HISTORY

OF

PAGE COUNTY
IOWA
Also Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent
Citizens of the County

By W. L. KERSHAW
ASSISTED BY THE FOLLOWING NAMED AS AN ADVISORY BOARD:
EDWIN C. LANE, C. A. LISLE,
Editor The Clarinda Journal Editor The Clarinda Herald
W. p. FERGUSON, G. B. JENNINGS,
Shenandoah, Judge of the Superior Court Attorney-at-Law, Shenandoah

VOL. II.

ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO:
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.
1909

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BIOGRAPHICAL

JACOB HOLLAND POWERS.
In the period -which marked the pioneer development of Page county
and witnessed the laying of the foundation upon which has been built its
present prosperity and progress, Jacob PloUand Powers was a prominent
factor in the district. He came here in the early days and for many years
figured prominently in connection with its agricultural interests and also as
the owner of a large amount of real estate. He is well remembered, too,
as a man of kindly spirit and generous civility as manifested in his liberal
aid to those who needed assistance.
He was born near Morgantown in what was then Virginia but is now
West Virg"inia, September 24, 1807, and his life record covered the inter
vening years to the 14th of February, 1884, when he passed away. His
father, Nehemiah Powers, who married Cassandra Holland, was descended
from an old family represented in the American army in the war of the
Revolution. He was a planter and slave owner but freed his bondsmen be
fore his death. In 1819 he removed to Wayne county, Indiana, becoming
one of the pioneer residents of that state, which only three years before had
been admitted to the Union. Subsequently he removed to Henry county,
where his death occurred. He was a member of the Baptist church and his
life was an upright and honorable one, in consistent harmony with his pro
fessions. In his family were twelve children.
Jacob H. Powers spent his youthful days in his parents' home, receiv-
inf his education in private schools. He was a lad of twelve years yvhen his
parents removed from Virginia to Indiana, arriving in that state only two
or three years after its admission to the Union. Many evidences of pioneer
life were still to be seen there and Jacob H. Powers, who was reared as
a farm boy, early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to
the lot of the agriculturist as he converts wild land into productive fields
that annually bring forth rich crops. Not desiring to give his entire atten
tion, however, to the tilling of the soil, he entered, mercantile circles in
6

6 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Indiana and for some time conducted a tannery. In 1853, however, he sold
his business in Indiana and made a visit to Page county. He then returned
to his old home and the following year removed from Muncie, Indiana, to
Clarinda, driving the entire distance across the country. In the year of his
arrival he established a general mercantile store in Clarinda and he also
purchased considerable property, including both city real estate and farm
lands. He thus became an active factor in the development, upbuilding
and improvement of this part of the state. He was one of the pioneer mer
chants of the town and conducted stores on both the west and north sides of
the square. In his mercantile ventures he was successful, carrying such lines
of goods as the public demanded, while his reasonable prices and honorable
dealing won him a continually increasing trade. His lands were adjacent
to the city and with the growth and development of the county increased
rapidly in value. Later he made investment in lands in Missouri, Texas,
Florida and Kansas. As the years passed he conducted important business
negotiations, prospering in his undertakings.
On the 15th of January, 1835, Mr. Powers was united in marriage to
Miss Gilla Scott TomUnson, who was born in Greensboro, North Carohna,
January 15, 1816, and was of English lineage. In early life she held mem
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church and afterward became a member
of the Presbyterian church. She died May 10, 1845, at the age of twenty-
nine years, leaving four children : Amanda Tomlinson, now the wife of
Harvey White, a contractor and builder residing in California ; Sarah
Emeline, who is the widow of Charles Linderman, mentioned elsewhere in
this work ; Mary Holland, now deceased ; and Naomi Olive, who is now mak
ing her home with her sister, Mrs. Lmdermaii.
Mr. Powers was again married in August, 1851, his second union being
with Eliza B. Silvers, who was born in Kentucky and died March 17, 1896,
in her eightieth year. She lived a consistent Christian life, in harmony
with her professions as a member of the Baptist church. By that marriage
there were five children, but two of the number died in infancy. Myra Ella,
born in Muncie, Indiana, died in Clarinda in February, 1863, at the age of
eleven years. Martha Ida, born in Clarinda, died December 7, 1879, in her
twenty-fifth year. Dr. T. E. Powers, the youngest, is represented elsewhere
in this volume.
Jacob H. Powers not only became a successful business man and a large
land owner of the county but was also prominent in other ways. He was
a charter member of the Masonic lodge and also took the degrees of the
Royal Arch chapter and the Knights Templar commandery. In his polit
ical views he was originally an old line whig and eventually, on the dis
solution of that party, became a republican, continuing in the latter or
ganization until his death. He had no aspirations for office, preferring that
others should seek and enjoy the benefits of office holding. He was a very
eenerous man and his benefactions are mentioned in the article devoted to
the history of Nodaway lodge. During his later years he spent half of
his time in Florida and the remainder in Clarinda. He was regarded a."!
one of the city's best and foremost residents, stanchly supporting every

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 7
cause for the public good and giving hberally where aid was needed. While
he conducted important and extensive business affairs, he was ever reliable
in his transactions, his negotiations being in harmony with the strictest
business ethics. He died February 14, 1884, when in his seventy-seventh
year, and because of the prominent place which he occupied in the com
munity no history of this county would be complete without extended
mention of him.

EDWIN CARLOS LANE.
Edwin Carlos Lane, editor of one of the leading county-seat newspapers
of Iowa, was born August 11, 1855, on the home farm of his maternal
grandfather situated midway between Piano and Bristol Station near the
main line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, in Little Rock
township, Kendall county, Ilhnois. He was one of a family of three sons
and one daughter whose parents were Levi Hart and Emily Jane (Kendrick)
Lane. The father was born in Lewis county, New York, in 1830, and
was a son of Lyman Lane, a native of Suffield, Connecticut, who was born
in 1799. Our subject's great-great-great-grandfather, L. Lane, came from
Scotland to New England and was the founder of the family in the new
world. Lyman Lane continued a resident of New England through the
period of his early life and married Miss Nancy Hart, a daughter of the Hon.
Levi Hart, who was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1773, and removed
10 Lewis county, New York in 1798. He was an extensive farmer and figured
prominently in the public life of the community in which he lived, serving
his county in the New York assembly in 1818 and was for many years county
judge of Lewis county. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Lane removed from Lewis
county, New York, to Kendall county, Dlinois, in 1837 and the former ac
quired the ownership of a farm two miles from what is now Yorkville. He
was one of the successful pioneer farmers of Kendal! county, prominent in
the progress of the community along agricultural lines. There he died at
the age of ninety-seven years.
It was his son, Levi Hart Lane, who became the father of Edwin Carlos
Lane. Born in the Empire state he was only about seven years of age
when he accompanied his parents on their westward removal to Ilhnois
and in Kendall county, that state, on February 23, 1854, he was united in
marriage to Miss Emily J. Kendrick, who was born in the state of New
York, in 1833. Her father, Wilham P. Kendrick, was born at HoUis, New
Hampshire, in 1790, attended the Theological Seminary at Atidover, Mas
sachusetts, and was a graduate of Harvard University. For six years he
was a member of the faculty of that famous institution of learning. He
became a Congregational minister and for nearly thirty years acted as a
home missionary in the state of New York. In 1826 he married Emily
Tucker, who was born at Suffield, Connecticut, in 1804, and was a daughter

8 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
of Morris and Ruth (Fowler) Tucker of Suffield, Connecticut, and of
Agawam, Massachusetts, respectively. Rev. and Mrs. William P. Kendrick
removed from the state of New York to Kendall county, Illinois, in 1846,
and there he died in 1854, while his widow passed away in 1861. Having
married their daughter, Emily Jane Kendrick, in Kendall county, Illinois,
in 1854, Dr. Lane engaged in the practice of dentistry at Bristol, now a
part of Yorkville, Illinois, and later removed to Prescott, Linn county, Kan
sas, where he was a druggist for several years. He also acted as postmaster
of that town and his prominence- in t-he-com-munity is indicated by the fact
that he was elected in 1872 to represent Linn county in the state legislature.
For about twenty-five years he has been a resident of Topeka, Kansas. In
1864 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away
in Bristol, Illinois, when their son, Edwin, was but nine years of age.
The name of Carlos came to Edwin Carlos Lane from his great-uncle,
Carlos Hart, who was the son of Judge Levi Hart. Reared in Kendall
county, Illinois, he attended a select school and also the public school in
Bristol, Illinois, now Yorkville. Later he attended the Godard and Rickard
rural schools in the vicinity of Yorkville and added gradually to his knowl
edge through his experiences in printing offices where is demanded broad
general information. At the age of twelve years he had an opportunity to
enter a printing office, which gratified a natural inclination and longing
and, therefore, on the 2d of September, 1867, he became an employe in the
office of the Kendall County Record at Yorkville, Illinois, where he worked
at the printer's trade under the instructions of his employer, John R. Mar
shall, a superior printer. With him Mr. Lane continued for four years
and in 1871 and 1872 was employed as a printer in the office of the Beacon
at Aurora, Illinois. In December of the latter year, he went to Prescott,
Kansas, to assist his father in business and was thus engaged for about
a year and a half, during which time he gained practical insight into business
methods. In July, 1875, he went to La Cygne, Kansas, where he formed
a partnership with J. P. Kenea in the publication of the La Cygne Journal
and for the conduct of a job printing business. Since that time Mr. Lane
and Mr. Kenea have been in partnership, the organization of the firm of
Kenea & Lane being effected in July, 1875. Together they continued the
publication of the La Cygne Journal until August, 1893, when they removed
to Clarinda, Iowa, where in September, 1893, they founded the Clarinda
Journal and in connection therewith a job printing business. For some'
years before leaving La Cygne for Clarinda, Mr. Lane with Mr. Kenea
became financially interested in the publication of a neighboring nevvrspaper,
the Pleasanton Observer, at Pleasanton, Kansas. Mr. Lane has now had
thirty-four years' continuous experience as an editor and publisher and has
always been thoroughly familiar with the details of his business. During all
this time he has been an industrious worker, giving careful, faithful and
intelligent attention to his duties and, therefore, has proven successful.
He has an established reputation as a clear, concise and able writer. His
political and other writings are widely quoted and the Clarinda Journal, of
which he is the editor, is one. of the leading papers of Iowa, standing as a

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 9
splendid representative of modern journalism in all that is commendable and
progressive in the field of newspaper publication at the present time.
In 1889 Mr. Lane was appointed by President Benjamin Harrison to
the position of postmaster of La Cygne, Kansas, and held that office for
more than four years. He resigned the position a short time before his re
moval to Clarinda. He has been a life-long republican and strictly a
straight party man. For ten years he was the member from Linn county of
the second Kansas republican congressional committee and for two years,
including the presidential campaign of 1888, was its chairman. He is now
a member of the Clarinda public library board and in all professional and
non-professional relations is a stalwart advocate oi every movement that
tends to promote general progress and upbuilding in the city. He became a
member of the Masonic fraternity in 1877 when the Entered Apprentice
and Fellowcraft degrees were conferred upon him and in 1878 he was raised
to the degree of a Master Mason in La Cygne Lodge, No. 61, A. F & A. M.,
of which he was the worshipful master for two years. He is now, 1909,
the senior warden of Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M. ; is a Royal
Arch Mason — member of Clarinda Chapter, No. 29, of which he is a past
high priest. He is also a member and past worthy patron of Clarinda
Chapter, No. 214, O. E. S., and he belongs to the First Presbyterian church
of Clarinda. Throughout his entire life he has been connected with the
printing business, having occupied every position in the office from the most
humble to that of editor-in-chief, his advancement following as the logical
sequence of his close application and his thorough understanding of the
work in which he embarked as a young tradesman.

C. N. CRAIN.

C. N. Crain, a successful and enterprising agriculturist and stock-
raiser of Valley township, is the owner of a well improved and valuable
tract of land of three hundred and three acres, known as the Nodaway Val
ley Stock Farm. His birth occurred in Taylor county, Iowa, on the I2th of
April, 1859, his parents being John F. and Margaret (Howard) Grain, the
former a native of Missouri and the latter of Indiana. In 1854 they took
up their abode in Taylor county, Iowa, where the father purchased land
and made his home until called to his final rest in 1871. The mother still
lives in that county, having now attained the age of seventy-four years.
Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, seven of whom yet
survive. C. N. Grain- acquired a common-school education in early life and re
mained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-one
years. He then secured employment as a farm hand and was thus busily
engaged for a period of six years, at the end of which time he rented a tract
of land, devoting his attention to its operation for a few years. In 1889 he
bought the farm on which he now resides in Valley township. Page county.

10 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
and as the years have gone by has placed many substantial improvements
on the property, erecting a commodious and attractive residence, two large
barns and all necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock.
His place comprises three hundred and three acres of rich and arable land
and is known as the Nodaway Valley Stock Farm. He feeds all of his
grain to stock and has met with a gratifying and commendable measure of
prosperity in his undertakings, being widely recognized as a substantial
and representative citizen of the community.
In 1885 Mr. Crain was united in marriage to Miss Nancy C. McKee,
a native of Scott county, Indiana, and a daughter of William and Martha
(Murphy) McKee, the former born in Kentucky and the latter in Indiana.
Both Mr. and Mrs. McKee have passed away. Mrs. Grain was one of a
family of seven children and by her marriage has become the mother of six,
as follows : Anna B., a graduate of the Hepburn high school, who is now
engaged in teaching; John W., who is a graduate of the business college at
College Springs, Iowa ; James ; Ella R. ; Charles L. ; and Martha M.
Mr. Crain casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the
repubhcan party and has served his fellow townsmen in the positions of
school director and township trustee. Fraternally he is identified with Mod
ern Woodmen Camp, No. 1785, of Villisca, and with the Odd Fellows
Lodge, No. 482, at Hepburn, Iowa, in which he has filled all of the chairs.
His wife is a devoted member of the United Presbyterian church and takes an
active and helpful interest in its work. They are people of genuine per
sonal worth and many sterling traits of character and are well known and
highly esteemed throughout the community in which they reside.

HON. CHARLES E. LINDERMAN.
Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world
through us is the measure of our success, and judged by this standard
as well as by the ratings of the business world Hon. Charles E. Linderman
was a most successful man. He was numbered among the prominent, val
ued, honored and respected citizens of southwestern Iowa and left the
impress of his individuality for good on its substantial development and
improvement. He stood for high ideals in citizenship, in business affairs
and in private life, and the nobility of his manhood made him most honored
and respected where best known.
A native of Orange county, New York, Mr. Linderman was born near
Bloomingburg, February 4, 1829, and was of German lineage on the pa
ternal side and of Irish descent on the maternal side. He was the ninth
in order of birth in a family of eleven children and his early education,
acquired in the common schools near his boyhood's home, was supplemented
by study in the academy at Bloomingburg, while in 1851 he entered Ham
ilton College, at Clinton, New York, and was graduated from that insti
tution with the class of 1854. For a year thereafter he engaged in teaching

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HISTORY OF PAGE CO'UNTY 13
school at Seneca Falls, New York, but in 1855 he resolved to seek his
fortune in the great west and accordingly came to Iowa. For one winter
he taught school in Scott county and then in the spring of 1856 went to
the territory of Nebraska and for a season assisted the government sur
veyors in establishing the sixth principal meridian. In November of the
same year he located at Sidney, Fremont county, Iowa, where he remained
until the spring of 1859, and in April of the same year he came to Clarinda
and entered upon the practice of law but soon abandoned the profession
for other duties.
In the fall of that year Mr. Linderman was appointed clerk of the dis
trict court and in the fall of i860 was elected to that office and reelected in
1862. In the latter year, however, he resigned and offered his services to
the government in defense of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company
A, Eighth Iowa Cavalry, as a private. On the organization of the regi
ment he was made second lieutenant of his company. The regiment was
sent forward to Louisville and in the fall and winter of 1863-64 was engaged
in guarding the railroads and putting an end to the guerrilla warfare that
had been so successfully waged around Waverly and other points west of
Nashville. In the spring of 1864 the regiment became a part of the army
that was to fight and win the Atlanta campaign and he took part in most
of the engagements of that campaign. At its close the regiment became a
part of General Thomas' command that was to resist General Hood's
attempt to capture Nashville and participated in the engagements with
General Hood's army while General Thomas was falling back upon Nash
ville and also during General Thomas' advance upon General Hood that
resulted in the destruction of the heroic army commanded by that Confed
erate leader. In the spring of 1865 the regiment was attached to General
Wilson's cavalry command and with it fought its way from Alabama and
Georgia and had reached Macon, Georgia, on its way to join General Sher
man in his campaign from Savannah along the Atlantic coast, when its
turther progress was stopped by the close of the war. Except when on
detailed duty as provost marshal and acting quartermaster Lieutenant
Linderman was at the front, meeting with every peril, discharging every
duty with the highest courage and conspicuous fidelity, at all times and
under all circumstances displaying those and only those qualities that char
acterize a true soldier and general. As in civil, so in military life, his ab
solute devotion to duty, joined with a genial disposition, won for him the con
fidence and general respect of all who came in contact with him. He rep
resented one of the best types of American manhood — an honorable, use
ful, public-spirited citizen in times of peace; a loyal, courageous, volunteer
soldier in the hour of his country's peril.
At the close of the war Lieutenant Linderman gladly sought a home
among those who knew^him best and therefore loved him most. He
possessed business ability of a high order and accumulated a considerable
fortune, becoming one of the largest property owners in the county. He
never allowed the accumulation of wealth, however, to dwarf his finer sensi
bilities nor to dull his interest in his fellowmen. He was generous in

li HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
charity although he avoided anything like ostentation in his benevolence.
The integrity of his life and the value of his public service were recognized
and in the fall of 1865 he was elected by the voters of Page county as their
representative in the eleventh general assembly. The following year he was
elected to the responsible position of clerk of the supreme court of Iowa
and by successive reelections held the office for eight years. In 1875 he
became identified with the banking interests of Clarinda and soon became
prsident of the oldest and strongest bank of the city, which position he re
tained, except for a short interval or two, until his death. It was in
January, 1875, that he purchased an interest in the First National Bank of
Clarinda, now known as the Page County State Bank, and as its chief
executive officer his opinions carried great weight in its management, while
his enterprise was a substantial factor in its success. In 1892 Mr. Linder
man was again called from private to public life in his reelection to the
general assembly. It was in that year that the prohibition party broke
down the republican prestige and the state went for Boies. The republicans
had to bring out their very best man in order to save the county from going
democratic. Mr. Linderman was persuaded to make the race and he won
by a hard struggle, the vote standing twenty-four hundred and twenty-
seven for Mr. Linderman, and twenty-one hundred and twenty-one for
Jesse B. Bartley, who was running as an independent, supported by the
democrats. It is doubtful if any other man than Mr. Linderman could
have succeeded in that year. He served acceptably as a member of the
house and at the close of the session returned again to his banking business.
On the 7th of November, 1877, Mr. Linderman was united in marriage
to Mrs. S. E. Conine, who was a daughter of J. H. Powers, one of the pio
neers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Linderman had one child, Ina Lucile,
now the wife of Frank L. Blair, of Creston.
From the time of Mr. Linderman's arrival in Clarinda to the day of his
death he was actively identified with the upbuilding and development of
his home town and county and was ever willing and ready to assist in each
laudable undertaking. His acquaintances became his friends and he retained
their confidence to the end. A prominent Mason, Mr. Linderman also held
membership with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He was,
moreover, a member of the Loyal Legion and of Warren Post, No. 11,
G. A. R., and through his business, social and political connections he had
an extensive acquaintance throughout the state. For more than half a
century he was a resident of Iowa and during all of that time was actively
identified with the interests which have produced the marvelous growth and
development of the state. The feeling in which he was held in his home
town is shown by the fact that some years ago the people of Clarinda
sought a name for their new hotel — the name of some man among them
most representative and most esteemed — and the choice fell unanimously
upon the "Linderman."
The death of Mr. Linderman occurred April 15, 1907, after which the
various societies to which he belonged took official action concerning his
death, writing most fitting resolutions of honor and respect. In his demise

HISTORV OF PAGE C(JUXTY 15
the county lost one of its earhest pioneers, most honored citizens and a man
whose long life was a credit to himself and to the people among whom he
lived. His modest, unassuming manner often hid his real worth. Where
ever he was known he was held in the highest respect for he lived close to
the high ideals of honorable manhood and upright citizenship. Moreover,
his was a most kindly, genial nature that inspired and retained friendship.

MONT MORRIS.

The agricultural interests of Nodaway township find a worthy represen
tative in Mont Morris, who is the owner of an excellent farm, of one hundred
and twenty acres situated on the southwest quarter of section 23. This
farm is largely devoted to the raising of stock and Mr. Morris is well
known as a breeder of shorthorn cattle. He was born in Champaign
county, Illinois, October 22, 1866, and is a son of Price W. and Ehzabeth
(Horr) Morris, both of whom were natives of Ohio but spent their last
days in Page county. The father devoted his entire life to general agricul
tural pursuits, conducting his farming interests on an extensive scale in
early life. In Ohio he married Miss Elizabeth Horr and removed thence to
Illinois, while later he became a resident of Kansas and subsequently ar
rived in Page county, Iowa. Unto him and his wife were born seven
children. V. W., who was a locomotive engineer, was killed in July, 1902,
in a wreck on the Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad, about fifty miles south of
Kansas City. Kate is the widow of Morgan Burwell and resides in Clar
inda, where she is conducting the Powers Hospital. R. George and C. C.
are both living in this county. Rachel is a resident of Chicago. J. H. is
also living in this county.
Mont Morris, who is the youngest member of the family, was only
about three years old when his parents removed from Champaign county
to Greene county, Illinois, and he went with them to Kansas when a lad of
about ten years, the family home being established at Paolo, Miami county.
There he continued until July, 1902, when he came to Page county, where
he has since remained. The occupation to which he was reared he has
made his life work, continuously follovv'ing it with the exception of one year
which he devoted to railroading. About 1903 he purchased his present
property, becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres constituting
the southwest quarter of section 23, Nodaway township. Of this he has
since sold forty acres so that his farm now comprises one hundred and
twenty acres. He is extensively and successfully engaged in stock-raising,
is a breeder of shorthorn cattle and keeps on hand from twenty to one
hundred head of shorthorns. He is an excellent judge of stock, owns some
very fine animals and makes exhibits at the county fairs where he has won
verious premiums.
In January, 1899, Mr. Morris was married to Miss Grace P. Abbott,
who was born in this county, June 26, 1873, and is a daughter of J. H. and

16 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Phoebe Jane Pfander Abbott. The father was a lifelong farmer but retired
about two years ago and is now living in Clarinda.
Mr. Morris is a member of Clarinda Lodge, No. 109, I. O. O. F. He
takes little active interest in affairs aside from his farm, concentrating his
energies upon the development of a prosperous business here. He is re
garded as one of the best judges of live stock in this part of the state and
has done not a little to improve the grade of cattle raised through the
conduct of his individual interests.

CHARLES WESLEY FOSTER.
Charles Wesley Foster, deceased, who was one of the public-spirited
citizens of Page county, honored and respected wherever known but most
of all where best known, was born May 19, 1833, in Canton, Fulton county,
Illinois, where he acquired his education in the public schools. At the age
of fifteen years he went to Peoria to learn the tinner's trade and there re
mained for four years. When nineteen years of age he went to Abingdon,
Illinois, and conducted the first hardware and tin store in that place. Four
years later he removed to Bushnell, Illinois, where he also became the
pioneer hardware merchant. It was during that period of his life that
he was married on the 22d of November, 1855 to Miss Elizabeth A. Latimer,
of Abingdon, whose death occurred on the 2d of April, 1857.
In the following month Mr. Foster removed to Clarinda, Iowa, and
here opened a dry-goods store, which he conducted for two years. On the
1st of December, 1859, he was married to Miss Ann L. Alden, who was
born and reared in Ohio. They became the parents of four children :
Mary, the wife of John N. Miller ; Julia, the wife of Herbert H. Scott ;
Harriett; and Annie, the wife of Alfred B. Loranz. All are yet residing in
Clarinda. It was in the spring of i860 that Mr. Foster removed with his family
to Tarkio township, where he engaged in farming for several years, but
in 1864 the place of his residence was changed to Nevada, Ohio, where he
again engaged in the hardware business but the charm of the west was
potent and in 1865 he yielded to it, locating in Galva, Illinois, where he
continued until 1867. In that year he again came to Page county and pur
chased a farm in Nebraska township, which was his home until 1872, when
Mr. Foster came to Clarinda to form one of the firm of Collins & Thompson.
At the end of a year, however, he withdrew from that firm and returned to
the farm in Nebraska township, on which he resided until January 15,
1876. At that time he became a member of the hardware firm of Dunlap,
Miller & Foster, of Clarinda, and for many years thereafter was closely as
sociated with business interests of the city. In 1886 he joined WilHam
Butler in establishing the Bank of Newmarket in Taylor county, Iowa,
where he conducted a banking- business for eight years, his family home
during that period remaining in Clarinda. The firm of Foster & Abbott

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 17
was formed in October, 1892, for the purpose of conducting a mercantile
enterprise in Clarinda and when Mr. Foster's health failed two years later
he retired permanently from active business.
Mr. Foster was always pubhc-spirited and worked unceasingly for the
welfare of Clarinda and vicinity, withholding his cooperation and support
from no measure or movement which he deemed of value to the community
at large. He was deeply interested in agricultural matters and was for
several years president of the County Agricultural Society, while in other
official ways he promoted its interests during its most flourishing period.
During the time he was a member of the city council of Clarinda he was
active in securing grounds for park purposes and was probably the origin
ator in the city in establishing the city park, that now bears his name, and
planned the arrangement of the trees it contains. For almost six years he
was mayor of Clarinda and was serving in that capacity at the time of his
death, which occurred on December 26, 1904. His administration was
characterized by several valuable restrictive and regulative measures as
well as large constructive work and that he received public indorsement of
his course was indicated in the fact of his reelection.

GEORGE W SCHOLES.
George W Scholes is a well known and worthy representative of the
farming interests of Harlan township, now busily engaged in the cultiva
tion and improvement of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 26.
Nearly every state in the Union has furnished its quota of citizens to Iowa
and among those sent by Ohio is Mr. Scholes, whose birth occurred near
Loudonville, on the 7th of July, 1840. He was one of five children born
unto Elijah and Caroline (Tracy) Scholes, who were also natives of Ohio.
The mother died in that state in 1850 and the father was afterward married
in Iowa to Salina Cox. Both died in Harlan township, Page county, Mr.
Scholes passing away in 1876 at the age of seventy-seven years. He had
followed farming throughout his entire life and had thus provided a com
fortable living for his family.
By his first marriage he had five children. Benjamin T., now de
ceased, served in the Twenty-sixth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry during the Civil
war. He responded to the country's first call for troops and on the expira
tion of the three months' term of enlistment was again enrolled as a soldier.
He was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga but was not discharged until
the close of the war. George W. was the second of the family. John W.
was a member of the first Nebraska regiment for three years and then
veteranized. He has never been heard from since the war and was reported
among the missing. He was probably killed on the frontier for his horse
returned with an empty saddle. Francis M. enlisted in Page county as a
member of the eighth Iowa Cavalry under Captain Burns and was dis
charged at the close of the war after having participated in all of the en-

18 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
gagements with his regiment. The daughter of the family, Elizabeth
Scholes, became the wife of John A. Brown but is now deceased. The four
sons of the family were away to the war at the same time and the parents
with difficulty succeeded in keeping up the farm property. In addition to
the four brothers, James A. Cox, who had been reared by Mr. and Mrs..
Elijah Scholes, also joined the army, serving with the Third Iowa Cavalry.
He, too, is now deceased.
In taking up the personal history of George W. Scholes we present to
our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in
Page county for he has resided upon his present farm in Harlan township
for forty years. He was a youth of eleven years when in 185 1 he came to
Iowa with his parents, the family home being established in Lee county.
Three years later they came to Page county, arriving in 1854, and in 1869
George W. Scholes took up his abode upon the place which he now owns.
He was a youth of fourteen when the family came to the county and in
the early days he shared in the hardships and privations incident to pioneer
life. He can well remember the time when much of the land was unculti
vated, being covered with brush or the native prairie grasses. One could
ride for miles without coming to a fence or house to impede his progress
but with the passing years great changes have been wrought and the
county is today thickly settled, while its wild prairie has been made to
bloom and blossom as the rose.
Mr. Scholes continued in active identification with farming interests
until after the outbreak of the Civil war when, feeling that his first duty
was to his country, he joined the army as a member of Company A, Eighth
Iowa Cavalry, under command of Captain Burns. He was in all of the
engagements with his company and was honorably discharged at the close
of hostiUties. When the war was over he resumed farm work here and in
1869 took up his abode on section 26, Harlan township, where he now owns
one hundred and sixty acres of fine land. There are good improvements
upon it, all of which were made by Mr. Scholes and the substantial building.s
are a monument to his thrift and enterprise. He raises both grain and
stock and he has recently sunk a coal shaft upon his farm, and has struck a
two-foot vein — as large a one as has ever been found in this locality.
Not long after his return from the war Mr. Scholes was married to Miss
Elizabeth C. Blair, who was born in Indiana, November 4, 1842, and in
1866 was married. She came to this county in 1856 with her parents, Robert
and Jane C. Blair. Her father died in Superior, Nebraska, where her
mother now resides at the age of eighty-six years, making her home with
her oldest son. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Scholes has been blessed
with seven children : Etna Arminnie, who is now the wife of Harry Wilkie,
of Kansas, Jennie Ellen, who is the wife of Samuel Toner, of Harlan
township; Eveline C, the wife of J. D. Knowles, of Amity township;
Bertha, the wife of Willis Baird, also of Amity township; Mary, at home;
WilUe, who is living in Amity township ; and Elmer, at home.
The family attend the Reformed Presbyterian church, of which Mr.
Scholes is a devoted and active member. He has served on its board of trus-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 19
ees for thirty-two consecutive years and takes a helpful part in all of the
vvork of the church. His long residence in this county has made him
widely known and his sterUng quaUties are recognized by all, who have
found him honest and diligent in business, loyal in citizenship and faithful
in friendship. He is numbered among the honored veterans that Page
county sent to the Civil war and is as true to the country today as when
he followed the old flag on southern battlefields.

ED F ROSE.

Ed F. Rose, as president of the Clarinda National Bank, needs no in
troduction to the readers of this volume. The institution bears the impress
of his individuality in its progressive methods. His course at all times will
bear the closest investigation and his name is synonymous for business probity,
while his word is as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal.
He was born in McDonough county, Illinois, July 24, 1859, his parents
being Charles M. and Elsie H. (Buckner) Rose. The father was for some
years engaged in various pursuits and following his removal to Page county,
Iowa, made his home in Shenandoah, where he was connected with the
grain trade.
Ed F. Rose pursued his early education in the public schools of Prairie
City, Illinois, and afterward benefited by the system of public instruction in
Shenandoah, subsequent to the removal of the family to this state. When
his school days were over he entered a grocery store, where he was em
ployed for a year, after which he became connected with the grain business
owned and carried on by his father. This association was maintained in
Shenandoah until 1879, when they removed to Coin and continued in the
grain trade. In 1887 they purchased a lumber business, which they car
ried on under the firm style of C. M. Rose & Son. In 1892 the father re
tired from active business life and two years later passed away. On his
father's retirement E. F. Rose took over the business, which he conducted
and successfully managed in Coin until 1902, when he sold out. The suc
ceeding three years were spent in Washington and Oregon, where he in
vested quite largely in timber land. In 1905 he came to Clarinda and
accepted the position of vice president of the Clarinda National Bank and
on the 1st of January, 1906, was elected to the presidency of this institu
tion which is regarded as one of the most substantial moneyed concerns
of the county. It was founded on a safe, substantial basis and has been
conducted along conservative lines, yet the spirit of modern progressive
ness has not been lacking. Back of the bank are large securities and in con
trol of the affairs of the institution are men of marked business capacity
and power.
On the 12th of October, 1886, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss
Clara HoweU, of Lovington, IlUnois, a daughter of Charles Howell, a
farmer of that locaUty. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rose have a wide acquaintance

20 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
in Clarinda and have won the warm friendship of many with whom they
have been brought in contact. Mr. Rose is a well known Scottish Rite
Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree, and he also belongs to
the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is never remiss in the duties of citi
zenship and in fact gives hearty cooperation to many progressive public
movements, yet he regards his business aft'airs as the chief feature of his
life, and year after year, whether in the grain trade or in banking, he has
wrought along modern lines, never considering any points as too unessential
to claim his time and attention if it promises to contribute to the substantial
growth and upbuilding of the business. His interests have been advanced
in accordance with the old and time-tried maxims — "there is no excellence
without labor" and "honesty is the best policy." As the years have passed
he has enlarged the sphere of his activity, and his labors and influence have
been potent elements in general progress as well as individual success.

