th of September, 1882, Mr. Longley was united in marriage to Miss Alice Howard, a daughter of Benoni Howard, his stepfather, and they became the parents of two children, Ethel Cordelia and Ralph Lyman, both of whom are now living with their mother on the home farm, the son having charge of the place, which under his management is producing excellent harvests.

Mr. Longley gave his support to the republican party but never aspired to public office, preferring to devote his attention to business affairs. He was a sincere believer in the authority of the Bible and an earnest member of the Congregational church. He was recognized as a man of honesty and ability—a natural gentleman whose kindly and obliging disposition readily attracted friends wherever he was known. A good farmer and a clear-headed business man, his opinion on business affairs was accepted as authority and by his associates he was greatly respected for his enterprising spirit and genial nature and for his consideration of others, which was apparent in all his relations with his fellowmen.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

ESTHER B. MACGUGIN.

The value of the local newspaper in the upbuilding of the best interests of any community is universally conceded. The press has not only recorded the history of advancement, but has also ever been the leader in the work of progress and improvement. In molding public opinion the power of the newspaper cannot be estimated but, at all events, its influence is greater than that of any other single agency. Poweshiek county has every reason to be proud of the character of its press, for it has many enterprising and progressive journals, and prominent among these is the Montezuma Republican, one of the oldest newspapers of the county. Esther B. MacGugin, who was in April, 1910, appointed managing editor of this journal, has rightly been accorded a foremost place among the leading newspaper women of Iowa, her native state.

Her birth occurred in Washington, Washington county, on the 23d of August, 1881, and she is the eldest daughter of Robert Lyle and Minnie (Dickson) MacGugin. Her father came to Iowa from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1875, and for a time was located at Davenport. Being of a mechanical turn of mind he accepted a position with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company. His connection with this institution has continued for thirty-seven years, and at present he is one of the oldest men in its employ.

Her mother, who attended the public schools of Washington, and later studied in the academy, was engaged in teaching school prior to her marriage. Representatives of the name in Pennsylvania have long been identified with agricultural pursuits, in the conduct of which they have proven uniformly successful. Inheriting a fondness for the free, independent life of the country, they have as a rule become well-to-do farmers, well improved farms, large families and a competency, with contentment, being characteristic of a large portion of them. A goodly number, however, have sought fortune in other channels, entering the commercial field and the various professions, in which they have attained success and prosperity. Among the distant relatives of our subject is numbered Hon. Joseph R. Reed, who for many years served on the supreme court bench of Iowa.

Esther B. MacGugin was reared in the town of her nativity, and at the usual age was sent as a student to the public school. Upon completing the course therein taught she entered Washington high school, from which she was graduated in 1898, and later received the benefit of a year's work in Parsons College. With a strong literary inclination and a ready aptitude for writing, she turned toward the journalistic field as a life work, and for more than twelve years has been identified with newspaper work, her uninterrupted rise therein in the meantime being rapid and well merited.

She began her career as a correspondent from Valley Junction for a Des Moines paper, was later given a position as reporter on the staff of one of the papers of the capital and subsequently became connected with the Washington (Iowa) Journal. She resigned the latter position, however, to enter the University of California, where she pursued a special course in journalism. Being thus well equipped for further advancement in her chosen vocation she accepted a position with the Joplin (Missouri) Daily Globe, a large publication in the south, and succeeded Mrs. Baker, one of the best known newspaper women in the United States, who has written for over a quarter of a century under the nom de plume of "Becky Sharp." Miss MacGugin edited the woman's department of this large daily for two years, and also contributed stories to the magazine section.

She also at that time wrote some very original, logical and impressive articles under the pen name of Esther Belle. About four years ago she became identified with the Needham syndicate of newspapers, and since her connection therewith her career has been unusually successful. Her excellent journalistic ability won well merited recognition when, about a year ago, she was appointed to the office of managing editor of the Montezuma Republican, to succeed J. R. Williams. This paper, which belongs to the syndicate, is one of the oldest and best known journals of the locality, and is the oldest republican newspaper in the county. At its best, or at its worst, a newspaper is the expression of the personality of the single individual at its head, and . thus the present flourishing condition of the Republican is a logical indication of the rare business acumen and excellent executive ability of its managing editor. She is also a writer of considerable ability, and in the columns of her paper appear many evidences of her attractive and pleasing style.

Miss MacGugin is a member of the Northern Press syndicate and of the Burrell Newspaper syndicate of New York, and she has contributed largely to various metropolitan papers of Iowa. One paper, the Davenport Democrat and Leader, states of her: "Her experiences have been sufficiently varied to enable her to be among the premiers of journalism."

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

JOHN C. MANLY.

No history of Poweshiek county would be complete without the record of John C. Manly, whose life illustrates clearly what may be accomplished when determination and force of character constitute the foundation for advancement. Starting out in life without the aid of wealth or influential friends, he sought ever to do faithfully the duty nearest his hand, and his capable service won him gradual promotion in business when he was in the employ of others and led to the expansion of his own interests when he. .started out independently. He came eventually to be recognized as one of the most prominent and successful grain and lumber dealers of the' state,;'and "while developing his individual interests, contributed in substantial measure to', the growth and prosperity of various sections of Iowa.

Mr. Manly was born in Schenectady, New York, on the 15th of May, 1846, his parents being Dominick and Margaret (Manly) Manly. The father was a native of England and the mother of Ireland, and in early manhood and womanhood they crossed the Atlantic to the new world. Dominick Manly engaged in construction work in early life and for years was foreman with various concerns engaged in canal and railroad building. He died in 1851 at a comparatively early age and the mother afterward married again, becoming the wife of John Manly. This is rather a strange coincidence as both her husbands bore the name of Manly and yet there was no relation between any of them. Her second husband was like her first one a railroad builder. The death of Mrs. Manly occurred in Belvidere, Illinois, about 1895, when she had reached the ripe old age of eighty-four years.

John C. Manly spent his youthful days in his mother's home and was about seven years of age when he accompanied his mother and stepfather on the removal from Buffalo, New York, to Chicago, where his stepfather was employed by Bristol & Holton, who had been the contractors in the widening of the Erie canal and had removed to the west to engage in railroad building, having the contract for the construction of the Chicago, Galena & Union Railroad, now a part of the Northwestern system. After the building of this road the Manly family finally located at Marengo, Illinois, where John C. Manly attained his majority. He supplemented his early educational privileges by study in Marengo high school and in Euphemia Hall Academy at Marengo. As early as his eleventh or twelfth year he was employed, when not in school, in one of the stores in Marengo and subsequently entered the telegraph office, learning telegraphy. He followed that profession for several years in the employ of the Northwestern Railroad Company, and on the outbreak of the Civil war went to the front with General Stephen A. Hulbert, whose home was in Belvidere, Illinois, as telegraph operator, General Hulbert being assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. They went to Memphis, where Mr. Manly remained for about a year, at the end of which time General Forrest made a raid and entered the city, at which time General Veach was placed in command to succeed General Hulbert and Mr. Manly returned home. He again secured a position as telegraph operator on the Northwestern and afterward was employed as a clerk in the freight office in Chicago where he was stationed for seven years, within which period he won promotion to the position of head bill clerk.

In 1871 Mr. Manly left that city to come to Iowa, in the employ of the Central Railroad Company of this state, being made agent at Oskaloosa. A year later he was sent to Marshalltown as master of transportation of the road and continued in that capacity for about a year, when he became general agent of the road with offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There he remained until 1876, when he returned to Marshalltown as general freight agent of the road, occupying that position acceptably until 1879, when he resigned to accept the position of general agent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, with headquarters at Des Moines. While serving in that capacity he had much to do with the building of the road from Albia to Des Moines and with the purchasing of terminal facilities at the capital city. In 1880 he was appointed assistant superintendent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, his division being from Ottumwa to Creston, with all of the branches of that line. He thus represented the company until 1882, when he resigned to engage in the lumber and grain business in Lineville, Iowa, and the year following removed to Grinnell. He became identified with Henry B. Gifford in the operation of a line of elevators and lumber yards throughout Iowa, under the firm name of Gifford & Manly, and during the years that followed they laid out towns, built depots under contract with railroads and steadily pushed forward the wheels of progress, their labors constituting not only a source of individual profit but also an important element in the general upbuilding and prosperity of the state. In all things Mr. Manly has shown himself to be a man of initiative and enterprising spirit. He readily recognizes and improves an opportunity and in the conduct of the grain and lumber business he won a position among the foremost representatives of commercial interests in the state. About ten years ago he and his partner disposed of their elevators and retired from active participation in business affairs, so that Mr. Manly is now enjoying a well earned and well merited rest.

It was impossible, however, for him to cease to be a factor in the public life of the community. While not active in business at present, he is a director of the Merchants National Bank of Grinnell and is also well known as a leading republican of Poweshiek county. In the fall of 1898 he was elected county supervisor and served in that capacity for four terms, or twelve consecutive years, his reelection being incontrovertible proof of the ability he displayed and the faith reposed in him by his constituents. He has also filled the office of town councilman of Grinnell for seven or eight years and for an extended period has been a member of the school board, serving both as trustee and president of the board. Whatever he undertakes, whether of a public or private nature, is sure to meet success, for his determined purpose will brook no obstacles that can be overcome by honorable effort. When one avenue seems closed he searches out another path that leads him to the goal of what he seeks.

In 1876 Mr. Manly was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Carter, of Woodstock, Vermont, and this union has been blessed with three sons and one daughter : Carter, who is engaged in the clothing business at West Union, Iowa; Mary F., the wife of K. W. Blow, a salesman of buggies in Grinnell; John C., Jr.. also of this city; and Charles M., who is a law student in Drake University at Des Moines.

Fraternally Mr. Manly is connected with Grinnell Lodge, No. 358, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of Fidelity Encampment, No. 118, and Rebekah Lodge, No. 119, all of Grinnell. He is also connected with Grinnell Lodge, No. 175, K. P. and is most loyal to the teachings and principles of those organizations. He has a very wide acquaintance not only in Grinnell and Poweshiek county but throughout the state and his worth as a man and citizen is recognized by all who know him.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

WILLIAM McCLURE.

The position which William McClure holds in the agricultural circles of Poweshiek county is indicated by the fact that for the past five years he has served as president of the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Society of Malcom. He was born in Scott county, Iowa, in 1861, a son of James and Mary (Corrough) McClure, both natives of County Down, Ireland. They were reared and married in their native country and later came to Iowa, locating in Scott county. Subsequently they took up their abode in Muscatine county, where the mother passed away in 1872, at the age of forty-six years. The father came to Poweshiek county in February, 1879, and here engaged in general farming for many years, making his home upon his farm two miles east of Malcom until the time of his death, which occurred about 1891, when he was sixty-nine years of age. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of which number three sons and two daughters still survive.

William McClure, who was the fifth in order of birth, spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native county and there acquired his education. He has been a resident of Poweshiek county since February, 1879, when he came to this county with his father, with whom he resided on the old homestead farm until twelve years ago, when he purchased his present home. His farm consists of three hundred and fifty-one acres, located on sections 23 and 14, and is a highly improved property, equipped with all modern conveniences. His fields are enclosed by neat, well kept fences, and upon the place are found a comfortable dwelling, a large barn, sixty-four by eighty feet, and substantial outbuildings. Everything about the place indicates that he is in touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines. During the past three years he has rented his farm. He now rents his land but continues to live on his farm and gives his attention to his stock. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and so manages his interests that he is winning most gratifying success.

In October, 1908, Mr. McClure was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth (Moses) Johnson, a daughter of Simon and Catharine Moses, her birth occurring in Monona, Iowa, on the 27th of July, 1876. Unto them have been born two children, Kathryn Elizabeth and William James. By a former marriage Mrs. McClure had a son, Raymond C. Johnson, now a lad six years of age.

Mr. McClure is well known in fraternal circles as a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the Masonic order, belonging to Lily Lodge, No. 254. A. F. & A. M., and to Hyssop Chapter, R. A. M., both of Malcom. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and in politics he gives stalwart Support to the republican party. He is now serving as township trustee and for the past three years has acted as secretary of the township school board. In whatever relation he has been found, whether in public, private or business life, he has ever manifested the most loyal and public-spirited citizenship, strongly advocating and upholding every measure which has for its object the material, political, intellectual or moral growth of the community. As president of the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Association, which position he has occupied for the past five years, he has come into contact with the farming element throughout the county and his efforts in behalf of progress and advancement along agricultural and kindred lines have been potent factors in stimulating the interest and action of his fellowmen in that direction.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

GEORGE H. McMURRAY.