W. P. FERGUSON.

It is not the distinctive and specific purpose of biography to give
expression of a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments,
but rather to leave the record establishing his position by the consensus
of public opinion. Judged in this manner W. P. Ferguson is numbered
among the eminent representatives of the Iowa bar and for many years
has been termed "the first citizen of Shenandoah," not only in the fact
that he was the first to establish himself in business here, but also because
he has ever stood as a leader in the work of public progress and improve
ment, contributing in most substantial measure to those causes which have
been foremost in upholding the legal and political status and in advancing
the material, intellectual, social and moral interests of the city.
Judge Ferguson is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, his birth having oc
curred in that city, July 29, 1843. He was a lad of five years when with his
parents he crossed the Atlantic to America on a sailing vessel, which was
thirty days in making the voyage. During that period the family lost
an infant son and brother, who was buried with marine service on board
ship. For a few years after their arrival in this country the family resided
in Erie county, New York, and then removed to Guernsey county, Ohio,
where Judge Ferguson was reared to manhood. He supplemented his pub
lic-school education by study in the Londonderry Academy and while
there pursuing his course became aroused by the wave of patriotism that
swept' over the country following the attack of the south upon the Union.
Offering his services to the government he enlisted as a member of Com
pany B, Fifth Independent Batallion Ohio Cavalry, and subsequently re
enlisted in a company of United States engineers. He did important service
at the front and after the war was over returned to his childhood's home,
but soon started westward, traveling by rail to St. Joseph, Missouri, then
up the Missouri river on a steamboat to Nebraska City, Nebraska. The

.yerat{,jr)(

'7'

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 23
desire to enjoy better business opportunities than could be secured in the
east prompted him to take this step and, becoming identified with educational
interests, he taught in a Nebraska school for a time, while later he accepted
the superintendency of the pubHc schools at Sidney, Iowa, and at Ham
burg, Iowa. Eventually, however, he gave up school work at the latter place
to enter the profession of law and removed to Shenandoah.
Judge Ferguson had previously read quite extensively, becoming fa
miliar with Kent, Blackstone and other commentaries and in the month of
August, 1870, having been admitted to the bar at Sidney, Iowa, he came to
Shenandoah, where he at once began the erection of a little office building,
the dimensions of which were probably about ten by twelve. This was,
however, among the first improvements ever made upon the uncultivated
grounds of Shenandoah. Judge Ferguson has remained here continuously
since and was at all times actively engaged in the practice of law until the
month of April, 1907, when he was elevated to the bench of the superior
court through the appointment of Governor (now Senator) A. B. Cummins.
He has since occupied the judgeship and his record on the bench has been
in harmony with his record as a man and lawyer distinguished by unfal
tering fidelity to duty and by a masterful grasp of every problem presented
for solution. His decisions are based upon the law and the equity in the
case and indicate thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the principles
of jurisprudence and large familiarity with precedent. His life has been
one of extraordinary activity and there are but few of the great legal battles
that have occurred in Page county in the last thirty-five years that he has not
actively participated in and he has had the reputation for a number of years
of being one of the most successful trial lawyers in southwestern Iowa,
unusually successful in the cases that he has appealed to the supreme court.
Judge Ferguson's work at the bar would alone entitle him to representa
tion in this volume as one of the leading citizens of Page county, but in
other directions his work has been equally noteworthy, far-reaching and
beneficial. He prepared the incorporation papers for the town, wrote the
ordinances for Shenandoah and has been directly identified with every
improvement, public and private, that has been promulgated for the benefit
of the city since he became its first settler thirty-nine years ago. It was
he who first prepared the plans and secured the proposition that has re
sulted in a coUege for Shenandoah. While acting as mayor he corresponded
with parties at Bushnell, Illinois, concerning building a college here and
was one of two men who furnished funds for expenses of a man to come to
Shenandoah and present the plan to the people. The two things the judge
is especially proud of is the fact that all will acknowledge him to be the
founder of the college and Presbyterian church here. He was also active
in the building of the Wabash Railroad through Shenandoah, in the es
tablishment of the fair grounds and in many other improvements which
have been of material benefit here. His fellow townsmen have honored
him with the office of mayor, in which he gave a public-spirited and business
like administration. He also held the office of county attorney of Page
county for two terms. In politics he has always been an ardent repubUcan,

24 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
taking an active part in the various political campaigns which have occurred
since he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln.
On the 17th of June, 1874, Judge Ferguson was married to Miss Julia
Burnet, who was at that time a school teacher in Shenandoah. They have
become parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, and with
the exception of one daughter now living in Seattle all are residing within
a block of the old homestead, at No. 305 Church street. There is a sub
stantial and modern residence, justly celebrated as the abode of hospitality.
Judge Ferguson is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, which
he joined on its organization in 1872, while his wife is an Episcopalian in
religious belief. Fiis present duties as judge of the superior court keep
him busy in the trial of cases, but he still finds time to lead a Uterary life
and has gradually built up one of the most extensive libraries of history and
biography in this part of the state. Considering all that he has accomplished
in the profession and all that he has done for the city of his residence it may
well be said of him when his life's labors shall have ended — and may that
day be far distant :
"He leaves a patriot's name to after times,
Linked with a thousand virtues — and no crimes."

EARL R. FERGUSON.

Earl R. Ferguson, a man of purpose whose plans are well formulated
and who accomplishes what he plans, is a native son of Shenandoah, his
birth having here occurred April 30, 1876. He is a son of Judge W. P.
Ferguson, mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and his work has been in
accordance with the example set by his honored father, who from the
earliest days of Shenandoah's development has been a most important
factor in its growth and upbuilding. At the usual age he was sent to the
public schools and passing through the consecutive grades was graduated
from the high school with the class of 1893. ^^ afterward spent two years
as a student at the Western Normal College and also one year on the Gal
veston (Tex.) News, his newspaper experience being a source of benefit
in widening his information and giving him practical business experience.
Returning to his home. Earl R. Ferguson took up the study of law,
which he read with his father as his preceptor for three years. He was then
admitted to the bar in 1900 before the supreme court at Des Moines, and at
once entered upon active practice in Shenandoah, where he has since re
mained as a successful and capable follower of the profession, being recog
nized today as one of the leaders of the Page county bar, although the years
of connection therewith of most of its memhers far outnumber his own.
In no calling is advancement more dependent upon individual effort and it is
by reason of his comprehensive knowledge of the law, his careful prepara
tion of his cases and his keen discrimination in seeing the relation between
legal principles and points in litigation that Mr. Ferguson has gained the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 25
place of distinction that he now occupies at the bar of southeastern Iowa.
In the contested election of Hon. W. P. Hepburn versus W. D. Jamieson,
although a republican Mr. Ferguson represented Mr. Jamieson, the demo
cratic contestant, who was successful.
On the 22d of October, 1902, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ferguson
and Miss Lucile Ann Bull, a daughter of Isaac T. and Jennie (Adams)
Bull. Mrs. Ferguson was born in College Springs, Page county, September
30, 1878. She obtained her education in the public schools and Amity Col
lege, of her native town. Her parents came 'to Page county from Knox
county, IlUnois, in 1870 and settled on a farm in .Vmity township, where
they lived for about three decades. Retiring from active business Ufe in
1889, Mr. Bull then removed to Shenandoah, where he and his wife still
reside. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have one child, Sterling Burnet, born August
7, 1903- The parents are members of the First Presbyterian church, in which Mr.
Ferguson is serving as a trustee and in the work of which they are actively
and helpfully interested. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Masonic fra
ternity, having taken the degree of the blue lodge and the chapter, and is
also connected through membership relations with the Elks, the Wood
men, the Maccabees, the Foresters, the Highlanders, the Knights and Ladies
of .Security, the Caledonian Club and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty
to .A.nimals. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and the
political offices which he has filled have been in the line of his profession. For
eight years he acted as justice of the peace, trying cases in the justice
courts before he was seventeen years of age.
He has also filled the office of city attorney for four years.
Shenandoah owes much to him for his efforts in her behalf as he has
been one of the main factors in exploiting the advantages and opportunities
of his home town and has been chiefly instrumental in bringing to its portals
alm.ost every industry which is now found here and which contributes to the
business activity and consequent prosperity of the city. He owns a modern
residence and other Shenandoah realty and he has one of the best law
libraries in Page county and is an able attorney with a splendid future
before him. Also numbered among the vigorous, energetic, enterprising
young men, his property has come as the result of the many substantial and
admirable qualities which he has displayed and which have gained him a
firm hold on the affection of his fellow townsmen, as well as a prominent
place in professional ranks and in connection with public affairs.

S. A. YOUNGBERG.

Tarkio tovvnship has a class of citizens of which it has every reason to be
proud as on the whole they are energetic, seeking success in legitimate lines
of business and recognizing at the same time their individual obUgations
to their fellowmen and to the countrv. Not a few of Tarkio's citizens come

26 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
from .Sweden and to this class belongs S. A. Youngberg, who is now follov/-
ing farming on section 3. He vvas born in Sweden in June, 1837, his parents
being John and Anna Swanson, both of whom lived and died in Sweden.
Mr. Youngberg was reared in the place of his nativity and received his
mental training in the schools of that land. He remained a resident of his
native country until thirty years of age, when in 1867 he sailed for the
United States, settUng first in Henry county, IlUnois, where he lived for
six years. During that period he engaged in farming as a renter, after
which he came to Page county, Iowa, and, in connection with his brother
Henry, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 3, Tarkio
township. They were associated in business for five and six years and
S. A. Youngberg then purchased his brother's interests in the farm. He
has resided on this place continuously since coming to Page county and
its excellent appearance is indicative of the life of well directed energy
and thrift which he has lived.
Mr. Youngberg was married while still a resident of Sweden, Miss
Mathilda Johnson becoming his wife in 1863. Their children are seven
in number: CharUe and John, who are both residing in Montgomery
county, Ibwa; Hilma, the wife of Lenus Peterson, of Chicago, Illinois;
Lena; E'dward, also of Montgomery county, Iowa; Otto, of Fremont town
ship. Page county ; and Arthur, who is working the home farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Youngberg hold membership in the Lutheran church and
find its teachings the incentive for righteousness and for integrity. Mr.
Youngberg is a republican in politics. His record is such an instance as may
frequently be found where the sons of Sweden have come to the new world,
bringing with them the characteristics of persevering industry and relia
bility common to the race. He has not sought through speculation or by
any devious methods the success which is now his but has gained his pros
perity and his competence as the reward of earnest, diUgent labor that
has continued through the passing years.

H.ARRY EDMOND PARSLOW.
Harry Edmond Parslow, a leading attorney of Clarinda, who has prac
ticed continuously since 1879, is a native of Canada, his birth having oc
curred in Middlesex county, on the 15th of April, 1855. He is the son of
Abraham and Hannah (Mahon) Parslow, the former a farmer by occupa
tion. His youthful days were spent in his parents' home, during which
time he pursued his education in the public schools and also took a prepara
tory course. For a year and a half he engaged in teaching school and then
came to Iowa, arriving in Clarinda on the 3d of September, 1875. To pro
vide for his own support he secured a clerkship and was thus connected
with mercantile interests in the city until the fall of 1878. In the meantime
he had devoted those hours which are usually termed leisure to the study
of law and in further preparation for the profession he entered the law

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 27
department of the University of Iowa, where he continued his reading until
his admission to the bar in June, 1879. He at once began practice at Clar
inda, where he has since remained and his knowledge of the law, combined
with his ability to accurately apply its principles, has brought him sub
stantial and gratifying success as a representative of the legal profession.
For years he has been local attorney for the Chicago, BurUngton & Quincy
Railroad Company. He served as city attorney at one time and is also
vice president of the Clarinda National Bank.
Mr. Parslow is not unmindful of his duties of citizenship but takes
interest in furthering movements for the public good, his cooperation
being always dependent upon whether the general welfare is involved. He
acted on the committee on building and grounds of the Clarinda Chautau
qua Assembly and was a member of the committee which bought the present
site of the public library. He has for years been a member of the executive
committee of the Commercial Club, which has done valuable work in fur
thering the business interests and thereby promoting the general prosperity
of the community.
Mr. Parslow was united in marriage to Miss Anna Burrows, of Clar
inda, a daughter of John P Burrows, who for some years was a druggist
here but is now living retired and makes his home in Los Angeles, California.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parslow has been born one child, Dorothy. The par
ents are prominent socially in Clarinda, the hospitaUty of the best homes
being freely accorded them. Mr. Parslow has for a third of a century
made his home here and is a man whom to know is to respect because of the
substantial cjuality of his leading characteristics. In all of his public and
private relations he has merited the esteem which is uniformly given him.
He regards a public office as a public trust and at all times holds friendship
inviolable.

N. P. DAMEWOOD.

In a history of the agricultural development of Nebraska township and
of Page county mention should be made of N. P. Damewood, who for
more than half a century has been identified with the farming interests of
this part of the state. His home is situated on the county line and com
prises one hundred and two acres. That which lies in Page county is on
sections 24 and 25, Nebraska township, while twenty-two acres extend
across the boundary line into Dallas township, Taylor county.
His life record began in Dubois county, Indiana, November 9, 1852,
and in the spring of 1857 he was brought to Iowa by his parents, Isaac and
EUzabeth (McFarren) Damewood, who settled in Taylor county. Both the
father and mother were natives of east Tennessee, where they were reared
and married. They afterward went to Indiana, where two children were
born unto them. When they had spent six or eight years in Indiana they
determined to seek a home west of the Mississippi and as stated took up
their abode in Taylor county. Their last days were spent in Page county

28 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
where the father served as sherift" for eight consecutive years. He died
at the age of seventy-seven years and the mother passed away a year later
at the age of seventy-five years. They had a large family of thirteen chil
dren : F. A., who for the past twenty-seven years has been a railway
mail clerk and is living in Nebraska City; E. C, whose home is in Coin,
Iowa; J. H., a resident of Clarinda; Nancy, who died unmarried; N. P.,
of this review ; Erastus, who died in childhood ; Mrs. Sallie Duke, deceased ;
Bessie, the wife of John Riggle; WiUiam, who is living in Wyoming;
I. M., of Gravity, Iowa; Carrie, the wife of Wallace Hoskins, of Page
county; U. G., a resident of Clarinda; and Minnie, who died in infancy.
When the family came to Iowa they established their home about three
miles south of Newmarket but after Uving there for three years the parents
removed to Nebraska township, where N. P. Damewood has resided most of
the time since. He has been on this farm for the past twenty-seven years
save for a brief period. The place comprises one hundred and two acres
of land, all of which is situated on sections 24 and 25, Nebraska township,
with the exception of twenty-two acres which lie across the boundary line
in Dallas township, Taylor county. There are good buildings upon the
farm which were erected by Mr. Damewood and he is busily employed in
tilling the soil and in raising stock. He annuaUy harvests good crops of
corn and other cereals and good grades of cattle, horses and hogs are found
in his pastures and feed lots.
On the 28th of December, 1876, Mr. Damewood was united in marriage
to Miss Clara Harrington, who was born in Delaware county. New York,
February 27, 1853, and is the daughter of Eli Patton and Phoebe Ann
(Olmstead) Harrington, both of whom were natives of New York. During
the Civil war the father was a soldier of the Union army for one year,
serving in Company H, of the Fifty-first Ilhnois Volunteer Infantry. He
was assigned to duty at St. Louis and by reason of his strength was de
tached for service in the unloading of war vessels. In that work he was
exposed to many hardships and to all kinds of inclement weather, and by
reason of the fact that he was obliged to work in mud and water he con
tracted rheumatism and his health became greatly impaired. He never
fully recovered and by a year he was honorably discharged. /\s a result of
his military experience he eventually drew the pension of one wholly in
capacitated for physical labor. For more than three years prior to his
death he was confined to bed as the victim of paralysis. In 1856 he had
removed with his family from New York to Knox county, Illinois, and about
1872 arrived in Page county. After living in Clarinda for seven or eight
years he removed to Nebraska township, where his remaining days were
passed, his death occurring in 1901 when he was seventy years of age, the
funeral services being held in the Methodist Episcopal church in Hawley-
ville, v.'here bis remains v/ere interred in the Memory cemetery. He was a
man of the strictest integrity of character and left behind him that proudest
of achievement-s — a good name. His widow, who had tenderly cared for
him through all the years of his suft'ering, passed away on May 6, 1904,
at the age of seventy years. She was born in Delaware county, New York,

HISTORY OF PA(;E COUXTY 29
March 4, 1834. When she was sixteen years of age she was converted
and became a member of the Methodist church and throughout her entire
life was a most earnest and consistent Christian. Her remains were interred
by the side of her husband in Memory cemetery, and three children were
left to mourn her loss : Mrs. Damewood ; Dr. J. S. Fiarrington, a resident
of Kansas City, Missouri ; and Luella E., who is now residing with her
sister. One child, George L., \\'ho was the third member of the family,
died at the age of a year and a half. Mr. and Mrs. Damewood have many
friends here and enjoy the hospitality of the best homes, for their many
sterling qualities have gained them the warm regard of all with whom
they have been brought in contact.

S. M. ELRICK, JR.

S. M. Elrick, Jr., owning and operating a valuable and productive farm
of seventy-seven acres in \' alley township, was born in Henry county, Illi
nois, on the i8th of February, 1864, his parents being S. M. and Margaret
(Ferlhing) Elrick, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The year
1868 witnessed their arrival in Page county, Iowa, and here they subse
quently purchased a tract of land. Both the father and mother still sur
vive, being now residents of Minnesota. Of their family of eleven children,
the following are yet living: S. M., of this review : IT. C., of New Mexico;
F P., who makes his home in Minnesota ; J. C, living in Page county ;
and H. C, Ukewise a resident of Minnesota.
S. M. Elrick, Jr., attended the common schools in the acquirement of
an education and remained at home until he had attained his majority. He
then took up veterinary work and successfully devoted his attention to
that profession for fifteen years. Subsequently he worked on the railroad
for three years and in 1900 purchased his present farm of seventy -seven
acres in Valle'y township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he
has since given his time and energies. He has won a gratifying and well
merited measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests
and is widely recognized as one of the successful farmers and representative
citizens of the community.
In 1885 Mr. Elrick was joined in v/edlock to Miss Mary B. Sullivan,
a native of Page county, Iowa, and a daugUter of Jerry and Sarah
(Orphen) Sullivan, both of whom were born in Ireland. They crossed
the ,A.tlantic to the United States in 1856 and for a period of six years made
their home in Boston, Massachusetts, after which they spent a few years in
Canton, Illinois. In 1867 they came to Page county, Iowa, residing here
until called to their final rest. Their family numbered thirteen children,
nine now living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elrick have been born eight children,
as follows: Dora L., the wife of Henry Fastneau, of Page county; Jen
nie B., who is the wife of Herman 'Fastneau and also makes her home in

30 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
this county : Irene E., \'i-la G., Della, Frederick and Wilma G., all at home ;
and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Elrick gives his poUtical allegiance to the republican party and
has served in the position of school director, the cause of education ever
finding in him a stalwart champion. Fraternally he is identified with the
Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 482, at- Hepburn, in which he has filled all of the
chairs. His wife is a devoted and faithful member of the United Brethren
church, exemplifying its teachings in her daily life. They are well
known socially, and the hospitality of their own pleasant home is greatly
enjoyed by an extensive circle of friends.

O. A. KIMBALL.

In a history of the business development of Clarinda and Page county
mention should be made of O. A. Kimball, who for some years figured prom
inently in connection with the lumber trade and later with the agricultural
interests of the community. He was born in New Hampshire in 1835
and was a son of Edwin and Elizabeth (Prescott) Kimball, both of whom
were natives of New England. The father followed the occupation of
farming in New Hampshire, where both he and his wife died. The Kim
ball family was established on American soil in the early period in the
colonization of the new world, and representatives of the name served as
loyal soldiers in the Revolutionary war.
O. A. Kimball was reared in his native state, remaining in New Hamp
shire until nineteen years of age. In the meantime he attended the Pembroke
Academy, thus supplementing his early public-school education. At nine
teen years of age he went tO' Peoria, Illinois, where he spent two years in
working at the carpenter's trade. On the expiration of that period he came
to Clarinda in 1857 and here embarked in the lumber business, hauling his
first load of lumber from Council Bluffs. He was in partnership with
Charles P. Osgood and the enterprise which they estabUshed and for some
time conducted is now carried on under the name of the Green Bay Lumber
Company. In 1887 Mr. KimbaU and his partner sold out to the White Pine
Lumber Company, which later disposed of their yard to the Green Bay
Lumber Company. On withdrawing from lumber circles Mr. Kimball
retired and turned his attention to the cultivation of his farm southeast of
Clarinda for two years. At the time he -sold his lumber interests he built
an elegant residence at No. 201 North Eighteenth street and it continued to
be his home until his death and is yet occupied by his widow.
In 1863, at Clarinda, Mr. Kimball was married to Miss Eva Pierce, a
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Woods) Pierce, natives of Ohio and of
Pennsylvania respectively. Her father and mother came to Iowa in 1859,
locating at CoUege Springs, and Mr. Pierce devoted his attention to general
agricultural pursuits. He died there in 1866, having survived his wife for
but five days. In the Pierce family were eleven children : Mary Jane, who

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 33
becanie the wife of Charles Mower, of GreenviUe, Pennsylvania, but both are
now deceased; WilUam B., who joined Company K O'f the Fourth Iowa
Infantry and died during his service in the Civil war ; Sophronia, who is
the widow of Azariah Dunham and lives in Warren, Pennsylvania; Melissa,
who is the widow of Dr. J. N. McMurray and is Uving in Franklin, Penn
sylvania; Marilla, who is the wife of Rev. William Hayes, now living
retired in Winfield, Kansas ; Elizabeth, who is the widow of T. R. Stock
ton and makes her home in Ridgewood, New Jersey; Mrs. KimbaU; Mrs.
N. M. Bodwell, of CoUege Springs, Iowa; Mrs. M. B. Feltch, of Golden,
Colorado ; John, who joined Company K of the Fourth Iowa Infantry and
died whUe serving at the front in the Civil war; and Albert L, who mar
ried Emma Pratt and lives in Hardy, Nebraska. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kim
ball were born three children but Frank and Albert Edmond are now de
ceased. The only surviving member of the family is Ruth, now the wife of
Dr. R. J. Matthews, of Clarinda.
The death of the husband and father occurred in 1892. He was a mem
ber of the Presbyterian church and lived an upright, honorable life. His
political allegiance was given to the republican party and aU who' knew
him esteemed him for his genuine worth and his sterUng traits of charac
ter. He took an active and helpful interest in promoting the business de
velopment of Clarinda and at all times was a progressive citizen, doing
everything in his power to advance the interests of the community at large.
Mrs. Kimball still owns a beautiful country residence on North Eighteenth
street, together with the lumberyard property and buildings on Washington
street. Her husband left her comfortably situated in life, her income be
ing sufficient to supply her with all of the comforts and many of the lux
uries of life. She, too, is held in warm regard throughout Clarinda and this
part of the state, and like her husband has many stanch friends.

C. A. KAMPE.

C. A. Kampe is one of Fremont township's enterprising young farmers
who is NOt only progressive in business but also active in community affairs,
his aid and influence being always given on the side of progress and im
provement. He was born June 19, 1878, in the township in which he still
makes his home, his parents being Charles J. and MathUda (Grundberg)
Kampe. They came to the United States before their marriage, sailing
from Sweden, their native country. After reaching the shores of the new
world they proceeded to the Mississippi valley and established their home
in Page county, where C. J. Kampe afterward purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of land and began farming. Fle lived a dUigent, useful life
and continued to make his home upon the farm until 1904, when he re
moved to Red Oak, where he is now living retired, spending the evening
of life in the enjoyment of weU earned rest.

34 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
C. A. Kampe at the usual age entered the public schools and as the
years increased his added responsibilities made him familiar with the farm
work. When twenty years of age he began farming on his own account,
renting the land from John Bergstrom. On this place he has lived for
thirteen years, carefully cultivating the soil, and the generous crops which
he garners indicate that he is a skilled and successful agriculturist. He
has thoroughly acquainted himself with the science of farming and his
crops are second to none in this section. Fle is a man of influence, greatly
esteemed as a neighbor and citizen.
On the 20th of April, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kampe
and Miss Hilda Bergstrom, a daughter of John Bergstrom, and unto
them have been bom five children: Florence I., Dora V., Alice V., Frances
M. M., and Hilda R. The parents are true to the Christian teachings of
the Swedish Lutheran church, in which both hold membership, while Mr.
Kampe is a member of the board of trustees of the church and otherwise
is actively interested in its work and support. His political endorsement
is given to the republican party. Having always lived in Fremont town
ship his life history is well known to a large number of the residents of
that part of the county and the substantial qualities which he has always
displayed have given him classification with the leading farmers of the
community.

WALTER WILLIAIVt RICIiARDSON.
Among the leading enterprises which contribute to the business activity
and upbuilding of Clarinda is that conducted by the Clarinda Poultry, But
ter & Egg Company, of which Mr. Richardson is secretary and manager.
As the result of his close application and energy intelligently applied the
business has made rapid and substantial advancement and he is today
numbered among the most prosperous residents of this city. He was born
in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, on the 31st of May, 1873, '-"^ a son of
Henry and Mary Ann (Winskell) Richardson. The father was a farmer by
occupation, following that pursuit in order to provide for his family.
W. W. Richardson was but a young child when his parents removed
from Wisconsin to Iowa and in the public schools of Kingsley in Plymouth
county, he acquired his early education. Later he attended what is now
the Morning Side College, being graduated therefrom with the class of
1889. He afterward studied law for a time, thinking to make that profes
sion his life work, but later abandoned the idea and in 1892 entered the
grain and implement business at Sioux City, Iowa, where he was thus em
ployed for twelve years. During a part of that time he was credit man
and traveling salesman for the house. Throughout the entire period he
recognized that advancement foUows earnest, intelligent effort as a logical
sequence and by his persistency of purpose and unfaltering industry, he
worked his way upward. On the 28th of December, 1903, he came to
Clarinda and accepted a position in the Clarinda Poultry, Butter & Egg

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 3.1
Company, being given charge of the separator and the creamery department.
Later he became financially interested in the company and was made treas
urer. Fle has since been elected secretary and general manager, filling the
dual position for the past six years. In this connection he has done im
portant work for the development of an enterprise which in extent and
importance is one of the foremost of the county. The volume of trade
annually managed by the company is very extensive and has been a source
of general prosperity in southwestern Iowa.
Mr. Richardson was married on the loth of June, 1896, to Miss Lida J.
White, of Sioux City, Iowa, a daughter of Captain AUen B. White, well
known as a merchant. They have one child, Ethel Maurina. Mr. Rich
ardson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is
serving as a trustee, and in the work of the church he takes an active
interest, while to its support he contributes generously. In his fraternal
relations he is a Mason and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the
craft. He has figured for many years as a leading and prominent business
man of Page county and his record proves that there is no discordant ele
ment between success and honesty.

JOSEPH BURWELL.

Joseph Burwell owns and cultivates a tract of land of forty acres on
section 26, Nodaway township. Fle has now passed the seventy-fifth mile
stone on life's journey and his record is in many respects a highly creditable
one worthy of emulation. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, August
19, 1834, and his parents, William and Nancy (Morris) Burwell, were
also natives of that state. In 1S65 they came to Iowa and the mother
died in Linn county during the first year of their residence in this state.
The father afterward came to Page county and here spent his remaining
days. He was a farmer by occupation, always following that pursuit in
order to provide for his family which numbered eight children, namely :
Mrs. Mary Ann Brokaw, who died in 1909 ; Joseph, of this review ; John,
Morgan, Job, William and Thomas, all now deceased ; and Mrs. Elizabeth
Worden, living in Wisconsin.
Joseph Burwell was reared in the place of his nativity, early becoming
famiUar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.
He resided in Crawford county, Ohio, until his removal to Iowa in 1866.
For a year he lived in Linn county, and then came to Page county, having
made his home continuously within its borders -for forty-two years. He has
always engaged in the tilling of the soil and his farm is now comprised of
forty acres on section 26, Nodaway township, in addition to which he has
five acres in Gravity, Iowa, on which good improvements have been made.
He has lived a Ufe of well directed industry and thrift and whatever suc
cess he has achieved or advantage he has enjoyed are attributable to his own
labors.

36 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On the 3d of December, 1856, Mr. Burwell was married to Miss Sarah
Eby, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in July, 1837, and was a
daughter of Peter and Rebecca Eby, who spent their entire lives in Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Burwell became the parents of eight children and the family
circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Their sons and daugh
ters are as follows : A. W., who resides in Gravity, Iowa ; Ida R., the wife
of A. J. Heniger, Uving in Yorktown, Page county; Elmer M., who is lo
cated at Gravity; Emma, the wife of A. J. Walker, of Kansas ; L. W., Uving
in Nodaway township; J. O. of HoUyville ; Carrie, the wife of Frank
Brokaw, of Nodaway township ; and C. A., of Taylor county. Mr. and Mrs.
Burwell have twenty-seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Their three eldest children were born in Ohio and the others in Iowa. They
also reared an adopted daughter, lona, who was legally adopted. She is
now the widow of Charles Heninger and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Burwell.
She has one child, Cecil.
In his political views Mr. Burwell is a prohibitionist, for he believes
firmly in the temperance cause and does what he can for its promotion.
He was a member of the United Brethren church while living in Ohio
but has become a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since living
in this county. He is one of the respected citizens of southwestern Iowa,
where he has now lived for more than four decades, during which period
he has witnessed many changes as the county has been developed, the
work of reclamation being carried on until Page county now ranks with
the leading counties of this great commonwealth in all of its opportunities,
its interests and its advantages.

ALFRED FRANKLIN BEAL.
Not so abnormally developed in any direction as to be called a genius,
Alfred Franklin Beal however has been one of the active men of Clarinda,
identified for many years with its business interests and its public concerns.
He is preeminently a man of affairs and one who has and is still wielding a
wide influence. With no aids at the outset of his career he has worked his
way steadily upward until he is now at the head of one of the leading com
mercial interests of Clarinda and at once gives the impression of alertness,
enterprise and strong force of character.
He was born in Union county, Ohio, September 27, 1849, his parents be
ing Jeremiah and Mary A. (Hartford) Beal, who were natives of Pennsyl
vania and Ohio respectively. About 1823 the father accompanied his
parents on their removal to the Buckeye state, and in the year 1853 emi
grated to Henderson county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for
many years. In 1874 he took up his abode in Mahaska county, Iowa, where
he resided until his life's labors were ended in death in 1896. He was a
member of the Society of Friends or Quakers and lived his life in harmony
with the teachings of that religious sect. He died at the venerable age of

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 37
eighty-five years, while his wife was but thirty-two years of age at the time
of her demise.
A. F. Eeal was a little motherless lad of three years when he accompanied
his father* on the removal from Union county, Ohio, to Illinois. He ac
quired his preliminary education in the common schools and after he had
devoted a few years to business he entered the Denmark Academy at Den
mark, Iowa. He also attended the Prairie City Academy at Prairie City,
Illinois, and when but fifteen years of age he cut wood at a dollar per cord
in order to earn the funds necessary to enable him to pursue his further
studies. In 1869, at the age of nineteen years, he entered business circles
while becoming identified with a general mercantile enterprise in Terre
Haute, Illinois. He began doing business on credit but in 1877 changed his
methods and has since carried on all business concerns on a strictly cash basis,
never swerving from this rule. In 1881 he came to Clarinda, where he opened
a general store, which he has since conducted and developed for a period
of over forty years. He has been very successful, winning a constantly
growing trade by his reliable methods and his earnest desire to please his
patrons. In 1893 he erected a store building on the north side of the square,
where he has since conducted his store, having now a well selected line of
goods attractively displayed in a two-story brick building, twenty-four by
one hundred and forty feet. His name is prominent in commercial cir
cles and has always stood as a synonym for business integrity, enterprise and
successful management.
Mr. Beal has also figured in connection with other important public in
terests. In 1897 he was made a director of the Clarinda Chautauqua Asso
ciation and has been a member of the board since that time with the excep
tion of a period of two years. He was once school director but has never
been an office seeker, preferring to do his public service in a private capacity.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church and for a number of years has
served on its finance committee.
On the i6th of September, 1873, Mr. Beal was united in marriage to Miss
Ellen Foresman, of Prairie City, Illinois, a daughter of Arthur and Eliza
beth Boyd (Hayes) Foresman, the father a millwright by trade. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Beal were born six children, of whom one died in infancy. The
others are: Tacie, the wife of Dr. C. C. Klumph, of Chicago; Winifred, the
wife of Marion D. Looney, a farmer of Salem, Oregon; E. Clyde, a civil
engineer, who is residing in Spokane, Washington ; George Hamilton, a
teacher in the high school at Chicago ; and Blanche, wife of Wilson C. Hanna,
a chemist in Colton, California.
Mr. Beal is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the de
grees of the lodge, chapter and council. He has also been a member of the
Modern Woodmen Camp for twenty years. Indolence and idleness are ut
terly foreign to his nature. He is a man of enterprise, positive character,
indomitable energy and liberal views. Throughout his life he has per
severed in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and he gained a most satis
factory reward. His life has been exemplary in many respects and he has
the esteem of his friends and the confidence of those with whom he has had

^^¦^ HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
business relations. Always courteous and cheerful, displaying deference
for the opinions of others, yet it is known that his loyalty to his beliefs can
not be shaken.

JAMES G. WILLIAMS, M. D.
Dr. James G. Williams, deceased, who for a number of years was a
successful practitioner of medicine in Braddyville, Page county, Iowa,
was born in Ohio on the 12th of July, 1830. He spent the period of his
boyhood and youth in his parents' home and attended the district schools
in the acquirement of his early education. When eighteen years of age he
went to Richland, Keokuk county, Iowa, where he enrolled as a student
in the high school of that city. After completing his high-school course
he entered the Keokuk Medical CoUege in preparation for a professional
career. Fle later attended the St. Louis Medical University, from which
he was graduated in 1856 with high honors in a large class. Thus well
equipped to meet the duties of his chosen life work, he opened an office
in Richland, where he engaged in the general practice of medicine for
six years, and then in 1862 he removed to Kirkville, Iowa, where he prac
ticed until 1870.
In the early part of that year Dr. Williams came to Page county, locating
in Clarinda, where he remained for about three months, and then took up his
residence in Braddyville in August, 1870. For a period of twenty-six years
he remained in active practice of his profession in this city, during which
time he built up an extensive and representative practice. He was peculiarly
adapted to the profession which he chose as a life work and was well
equipped both by training and long years of practical experience to success
fully and satisfactorily meet the demands made upon him by the large
patronage accorded him. Realizing fully the obligations that devolved
upon him in his professional capacity, he performed all duties with a sense
of conscientious obligation and won favorable regard by reason of his
skill and his personal worth. He was widely recognized as one of the
leading physicians of the community and was well known in the medical
fraternity throughout Page county and also Iowa.
It was in the year of 1849 that Dr. Williams was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Hardin, a daughter of the Rev. Henry Hardin, of Richland,
Iowa. To this union were born the following children : Mary, the wife of
C. W. Reece, of Sharon .Springs, Wallace county, Kansas ; Catharine D.,
who wedded J. L. Page and makes her home in Wallace, Kansas ; Henry
J., residing in Sharon Springs ; and Harvey B., of Denver, Colorado. In
i860 the mother and wife passed away and in 1870 Dr. Williams was again
married, his second union being with Miss Frances M. Comstock, a daughter
of Dr. A. B. and Sarah A. (Sullivan) Comstock, pioneer settlers of Wap-
pelo county, Iowa. The mother had the distinction of being the first white
child born in the state of Iowa.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 39
Dr. Williams gave his political allegiance to the republican party and
during his residence in Braddyville he took a very active part in public
affairs, while his fellow citizens, recognizing his sterUng traits of charac
ter, called him to various offices of trust and honor. He served for a num
ber of years as notary public and justice of the peace and was also elected
mayor of the town. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and
the Odd Fellows of Richland, Iowa, and the spirit of brotherly kindness
and helpfulness of those orders found exemplification in his entire life
record. He was not only a skillful physician but was also a keen business
man and during his Ufetime had accumulated considerable property, at
the time of his death owning a large amount of city and country real
estate. He passed away on the 2d of May, 1896, and in his death the
community lost one of its valued and representative citizens. His widow
now resides in a comfortable home in Braddyville, and aside from the
property which she owns in Buchanan township she owns one hundred and
forty acres near Ottumwa, this state. She is a lady of excellent traits
of character and occupies a high place in the social circles of Braddyville.

EZRA M. FLEENOR.

Ezra M. Fleenor, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of VaUey town
ship, Page county, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurring in Henry
county on the 27th of June, i860. He is a son of George and Elizabeth
(Shidler) Fleenor, natives of Iowa and of Pennsylvania respectively, both
of whom still survive and make their home in Clarinda. In their family
were seven children, all of whom are living but one.
Reared amid the scenes and environments of rural life, Ezra M. Flee
nor devoted the years of his boyhood and youth to the acquirement of a
common-school education and to the work of the farm. He early became
familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and the
experience thus gained proved of inestimable value to him when later he
entered business on his own account. He remained at home until twenty-
four years of age, and then, seeking to earn his own livelihood, he rented
land in Page county, which he continued to operate for two years. At the
expiration of that time he went west to Nebraska and purchased a farm,
upon which he resided for five years. He then sold that property and re
turned to Page county, where he again became a renter for three years, and
then purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It consists of one hun
dred and sixteen acres located on section 32, Valley township, and is a well
improved farm, Mr. Fleenor having brought the fields under a high state
of cultivation. In connection with his general farming he makes a specialty
of raising and feeding hogs, the high grade of which insures them a ready
sale upon the market. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and
his close application and capable management of his business affairs are
securing for him most gratifying prosperity.

40 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On the 27th of February, 1884, Mr. Fleenor was united in marriage to
Miss Jennie WiUiams, a daughter of John and Amy (Rogers) Williams, a
sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. She was born
in England and came to this country when but five years of age. By her
marriage she became the mother of four children, as follows: Ralph W., re
siding in Page county ; Winifred, deceased ; Gerene M. ; and Bertha.
The parents are members of the United Brethren church while Mr. Flee
nor is fraternally connected with the Woodmen of the World. Politically
he gives his support to the democracy. Aside from that he has held no pub
lic office, neither seeking nor desiring political preferment. Mr. Fleenor
stands high in the agricultural circles of Valley township and his progressive
spirit and his true worth of character have won him the confidence and re
spect of the community.

J. EDGAR SAWHILL.

J. Edgar SawhiU, owning and operating one of the finest and most
productive farms of Page county, is thereon engaged in general agricultural
pursuits and is meeting with excellent success in his undertaking. He is
a well known figure in agricultural circles throughout the county, being
actively connected with the Farmers' Institute and also with the experi
mental station for a number of years. He was born in Washington county,
Pennsylvania, on the 7th of October, 1858, a son of John and Jane (Pol
lock) SawhiU, the former born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in
1812, and the latter in Ohio county, West Virginia, in 1824. The father was
an extensive farmer in his native county and was the owner of several hun
dred acres. He was very prominent in the community in which he resided,
active alike in church and politics, and he settled many estates throughout
the county. He and his wife both passed away in Washington county, his
death occurring in 1887, while she survived until 1903.
In their family were seven children, namely: Anna, the widow of J. C.
McConahey, of Washington county, Pennsylvania ; Mary, who passed away
in 1870 ; T. A., residing in Corcordia, Kansas ; Elizabeth, the widow of
J. M. Post, of Washington county, Pennsylvania ; W. F., a resident physi
cian of Concordia, Kansas ; J. Edgar, of this review ; and Rev. E. O. Saw-
hill, a Presbyterian minister of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. With the excep
tion of our subject all the members of this family received college educa
tions. In the public schools of his native county J. Edgar SawhiU acquired his
education, passing through consecutive grades until he became a student in
the high school. After his graduation therefrom he engaged in general
farming in the Keystone state until 1892, in which year he came to Page
county, Iowa, locating in Clarinda. There he remained for one year and
in the spring of 1893 he removed to his present farm in Nodaway town
ship, consisting of one hundred and ten acres of land on section 36, one mile

C(f\

^:oif^

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 43
west of the courthouse. In 1907 Mr. SawhiU erected a fine large house,
and the excellent barns and outbuildings which stand upon the place have
all been built by him witbin the last ten years. The fields are under a high
state of cultivation, fences are kept in exceUent repair and the grounds are
well kept, so that his place is one of the best improved and most attractive
properties in the county. Mr. SawhiU practices intensified farming and
the gross receipts from his farm are probably greater than those of any
other farm of similar size in Page county. He also raises all kinds of
stock and is interested to some extent in the dairy business, while he cul
tivates all of the various kinds of fruits which find a ready demand in the
town. In the conduct of these various interests Mr. SawhiU displays keen
business discermnent and excellent management and as a result he is today
ranked among the substantial, progressive and influential farmers of Page
county. His farm adjoins the county farm, whereon is conducted the experi
mental station of Page county. This station is operated by the County
Farmers' Institute and Mr. SawhiU has been on the committee of this in
stitution since its organization. He has also been active in the affairs of
the Farmers' Institute of this county for the past ten years and has thus
gained a wide acquaintance throughout Page county.
It was on the 17th of October, 1883, that Mr. SawhiU was united in
marriage to Minnie A. Garrett, of College Springs, Iowa. She is a native
of Washington county, Pennsylvania, born on the 22d of November 1859,
and a daughter of W. G. Garrett, formerly of Washington county but
now residing in CoUege Springs. The home of Mr. and Mrs. SawhiU has
been blessed with two children, namely : W. Herbert, engaged in the animal
industry, being connected with the agricultural bureau of the United States,
located at present in New Mexico; and Eldwin, who is yet under the
parental roof.
Mr. and Mrs. SawhiU hold membership in the Presbyterian church of
Clarinda and he is an elder therein. In politics he is a stalwart republican.
and although he is deeply interested in the progress of the party and does
all in his power to extend its influence in the community, he has never de
sired nor sought public office as a reward for party fealty. His life has been
preeminently that of a business man who is concentrating his time and
energies upon his private affairs in the acquirement of a gratifying measure
of success, which he weU merits.

HON. O. H. FRINK.
¦H O Fl Frink is one of Page county's representative citizens who
has never aUowed personal interest or ambition to dwarf his public spirit.
M- f elinc^s have ever found expression m prompt action rather than in
Mis lee b Shenandoah he is now doing effective work in
theory and as "^^>° .egulative and constructive measures. He
promoting needed restrictive, ^

44 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
also stands as one who has been prominent in business circles, his previous
activity and well directed energy bringing him the competence that makes
possible his present retirement.
A native of Indiana, Mr. Frink was born in the city of Elkhart, May 26,
1848, a son of Hannibal and EUza (Armstrong) Frink, natives of Herkimer
county, New York, and of Detroit, Michigaii, respectively. They were
married, however, in Ohio, to which state they had previously removed.
After their marriage they began their domestic life there and continued
residence in that state until their removal to Elkhart, Indiana, where the
father died in 1848. He was a shipbuUder and carpenter by trade. His
widow survived him for only five years and departed this life in Lafayette,
lUinois, in 1853.
O. H. Frink, left an orphan when but five years of age, was reared by
a guardian in Elkhart, Indiana, and remained with him until the marriage
of his elder sister, with whom he then took up his abode in Kewanee,
IlUnois. It was there he largely acquired his education in the common
schools but when only fourteen years of age he started out in the business
world on his own account, being first employed at farm labor. He was but
sixteen years of age when, in 1864, he responded to the country's call for
troops, enlisting as a member of Company A, One hundred and Twenty-
fourth lUinois Volunteer Infantry. He served through the last year of the
war and was transferred from, the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth to the
Thirty-third Regiment in July, 1865, continuing with that command until he
received his honorable discharge in November following. He was but a boy
in years but his military service made him a man in experience for he had
not only suffered the hardships and privations that fall to the lot of the
soldier but had also faced danger and death on the battlefields of the
south. When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. .Frink returned to
Kewanee, Illinois, where he secured a clerkship in a mercantile establishment,
with which he was identified for six years. He then came to Page county,
Iowa. He has since been numbered among its residents and as the years
have passed his activities and interests have constituted an imp^ortant
feature in the general growth and improvement of this part of the state.
He first located on a tract of unbroken prairie land near .Shenandoah, pur
chasing eighty acres, to the improvement of which he gave his energies
through many years, converting the place into fertile fields, from which
he annually gathered abundant harvests. He became recognized as one
of the practical, progressive and representative farmers of the locality and
resided upon his land until 1890, when he was elected to the office of county
treasurer and removed his family to Clarinda. He filled the position for three
terms in most acceptable and creditable manner and throughout that period
maintained his residence at the county seat. In November, 1895, higher politi
cal honors were conferred upon him in his election to the state legislature but
prior to taking his seat in the general assembly he removed his family back
to the farm. For two terms he was a member of the house of representatives,
serving in the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh general assemblies and also

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 45
in an extra session to revise the code. His work as a legislator covered the
years of 1896, 1897 and 1898, during which period he served on a number
of important committees and was connected with a number of leading
regulative and constructive measures which found their way to the statute
books of the state.
Following his retirement from office Mr. Frink returned to the farm,
where he resided until the spring of 1903, when he sold that property and
removed to Shenandoah, there associating himself with C. A. Hamilton un
der the firm name of Frink & Hamilton for the purpose of conducting a
heating and plumbing business. This partnership existed for about four
years, at the end of which time Mr. Frink purchased his partner's interest
and for about eighteen months conducted the enterprise independently.
In July, 1908, however, he disposed of his business and since that time
has not been actively connected with commercial interests. In the previous
years of his identification with agricultural and mercantile affairs he had
so managed his business as to win a substantial measure of success and
with a comfortable competence he retired to private life.
On the I2th of April, 1870, in Kewanee, Illinois, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Frink and ]\Iiss Barbara Ellen [Minnick. As the years
passed ten children were added to the household, of whom seven are yet
living, namely: Nettie, the wife of Dr. George O. Cogley, a practicing
dentist of Shenandoah ; Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. W. F. Stotler, of Shen
andoah ; Bertha, the wife of F. M. Stotler, who is superintendent of the
public schools of Lebanon, Oregon ; Grace, the wife of W. R. Worden,
of Fairbury, X^ebraska ; O. Fiarvey, living in Lebanon, Oregon ; Irene, a
-teacher in the district schools of Page county; and Warren AL, who is
attending school.
The family attends the Baptist church, in which j\Ir. Frink holds mem
bership. He is now acting as one of the board of trustees of this church
and was president of the building committee at the time of the erection of
the new house of worship. In community affairs he takes a most active
and helpful part, cooperating in all measures for the general good. He is
today as true and loyal to his duties of citizenship as when he foUowed
the old flag on southern battlefields and he maintains pleasant relations
with his old army comrades through his membership in Burnside Post,
No. 56, G. A. R., of Shenandoah. He stands, at all times for progress and
improvement and while he holds to high ideals of citizenship, utilizes prac
tical methods for their attainment. His substantial qualities being widely
recognized by his fellow townsmen, he w-as urged by many of Shenan
doah's leading citizens to become the republican candidate for mayor in
March, 1909, and at the ensuing election he was chosen as the chief execu
tive of the city, in which position he is now serving. He has been identified
w-ith the republican party almost from its organization, has been an in
fluential factor in its local councils and has clone effective work for its ad
vancement. Fle has served in various township offices in Page countv and
now as mayor of the city he is giving to Shenandoah a public-spirited and
business like administration, manifesting the same quality of energy, per-

46 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
severance and determination which characterized the conduct of his private
business affairs. His record, taken all in all, is one of signal usefulness
and honor and has brought him merited and high regard from his fellow
townsmen.

JOSEPH C. FOSTER.

Joseph C. Foster, carrying on general farming interests for many years
in East River township but now leaving the arduous labor of the farm to
others, although he still gives to it his general supervision, was born in
Madison county, Ohio, December 23, 1826. He is a son of Joshua and
Sarah (Silver) Foster, both of whom were natives of Bedford county,
Pennsylvania. The father was born there May 17, 1794, and when six
years of age accompanied his parents to Ross county, Ohio, where he lived
until eighteen years of age. A removal was then made to Madison county,
Ohio, and with the exception of six years spent in Indiana, he continued in
Madison county until 1848. At that time he removed to Knox county,
Illinois, where he lived for two years, after which he spent five years in Ful
ton county, whence he returned to Knox county, where he made his home
for twenty-seven years prior to his demise. He engaged in general farming
and stock-raising, purchasing stock which he drove over the mountains from
the west. He was married when twenty-two years of age to Miss Sarah
Silver, of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and unto them were born thir
teen children, all of whom were living at one time, while eight of the num
ber were living at the time of the father's death. His wife passed away
March 9, 1879, and their graves were made side by side in the Uniontown
cemetery of Knox county, Illinois. In early life Mr. Foster joined the
Methodist Episcopal church and ever afterward Uved a consistent Chris
tian life. He always looked on the bright side of every question and when
clouds of adversity were darkest was never known to complain. He was
devoted to the welfare of his wife and family and was a most estimable
citizen. The cause of education found in him a stalwart advocate and he
was ever interested in the movements which tend to promoting the interests
of civilization. Joseph C. Foster was the youngest of four sons in his father's family
and there were seven daughters younger than he. Born and reared in Mad
ison county, Ohio, he there resided untU his marriage, after which he went
to Knox county, Illinois, where he made his home until 1873, when he re
moved to Fulton county, that state. In the spring of 1875 he came to Page
county, Iowa, settling first on the Linderman farm west of Clarinda. After
spending four years there he removed to East River township, settling on
the Hatfield farm, which he made his home for five years. He next pur
chased his present home of one hundred and thirty-two acres on sections 2
and II, East River township. This is a well improved property, having
upon it good buildings which have been erected by Mr. Foster. Everything

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 47
about the place is modern and substantial and he has met with substantial
success in carrying on general farming and stock raising. His place is yet
devoted to those two pursuits and both branches of the business return to
him a substantial income.
It was on the 26th of October, 1848, that Mr. Foster was united in
marriage to Miss Maria C. Kingham, who was born in WaUingford, Berk
shire county, England, September 16, 1827. When two years of age she lost
her mother and with her father came to America in the fall of 1832 on the
sailing ship Cosmo, which was seven weeks in completing the voyage. The
family home was established near Springfield, Ohio, where Mrs. Foster re
mained until seventeen years of age, when she went to Madison county,
Ohio, where she was married. Her parents were William and Elizabeth
(Cooper) Kingham and the father died in Madison county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Foster have been born nine sons : WiUiam, a resi
dent of Missouri ; Thoinas and John, twins, the former living in Ne
braska township, this county, and the latter in South Dakota; Homer, who
is a resident of East River township ; Smith, residing in Fulton county, lUi
nois ; Bruce, who is living in Shenandoah, Iowa ; Scott, who died in Okla
homa ; Richard, a resident of Taylor county; and Frederick, at home. All
of the sons are farmers and most of them own large tracts of land. They
all give their political allegiance to the democracy.
The father is also a stalwart democrat and has filled some township
and school offices but has always preferred to leave office holding to others.
He has been a Mason since 1861 and now belongs to Clarinda Lodge, No.
140, F. & .\. M., and to the chapter, R. A. M., in Knoxville, IlUnois. He
has almost reached the eighty-third milestone on life's journey and his has
been a creditable record, for he has lived a life of continuous business activ
ity and his carefully directed labors have brought him the success which has
enabled him for many years to enjoy not only the necessities but also many
of the comforts of life. His estimable wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church.

THOMAS HENDERSON READ.
With no special training for the conduct of important financial interests
Thomas Henderson Read is now acting as president of the First National
Bank of Shenandoah and has been since its organization and in the control
of its affairs he has given proof of his ability to solve the more difficult
financial and economical problems. The subjective and objective forces of
life are in him well balanced, making him cognizant of his own capabilities
and powers, while at the same time he thoroughly understands his op
portunities and his obligations. He was born in Huntsville, Schuyler coun
ty, Illinois, March 3, 1841, and is a son of Amasa and Jane B. (Hender
son) Read, natives of Massachusetts and Ohio respectively. The father

48 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
was twice married, his second wife being the mother of our subject. For
some years Amasa Read operated a woolen mill in Oldtown, Ohio, and
in 1837 removed westward to Schuyler county, Illinois, where he engaged
in farming, continuing in agricultural life there until 1843, when he was
called to his final rest.
Thomas H. Read was but two years old at the time of his father's death.
He remained at home until his twenty-ninth year, but in 1870 sold his in
terests in Illinois and with a team started west on a tour of inspection. Ar
riving in Page county he was so pleased with the country and its prospects
that he determined to locate here and during the succeeding two years was
engaged in the cattle business. In the fall of 1872 he opened a bank in
Clarinda, which was conducted under the firm name of Read & Farnum.
For three years the firm conducted that institution, at the end of which time
Mr. Read purchased the bank of Moore & Webster in Shenandoah, then
the only bank in this city. He arrived in Shenandoah on the 12th of June,
1875, the night before the grasshoppers came — a plague memorable in the
history of this part of the country, the insects descending in swarms upon
the entire countryside and within a few hours destroying every vestige of
vegetation. Mr. Read entered upon his banking interest in this city under
the firm style of Read, Farnum & Company. Soon afterward a second bank
was organized under the name of Cole, Swain & Company. The competi
tion was then so strong that an effort was made to consolidate the two banks
with a third party in Clarinda but Mr. Read found that he was to be frozen
out when the papers for consolidation were all signed. Coming to an under
standing of the situation, he started out to organize the First National Bank
of .Shenandoah and in one night had forty-four thousand dollars subscribed
out of the fifty thousand dollars necessary. He and Mr. Farnum bought
out the remaining member of the old firm and completed the organization of
the First National Bank. This bank today does the largest banking busi
ness in the county and since its organization has paid twenty per cent on
its capital. It was organized on a safe, conservative yet progressive basis
and the business methods pursued have ever been such as to awaken un
qualified confidence and gain a liberal patronage. In all of his business
affairs Mr. Read has been thoroughly reliable and straightforward, seeking
success along the legitimate lines of business and his path has never been
strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes. He has made steady progress
by reason of his persistency of purpose, keen discrimination and sound judg
ment, and although he had no training for the work when he entered bank
ing circles he has become recognized as one of the strong and prominent
representatives of banking interests in southwestern Iowa. He has or
ganized other banks, including the First National Bank of Farragut, of
which he is president ; the First National Bank at Coin ; and the First Na
tional Bank at Imogene, all of which are highly prosperous. For many
years he has been the oldest banker in active service in Page and Fre
mont counties.
Mr. Read was married in 1873 to Miss Ermina J. Allphin, of Hunts
viUe, Illinois, and unto them have been born four chUdren: Elbert, who is

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 49
cashier of the bank; Thomas H., who is a graduate of the law department
of the University of Michigan and is now acting as assistant cashier of
the First National Bank of Shenandoah; Della, the wife of Edson R. Sun
derland, a professor of the law department of the Michigan University;
and Luella J., who has won a degree at Tabor College in Iowa and Michi
gan University and has now passed her examination for a Doctor's degree.
Mr. Read and his family attend the Congregational church in which
he holds membership. He is serving as treasurer of the church, contributes
generously to its support and does all in his power to promote its interests.
He was a leading factor in the erection of the library building in 1904,
conducting the correspondence whereby a donation from Andrew Carnegie
was secured. He was also president of its first board of directors and
was chairman of the building committee. He has never let personal in
terests or ambition dwarf his public spirit or public activities and his
feelings and views concerning public questions have ever found expression
in prompt action. Without any special advantages at the outset of his career
he has developed powers of mind and habit which have established him as
one of the valued and representative citizens of this part of the state and
his success is the merited reward of persistent, earnest and honorable labor.

MISS JESSIE FIELD.

The educational interests of Page county are capably directed under the
supervision of Miss Jessie Field, who is serving for the second term as
superintendent of schools. She makes her home in Clarinda and is well
known throughout the southwestern portion of the state. Her birth occurred
in Page county, June 26, 1881, her parents being Solomon E. and Lettie
(Eastman) Field, who came to Iowa from Toulon, Illinois. Both ber father
and mother were teachers and actively interested in educational work, while
four of her sisters and one brother have also been teachers of Page county.
The family is one of strong intellectuality and their work has been of tan
gible benefit in promoting the public school interests of this part of the state.
At the usual age Miss Jessie Field entered school and passed through
consecutive grades until she had completed the high school course. Sub
sequently she attended the Western X'ormal College at Shenandoah and was
there graduated with the class of 1898. Desirous of making still further
progress in inteUectual lines, she next attended Tabor College at Tabor, Iowa,
where she completed the classical course in 1903. Thus well qualified for the
profession of teaching, she went to Antigo, Wisconsin, where she was prin
cipal of the \^'ard school for one year. She then became teacher of science
in the Shenandoah high school, where she continued for a year, after which
she went to Helena, Montana, and was principal of the Jefferson school of
that city for a year. In 1906 she returned to Pag-e county, having been chosen

50 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
for the office of county superintendent of schools. She had been nominated at
the primary for this position while she was still in Montana and was elected
in that year without opposition and again in 1908, so tbat she is now serving
for the second term. She is superintendent of one hundred and thirty country
schools and thirteen town and village schools, with a total enrollment of five
thousand pupils.
Miss Field is thoroughly interested in her work, zealous and active in be
half of the cause of pubhc instruction and puts forth every effort in her
power to further qualify herself for the responsibilities of her chosen calling.
She keeps in touch with the foremost educators of the day through her mem
bership in the National Educational Association, has been vice president of
the Iowa State Teachers' Association and belongs to the Southwestern Iowa
Teachers' Association, of which she was formerly president. She is likewise
a member of the Iowa Educational Council and is a member of the Congre
gational church and is interested in all those things which work for perman
ency and improvement and are factors in the world's progress and civiliza
tion. Her work in connection with the schools of Page county is of a most
practical character, attended with direct and tangible results and that it has
received the endorsement of the general public was indicated in the fact
of her reelection.

TliOMAS EDWIN POWERS, M. D.
Thoroughly equipped by collegiate training and private research and
investigation for the onerous and responsible duties of his profession, Dr.
Powers has made continuous progress since entering upon his chosen life
v/ork as a physician and surgeon. Broad reading and study keep him in
touch with the advanced ideas of the day and from experience he also learns
many valuable lessons, while through the faithful performance of each day's
duties he finds inspiration and encouragement for the labors of the succeed
ing day.
His parents, Jacob H. and Eliza B. (Silver) Powers, arrived in Clarinda
in 1854, coming from Muncie, Indiana. The father had visited the state
in the previous year and then returned to Indiana, after which he brought
his family to Iowa, driving the entire distance across the country. He was
a native of Virginia, while the grandfather of Dr. Powers was also a Vir
ginian, removing from the Old Dominion to Indiana when his son, Jacob
H., was a lad of twelve years. The latter was there reared as a farm boy,
early becoming famiUar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of
the agriculturist as he converts wild land into productive fields and annually
brings forth rich crops. Not desiring to give his entire attention, however,
to the tilling of the soil, he entered mercantile circles and for some time
conducted a tannery. In 1853 he sold out and made the aforementioned
visit to Clarinda, where he established a general mercantile store upon his
return to this county with his family. He also purchased considerable
property, including both city real-estate and farm lands and became an active

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 53
factor in the development, upbuilding and improvement of this part of Iowa.
He was one of the pioneer merchants of the town and conducted stores
on both the west and north sides of the square. In his mercantile ventures
he was successful, carrying such lines of goods as the public demanded,
while his reasonable prices and honorable dealing won him a continually in
creasing trade. His lands were adjacent to the city and with the growth
and development of the county increased rapidly in value. Later he made
investment in lands in Missouri, Texas, Florida and Kansas. As the years
passed by, he conducted important business negotiations, prospering in his
undertakings. During his later years he spent half of his time in Florida
and the remainder in Clarinda. He was regarded as one of the city's best
and foremost residents, stanchly supporting every cause for the public good
and giving liberally where aid was needed. While he conducted important
and extensive business affairs, he was ever reliable in his transactions, his
negotations being in harmony with the strictest business ethics. He is
survived by four children: Amanda T., now the wife of Harvey White,
of Chino, California ; .Sarah E., who is the widow of Charles Lindeman and
resides in Clarinda; N. OUve, a resident of this city; and Thomas E.
Dr. Powers pursued his preUminary education in the public and high
schools of Clarinda and his more specific literary course in the Iowa State
University. He also attended the medical coUege there and finished his
course in the Missouri Medical College, now the medical department of
Washington University at St. Louis, Missouri, being graduated therefrom
on the 4th of March, 1881. He at once located for practice in St. Louis
but on account of the illness of his father returned home and entered upon
active practice at Clarinda and with the exception of two years he has
been constantly in active practice here. For two years he was assistant su
perintendent of the Clarinda State Hospital for the Insane, acting in that
capacity from 1891 until 1893. He was also health officer of the city for
one term and for the past fourteen years has been one of the commissioners
on the board of insanity. He was also pension examiner for the county
from 1898 until 1906, when he resigned. His private practice is extensive
and of an important character, for he long since demonstrated his ability
to successfully cope with the intricate problems that continually confront
the physician in his efforts to check the ravages of disease and restore health.
He has for the past ten years been local surgeon for the Chicago, Bur
lington & Quincy Railroad Company and also for the Keokuk & Western
Railroad Company. In 1904 he spent six months in Berlin, Germany, in
the study of surgery, receiving the benefit of instruction from some of the
most eminent surgeons of the old world. He also attended their clinics and
in this way added much to his knowledge concerning the methods of prac
tice followed in Germany. He belongs to the Page County Medical So
ciety, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Southwestern Iowa Medical So
ciety, the American Medical Association and the Anglo-American Medi
cal Association at Berlin. Dr. Powers' clientele became so large and the
demands upon his time so constant that in 1890 it practically became im
perative for him to estabUsh a hospital. Consequently, in that year the

54 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Powers' Private Hospital came into existence and since that time has been
devoted to surgical and gynecological cases. From the first instance the
hospital has been a success and has met the anticipations of its friends and
many patrons.
On tbe 2Sth of May, 1882, occurred the marriage of Dr. Powers and
Miss Anna Peterson, of Clarinda, daughter of Andrew Peterson. She was
a teacher in the schools of this city for a number of years before her mar
riage. The Doctor and his wife attend the Presbyterian church, although
they do not hold membership therein. He is a Royal Arch Mason and
was master of Clarinda Lodge from 1900 until 1905 and is one of the dis
trict lecturers in connection with the work of the grand lodge. He is an ex-
emplaiy representative of the craft and frequently embodies its teachings
in his practice, rendering brotherly aid to those in need when he has no hope
of pecuniary recompense. In all of his professional service he is actuated by
high ideals and his study and reading, combined with his ready adaptability,
have placed him prominently before the public as one of the leading repre
sentatives of the profession in this county.

THOMAS WOODMANSEE.
Thomas Woodmansee, one of Page county's highly respected citizens,
who passed away August 20, 1906, was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, Septem
ber 22, 1830, a son of Joseph Woodmansee, who was of French origin.
When eighteen years of age, Thomas Woodmansee came to Iowa, locating
near Fort Madison in Lee county, where he rented and operated a farm
for about ten years. In 1857 h^ came to Page county, Iowa, and entered an
eighty-acre tract of land located in Amity township. Being industrious and
ambitious to follow agricultural pursuits on a larger scale, he worked un
tiringly and persistently until he was enabled to trade his small farm for one
of twice its size, located in the same township. At length he sold this prop
erty and bought eighty acres just south of Amity, now College Springs, and
in 1865, by additional purchase, he added eighty more acres to that farm.
Not being strong physically, at times he was compelled to rent part of the
farm out on shares and often hire most of the work done. However, in
this way he followed general farming and devoted some attention also to
stock raising until 1876, when he retired to College Springs, Amity town
ship, where he lived until his death.
In the fall of 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Thomas Wood
mansee and Miss Margaret Scroggan, a daughter of Alexander and Mary
(FeatheringiU) Scroggan, both of whom were of Scotch-Irish descent and
were living at that time in Clay county, Missouri, Two children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Woodmansee; Mary AUce, who died when she
was nine years old; and Charles Herbert, who lived to the age of thirty-
two years. They also adopted and reared Burdette Gurnsey, whom they
took from a Milwaukee foundling institution when he was eight years old.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 55
The boy has now grown to manhood and greatly assists Mrs. Woodmansee.
They also reared another boy, who is now married and lives in Oklahoma,
and two girls, both married at the present time, one living in California
and the other in Iowa. All were orphans when they came to live with Air.
and Mrs. Woodmansee. Mrs. Woodmansee now has the entire management
of the farm property, which consists of twenty-nine acres of land in the
home place, part of which is within the corporate limits of CoUege Springs
on section 17 and eighty acres of land tw^o miles south of College Springs
on section 29, Amity township.
Mr. Woodmansee was a strong prohibitionist in politics, taking a de
cided stand against the liquor traffic, while in reUgious faith he was a Bap
tist, holding membership in a church of that denomination in Amity town
ship until the time of the founding of the Free Methodist church of College
Springs, at which time he joined that organization and continued in that
faith until he died. During his life he was an earnest Christian man, try
ing to follow in the footsteps of Him in whom he believed, and he passed
away as he had lived, strong and happy in the Christian faith. He was a
member of the official board and trustees of the church for many years and
many times served as a delegate to the annual conference. He also served as
school director, the cause of education finding in him an earnest champion.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Woodmansee, with the assistance of her
adopted son, has successfully managed the home place and also pays more
attention to stock raising interests than previously. She is an earnest
Christian woman and a prominent worker in the Free Methodist church
of College Springs.

G. F. MITCHELL.
Since the .spring of 1905 G. F. Mitchell has been connected with the
Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Coin, in which he is now filling the
position of cashier. He is a young man but his enterprise and energy have
brought him into important business relations and his close application and
the provident care which he displays make him an important factor in the
control of this institution. He is a native son of Iowa and possesses that
spirit of determination wdiich has been an important factor in the upbuild
ing and development of the middle west.
His birth occurred at Weldon, Clarke county, Iowa, July 13, 1883, his
parents being Charles W. and Lucinda (Westfall) MitcheU, who were early
settlers of that county. The father was born in Meigs county, Ohio, March
28, 1845, and was a son of Enos Mitchell, one of the early residents of the
Buckeye state, where he followed the blacksmith's trade. Charles 'VA^ Mit
chell attended school in his native county and when a young man went to
Knox county, Illinois, where he foUowed farming and was married. He
was still a resident of that state when in 1862 he responded to the country's
call for aid and joined Company G of the Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteer

56 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Infantry. Subsequently he enhsted in the Eighty-fourth Illinois Volun
teer Infantry and remained in the service for three years. He was never
injured except slightly, although he was frequently in the thickest of the fight,
having participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Moun
tain and others of lesser importance. At the close of the war he was mus
tered out and returned home with a creditable military record. He con
tinued to reside in Illinois until about 1874, when with his wife and one
son he removed to Clarke county, Iowa, where he purchased forty acres of
land. There they lived for about ten years when, seUing that property,
they came to Page county, Mr. MitcheU purchasing land in Colfax township
about three miles east of Coin. There they resided for some time and at
various places since. At present Mr. Mitchell is postmaster at Yorktown,
Iowa, which position he has filled since 1896. His wife, who is also a native
of Meigs county, Ohio, is now sixty-two years of age. They were the par
ents of eight children : Walter, who is engaged in farming near Clarinda,
Iowa; Effie, who is the widow of Carroll Loy and resides at Yorktown;
Bert, a resident farmer of this county; Jennie, the wife of Hermann Har-
dorf, also a farmer of this county; Mabel, the deceased wife of Luther Mor
ley; Maggie, the wife of Martin McNutt, of Newmarket; one who died in
infancy ; and G. F., of this review.
When only a year old G. F. Mitchell was brought by his parents from
Weldon to this county and his early education was acquired in the district
schools, while later he attended Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, pur
suing a commercial course there. Subsequently he became a pupil in Amity
College at College Springs, Iowa, and before his graduation he was offered
the position of bookkeeper in the Farmers & Merchants State Eank. He
accepted this and since the spring of 1905 has been continuously connected
with the institution. His capability and reliability led to his promotion in
1908 to the position of cashier, in which he is now serving. He is also one
of the stockholders in the bank, which was organized July 16, 1904, and
is conducting a general banking business under the state laws of Iowa. The
original officers were WilUam Wilson, president; J. F. Whitmore, vice
president ; T. E. Fordice, cashier ; and R. O. Gamble, assistant cashier. In
addition to the above named Samuel Hill, Charles Hart, Samuel Farquher, F.
.M. Manifold, Hermann Siefering, and W. A. Guthrie were directors. There
were about twenty-four stockholders and the bank was incorporated for
twenty-five thousand dollars. The present officials are : Charles Hart,
president ; J. F. Whitmore, vice president ; G. F. Mitchell, cashier ; and R.
O. Gamble, assistant cashier ; and in addition to the officers there are on the
board of directors: Ed. Irvin, F. M. Manifold, W. A. Guthrie, Hermann
Siefering, H. H. Eggers, C. H. Henderson, W L. Annan, Charles Hart and
J. F Whitmore. There are now forty-five stockholders.
On the ISt of May, 1907, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss
Jessie Shaw, a daughter of T. R. Shaw, postmaster of Coin, who is men
tioned elsewhere in this volume. They are prominent socially, the hospi
taUty of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Mitchell be
longs to the Woodman Camp, No. 2410, of which he is clerk and also holds

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 57
membership with lodge No. 455, I. O. O. F He is active in community af
fairs and his fellow-townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him
treasurer of Coin in March, 1908, so that he is filling the position at the
present writing. He is recognized as a young man of ability and forceful in
dividuality and is making steady progress in business lines, while his activ
ity in public affairs makes him a valued factor in the citizenship of Coin.

ELMER GRANT DAY.