Occupying a position of leadership in connection with many of the most important interests, business enterprises and public projects of Grinnell, George H. McMurray has contributed in substantial and gratifying measure to the growth and prosperity of the city, and has so indelibly impressed himself upon the community in the work of advancement that no history of this section of the state would be complete without prominent reference to him. Iowa may well be proud to number him among her native sons.

His birth occurred in Bellevue, Jackson county, on the 18th of October, 1863, his parents being James H. and Thirza (Smith) McMurray, the former a native of Delaware county, New York, and the latter of Galena, Illinois. They were married in Bellevue, Iowa, the father having located there in early manhood. The mother was a daughter of Judge Joseph Smith, who presided over the court of his district in Iowa. He had taken up his abode in Bellevue early in the '505, removing to this state from Knoxville, Tennessee. On becoming a resident of Bellevue James H. McMurray had turned his attention to merchandising and some years later he removed his business to Dewitt, Iowa, and afterward to Brooklyn, Poweshiek county, in 1869. He was prominently identified with the business interests of that town for eighteen years when he went to California for the benefit of his health, spending seven years in Los Angeles. In 1892 he became a resident of Grinnell and purchased a half interest in the business owned by his sons, G. H. McMurray and James H. McMurray, since which time the enterprise has been conducted under the name of J. H. McMurray, Jr. & Company. For the past thirty-five years or more father and son have conducted the largest stores in their respective lines in Poweshiek county, their combined stocks representing an aggregate investment of seventy thousand dollars. The name of McMurray is a synonym for progressiveness in commercial lines and their activities have constituted a standard that others have followed.

George H. McMurray was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public schools and also in a boarding school at Clinton, Iowa, where he finished the work of the freshman year. From the early age of twelve years, however, he has devoted much of his time to merchandising, assisting in his father's store when not in school. In 1882 he embarked in merchandising on his own account, forming a partnership with Wesley Manatt, in which connection they established business under the firm name of McMurray & Manatt. After five years they sold out and George H. McMurray and his brother J. H. McMurray, Jr., organized the firm of McMurray Brothers and opened a store in Grinnell. The business relation between them was maintained for five years, at the end of which time, in 1892, the father returned from California and George H. McMurray sold his interest to him and opened his present clothing business, which he has successfully carried on for the past eighteen years. He is today the leading clothier of Poweshiek county, employs five people and conducts a very extensive business. During much of this period he has been interested in branch stores at West Union and Anita, Iowa, and elsewhere. However, he has since disposed of these and now gives much of his time to the operation of a valuable farm of four hundred acres which he owns in Chester township. On this place he raises horses and feeds cattle and also carries on the usual farm work in the production of grain. He leads an extremely busy and useful life and his determined nature enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His cooperation is counted a valuable asset in any business venture and it is felt that his aid will secure a prosperous outcome. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens' National Bank and is a member of its board of directors. He readily solves intricate and involved financial problems and seems to see from the circumference to the very center of things, recognizing with almost unerring judgment the possibilities for the attainment of success in any given connection.

On the 6th of July, 1886, Mr. McMurray was married to Miss Margaret C. Wright, of Brooklyn, this county, and unto them have been born three children: Harry F., who is now a senior in Grinnell College; Arthur R., who is pursuing the work of the junior year; and Donald J., who is yet a student in the public schools. The family are prominent socially and their own home is most attractive by reason of its warm-hearted and cordial hospitality. Mr. McMurray is a member of Brooklyn Lodge, No. 174, A. F. & A. M., and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party, but has never been an aspirant for office. Many look to him as the leader in all public enterprises and follow his example, for it is known that his judgment is sound and his loyalty to the best interests of the community above question.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

DAVID SUTHERLAND MORRISON

David Sutherland Morrison, one of Grinnell's foremost citizens, is at the head of the Morrison & Ricker Manufacturing Company, his associates being B. J. Ricker and Frederic Morrison. His birth occurred in Bath, New Hampshire, on the 23d of October, 1851, his parents being Frederick W. and Anna (Sutherland) Morrison, extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work. He was but four years of age when brought by his father and mother to Grinnell and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. Following his graduation from the Grinnell high school he took up the study of civil engineering in Iowa College and during his three years' attendance at that institution spent each summer in the field with an engineering corps.

An older brother, Leon, died about the end of that time and the growth of his father's business called for his assistance in its conduct. When about ready to enter the factory he received information to the effect that the civil engineer under whom he had spent his summers as transit man had been awarded the contract for the extension of the Burlington & Missouri from Plattsmouth, Nebraska, to Denver, and would give him charge of a division if he would accompany him. The offer meant one hundred and fifty dollars per month, an attractive salary to a young man of twenty-one years, but his father told him that the business needed him more and so the die was cast and he entered manufacturing circles. From that time to the present his efforts have been an important factor in the successful control of one of the principal industrial enterprises of Iowa. Prior to 1872 all the gloves in the Grinnell factory had been cut by hand but in that year Mr. Morrison went to Gloversville, New York, to purchase dies for cutting and also instituted other modern methods to keep pace with the increasing business. In 1876 Frederick W. Morrison died and our subject succeeded him as the head of the concern. In the intervening years various changes have been made in the style of the firm, Mr. Morrison first having as partner Andrew Mclntosh, then E. C. Wadsworth and next E. A. Wadsworth, the son of his previous associate. In 1903 the interest of Mr. Wadsworth was purchased by B. J. Ricker and Frederic Morrison, a son of David S. Morrison. However, the business was conducted under the name of Morrison & Mclntosh until 1907, when Mr. Mclntosh withdrew and the present firm style was adopted. In connection with his duties as the head of an extensive and important manufacturing concern Mr. Morrison also acts as vice president of the Grinnell Savings Bank.

He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is today his. It is true that he became interested in a business already established but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of even considerable resolute purpose, courage and industry would have failed, and he has demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius but the outcome of clear judgment and experience.

On the 15th of April, 1876, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Ricker. Her father, Edward Ricker, made his way from Kewanee, Illinois, to Scott county, Iowa, at an early day and subsequently took up his abode among the pioneer residents of Grinnell. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have been born six children, the record of whom is as follows : Nellie, who graduated from Grinnell College with the class of 1899, is now the wife of Dr. P. E. Somers, of Grinnell. Frederic, who completed the course in Grinnell College in 1911, is a partner of his father in the Morrison & Ricker Manufacturing Company. Addie, a Grinnell College graduate of 1902, is the wife of Charles F. Chase, of Mason City, Iowa. Frank H. is at present employed by his father but has decided to embark in the lumber business in Idaho in the near future. Julian and Donald are both high school students.

Mr. Morrison is a stanch supporter of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He has served on the town council for three terms and for a similar period has been a member of the board of education in Grinnell. He is a valued member and a trustee of the Congregational church, to which his wife and children also belong. His life has been well spent and in all his career he has been sincere and upright in his purposes, honorable principles guiding him in all of his relations with his fellowmen.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

FREDERICK WILLIAM MORRISON.

Although thirty-five years have passed since Frederick William Morrison was called to his final rest, he is still remembered by many of Grinnell's older residents as one of the most prominent and respected early settlers of the town. As the founder of what is now the Morrison & Ricker Manufacturing Company, one of the principal industrial enterprises of Iowa, the record of his life well merits a place in a volume of this character.

His birth occurred in Bath, New Hampshire, on the 20th of July, 1813, and he was a gentleman of Scotch-Irish lineage. He obtained a good education in the common schools and after putting aside his text-books learned the tanner's trade, working by the side of Mr. Parker, the father of Ira Parker, who later developed the Saranac glove industry in Littleton, New Hampshire, using practically the same process in tanning leather that Mr. Morrison introduced in Iowa. On the 4th of October, 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Sutherland, a daughter of the Rev. David Sutherland, who was for many years father and so called priest of the Congregational community of Bath, New Hampshire. The wife brought to her new duties all the refinement of a Christian home and the knowledge gained by varied experience. She had attended Mount Holyoke Seminary as a member of the first class, under Mary Lyon, subsequently followed the profession of teaching in Littleton, New Hampshire, and later went to Plymouth, that state, where she learned to make gloves. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison began their domestic life in Bath, where five children were born unto them three sons and two daughters. Two of the number reached mature age, Mary and David.

With the call from J. B. Grinnell for the building of a model colony in Iowa was an advertisement for a tanner, to which Mr. Morrison responded, bringing his family west in the fall of 1855. After reaching the terminus of the railroad at Rock Island, Illinois, he made his way down the Mississippi river by boat to Muscatine, where he procured a private hack in which to make the journey of one hundred and twenty miles to his new home. A number of the residents of his native town had preceded him and here he found friends and kindred, spending the winter in the home of David Sutherland, a brother of Mrs. Morrison. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Morrison erected a small house at the corner of Sixth avenue and State street, which corner is marked by tall cotton- wood trees on the college campus, the house having been moved to make room for the circular drive on the south. Not having capital sufficient to build a tannery, Mr. Morrison began tanning in the open and put in vats north of the mill pond, the mill being located on the corner of Fifth avenue and State street.

Here was begun the work which led to the development of the Grinnell glove industry. Like all tanners of his day, Mr. Morrison was both a tanner and currier and undertook to tan and finish anything from glove leather to sole leather. His first desire was to establish a horse collar shop and considerable work was done in this line. Gradually, however, he turned his attention toward glove-making. Deer were still numerous in Iowa and Grinnell soon became a market for them. The tanning process was a sore trial in the early days, as the oak bark was found unsuitable and shumac and smartweed proved to be of little value. Finally a small shipment of gambier, an imported article, was received and Mr. Morrison developed a combination process which is still used in the tannery. No salesmen were employed for a number of years but the stage drivers made a good substitute as they learned the value of the Grinnell gloves. Orders began to come in from adjoining towns and annually increased in number. In 1859 a tannery was erected west of Grinnell and prior to the completion of the railroad in 1863 large shipments were sent to Newton, Des Moines and points farther west. Mr. Morrison lived to see but the beginning of the industry, though at the time of his demise it had outgrown the kitchen and the home and occupied half of the Deacon Whitcom harness shop on Fourth avenue. The glove sales of 1876 amounted to nine thousand dollars. Though he passed away when the enterprise was practically still in its infancy, he established a reputation for integrity in all his dealings with his fellowmen that is more to be desired than great riches.

Mr. Morrison was a modest, retiring gentleman, faithful in attendance at church services but not an active participant. He was an interesting conversationalist and his friends found him a congenial companion whose never-failing supply of stories showed a rare appreciation bf the best kind of humor. He was not strong physically but no man in the community was more faithful or persistent in his attention to all the requirements of his business. His word was as good as his bond and his demise, which occurred on the i6th of August, 1876, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for his life had been at all times unselfish, upright and honorable.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

ROBERT A. MORTLAND.

Among the native sons of Montezuma Robert A. Mortland is numbered. He is now well known in journalistic circles in Poweshiek county as editor of the Palladium and is a partner of his father, R. L. Mortland, in the ownership of the paper. He has always remained a resident of his native city and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the graded schools he became a high school student and was graduated in 1891. In the years 1894 and 1895 he was a student in the state university, after which he became associated with his father in newspaper publication, assuming the management of the Poweshiek County Palladium, having been in control of this paper since its establishment in 1895. In its publication he keeps in touch with the most advanced ideas of progressive journalism and gives to the public a readable journal, which because of its large and growing circulation is also an excellent advertising medium and has secured a good support in that connection.

On the 23d of August. 1906, Mr. Mortland was married to Miss Katharine Harden, who was born in Montezuma, a daughter of T. J. Harden. They now have one child, Ruth Elizabeth. Tn his fraternal relations Mr. Mortland is a Knight of Pythias and an Odd Fellow. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has served on the county and congressional committees and at the present writing is filling the office of town clerk, which position he has occupied since 1897, or for a period of fourteen years. His long retention in this office stands as incontrovertible proof of his ability and fidelity. The consensus of public opinion places Robert A. Mortland in a prominent position as one of the leading and influential men of his native city and as one whose labors have been effective and far-reaching forces for the general good.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

R. L. MORTLAND.

It has been said that there is no better criterion of a community than its newspapers, which are both makers and mirrors of public opinion. The progressive journal has much to do with shaping thought and action and the editor who closely studies the signs of the times may stand in a position of leadership in relation to many public affairs and projects. This R. L. Mortland has done in editing and publishing the Montezuma Democrat. Mr. Mortland is now in the seventy-third year of his age but in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, December i, 1838, a son of Robert Mortland, descended from Protestant-Irish ancestry. In his native state Robert Mortland was reared and throughout his life followed the occupation of farming. He wedded Margaret Cumberland, also a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and to them were born four children.

R. L. Mortland spent his youthful days under the parental roof and as opportunity offered attended the public schools, but spent much of his time in the work of the farm. He afterward engaged in wood chopping and in the manufacture of charcoal at Maple Furnace, where he remained for some time. He afterward devoted his attention to lumbering in the oil regions and to boating on the river, continuing in the east until 1864, when, believing that better opportunities might be obtained in the middle west, he made his way to Mercer county, Illinois. There his attention was devoted to farming and carpentering for four years and in the spring of 1868 he came to Poweshiek county, where he carried on farming for a year. At the end of that time he established his home in Montezuma and followed various pursuits for a time, but later became a contractor for bridges and buildings, giving his attention to that work from 1875 until 1889, during which period he built many bridges in Poweshiek and adjoining counties.

Then came a decided change in his life inasmuch as he put aside industrial interests to turn his attention to journalism. He purchased a half interest in the Democrat in 1889 and on the 1st of August of the same year became sole proprietor of the plant and paper. He conducted that paper until 1894 and in 1895 established the Poweshiek County Palladium, which he has since published with his son, R. A. Mortland as active editor. After a period of ten years R. L. Mortland resumed his active connection, with county work and has erected many wood and concrete bridges. Although he has passed the age of seventy-two years he is yet a most active, energetic man and accomplishes today an amount of work from which many a younger man would shrink, thinking the burden too heavy to be borne.

In September, 1864, Mr. Mortland was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Ann Webber, who was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, on the i6th of June, 1841, and there resided until she came west with her husband. Unto them were born seven children who reached years of maturity, while three died in infancy. The living are: Nettie; Mahala T.; Robert A.; James A., who is living in White Creek, New York, where he is following the profession of civil engineering, having been educated therefor in the state university and in the Chicago University; Inez, who is a graduate of the Drexel Institute of Philadelphia and for the past eight years has been librarian at the Louisiana State University; Mazie; and Ruth. One of the sons, James A., was a soldier in the Spanish-American war, serving with the Third Army Corps.

In his political views R. L. Mortland has been a lifelong democrat and has taken an active and helpful interest in the party work. He stands at all times for that which is progressive in citizenship and in every relation of life he has been found reliable and trustworthy.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

JAMES E. NEELY.

The firm and unfaltering purpose which is an indispensable element in the attainment of success finds expression in the life record of James E. Neely, who is engaged in dealing in coal in Grinnell. Through sheer force of perseverance and capable management he has won success that places him with the foremost business men of the city. He was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, New York, June 19, 1846, and is a son of Jerome and Elizabeth (Nellis) Neely, who were likewise natives of Fairfield, where they were reared and married. The father devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits and continued to reside at the place of his nativity until his death, which occurred September 2, 1856, when he was forty-nine years of age. The mother continued her residence in Fairfield until the fall of 1871, when she came to Grinnell to make her home with her son James, here residing until her demise on the i8th of May, 1888.

James E. Neely spent his youth in the Empire state and the public schools afforded him his early educational privileges, while later he had the benefit of instruction in the Fairfield Academy. He took up teaching at-the age of sixteen years and followed the profession through five winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to farm work. When twenty-one years of age he made his way westward to Perry. Lake county, Ohio, where he engaged in the produce business.

With the establishment of a commercial enterprise he also undertook the establishment of a home and on the 22nd of December, 1869, Mr. Neely was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Wire, a daughter of Truman Wire, a sawmill man who cut the cross ties that were used in the building of a section of the first Lake Shore Railroad built through that part of the country. He had removed from Yates county, New York, to Lake county, Ohio, and it was while the family was living in the latter state that Mr. Neely was married. He began his domestic life in Ohio, but in February, 1871, he removed westward to Grinnell, where he arrived on the 28th of the month. Soon afterward he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, three miles east of the town, and took up his abode upon that property, continuing its cultivation and improvement until 1894, when he left the farm and removed to Grinnell. In 1873 he began the manufacture of cheese in connection with the cultivation of his fields, and statistics show that he was among the first cheese manufacturers in this state. He also developed the leading enterprise of this character in Iowa and conducted his factory until 1902, when he sold his farm and discontinued his factory. On his removal to Grinnell in 1894 he established himself in the coal business and is today the leading coal dealer of this city. ' His business affairs are capably and profitably managed and keen discernment and enterprise are elements in his prosperity.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Neely has been blessed with four children: Walter J., who now occupies a political position in the Grinnell post office; Earl M., of the firm of J. E. Neely & Son, coal dealers; and Ada P. and Ida E., twins, who died of diphtheria in 1893, one on the nth and the other on the 13th of February. The family are widely and favorably known in Poweshiek county and Mr. and Mrs. Neely have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. He is a prominent Mason, belonging to Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., Palestine Chapter, No. 101, R. A. M.; St. Andrew's Commandery, No. 22, K. T., of Newton, Iowa; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Des Moines. He and his wife are also members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as one of the trustees. In politics he is a progressive republican and has repeatedly served as a delegate to the county and state conventions. He has also been a member of the city council of Grinnell at various times, in which connection he has ever exercised his official prerogatives in support of many measures and movements which are of marked value to the city in the promotion of its best interests. He never gives up a cause in which he embarks and, therefore, his aid and cooperation are eagerly sought where the best interests of the city are to be conserved.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

CHARLES H. ONTHANK.

Among the worthy citizens of Poweshiek county who have passed to their reward, leaving behind them memories of useful labors and kindly acts that cannot be forgotten by the present generation, should be named Charles H. Onthank. He was born in New York, June 13, 1860, and departed this life December 21, 1908, being then in his forty-eighth year. His parents were George H. and Isabella (Woods) Onthank, both of whom were natives of New York state.

At the time of the Civil war the father enlisted in an Illinois regiment and served as a musician until the close of the Rebellion. He acquitted himself so creditably that he was placed in charge of a hospital in Tennessee after the war was over and having discharged this duty came to Iowa with his family in 1869 and for several years worked at the blacksmith's trade at Grinnell. Later he became connected with the Iowa Central Railroad at Grinnell as baggage agent and was also employed in the post office at Grinnell. He died June 6, 1908, but his wife is still living at Grinnell. Politically he gave his support to the republican party and fraternally was a valued member of the Masonic order and the Grand Army of the Republic. In religious faith he adhered to the Baptist church in which he took a great interest, serving for a number of years as deacon. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Onthank : Charles H. ; and Martha, the wife of George L. Brown, of Grinnell.

Charles H. Onthank came to Grinnell with his father at the age of ten years and received his early education in the public schools. After reaching manhood he went to South Dakota and took up government land, but after spending three years in that state he returned to Grinnell and worked in the freight house of the Iowa Central Railroad Company. About 1891 he purchased fifty-five acres of land in Grinnell township, later acquiring fifty acres additional. After cultivating his farm for a while he sold it and purchased two hundred acres in Washington township, which he improved, greatly adding to its value. This place he also sold and in December, 1899, bought a farm of two hundred and thirty acres, which is still in possession of the family. He made a specialty of raising hogs and cattle for the market and became known as one of the prosperous and progressive men of the community.

On the 21st of August, 1889, Mr. Onthank was married to Miss Viola Robinson, who was born July 7. 1870, in McDonough county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Robert and Mary Jane (Holden) Robinson. The father was born near Louisville, Kentucky, October 8, 1841, and the mother near Cincinnati. Ohio, July 10, 1848. He engaged in farming in Kentucky and later in McDonough county, Illinois. In the fall of 1872 he came with his family to Poweshiek county and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Grinnell township. He sold his farm in 1893 and retired with his wife to Grinnell, where he passed away May 30, 1901. His wife died August 2, 1908. They were both consistent members of the Baptist church. In politics he was a supporter of the republican party and being an earnest friend of education served very acceptably as a member of the school board in Grinnell township. Eight children constituted the family of Mr. and Mrs. Onthank : Florence, who was born October 29, 1891, and is now the wife of William Van Wyk, of Lynnville, Iowa; Lillian M., born July 20, 1893, who married Charles P. Kimball and is now living on the old homestead ; Charles H. R., born May 26, 1895; Grace Isabelle, born April 1, 1897; Alma Viola, born February 11, 1899; Edward W., born June 26, 1901 ; Paul L., born June 17, 1903; and George W., born October 26, 1906.

Mr. Onthank was a firm believer in the Christian religion and a sincere member of the Baptist church, as is his widow. In politics he gave his support to the republican party and served for two terms as school director. Fraternally he was identified with the Odd Fellows and he had many friends in the order and also in Poweshiek county. Mrs. Onthank continues to reside on the old homestead and receives from her children and from all who know her the love and respect which is due to unquestioned worth.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

JAY R. ORCUTT.

Jay R. Orcutt, conducting a general hardware and implement business in Searsboro, Iowa, is meeting with success in this line of activity and at the same time his efforts have been a factor in the commercial development of the town. He is a native of Poweshiek county, his birth having occurred in Sheridan township on the 9th of May, 1883, his parents being Lewis and Anna D. (Hartzell) Orcutt. The father was born in Rome, New York, on the 27th of May, 1836, and the mother in Rock Island, Illinois, January 20, 1849. Early "in life they came to Poweshiek county, locating in Sheridan township. The father was a farmer by occupation and was the owner of a well developed farm, to the cultivation of which he gave his attention until the time of his demise. He passed away in 1885. His wife still survives him and makes her home in Grinnell. Mr. Orcutt was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also Mrs. Orcutt, and he gave his political support to the republican party. In their family were three children, namely: Helen Mildred, who was born January 18, 1880, and passed away August 5, 1887; Lewis Percival, born October 27, 1881, whose death occurred August 5, 1900; and Jay Reginald, of this review. By a former marriage Mr. Orcutt had three children: Delta, deceased; Charles, of Grinnell; and Frank, of Minnesota.

In the school of Sheridan township and Grinnell, Iowa, Jay R. Orcutt received an excellent education, passing through consecutive grades, and later entered the college at Grinnell, from which he was graduated. With this good general information to serve as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties he took his first step in the business world in connection with the real estate and insurance business, in which he was associated with J. J. Muller for about one year. At the expiration of that period he accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Gale Manufacturing Company of Albion, Michigan, and was on the road for two years, after which, on the I7th of July, 1908, he purchased the hardware stock of Moody & Son, in Searsboro, and has since conducted business on his own account. He has greatly increased his stock and now deals in hardware, agricultural implements, builders' supplies, etc., and his trade is constantly growing in volume and importance, being one of the prosperous enterprises of this town. He is a shrewd young business man and his ability and untiring efforts have added much to the growth of trade in this community.

Mr. Orcutt is a member of the Masonic lodge at Lynnville, Jasper county, and in politics is a stalwart republican, now serving as a member of the town council. He is progressive and public-spirited in citizenship and a strong advocate of advancement and improvement in connection with local affairs. Although numbered among the younger generation of business men in Sugar Creek township he has, however, attained an enviable position in commercial circles, and his keen business insight, exceptional enterprise and his progressive spirit will undoubtedly win for him continued success in the future.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

SAMUEL S. ORMISTON.

An excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres, located on section 15, Madison township, pays sterling tribute to the care and attention bestowed upon it by Samuel S. Ormiston, one of the progressive and prosperous agriculturists of this locality.

He was born in Washington county, Ohio, on the i8th of June, 1857, a son of John and Harriett (Disbro) Ormiston. The former was born in Scotland about 1822 and when a little lad of but two years of age came with his parents to America, the family home being established in Washington county, Ohio. There he spent practically his entire lifetime, giving his attention during1 the period of his business career to the occupation of farming. His death occurred there in February, 1894. His wife, who was a native of New York, accompanied her parents to Ohio when but a child. Her father was drowned in the Muskingum river, near Zanesville, Ohio. She met and married John Ormiston in Washington county, Ohio, and still survives him, making her home on' the old homestead with her youngest daughter, Mrs. James Schweikert.