Many business interests have felt the stimulus of the aid, cooperation and
wise counsel of Elmer Grant Day, whose resolute spirit prompts him to
accomplish what he undertakes and to fully qualify himself for the work at
hand. As cashier of the Clarinda National Bank, his position in financial
circles is an enviable one, while his investments in farm property also place
him prominently in agricultural ranks.
M r. Day was born in Monroe county, Ohio, March 10, 1864, and is a son
of Edward and Martha J. (Dunn) Day, both of whom were also natives of
the Buckeye state. The father was both farmer and school teacher and
lived in Ohio until 1874, when he came to Page county, Iowa, where he
purchased a tract of land upon which he made his home until called to his
final rest, his time and energies being devoted to the cultivation of the fields
He died in 1876 and the community mourned the loss of a respected and
valued citizen.
Elmer Grant Day was ten years of age when he came to Iowa with his
parents. He was but twelve years old when his father died and, assuming
the management of the farm, he conducted it until nineteen years of age. He
then again took up educational work. He had previously pursued
his studies in the public and high schools of Clarinda and later
took a course in a business college at Shenandoah. In 1883 he left
Page county and located at X'illisca, Montgomery county, Iowa, where he
became a clerk in a hardware and implement store, while afterward he secured
a situation in a shoe store, his entire service as salesman in both places cover
ing a period of nine years. Ambitious to engage in business on his own
account, he then opened a fumiture store and undertaking establishment,
which he carried on for five years under the firm name of E. G. Day & Com
pany. On the expiration of that period he was elected county recorder and
took up his residence at Red Oak, Iowa, where he remained for four years,
for in the meantime he had been reelected recorder. His service in that
position was highly satisfactory to the general public and the record which
he made was one which reflected credit upon himself and his constituents.
In 1901, being tired of county office, he came to Clarinda, where he established
a real-estate and insurance business, which he conducted under the firm style
of Day & Day, having admitted his brother, A. Emmett Day, to a partnership.
Thev were very successful in this undertaking and continued the business
until 1905, when they disposed of it, Elmer G. Da}' turning his attention to

58 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the banking business at Essex, Iowa. Later he became connected with the
Clarinda National Bank as cashier and has filled the same position to the
present time. He is now thoroughly conversant with the banking business in
principle and detail, closely studies the financial situation and the uniform
courtesy which he displays to the patrons of the bank, his obliging spirit and
above all his loyalty to the best interests of the depositors and stockholders,
have been features in his popularity and his success as a bank official. He
also takes great interest in farming and stock-raising and has a farm near his
boyhood's ho^me, which he is now improving in accordance with all of the
modern and progressive methods of farming. He plans to make this a model
property and already its equipments are much superior to those found upon
the average farm.
Mr. Day was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Copeland, of Page county,
a daughter of William and Susannah (Baker) Copeland. Her father came
to this county from Illinois in 1853 and, tuming his attention to general
agricultural pursuits, he became closely identified with the development of
Southwestern Iowa along that line. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Day has been born
a daughter, LucUe Lenore, who is now a student in the Clarinda high school.
Mr. Day is a man of domestic tastes, finding his greatest happiness at his own
fireside and counting no personal effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it
will promote the wielfare and happiness of his wife and daughter. He finds
his chief recreation in country life, being much interested in stock raising and
in the improvements which he places upon his property. Moreover, he is a
lover of good literature and his reading has covered a wide range.
In all matters of citizenship Mr. Day is progressive, withholding his sup
port from no movement which he deems of value to the community. He
belongs to the Comimercial Club and is now serving as chairman of its good
roads committee. At one time he studied law and was admitted to the bar
but has never practiced. His knowledge of law, however, enables him to
more capably control his business affairs. He is a fluent speaker, apt and
tactful, and these qualities make him a favorite as a speaker on the occasion
of many social functions. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and a
Modern Woodman, while his religious views are indicated in his active mem
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he is deeply
interested, serving for many years in an official capacity. He has never been
neglectful of the higher, holier duties of life, but gives first things the first
place in his thoughts and is actuated in every relation by the most honorable
principles and purposes.

ALLISON F GALLOWAY.
Allison F. Galloway has been a resident of Page county since 1891, com
ing to southwestern Iowa from BurUngton. The 3-ears which have known
him have found in him a representative, progressive and valued citizen. He
was born June 22, 1859, in "VA^abasha, Minnesota, his parents being Elias and

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 59
Irene (Drake) Galloway. The father was a farmer in early life but at the
age of twenty-five years turned his attention to other pursuits and became
well known as a lumberman. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and a repre
sentative of an old A'^irginia family. The grandfather removed from the
south to Pike county, Missouri, and Elias Galloway spent his boyhood in
the latter state and in Texas. At the age of twenty-one years he went to
northern Wisconsin, where he entered the lumber business and in comiection
with others he organized and conducted the first sawmill at Chippewa FaUs.
During the Civil war he was aroused by an intensely patriotic spirit and be
came a member of Company K of the Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry,
which he represented as first lieutenant but three months later he was killed
at the siege of Petersburg, being then forty years of age. His widow still
survives and is now Uving at Lake Helen, Florida.
Allison F. Galloway is indebted to the Wisconsin and Iowa system of
public instruction for the educational privileges.he enjoyed in his youthful
days. When about twenty-five years of age he entered a railway office in
a clerical capacity, being thus employed for five years at Eau Clair, Wis
consin. He then entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad Company as clerk in the superintendent's office, where he con
tinued for four years. On the expiration of that period he came to Clar
inda as freight and station agent for the Chicago, BurUngton & Quincy Rail
road Company and in 1900 he went to Gentry, Missouri, there realizing the
hope that had hitherto actuated him of one day engaging in business on his
own account. It was there that he organized the Bank of Gentry ,^ — a state
bank — becoming its cashier. He also engaged in farming and stock raising
and is still interested therein. Later he returned to Clarinda, becoming one
of the organizers of the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank, of which he was
elected cashier, continuing in this position to the present time. The bank
was capitalized for seventy-five thousand dollars and has a surplus of five
thousand dollars. It is recognized as one of the strong and reliable moneyed
institutions of the county and its business interests are capably conducted
along the lines of modern business methods. Mr. Galloway Ukewise figures
in business circles as the treasurer of the A. A. Berry Seed Company ; is a
director of the Lee Electric Light Company ; and a director of the Farmers
Savings Bank of Hepburn, Iowa. In addition to his other business in
terests he has built a large and modern garage, forty by one hundred and
forty feet. It is a two-story brick structure with basement.
Mr. GaUoway was married to Miss Hattie Hewett, of Lime Springs,
Iowa, a daughter of Clark C. Hewett, who went to Howard county in 1855.
There he preempted land and later figured extensively in the business circles
of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Galloway have two sons : William Clifford,
nineteen years of age, who is now attending the Denver University at Den
ver, Colorado; and Clark Hewett, a lad of ten years, now attending the pub
lic schools. They also lost three children : Frederick AlUson, who died at
the age of five years ; Frank Hewett, who died when one year old ; and
Howard Park, who passed away in Clarinda when three years of age. Mr.
Galloway is interested in public affairs and is now a member of the Methodist

60 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Episcopal church and secretary of its official board. In any question which
involves the welfare and interest of the town or county he is always found
on the side of progress and improvement and Clarinda owes not a little of
her financial upbuilding to his efforts. In all of his undertakings he has been
eminently practical and, moreover, sustains an unassailable reputation as
one whose probity is ever above question.

WILLIAM MAXWELL.
Upon the memory of William Maxwell are impressed many pictures
of early days in Page county when deer roamed over the prairie and when
wolves howled around the cabin at night. He arrived here as a frontier set
tler, his cash capital at the time being but a single dollar. He possessed,
however, a stout heart and willing hands and in the struggle to attain suc
cess he has come oft" as victor, being now a prominent representative of live
stock and financial interests in this part of the state. Moreover, his wealth
has been acquired by honorable means in the field of legitimate business and
his achievements may well serve as an inspiration to others. His home is
on section 23, Tarkio township. His birth occurred in County Donegal,
Ireland, July 12, 1843, his parents being George and Martha (Shaw) Max
well, both of whom spent their entire lives in the green isle of Erin.
In his boyhood days William Maxwell was familiar with that land
which has figured so much in song and story, and he received careful home
training from his parents, whose lessons concerning industry, integrity and
perseverance have never been forgotten. His education was acquired in the
common schools and be continued under the parental roof until his twenty-
fourth year. Early in the spring of 1867 he sailed for the United States,
landing in New York city on the 1st of May, but the metropolis had little
attraction for him as he sought the opportunities of the great middle west,
making his way direct to Newton, Jasper county, Iowa, where for six weeks
he worked for his board. After ten weeks spent in Newton he continued his
joumey to Page county, arriving here about the 20th of July. He remained
throug;h the summer and following- winter and with the opening of spring
in the year 1868 he went to the Rocky mountains in Wyoming, securing em
ployment on the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. His time was
thus fully occupied for a year, one half of the day being given to con
struction work, while the remainder of the time was devoted to herding the
cattle and horses belonging to ihe camp at night. When a year had elapsed
he returned to Page county in the spring of 1869 with seven hundred dol
lars which he had saved from his earnings, for in that period he had lived
very economically, never incurring an expense that was not an absolute
necessity. With the capital he had thus won Mr. Maxwell purchased forty acres
of his present farm constituting the tract on which his dwelling now stands.
He also bought some young stock and thus started upon a business career

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 63
which has proven eminently successful. Through his industry and good
business management he has developed his interests until he has become one
of the extensive landowners of Page county, his possessions aggregating
something over one thousand acres of soil which is arable and rich. The
land responds readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it, yielding large
crops in reward for cultivation. Moreover, Mr. Maxwell has met gener
ous success in cattle raising, in which he has largely engaged. From the
days when he was a boy in pinafores he had always been more or less con
nected with the cattle business and since establishing his home in Page coun
ty has made a specialty of stock raising, owning the best shorthorn bulls
for breeding purposes. He has also been a heavy feeder of live stock and
his judgment is seldom if ever at fault concerning the value of cattle, so that
he has been able to make judicious investments and profitable sales.
On the 15th of November, 1875, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Maxwell and Miss Catherine Canterbury, a native of Ireland. Unto them
have been born three children: William George and Mary, both at home;
and Samuel J., who died in infancy. The parents are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and contribute generously to its support.
Mr. Maxwell is a republican in politics but the honors and emoluments
of office have had no attraction for him. Business to him is a more ex
citing and interesting pastime than the manipulation of political interests
and his record indicates the possibilities for accomplishment to the young
man who has determination, physical strength and the intelligence to wisely
direct his labors. Although he arrived in Page county practically penni
less, during the recent financial flurry of 1907 it was said that he could bor
row more money than any man in the county. With all of his extensive pos
sessions there is no financial obligation against any of his property and,
moreover, he has a splendid reserve on deposit in various banks. The
years that have come and gone have chronicled his increasing success, his
own powers seeming to have developed with the growth and progress of
the county and in the honorable utilization of his opportunities he has be
come one of southwestern Iowa's leading stock raisers and feeders.

P. D. SULLIA^AN.
P D. SuUivan, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred and
seventy-six acres on section 32, Valley township, is a native of Page county,
his entire life having been spent within its borders. He was born on the
4th of March, 1877, on the farm which is now his home, in a log house
which is still standing on the place. He is a son of J. D. and Sarah (Orphan)
Sullivan, both natives of Ireland, who came to this country in 1854, set
tling first in Massachusetts. There the father was employed for three years,
at the expiration of which time he came west to IlUnois and later to Page
county, making the entire journey with an oxteam. He purchased the farm

64 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
which is now the property of his son and continued to reside thereupon
until his demise.
P. D. Sullivan is one of thirteen children born unto Air. and Mrs. J. D.
Sullivan, and his entire life has been spent upon the old homestead farm.
The period of his boyhood and youth was spent in the manner common to
the country lad, his time being divided between the acquirement of a com
mon-school education and the work which was assigned to him by parental
authority. He assisted his father in the cultivation of the fields until twen
ty-four years of age, when he rented the home farm and continued to
operate it as a renter until 1907, in which year he purchased it and has since
directed his time and energies to its further development and improvement.
He is a progressive farmer, practices rotation of crops and has made a close
study concerning the best methods of raising the various cereals adapted to
soil and climate, so that his fields annually yield rich harvests that prove a
source of most gratifying income.
Air. Sullivan was married in 1901 to Miss Pearl Elrick, a native of Page
county and a daughter of S. M. and Margaret Elrick, mention of whom
is made is on another page of this volume. The home of Mr. and Mrs.
Sullivan has been blessed with three children, the eldest of whom passed
away in infancy. The two surviving daughters are Nellie M. and Plazel I.
The parents are members of the United Brethren church and are peo
ple of genuine personal worth, enjoying the respect and good will of those
with whom, they have come in contact. Having passed his entire life in
this locality, Mr. Sullivan has won for himself an extensive circle of friends,
and that he is most Uked where best known is indicative of the fact that
his salient characteristics are such as to gain him a high place in the
esteem of his fellowmen.

PLEASANT DAVISON.

Pleasant Davison was known as an honorable and reliable business man
of Page county, closely associated for many years with the agricultural and
live stock interests of this part of the state. He was born in Andrew county,
Missouri, October 16, 1842, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Wilson)
Davison, natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. They lived for
some time in Kentucky, where Samuel Davison followed the occupation of
farming. On coming westward to Missouri he took up his abode in Andrew
county, wdiere he again engaged in general agricultural pursuits and later
he bought a farm in Page county, Iowa, near the Missouri line. He then
carried on the work of tilling the soil, farming there for several years on
two hundred acres of land. He was diligent, energetic and persistent in
his business affairs and he continued to engage in general agricultural pur
suits until his life's labors were ended in death in 1865. He was twice mar
ried and by his first union had ten children : AA'ayne, Polly, Pike, Ned, Ann,
John, Dan, and three whose names are not remembered. For his second

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 65
wife he chose Alary Wilson and they, too, had a family of ten children : Sallie,
Maria, Alatilda, EUzabeth, Armina, Alargaret, Lemm, Henry, Pleasant and
Gould. AU are now deceased with the exception of Alargaret and Eliza
beth. The former is the widow of Jim Crow and resides in Kansas, while
the latter is the wife of David Fames and lives near Decatur, Nebraska.
The mother survived her husband for about thirty years and died in 1895,
after passing the eightieth milestone on life's journey.
Pleasant Davison was a young lad when he accompanied his parents on
their removal from Missouri to Page county and here he attended the dis
trict schools, devoting the winter months to the acquirement of an educa
tion. In the summer months he assisted his father in the fields and con
tinued to work oil the farm until two years after his marriage, which im
portant event in his life occurred April 17, 1867. He then purchased
eighty acres of land in East River township. Page county, and made his
home thereon for two years, after which he traded that farm for eighty
acres in Taylor county, to which he afterward added forty acres. He re
mained upon that place for about three years and then traded his farm for
another six hundred acres in East River township. Of that property his
widow still owns about four hundred and fifty acres. Mr. Davison died upon
that farm on the 12th of September, 1880. He had placed it under a high
state of cultivation and made many substantial improvements thereon and
in addition to tilling the soil he became weU known as a buyer, feeder and
shipper of cattle and horses. He raised many fine race horses and his stock
was well known.
As stated, Mr. Davison was married April 17, 1867, the lady of his choice
being Miss Margaret Jane Ferguson, of Missouri, a daughter of WUliam
Henry and Nancy (Dyche) Ferguson, natives of Virginia and of Tennes
see respectively. Her parents were married, however, in Andrew county,
Missouri, where her father engaged in farming for several years and then
removed to Taylor county, Iowa, where he also tilled the soil. About the
time of the Civil war he went across the plains with oxteams to Oregon,
remaining for a year, after which he sold his oxteams, bought ponies and
returned to Taylor county, where he invested in a farm. At length, how
ever, he sold his land in Taylor county and bought a farm in Alissouri, where
he lived for three years, after which he removed to East River township
in Page county, where he bought forty acres. Later he sold that property
and invested in eighty acres in Gentry county, Missouri. He had been on
that land but three weeks when in 1878 his death occurred. His widow
subsequently lived with her children and died near Clearmont, Alissouri,
in 1884. They were both consistent members of the Church of God and
A'Ir. Ferguson was a democrat in his political faith and served as the first
county attorney of Taylor county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davison were born nine children : Charles, now liv
ing in Buchanan township, married Aliss Clara Brooks, and they have three
living sons, AlerriU, AVilbur and Roy, while two children, Bulah Fay and
Verner Pleasant are deceased. Of these Merrill wedded Golda Hamm and
is living in Buchanan township. Wilbur married Dora Baker and resides in

66 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Harlan township. Edward Davison, the second son of Mr. and Airs. Fleas-
ant Davison, now lives in Nodaway township near Clarinda. He married
Emma C. Nicholson and they have one daughter, Jennie, now the wife of
George Mathis, of East River township. Allen, a resident of Clarinda,
married Minie Rose Brooks and they have one daughter, Essie Pearl, who
is a student in Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. Clark, who follows
farming in East River township, married Vadia Roush and they have three
living children: Delbert, who is attending school at CoUege Springs, Iowa;
Darrell; and Nina Ellen. They also lost one child in infancy. Henry, the
fifth member of the Davison family, is deceased. Lawrence, who lives in
East River township, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, married Elizabeth Reiners, who died leaving a daughter, Letha
Lorene, while a son of that marriage, Lowell Raymond, is deceased. After
the death of his first wife Lawrence Davison married Estella White and
they have one son, Donald. Another child, Lane, born of that marriage,
is deceased. Clara, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pleasant Davi
son, is now the wife of L. E. Nelson, who served in the Phillipines with
Company M of the Fifty-first Iowa Militia, doing active duty for nineteen
months, after which he was discharged in San Francisco, November 6, 1899.
He is engaged in the butchering business. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have
been born two children : Charles Elmer and Edward Walker, who are with
their parents in Clarinda. Jennie, the next member of the family, is the
wife of Benjamin Dow, of East River township, and they have four chil
dren: Berla, Clyde, Farrel and Bulah Margaret. Harry, living in Clar
inda, completes the family.
In his political views Mr. Davison was a stalwart republican and served
on the village board. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity
and was a highly respected citizen. In all his business relations he was
found to be thoroughly reUable as well as enterprising and progressive and
his success is attributed as much to his probity as to his careful manage
ment. After her husband's demise Mrs. Davison continued to reside on the
East River township farm for ten years and thence came to Clarinda, where
she bought a fine residence. She also owns other town property, her hus
band having left her in very comfortable financial circumstances. She is a
member of the Rebekah lodge and is a lady of social nature, and her many
good qualities have given her a firm hold on the affections of those who
know her.

BENJAMIN L. WELCH.
Benjamin L. Welch, who is engaged in general farming in Nebraska
and Nodaway townships, where he owns and cultivates two hundred acres
of land, of which one hundred and forty acres lie on section 35 in the home
farm, is numbered among the native sons of the county, his birth having oc
curred August 22, 1874, in the township where he yet makes his home. He

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 67
is the son of Benjamin B.. and Elizabeth (Lampton) Welch, who are resid
ing as neighbors to their son Benjamin. Their family numbered five chil
dren: Julia, who is the wife of Phihp Weaver, a resident farmer of Ne
braska township; Mary, at home; Benjamin L. ; Xora, the wife of James
Martindale, a resident of Clarinda; and Ermina, the wife of Ralph Hafer
of Idaho. Under the parental roof Bepjamin L. Welch spent the days of his
boyhood and youth. He acquired his education in the public schools
and in the summer seasons aided more and more largely in the work of
the fields as his age and strength increased. His thorough and practical
home training well qualified him to begin farming on his own account af
ter he had attained his majority, and he is now busily and successfully en
gaged in the cultivation and improvement of one hundred and sixty acres
of rich and arable land in Nebraska and Nodaway townships. Here he
carries on general farming and stock raising and the carefuUy tilled fields
return golden harvests. He handles considerable hve stock each year and
finds it a source of profitable income. He has good buildings upon the
place and that he is a most progressive and active young farmer is indicated
by the fact that in 1908 he raised nine thousand bushels of corn.
On the 2ist of January, 1902, Mr. Welch was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Meads, who v/as born in southern Missouri, March 9, 1880, and
is a daughter of EUas and Lucinda (Duncan) Meads. The father still re
sides in this county, but the mother has passed away. Four children have
been born unto Air. and Airs. Welch: Elizabeth, Lucile, Louis and Min
nie. The parents are well known in their part of the county where they
have many friends and wliere the hospitality of the best homes is freely
accorded them. Air. Welch rates with the progressive young farmers
of the community and is making steady advancement in the business world.

FRANK BROKAW.

Frank Brokaw, who has devoted his entire life to farming and for nine
years has resided on section 23, Nodaway township. Page county, was born
in Crawford county, Ohio, October 13, 1864. His parents were George and
Mary Ann (Burwell) Brokaw, both natives of Ohio, born in Harrison and
Crawford counties respectively. Mrs. Brokaw died in Nodaway town
ship, April 17, 1909, at the advanced age of seventy-six years, seven months
and twenty days, while Mr. Brokaw is now living with his son Frank, who
was the only child of his parent's marriage.
In the spring of 1865 the parents left Ohio and settled in Cedar county,
Iowa, where they remained for one year, afterward spending a year in
Linn county. In the spring of 1867 they arrived in Page county, where
they reniained fdr five years, and then returned to Harrison county, Ohio.
Frank Brokaw accompanied his parents on these various removals and in
the schools of Ohio pursued his education. Nine years ago he returned to

68 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Page county where he has since made his home. His entire life has been
devoted to general farming and he now owns and cultivates one hundred
and twenty acres of land on sections 25 and 26, Nodaway township, consti
tuting a well improved farm, equipped with good buildings and aU of the
accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. The
exceUent appearance of the place is due entirely to the present owner, whose
energy and ability are manifest in the highly cultivated fields and weU kept
buildings. In addition to raising various cereals he also gives some at
tention to stock raising and both branches of his business are proving
profitable. On the ISt of January, 1888, Mr. Brokaw was married to Miss Car
rie E. Burwell, who was born in Linn county, Iowa, February 11, 1867, and
is a daughter of Joseph Burwell. They now have one son, Clarence V., who
was born in Nodaway township, January 27, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Brokaw
have many friends in the locality for their good traits, which are many, have
gained them the warm regard and good will of those with whom they have
been brought in contact. Mr. Brokaw has led a quiet Hfe in the pursuit of
farming but his many substantial qualities are manifest in the esteem which
is uniformly accorded him.

VALENTINE GRAFF.

Valentine Graff, who for forty years has been identified with the busi
ness interests of Clarinda, becoming a factor in 1869 in those enterprises
which have constituted forces in the city's substantial development and
upbuilding, was born in Germany on the 4th of October, 1843. He spent
the first nine years of his life in that country and then accompanied his
parents when they left the fatherland and sailed for the new world, the
family first, locating in Andrev/s county, Missouri, where Valentine Graff
was reared to manhood. He was twenty-six years of age when he came
to Clarinda and in the four decades which have since elapsed he has made
steady progress, being numbered for many years among the most prom
inent representatives of mercantile interests in the city. He is now pro
prietor of a large and well equipped drug store and also owner of a dry
goods store. In both departments of his business he is meeting with sub
stantial success, his interests being conducted along the legitimate lines of
trade and in accordance with modern mercantile methods.
It was on the 25th of October, 1870, that Mr. Graff was married to Miss
Nancy E. Fairley, of Hillsboro, Ohio, and unto them have been born six
children, of whom five are still living namely: Walter, Gerald, Everett,
Myra, and Mary. Rosa, the first born, died when eleven months old.
Politically Mr. Graff gives his support to the republican party and has
sought its success along legitimate lines because of his firm belief in its prin
ciples and his advocacy of its poUcy. He was acting as a member of the
city council when through the instrumentality of that body the water works

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 69
of the city were installed. Fle represented the Clarinda district in the twen
ty-eighth and twenty-ninth general assemblies, and made an able and efficient
member. He was tendered a third nomination but refused. In many sub
stantial ways he has given tangible evidence of his loyalty to the country
but none more so than wlien he enlisted as a volunteer for service in the
Civil war on the 5th of September, 1861. He continued at the front for a
year and a half and then on the 20th of October, 1863, re-enlisted, becom
ing a member of the United States army, with which he served until July
I, 1865. His valor and loyalty at the front won him promotion to the rank
of first sergeant of Company G, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry.
Mr. Graff is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he has
served as elder and in the work of which he has taken active and helpful
interest. He is also an advocate of educational progress and has manifested
active concern in all matters pertaining to the welfare and upbuilding of
Clarinda and the communities in v/hich he has lived. The greater part of
his manhood days, however, have been passed in this city and the substantial
quaUties he has displayed in every relation and the honorable and upright
principles v/hich have permeated his life have gained him the unqualified
regard and esteem of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

JOHN P. PETERMAN.

John P. Peterman, who is engaged in the cultivation of a farm of one
hundred and fifty acres on section 13, East River township, has resided in
that township for thirty-five years. He was bom in Crawford count}'' Ohio,
September 16, 1852, and in the spring of 1854 was brought to Taylor county
by his parents, Jacob and Mary Ann (Gorman) Peterman, who were natives
of Pennsylvania, where they were married, removing thence to Ohio. Sub
sequently they became residents of Iowa as previously stated, and the mother
died in Taylor county, while the father passed away in Page county. He
devoted his entire life to farming and thus provided a comfortable living for
his family. Unto them were born thirteen children: Airs. Ann Elizabeth
E'vans, who is now deceased ; Mrs. Emeline Heller who has also passed
away ; Violet, deceased ; WilUam, who is living in Bedford, Iowa ; Violet,
who died in infancy ; Mrs. Henrietta Devlin, who has departed this life ;
George, who died in infancy; Mrs. Eliza AlcClancy, deceased; Amanda,
Mathew S. and David, who are also deceased ; Jacob living in Taylor county ;
and John P.
Taylor county was still a pioneer district when the Peterman family ar
rived within its borders. It was situated on the western frontier and the
work of improvement and progress was scarcely begun and as the years
passed important changes were wrought, transforming the wild prairie into
richly cultivated fields. John P. Peterman, since coming to the state, has
resided in Taylor and Page counties near the county line. He was with his
parents until his marriage and then went to a home oi his own. He has

70 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
lived in East River township for thirty-five years and is now busily occupied
with the care of his farm of one hundred and fiity acres, which is situ
ated on section 13. There are good buildings upon the place and his at
tention is devoted to the cultivation of com, wheat and oats. He also raises
good grades of stock and altogether has a modern farm property.
On the 22d of December, 1877, Air. Peterman was united in marriage to
Aliss Alary Delila Scarlett, who was born May 6, 1855, in Taylor county,
Iowa, about three miles east of her present home. She is a daughter of
Harlan and Mary (Pace) Scarlett, who were pioneer settlers of westem
Iowa, coming to this state from Indiana. The mother died here, while the
father passed away in Atchison, Kansas. He served as a soldier of the Civil
war, enlisting from Page county for three years. While he was absent at
the front Indians would sometimes call at the pioneer home of the family
and beg, Mrs. Peterman well remembering such occurrences. She was one
of a family of six children and by her marriage has become the mother
of eight children: Bertie EUsworth, who is a farmer living in East River
township ; John Edward, at home ; MerriU, who is following farming in
East River township ; Myrtle, the wife of George Yearous, of South Dakota ;
Corda, Harlan, Tamar and Elmo, all yet at home.
In his political views Air. Peterman is a republican who gives stalwart
support to the principles of the party. He has served as a school officer
but otherwise has never accepted positions of public preferment. He be
longs to the Christian church of Newmarket, in the work of which he
takes an active and helpful part. His many sterling traits of character
have gained him the high regard of all who know him, while his business
ability and undaunted enterprise have won for him^ substantial success,
making him one of the progressive farmers of the community.

GEORGE W. ROBINSON.
George W. Robinson, now deceased, was actively and successfully iden
tified with the agricultural interests of Page county for many years but
for sometime prior to his demise lived retired in well earned ease. His
birth occurred in Delaware county, New York, on the 9th of May, 1831,
his parents being Edwin and Paulina (Pettes) Robinson, the former a
native of the Empire state and the latter of Massachusetts. The family
is an old one in this country, several of the name having participated in the
Revolutionary war. Edwin Robinson, who foUowed agricultural pursuits
in New York throughout his active business career, passed away in that
state about 1866. PoliticaUy he was a stalwart democrat, supporting the
men and measures of that party by his ballot. His wife was called to her
final rest about 1869, her death also occurring in New York. Their familv
numbered five children, as follows: George W., of this review; Miles H. a
resident of Delaware county. New York ; Alice, living in Kansas, who is the

'io

M_,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 73
wife of Egbert Smith, by whom she has two children, Chalice and Ger
trude ; A. B., the editor of the Clarinda Democrat, who wedded Aliss Mary
Clements and has five children, Frank, Harry, Lucille, Edith and Lydia;
and one who died in infancy.
George AA'. Robinson was reared in the state of his nativity and ob
tained a good practical education in the public schools. As a boy he assisted
his father in the cultivation of the home farm, while subsequently he leamed
the carpenter's trade and becanie a millwright. The year 1857 wit
nessed his arrival in Clarinda, Iowa, where he was successfully en
gaged in business as a contracting carpenter for a number of years or until
1868, when he took up his abode on a farm in Douglas township. He con
tinued to reside thereon for twenty-two years, giving his time and energies
to the tilling of the soil and the raising of stock, in which Unes of activity
he won a gratifying measure of prosperity. In 1890, having gained a
handsome competence by reason of his untiring labor and capable manage
ment, he left the farm and came to Clarinda, spending his remaining days
in his residence at N. 300 Fifteenth street. He had long been numbered
among the most prosperous, enterprising and respected citizens of the
county and left his widow in most comfortable financial circumstances. The
latter now owns the family residence on Fifteenth street, two quarter sec
tions of land in Douglas township and also a tract of one hundred and
eighty acres of rich and productive land in Valley township.
Air. Robinson was twice married. In 1863 he wedded Miss Rebecca
Loy, a representative of an old and prominent family of Page county. By
this union were born two children : Lura M., who gave her hand in mar
riage to Lawrence Carter and resides in Denver, Colorado ; and May, who
died in infancy. In 1865, subsequent to the demise of his first wife, Mr.
Robinson was married in Clarinda to Miss Rachel McMuUen, a native of
Preble county, Ohio, who came to Iowa with her grandparents, Jacob and
Phoebe Loy. She was one of a family of five children, the others being as
follows : Sarah A., the wife of WUliam Davis, of AVharton county, Texas ;
John G., Uving in Douglas township. Page county, who wedded Miss Jane
Lytle and after her death married Virgil Gridley ; Phoebe, who is the
wife of Robert Morledge, of Hastings, Nebraska; and Eli, a resident of
Villisca, Iowa. The last named was also twice married, his first wife,
Mary Strickland, passing away about 1879, after which he wedded Miss
Delia Thompson. Unto George W. and Rachel (McMuUen) Robinson
were born six children. CaUie G. is the wife of J. C. Falconer, who is
engaged in the furniture business in Kansas City, Kansas. They have
four chUdren, namely: Mabel, Clarence, Harold and Margaret. Frank L.,
who wedded Aliss Lillie Werth, makes his home in Villisca, Iowa. By this
union there were three children : Frank ; Gladys ; and Hazel, who died in
infancy. Jesse H., who married Miss Alabel McMullen, resides in Car
roll county, Missouri. Guy H., living in Valley township. Page county,
married Miss Laura Taylor, by whom he has one son, Verne. George C.
is a resident of Kansas City, Kansas. Mark P., an agriculturalist by occu
pation, makes his home in Carroll county, Missouri.

74 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Mr. Robinson gave his political aUegiance to the democracy and held
the offi'ce of justice of the peace for sometime, his decisions being ever
strictly fair and impartial. FraternaUy he was identified with the Indepen
dent Order of Odd Fellows. His death, which occurred in 1901 when he
had attained the age of seventy years, was the occasion oi deep and wide
spread regret, for he was a man whose many sterling traits of character and
upright life had gained him the favorable regard and friendship of all
with whom he was associated. Airs. Robinson is a devoted and faithful
member of the Universalist church and is most widely and favorably known
throughout the county in which she has so long resided, the circle of her
friends being almost co-extensive with the circle of her acquaintances.

FRED SUNDERMAN.

The characteristics of thrift and industry which are so strongly marked in
the German race and which usually result in the accumulation of a fine prop
erty, is manifest in Fred Sunderman as is evidenced in a valuable farming
property of seven hundred and seventy acres, situated in Douglas township,
Page county, his home farm, comprising two hundred acres being known as
the Walnut Grove Stock Farm.
Mr. Sunderman is a native of Hanover, Germany, born Alay 10, 1838,
and is the only surviving member in a family of seven children, whose parents
were Casper and Charlotte (Goecker) Sunderman, who emigrated to the
United States in 1840. They first located in Cincinnati, Ohio, but after a
brief period there spent, they made their way to Jackson county, Indiana, and
entered a tract of timber land, on which the father made a small clearing and
built a long cabin with clapboard roof and stick chimney. Later he cleared
the remainder of his land and in due time placed the fields under cultivation,
continuing to operate his farm until his demise.
Fred Sunderman was but two years of age when he was brought from
his native country to the new world. He accompanied his parents on their
removals after coming to the United States and it was on the farm in the then
pioneer district of Jackson county, Indiana, that he was reared, his education
being acquired in the schools of that district. He remained under the parental
roof until he had reached the age of twenty-five years, when he began work
on his own account, by operating his father's land, being engaged in this man
ner for three years. In 1865 he went to St. Joseph, Missouri, and from that
place drove across country to Page county, making a location on his present
farm of two hundred acres in Dougles township, known as the Walnut Grove
Stock Farm. He purchased this land at nine dollars per acre and immedi
ately began developing and improving the same. He erected a good country
residence, substantial barns and other outbuildings, planted a fine grove oi
walnut trees, from which the place takes its name, and owing tO' the fine
improvements he has here made and to the thickly settled condition of the
country, his place has greatly increased in value, being now one of the best

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 75
farming properties in Page county. In addition to this property he also owns
other farm land, his possessions aggregating in all seven hundred and
seventy acres in Page county. He is engaged in general farming and also
has his place well stocked, keeping only the best grades of animals. The
success which he now enjoys is well deserved, for it has come to him through
economy, perseverance and determination.
Mr. Sunderman was married in 1863, the lady of his choice being Miss
Louise Monning, who was born in Indiana, and by their marriage they have
become the parents oi nine children but three of the number are now de
ceased, the surviving members being: H. F., a resident of Nodaway town
ship ; Louis J., also making his home in Nodaway township ; Martha the
wife of H. D. Wagner, a resident of that township ; Ed, who makes his home
in Douglas township; Hannah, the wife of Fiarmon Wagner, a resident of
Nodaway township ; and Joseph H., who is still under the parental roof. The
parents are members of the German Lutheran church, of which Mr. Sunder
man has served as deacon for a number of years.
Politically Air. Sunderman is a democrat and since 1892 has filled the
office of township trustee and he is likewise a director on the school board.
Coming to Iowa in pioneer times when much of the land was wild and un
improved, and foreseeing a future for Page county, Mr. Sunderman invested
in land on which he is now realizing a good profit. AA'hen he settled here it
was a long and strenuous task which was presented to him but he met it with
a steady, unwavering resolution, and today he is surrounded by all the com
forts of life and has a host of warm friends who esteem him for his personal
worth and for his success in the business world, which has been won only
through the most honorable methods.