Samuel S. Ormiston was reared on the home farm in Ohio, spending the period of his boyhood and youth amid the wholesome influences of rural life, and remained with his father until he was nineteen years of age, when he came west to Iowa, locating in Brooklyn, Poweshiek county. Here he worked at farm labor by the month for three years, after which he made his way to Jefferson township where two years were devoted to the operation of a rented farm of one hundred and sixty acres. The three following years were given to the cultivation of a rented farm in Scott township, after which he took a year's trip, driving through Kansas and Nebraska in search of a favorable location. After a thorough investigation he purchased two hundred acres in Nebraska, which remained in his possession until nineteen years ago. After his return to Iowa he rented a farm in Warren township for two years, and then operated the Garvin Lang place in Madison township in the capacity of renter for five years. In 1892 he purchased his present homestead of one hundred and twenty acres located on section 15, Madison township, whereon he has since continued to reside. Here he engages in general farming and also devotes much of his time to stock-raising, being the owner of a fine recorded herd of Hereford cattle. He also raises a good grade of hogs and for the past twenty-five years has made a specialty of breeding Plymouth Rock chickens, every year hatching from five to six hundred chickens. He is well known throughout the township for the excellent grade of his stock and he has so carefully managed his interests that today he is ranked among the most substantial farmers and stock-raisers in this locality.

On the 18th of February, 1881, Mr. Ormiston was united in marriage to Miss Mary Katharine Torrance, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Barr) Torrance, both natives of Ireland. The father, whose birth occurred in Garvah, Londonderry county, was there reared, and when a youth of seventeen years he came alone to the United States, determining to seek a home and fortune on this side of the Atlantic. He resided in Philadelphia for a time where he was engaged as cabinet-maker, and later assisted in the construction of the Lehigh canal. He then purchased a boat, which he operated as captain on the canal for a time, and subsequently took up railroad contracting, being employed on the construction of the Union Pacific road. In 1878 Mr. Torrance came to Iowa, locating on a farm in Jefferson township, Poweshiek county, and there on one farm resided for twenty-three years. At the expiration of that period he removed to Hartwick, Jefferson township, where he now makes his home. His wife, who was born near Coleraine, Londonderry county, Ireland, is now deceased, her death occurring on the i6th of February, sixteen years ago, on the farm near Hartwick.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ormiston have been born four children : William Frederick, the eldest, resides with his parents on the home farm. He formerly engaged in school teaching and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mabel Torrance married Homer A. Carpenter, who is well known among the younger farmers of Madison township, and they now have one daughter, Vera Helen, three years of age; Mary Harriett resides at home and teaches school in district No. 5, Madison township; and Susan Florence, the youngest of the family, lives at home and attends the school taught by her sister. At one time all three daughters attended the school in the home district of which their brother William was teacher. Mr. Ormiston has given his support to the men and measures of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His fellow citizens have honored him by election to the various positions of public trust and he has acted as justice of the peace for four years. He also served on the school board for one term and has filled the office of township trustee for four years, while in 1911 he was reelected for another term of two years. The owner of a well improved farming property, and progressive and practical in the conduct of his business affairs, he is now numbered among the substantial and well-to-do residents of Malcom township, while his life, ever upright and honorable, has gained for him the warm esteem and unqualified confidence of those with whom he has been brought into contact.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

C. WILLIAM PEARCE.

A member of a well known family of Poweshiek county, C. William Pearce is now living retired at Grinnell, having reached the age of seventy-two years. He has been a resident of this county for sixty-three years and ranks among the pioneers of a section that is now one of the most productive and prosperous parts of the state. He was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, November 22, 1839, and is a son of Peter S. and Margaret (Prosser) Pearce, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother of Pennsylvania. Peter S. Pearce, who was a carpenter and builder by trade, removed from Ohio to Indiana in 1836 and seven years later took up his residence in Illinois. In 1848 he came to Poweshiek county and settled on government land in Grinnell township, where he established the family on a farm of two hundred acres, which he developed from its wild state until it became a valuable property. He was a man of influence and responsibility, whose name was accepted as a synonym for industry and integrity. In politics he adhered to the democratic party and was elected justice of the peace an office which he filled with marked ability for a number of years. Fraternally he was connected with Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., of Grinnell. He was called to his reward while still residing on the old homestead in 1877, his wife having died ten years earlier. On the maternal side the family record has been traced back for over one hundred years, our subject's grandfather Prosser having served in the war of 1812. C. William Pearce has been a resident of Iowa since he was nine years of age. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and remained on the home farm until 1901, since which time he has been an honored resident of Grinnell. He still owns two hundred and fourteen acres of land in Grinnell township and his residence in the city. He was married in January, 1864, to Miss Matilda G. Brown, who was born in Somersetshire, England, October 23, 1828, and was a daughter of John and Maria (Grant) Brown. She came with her parents to America in 1850. the family living for several years in Wisconsin. In 1854 they arrived in Poweshiek county, six months after the first settlement was made at Grinnell. After a happy married life -of more than forty years Mrs. Pearce died at Grinnell in 1907. She was a woman of many admirable traits of mind and heart and a consistent member of the Congregational church. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Pearce were the following children : George G., who is now married and lives in Washington township ; Frank H., who is also married and lives in Grinnell township; Nellie M., who married James R. Rutherford, a farmer of Idaho; Seth J., who is married and lives in Grinnell township; and Mary C., who married J. R. Nicholl and lives in Jasper county.

Mr. Pearce set a worthy example for his children and today they are useful and honorable members of society, each performing his or her work in the promotion of the general welfare. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and while he has not sought public office he has ever been a consistent advocate of honest government administered in accordance with practical business principles. The excellent qualities he has manifested as a citizen, as a business man and in private life fully entitle him to the respect in which he is universally held.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

LUCIEN G. C. PEIRCE.

Seventy-five years ago Lucien G. C. Peirce entered upon the journey of life and is today living retired at Grinnell in the enjoyment of a competency which he earned through industry and good judgment. He looks back on many years of activity, in the course of which he extended a hand of sympathy to many a wayfarer whose lot was less fortunate than his own. He comes of an illustrious line of ancestors and was born in Villenovia township, Chautauqua county, New York. February 5, 1836, a son of Austin and Mary Ann (Sterling) Peirce. The father was a native of Thetford, Vermont, and was born in 1799. He was married to Mary Ann Sterling. March 17, 1826, and they removed to Villenovia township. Cliautauqua county, New York, three years later when that section of the state was still only thinly settled. He engaged in the practice of medicine until 1850, when he was attacked by spinal disease and confined to his bed for nearly twelve years. He passed away June 17, 1861. He was a firm believer in the Christian religion and a devout member of the Presbyterian church. For many years he took an active interest in politics and was supervisor of his town, serving also as member of the state legislature of New York in the winter of 1841-2.

The Peirce family was very prominent in the early days of New England. The emigrant ancestor, Thomas Peirce, was born in England about 1583 and emigrated to this country in 1633 or 1634, settling at Charlestown, Massachusetts. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in England about 1595. Thomas Peirce was made a freeman in the colonies May 6, 1635, and was one of the twenty one commissioners appointed by the general court of Massachusetts to see that saltpeter heaps were made by all the farmers of the colony. Several members of the family served in the Revolutionary war and since that time many of them have been prominent in public life and also in business in various states of the Union. On the mother's side the subject of this review is descended from noted ancestry of Scotland, Mary Ann Sterling having been a daughter of Lord Sterling. The ancestry is traced back to Walter De Streverlying, who lived about 1130 A. D. The name underwent various changes until it became Sterling.

Lucien G. C. Peirce was reared in his native town Villenovia township and educated in the public schools, remaining at home until seventeen years of age. In 1853. having a desire to see the world and also to carve out a fortune for himself, lie went to Kane county, Illinois, where he worked on a farm in the summer and clerked in a store in the winter. For several years, beginning in 1858. he was employed by Brady & Pease at Aurora. He spent ten years in Kane and Kendall counties, Illinois, and for two years was deputy postmaster at Lisbon.

In the meantime Mr. Peirce purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Poweshiek county, Iowa, four miles southeast of Grinnell and in the fall of 1862 he visited this county and in the spring of 1863 brought his wife and two children to their new home. It was for some time a lonely spot as there were no neighbors within several miles, the eye being greeted only by the open prairie and blue sky. He built a house fourteen by eighteen feet in size, still standing, in which the family lived until 1880, when he erected a modern residence, having meanwhile applied himself to good advantage as a farmer and stock-raiser. In 1889 he removed to Grinnell and for three years was interested with a partner in the creamery business. Since that time he has lived retired. He is a member of the board of directors of the Interurban Telephone Company, which operated between Grinnell and Montezuma, and for twenty-five years was secretary of the Poweshiek County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, displaying in the discharge of his duties an ability that made his services highly acceptable to all concerned.

In 1860 Mr. Peirce was married at Batavia, Kane county, Illinois, to Miss Esther M. Snow, who has been to him a true and loving companion. Nine children came to bless this union, namely: Austin P., now living at Des Moines, Iowa; Byram B., of Kearney, Nebraska; Edna L., widow of William Philpott, of Grinnell : M. Genevra, now engaged in teaching at Blue Island, Illinois; Lucia E., who is also a teacher and is living at home; Gordon D., deceased; Helen T., now Mrs. C. S. Williston, of Chicago; William S., an osteopathic physician, who is engaged in practice at Lima, Ohio; and Tiny V., deceased.

Mr. Peirce and his wife are identified with the Universalist church, in which he has served as clerk. He is now independent in politics but for many years was a prominent factor in political affairs in this part of the state. Originally a republican, he became an advocate of the greenback party and was a candidate for the state legislature, carrying every precinct outside of Grinnell with a majority of fourteen votes, but he was defeated by the labor element of the city. He was prominent in the organization of the populist party and was one of the leaders in the Patrons of Husbandry, occupying all the chairs in that body from secretary to master. He is also an active worker in the Grange, remaining with it until the local organization went out of existence. He has been a director of the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Society and served as its treasurer for three years. He and his estimable wife have a legion of friends in Poweshiek and adjoining counties who have been attracted by their interest in the welfare of others. As the shadows lengthen this venerable couple are blessed with the love of their children and neighbors, and they have the satisfaction of feeling that in an important degree they have performed their duty. Always progressive in business, kindly in disposition and generous in estimate of others, Mr. Peirce has retained the high regard of those with whom he has come in contact either in social, business or political life, and is one of the most honored residents of this city.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

WILLIAM STEELE SANDERS.

Among the esteemed citizens of Grinnell township is William Steele Sanders, the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land and a man whose sterling traits of character have gained for him the highest respect and confidence. He is a native son of Iowa, born at Grinnell, January 30, 1873, his parents being George Lucius and Mary (Steele) Sanders. The father was a native of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, and the .mother of Arcade, New York. They were married at Arcade in 1870 but had both lived at Grinnell, having come to Iowa in 1863. Mr. Sanders was for a number of years proprietor of the Sanders House and later engaged in farming. He subsequently moved to Modesto, California. Politically he gave his allegiance to the republican party and in religious belief was affiliated with the Congregational church.

The mother of our subject was a daughter of Alonzo and Ann D. (Tracy) Steele. Her father was born near Arcade, New York, August 15, 1816, and became a student at Oberlin College, where he met Miss Ann D. Tracy, who was also a student there, and their acquaintance led to their marriage. He engaged in the woolen business at Arcade, New York, and in 1863 came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where Professor Parker had invested in land for him, buying it at ten dollars per acre. This land became the family homestead. Mr. Steele engaged in the lumber business at Grinnell and later in the sale of agricultural implements, this business developing into a large hardware store, which was conducted under the name of Graver, Steele & Austin. The company continued for twenty-five years at Grinnell and then moved to Harvey, Illinois, where they met with reverses and the business was abandoned. Mr. Steele was an earnest member of the Congregational church and a liberal contributor toward all Christian enterprises. Originally he was identified with the whig party but he became a republican and continued as a supporter of the republican party during the remainder of his days. He was an active worker in politics but never sought the honors or emoluments of office. His wife was a woman of a remarkably bright mind, a sincere Christian and a true philanthropist. Her home was noted as a center of hospitality and kindliness. She passed away in 1853. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Steele were three children: Mary, who married George Lucius Sanders ; Louise, who is deceased ; and Myra, also deceased. A professorship in mathematics at Grinnell College was established by Mr. Steele as a memorial to his daughter Myra.

William Steele Sanders received his early education in the public schools of Grinnell and later entered Grinnell College, from which he was graduated in 1895 with the degree of B. S. He was attracted to agricultural pursuits and has devoted his attention to farming, being now the owner of one of the most desirable farms of Grinnell township. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of the land which was acquired by his grandfather nearly fifty years ago and one hundred and sixty acres which he purchased as a result of his own well directed labors. In connection with the cultivation of the soil he raises and feeds stock and, as he is both scientific and practical in his methods, the results are very satisfactory. In January, 1899, Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Delia Andrews, a native of Ladora, Iowa, and a daughter of Daniel Andrews, who was a resident of Grinnell for several years and is now living in California. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sanders : Lyman A., Robert R. and Mary Elizabeth.