GOVERNEUR BURNET JENNINGS.
With laudable ambition that could not be hampered by environment or
physical conditions, Governeur Burnet Jennings has followed the plans
and purposes which he mapped out for himself at an early age in his career
and for a third of a century has practiced at the Page county bar, having
previously qualified for the profession of law. As an attorney he has held
his place with those who are the recognized leaders of the profession in
southeastern Iowa, carefully and closely discriminating between the essen
tial and the non-essential in the preparation of his cases and so marshaling
the points of evidence as to throw their entire weight upon the legal point
which he tends to prove.
He was bom in Mason county, Kentucky, on the 13th of January, 1850,
his parents being Charles P. and Gertrude (Bumet) Jennings, who were
natives of Springfield, New Jersey, and of Cincinnati, Ohio, respectively.
The former was but thirteen years of age at the death of his father and,
being the oldest of the children, for two years he assisted his mother in the
support of the family. He then left home and walked the entire distance

76 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
westward to the vicinity of Hannibal, Alissouri. From that point he after
ward drifted down to St. Louis and then started on the return trip to his
old home, again traveling on foot. On reaching Indianapolis, Indiana,
however he secured a position in the old state house. He was an expert
writer and was thus employed in one of the offices, making as high as five
dollars per day, receiving that amount per folio for his copying. His em
ployers and associates there, recognizing his ability, desired him to study
law, but he had determined to enter the ministry. Some time afterward he
resumed his journey with this intention, and on reaching Cincinnati he
formed the acquaintance of Lyman Beecher, the father of Henry Ward
Beecher, who becanie interested in the young man and gave him special
courses of study and assisted him in pursuing a course in Lane's Seminary.
Subsequently he located in Kentucky and later, in the '50s, he made a
junketing trip through Iowa with two brothers-in-law, who entered land.
A year afterward Charles P. Jennings located in Springfield, Illinois, where
he reniained until 1863, when he accepted a charge in Lafayette, Indiana.
Three years later he removed to Shelbyville, Indiana, where he resided
up to the time of his death. His early religious identification was with
the Presbyterian church but later he embraced the Episcopal faith. His life
was a most beneficial one in its far-reaching influences and at all times
actuated by the lofty purpose of assisting his feUowmen to put forth earnest
and consecrated effort in the holy calUng to which he devoted his time,
attention and energies. He died in November, 1894, a the age of seventy-
four years, and is still survived by his widow, who was born in 1821.
G. B. Jennings of this review is descended in both the paternal and
maternal lines from families represented in the Revolutionary war. His
fathers grandfather was a veteran of that struggle, while Dr. WilHam
Burnet, the grandfather of Airs. Charles P. Jennings, was surgeon general
of the Jersey troops.
In taking up the personal history of G. B. Jennings we present to our
readers the life record of one who for a third of a century has been identi
fied with the profession of law in Page county and stands today as one of
the foremost representatives of its bar. He was reared at home, acquiring
his education in the public schools and under his father's instruction. He
pursued the course in the grammar school at Lafayette, Indiana, and it was
his intention to enter Harvard, but his strenuous course of preparatory
study undermined his health and his father therefore made him put aside
his text-books and get the physical exercise in the open air that was needed
to restore him to health. This was in 1869 and he came to Iowa, settling in
Benton county, where he engaged in farming for a year. In 1870 he re
turned to Indiana and secured a position in the wholesale book house of
Bowen, Stewart & Company, at Indianapolis. In the fall of the same year,
however, he was matricidated in the State University at Columbia and at
tended several special courses of lectures in that institution previous to
1872, when he located in Pike county, Missouri, and again resumed the
occupation of farming. While thus following agricultural pursuits he
took up the study of law and in 1874 and 1875 went to Louisiana, Missouri,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 77
where he entered a law office, there continuing his reading until September,
1876, when he was admitted to the bar.
In February, 1877, Air. Jennings came to Page county, locating in Essex
on the I Ith of that month for the practice of law. For fourteen years he
remained in that town and on the 19th of June, 1891, came to Shenandoah,
where he has since resided. His ability in his chosen profession is widely
acknowledged and is manifest in the care and precision with which he pre
pares his cases and the able, clear and forceful manner in which he presents
his cause in the courts. His arguments are always sound and his deduc
tions logical, while in the analyzation of a case he seldom, if ever, arrives at
an incorrect conclusion.
On the nth of March, 1882, Mr. Jennings was married to Miss Nellie
B. Snyder, a daughter of John H. and Isabelle Snyder, of Riverton, Fre
mont county, Iowa. Unto this marriage have been born three children:
Carrie Cotsworth, Staats Burnet and Ralph Waldo, the last named now a
student in the .Shenandoah high school.
Mr. Jennings is a stalwart republican in his political allegiance and thor
oughly conversant with the vital questions and issues of the day. An active
and interested manber of the Episcopal church, he has served as one of its
wardens since its organization. He is also a member of Tricentum Lodge,
Xo. 300, A. F. & A. M., and Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. AI.
Fighting the enemy of ill health in early manhood, he has by determined
purpose, ready adaptability and wise utilization of all the opportunities
that have come to him made for himself an honored and prominent position
as a representative of the legal interests of Page county, his knowledge
of the law and his correct application thereof, placing him in the ranks of
Shenandoah's most capable and successful attorneys.

HENRY S. COOK.

Henry S. Cook, a well known representative of the business circles of
Shambaugh, who is now cashier and general manager of the Shambaugh
Savings Bank, was born in Clinton county, Iowa, near Demitt, on the 9th
of September, 1873. His parents were Samuel and Sarah (Hamilton)
Cook, the former a native of Sheffield, England, while the latter was born
near Saratoga Springs, New York. For some years they were residents of
Crawford county, Iowa, hut are now residing at Gait, Missouri, and the
father, who for many years followed farming, has retired from active busi
ness Ufe. In their family were four children : Emma, now the deceased
wife of W. V. Atkins ; Henry, the subject of this review ; Hattie, the
wife of K. B. Sprout, who is living in Dunlap, Missouri; and Mary, the
wife of Frank EUsesser, of Garden City, Kansas.
On the old homestead farm near Denison, Iowa, Henry S. Cook re
sided with his parents until twenty-two years of age. He supplemented
his early education acquired in the common schools by study in the Denison

78 HISTORY OF Px\GE COUXTY
Normal Business School, from which he was graduated with the class of
1897. He then went to Oklahoma, where he remained for a year, during
which time he was in tbe employ of a milling company. On the. expira
tion of that period he removed to Grundy county, Missouri, where he was
engaged in the real-estate and banking business, which he carried on at
Gait and at Trenton. He assisted in organizing a bank at Gait and an
other at Dunlap, Missouri, and held official positions in both, so that it
was with broad and thorough experience that he came to Shambaugh and
entered upon his duties here as cashier and general manager of the Sham-
J>augh Savings Bank in Noveraber, 1907. His connection with this in
stitution .now covers two years, during which period he has' manifested
marked capability in control of the affairs of the bank and in extending the
scope of its business. The other officers are : G. William Richardson, of
Clarinda, who is the pneisident; and N. H. Martin, of Clarinda, who is the
vice president.
On the 22d of May, 1901, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Aliss
Carrie Pratt, a native of Grundy county, Missouri, and a daughter of S. A.
Pratt. The marriage has been blessed with two children : Wilma and Hil-
dred. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in
the work of which they take an active and helpful part, cooperating in
all of its branches. Mr. Cook is now serving as president of the Epworth
League. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity at Gait, Missouri,
and in poUtics is an independent repubUcan who usually votes for the men
and measures of the party, yet does not consider himself irrevocably bound
to do so. He possesses the spirit of modern progress characteristic of the
age and in his business career has made wise use of his opportunities and
judiciously employed the advantages which have come to him. His ster
Ung worth of character as well as his business enterprise has gained him a
creditable place in the regard of the citizens of Shambaugh during the
two years of his residence here.

ALFRED B. LORANZ.

Page county has reason to be proud of the record of Alfred B. Loranz,
one of her native sons, for since attaining his majority he has proven his
worth in the field of business and in public service as well. He made a
splendid record as clerk of the district court and is now conducting impor
tant interests as vice president of the firm of Loranz & Company, Incorpor-
porated, conducting now an extensive business in abstracts, farm loans,
real estate and insurance.
Mr. Loranz was born in Clarinda, Iowa, January 28, 1875, and is a
son of Henry and Carrie (Little) Loranz. His education was acquired
in the public schools of this city; in Wabash College at CrawfordsviUe,
Indiana, where he remained two years ; and in Lake Forest College at Lake
Forest, IlUnois, where he completed his course in 1898. On his return

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 79
to Clarinda he entered business with his father in the conduct of an ab
stract, real-estate and insurance office. Tbe company makes loans on farm
lands, negotiates many important realty transfers, makes many abstracts
and writes a large amount of insurance annually. On the ist of January,
1906, the business was incorporated under the name of Loranz & Company,
with Henry Loranz as president ; A. B. Loranz as vice president ; and C. E.
Blair, secretary. This company is today one of the most important operat
ing' in southwestern Iowa, its business being annually represented by a
large figure and the men who are at its head are netognized as among the
most forceful, enterprising and progressive in business circles in Page
county. On the 1st of January, 1899, Mr. Loranz was appointed deputy clerk of
the district court and in 1902 was elected to the position of district court
clerk, in which capacity he served for six years, or three terms, having been
twice reelected — a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the
efficient manner in which he discharged his duties. In 1909 he again took
up his work in the Loranz Company, having all this time retained his in
terest in the business. He is a young man of marked energy, continually
seeking out new plans and opportunities for the extension of the business,
and his enterprise, determination and keen insight are important elements
in the success which the company is now enjoying.
Air. Loranz was married on the 12th of June, 1901, to Aliss Annie
L. Foster, of Clarinda, a daughter of Charles W. and Ann L. Foster.
They are prominent socially and the hospitality of their own home is one of
its most attractive features. They hold membership in the First Presbyterian
church and Air. Loranz is also identified through membership relations
with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. In 1908 he was electe'd
president of the Clarinda Chautauqua Assembly and was again elected in
1909 but later resigned the presidency, although he is still one of the direc
tors. He has taken an active interest in this movement of marked educative
value, and in fact cooperates in all measures which are essential to the best
development of the community and the promotion of its material, intellec
tual and moral interests.

L. E. NELSON.

L. E. Nelson is successfully engaged in the butchering business at
Clarinda in partnership with his father, the firm conducting an extensive
establishment of this character at the corner of Washington and Fifteenth
streets. He was born in Harlan township. Page county, on the 19th of
September, 1875, his parents being S. W. and Ellen Caroline (Wilson) Nel
son, the former a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, while the lat
ter's birth occurred near Clarinda. L. E. XTelson was reared in the place
of his nativity and attended the schools of Clarinda in pursuit of an edu
cation. During the periods of vacation he acquainted himself with the

80 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
meat business under the direction of his father and after leaving school at
the age of nineteen years he worked for his father in the shop.
On the 14th of June, 1898, he enlisted for service in the Spanish-
American war as a member of Company M, Fifty-first Iowa Militia, and
on November 4, 1898, sailed for Manila, PhUippine Islands, on the trans
port Pennsylvania, reaching his destination on the 2d of February, 1899.
He participated in sixteen engagements under command of Colonel J. C.
Loper and remained on the Islands until Septem,ber 22, 1899, when he sailed
for San Francisco, being there honorably discharged on the ist of Novem
ber, 1899.
On returning to Clarinda Mr. Nelson accepted a position as buyer of
hides with the American Hide & Leather Company but resigned at the
end of a year and became engaged in the butchering business at Clarinda.
In May, 1903, he formed a partnership with his fatber and tbey have since
built up an extensive and profitable trade as dealers in meat, their estab
lishment being located at the comer of Washington and Fifteenth streets.
They do all their own slaughtering and have ever maintained an unassail
able reputation for business integrity and reliability. Mr. Nelson of this
review owns ten acres of valua'ble land, five of which are located in Clar
inda, while the remaining five acres lie just outside the corporation limits
of the city. In connection with his father he owns thirteen acres oi land
on the corporation line, as well as a town lot, while he and his wife have a
farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres in East River townshipi,
which they rent. Alert, enterprising and aggressive, he has won a gratify
ing measure of success in his undertakings and is numbered among the
substantial, representative and progressive citizens of his native county.
On the 28th oi December, 1902, in Clarinda, Mr. Nelson was united in
marriage to Miss Clara Davison, whose birth occurred on the 8th oi Novem
ber, 1874. They now have two children, Charles Elmer and Edwardi
Walker. Mrs. Nelson is a devoted and consistent member oi the Christian
church and also belongs to Rebekah Lodge. In social circles both she and
her husband occupy an enviable position as the result of the possession oi
quaUties which win kindly regard and sincere friendship.

GEORGE E. MARTIN.

George Elmer Martin, better known to the people of southwestern Iowa
and northwrestern Missouri as George E. Martin, was born in New Jersey,
July 14, 1834, and died at Clarinda, Iowa, on the 12th of December, 1905.
Fle was the son of Air. and Mrs. Joshua Martin and at the age of eight
years was taken by his parents to Morgan county, Illinois. His mother
died when he was fourteen years of age. His father died and was buried
at Clarinda in 1886.
His father was a farmer and George, as a boy and man, in that respect
foUowed in his footsteps and during all his life was actively engaged in

yc^rc/c

r{ rtf n

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 83
agricultural pursuits. His first earnings were the result of working as a
farm hand and was in consideration of twelve and one-half cents a day.
Later, when he had grown stronger and older, he received thirteen dollars
a month. AVhen yet a young man one of his dominant ideas was apparent.
The accumulations and earnings of his early years were invested in real
estate. Strange as it may appear to those who knew Mr. Alartin in later
years his first investment proved an utter failure as he lost every dollar of
his savings by reason of defective title. He had to begin the struggle again
at the very lowest round of the financial ladder, but he had an experience
and a lesson which he never forgot and in all purchases of real estate there
after titles were fully and carefully examined by attorneys who were com
petent to pass upon them. This episode in the life of Air. Martin was
known to but few outside of his own family and, while he was not infallible
in business matters, yet he probably made as few mistakes as any, and
when he did make them the world was none the wiser.
After his loss, his first venture was the purchase of a standing field of
wheat almost ready for the harvest. It belonged to an extensive land
owner of advanced years who sought to secure Air. Martin's services as
an employe, with the result that he sold the wheat to Mr. Martin, who was
to harvest and thresh it, and pay so much per bushel at the scales. Out of
this deal Air. Alartin cleared nine hundred dollars. The gentleman with
whom Air. Alartin dealt was so pleased with his management and judgment
that he insisted that he should become his tenant, which he did, remaining
with him as a renter until he had accumulated about thirty-five hundred
dollars, which amount he brought with him when he came to Page county
in 1865. Soon after is arrival he purchased a farm in Buchanan town
ship and engaged in handling live stock with Samuel Nixon as a partner,
making his home with Air. Nixon.
On December 18, 1870, Air. Alartin was married to Miss Alma L. Rem
ington and they made their home on the Buchanan township farm until
October, 1876, when they moved to Clarinda and it remained his home
until his death. Air. Alartin was guided by principles of honesty and
integrity and acted on the principle that his word was as good as his bond.
Careful in making a promise, he kept such a promise to the letter. He
acquired a great fund of useful information from nature and experience
and business connections and in his periods of leisure was a most enter
taining conversationalist. His friends were stanch ones and he was true
to them. He was entirely devoid of ostentation. He worked and managed
and gained properties, acquiring new possessions without display and
one would have been surprised to hear him speak of the value of his hold
ings. Fiis business inclinations ran to farms and live stock, chiefly, and
at the time of his death, in addition to the lands owned in Page county,
he was an extensive holder of lands in Texas, which in most instances were
stocked with cattle. He owmed and conducted a large farm in Atchison
county, Alissouri, his investments being principally confined to lands, though
he was an important stockholder in the Page County State Bank and in
two other banks in the county. He was a great business man and had the

84 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
faculty of attending strictly to his personal business, never engaging in
speculative or uncertain enterprises.
As stated he was married to Alma L. Remington on the i8th of De
cember, 1870. Mrs. Martin's father, Amos Remington, was a resident of
Buchanan township, Page county, Iowa. He was born October i, 1816,
in Ashtabula county, Ohio. In his childhood days he moved with his par
ents to Pennsylvania, where his youth was passed and education received.
From that time until 1870 he resided in several states, coming to Page county
in the year last named. He was married October 13, 1842, to Aliss Matilda
Alunger, of Erie, Peimsylvania. Air. Remington died May. 12, 1896, and
Mrs. Remington died August 27, 1901. They left surviving them three
children : Delevan, Alma L., and Alfretta. Six children are deceased.
His father, Seth Remington, was born in Connecticut in 1781.
To Mr. and Mrs. Alartin were born six children : Claude ; Dale ; Blanche,
now the wife of A. J. Rockhill; Noros H. ; Bethene; and George. Claiide
died September 9, 1878, and Bethene, October 25, 1906. Mrs. Martin and
George, her youngest son, reside in Clarinda.

JOHN E. AlcCURDY.

Iowa with its splendid agricultural possibilities offers excellent oppor
tunity to him who wishes to earn his living by the tiUing of the soil. Wash
ington has said that "Agriculture is the most useful as well as most honor
able occupation of man," and history gives evidence of the fact that it is
the basis of all success. Devoting his time and energies in successful manner
to the cultivation and improvement of a fann, John E. McCurdy has become
well known as a prominent and progressive citizen of Buchanan township,
where he owns and operates three hundred and ten acres of fine land.
He also raises and deals in live stock and is recognized as one of the ex
tensive stock shippers of Page county.
A native of Page county, Air. McCurdy was born in Buchanan township
on the 22d of June, 1866, a son of FrankUn and Esther (Seabolt) McCurdy,
both of whom are yet living. The period of his boyhood and youth was
spent on his father's farm and he attended the district schools in the ac
quirement of an education. This, however, by necessity was rather limited
as he was able to attend school for a few years only and then during merely
the winter seasons, the summer months being devoted to farm labor. He
remained under the parental roof, assisting his father, until twenty-one
years of age, when he entered business life on his own account, becoming a
section hand on the Wabash Railroad, in which capacity he continued for
about fourteen months. He then decided to make the occupation to which
he had been reared his life work, and consequently he rented a farm of
sixty acres from George Farrens, which he operated for one year.
Ambitious, however, to own his own farm, through diligence, industry
and perseverance, combined with economical expenditure, Mr. McCurdy

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 8.^;
was at length able to purchase forty acres of land from William Long on
section 22, Buchanan township. He resided upon that place for eight
years, during whicii time he bought another tract of forty acres. In 1897
he traded that farm for eighty acres located on section 21, and continued
to make that his home for ten years. Throughout that period he was suc
cessful in his agricultural pursuits and as he prospered he was able to add
from time to time to his realty holdings until he had two hundred and
fifty acres. In 1907 he traded one hundred and twenty acres of his prop
erty for the Runyan farm, which consisted of one hundred and eighty
acres, Mr. McCurdy paying the difference in cash. His holdings now cover
three hundred and ten acres of excellent farming land, all under a high
state of cultivation with the exception oi a very iew acres of bottom land.
In connection with carrying on general farming he raises, feeds and ships
hogs and cattle, being recognized as one of the largest stock dealers in
Page county. He makes a specialty of shorthorn cattle, and his shipments
of stock, which are very extensive, are always made to St. Joseph, Missouri,
or to Chicago, Illinois.
In 1889 Mr. McCurdy was united in marriage to Aliss Rosa AA^ilson, a
daughter of John D. and AlatUda (Davison) Wilson, residents of Buchanan
township. Page county. Mrs. McCurdy was born and reared in that town
ship and by her marriage became the mother of three children, namely :
Ora, who passed away in 1897, at the age of six years ; James Leonard,
who died in 1909 on the 6th of February, at the age of sixteen years, five
months and twenty-eight days ; and William Lloyd, who at the age of
fourteen is still under the parental roof.
Mr. McCurdy gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but
the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. About
eight years ago he was elected constable, but he refused the honor, pre
ferring to devote his entire time and attention to his extensive personal in
terests. A man of resourceful ability, constantly watchful of opportunities,
which he improved to their full extent, he has been very successful in ag
ricultural pursuits and is ranked among the substantial and progressive
business men of Buchanan township.

HARVEY R. SPRY.

Harvey R. Spry, whose position in business circles in Clarinda is a
prominent one from the fact that he was one of the organizers and pro
moters of the Clarinda Trust _& Savings Bank, which was formed in 1903
and of which he has continuously been vice president, is numbered among
Iowa's native sons. He came to this city in 1892 from Red Oak, having
been a resident of Page county from pioneer times. His birth, however,
occurred in Alount Pleasant, Henry county, Iowa, on the 3d of August,
i860, his parents being Elijah A. and Jane M. Spry, the former a black
smith of Mount Pleasant, who resided in that city for some time and after-

86 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ward removed to Red Oak, where he entered business circles as a furniture
dealer and undertaker. He died at the age of sixty-seven years and is still
survived by his wife, who is living in Clarinda.
Harvey R. Spry, spending his boyhood days in his parents' home, ac
quired his early education in the Red Oak public schools and afterward
attended high school at Burlington, Iowa. He then entered the First
National Bank at Red Oak in 1878 in the capacity of bookkeeper and was
advanced to the position of assistant cashier, thus serving until 1892. In
the latter year he arrived in Clarinda and was appointed cashier of the
Clarinda National Bank, so remaining for eleven years or until 1903, when
be became one of the organizers of the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank,
which was capitalized for seventy-five thousand dollars. He was then
made vice president and has since continued as one of the executive officers.
He is very active in the work of the bank and the promotion of its
interests and his labors have constituted an effective force in the enlarge
ment of its business connections. He has closely studied the financial situa
tion, conditions and problems of the day and in the conduct of the bank has
installed a safe and conservative policy which allows of no venturesome
risks but doesn't fear to advance where favoring opportunity leads the
way. The Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank is now rated as one of the safe
financial institutions of southwestern Iowa and from the beginning has
enjoyed a steady and continuous growth.
In 1885 Mr. Spry was united in marriage to Aliss Mabel B. Curtis, of
Red Oak, Iowa, a daughter of Josiah O. Curtis. They have become the
parents of seven children, Merrill C, Marjorie M., Estella, Helen, Harold
Park, Dorothy and Francis Lavina, constituting an interesting household
where good cheer and hospitality reign supreme.
In community affairs Mr. Spry is interested and has given his active aid
and cooperation to many measures and movements which are matters of
civic virtue and civic pride'. His life is actuated b}- high and honorable
principles inculcated by the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church, of
which he is an earnest member. He contributes generoush- to its support
and takes a helpful interest in its various activities. One of the native sons
of Iowa, he is a western man by birth, training and preference, imbued
with a progressive spirit which has been the dominant element in the up
building of this great section of the country.

HENRY F. ANNAN.

The Sunny View Stock Farm, one of the valuable and pleasing prop
erties of East River township, is owned and conducted by Henry F. Annan,
who has become well known as a breeder of shorthorn cattle. He' also suc
cessfuUy carries on general farming, for he is watchful of opportunities
and is, moreover, a man of unfaltering industry. He was born in Harlan
township, Page county, Iowa, February 17, 1865, and was about a year

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 87
old when he was taken to Nodaway township by his parents, John and Anna
Sophia (Myers) Annan. They took up their abode near Clarinda, where
they resided for sometime and at the present writing they make their home
in the city.
Henry F. Annan was the second in order of birth in a family of four
children and on the home farm in Nodaway township the days of his
boyhood and youth were spent in the usual manner of farm lads who enjoy
the educational advantages offered by the common schools and receive their
business training under parental direction. He remained at home until
his marriage and in 1892 came to his present place of residence, which is
one of his father's farms and comprises three hundred and twenty acres
of rich, arable and productive land on sections 9, 10 and 15, East River
township. Upon the place is an attractive dwelling with good outbuild
ings and other substantial equipments which he has provided. He uses the
latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields while carry
ing on general farming and he also breeds shorthorn cattle, doing a good
business along that line. In fact his stock-raising interests are an im
portant feature of the place, which is known as the Sunny View Stock
Farm. His father has about fifteen hundred acres of land and is one of
the wealthy agriculturists of this part of the state. Henry F. Annan also
bids fair to become a prosperous man owing to the capable management
and unfaltering enterprise which he displays in the conduct of his business
interests. On the loth of March, 1892, Mr. Annan was united in marriage to
Miss Georgia H. Herren, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, on the
ISt of June, 1868. She came to this county in 1870 with her parents,
James D. and Mary Louise (Carter) Herren, who spent their remaining
days in Page county, where they reared their family of nine children.
In his poUtical views Mr. Annan is a democrat and keeps well in
formed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire
office as a reward for party fealty. He is busily occupied with his farm
ing and stock-raising interests and his experience and knowledge have
made him an authority on the subject of breeding shorthorn cattle and
Plymouth Rock chickens. He is meeting with well merited success in his
undertakings and is widely and favorably known throughout the com
munity.

J. B. MARINER.

Few men are more prominent or more widely known in Bingham than
J. B. Mariner who, for many years, has been closely connected with various
business interests of this village and from its organization has taken an
active and helpful interest in its affairs. He was born in Fulton county,
Illinois, October 16, 1851, a son oi Eliphalet and Julia C. (Lord) Mariner,
the former a native of New York and the latter of Connecticut. In 1836,
as a young man, the father settled in Fulton county, Illinois, and four

88 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
years later retumed east for his bride, whom he brought back with him to
the little Illinois home which be had prepared and in which they resided
until his death in the early '80s. The mother then removed to Shenan
doah, Iowa, making her home for some time with her daughter, Mrs. H.
M. Ayers. She stiU survives at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years and
divides her time among her various children. The father was one of the
first contractors on public works in Fulton county and also operated the
first groundhog thresher in that county.
Reared upon his father's farm J. B. Mariner pursued his education in
the public schools of his native county and remained at home untU twenty-
one years of age. In the meantime he had become familiar with all of the
tasks which fall to the agriculturist, learning valuable lessons concerning
the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and thus, upon at
taining his majority, he was well equipped to enter upon an independent
agricultural career and assume the practical and responsible duties thereof.
He first rented a farm in Fulton county, IlUnois, for two years, and then
in the spring of 1875 he came to Page county, Iowa. Many years prior to
this his father had purchased soldiers' declaratories, locating his claims in
Alorton township, this county, and he had secured more than one thousand
acres in Page, Fremont, Mills and Ringgold counties. Upon his arrival
in Page county J. B. Mariner purchased from his father eighty acres in
Morton township, upon which he located, and later his father gave him
another eighty acres. Soon after he traded his tract of one hundred and
sixty acres for another quarter section, upon which he was engaged in
general agricultural pursuits for four years.
Since that time Mr. Mariner has been variously engaged. For seven
years thereafter he operated a store at Bingham and then became identified
with grain interests, operating an elevator at Bingham, with which he is
still connected, while for thirteen years, at intervals, he has run a thresher.
He and his brother, Louis L. Mariner, in conjunction own three quarter
sections of land and handle coal, farm machinery, etc., having established
a large and flourishing business along that line. Indeed throughout all
of his various enterprises and activities Mr. Mariner has been signaUy
successful, his keen business sagacity and careful management of his af
fairs proving salient elements in his success, while his combined business
interests have made him one of the substantial and affluent citizens of
Grant township.
It was in 1886 in Taylorville, Illinois, that Mr. Alariner was united in
marriage to Miss Rachel E. MiUer, of that city, a lady of excellent traits
of character who is highly esteemed wherever known. She is a member
of the Congregational church of Shenandoah, the teachings of which form
the guiding influence of her life.
PoliticaUy, Mr. Mariner is a stalwart republican, having served on the
school board for some time, while he has likewise been treasurer of the
board for the past twelve years, the cause of education finding in him a
warm champion. He is a prominent figure in fraternal circles, holding
membership in Shenandoah Lodge, No. 261, I. O. O. F., since 1877, while

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 89
he was a charter member of the encampment of the Odd Fellows of Shen
andoah. He likewise was a charter member of Juniata Lodge, No. 195,
K. P., of Shenandoah, and is heartily in sympathy with the spirit of humani
tarianism and brotherhood upon which these orders are founded. Pre
eminently a public-spirited man, he has been a potent factor in the public
affairs of Bingham since its organization, at all times doing all in his power
to promote progress, reform and improvement, while his name is enrolled
high on the list of Page county's valued and representative citizens.

WILLIAM WEHMILLER.
One of the prosperous and representative farmers of Valley township
is WiUiam Wehmiller, who is living on section 31. There he owns and
cultivates a farm of two hundred and eighty-nine and a quarter acres,
which is constantly increasing in value because of the care and labor which
he bestows upon it. A native of Indiana, he was born in Jackson county
on the nth oi December, i860, a son of Fred and Elizabeth (Aleyers)
Wehmiller. The parents were natives of Germany and came to America
at an early date, first locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, whence they removed to
Indiana, where the father's death occurred. The mother still survives at
the age of seventy-five years and makes her home in that state. In their
family were ten children, nine of whom are yet living.
Reared to agricultural life, William Wehmiller spent the days of his
boyhood and youth on his father's farm and acquired his education in the
common schools. He soon became familiar with the tasks that fall to the
lot of the country lad, and that his early training in farm labor was both
practical and thorough is indicated by the excellent condition of his present
farm. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age, and then, desir
ing to enter business on his own account, he came to Page county, Iowa,
where he was employed as a farm hand, being thus engaged for seven
years. Then, that his labors might more directly benefit himself, he rented
land and operated a threshing machine for eight years. At the expiration
of that period, in 1896, he took a trip to California, where he remained
for a short time, and then returned to Page county, where he speculated in
corn. He was also engaged in the ice business in Clarinda for three years.
In the meantime he had purchased a farm near Yorktown, which he later
sold, and then invested in his present farm in Valley township, upon which
he has since resided. He has directed his entire energies toward the
further development and improvement of this property, has brought his
fields under a high state of cultivation, has introduced all modern equip
ment for facilitating farm labor, and his place today is one of the valuable
and desirable farm properties of Valley township. He also devotes some
of his time to stock interests, making a specialty of raising hogs. He is a
keen business man and his careful management and indefatigable energy
constitute the salient features of his success.

90 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On the 5th of January, 1905, Mr. Wehmiller was wedded to Mrs.
Adolphine Buch, the widow of William Buch, her birth occurring in Ger
many. Unto this union was born one son, WiUiam. Mr. and Mrs. Wehmiller
are members of the German Lutheran church, in the work of which they
are helpfully interested. Since age conferred upon him the right of fran
chise Mr. Wehmiller has been a strong advocate of the republican party,
but he has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to devote his
time and thought to the conduct of his private business affairs, which are
capably conducted. He early learned that industry is the key which un
locks the portals of success and, as the years have passed, he has labored
diligently and perseveringly until today he enjoys a comfortable competence
and has won for himself a high place among the representative agricultur
ists of Valley township.

ABRAHAM MURPHY COLLIER.
There is no man residing in Nebraska township who was here at the
time of the arrival of Abraham Alurphy CoUier in 1851. Throughout the
intervening years he has been an interested witness of the changes which
have occurred and of the transformation that has been wrought by time and
man. His memory forms a connecting link between the pioneer past and the
present with all its modern changes and improvements and equipments.
Moreover, his is a notable record from the fact that although now eighty-
two years of age he is still active in business, with a mind as clear and a
judgment as sound as it was when he was in the prime of life.
Mr. Collier was born in Lee county. West Virginia, on the 21st of
May, 1827, his parents being John B. and Joanna (Robinson) Collier.
Their family numbered ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom
the subject of this review was the fourth in order of birth. He spent his
early boyhood days in his native state, and when he had attained his tenth
year he removed with his parents to Black county, Alissouri, where they
resided for several years, during which time they cut down timber and
developed a farm in the midst of the forest. In 1843 a removal was made
to Andrew county, Missouri, where they resided for seven years, A. M.
Collier during that time being busily employed at farm work. His thorough
training and wide experience in the fields well qualified him to take charge
of farming interests on his own account when he started out in life.
In February, 1849, Mr. Collier was united in marriage to Miss Nancy
McAlpin, a daughter of Henry and Betsy (Farnsworth) AIcAlpin, both
of whom were natives of Tennessee. Mrs. Collier was born March 24,
1827, and for many years this worthy couple traveled life's journey happily
together but were separated by the death of the wife on the 5th of
May, 1902.
After his marriage Mr. Collier remained in Alissouri until 1850, when,
attracted by the discovery of gold in California he made a trip across the

pioneer log house IX YARD OF A. M. COLLIER

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 95
plains to the Pacific coast. After a year he engaged in mining but did not
find gold in sufficient quantities to enable him to continue his search for
the precious metal and therefore he turned his attention to teaming, which
he followed untU the faU of 185 1. In that time he had become convinced
that the middle west was much more suited to him as a place of residence
and he gladly and safely returned to Missouri.
Almost immediately afterward he took up his abode in Page county.
Mr. McAlpin had removed to this county and had purchased a tract of
land on which was the frame work of a grist and saw mill. Some work
had been done in the sawmill but no grist had been turned out of the hopper.
When Mr. Collier arrived upon the scene he purchased an interest in the
mill, which he and his father-in-law operated. He also found further
scope for his labors in farming and developing a tract of land of one hun
dred and sixty acres. The partnership with his father-in-law existed for
six years, at the end of which time they sold the mill and divided the land
ec|ually, Mr. AIcAlpin taking the portion on which Hawleyville was after
ward platted. Mr. ColUer continued upon his farm until 1857, when he
tumed his attention to merchandising, opening a general store in Hawleyville,
which he conducted until 1863. He then closed out his stock but again in
1866 he entered commercial fields, forming a partnership in the same line
of business with John Buckingham. Soon afterward he purchased his
partner's interest and conducted the store sucessfuUy and alone until 1876,
when he disposed oi the stock to his eldest son, George W. Collier, who
carried on the business until his death, which occurred in 1884.
After severing his connection with the dry-goods trade Mr. Collier
turned his attention to his milling interests and to the raising and sale of
stock. For some time he carried on business as proprietor of a grist and
saw mill, the former having the capacity of fifty barrels. Later, however,
he discontinued the saw mill and has increased the capacity of the grist mill
to seventy-five barrels. He also owns a fourth interest in the store in Haw
leyville and at one time he was the owner of over one thousand acres of
land in Nebraska township but has disposed of all of this to his children
except forty acres upon which stand his home and his mill in the village.
In 1875 he erected a frame residence at a cost of three thousand dollars,
which at that time was one of the finest in the eastem part of the county
and is still one of the attractive and substantial residences. He has con
tributed in large measure to the upbuilding and growth of Hawleyville,
where he has at different times owned considerable real estate. Whatever
he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion, allowing no ob
stacle to brook his path, if it can be overcome by persistent and earnest
effort. Unto Air. and Airs. Collier were bom the following named: George
W., who was born February 26, 1850, and died in 1884, leaving a widow,
Alatilda J., now the widow of D. B. Goodman of HawleyviUe ; John H.,
who died leaving a widow and one child ; Arabella S., who is the wife of
Dr. David EUiott. a prominent and popular citizen of Nebraska township,
who is serving as representative from this district to the state legislature ;

96 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Elizabeth, who died at the age of ten years ; two who died in infancy ;
Charles M., who died leaving a widow and one child, residents of Hawley
ville ; and Sadie, who is the wife of Ernest Strong of Nebraska township.
In his political views Mr. Collier has always been a stalwart democrat
and upon the party ticket has been elected to several local offices, including
that of township assessor, justice of the peace and constable. He is a memv-
ber oi Clarinda Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. Al., and his wife was a devoted
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His first home was in the
log house which now stands near his fine residence. He has reniained in
the county continuously since 1851 and no man has resided in Nebraska
township for as long a period, while there is only one woman living here
who was in the neighborhood at the time of his arrival. He is a remark
able man for one of eighty-two years, enjoying good health and manifesting
marked business activity. He has accomplished much in the midst of a use
ful Ufe and at all times has been worthy the esteem and confidence which
are uniformlv tendered him.

CALVIN P. GREENE.
There is no more worthy or highly respected citizen in Shenandoah than
Calvin P. Greene, who has now reached the eightieth milestone on life's
joumey. Fle was born in Berlin, Rensselaer county. New York, on the
6th of February, 1829. His parents were Benjamin and Rhoda (Niles)
Greene, both of whom were natives of the same county. The paternal grand
father, Lanford Greene, was born near Berlin and devoted his life to the
occupation oi farming, which he carried on in that locaUty until called to
his final rest. He was among the early settlers there, living in the county
when much of the land was covered with the native timber. He had,
therefore, assisted in the arduous task of developing and improving that
section of the country and his worth as a citizen was widely acknowledged
in the community. He married Abigail Thomas, who was also born in
the same locality. They were oi the same family as General Greene of
Revolutionary fame. It was in the early part of the seventeenth century
when John Greene, the founder of the family in America, came from
England with Roger WiUiams and established his home in the new world
which was then being colonized by settlers from all parts of the earth.
John Greene had two sons, from one of whom Calvin P. Greene is de
scended, while General Greene belonged to the other branch of the family.
Benjamin Greene, the father of our subject, died at the comparatively early
age of forty-three years and his wife when forty-six years oi age, so that
C. P. Greene was left an orphan when comparatively young.
In the place of his nativity Calvin P. Greene remained until twenty-two
years of age. He lived upon the farm until fifteen years of age and then
accompanied his parents on their removal to Berlin. His early education
was acquired in the district schools and he afterward attended the South
WUliamston Academy in Berkshire county, Massachusetts. Later he en
gaged in teaching school in Petersburg, New York, and afterward was
the teacher in his own district. He took up the profession when seventeen

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 97
years of age and followed it until twenty years of age. Subsequently he
engaged in clerking in Berlin for one year but, desirous that his labors
should more directly benefit himself, he established a tailoring business in
Berlin and later opened a shoe store.
Mr. Greene continued a resident of the east until 1851, when he re
moved westward to Peoria county, Illinois, arriving at his destination with
a cash capital of seventy-five dollars. In the meantime he bad married and
his wife accompanied him to the west. The necessities of the occasion de
manded that he accept any work which he could secure and for a time he was
employed as a farm hand, aided in the care of live stock and also engaged
in threshing. During the first winter of his residence in Illinois he engaged
in teaching in the public schools and also conducted a singing school. In
the spring he bought a team, rented land and began farming on his own
account. In the spring of 1854, with the capital which he had saved from
his earnings, he purchased eighty acres of land and continued to engage in
farming in Illinois for many years thereafter. In 1861 he visited New
York, where he remained for a year, and on his retum he purchased one
hundred acres of land in Marshall county, Illinois, having previously sold
his original eighty acres. He taught school during the winter in which
he visited in New York and foUowing his return to Illinois in 1862 he
again engaged in teaching in Marshall county and likewise conducted a
singing school.
Mr. Greene was closely associated with the agricultural interests of
Illinois until 1874, when he came to Page county and settled in Washington
township in what is the southwestern corner of the county. There he
purchased a quarter section of land, on which he placed all of the im
provements and to the development of his farm he gave his time and ener
gies until 1881. He then went to Northboro, a town in Washington town
ship, where he acted as postmaster for twelve years. He had had previous
experience in the same official line, for he had acted as postmaster in lU
inois. He was likewise engaged in the hardware business in Northboro,
where he made his home until 1900. In the meantime he had purchased
another quarter section of land and had in all an entire half section. In
1900 he came to Shenandoah and since taking up his abode here has made
investment in a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Fremont township.
Page county, but recently sold this property. His business affairs have been
capably conducted and while he has made general farming his real life
work he has at times capably controUed other interests. In 1867 he was
proprietor of a harness shop at Lawn Ridge, Illinois, and in the manage
ment of his hardware business at Northboro he displayed keen business
discernment and unfaltering energy.
Air. Greene was married in Berlin, New York, in 1850 to Miss E. J.
Dodge, who was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, and in her girlhood
days removed with her parents to Berlin. Eight chUdren were born of
this marriage : Mrs. Ida L. Darby, now living in Northboro ; Frank L.,
whose home is in Blanchard, Iowa; George L. and Alabel J., both now de
ceased ; Charles G., a contractor of La Grande, Oregon ; Henrietta, who

98 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
married Austin SoUars, a farmer of College Springs, Iowa ; Mrs. Jesse R.
McKie, who is deceased; and Alfred W., a dairyman of Shenandoah.
Mrs. Greene is a daughter of John and Malinda (Bates) Dodge and is a
lady of many estimable traits of character, who has indeed been a faithful
companion to her husband on the journey of life. They have now been man
and wife for almost sixty years and are one of the most venerable couples
of the county.
In his political views Mr. Greene was formerly a repubUcan but his
opinions concerning the temperance question have led him in recent years
to give stanch support to tbe prohibition party. He has acted as township
clerk oi Washington township for three years, was justice of the peace for
four years and notary public for eleven years and his official services have
ever been discharged in a manner creditable to himself and highly satis
factory to his constituents. He has long been a devoted, worthy and
faithful member of the Baptist church and has served as a deacon in that
denomination since 1877. For eleven years he was superintendent of the
Sunday school and he has been a most generous contributor to the support
of the church. His life has ever been an upright and honorable one,
characterized by unfaltering fideUty to high and manly principles, and now
in the evening of his days he can look back over the past without regret
and forward to the future without fear.

LOUTS J. SUNDERMANN.
Louis J. Sundermann is the owner of Home View Farm, a fine property
of two hundred and forty acres situated on sections 22 and 23, in Nodaway
township. This is conducted as a stock farm, Mr. Sundermann making
a specialty of raising Aberdeen Angus cattle, having forty head of regis
tered cattle on his place at the present time. He also raises hogs and horses
and is one of the leading representatives of live-stock interests in this part
of the state.
Page county numbers him ainong her native sons, his birth having
occurred in Douglas township on the 6th of September, 1869. His parents
were Fred and Louisa (Aloenning) Sundermann, both of whom now reside
in Dayton township. They were the parents of nine children, of whom
three died in infancy, the others being: Henry, a resident of Nodaway
township ; Louis J. ; Edwin, living in Douglas township ; Alartha, the wife
of Henry D. Wagner, of Nodaway township ; Joseph, at home ; and Han
nah, the wife of Herman Wagner, of Nodaway township.
Louis J. Sunderman was reared on the farm where his birth occurred,
there remaining until his maniage, when he came to his present place of
residence. His youthful days were devoted to the duties of the school
room, the pleasures of the playgrounds and the work of the fields. Through
the periods of vacation he assisted his father in carrying on the home
place, while in the winter months he pursued his education. He has never

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 99
desired to enter any other field oi labor than that to which he was reared,
and that nature well qualified him for this work is indicated in the excellent
and desirable success which has attended his efforts. Home View Farm
is now one of the valuable properties of Nodaway township, splendidly
equipped with modern accessories and conveniences, presenting in its ap
pearance the evidence of care and progressiveness on the part of the owner.
Within the boundaries of the farm, which is situated on sections 22 and 23,
Nodaway township, are two hundred and forty acres of rich land. While Mr.
Sundermann to some extent engages in the raising of grain, his place is pre
eminently a stock farm and he makes a specialty of raising Aberdeen Angus
cattle, having a very fine herd of forty head of registered stock on the
place. He exhibits his cattle at the county and state fairs and has carried off
many premiums. He also raises high grades of hogs and horses and has
done not a little to improve the grade of stock produced in this part of
the state. All of the buildings upon his farm stand as monuments to his
enterprise, and that he is a man of indefatigable industry is indicated in
the well kept appearance of his place.
On the loth of February, 1898, Mr. Sundermann was married to Miss
Amelia Sundermann, who was born in Nodaway township, September 29,
1877, and has always resided within its borders. Her parents are John and
Wilhelmina (Wehrkamp) Sundermann, who also reside in Nodaway town
ship, and they here reared a family of ten children : WilUam, who died
at the age of twenty-eight years ; Mrs. Louis J. Sundermann ; Carl, of Noda
way township ; Anna, the wife of Richard Nothwehr, of California ; George,
at home ; Emma and Emil, twins ; and Robert, Alma and Wilma, all yet
under the parental roof. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Sunder
mann has been blessed with three children, Amold, Bertha and Wilhelmina.
In his political views Mr. Sundermann is a stalwart democrat, continu
ously supporting that party since age conferred upon him the right of fran
chise. He has served as school director of his district for the past ten
years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He and
his family are members of the German Lutheran church of Nodaway
township and their influence is always given on the side of right, progress,
reform and improvement. They are well known residents of the community
and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

ALVIN NELSON.

Alvin Nelson, who engages in general farming and stock-raising in
Valley township. Page county, and who is numbered among the substan
tial agriculturists of this locality, is ranked among the thrifty and enter
prising citizens whom Sweden has sent to this country. A native of that
country, his birth occurred in Holland county on the 29th of January,
1862. He is a son of Nels and Permilia Nelson, also natives of Sweden,

100 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
where they both passed away. In their family were nine children, of whom
five sons came to the new world, while one stiU lives in his native land.
Alvin Nelson pursued his education in tbe schools of Sweden. He
emigrated to the United States in 1881 and came direct to Page county,
Iowa, where he obtained employment on a farm for six years. At the ex
piration of that period he went west to the Pacific coast, living in Washing
ton and CaUfornia for two years, and in the meantime was engaged in a
creamery as a buttermaker. Returning to Page county, he purchased
eighty acres of land, which now constitutes his home farm and upon
which he has since resided. It is situated on section 6, Valley township,
and is a highly improved property, most of its development being due to
the industry and energy of Mr. Nelson. He has erected a fine house upon
the place and provided substantial barns and outbuildings, also machinery
and other conveniences necessary to carry on general farming. He has
made a close study of the grains and cereals best adapted to soil and
climate, understands the best methods of cultivating the land, and aside
from his general agricultural pursuits gives some attention to the raising
and feeding of hogs. On the whole, by a strict attention to business and
by employing modem methods, his farm has become an excellent paying
proposition. He has purchased another tract of eighty acres on section
I, Douglas township, so that his property holdings now include one hun
dred and sixty acres.
In 1893 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Emma SulUvan,
a native of Page county, and unto this union has been born two children,
namely : Leland B., a student of the high school at VilUsca, Iowa ; and
Vida P., still at home. The parents are members of the Presbyterian
church and are people of high moral character.
Mr. Nelson gives his political support to the republican party and has
served as township trustee and also as school director, the cause of edu
cation finding in him a stalwart champion. He has never found occasion
to regret his determination to come to America for here, where individual
effort is unhampered by caste or class, he has gained a gratifying amount
of prosperity and is numbered among the prosperous and progressive farmers
of his section of the county.

SETH JAMES CLARK.
Seth James Clark is the proprietor of the Walnut VaUey Stock Farm of
eight hundred acres, one of the valuable farm properties of Page county.
He is recognized as a man of excellent business ability and keen discern
ment and his carefully directed labors and well managed interests have made
him one of the leading agriculturists of this part of tbe state. He was born
in the town oi Barre, AA'orcester county, Massachusetts, September 27, 1840,
a son of Erastus and Betsy (Petty) Clark, both of -whom were natives of
Massachusetts and spent their last days in Page county. The father, who

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 103
was born December 6, 1800, died on the nth of April, 1880. He was a
farmer throughout his entire life and displayed in his business affairs
sound judgment and unfaltering industry. Prior to the Civil war he was a
stanch abolitionist and he always kept well informed on the questions and
issues of the day, political and otherwise. He was a cousin of Robert G.
Ingersoll, whose father was a brother of Mrs. Clark, the grandmother of
our subject. Air. Clark possesses a complete set of Ingersoll's works,
for which he has great admiration. In the family of Air. and Mrs. Erastus
Clark were seven children: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Edward Cooke;
Horace, who has also passed away ; Mary, who became the wife of E. C.
Cooke and is now a widow living in Newmarket, Iowa ; George W., also
of Newmarket; Seth J.; CaroUne, who died in childhood; and WUliam,
deceased. Seth J. Clark was seven years of age when in 1847 his parents removed
from Massachusetts to Chicago, Illinois. After three or four years spent in
that city the father preempted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Cook
county, twenty miles west of Chicago. He remained upon that place for
about five years and then went to De Kalb county, Illinois, trading his Cook
county property for a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in De Kalb,
where he lived for five or six years. He then traded for a thousand acres
in Pag-e county, Iowa, the family taking up their abode here about i860.
Seth J. Clark was then a man grown and went over the plains through
Nebraska to Denver, freighting for the govemment and bought the first
store that was built in that city. Soon afterward, however, he traded it
for stock and engaged in freighting over the plains for twelve years, prin
cipally between Denver, Nebraska City, Leavenworth, Omaha and New
Alexico. Indeed he engaged in freighting throughout the entire western
country and in 1867 when the railroad had reached Junction City, Kansas,
Air. Clark made the first successful winter trip to Santa Fe, while two trains
behind him perished. In 1866 he freighted into Montana and at Fort
PhU Kearney lost forty-eight mules by the Indians. Captain Brown, then
in command of the fort, went to his rescue and ninety-six soldiers lost their
lives at that time. In the spring of 1867 when he returned from New
Mexico Mr. Clark made a contract with the United States govemment at
Fort WaUace to deliver hay at the fort. He had three hundred and fifty men
in his employ and did an extensive business. In 1868 he was awarded the
same contract but in a year lost one hundred and twenty-five mules through
the depredations of the Indians.
In 1873 Mr. Clark returned to Page county, where he has resided con
tinuously since, devoting his attention to general farming and stock rais
ing. He now has a farm of eight hundred acres all in East River town
ship. There are five sets of buildings upon it, all of which were erected by
Air. Clark and all other improvements were made by him. He is one
of the extensive landowners of the county and the Walnut Valley Stock
Farm is one of the most valuable properties in this part of the state. In
addition he has a ranch of four hundred acres about twenty-five miles north
east of Trinidad, Colorado.

104 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
In 1873 Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Ella Carpenter, who
was born in Taylor county, Iowa. His children are : Walter, now living in
Colorado ; Wilber H., who is living with his brother in Colorado ; Burt Seth,
at home ; Addie, the wife of Ed Smith, of East River township ; and Myrtle,
who is with an aunt in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
In his political views Mr. Clark was a stalwart republican for mariy
years but during the past four years has been allied with the sociaUst move
ment. He has never desired nor would he consent to accept office, pre
ferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. He is,
however, a deep thinker and loves debate and is ever ready to support his
position by inteUigent argument. His has been an eventful Ufe, filled with
many thrilling incidents and exciting events during his residence upon the
plains when he was freighting through the west. In the conduct of his
business affairs since his return to this county he has won notable and satis
factory success and his progress has placed him with the prominent agri
culturists and stock raisers of the county.

MAX E. WITTE, M. D.
Man's worth in the world is judged not by what he has done for him
self alone but by what he has done for his fellowmen. Upon each individual
as a unit rests obligations and duties relative to his connection with human
ity at large and he is held in highest regard whose labors have had direct
bearing upon the progress of the race or upon the improvement of conditions
connected with certain classes. Dr. Witte is deserving of more than pass
ing notice from the fact that he is an authority upon mental diseases and
that his work in this field has been a valuable contribution to medical
science. He was born January 31, 1859, near Berlin, Germany. His fatber, G.
W Witte, came to America with his family in 1864, settling in Galena,
Illinois, and later he removed to Jackson county, Iowa. Dr. Witte was
but five years oi age at the time oi the emigration to the United States.
His early education was acquired in the country schools and later he attended
a preparatory college at Galena, lUinois, conducted under the auspices of
the Lutheran church. His broad literary knowledge served as a stimulus
for further intellectual development. He, therefore, decided upon a profes
sional career and entered the College of Medicine, which is a department of
the Iowa State University, where he was graduated with the class of 1881.
He also read under the direction of Professor W. D. Middleton during his
student course and, locating in Davenport, he became connected with the
Iowa State Hospital at Mt. Pleasant in 1881, remaining tbere as assistant
physician until 1898. In that year he accepted a proffered position as su
perintendent in connection with the Clarinda State Hospital and later was
elected one of the lecturers in the Iowa State University, his special field
being mental diseases. Throughout the years of his practice he has given

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 105
much attention to mental and nervous disorders, and has become largely
known as an authority upon that phase of professional work.
In 1891 Dr. Witte was united in marriage to Miss Nevada Randolph
and they now have one son. Max Ernest, who was born in 1895 and is
now attending the Clarinda high school.
Dr. AA^itte belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the
Knight Templar degree. He is also a member of the Lutheran church and
his influence has always been on the side oi right, justice, truth and prog
ress. In professional relations he holds membership with the American
Medico-Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, the
Iowa State Aledical Society, the Page County Medical Society and the
American Association for the Advancement of .Science. He has been a
frequent and valued contributor to medical journals upon psychological
subjects. His life has largely been devoted to the treatment and study of
insanity and his work has been of utmost value, not only through this
state, but also through the United States, owing to his dissemination of
knowledge concerning phases of mental disease. He has advanced many
original and beneficial ideas relative to the treatment of this unfortunate
class and largely through his efforts are the insane given many liberties,
fully forty per cent being allowed to come and go almost as they please. He
realized that close restriction was detrimental, proving an irritant to the
mental condition and that in the feeling oi liberty the mind frequently
became strengthened and reached the normal condition. Since coming to
Clarinda the capacity for the Hospital of the Insane here has been in-
¦ creased from seven hundred to eleven hundred inmates and many im
provements have been introduced for their care. Farms have been de
veloped and the work that is done by the patients has been a great source
of benefit, keeping the mind occupied and the attention and energies di
rected. In all of his work Dr. Witte is actuated by a spirit of the broadest
humanitarianism and this added to his scientific knowledge has made his
labor of the utmost benefit to mankind. He has won wide recognition in
his profession, his fame by no means being limited by the borders of this
state.

O. F. SWANSON.

In an analyzation of the character and life work of O. F. Swanson we
note many of the characteristics which mark the Swedish race — the per
severance, reliabiUty, energy and unconquerable determination to pursue
a course that has been marked out. It is these sterling qualities which have
gained to Mr. Swanson success in Ufe and made him one of the sub
stantial and valued citizens of Douglas township, where he owns forty acres
of the old home place, and he also manages his father's land, which com
prises four hundred and. eighty acres.
Mr. Swanson was born in Sweden, June 26, 1863, and was but one year
old when he was brought to the United States by his parents, N. P and

106 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Eva (Danielson) Swanson. The year 1864 witnessed their arrival in
the new world and a location was first made in Henry county, Illinois,
where they made their home until the spring of 1871, when a removal was
made to Page county and the fa,ther then purchased land, to which he has
since added until his farm now comprises four hundred and eighty acres
in Douglas township, of which he is still the possessor. When he arrived
in Page county he had but one hundred and fifty dollars in money but he
possessed a stout heart and willing hands and as the years passed by he
worked on earnestly and through the assistance of his estimable wife and
the help of his sons he has acquired a handsome competence, which now
supplies him with all the comforts of life. He has made many improve
ments on his farm, including a fine country residence, barns and other out
buUdings for the shelter of grain and stock, while his wife and son planted
a nice grove oi walnut and maple trees, which furnish not only shade but
also add to the attractive appearance of the place. For many years Air.
Swanson was actively engaged in carrying on the work of the farm but he
is now Uving retired at the advanced age of eighty years, while his son
manages and operates the home place. The wife and mother also " sur
vives at the age of seventy-five years.
Mr. and Mrs. N. P. Swanson are the parents of the following children:
Charles J., who resides in Clarinda; Mary, the widow of Andrew P. HuU,
a resident of Douglas township ; August, also of Douglas township ; O. F.,
who, as above stated, operates the home farm ; Henry, deceased ; J. A.,
who resides in Douglas township; Hilda and Anna, still under the par
ental roof ; and one who died in infancy. Air. Swanson and his wife are
numbered among the pioneers of Page county, having been prominent
factors in the development and improvement of this section of the state
and now in their decUning years they are living happy and contented lives,
enjoying in ease the fruits of their former toil.
O. F. Swanson, the immediate subject of this review was but one year
old when he was brought by his parents to the new world, and he was a
little lad of eight years at the time of their location in Douglas township,
so that he has practically been reared on the farm which is still his home.
His education was acquired in the common schools near his father's home.
He was early trained to the work of the farm, assisting his father in plow
ing, planting and harvesting during the spring and summer months, and
the knowledge he thus acquired now enables him to manage the extensive
interests of the homestead property, so that his father can spend his last
years in honorable retirement. Mr. Swanson is also the owner of forty
acres of land which was formerly a part of the home place and he also
cultivates this in addition to his father's land. He makes a specialty of
raising and feeding stock and in this branch of business is meeting with
substantial success. He formerly owned three hundred and twenty acres
of land in Canada, which he disposed of at a profit of one hundred and
thirty-five per cent. Air. Swanson owns a nice automobile, being the first
man to bring a motor car into Douglas township.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 107
A republican in his political views, Mr. Swanson has ever taken a lively
interest in local affairs and for several years has served in the office of
constable, while for some time he has been a school director and road
supervisor. He is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Hepburn Lodge, No.
482. He belongs to that class of representative men who rapidlv discern
opportunities for improvement and who are rapidly forging to the front.
Brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by honorable and determined
effort, he is working his way upward and is already favorably known in
business circles because of his capabiUty and laudable ambition.

HENRY LORANZ.

The name of Loranz is indelibly inscribed upon the records of Clarinda
and Page county and has been a familiar one here from early pioneer
times. Anthony Loranz, father of Henry Loranz, cast in his lot with the
first settlers who were reclaiming southwestern Iowa for the purpose of
civilization. He was born near Baden Baden, Germany, October 29, 1810.
and was educated for the Catholic priesthood, but in 1831 accompanied his
parents and younger brother to America, landing at Philadelphia, Penn
sylvania, and events determined him to devote his time and energies to
business pursuits rather than to the church. A year after their arrival
the parents both died of cholera and to provide for his own support Anthony
Loranz secured employment as a laborer and teamster in the vicinity of
Philadelphia. In 1837 he went to New York and was employed on the Erie
canal until 1839, when he made his way to Chicago, Illinois, and thence to
Fulton county, that state, where he resided until 1858. In Alarch, 1842,
he wedded Barbara Bolender and subsequent to his marriage purchased
eighty acres of timber land in Fulton county, Illinois. He there engaged
in farming until March, 1858, when he sold his property and came to Page
county, low^a, the family arriving in September of the same year. Air.
Loranz estabUshed a general store in Clarinda, conducting it until after the
outbreak of the Civil war, when he disposed of his stock with the intention
of joining the Union army but found that he was physically unable to endure
the hardships of military life and at once engaged in recruiting service,
being commissioned by Governor Kirkwood.
Following the close of hostilities Anthony Loranz was joined by his
son Henry in business under the firm style of A. & H. Loranz, conducting
the store until 1869, when a succession of disasters caused their failure.
UnwiUing to take advantage of the bankruptcy laws Mr. Loranz, by his
indefatigable energy, industry and determined purpose, at length paid off
every creditor in full. His commercial honor and integrity ever stood as an
unquestioned fact in his career. Under President Grant he received ap
pointment as postmaster of Clarinda and so continued until his death in
1881. Fiis wife passed away January 12, 1868. The position which she held
in public regard and especially in her own household is indicated in the

108 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
words which her husband had inscribed on the plain marble slab that
marks her last resting place : "She was, but words are wanting to teU what.
Think what a wife should be and she was that." In April, 1869, Anthony
Loranz wedded Mrs. Sarah Burtch, of Bellville, Nebraska, and at once
brought her to Clarinda with her two children. He was long a devout
member of the Presbyterian church and it was through his efforts and
liberality that the house of worship of that denomination was built in
Clarinda in i860, while the bell used to call the worshipers together was
freighted by him overland from Fulton county, Illinois. He was a mem
ber of Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M. ; and Clarinda Chapter,
No. 29, R. A. M. No man ever more fully enjoyed the respect and confi
dence of his fellowmen, or more justly deserved that respect.
Fienry Loranz, one of the seven children of his father's first marriage,
has resided continuously in Page county for more than half a century.
He was bom in Fulton county, Illinois, February 12, 1844, and was there
fore fourteen years of age at the time of the removal of the family to south
western Iowa. His education was acquired in the public schools of the
two states and in Eastman's Business College of Chicago. He was a youth
of nineteen years when he offered his services to the government in July,
1863, joining Company A of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, with which he saw
much active duty at the front. He was taken prisoner thirty-five miles
southwest of Atlanta, Georgia, and suffered all the hardships of southern
prison life in Andersonville, being one of thirty thousand men confined
there at that time. He was afterward transferred to Charleston, where
he remained a month, and subsequently was sent to Florence, South Caro
lina, where he was incarcerated five months, obtaining his release at Wil
mington, North Carolina, in Alarch, 1865. He was then sent to Annapolis,
Maryland, where he was provided with a much needed uniform; proceeding
from that point to St. Louis, and was honorably discharged at Clinton,
Iowa. Fiis military record was a most creditable one and he is today
numbered among the honored veterans whose ranks are fast being decimated
as one b}^ one they answer the last roll call.
After attending business college in Chicago, in 1866, Henry Loranz
returned to Clarinda and was identified with his father in mercantile pur
suits until 1871. In that year be was elected treasurer of Page county
and the trust reposed in his official honor and integrity is indicated by the
fact that popular suffrage continued him in office for twelve years, and on
the expiration of his last term he refused to become a candidate for reelec
tion. In 1884 he joined his brother Raymond in the abstract and loan
business, which was the beginning of the business that stiU exists under
the firm style of Loranz & Company. Some years later his brother retired
and Fienry Loranz was joined by his son, Alfred B. On the first of Jan
uary, 1906, the company was incorporated under the style of Loranz & Com
pany, with Henry Loranz as president ; A. B. Loranz, vice president ; and
C. E. Blair, secretary. The company is a prominent one in this field of ac
tivity, the extent and importance of its business and the reliability of its
business methods gaining for it a foremost place in business circles.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 109
On the i8th of February, 1869, Mr. Loranz was united in marriage to
Aliss Carrie A. Little, of Altoona, Illinois, who was educated in the Gran
ville and Steubenville Female Seminaries, of Ohio, and made a specialty of
the study of music. She successfully engaged in teaching music for many
years and for forty years was organist in the Presbyterian church. She
has had, too, marked influence in social circles of the city and has ever pre
sided with gracious hospitality over her own home. Mr. and Mrs. Loranz
are the parents of five children: Alabel B., who died at the age of five
years; Grace, who died in the same year — 1874- — when but seven months
old, both being buried in the same grave; Alfred B., who is his father's
associate in business ; Bertha Rose ; and Carrie.
Mr. Loranz is a prominent Mason, belonging to Nodaway Lodge, No
140, A. F. & A. M., and Clarinda Chapter, No. 29, R. A. Al. He is a
charter member of Warren Post, No. 11, G. A. R. In politics he has ever
been a stalwart republican and on the ist of May, 1889, was appointed
postmaster, which position he filled for over four years. A prominent
member of the Presbyterian church, he served for twenty-three years as
clerk of the session and for a long period has been one of the elders. His
life in its varied activities has been an influential factor in Page county's
substantial development and in its progress along intellectual, social and
moral lines. Living within its borders from his boyhood days, his record
has at all tinies been in harmony with high principles of manhood and of
citizenship.

CHARLES TUNXICLIFFE.
The growth and prosperity of every town and city depends upon its
commercial and industrial activities which are consequent upon the enter
prise, determination and foresight of its business men. In this connection
Charles Tunnicliffe deserves more than passing notice for he was one of
the promoters and is now active in the control of the industrial enterprise
carried on under the name of the Clarinda Lawn Mower Company. Born
in Kewanee, Illinois, on the 14th of August, 1867, he is a son of George
and Rosetta (Frink) Tunnicliffe. The father was a merchant of English
descent, representing a family that for five hundred years was associated
with the pottery interests of England. It was on the "Merrie Isle" that
'George Tunnicliffe was born but in his boyhood days he was brought to the
United States and since 1S42 has been a resident of this country. He still
makes his home in Kewanee, being one of its most respected and valued
citizens. It w^as in the public schools there that Charles Tunnicliffe acquired
a knowledge of the common branches of English learning. His youthful
days passed uneventfully, his time being divided between the work of the
schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and such tasks as were as
signed him by paternal authority. At the age of eighteen years he came
to Page county and began farming, following tbat pursuit for eight years,

110 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
after which he entered the lumber business at Shenandoah as a representa
tive of the Green Bay Lumber Company. He remained at that place for
one year and was then transferred by the company to Clarinda as manager
of their interests at this point, where he successfully conducted a lumber
yard for nine years, building up a good trade for the house. At length he re
signed his position, seeing broader business opportunities in other directions,
and in 1908 joined a party of enterprising citizens in the organization of
the Clarinda Lawn Mower Company, which established a plant and began
business. The factory is equipped with the latest improved machinery and
all accessories for facilitating the work. A force of competent workmen
are employed and the business is carefuUy systematized and managed, so
that maximum results are obtained by a minimum expenditure of time, labor
and material, which is the basis of all success in business. At the time
of the organization of the company Mr. Tunnicliffe was made secretary,
treasurer and general manager of the firm and the success of the under
taking is largely attributable to his control and keen discernment into the
details of every business situation. Aloreover, he is the president of the
Clarinda Patent Exchange.
On the nth of August, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Tunnicliffe to Aliss Georgia Nye, of Shenandoah, Iowa, a daughter of Wil
Uam and Harriet Nye, farming people of this county. The children of
this marriage are five in number, namely : Ralph, Vera, Carl, Max B.
and Norma.
The parents hold membership in the Baptist church, are interested in
its various activities and Air. Tunnicliffe is serving as one of the church
trustees. He is interested in everything that pertains to the welfare and
upbuilding of the community, has been a member of the school board and
was vice president of the Chautauqua Assembly at the time of the erection
of the first auditorium. He has cooperated in this movement which is of
important educational value here, nor is he slow to assist every enterprise
which he deems will prove of public good.

CHARLES HART.

Macaulay has said that "the history of a country is best told in the lives
of its people" and therefore in this connection Charles Hart deserves prom
inent mention, for he is one whose efforts have been effective forces in
molding the material and moral progress of the community in which he
lives. For a long period he was closely associated with agricultural in
terests and is now one of the extensive landowners of the county. He is
equally prominent in financial circles as the president of the Farmers &
Merchants State Bank at Coin.
Mr. Hart is numbered among the worthy citizens that Ohio has fur
nished to Page county, his birth having occurred near Cleveland in Guy-

^^4

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 113
ahoga county, on Christmas day of 1844. His parents were Mr. and Airs.
Martin Hart but the mother died when her son Charles was very young.
The father was a sailor on the Great Lakes and when Charles was about
six years of age he went to Alexico, since which time no news has been re
ceived from him. In the family were six children: Mrs. Mary Phillips, of
Cleveland, Ohio; Benjamin, deceased; Elizabeth, who makes her home in
Cleveland ; Kathryn, who has also departed this life ; Charles, of this review ;
and Luther, a resident of Hudson, Ohio.
Thrown upon his own resources at a very early age, Charles Hart may
justly be called a self-made mam for the success which he has achieved is
due entirely to his own efforts. He early began to earn his living by work
ing as a farm hand and was thus employed in his native county until sixteen
years of age. The only educational advantages which he received were
those afforded by the district schools, and the necessity of providing for
his own support prevented him from attending school to any great age.
He had, however, been an apt pupil in the school of experience and has
learned many valua'ble lessons which have made him a sagacious business
man. On leaving Ohio Mr. Hart went to Illinois, where he was employed at
farm labor until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, in 18.63, h^
offered his services to the government, enlisting at Rochelle, as a member
of Company A, Second Illinois Cavalry. He joined the regiment at Spring
field, IlUnois, and at Camp Butler the command was instructed in military
tactics and duties for three months. They then proceeded south to New
Orleans and participated in the battles of Alobile and Fort Blakely and
saw active service all the time. As he was a member of the cavalry, how
ever, Mr. Hart was mostly engaged in skirmishing and after the war he
was mustered out at San Antonio, Texas, in 1865.
In that year he returned to Illinois, where he remained until 1870, when
he married and came to Iowa. He drove across the country with Air.
Davidson, a neighbor, and reaching his destination, purchased eighty acres
of land about three miles southwest of Coin, paying for the property six
dollars and a quarter per acre. AAAhen he had erected a dweUing he sent
for his wife, who joined him in their new home, and they lived upon that
farm until 1891, when Mr. Hart purchased his present farm, comprising
eighty acres just at the edge of Coin. On this property he has since made
his home. In the midst stands a very commodious and beautiful residence,
whUe all around are the other improvements Of a model farm and highly
cultivated fields. As the years have passed he has made further invest
ment in property and is now the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of
improved farm land in this part of the state. Moreover, he has become
an active factor in financial circles. He is a large stockholder in the Farm
ers & Merchants State Bank of Coin and in 1906 was elected to the presi
dency so that he is now the chief executive officer of the institution. He
has also helped open up and develop the mines of the Coin Coal Company
near Coin. His farming interests have been turned over to others, while
his attention is now given only to the supervision of his investments.

114 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
In April, 1870, Mr. Hart was married to Miss Lucy Harleman, who
was born in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of two children:
Josephine, who is acting as her father's housekeeper ; and P. R., at San
Francisco, California. The wife and mother died in 1907, her death being
the occasion of deep and wide-spread regret to many friends who esteemed
her highly for her splendid traits oi heart and mind.
Mr. Hart is a prominent and active member of the Presbyterian church,
in which he is serving as elder, and fraternally he is connected with the
Grand Army post at Shenandoah. His is a notable record of the self-made
man, his history being another proof of the fact that it is only under the
stimulus of necessity that the strongest and best in man is brought out and
developed. Thrown upon his own resources when but a boy he became
self-reliant and learned to use his native talents and powers to the best
advantage and also to improve every opportunity leading to honorable suc
cess. As the years have passed the steps in his orderly progression have
been easily discernible ,ind have carried him into important relations with
the agricultural and financial interests of the county.