Mr. Sanders politically is allied with the republican party and in religious belief he adheres to the Congregational church. He has spent his entire life in Poweshiek county and through his business ability and spirit of progressiveness he has gained a host of friends. He is a representative of the younger generation of farmers, who possess advantages of training unknown to their fathers and occupy advanced lines in all departments of the industry. By a useful and honorable life he has acquired a standing which is of vastly greater value than immense wealth gained through questionable methods.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

JACOB SCHULTZ.

The largest and finest home in Malcom township stands as a monument to the energy, industry and determination, successfully directed along agricultural lines, of Jacob Schultz, one of the most prominent and substantial citizens of this locality. He was born in Bureau county, Illinois, on the i6th of October, 1857, a son of John and Mary (Piel) Schultz, both natives of Prussia, Germany. The father's birth occurred on the 10th of March, 1820, and the mother's on the 2d of February of that year. They were married in the fatherland and came to the United States in 1854, locating first in Bureau county, Illinois. Ten years later they came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and here cast in their lot with the early settlers of this district. The father, who was a ship contractor in his native country, took up the occupation of farming upon his arrival in the United States and was therein engaged until the time of his demise. The old homestead upon which he located on coming to Malcom township was all unbroken prairie land when it came into his possession, and he and his son were the only white men who have had any part in its cultivation and development. He was unusually successful in his agricultural undertaking and at one time owned one thousand acres of land in Malcom and Sheridan townships which, however, was all disposed of to his children either before or after his demise. He was a stanch democrat in politics and in religious faith was a member of the Lutheran church.

He donated a portion of the old homestead as a site for that church and until the end remained one of its loyal and substantial supporters. He was the eldest in a family of eight children, all of whom came. to the United States with the exception of a sister. They were as follows : John ; Christ, Charles, Gust and Henry, all deceased ; Fred, of Grinnell ; Henrietta, who married John Ahrnes, and is now deceased ; and a sister who passed away in Germany. In the family of John and Mary (Piel) Schultz there were six children, namely : Charles, deceased ; Lena, who passed away in childhood ; Fredericka, who married Lawrence Liedke, of Malcom ; Minnie, the wife of Louis Puls, who is mentioned at length on another page of this volume ; Jacob, of this review ; and Fred, of Malcom township. The parents of this family are now deceased, the father passing away on the 25th of October, 1884, and the mother on the nth of April, 1891, their remaining days being spent in the home of our subject.

Spending the first seven years of his life in his native county, Jacob Schultz, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents in 1864 on their removal to Poweshiek county, and he has since resided on the homestead farm here which his father purchased at the time of his arrival. His education was acquired in the country schools and he received a thorough practical training in the home fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He continued to give his assistance to his father until the lat- ter's death, since which time he has carried on agricultural pursuits independently upon the portion of his father's estate which- he inherited. This farm consists of two hundred and eighty-three acres located on the northwest quarter of section 3, Malcom township, and is one of the best equipped and most valuable properties in this section. Here Mr. Schultz has introduced all of the conveniences and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century and upon it are to be found twelve substantial outbuildings, all topped by good shingle roofs, and all, with the exception of one barn, were erected by him.

In 1910 he built a beautiful thirteen-room residence, thirty-two by sixty feet, with two stories and a basement, frame and finished in hard pine. It is equipped with every modern improvement to be found in a city home, including a lighting, heating and water plant, and is the largest and finest home in Malcom township. Mr. Schultz carries eleven thousand, five hundred dollars insurance on his buildings, and the splendid condition of his farm speaks in no uncertain terms of the substantial degree of success which has come to him. He engages in general farming, but a large portion of his time and attention is devoted to his stock- feeding interests, fattening from eighty to one hundred head of cattle per year and raising from one to two hundred head of hogs yearly. He ships all of his stock to the Chicago market and this branch of his business interests yields large financial returns. He is a stockholder in the Malcom Savings Bank and also in the Malcom Garage Company, and is well known to agricultural circles throughout Poweshiek county as a stockholder in both the Grinnell and Malcom fairs, a director of the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Association and of the Malcom fair.

Mr. Schultz has been married twice. In the year 1882 he wedded Miss Amelia Baum, who was born in Germany in 1858, and when twenty-four years of age came alone to this country. She passed away on the 24th of May, 1901. Unto this union were born seven children, as follows : Emma, the wife of W. L. Lamb, of Malcom township ; Minnie, Alvena and John, all at home ; George, who passed away when five years old ; and Elmer and May, who are also still under the parental roof. On the I2th of December, 1910, Mr. Schultz was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Deffenbaugh, who was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on the 25th of February, 1869.

Mr. Schultz is a member of the German Lutheran church, the site of which was donated by his father and of which he is a helpful and interested worker and a substantial supporter. He is a republican in politics and has filled various school and road offices, while for the past seven years he has served as township trustee. Probably few men are better known in agricultural circles throughout this district than Mr. Schultz, whose efforts to stimulate the interests of his fellowmen toward progress and advancement along agricultural and stock-raising lines have been far-reaching and beneficial. In his public capacity, too, he has ever sought the good of the community, casting the weight of his influence on the side of advancement along material, political, intellectual and moral lines, and in every relation of life he has been found loyal and public-spirited, his own success never for a moment causing him to forget his duties as a citizen.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

HENRY J. SCHMIDT.

A representative of a well known family of Poweshiek county, Henry J. Schmidt has most creditably upheld the name and is one of the prosperous farmers of Washington township. He has, from his boyhood, been actuated by a laudable ambition to excel in whatever he undertook, and there are few farmers of his age in central Iowa who can truly claim a more practical knowledge of agriculture and stock-raising.

He is a native of Washington township and was born on the old family homestead, June 21, 1873, being a son of Peter and Eliza (Saunders) Schmidt, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Pennsylvania. The father emigrated to America and lived for several years in Pennsylvania, after which he took up his residence on a farm in Washington township, Poweshiek county, Iowa. He was highly successful in his vocation, becoming one of the leading farmers of the county, and he and his wife are now living retired. They are both members of the Catholic church and in politics he gives his support to the democratic party. In their family were ten children, as follows: William, who is now living in Washington township; Sarah, who is the wife of Herman Selle, also of Washington township; Samuel, who lives in Jasper county, Iowa; Frank, who is deceased; Henry J., of this review; Mary, now the wife of William Whalen, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Rosie, the wife of August Greagor, of Napoleon, North Dakota; Peter, who is living at home; Elizabeth, the wife of Guy Ford, of Howard, North Dakota; and Francis, who lives at home.

Henry J. Schmidt attended the district schools of Washington township and assisted his father upon the home farm until reaching the age of twenty-one years. He then began business upon his own account by renting land, which he cultivated for five years, after which he purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Washington township as his home farm. He devotes his attention especially to raising horses and cattle and, being a good judge of animals and thoroughly interested in his calling, he is meeting with a gratifying measure of success. He is energetic and progressive and always keeps thoroughly informed as to the markets and the best methods in agriculture and stock-raising. He has for years past been a steadily growing influence in the community.

On the I3th of October, 1898, Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Mary E. Schmitz, a daughter of John Schmitz, of Grinnell township, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church, in which they were reared, and he is a liberal contributor toward its maintenance. In political faith he adheres to the democratic party, but he does not seek public office, as his time and energies are devoted to his farm. He is a man of unexceptionable character and it may be said of him that he is most honored where he is best known.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

WILLIAM F. SCHMIDT.

William F. Schmidt, an enterprising and energetic agriculturist of Poweshiek county, owns a well improved tract of land, comprising one hundred and twenty acres in Washington township, and devotes his attention to both farming and stock-raising. His birth occurred in that township on the i8th of May, 1864, his parents being Peter and Eliza (Sanders) Schmidt, who are mentioned at greater length in another part of this work. Unto them were born ten children, as follows : William F., of this review ; Sarah, the wife of Harmon Sullee, of Washington township ; Samuel, who is a resident of Jasper county, Iowa ; Henry J., living in Washington township, and who is represented elsewhere in this volume; Elizabeth, the wife of Guy Ford, who makes her home in Canada ; Peter and Francis, both at home ; Frank, who is deceased ; Mary, the wife of William Whalen, of Mahaska county, Iowa; and Rose, the wife of August Gregor, of Bismarck, North Dakota.

William F. Schmidt obtained his education in the schools of his native township. Upon leaving school he assisted in the operation of the home farm for several years. He also worked at well driving and tile laying for a time. In 1899 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Washington township, draining the land and otherwise improving the property. In addition to cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate he also devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, having met with a gratifying measure of success in both branches of his business.

On the 28th of December, 1898, Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Mader, a daughter of John and Anna Marie (Bausch) Mader, both of whom were natives of "Baden, Germany, the former born in September, 1832, and the latter on the 28th of September, 1833. Their marriage was celebrated in the fatherland. John Mader, who was a farmer by occupation, emigrated to the United States in 1882, locating in Moline, Illinois, where he labored in the mills and also in the plow works. His demise occurred on the 5th of December, 1892, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 20th of December, 1898, both passing away in the faith of the Catholic church. Their children were seven in number, namely: Anton, who is a resident of Germany; Barbara, who is the wife of Max Hanger and also resides in Germany ; Joseph, living in the state of Washington ; Engelbert, of Colfax, Washington ; Mrs. Christian Kill, deceased, of Moline, Illinois; Mrs. Schmidt, who was born in Baden, Germany, on the 3d of November, 1865, and who accompanied her parents on their emigration to the United States ; and Gustav, who is a resident of San Francisco, California. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William F. Schmidt have been born two children: Anna Marie, whose natal day was November 16, 1899; and Joseph Frederick, whose birth occurred on the eight of March, 1904.

In politics Mr. Schmidt is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church, of which his wife is also a devoted communicant. He has resided in Poweshiek county from his birth to the present time. That his life has ever been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

SAMUEL J. SNIDER.

Samuel J. Snider, who is engaged in general farming in Union township, was born in the township where he is now residing on the I2th of March, 1855, and is the eldest son of the late John and Rachel (Durbin) Snider. The father was a native of Tuscarawas county. Ohio, and the mother of Muskingum county, that state. John Snider, who was a lumberman, came to Poweshiek county as a young man and engaged in farming, continuing to be identified with that vocation until about five years prior to his death, at which time he retired. The mother has also passed away. Unto them were born eight children, five of whom are living, namely : Samuel J., our subject ; Morton L., who is residing in Union township ; George B. and Martha, both of whom are deceased ; Alice, who married Stephen Rivers, also of Union township; Elizabeth, the wife of Grant Johnson, of this township ; Cora, who married John W. Rogers, of Bates county, Missouri ; and Frank, deceased. The family attended the Christian church, of which the father was for many years an elder, while his political allegiance was accorded the democratic party and he served his township in the capacity of school director.

The boyhood and youth of Samuel J. Snider did not differ save in detail from those of other farmer lads of that period and like circumstances. His time was divided between the work of the schoolroom and the performance of such tasks as were assigned by parental authority, while for recreation he indulged in the sports in which young people in the more sparsely settled communities usually revel. In the acquirement of his education he attended the district schools in his vicinity, and after laying aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the farm. Later he worked by the month as a farm hand, being thus employed until he attained his majority. He subsequently purchased forty-two acres of land and engaged in general farming. Having met with a fair degree of success in his ventures he has since added to his original tract until he now owns one hundred and two acres of land, which is under a good state of cultivation.

Ever since age conferred upon him the right of suffrage Mr. Snider has given his political support to the candidates of the democratic party, while his religious views are manifested through his affiliation with the Christian church, of which he was formerly a deacon. He has always led a quiet, unobtrusive life but is known to be a kind neighbor and loyal friend.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

ERASTUS SNOW.

Although nearly a decade has elapsed since the demise of Erastus Snow his personality was too strongly impressed upon the community where he had resided for so many years for him to be readily forgotten. A man of rare ability and possessing a high sense of public duty he is remembered as an agriculturist, financier and legislator, but probably best as the citizen who was always willing to contribute both his time and money to forward any movement for the general good of the community. Of Puritan extraction, the early principles fostered in a New England home remained with him throughout life.

His birth occurred in Winchester. New Hampshire, on the 19th of September, 1819. He was reared in the paternal home to the age of twelve years, acquiring his education in the common schools of his native town. One evening after he had passed his thirteenth birthday he was reading the paper by the firelight when his eye was caught by an advertisement which read, "Wanted, a boy in a printing office. Apply here." Being an ambitious lad, he was most anxious to begin his business career and so applied to his father for permission to take the position. Ten minutes later Mr. Snow placed within his pocket a note for fifty dollars, bearing the signature of little Erastus, remarking as he did so that he would always have something coming to him. The mother, however, thought better of her son than that and replied, "That note will be paid." It was to this early confidence reposed in him by his mother that Erastus Snow attributed much of his success in after life. At times when everything looked hopeless and he was ready to give up or was sorely tempted to compromise with right he would remember his mother, and her belief in him gave him renewed courage and enabled him to conquer conditions rather than to permit them to conquer him.

The note, which he had given his father, was to compensate the parent for the lad's time and services up to the time he had attained his majority, which at that period was deemed to be the right of every parent. At the expiration of three years it was canceled, in confirmation of his mother's trust, although the lad had only received fifty dollars for his first year's service, which sum was doubled the second and tripled the third year. Before he had attained his majority he had lifted the mortgage from the old homestead, thus relieving from anxiety the latter days of his parents. Mr. Snow did not follow his trade for many years, simply using it as a stepping stone to something higher. Returning to his old home he worked in the bank for a while but believing that the west afforded better opportunities for men of limited means he removed to Iowa. Upon his arrival here he first located in Davenport, where he resided for two years, and then removed to Poweshiek county, buying some land east of Grinnell, in the cultivation of which he was engaged when elected president of the First National Bank, following which he came to town to live. He served most efficiently in various public capacities during the long period of his residence here, having been elected to both branches of the legislature as well as to the board of supervisors. The latter office he held at the time when the matter of railroad bonds was being so strongly agitated in the county, but probably his most notable service was in assisting the School district to cancel its early indebtedness. After leaving the First National Bank, of which he was the first president, he became connected with the Grinnell Savings Bank, subsequently assuming the management of the Granger store for a number of years, while he was also identified with the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. During the latter years of his life he withdrew from all public activities and returned to his farm, where he resided until: December, 1893, although he rented the land. He then removed to Grinnell, where he was living at the time of his demise on the 1st of March, 1902.

On the 17th of October, 1887, Mr. Snow was united in marriage in Boston, Massachusetts, to Mrs. Harriett E. (Haskell) Waterhouse, whose husband had been killed in the first battle of Bull Run. He was a member of Company C, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Waterhouse were living in Minnesota when the war opened but after the death of her husband she returned to the east, settling in Boston. She was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Johnson) Haskell, natives of Maine, in which state the father, who was a strong abolitionist, engaged in agricultural pursuits until his demise in 1852. His wife survived until 1872. Three children were born unto Mr. Snow by a former marriage but the daughter passed away when she was twenty-four years of age, and the two sons are also deceased.

His political allegiance Mr. Snow ever accorded the men and measures of the republican party, believing its principles were best adapted to protect the interests of the general public, but he favored free silver. He early adopted for his motto the old adage "Be sure you are right then go ahead," which became the governing principle of his life.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

ERNEST HEYWOOD SPAULDING.

Ernest Heywood Spaulding, engaged in the manufacture of vehicles and in the sale of automobiles, having the agency for some of the best known makers of motor cars, was born in Grinnell, October 12, 1881, a son of Henry W. and Merriam Jane (Lull) Spaulding. He pursued his education in the schools of this city, supplementing his public school course by study in the Iowa College Academy and College, during which time he gave special attention to political science and history. In the same year in which he won his degree he became an active factor in the business circles of Grinnell by forming a partnership with H. W. and F. E. Spaulding in the manufacture of vehicles. The same year he took the agency of one of the few motor cars then manufactured, and a little later built the first garage for motor cars in the county. In this connection he has developed a good business and has had the satisfaction of introducing many well manufactured cars to the trade in Poweshiek county. He not only engages in the sale of automobiles, but also conducts a repair department and, in fact, has a splendidly equipped garage.

On the 17th of August, 1904, at Des Moines, Iowa, Mr. Spaulding was united in marriage to Miss Irma Towne, who was graduated from Iowa College in the class of 1903. They now have one daughter, Merriam Jane. In his political views Mr. Spaulding is a republican who firmly believes in the principles of the party, but does not seek nor desire office. He holds membership with the Masonic lodge, the University Club of Chicago and the Poweshiek Club of Grinnell. In his native city he is regarded as a popular resident, his geniality and unaffected cordiality winning him many friends, while the sterling traits of his character have commended him to the confidence and good will of the general public. In business he has made steady advancement, and the spirit of progress which he manifested in establishing the first garage in the county has characterized him in all of his business activity and brought him substantial success.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

FREDERICK ELLIOTT SPAULDING.

Frederick Elliott Spaulding, a prominent vehicle manufacturer of Grinnell, is associated in business with H. W. and E. H. Spaulding. He is also a director of the Ohio Valley Bending Company, the Mercer Wheel Company and the Moline Pole and Shaft Company. His birth occurred in Grinnell, Iowa, on the 29th of November, 1877, his parents being Henry W. and Miriam Jane (Lull) Spaulding. He supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in Grinnell College, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1899, while the following year he won the same degree from Princeton University of Princeton, New Jersey. On starting out in business life he joined his father in the manufacture of vehicles and in 1900 his brother, E. H. Spaulding, also became a member of the firm.

On the 3d of October, 1900, at Sibley, Iowa, Mr. Spaulding was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Morse Brown, a daughter of Charles E. Brown of that place. Unto them has been born one child, Elizabeth Jane Spaulding.

Mr. Spaulding gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church of Grinnell. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he also belongs to the Poweshiek Club. His entire life has been spent in Grinnell and he has won an enviable reputation as a successful business man and respected citizen.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

HON. HENRY W. SPAULDING.

Hon. Henry W. Spaulding, one of the most prominent and leading citizens of Poweshiek county, is at the head of the Spaulding Manufacturing Company, makers of carriages and automobiles at Grinnell and one of the largest manufacturing firms in the west. In the fall of 1910 he was honored by election to the state senate, now representing the twelfth district in that body.

His birth occurred in the northern part of Vermont on the 29th of June, 1846. When still but a boy he removed with his parents to a farm in Orange county, that state, continuing to reside thereon until nineteen years of age, when he bought his time from his mother and started out in business life on his own account. After working at various occupations for two years he built a shop in Chelsea, Vermont, hired a good blacksmith and began to learn the blacksmith's trade, occasionally building a buggy. In the course of a year or more, having two or three finished buggies on hand and creditors pressing him for money which was due them for stock, he took two buggies, hitching one behind the other, and started out to sell them. Having made the sales, he returned and settled his most pressing debts. This was the origin of the trailing system, which has been followed by the Spaulding Manufacturing Company for the past thirty-five years with success. After carrying on business in Chelsea for about two years, H. W. Spaulding sold out and went to work as a journeyman smith in different shops.

About two years later he entered the service of Jacob Estey & Company, organ manufacturers of Brattleboro, Vermont, and at the end of about three months was put in charge of their blacksmithing department. He remained with the firm of Jacob Estey & Company for about three years and then went on the road for the Wiley & Russell Manufacturing Company of Greenfield, Massachusetts, manufacturers of screw cutting machines, selling machinery for about four years and traveling as far west as Iowa and also into Canada.

This state impressed him favorably and on the nth of April, 1876, he took up his abode in Grinnell, here beginning business as a blacksmith and carriage manufacturer on a small scale. The first year he turned out about fifteen new vehicles, annually increasing the number until on the 1st of January, 1883, he was manufacturing about three hundred and fifty carriages a year. On the I7th of June, 1882, owing to a disastrous cyclone, Mr. Spaulding sustained a heavy loss financially and also suffered severe physical injuries. On the 1st of January, 1883, he sold a half interest in the business to A. P. Phillips & Son, the name of the firm becoming Spaulding, Phillips & Company. Their business gradually increased until on the 1st of January, 1887, they were taking care of eight hundred jobs a year. At that time Phillips & Son withdrew and M. Snyder held their interest for one year, the name of the concern being Spaulding & Snyder. Their annual output was nine hundred vehicles. On the 1st of January. 1888, Graver, Steele & Austin purchased the half interest of Mr. Snyder, who retired. The firm then continued business under the style of Spaulding & Company and in 1888 manufactured two thousand vehicles. Wishing to push their Headers, Craver, Steele & Austin withdrew from the company and Mr. Spaulding conducted business independently for one year. On the 1st of January, 1890, M. Snyder and William Miles each bough a fourth interest in the concern, the name of which was changed to the Spaulding Manufacturing Company. At the end of a year Mr. Spaulding purchased Mr. Snyder's interest, then owning three- fourths of the business. In the decade between 1890 and 1900 the output of the company was increased from two thousand to four thousand vehicles annually. On the 8th of March, 1893, the Spaulding Manufacturing Company sustained a loss by fire of from fifty-five to sixty thousand dollars, and the insurance paid thereon was eighteen thousand five hundred dollars. On the ist of January, 1900, F. E. and E. H. Spaulding, sons of H. W. Spaulding, bought out William Miles and have since remained partners of their father, holding a third interest each. In 1903 the concern manufactured and sold six thousand and one vehicles, while at the present time their annual output numbers ten thousand vehicles and employment is furnished to three hundred people. Their vehicles are sold direct to the consumers and find a ready sale in all the southern, western and northwestern states. For the past two years they have also manufactured automobiles. The plant of the company covers almost an entire block and a part of another. The house from the beginning has sustained a reputation for undoubted integrity and reliability in its methods that has made the name of Spaulding a synonym for commercial honor in Grinnell. Mr. Spaulding is now and for about fourteen years past has been a trustee of Grinnell College, manifesting a deep and helpful interest in the institution.

He is likewise a prominent factor in financial circles as the president of the Citizens National Bank of Grinnell and is a director in many other institutions. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, since his prosperity is entirely due to his own labor, his utilization of opportunity and his persistency of purpose. Mr. Spaulding has been twice married. In October, 1872, he wedded Miss Miriam J. Lull, by whom he had three sons, namely : Harry E., who died at the age of twelve years ; F. E. ; and E. H. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1888 and in 1903 Mr. Spaulding was again married, his second union being with Miss Aimee M. Haight, whose birth occurred near Aurora, Kane county, Illinois, January 4, 1870. They are the parents of two daughters, Alice C. and Henryetta W., both of whom were born in Grinnell. In politics Mr. Spaulding is a stanch republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. For one term he served as councilman and for a similar period discharged the responsible duties devolving upon him as mayor of Grinnell. In the fall of 1910 he was elected to the state senate from the twelfth district, comprising Keokuk and Poweshiek counties. In that body he is now ably and creditably serving, taking an active part in the business that is transacted in council chambers of the state. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, to which his wife also belongs and of which he is a trustee. In all of his business relations Mr. Spaulding has been thoroughly reliable and in his treatment of employees is just and considerate. Without the aid of influence or wealth he has risen to a position among the most prominent men of Iowa and his native genius and acquired ability are the stepping stones on which he has mounted.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

JOHN HENRY STANLEY.

John Henry Stanley, who is now living retired in Searsboro, was born in Miami county, Ohio, on the 21st of July, 1838, and is a son of John T. and Mary (Barber) Stanley. The parents were both natives of Virginia, the father having been born in Halifax county on the 25th of July, 1806, and the mother in Vermont county on the I2th of August, 1811. They were reared and educated in their native state, where they were also married. Subsequently they migrated to Ohio, locating on a farm which they rented in Miami county in 1833. They continued to reside in the Buckeye state until 1851, when they came to Poweshiek county and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sugar Creek township. Later Mr. Stanley purchased eighty acres of school land, which he cleared and improved, continuing to engage in general farming until about three years prior to his demise, when he retired. He passed away on the 26th of March, 1888, and his wife in August, 1890. He voted with the democratic party and served for several years as township trustee, while both he and his wife held membership in the Baptist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stanley were born eight children: Martha J., who is deceased: Julia A., the wife of John Baker, a resident of Poweshiek county; Mary E., the wife of John English, of Sugar Creek township; John Henry, our subject; James T., who is living in Mahaska county; Granville M., who is deceased; Lawson M.. also a resident of Mahaska county; and William, who is deceased.

The district schools of Sugar Creek township provided John Henry Stanley with his educational advantages. After laying aside his text-books he gave his entire time and attention to the work of the farm until he had attained his majority. He subsequently bought forty acres of land from his father, which he cultivated for a time and then disposing of it he went to Kansas, locating in Norton county. At the end of a year he returned to Sugar Creek township where he bought eighty acres of land; selling this, later he purchased fifty acres elsewhere in the township. Five years thereafter he bought the old homestead which he retained until 1898, when he traded it to B. T. Vestal for a stock of general merchandise in Searsboro. After conducting the store fr>r eighteen months he traded it for a farm in Sugar Creek township, which he sold later, and once more bought the old homestead. He operated this for two years and then came to Searsboro, where he erected a building and again engaged in the mercantile business, being associated with his son, Robert H. in the conduct of same. Two years later he sold this business to I. S. Saunders and bought a livery stable, which he conducted for three years, but he is now renting it. At the present time Mr. Stanley is practically living a retired life in Searsboro, where he owns a very comfortable residence.