TILFORD L. PUTMAN, Al. D.
Til ford L. Putman, physician and surgeon, whose close and comprehen
sive study has gained him a high measure of proficiency in his chosen field
of labor, while the trust reposed in his professional skill is manifest in the
extensive patronage accorded him, was born in Princeton, Alissouri, on the
8th of February, 1859, his parents being Green Al. and Alary E. (Kelsey)
Putman. The father was a native of Fulton county, Illinois, while the
mother's birth occurred at Greencastle, Indiana, upon the farm where
De Pauw University now stands. Green M. Putman was reared in the
place of his nativity to his tenth year, wlien he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Davis county, Iowa, where he attained his majority.
After his marriage he acquired the ownership of the farm upon which the
town of Belknap, Iowa, has since been built. In 1869 he became one of
the very first settlers of southwestern Iowa, taking up his abode at Locust
Grove, Fremont county, where he lived for four or five years and then
removed five miles south to what was known as High Creek. There he
resided until 1886, when he retired from active farm life and established
his home in Hamburg, Iowa. He had led a busy, useful and active life,
bringing him a substantial measure of success so that in his later years
he was enabled to enjoy the comforts and some of the luxuries of life with
out further recourse to labor. He passed away in the fall of 1897 at the
age of sixty-two years, while his wife died in 1899 at the age of sixty-three
years. Both lie buried in the Locust Grove cemetery. The father was a
radical republican in politics for many years, giving unfaltering support
to the men and measures of the party, and his opinions constituted an im
portant factor in its councils. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 115
many good qualities and his progressive citizenship, called him to serve
in various local offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness
and fideUty. For a long period he ranked as one of the influential, valued
and honored men of this section of the state and Uved to witness its trans
formation as the evidences of frontier life were put aside ahd those of mod
ern civilization were assumed.
Dr. Putman, reared in his father's home, acquired his early education
in the country schools and afterward had the benefit of instruction in the
Southern Iowa Normal at Bloomfield, Iowa. When twenty-one years of
age he began teaching and followed that profession for four years, spending
one-half of the time in Fremont county, Iowa, and the other half in Fulton
county, Illinois. He regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to
other professional labor for during this time he devoted all of his so called
leisure hours to the reading of medicine, having as his preceptor Dr. T. H.
Bragg, of Hamburg, and Dr. J. V. Harris, of Canton, Illinois, a brother
of Bishop Al. C. Harris of Japan and Corea. Then in further preparation
for the medical profession he matriculated in Rush Medical CoUege, of
Chicago, in the fall of 1883 and was graduated therefrom with honors
in the class of 1885, he being one of six in a class of one hundred and
sixty-three who passed a perfect examination.
Following his return home Dr. Putman learned of the removal of
Dr. C. T. Clark, of Riverton, and determined to locate there, becoming
Dr. Clark's successor. He remained in active and successful practice at that
point for six and one-half years when, seeking a broader field of labor,
he came to Shenandoah in October, 1891, and has since remained in this
city, where he has built up and enjoys an extensive and growing practice.
"He is a leading physician of the city and has spared no effort to perfect him
self in his chosen line of work. He has carried his investigations far and
wide into the realms of scientific knowledge and has pursued post-graduate
courses in the Chicago Polyclinic in 1895, in 1897 and again in 1900. In
1905 he made a tour of the eastern cities, visiting the hospitals and witness
ing the work of some of the ablest surgeons of America, while in 1909 he
pursued a post-graduate course in the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
Thus he has avaUed himself of every opportunity to promote his effi
ciency that he may give valuable service to his patrons. He is a man of
sympathetic nature and this, as well as his skill, has enabled him to do
effective work in professional lines.
Pleasantly situated in his home life. Dr. Putman was married March
25, 1886, to Miss Jessie D. AlcKean, of Columbus, Nebraska. Unto this
marriage has been born one child, Lynn J., who is now a graduate of the
medical department of the University of Maryland, at Baltimore.
Dr. Putman gives his political allegiance to the republican party, but
the honors and emoluments of office have no attractions for him. He be
longs to the Methodist Episcopal church, is a member of its official board
and for five years has acted as one of its trustees. He also belongs to
Juniata Lodge, No. 295, K. P. ; to Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E. ;
to Nishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. W. ; Shenandoah Lodge, No. 261,

116 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
I. O. O. F. ; to Lodge No. 176, Yeomen of America; and is a charter member
of Page Camp, No. 1049, M. W. A., of Shenandoah. He has appreciation
for the social amenities of life and is interested in the different organiza
tions which have for their object not only the promotion of social interests
but also the promulgation of a spirit of brotherly helpfulness and mutual
kindness. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, whose companionship is ap
preciated by those who know him but he never allows outside interests to
interfere with his professional duties, being recognized as a most able sur
geon, while at the same time he is most successful in the administration of
remedial agencies.
Through the efforts of Dr. Putman the Shenandoah City Hospital was
founded, of which he is now surgeon in chief. He is also physician to the
Western Normal CoUege and gives considerable attention to education,
delivering lectures to the students as well as attending them in sickness.
He is a member of the Southwestern Iowa Medical Society and the Med
ical Society of Missouri Valley. He is also a member of the Association
of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and is serving as trustee
for the state of Iowa in that association. He is surgeon for the Wabash
Railroad Company and a member of its Association of Surgeons ; is also
a member of the Tri-State Aledical Society, of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri ;
and a charter member of the American Association of Railway Surgeons.

J. K. HARLAN.

Careful analyzation into the life history of the great majority of men
gives incontrovertible proof of the fact that success is won by earnest,
persistent and unfaltering effort. It is in this way that J. K. Harlan has
worked his way upward, for although he started out in Ufe empty-handed,
he has made progress in the business world and is now the owner of an
excellent farm on section 26, Harlan township. Moreover he is entitled to
representation in this volume as one of the native sons of the state, his
birth having occurred in Henry county, Iowa, February 19, i860. His
parents, WiUiam C. and Emily (Johnson) Harlan, were natives of Indiana
where they were reared and married, and in the year 1854 they took up their
abode in Henry county, where the father turned his attention to general
agricultural pursuits. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the
cotmtry's call for aid and enlisted from Henry county as a member of
Conipany K, Tw-enty-fifth regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry. After
doing active duty at the front for about two years he returned to Henry
county and died soon afterward on the 27tli of February, 1864, when he
was thirty-two years of age. His widow afterward became the wife of
William Burrows and they now reside at Gravity, Taylor county. By the
first marriage there were four children : Nannie, the wife of A. M. Walker,
of Nebraska towmship ; Alice, the wife of N. J. Gardner, who is Hving in
Texas ; Mereb, the wife of W. W. Anderson, who is Uving at New Market,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 117
Iowa; and J. K., oi this review. By her second marriage there were three
children. No event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of farm
Ufe for J. K. Harlan in his boyhood and youth, which were spent in his
native county where he continued to the age of twenty years. In the fall
of 1880 he removed to Adair county and resided for one winter in Green
field, but in March, 1881, went to Taylor county, where he started upon
an independent business venture by renting a tract of land which he con
tinued to cultivate for six years. He then came to Page county and again
rented land and for the past six years has owned his present farm, which
comprises one hundred and twenty acres on section 26, Harlan township.
The soil of Iowa is naturally rich and productive and responds readily to
the care and labor which are bestowed upon it. The unceasing effort and
intelUgently directed dUigence of Mr. Harlan have made of his place a well
improved farm. It is supplied with new buildings, is well fenced and a
substantial annual income is enjoyed from the fact that both branches of his
business — the raising of grain and the raising of stock, are proving
profitable. In his political views Mr. Harlan is a republican but does not seek nor
desire office. He desires, however, that the best interests of the community
may be conserved, and gives his cooperation to various movements for the
public good. He was married September 16, 1889, to Aliss Bertha Sheets,
who was born in Indiana, July 8. 1862, and in her early girlhood came to
Page county with her parents, Edwin and Elinor (Abbott) Sheets. The
mother is now deceased and the father makes his home with his children.
Mr. and Mrs. Harlan have one daughter, Arda E., at home.

WILLIAM C. PHILLIPS, M. D.
Dr. William C. Phillips, actuated by strong purpose and high ideals
in the work of his profession, has finiily established himself in public re
gard as a physician of abiUty and the confidence of the community is in
dicated in the liberal patronage extended him. Sure of himself and the
ground which he occupies in all professional relations, he is continually
stud}dng along progressive lines to promote his efficiency and to achieve
results which shall be enduring and of credit to the field of labor in which
he is putting forth his efforts.
He is one of the native sons of Page county, born December 12, 1876,
his parents being Rosiel F. and Sarah A. PhiUips. The father was a con
tractor who came to Page county in 1873. His son was educated in the
public schools until he had passed through consecutive grades and was
graduated from the high school with the class of 1894. He began clerking
in a drug store when his school days were ended and in 1897 he entered
upon the course in pharmacy at the Northwestern University, becoming
a registered pharmacist in Alarch, 1898, while in 1899 he was graduated.

118 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
The same year he 'began the study of medicine and was graduated from
the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Chicago with the class of 1903.
From 1900 until 1902 he was the phamiacist in the United States pubUc
health and marine hospital service, both at Chicago and at Tampa, Florida,
spending a year in the latter place. He then returned tO' Chicago and
completed his medical course. His knowledge of pharmacy has been of
the utmost value to him in his practice as a physician, for his previous prep
aration for the drug business gave him intimate knowledge of the proper
ties of medicinal agencies and the effect produced under various health con
ditions. Following his graduation he served an interneship at St. EUza
beth's Hospital in Chicago, where he remained until November, 1904, when
he came to Clarinda and entered upon the general practice oi medicine and
surgery, in which field of labor he has since continued. He is competent
and capable, conscientious and considerate. In the diagnosis of a case he
is rarely, if ever, at fault and his jud.gment seldom errs in forecasting the
outcome of disease.
Dr. Phillips belongs to the Page County Medical Society, the Iowa
State Aledical Association and the American Aledical Association and
through his connection with those organizations as well as by private read
ing and investigation, he keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the
day. He is now secretary of the United States board of pension examiners,
while in fraternal relations he is connected with the Knights of Pythias
and with the blue lodge and Eastern Star of the Masonic iraternity. He
is district lecturer for the Masonic grand lodge of Iowa in the twenty-
first district. In manner he is courteous and genial and in all non-profes
sional relations is signally modest but his salient qualities are of such
sterUng character as to make him popular among a large circle of friends
in his adopted city.

DAN J. DE LONG.

.Among the residents of Clarinda whose former years of toil now make
it possible for them to Uve in retirement in the enjoyment of well earned
rest is Dan J. De Long. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on the 3d of
October, 1839, a son of Joseph and Sarah C. (Blue) De Long, natives of
Muskingum county, Ohio, and of Zanesville, Ohio, respectively. The
maternal grandparents, Air. and Mrs. Gilbert Blue, were born in Pennsyl
vania. The father of our subject was a tanner by trade. His death oc
curred in 1852. A strong supporter of the democracy, he was recognized as
an active and influential worker in the party ranks of the city where he
resided. Fle was a Catholic in religious faith, whUe his wife was affiliated
with the Alethodist church. She passed away in New London, Iowa, where
her father also died. In the family of this worthy couple were six children,
namely: Emmons, who died in childhood; Dan J., of this review; Gilbert
E., who passed away in Kansas ; Mattie, the deceased-wife of J. V. Chandler,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 119
who has also passed away; Bernard A., residing in Xebraska; and Eliza
beth, who died in Zanesville, Ohio.
Dan J. De Long accompanied his parents on their removal to Zanes
viUe, where he acquired his education as a pupil in the parochial schools.
He remained in that city until seventeen years of age, when he came to
Iowa, settling in New London, where he taught school for some time.
He also became identified with other interests and was occupied in various
capacities until the outbreak of the Civil war. At the country's first call
for troops he enlisted in April, 1861, as a member of Company F, First
Iowa Infantry, for three months' service. At the close of this term of
service he made a trip to the Pacific coast, his destination being the state
of Oregon. He took with him four yoke of oxen to haul the provisions
and walked the entire distance, the joumey covering six months. He re
mained in Oregon about a year, during wdiich period he taught schpol and
also worked for several months for a steam navigation company, operating
on the Columbia river. He also spent some time in Portland, following the
carpenter's trade. The trip back to Iowa was made by the water route,
returning by way of Central America. He made his way back to New
London, where he taught school for a while, and then again enlisted in the
Union army as a member of the First low-a Battery. His second term
covered a year and a half, being mustered out on the 5tli of July, 1865.
He saw much active service, participating in the battle of Kenesaw Moun
tain and many engagements about Atlanta, Jonesboro and X^ashville.
When the country no longer required his services Air. De Long re
turned to New London and from there removed to Hawleyville, Iowa,
where he engaged in teaching school for three years. In 1868 he was
elected to fiU the office of county recorder and. served in that capacity for
about three years, when, in 1871, he made a second trip to Oregon, where
he remained for several years. During this interval he was engaged in
teaching school and also devoted much time to gardening, though he made
a specialty of fruit-raising. For nine years, or from 1873 until 1882, he
acted in the capacity of salesman in Oregon, and in the meantime made
several visits to Iowa. In the latter year he arrived in Clarinda and be
came identified with the loan and abstract business in connection with a
partner under the firm style of the Iowa Security Company. In 1884 he
was compelled to dispose of his interest in the concern on account of ill
health, and he has since lived retired in this city. He owns the home in
which he now resides at 201 West Main street and is also in possession of
six valuable lots and a two story brick store building on the public square.
In April, 1864, Mr. De Long was united in marriage in Fienry county,
Iowa, to Aliss Emma McCoUey, wdiose parents came from Indiana to Iowa
about 1839. She is weU known and Uked in Clarinda and is a lady of
refinement and culture, holding membership in the Clarinda Reading Club
and also in the Chautauqua Assembly. In -politics Mr. De Long has given
stalwart support to the republican party ever since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise, and he has served as city clerk of Clarinda and also
as county recorder. He has never sought nor desired office as a reward

120 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
for party fealty, but has, however, been chosen many tinies by his fellow
citizens for political preferment. He has always maintained pleasant rela
tions with his old army comrades through his membership in Warren
Post, No. II, G. A. R., of Clarinda. Mr De Long has now reached the
Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten. His career has been
one of long and continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recog
nition of labor, for he has readily recognized and utilized each opportunity
that has come to him and now in the evening of life he may look back upon
a life of well directed labor, in which there has been no esoteric phase.

HERBERT H. SCOTT.

Herbert H. Scott, engaged in the general practice of law in all the courts,
with a liberal clientage that is indicative of the ability whicii he displays in
handling intricate legal problems, was born in Leesville, Crawford county,
Ohio, September i8, 1851. He is a son of Richard W. and Sarah S. (Be-
bout) Scott. The father was born in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, Feb
ruary I, 1825, and the mother's birth occurred in Crawford county, Ohio,
July 29, 1832. Richard W. Scott was but five years of age when he accom
panied his parents on their removal to Crawford county, his father living
upon a farm there. In his youthful days Richard W. Scott learned the trade
of harness and saddle making and in the fall of 1856 he removed to Taylor
county, Iowa, where he purchased a claim of one hundred and sixty acres,
two miles south of Siam. In the spring of 1857, he went to X^odaway coun
ty, Alissouri, where he engaged in farming, also conducted a country store
and worked at his trade. In i860 he came to Clarinda and in that year was
employed as a harnessmaker by George W. Burns, in whose service he re
mained through the fall and winter months. In the spring of 1861 he estab
lished a saddle and harness shop of his own and there conducted business
continuously until his death, which occurred October 18, 1895. On the 28th
of November, 1850, he married Miss Sarah S. Bebout, who survived him for
about eight years and passed away April 30, 1903. In their family were two
children, the younger being a daughter, Estella E., who became the wife of
T. H. Bidwell, of Clarinda, and died September 15, 1882.
The son, Herbert H. Scott, whose name introduces this record, was edu
cated in the conimon schools of Clarinda and engaged in teaching in 1868.
In 1869 he entered the law office of Hepburn & Morsman as a student, con
tinuing his reading under Air. Hepburn after the dissolution of the firm.
On his admission to the bar on the 12th of September, 1872, he was admitted
to a partnership by Air. Hepburn and practiced as the junior member of the
firm of Hepburn & Scott until this association was dissolved on the 1st of
January, 1875. It was not long afterward that Mr. Scott went to Council
Bluffs, wliere he became identified with the firm of Montgomery & Scott, his
partners being B. F. Alontgomery and C. R. Scott. There he continued un
til the faU of 1875, when he returned to Clarinda. In January, 1876. he went

'^^^c4t

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 123
to Red Oak, Iowa, where he formed a partnership with Smith AlcPherson
under the style of McPherson & Scott, which existed until the fall of 1879.
He then returned to Clarinda and in 1881 he entered the employ of N. B.
Moore, an attomey with whom he remained until 1888. In 1892 he formed a
partnership with 11. E. Parslow under the firm style of Parslow & Scott and
this existed until the fall of 1896, since which time Mr. Scott has been alone
in the practice. A liberal clientage has been accorded him, connecting him
with much of the iniportant litigation tried in the courts of the district. He
is very careful and thorough in the preparation of cases and his arguments
are characterized by logical deductions, by clear reasoning and forceful pre
sentation. On the 15th of March, 1899, Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss
Julia M. Foster, a daughter of Charles W. and Ann Foster, of whom men
tion is made elsewhere in this volume. Air. Scott is a member of the Ma
sonic fraternity and gives loyal support to the democracy. He was an elec
tor on the democratic ticket in 1876 but has never sought or desired office,
preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties which
have been of an important character and have brought to him substantial
and gratifying success.

S. D. GILLESPIE.

The home farm of S. D. Gillespie is pleasantly situated on section 3,
Tarkio township. The tract of land which he there owns is largely devoted
to dairy interests and in that branch of his business he is meeting with very
desirable success. A native of CarroU county, Illinois, he was born Alarch
3, 1861, of the inarriage of Thomas and Maria (Donaldson) Gillespie, the
former a native of Ireland and the latter of the state of New York. The
father came to the United States in the spring of 1850 as a young man
and took up his abode in CarroU county, Illinois, where he was married, the
lady of his choice having removed to that county with her parents in her
girlhood days. They began their domestic life in Carroll county and con
tinued to reside there untU the spring of 1870, when Thomas Gillespie came
to Page county, Iowa, and established his home on section 4, Tarkio town
ship. There he invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land and for
thirty years was a well known and prominent representative oi farming
interests in that part of the state. His life was one of diligence and enter
prise and he continued in active connection with agricultural pursuits here
until about 1900, when he removed to Colorado Springs, Colorado. There
he resided for six years, when failing health in the spring of 1906 caused
him to return to Page county and he lived with his son S. D. Gillespie until
his death, which occurred in the following September.
A lad of nine years at the time of his removal to Iowa, S. D. GUlespie
has since remained in Page county, and he supplemented his education,
begun in the public schools of Illinois, by further study in the public schools

124 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
of Iowa. During the periods of vacation he worked in the fields on the
home farm and his training was of a very practical nature, acquainting
him with the best time of plowing and planting and the best methods of
cultivating his crops. The occupation to which he was reared proved con
genial to him and was chosen by him as a life work. In 1887 he began
farming for himself, cultivating a tract of rented land for two years, at
the end of which time he made investment in one hundred and si.xty acres
on section 3, Tarkio township. There he located and has since resided upon
the place. In the past eight years he has made a specialty of dairy farm
ing, milking about twenty cows. He has been quite successful in this
work and the products of his dairy find a ready sale on the market. He
annually gathers substantial harvests as well and the success which has
come to him in his business has given him rating with the men of affluence
in Tarkio township.
In 1889 Air. Gillespie was married to Aliss Alaggie E. Gillespie, of
Tarkio township, and their children are two in number, Vernard and
Frank, both at home. Air. Gillespie is a republican, whose allegiance to
the party is manifest in unfaltering support of its candidates at each elec
tion. He has served on tbe school board for a number of years and
does everything in his power to promote educational interests, but other
wise has never sought nor desired office. Fraternally he is connected with
Green Alountain Lodge, Xo. 1897, M. AV. A. He and his wife are mem
bers of the Baptist church in Shenandoah and they have many friends in
that city and throughout the county.

JOSEPH AV. SELLARDS, Al. D.
Dr. Joseph AA'. Sellards, successfully practicing his profession in Clar
inda since 1901, his ability being manifest in the capable treatment of vari
ous important and intricate cases, was born in Ringgold county, Iowa, April
2, 1875. PI'S parents were David F. and Mary A. (Foster) Sellards. The
father was a ph)'sician and banker and began the practice of medicine in
Ringgold county after the war. In the period oi hostilities, when the
nortii and south were arrayed against each other, fighting for principles
in which each firmly believed, Dr. David F. Sellards espoused the Union
cause and became a captain in the Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
He saw arduous service at the front and returned much impaired in health.
He then took up preparation for a life work and, determining upon the
practice of medicine, he pursued a course in Rush Aledical College oi
Chicago, from which he was graduated in due time. He then entered
upon active practice and gave to his fellowmen the benefit of his profes
sional service until his life's labors .were ended in death.
Reared in his father's home, Dr. Joseph W. Sellards attended the Mount
Ayr high school, from which he was graduated in 1894. In 1896 he be
gan the study of medicine, first pursuing a scientific course at Drake

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 125
University, believing that broad general knowledge was necessary as a
foundation upon wdiich to rear the superstructure of professional learning.
He ne.xt entered the medical department of Drake Universit)- and was
graduated in 1901. Soon after he began the practice of medicine at Clar
inda, Iowa, where he has been in gener^il practice continuously since. He
is a member of the Iowa State Aledical Society and thus keeps in touch
with what the profession is doing as the work of investigation is carried
forward and as experiment and experience broaden knowledge. For two
terms he served as county physician and is now city health officer. He is
also visiting physician of the Clarinda Hospital and enjoys a large private
practice. The 7th of January, 1904, witnessed the celebration of the marriage of
Dr. Sellards and Aliss Lena Plank of Clarinda, a daughter of John Plank.
They have become the parents of two children : Gladys Fay and A'iolet.
Socially the family is prominent, the hospitality of many of the best homes
being freely extended them.
Dr. Sellards is interested and active in community affairs and is now-
serving as president of the Clarinda Alilitary Band, has taken a deep in
terest in music and is acting as solo cornetist of the band. Fraternally he
is associated with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is evidenced in his membership
in the Christian church and his exemplification of its teachings in his Ufe.

WILLIAAI AIOXTGOAIERY BLACK.
In the midst of a highly cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty acres
constituting the southeastern quarter of section 14, Harlan township, there
standi a beautiful residence — commodious and of modem st^le of archi
tecture. It is surrounded by a well kept lawn and in the rear are good
barns and outbuildings. These in turn are enclosed with richly developed
fields that promise golden harvests in the autumn. The property presents
a well kept, neat and attractive appearance and, therefore, indicates the
careful supervision of its owner, AA'iUiam AI. Black, who is one of the pro
gressive agriculturists of the community. As he has a very wide acquaint
ance in this county his life record cannot fail to prove of interest to many
of our readers. He first opened his eyes to the light of day in Hancock
county, Illinois, March 19, 1859, his parents being James C. and Martha
J. (Graham) Black, who eight years later removed to Page county where
the son was reared to the occupation of farming. The public schools
afforded him his educational privileges and he worked with his father on
the homestead farm until nineteen years of age wlien he turned his atten
tion to the carpenter's trade, which he followed for five years. On the
expiration of this period he was convinced that agriculture was a congenial
and profitable occupation and he resumed the work of the fields, since
which time he has given his energies to farming in all of its phases. He

126 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
has made live-stock dealing a feature of his buisness and since 1889 has
given much attention to the breeding of high grade stock, making a specialty
of Galloway cattle and Poland China hogs. He finds a ready sale on the
market for his stock and his business is proving a very profitable one.
On the 28th of Septeniber, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Wil
liam M. Black and Miss Maggie M. McKee, a daughter of the Rev. David
and Alary E. (Gregg) McKee. Mrs. Black was born in the city of Phila
delphia, November 28, 1859, and by her marriage has become the mother
of three chUdren; Pearl Anna, the wife of WilUam Dunn, of Omaha, Ne
braska, by whom she has one child, WiUiam Harold ; Eda Mary, the wife of
Herbert Martin, of Harlan township ; and James Guy, at home.
In 1902 Mr. Black sold the farm upon which he had resided for a num
ber of years and purchased his present property comprising the southeastern
quarter of section 14, Harlan township. This is one of the weU improved
farms of the community lacking in no modern accessory or equipment. In
1903 Mr. Black erected a fine residence of ten rooms and this is one of the
beautiful country homes in his section of the county. He has also put up
all of the outbuildings except the barn. In all of his work he is practical,
overcoming difficulties and obstacles by diligence and perseverance. Both
he and his wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian church of Har
lan township and are held in high esteem by all who know them.

THEOPHILUS F. WILLIS.
The legal profession finds a well known and able representative in The
ophilus F. WUUs, who for twenty-nine years has practiced before the bar
of Clarinda. He has Uved in Iowa, however, since 1868, and in Page
county since 1879, barring two absences, in which year he erected one of
the first houses at Blanchard. He removed to this state from southern
Illinois, having previously lived in Richview, Washington county. In 1868,
however, he crossed the Mississippi and took up his abode at Villisca, after
whicii various removals he at length came to Clarinda.
Mr. Willis is a native of White county, Illinois, his birth having occurred
February 8, 1839. His parents were Benjamin F. and Matilda (Shipley)
Willis, and the father, devoting his Ufe to various pursuits, provided for his
family in his work as a school teacher, farmer and merchant.
In the state of his nativity Theophilus F. Willis was reared, his early
life being quietly passed in the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of
the playground and such tasks as were assigned him by parental authority.
He was a young man of about twenty-two years at the time of the out
break of the Civil war. In the period of political unrest which preceded the
opening of hostUities he was a deep student of the condition oi affairs and
his patriotism was aroused by the threatening attitude of the south. It
was therefore in response to the first caU for troops to serve the Union
that he enlisted, joining Company C of the Eleventh IlUnois Volunteer In-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 127
fantry as a private in May, 1861, in response to the call for men to serve
for three months. He afterward reenlisted for three years, becoming a
member of the Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he was
assigned to duty with Company G. This regiment was known as the
Normal Regiment, as it was composed of students and professors of the
normal school, nearly all of whom enlisted. Mr. Willis was at that time
a pupil in the normal and with his classmates and teachers joined the
army and was chosen adjutant of his company. Becoming ill, however.
he did not get to serve in that capacity but did not hesitate to go into the
ranks and as a private served throughout the war. He participated in the
battle and siege of Spanish Fort in the rear of MobUe, Alabama, and in
man}' skirmishes and was also engaged in guarding the railroad in Louisi
ana. He continued at the front until the cessation of hostUities, and then
did duty in the provost marshal's office, also in the adjutant general's
office and in other clerical capacities. He was mustered out November
24, 1865, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and honorably discharged at Spring
field, Illinois, December 7, 1865. He has always maintained the deepest
interest in his old army comrades and is a member of Warren Post, No. 11,
G. A. R.
AA'hen the country no longer needed his military aid, Mr. WilUs returned
to his Illinois home, took up the study of law and after a careful and
thorough preparation was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1868 before the
supreme court. It was in the same year that he came to Iowa, locating at
Villisca, where he opened an offite and remained for two years. There he
began the practice of law and after two years removed to Red Oak, where
he continued until 1879. At that date he took up his abode in Blanchard,
Page county, and followed his profession there for a decade, or until his
removal to Clarinda. For twenty years he has now been engaged in gen
eral practice in this city and has made steady progress, his abUity as an
advocate and counselor being widely recognized, so that his clientage connects
him with much important litigation tried in the courts of the district.
While his allegiance to his clients' interests is proverbial, he never forgets
that he owes a still higher duty to the majesty of the law. He is always
respectful to the court, never abusive of his adversaries, and wins his
victories, which are many, and suffers his defeats, which are few, in the
open field, face to face with his enemies. He is seldom if ever at error in
presenting a point or in quoting a principle and he marshals his evi
dence with miUtary precision so that he throws its fuU weight upon his
opponent's weakest point. He is now the oldest legal practitioner in the
county, having been admitted to the bar more than four decades ago. While
in Montgomery county, Uving at Red Oak, he acted as city attomey and
whUe in AHllisca was postmaster. He was also twice mayor of the city of
Blanchard, acted as justice of the peace and was likewise township trustee.
He also served on tbe school board and was filling that position when the
present fine brick city school building was erected.
Mr. WilUs was married to Miss Clara Baker, of Fulton county, Ill
inois, a daughter of Robert N. Baker, who was a farmer by occupation.

I'^S HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Airs. AA'ilUs was for years a capable and successful teacher and is now
librarian of the public library. She has filled this position since the estab
lishment of the Ubrary and has always taken a deep, active and helpful
interest in public affairs and educational work. She is, moreover, a physi
cian and pursued special courses in hygiene in St. Louis. The marriage of
Air. and Airs. AA'ilUs was celebrated September 24, 1863, and has been
blessed with three children : Aland, now the wife of J. J. Hoague, a re
tired farmer living in Blanchard ; Cora, the wife of J. W. Johnson, a grain
dealer residing in Edgeley, North Dakota; and B. FrankUn, of Clarinda.
who married Vita Luce, of VilUsca, a daughter of Mi. and Mrs. John
Luce of Mount Ayr.
Air. and Mrs. WilUs are both widely known in Clarinda and Page
county and in fact throughout southwestern Iowa. They are both people
or broad intelligence, interested in the mental development of this part of
the state and realizing at all times the value of any project calculated to
promote the public good. Any movement which is worth while receives
their endorsement and cooperation and the confidence reposed in their
opinions makes their position upon any vital question one of influence
and leadership.

WILLIS F STOTLER, AI. D.
\A'ith thorough technical training and with deep interest in his profes
sion from both the scientific and humanitarian standpoints, Dr. Willis F.
Stotler is successfully practicing in Shenandoah as a physician and surgeon.
He came to this city in 1904 and in the years which have since passed
the public has given him a substantial recognition of its confidence in a
large and growing practice.
He was born in Wayne county, Iowa, on the lotli of August, 1866,
and is a son of Silas AA^ and Alatilda (Koons) Stotler, both of whom were
natives of Ohio. The father was bom in Knox county, while the mother's
birth occurred in Defiance county, Ohio. It was in the latter county that
they were married, and in 1866 they removed westward to Iowa, spending
one year in Wayne county, while in 1867 they came to Page county. The
father purchased land in East River township and turned his attention to
general agricultural pursuits, carefully tilling the fields as the years went
by until the winter of 1880-81, when at the age of forty-nine years he was
called to his final rest. His political support was given to the republican
party but he did not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his
energies upon his business aft'airs. His widow still survives at the age of
sixt'\--seven years and resides in Shenandoah.
Dr. Stotler was reared on the old home farm in this county and after
mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools he con
tinued his education in the AA'estern Xormal College, under Professor
Crone. In 1890 he took up the study of medicine under the direction of

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 129
Dr. F. E. Potter, of Clarinda, and in the fall of the same year entered the
Louisville Aledical College of LouisviUe, Kentucky, being graduated there
from in the class of 1893. He then located for practice in Essex, where
he enjoyed a goodly measure of success for eleven }'ears, but, seeking a
still broader field of labor, he came to Shenandoah in 1904 and has since
been located here. Perhaps no physician in the county enjoys a larger
practice and he bas been called in many difficult cases wherein he has given
substantial proof of his ability as a physician and surgeon. Fle has been
a close and discriminating student of the science of medicine, keeping in
touch with the advanced thought of the profession and adopting without
delay those methods of practice wdiich his judgment sanctions as of value
in his chosen life work. He belongs to the Page county, the Iowa State,
the Alissouri A^alley and the American Aledical Associations.
On the loth of Alay, 1804, Dr. Stotler was married to Aliss Alary Eliza
beth Frink, a daughter of the Hon. O. H. Frink, present mayor of Shenan
doah. Unto Dr. and Airs. Stotler have been born three children : Mildred
lone, AA'illis Frederick and Donald Charles.
Dr. Stotler is a member of Tricentum Lodge, X'o. 300, F. & A. AI. ;
.Sheshbazzar Chapter, Xo. 82, R. A. AL, both of Shenandoah; and. Bruce
Commandery, K. T., of Red Oak, Iowa. He is also connected with Juniata
Lodge, No. 295, K. P., and Shenandoah Lodge, Xo. 1122, B. P. O. E.,
while both he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church. They
are much esteemed in Shenandoah and have a circle of friends almost
coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

GEORGE I. A ULLER.

George I. Aliller. attorney at law of Clarinda, where he has resided
continuously since 1880, came to this city from Indiana county, Penn
sylvania. It was there that his birth occurred January 13, i860, his par
ents being John I. and Alary C. (Keener) Aliller, the former a farmer
by occupation. Ill bis youthful days George I. Aliller becanie familiar with all of the
duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he spent the
period of his minority upon his father's farm and acquired his education
in the public schools and at Elder's Ridge Academy, at Elder's Ridge, Penn
sylvania. He was a young man of twenty years when, thinking that he
might have better business opportunities in the west, he came to Iowa and
for twent)'-nine years has now made his home in Clarinda. He taught
school in both Pennsylvania and Iowa. For a time he was employed in the
postoffice at Clarinda and later was connected with banking interests at
Xewmarket for two years. Subsequently he took a full course in law
at Xorthwestern University of Chicago, graduating from that institution
in 1891, with degree of B. L., and also securing from said college a prize
of fifty doUars in gold offered for the best thesis on a legal subiect bv any

130 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
niember of the senior class of the university. In 1890 he passed examina
tion before the supreme court of Illinois and was then admitted to practice
law in that state.
In 1891 Mr. Miller was adniitted to the bar in Iowa, at which time he
opened an office in Clarinda, where he has since engaged in the general
practice of law. He does not fear that laborious attention to his cases
which constitutes the office work and must always precede the successful
presentation of a case before the courts. In argument he is sound, his
deductions being logical, while his points are clearly and cogently presented.
In the line of his profession he did good work as county attorney, to
which position he was elected in 1906, serving for two years. He was
also township clerk for six years and has been school director. In these
various positions he has discharged his duties with promptness and fideUty,
his course being creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents.
In politics he is an earnest republican, stanchly advocating the party prin
ciples since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He always
keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is therefore
competent to support his position by inteUigent arguments.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. MiUer was married in 1890 to
Aliss Jennie E. Welch, of Clarinda, a daughter of J. C. Welch, a well
known stockman of this city. They have become the parents of three
children, namely : Howard L., Eunice and Stanley. Mr. and Mrs. MiUer
are members of the First Presbyterian church and he also belongs to the
Knights of Pythias, to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Wood
men of the World. He has never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to the west in early manhood for he has here found the opportunities
which he sought and which, by the way, are always open to ambitious,
energetic young men. The field of labor is limitless here and adaptability
will enable an individual to find that which is best suited to his powers and
his talents. Mr. MiUer has made wise choice of a profession and his labors
therein are bringing him continuous advancement.

STACY DOUTHIT.