On the nth of March, 1860, Mr. Stanley was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Reed, a daughter of William and Eliza (Reed) Reed, of Sugar Creek township. The parents were born in North Carolina in 1814, and there the father engaged in farming until his demise. Mrs. Stanley is also a native of North Carolina her birth having occurred in Perquimans county on the i6th of May, 1840. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Reed removed with her family to Indiana, locating in the vicinity of Richmond, where she later married Philip Reed. In 1854 the family came to Poweshiek county and settled on an eighty acre farm in Sugar Creek township which Mr. Reed bought. Here the mother passed away in March, 1865. He went to California later and there engaged in farming until his death. He was a republican in politics and both Mr. and Mrs. Reed affiliated with the United Brethren church. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley there were born seven children: Charles L., who is a resident of Malcom township; Mary F., who married John Stilwell, of South Dakota; Emma E., the wife of David Miller, of New Sharon, Mahaska county, Iowa; Ella E., who married Jefferson Gordon, of Oskaloosa; Robert H., who is living in Searsboro; Minnie M., who married Clarence Main, of Sugar Creek township; and Ellen, who died in infancy.

Fraternally Mr. Stanley is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been a member of Searsboro Lodge, No. 335, for thirty-three years, during which time he has-held the various chairs, while Mrs. Stanley is a member of the Society of Friends. Mr. Stanley's political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and he has served two years as township trustee, while for ten years he was a member of the school board, during six of which he was secretary, and at the present time he is serving his third term as clerk of the township. Nearly the entire life of Mr. Stanley has been spent in Poweshiek county, where he has made many friends whose regard he still retains.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

JOHN H. STONE.

Among the natives of the Keystone state who have attained marked success as farmers in Poweshiek county is John H. Stone, the owner of a valuable farm in Grinnell township, which he acquired through his industry and practical knowledge of his calling. He was born in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1858, a son of Linza and Priscilla (Turner) Stone, the former of whom was born in England and the latter in Pennsylvania. The mother died in 1860, and six years later the father came west with his family to Tama county, Iowa, and subsequently established his home in Madison township, Poweshiek county. He died in Tama county in 1895.

John H. Stone changed his residence several times, living in Sheridan township for sixteen years, after which he settled in Grinnell township where he now lives. He received his education in the common schools, but being the possessor of good faculties of observation and reflection, he has in the course of his life acquired considerable knowledge not found in books. His well improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres is under a high state of cultivation and produces gratifying annual returns. He makes a specialty of raising cattle and hogs for the market and is more than ordinarily successful, as he has mastered the business in all its details and devoted to it his best energies.

In July, 1885, Mr. Stone was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Shadel, who was born in Illinois and is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Stacey) Shadel. Her father was born in Germany and the mother in Switzerland. They came to this country and were married in Illinois, and later removed to Sheridan township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, becoming closely identified with the agricultural interests of the county. They are now living at Tama. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are the parents of six children, namely: Henry E., Fred T., Nellie E., George A., Louis C. and Mary Vivian.

Mr. Stone has been a resident of Iowa since his childhood, and few men in the state have a more comprehensive knowledge of its agricultural resources and possibilities. He has demonstrated the beneficial results of systematic application to agriculture and stock-raising and ranks among the substantial and enterprising men of the county. Politically he adheres to no party, preferring to cast his vote independently and be governed by the conditions prevailing at the time of the election, rather than by any party platform. Fraternally he is a valued member of Sheridan Lodge, No. 303, M. W. A.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

CHARLES SWECKER.

Charles Swecker is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land in Jefferson township, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and which yields him a handsome annual income.

He is a native of this county, and was born in Jefferson township, January 25, 1873, a son of Abraham and Lydia (Niswander) Swecker, who were both natives of Virginia. The father was reared as a farmer and came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, with his family in the spring of 1872. He engaged successfully in agriculture and stock-raising and became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of good land, which he cultivated for over thirty years. He then retired to Hartwick, where he died in July, 1906. The mother is still living and resides at Belle Paine.

Charles Wrecker's, of this review, possessed good opportunities of education in the common schools, and under his father became well acquainted with all classes of work pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. In 1894 he began working on his own account on the old homestead north of Hart wick. and in the spring of 1910 removed to his present location on section 34, where he engages in general agriculture, also raising cattle and hogs for the market.

He cultivates the soil to good advantage and his farm yields a reliable income. The buildings are all in excellent order and he and his family have one of the most comfortable homes in the township.

In 1897 Mr. Wrecker's was married to Miss Myrtle Wilson, a daughter of Jay Wilson, and to this union one child, Rex. J., was born. The mother of this child died May 3, 1898, and in September, 1899, Mr. Wrecker's was again married, his second union being with Kathrine Wrathfully, a daughter of James McGrath's, a well known farmer of Jefferson township. To the second marriage of Mr. Swecker four children have been born, namely: Wayne James, Charles Wilson; Myrtle E.; and Eleanor L.

Mr. Swecker casts his ballot in support of the republican party. He has never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, but served with general approval as member of the school board. Religiously he is connected with the Congregational church at Hartwick. He is known as an up-to-date farmer and an intelligent and broad-minded man, one who may be depended upon to lend a hand in forwarding every movement that aims to promote the general welfare.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

WILLIAM ASBURY TAYLOR.

William Asbury Taylor, who owns the Searsboro Telephone Company, was born in Yadkin county, North Carolina, on the 29th of March, 1852. He is a son of Mathew and Mary (Michaels) Taylor, also natives of North Carolina. The father, who was a farmer, came to Poweshiek county in 1855, locating in Union township, where he purchased a farm. When the call came for men in 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and went to the front, where he remained for three years, receiving his discharge at Atlanta, Georgia, in 1865. His political support Mr. Taylor always gave to the men and measures of the republican party, while he kept in touch with his comrades of the field through the medium of his connection with the G. A. R. In matters religious both he, and Mrs. Taylor manifested their views through their affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was born nine children, as follows : William Asbury. our subject ; Nancy, the widow of J. A. Kline, of Washington township ; Sarah, the wife of N. W. Pierce, of Blue Point, Washington township; John, who is deceased; Dorcas; Frank, deceased; Finley, who is a resident of Grinnell; and Ella, the wife of Ira C. Beeler, also a resident of Washington township, and one who died in infancy, being the sixth child in order of birth.

After the completion of his preliminary, education, which was acquired in the common schools, William Asbury Taylor studied for a time at Iowa College, Grinnell, Iowa, following which he taught school for a few years. Deciding at the end of that period that he preferred farming he went to Washington township where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1881. For two years thereafter he conducted a general merchandise business in Searsboro, but in 1883 he returned to farming. In 1908 he bought the Searsboro Telephone Company, with which he continues to be successfully identified. They have over two hundred and twenty subscribers on the line and their business is constantly increasing.

Mr. Taylor was united in marriage on the I7th of October, 1872, to Miss Minnie Reed, a daughter of Charles and Malvina (Wood) Reed of Mahaska county, Iowa. The father was a native of England and the mother of New York state, where they were married. Mr. Reed emigrated to the United States in his early manhood, locating in the state of New York where he engaged in contracting. In 1855 together with his wife and family he came to Poweshiek county, continuing to follow his trade, and he also worked in the mines in the vicinity of New Sharon, Iowa. He served for three or four years in the Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, being honorably discharged. In politics he was a republican and both he and his wife affiliated with the Methodist, Episcopal church.

Mrs. Taylor is a native of the state of New York, her birth having occurred there on the nth of May, 1854. Ten children have been born1 of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, the order of their birth being as follows : Frankie, who is deceased; May, the wife of J. W. Playle, residing in the vicinity of Montezuma; Nina, the deceased wife of Frank Morrison; Charles, who lives in Pleasant township ; Fred, a resident of Washington township ; Clara, the wife of R. D. Ready, of Hayes county, Nebraska ; John, who is living in the same place; and Frank, Henry and Pearl, all of whom are at home.

In religious matters the views of the family coincide with those of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, the parents being affiliated with the church at Blue Point, and fraternally Mr. Taylor is a member of the Masonic order. He casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party and served for several terms as school trustee, township clerk and assessor, while for eighteen years he was secretary of the township school board. He is one of the public- spirited and progressive citizens, as well as capable business men of Searsboro, where he is widely known, and highly regarded.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

W. H. TAYLOR.

Perhaps no resident of Barnes City, Iowa, occupies a more prominent place among the builders of the town than does W. H. Taylor, whose generous donation of land made possible the establishment of enterprises around which, as a nucleus, the flourishing little village has had its growth. Born in Parke county. Indiana, on the 3d of February, 1845, he's a son of William and Martha (Darland) Taylor, also natives of that state. There the father passed away when the son was but a year old, and subsequently his wife and her mother, Mrs. Alsey (Reynolds) Darland, also a widow, removed to Warren county, Illinois, where they resided until about 1857. They then came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where both passed away. W. H. Taylor, of this review, was the youngest and is now the only living member of a family of three children, the others being: Amanda, the deceased wife of George Anderson; and John Dudley.

W. H. Taylor was a lad of twelve years when he took up his abode in Poweshiek county, and since the age of twenty-three years he has made his home upon his present farm. When twenty-one years of age he purchased eighty acres of this farm, to which he later added as he prospered in his agricultural pursuits until he became one of the most extensive landowners in his section of the county, in fact which speaks strongly of a life of industry, perseverance and ambition on the part of one whose start in life was in no way auspicious and whose gradual rise in the business world came as the result of his own well directed efforts. At one time he owned all of section 34, Jackson township, eighty acres of section 33 and eighty acres of section 27, all lying in one body, and constituting one of the finest and most valuable estates in the township. Twenty acres of this property is within the corporation limits of Barnes City and upon this tract Mr. Taylor now makes his home. He has disposed of much of his land to his sons, although the entire tract still remains in the possession of the family. It is equipped with five good sets of buildings, occupied by two sons, a son-in-law and two tenants, and is a well improved property, all of the up-to-date conveniences and accessories of a model farm having been introduced by Mr. Taylor. In 1897 he built a large barn, forty-eight by ninety-six feet, and in the following year erected his present handsome fourteen-room dwelling, equipped throughout with all of the latest improvements. In former years he operated this place himself, actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising, but during the past few years has rented the land. In 1892 he became identified with the commercial interests of Barnes City as proprietor of a general mercantile business operated under the firm style of W. H. Taylor & Sons. For about seven years this enterprise had a continuous and successful growth under his management, becoming one of the most important business concerns of the town, and then, in 1899, he withdrew from active life, leaving the entire direction and management of the business to his sons, who have since conducted it under the original name of W. H. Taylor & Sons. He is now living retired, enjoying in well earned rest a fortune which is at once substantial and honorable.

Mr. Taylor was married, in 1868, to Miss Martha Ann Fisher, whose death occurred in 1872. For his second wife he chose Miss Martha Jane Lown, whom he wedded on the 17th of April, 1876. She was born in Marion county, Ohio, on the I3th of May, 1847, and in 1856 came to Iowa with her parents, Thomas and Jane (Hodson), both natives of England. Her father had come alone to this county in early manhood, while the mother had been brought to Ohio by her parents when only eight years of age. They were married in Richmond county, Ohio, and both passed away in Iowa county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born five children, as follows: Charles W., a member of the firm of W. H. Taylor & Sons; Martin D., also a member of that firm; James M., a resident of Texas, who has an interest in the firm; Elsie E., the wife of James Doan, of Barnes City, who is likewise one of the firm; and George F., now operating a part of the home farm. At one time all of these children were connected with their father in the active management of the business of W. H. Taylor & Sons.' Mr. Taylor belongs to the Christian church, whose teachings form the guiding influence in his life, and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. A stalwart democrat, he has never been active in politics, however, further than casting his ballot at the polls, but he is nevertheless deeply interested in the welfare of the community, and his name is foremost upon the list of the town's public-spirited citizens and benefactors. It was his donation of nine acres of land to the Rock Island Railroad Company for a right of way and a site for a station that decided the location of the town of Barnes City at this point, and thus with its very founding his name is connected. He also gave a tract of three acres as a site for the Barnes City Tile Factory and in this way brought to the village one of its well known and important industries, and he also assisted largely in the erection of all three of the church edifices here. An excellent example of the self-made man. he has every reason to be proud of the success which he has achieved and the high place which he has won in the community, for his life has been one of noble purposes and has found its reward in the high regard, respect and good-will in which he is held by all who know him.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

FRANK E. TERRELL.

One of Poweshiek county's native sons who has successfully directed his activities along agricultural lines is Frank E. Terrell, a well known stockman of Union township. His birth occurred in the township where he is now residing on the 23d of September, 1864, his parents being Christopher C. and Martha Ann (McCoy) Terrell, who were both natives of Highland county, Ohio. The father's natal day was the 30th of May, 1819, and that of the mother the I4th of March, 1822. Christopher C. Terrell, who was a physician, pursued his professional studies in the Cincinnati Medical College, from which institution he received the degree of M. D. Following his graduation he first engaged in practice in Leesburg, Ohio, going from there to Martinsburg, where he met the lady who subsequently became his wife. In 1856 he removed with his family to Forest Home, Union township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, where he engaged in the practice of his profession until he retired. Here the mother passed away on the 23d of May, 1882, but the father survived until the 28th of February, 1897. They were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are living: Charles W., who is a resident of Des Moines, Iowa; Mary Esther, who became the wife of John A. Griffith, of Montana; Ida, who married Isaac H. Saunders. of Union township; and Frank E., our subject. Among those Deceased were Nancy Jane, Lois, Thomas, Andrew, Victoria and Era. The mother was a Presbyterian, while the father was a member of the Christian church. Fraternally Dr. Terrell was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order. He was a public-spirited man, always took an active interest in local politics and was several times elected to minor township offices, his support being given to the candidates of the republican party.

After the completion of his preliminary education, in the acquirement of which he attended the public schools, Frank E. Terrell studied at Iowa College, Grinnell and Penn College, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Early having decided to become an agriculturist after the completion of his education he worked on a farm for a time and then rented his present homestead, which in 1897 he purchased. It contains one hundred and fifty-five acres, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation and which is known as Woodland Stock Farm. Here Mr. Terrell devotes practically his entire attention to the breeding and raising of fancy shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs.

Mr. Terrell was married in Poweshiek county, this state, on the i8th of November, 1884, to Miss Irene Benson, a daughter of George and Josephine (Benson) Benson, natives of Jamestown, Ohio. They came to Iowa during pioneer days, locating in Lucas county, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years. From there they went to Oregon, of which state Mrs. Terrell is a native, her birth having occurred in Salem on the i8th of January, 1865. Mr. Benson continued to follow farming in the west until his demise, following which Mrs. Benson, who is now living in Forest Home, returned to Iowa. The family affiliated with the Christian church, while Mr. Benson gave his political support to the republican party. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Terrell have been born five children: Coleman C., a resident of Charles City, Iowa, who married Miss Adela Miller; Martha, who married Joseph Miller, of Sugar Creek township; G. Clark, who is living at home; Lillian, at home; and Pauline, who also resides at home.

Ever since granted the full rights of citizenship Mr. Terrell has given his support to the men and measures of the republican party. He is now serving as township trustee and always takes an active and helpful interest in all public movements the adoption of which he feels will promote the intellectual or moral welfare of the community.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

WILLIAM F. VOGT.

Starting out for himself as a young man with the laudable ambition to win for himself an honorable place in the world, William F. Vogt has succeeded, perhaps, even beyond the brightest expectations of his earliest years, and today he is living retired on a beautiful farm in Poweshiek county, while his sons are carrying forward the work which he began. He is a native of Scott county, Iowa, and was born June 9, 1848, a son of John C. and Catherine (Graff) Vogt, both of whom were born in Holstein, Germany. They were married in the old country and came to America in 1847, locating on a farm in Scott county, Iowa, where Mr. Vogt established his home. Educated in the district schools William F. Vogt grew up under the friendly shelter of the parental home and was early made acquainted with the many details of agriculture and stock-raising. Even as a boy he showed special adaptability to agricultural pursuits, and as he grew to manhood it became evident that he was destined to become a successful farmer. He continued at home until after he had reached the age of manhood and then began farming on his own account in his native county. In 1883 he came to Poweshiek county and for twenty-two years applied himself to farming and stock raising with most gratifying results. In 1905 he moved to Grinnell, and after living for three years in the city returned to the country and took up his residence on a farm which he had acquired adjoining his old homestead. Here, surrounded by every comfort that can be desired, he is enjoying the fruits of many years of labor. He is an extensive landowner, being the possessor of one thousand and nine acres in Poweshiek county, and also of land in Jasper county and three hundred and twenty acres in Minnesota. In addition to his agricultural interests he is vice president of the Citizens Bank of Grinnell, of which he was one of the founders. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Brick & Tile Company of Grinnell, and is a man whose judgment in business affairs is greatly respected wherever he is known.

On the 13th day of March, 1875, Mr. Vogt was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Brockman, a daughter of C. H. and Anna (Sindt) Brockman, both of whom were born in Germany. The family came to America and located in Scott county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming. He passed away in 1898, but the mother is still living on the old homestead with her son. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vogt, namely: C. J., who married Sadie Evans, of Grinnell township and now lives on the home farm ; Harry C., also on the home farm ; Walter E. and Otis B., both of whom are on the home farm ; Clarence, who is now a student in the common schools ; Grover Cleveland, who is living with his parents ; William McKinley ; Anna C. ; Julia A., who received a high school education and is now teaching at Montezuma ; and Mildred C., at home. Mr. Vogt and his estimable wife are sincere members of the German Lutheran church and active workers in its behalf. By his ballot he supports the principles and candidates of the republican party, being allied with the progressive element, which believes that the party has within itself the resources and ability to correct the evils of government as they arise. He has always been enterprising and public-spirited and few men have contributed more materially to the welfare of the community. As a result he has a host of friends in Poweshiek county who do not hesitate to declare that William F. Vogt is a model citizen.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]

GEORGE W. WALKER

Among the very leaders in enterprising and progressive labors in the county, having done especially good work in the line of horticulture and in the instructor's chair, the subject of this brief article is eminently fitted to be accorded consideration in the history of his county, and it is with pleasure that we grant him such.

George W. was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, on September 23, 1855, being the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Walker. He was well educated in the public schools then attended Moore's Hill College for one year, then at the age of twenty went to Butler county, Kansas, near Eldorado and commenced his career as school teacher. Three years and one-half were spent thus and also in attending school at Eldorado, Augusta, Douglas, and Winfield schools, after which he returned to his native place, teaching there one year. Then he went to Grinnell, Iowa, and there attended Newton school in 1880, also teaching some. He was at Grinnell during the memorable time when the cyclone tore things to pieces.

In 1883 Mr. Walker went to Kansas, purchased a quarter section near Kingman, taught one term there and then returned to his native place to take to himself the wife of his choice, the lady being Miss Estelle, daughter of a prominent Baptist minister there, and a school mate of our subject, her parents being Allen A. and Sarah Anthony. Together they returned to the Kansas home and there wrought with faithfulness until an attack of asthma, in 1888, permanently threatened the health of Mrs. Walker and they sold cut and came to Latah county, where happily occurred the entire recovery from this painful malady. They landed in Moscow on October 18, 1888, and soon bought a quarter section on Big Bear ridge and homesteaded another, the same being thirty miles east from Moscow. He remained on the farm eleven years engaged in horticulture, apple raising, and general farming, besides teaching school. His place is improved in splendid shape and is one of the most productive in the country. In June, 1899, they sold some of their property there and came to their present place, two and one-half miles northeast from Moscow which he bought and where he has made a home since. Mr. Walker has made a special study of fruit raising and he intends to put out twenty-four acres of apples in the spring, using Gano and Roman Beauty varieties, believing these the best for this section.

Three children have been born to this worthy couple, as follows: Ray A., educated at the state university, is now the possessor of a county certificate good for three years, and is teaching school; Edna S., attending school at Moscow; Glen S., going to school. Mr. Walker came to his present place to educate his children. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and are active workers in this realm, he having been converted at the age of twenty. He is a stanch supporter of this faith. Mr. Walker was a settler on Big Bear ridge before Kendrick was started and had to come all the way to Moscow to do trading.

[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.]

S. D. WARD.

S. D. Ward is one of the capable agriculturists of Poweshiek county, whose ability is most ably manifested in the general appearance of his fine farm of one hundred acres in Chester township, where he engages in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 22d of December, 1863, his parents being Milton and Amanda (Denison) Ward, natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, located in Rock Island in 1835, where he remained for three years, then removed to Hampton,. Illinois. In 1884 he came to Poweshiek county, locating in Grinnell, in which city he was living retired when his death occurred two years later.

The common schools of Hampton provided S. D. Ward with an education, which was terminated by his graduation from the high school. He came from Hampton to Poweshiek county, locating upon the farm of one hundred acres in Chester township in the cultivation of which he has ever since been engaged. There is a fine orchard upon the place, in the development of which Mr. Ward has expended much time and money, but it is repaying his efforts. He makes a specialty of feeding stock for the market, a venture which has proven to be highly lucrative.

On the i8th of March, 1886, Mr. Ward was married to Miss Lettie Rickard, a daughter of Alvin and Jane (Nichols) Rickard, her father being a pioneer farmer of Iowa. Four children were born of this union: Ella, who died in infancy ; Samuel Howard, who married Cora Davis, and is living in Chester township ; Alvin D., a graduate of the Grinnell high school, who is teaching in Chester township; and Margaret, who is attending the district school. The religious views of the family coincide with the principles of the Congregational denomination, their membership being held in the church of Chester.

The policy of the republican party has ever found in Mr. Ward a stanch supporter, as he considers it the party best adapted to protect the rights of the majority. He always takes an active and helpful interest in local politics and for twelve years has been assessor of his township, this long period of service eloquently attesting his capable discharge of his responsibilities.

Source: History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement ..., Volume 2
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer

V. S. WILCOX, M. D.

The medical fraternity finds a worthy representative in Dr. V. S. Wilcox, who has made Malcom the scene of his activity throughout his connection with the medical profession. He was born in Homer, Licking county, Ohio, on the ninth of October, 1848, a son of J. P. and Mary (Stark) Wilcox, natives of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. In the Keystone state the parents were reared and married and at an early day went to Ohio. The mother passed away in Tiskilwa, Bureau county, Illinois, and later the father came to Iowa with his son, Dr. Wilcox. He engaged in merchandising at one time, although the greater part of his life was devoted to farming. His death occurred at Aurora, Nebraska. His family consisted of three children, of whom our subject is the eldest, the others being: Louisa, the wife of Jasper Weimer, of North English, Iowa county, Iowa ; and Ella, residing in Aurora, Nebraska. Dr. Wilcox was but seven years of age when he came with his father to Iowa, locating first in Washington county, and in that and Iowa county he spent the intervening period until twenty-two years of age. At the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools, continuing therein until his graduation from the high school, and for one year pursued a literary course at the Iowa State University. He then became a student in the medical department of that institution, from which he was graduated three years later, in 1874, when the M. D. degree was conferred upon him. Immediately after his graduation he came to Malcom and here he has since continued in the practice of his profession. From the first he was highly successful, impressing all with whom he came in contact with his trustworthy character, his earnestness, zeal and scrupulous regard for the ethics of his profession. He is skillful in diagnosis, sure in prescription, thoughtful and tactful in attendance, and prompt and efficacious in emergency. Aside from a large practice, which is distinctively representative and lucrative, he is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres a mile from town, which returns him a most substantial annual income. In 1871 Dr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Hamilton, who was born in Tiffin, Johnson county, Iowa, in July, 1851, a daughter of Hezekiah Hamilton. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Wilcox have been born three children, as follows : Delano, a graduate of the literary department of the Iowa State University, also of Rush Medical College of Chicago, and who is now practicing medicine in connection with his father; Mabel F., the wife of Oscar Bowers, of Malcom; and Nellie G., who married Henry Wickman, now operating Dr. Wilcox's farm in Malcom township.

Dr. Wilcox's professional relations are with the Poweshiek County Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and also belongs to Oriental Commandery, No. 22, K. T., of Newton, while he is likewise a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and was a member of the board of education for thirty years, during which time he served on the building committee of the Malcom high school. For a period of thirty-seven years Dr. Wilcox has practiced continuously in Malcom a period characterized by self-sacrifice and kindly ministrations to others and during that time he has become the loved family physician in many households. He has ever had the interest of the community deeply at heart and few deserve a more prominent position among the town's most representative and valued citizens.

[History of Poweshiek County, Iowa By Leonard Fletcher Parker, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1911
Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]