Stacy Douthit has from his youthful days been a resident of Page
county, residing continuously in Nodaway township. He is today the
owner of an excellent farm of two hundred acres on sections 11 and 14,
the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicating his practical methods
and careful supervision. He was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania,
August 20, 1852, being the third in order of birth in a family of eleven
children, whose parents were Nathan Wilkins and Sarah (Baty) Douthit,
who were Ukewise natives of Indiana county, Pennsylvania. They were
farming people of the Keystone state and resided in the county of their
nativity until about 1869 when they removed westward and became resi
dents of Page county, Iowa. For a considerable period the father con-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 131
tinued to engage in general agricultural pursuits but at length retired from
active life and spent his last ten years in Clarinda where his wife also
passed away. They were active niembers of the United Presbyterian
church of Clarinda and earnest, consistent Christian people who enjoyed
in large measure the confidence and esteem of all who knew them. Their
children were as follows : Agnes L., who is the widow of Robert Fulton,
who conducted the county farm which Mrs. Fulton has continued to
manage since the death of her husband now two years ago; R. P., living in
Nodaway township ; Stacy, of this review ; A. S., whose home is in Cushion,
Nebraska; Anson, deceased; Mary C, the wife of Joseph Pfander, of
Clarinda; Harry, who died at the age of twenty years; Adrian, who is liv
ing in FuUerton, Nebraska ; Rufus, who is located at Guide Rock, Ne
braska; Elsie Belle, the widow of R. George; and J. Q., who is a merchant
of Clarinda. Stacy Douthit spent the first seventeen years of his life on the farm
where his birth occurred and then accompanied his parents on their removal
westward, the family home being estabUshed on a farm three miles north
of Clarinda. He has continued to reside in Nodaway township to the
present time and has been engaged in farming throughout his entire life.
He was early trained to the work of the fields and annuaUy harvests good
crops as the reward for the care and labor which he now bestows upon his
own land. Fle is today the owner of two hundred acres constituting a
valuable farm of Page county, situated on sections ii and 14, Nodaway
township. The buildings upon the place were all erected by him and stand
as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He carries on general farming
and stock-raising and his spirit of persistent purpose and undaunted energy
enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he under
takes. In 1878 Mr. Douthit was united in marriage to Aliss Sarah Pfander,
who was born in Page county about a mile east of his present home on
the 30th of May, 1859. She has always resided in this township, spending
her girlhood days in the home of her parents, Abram and Elizabeth Ann
(Caldwell) Pfander, the former born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Septem
ber 24, 1832, and the latter in Darke county, Ohio, March 18, 1834. They
were married in the Buckeye state and, coming westward to Iowa at an
early day, cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of this part of the state.
The father now resides in Clarinda but the mother died in 1905. They
were the parents of five children : J. V. and C. F., who are residents of
Clarinda; Airs. Douthit; W. H., Uving near Sharpsburg, in Taylor county,
Iowa; and Phoebe C, who died at the age of sixteen years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Douthit have been born five children : Perry V.,
Hving in Clarinda; William S., at home; Roy, wdio died at the age of one
year; Pearlie, who died when a year old; and Rufus, who is attending
school in Clarinda. Mr. and Mrs. Douthit are well known in Nodaway
township wdiere they have long resided, their circle of friends being almost
coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Douthit gives his
political allegiance to the repubUcan party and is well informed on the

132 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office. He
feels that his time and attention are fully occupied with his business affairs
and he is recognized as a progressive farnier, whose labors are bringing
him substantial and well merited success.

JAAIES H. DUNLAP.

James H. Dunlap is postmaster of Clarinda and for many years was
one of the most successful and leading merchants of the city. He is now
seventy-two years of age and his life record has been one of signal use
fulness and, moreover, proves that success is ambition's answer. A native
of Pennsylvania, Air. Dunlap was born in Butler county, on the nth of
October, 1837, a son of Robert and Catherine Dunlap. The father was a
farmer by occupation and in 1852 removed to Fulton county, Indiana,
where he carried on farming until his death, which occurred when he was
seventy-four years of age. His wife had died eight years previously.
Their son, James H. Dunlap, was a youth of but thirteen years at the
time of the removal of the family from Pennsylvania to Indiana. His edu
cation was acquired in the public schools of both states and to his father he
gave the benefit of his services until he reached the age of twenty-two years
when, in response to the country's call for aid in crushing out the rebellion
in the south, he joined the boys in blue, enlisting as a member of Company
D, Twenty-ninth Indiana A'olunteer Infantry. He became a private of that
command in August, 1861, and continued with the regiment untU April,
1863, when he was honorabl}- discharged on account of a gunshot wound
in the right hand, at Stone River, which permanently disabled him. He par
ticipated in the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, the engagement at
Stone River and in numerous skirmishes with his regiment, being on active
duty the entire time until he was wounded in April. He had been promoted
to the rank of sergeant in recognition of his bravery and loyalty and he never
faltered in the performance of any duty that devolved upon him during his
military service.
When he was no longer fit for active field duty Mr. Dunlap returned to
Indiana and again resumed the occupation of farming, with which he was
connected until the fall of 1864. In February of the following year he ar
rived in Clarinda and began freighting from this point to St. Joseph, Mis
souri, continuing in the business until 1870. On that date he secured a
clerkship in a hardware store, where he remained for four years, during
which time his industry and careful expenditure enabled him to accumulate
sufficient capital to en-gage in business on his own account. Fle formed
a partnership with Charles Lyman and established a hardware business un
der the firm style of Dunlap & Lyman. This relation was maintained for
two years, when Air. Lv'iiian sold out to John AT. Aliller and the firm style
was then changed to Dunlap, Aliller & Foster. This existed for about five
years, when another change in the partnership occurred, resulting in the

J. H. DUNLAP

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 135
assumption of the firm name of Dunlap & Carlile Brothers. It was not long,
however, until Air. Dunlap purchased the interests of Carlile Brothers and
later he admitted William M. Alexander and G. F. Shaw of Clarinda to a
partnership. When two years had passed Alessrs. Alexander and Shaw
sold out to H. C. Beckwith, at which time the firm of Dunlap & Beck
with was adopted. They continued together for about two years when again
Mr. Dunlap became sole proprietor but soon admitted his nephew, S. E.
Sperry, to a partnership under the style of Dunlap & Company. He re
mained an active factor in the trade until 1907, when he disposed of his
interests to Air. Sperry and retired from active business life. For about
three decades Mr. Dunlap had been closely associated with the commercial
interests of the city, maintaining a foremost place in the ranks of its lead
ing merchants. Throughout the entire period the store was located on the
south side of the square. There Mr. Dunlap built a two story brick block,
twenty-four by one hundred and forty feet, which he erected in 1893. He
achieved such a goodly measure of success that his methods are of interest
to the commercial world and in an analyzation of his life work it will be
found that he based his business principles and actions upon the rules which
govern industry and strict integrity.
While closely and prominently associated with conimercial interests Mr.
Dunlap was connected in equally helpful ways with the public interests of
Clarinda. He has served as trustee of the city and as a member of the
school board. He was appointed postmaster in 1902 and again in 1907 by
President Roosevelt and is novv^ acting in that capacity. He was also ap
pointed by Governor Frank O. Jackson, a trustee for the Clarinda Hos
pital for the Insane and served for six years. His devotion to the general
good. has been marked and whether in office or out of it he has always been
most loyal to the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted city.
In 1872 occurred tUe marriage of Mr. Dunlap and Miss .\ngeline M.
Moore, of California, Missouri, a native of Fulton county, Indiana, where
they had been schoolmates together. Airs. Dunlap is a daughter of Wil
liam and Sarah Moore, who were farming people of the Hoosier state. By
her marriage she became the mother of five children, of whom one died in
infancy. The others are: Alfa, the wife of Willard Yaple, of Oklahoma;
Robert E., a practicing physician of Portland, Oregon ; William C, a far
mer living at McCredie, Alissouri; and Daisy S., who married Edward C.
AUison, a pharmacist of Atlantic, Iowa.
Mr. Dunlap maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades
through his membership in Warren Post, No. 11, G. A. R , of which he is a
past commander. He is also a master AIason and he holds membership in
the Presbyterian churcb, to which his wife also belongs. He is a thorough
exemplification of the t)rpical American business man and gentleman and
though he has been known as one of the most enterprising and progressive
merchants of Clarinda, his time being largely occupied with the manage
ment of an important and growing commercial enterprise, he has always
found time and opportunity to devote to those of his friends whose calls
were purely of a social character. He is now proving himself capable as

136 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
postmaster, giving a public-spirited administration of the affairs of the office
and at all times doing his full share in promoting public progress, whether
through official connection or otherwise. Each interest with which he be
comes associated feels the stimulus of his indefatigable energy and pro
gressive spirit.

BENJAAHN B. AVELCH.
Benjamin B. Welch, who has but recently rounded out the psalmist's
span of three score years and ten, is still numbered among the active and
progressive agriculturists of Nebraska township. He dates his residence in
Page county from 1872, or for a period of thirty-seven years, and during
the entire period he has been known as a leading representative of agri
cultural interests. He was born in Hampshire county, A'irginia, Novem
ber 20, 1838, and is a son of Benjamin and Julia N. (Rawlings) Welch,
who were also born in fiampshire county, A'irginia. After the removal of
their son to the west they, too, made their way to Sullivan county, Alis
souri, and the mother died there. The father was a son of Isaac and Alary
(Ayers) A\'elch, natives of Ireland and of Turkey respectively. The
former served for several years as a valiant defender of colonial interests
in the Revolutionary war. The maternal grandparents of our subject were
Benjamin and Julia (Newcomb) Rawlings, who were likewise natives of
the Old Dominion and the former served for several years as a soldier of
the Revolutionary war. In the family of Benjamin and Julia N. (Raw-
Ungs) AA'elch there were eight children: Sarah married AVilliam AA^elch,
who though of the same name was not a relative, and they now reside in
Washington county, Iowa. Sylvester, the second of the name, died in
Kansas. Dempsey died in Kansas in 1908. Alary C. is the wife of Hiram
Smith, a resident of Culbertson, Nebraska. Katharine became the wife of
Henry Smith, a brother of Hiram Smith, and is now deceased. William
died in Page county. Benjamin B. is the next of the family. America is
the widow of A. J. Baile)-, a resident of Furnas county, Nebraska.
The youthful days of our subject were quietly passed on the home farm
with his parents in Hampshire county, A'irginia, to the age of eighteen
years, when the family started westward and in 1856 arrived in Keokuk
county, Iowa. In that locality Benjamin B. Welch remained until twenty-
one years of age, when he went to .Sullivan county, Alissouri, where he
was married and began his domestic Ufe. He engaged in farming in
Alissouri until 1872, when he came to Page county and took up his abode
on section 35, X'ebraska township, where he has resided continuously since.
He is now the owner of fifty acres of land, having disposed of the remainder
of his farm to his son, B. L. AA'elch. He has long carried on general ag
ricultural pursuits, carefully tilling his fields so that good harvests are
gathered, while all the work upon his place is conducted along modern and
progressive lines.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 137
In i860 Air. Welch was united in marriage to Aliss Alaria E. Lampton,
who was born in Kentucky, December 17, 1845, and in her infancy was taken
to Alissouri by her parents, John and Ann (Bruce) Lampton, wdio were na
tives of the Blue Grass state. They spent their last days in Putnam county,
Alissouri, and it was there that Airs. AA'elch Uved until her marriage.
Unto Air. and Mrs. Welch have been bom five children : Julia, now the
wife of Philip Weaver, of Nebraska township; Alary at home; Benjamin
L., who is mentioned elswhere in this volume ; Nora, the w'lie of J. W.
Martindale, of Clarinda; and Ermina, the wife of Ralph Hafer, of Idaho.
The home farm of the family is on the East Nodaway river and when
Air. Welch took possession of the place it was located in the midst of
heavy timber, but as settlements increased the trees have been cut down
and the work of improvement carried forward until the entire countryside
is under cultivation. Mr. AVelch has borne his full share in the work of
general improvement and progress, his influence being always giveii on the
side of advancement and upbuilding. In politics he is a stanch democrat
and, while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day,
he does not seek nor desire office. His work has been that of an energetic
farnier who realizes that the true secret of success lies in earnest labor and
close application.

J. FRANK ALDRICH, AI. D.
Dr. J. Frank Aldrich, physician and surgeon, who in his practice has
made a specialty of the treatment of tuberculosis and nervous diseases,
enjoys a wide reputation for the knowledge and skill which he has displayed
in those lines. He was born in Union county, near Creston, Iowa, on
the 24th of January, 1873, and is a son of Charles and Roxa (Caldwell)
Aldrich, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Dr. Aldrich was but three years old when his parents removed to a
farm in Fremont county, Iowa, so that his early education was acquired in
thc district schools there until his fourteenth year, when he entered the
AVestern Normal CoUege. He completed his course in that institution with
the class of 1891, winning the degree of Bachelor of Science. Fle engaged
in teaching school for one year but desiring to make other professional
labor his life work, in the fall of 1894 he entered the Rush Aledical Col
lege of Chicag"o. During the periods of vacation he continued his reading
in the office and under the direction of Dr. T. L. Putman, of Shenandoah,
and following- his graduation from the Rush Aledical College with the
class of 1897 he opened an office in Alurray, Iowa, wliere he practiced with
good success for seven years. He then sold his practice in that place and
after about a year spent in the southwest, where he devoted his time largely
to the study of tuberculosis, came to Shenandoah in 1905 and entered into
partnership with Dr. Putman, with wdioiii he has since been associated as an
active follower of his profession. He makes a specialty of tuberculosis,

138 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
nervous diseases and internal medicine, and in these various Unes has ac
complished splendid results. On coming to Shenandoah he was instru
mental in having tents established in the town that he might there treat
tuberculosis patients and was very active in furthering the movement
which resulted in the building of a state sanitarium for the care of tuber
culosis patients. His work in this connection has made him known all
over the United States and it is justly rated as an advance step in the
scientific method of meeting the white plague. He is now examiner for
this district for the state tuberculosis sanitarium and he keeps in touch
with the advance of the profession along other lines through private reading
and study and through the interchange of thought and experiences with the
members of the Page County Medical Society, the Missouri Valley Medi
cal Society, the Southwestern Iowa Medical Society and the American
Medical Association, with aU of which he is connected.
In more specifically social lines Dr. Aldrich is associated with Nishna
Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Shenandoah Lodge Nb. 1122, B. P. O. E., the Wood
men of the World and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Religiously
he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church.
Dr. Aldrich was married in 1897 to Miss Fannie McGogy, of Shenan
doah, and they have two children, Lester E. and Katheryn. Dr. Aldrich
is a man of genial, social nature and in his profession is actuated by ideals
far beyond the mere purpose of attaining success.

WILLIAM ORR.

There are found many men whose industry has won them success —
men who by their perseverance and diUgence execute well defined plans
which others have made — but the men who take the initiative are com
paratively few. The vast majority do not see opportunity for the coordi
nation of forces and the development of new, extensive and profitable enter
prises and, therefore, must follow along paths which others have marked
out. While William Orr is perhaps best known as an able and successful
lawyer, he has done much to develop the industrial and commercial inter
ests of Clarinda, for the initiative spirit is strong within him and, realizing
the possibility for the combination of forces, he has wrought along the line
of large undertakings, becoming closely associated with the enterprise and
upbuilding oi his adopted city.
He is native of New York and a son of William and Alary A. (Lynn)
Orr. The father was a boss weaver and came to Iowa in 1867, locating
about three miles north of CoUege Springs, where he engaged in farming
throughout the remainder of his life, his death there occurring in 1884.
He was active in local affairs for the good of the community and from time
to time held nearly all of the offites in the township. Both he and his wife
were natives of Scotland and soon after their marriage decided to come
to America. He had learned his trade in his native land and followed it

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 139
to some extent in the new world but finally gave his attention to general
agricultural pursuits. His widow stiU survives at the very advanced age
of ninety-four years and is now living in Clarinda.
AVUliam Orr pursued his education in the common schools and at Col
lege Springs, where he attended Amity College. Later he studied law in
the State University at Iowa City and was graduated from the law de
partment with the class of 1879. He also pursued a year's post-graduate
course and in the fall of 1880 he came to Clarinda and entered the law
office of W. P. Hepburn, many years congressman from this district. In
December, of the same year, however, because of illness he was forced lo
give up practice and in 1882-3 engaged in teaching school. In 1884 he
began merchandising in Clarinda but in a short time sold out and in 1885
resumed his law practice. He continued alone in the prosecution of his
profession until 1906, when he admitted W. A. Turner to a partnership
and is now practicing as senior partner of the firm of Orr & Turner. His
ability as a lawyer has long been recognized, placing him with those who
are foremost in Page county in the interpretation and application of the
law. He sees with clear discernment and readiness the relation of a legal
principle to the points at issue and in the presentation of his cases his de
ductions follow in logical sequence.
Mr. Orr is equally well known in other business connections. In 1904
he was one of the organizers of the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank, which
was capitalized at seventy-five thousand dollars, and is still its president.
He is also the president of the Lee Electric Light Company and was one
of its original directors. He is the treasurer of the Lisle Alauufacturing
Company of Clarinda and has an interest in nearly all of the manufactur
ing enterprises and the public affairs of the city. In business matters his
judgment is sound, his discernment keen and his enterprise unfaltering and
his cooperation is therefore eagerly sought by those who recognize that his
opinions are a valuable asset in business concerns. In connection with Mr.
Richardson he has laid out two additions to the city — an Orr addition and
a Richardson, which are the only successful additions laid out in recent
years. Aside from -business Mr. Orr has been equally prominent and his labors
equally efl'ective in promoting affairs of moment. He was one of the
organizers of the Christian church in Clarinda, was made superintendent
of its Sunday school in 1880 and continued to act in that capacity until
1908, when he would no longer accept, resigning his position after twenty-
eight years' service. He was also one of the organizers of the Clarinda
Chautauqua Assembly and has been its president for eight years at various
times and as a director until 1907. He was also chairman of the build
ing committee that erected the handsome buildings which the assembly now
owns and occupies. He was the attomey for Clarinda at the time the
streets of the city were paved, has served as a member of the school board,
is now a member of its public library board and of its building committee.
He was for three terms the president of the twelfth district Iowa Christian
Endeavor Union, having been elected four times, resigning after his last

140 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
election, and in church work he has ever been an active, interested and ef
fective leader, his labors being especially valuable in the upbuilding of the
Christian church. He was superintendent of the good citizenship com
mittee of the Iowa Christian Endeavor Union and was afterwards elected
president of the union. He belongs also to the Iowa State Sunday School
Association, was a member of its executive committee for many years and
.for a long time was secretary of the committee. He was the president of
the only Young Alen's Christian Association that existed in Clarinda and
he has been a member of the board of trustees of Amity CoUege. His
labors in behalf of public progress in the various lines of intellectual, ma
terial and moral development have been far-reaching and beneficial, his
activities being so varied and im,portant as to cause himi to be recognized
as one of the foremost citizens of Clarinda. AAdiat he has accomplished,
however, represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents and
the recognition of his opportunities. He has been instrumental in promot
ing various business concerns which have been of vital force in the up
building and development of the city and more than that he has never been
neglectful oi his duties and obligations in relation to the moral progress of
the community but has sought by precept and example to instill into the
minds of the young and others with -vvhom he has come in contact the prin
ciples that work for development of upright character.

Al. B. AVALKER.

Al. E. AA^alker is the manager of the Coldbrook Stock Farm, which is
owned by W. C. Brown, the president of the New York Central Railroad.
It is a farm of four hundred acres on the AA'all Street road two miles north
of Clarinda and under the capable direction of Air. AValker has become one
of the leading stock farms in this part of the state. A native of Iowa,
he wras born at Maquoketa, on the 20th of September, 1880, and there re
sided until he came to his present place of residence. He was the elder of
two sons, his parents being Eben XL and Eva AI. (Hall) Walker. The
father was a native of Little Falls, New York, born in 1850 and in 1854 he
came to Iowa with his parents, spending the remainder of his life on the
farm wliere his parents first settled on casting in their lot with the piorteer
settlers of the state. Having arrived at years of maturit)-, Eben N. Walker
was married to Aliss Eva M. Hall, who was bom in Jones county, Iowa,
in 1859, and unto them were bom two sons, the younger being Harold S.,
who is now a train dispatcher for the Big Four Railroad Coinpany at
Danville, IlUnois.
The usual experiences of the farm lad came to AI. B. AA^alker in the
days of his boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields through the sum
mer months and in the winter seasons attended the public schools. He was
graduated from the high school of Alaquoketa with the class of 1898 and
for three winter terms engaged in teaching school but the remainder of

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 141
his time was devoted to general farming and stock-raising upon the old
home place. On leaving there he came to the Coldbrook Stock Farm which
is the property of W. C. Brown, a cousin of his father, and he and Air.
Brown own the live stock jointly. The farm is an extensive and valuable
tract of land of four hundred acres, pleasantly and convenientl)- situated
two miles north of Clarinda. There he pays special attention to the breed
ing and raising of registered Angus cattle, having about sixty head in the
herd. He also pastures and feeds two or three carloads of steers each year
and he raises Percheron and standard bred horses. He likewise cultivates
various cereals and his entire time is devoted to the farm on which he has
lived for four years.
On the loth of. January, 1906, Mr. Walker was united in marriage
to Aliss Edna A. Dunn, who was born in Bellevue, Iowa, October 22, 1879,
and is a daughter of Al. S. and Alina (Collins) Dunn. Air. and Airs. AA^alker
are well known in their locality, occupying a prominent position in social
circles and the business capacity and enterprise of Air. AA'alker have en
abled him to maintain an attractive home supplied with all of the comforts
and many of the luxuries of life.

EZRA P. HARDEE.

Ezra P. Hardee, owning and operating a well improved and valuable
farm of two hundred and thirty acres on sections i, 2, and 11, Buchanan
township. Page county, was born on this place on the 26th of .September,
1861. He was the youngest son of William M. and EUzabeth (Farley)
Flardee. His paternal grandfather, John Hardee, was a native of Din
widdie county, Virginia, and came of sturdy Scotch-Irish stock. He served
for six years and nine months as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, par
ticipated in the battle of Bunker Hill and was also present at the surrender
of CornwaUis at Yorktown. WilUam M. Hardee, the father of our sub
ject, whose birth occurred in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1815, took up
his abode in Buchanan township. Page county, Iowa, in 1842, being the
third white settler in the county and the father of the first white child born
in the county — Perry Hardee. As the years passed he became widely
recogijized as a most successful and enterprising agriculturist and also be
came prominent in pubhc affairs, holding the office of township trustee for
many years. He likewise served as captain of the militia. He passed
away on the 29th of May, 1902, having for more than ten years survived
his wife, who was called to her final rest on the 31st of January, 1892.
Ezra P. Hardee reniained under the parental roof until twenty-two years
of age, attending the district schools during tbe winter months and giving
his father the benefit of his services in the cultivation of the old homestead
farm during the summer seasons. In 1884 he drove one hundred and forty
head of cattle to Wyoming, returning home in the fall of the same year.
He has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits

142 HISTORY ,0F PAGE COUNTY
throughout his entire business career and, with the exception of a period
of two years which he spent in Wyoming, has always resided on the old
family homestead in Buchanan township. It was in 1895 that he went to
.Sheridan, Wyoming, purchasing and locating on a ranch of one hundred and
sixty acres but, not finding the country to his liking, he disposed of his
property there and returned to Page county at the end of a couple of
years. His holdings now embrace two hundred and thirty acres of roll
ing, well watered land in Buchanan township, in which tract is included
ten acres of fine timber and tbe old homestead farm where his father lived
for more than a half century. The property is equipped with all oi the
improvements and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century,
and in his general agricultural interests Mr. Hardee is meeting wjth a
well earned and creditable measure of prosperity.
Mr. Hardee has been married twice. On the 6th of March, 1884, he
was joined in wedlock to Miss Nancy Jane Adams, a daughter of John
Quincy and Jane (Kent) Adams, by whom he had seven children, six
of wliom still survive, namely : Otis, who lives near Spokane, Washington ;
William Quincy, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska ; and ' Inez, Orpha, Noia
and Emery, aged nineteen, fifteen, thirteen and nine years respectively, all
of whom are at home. Sylvester App died on the 24th of April, 1905,
at the age of thirteen years, one month and twenty-nine days. The wife and
mother passed away on the 25th of April, 1904, and on the 30th of August,
1906, Mr. Hardee was again married, his second union being with Miss
Mary L. Martin, a daughter of James Martin, of Andrew county, Alissouri.
Unto them has been born one son, Estes, now two years of age.
In his political views, Mr. Hardee is a stalwart democrat and at the
present time is capably serving as township trustee and also as a member
of the township school board. FraternaUy he is identified with Plumm
Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M., at Siam, Iowa, while his religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Christian church. The name of Hardee
has figured in the annals of Page county from the period of its earUest de
velopment to the present time, and Ezra P. Hardee is well entitled to men
tion in this volume as one of its representative citizens and worthy native
sons.

HENRY SUNDERMAN.
Henry Sunderman, deceased, who was one of the most prosperous
farmers and highly respected citizens of Douglas township and, in fact,
of this part of the state, was born in Germany, October 14, 1834. He came
to America with his parents when but six years of age and remained under
the parental roof until he attained his majority, when he removed west
ward, arriving in Page county in 1858. Southwestern Iowa was at that
time largely an unimproved district and he entered land here, upon which
his widow now resides. He then began the development of a farm, making
good improvements of a pioneer character thereon, and the log house he

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 143
erected stood on the site of the present residence. There was an old Indian
trail passing through his yard and Clarinda contained but three log cabins.
In those early days he hauled his grain to St. Joseph, Missouri.
Mr. Sunderman continued the work of cultivating his place until the
winter of 1864, when he returned to Indiana and was united in marriage
to Miss Sophia L. Fosbrink, who was born in that state on the 15th of
February, 1844. She was a daughter of John H. and Catherine A. (Stel-
tenpohl) Fosbrink, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to
America in 1839, locating in Maryland, where they lived for a year, after
which they removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where they spent three years.
On the expiration of that period they became residents of Indiana and
Mr. Fosbrink entered government land, securing one hundred and sixty
acres in Jackson county. The tract was entirely covered with timber .and
in the midst of the place he built a log cabin and hewed out a farm, con
tinuing his residence in the same county until his death. There he care
fully and successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits, becoming
one of the weU known farmers of the community. His wife died in 1871,
while Mr. Fosbrink survived untU the 15th of April, 1877, when he too, was
called to his final rest. In their family were eleven children, of whom six
are still living.
Following his marriage Mr. Sunderman came with his bride to Page
county, where he lived until his death. At the time of his marriage there
was a small log cabin upon his place, but as the years passed and his finan
cial resources increased he wrought a great change in the appearance of
his farm. Upon it he built a fine house and good outbuildings for the
shelter of grain and stock, while in the fields he used the latest improved
machinery to facilitate his work. He also planted a fine grove of trees and
made his place one of the model farms of the county. As he prospered
in his undertakings he kept adding to his land from time to time until he
became the owner of over thirteen hundred acres, having that amount in
his possession at the time of his demise. Of this Mrs. Sunderman stUl
retains four hundred and forty acres, constituting the farm upon which
she now resides. The remainder of the land she divided among her chil
dren, who were thus comfortably situated in life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sunderman were born eight children: John IC,
now a resident of Fort Morgan, Colorado; Katie, the wife of Charles Wil
liams, living in Nodaway township ; George H., deceased ; Hannah, the
wife of WiUiam H. Endebrock, who resides in Jackson county, Indiana;
WiUiam H., deceased; Rosena, the wife of William Mascher, deceased;
Alvina A., the wife of Fred Roberts, living on her mother's farm ; and
Henry J., also a resident of Douglas township. Mrs. Sunderman now has
twenty-two Hving grandchildren.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Sunderman were members of the German Lutheran
church, in the work of which she is still taking an active part. In his poUti
cal views Air. Sunderman was a stalwart republican, always keeping well
infon-ned on the questions and issues of the day and giving stanch support
to the principles of the party. He served as township trustee, but was

144 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
never a politician in the sense of office seeking. He passed away on the
9th of February, 1905, and his remains were laid to rest in the Gernian
Lutheran cemetery in Nodaway township. He was a successful man, who
owed his financial advancement to his own well directed efforts, business
ability and unfaltering determination. Aloreover, he was at all times loyal
to his principles and to the teachings of the church to which he was affiUated
and in his life he exemplified many of the sterling traits of the reliable
citizen, the faithful friend and the devoted husband and father.

JOHN WILLIAAIS.

John AVilliams, who is now living retired, was formerly actively and
successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Page county for
many years, and is still the owner of six hundred acres of rich and arable
land in Valley and Douglas townships. His birth occurred in County Corn
wall, England, on the i6th of November, 1827, his parents being James and
Alillicent (Oats) AVilliams, who spent their entire lives in that country.
They reared four children but John Williams of this review is now the only
surviving member of the family. He obtained a good practical education
in the schools of his native land and continued a resident of the "merrie
isle" until 1866, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, first
taking up his abode in Wisconsin. He was there engaged in the operation
of a rented tract of land for four years and on the expiration of that period
came to Page county, Iowa, purchasing the farm which has continued his
place of residence to tbe present time. He brought the fields under a high
state of cultivation and improvement and as the years went by his weU
directed and untiring labors as an agriculturist resulted in the attainment
of a gratifying measure of prosperity. His property, comprising six hun
dred acres of productive and valuable land in Valley township, is the visible
evidence of his life of thrift and enterprise, for it has all been accumulated
by him since he landed on the shores of the new world. He has now put
aside the active work of the fields and is Uving retired on his farm, enjoying
in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Williams chose
Miss Amy Rogers, their marriage being celebrated in England. Their union
has been blessed with eight children, namely: WiUiam J. and James C,
who are residents of Page county; Mary A., who is now deceased; Emma
J., the wife of Ezra Fleenor, of this county; Carrie A., the wife of Edward
Bolen, of Valley township; Charles A., residing in Nodaway township;
Ernest R., v/ho niakes his home in this county ; and Minnie, who resides on
the home farm with her husband, Frank McNeal. They have two children^
Amy E. and Edith May.
Mr. and Mrs. WilUams are members of the United Brethren church,
of which he has served as trustee and has filled other church offices.
He casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican

si\[vmiAv iSiiiof 'SHI? aMV "an

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 147
party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good gov
ernment. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on the journey of
life and receives the veneration and respect whicii should ever be accorded
one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career
has at all times been honorable and upright.

CHARLES W. STUART.
Charles W. Stuart is filUng the position of justice of the peace in
Clarinda and for seven years has efficiently served as city clerk. He regards
a public office as a public trust — and no trust reposed in him has ever
been betrayed in the slightest degree. He is prompt and faithful in the
execution of all of the duties that devolve upon him in these connections
and that his work receives general endorsement is indicated in the fact of
his continued incumbency. A native of central Pennsylvania, he was only
two years old when the family removed to Virginia. His parents were
David O. and Mary A. (Spiece) Stuart. The father was a minister of
the Methodist church, devoting his life to the work of preaching the gos
pel in Virginia until 1865, when he removed westward to Iowa, settling in
Warren county.
Charles W. Stuart was reared in the Old Dominion, pursuing his edu
cation in the schools of Morgantown, Virginia, and his liberal education
enabled him to become a successful teacher. He taught school in Iowa
and Nebraska from 1866 until 1874 and in the latter year, having been
ordained to the ministry of the Methodist church, he entered upon active
connection with the church work in a pastoral capacity. During this time
he also studied law and in 1886 was admitted to the Iowa bar. In 1892
he came to Clarinda, where he has since engaged in general practice. He is
a thorough and discriminating student with comprehensive knowledge of
legal principles and his ability is such as to merit the clientage that is ac
corded him and the iniportant character of his professional work. In
1892 he was elected justice of the peace and again in 1902 and his since
served as justice and notary public. He has also been city clerk for the
past seven years, fiUing the position most acceptably. Over his official
record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil and that he
has the endorsement of the general public is indicated in the fact of his
reelection. In 1875 Mr. Stuart was married to Miss Mary Jones, of Columbus,
Nebraska, and they now have four children : Seba, now the wife of Lewis
Steeve, a farmer of Page county ; James T., a traveling salesman ; Anna,
at home; and Maud, the v^fife of Victor Hull, a resident farmer of Page
county. They also lost one daughter, Kittie, who became the wife of
William F. Stipe, an attorney practicing in Clarinda.
Mr. Stuart is entitled to wear the Grand Army button, for in 1863 he
joined tbe First Regiment oi Virginia Independent State Troops and served

148 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
for over a year. In politics he has long been a republican, active in its
local ranks, while fraternally he is a AIason. ' His life is in harmom- with
the teachings of the craft for he is a firm believer in its principles of mu
tual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.

FRED BAUMGARTEN.
Among the citizens of Page county of foreign birth, who are now num
bered among the most loyal and representative residents of this locality,
is Fred Baumgarten, who was born in Brandenburg, Prussia, Germany,
September 17, 1862. He was the only child of Frederick and Sophia
(Shultz) Baumgarten, who were likewise natives of Germany, the father
having been born in Mecklenburg in 1825, while the mother's birth occurred
in Prussia on the 14th of March, 1838. By a former marriage Frederick
Baumgarten had a daughter, Marion Alary, who is now the widow of Wil
liam Meyers and lives in Oklahoma. For his second wife he chose Sophia
Shultz and they remained residents of the fatherland until the spring of
1870, when they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and after a
brief period spent in Chicago came to Page county, Iowa, in July of the
same year. The father first rented land in Douglas township and there
carried on general farming for two years, after which he purchased forty
acres of the farm upon which his son Fred now resides. His remaining
days were devoted to general agricultural pursuits and in the later years
of his life he retired from the active work of the farm, which was taken
up by his son. He died May 8, 1906, at the venerable age of eighty-six
years, while his widow still survives and now resides with the subject of this
review. Fred Baumgarten was only seven years of age when, in the spring of
1870, he was brought by his parents to the new world and had not yet
reached the eighth anniversary of his birth when the family arrived in Page
county. Having lived for two years upon a rented farm in Douglas town
ship they took up their abode upon the farm which has since been the home
of Fred Baumgarten. It was a tract of raw prairie when the famUy took
possession thereof but in bis boyhood and youth he assisted his father in
the arduous task of developing the wild land. Their first home was a
rude cabin but it served to afford shelter for the family until a more sub
stantial and commodious residence could be erected. Flarvests were planted
and fences built and with characteristic energy the work of general im
provement was begun. Mr. Baumgarten and his father set out aU of the
fine shade trees upon the place, which include black walnut, poplars, cotton
wood, locusts and maples. Many fruit trees have also been planted and
they yield a good product in season. Mr. Baumgarten and his father also
erected the present residence upon the place and all of the outbuildings
which constitute this a model farm and afford ample shelter for grain and
stock. The fields present a most attractive appearance, promising golden

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 149
harvests in the autumn, and while making a specialty of raising Aberdeen
Angus cattle Mr. Baumgarten also raises stock of other kinds. The various
branches of his business are proving profitable, owing to his capable con
duct and unfaltering energy.
On the 6tli of August, 1885, Mr. Baumgarten was married to Miss
Sophia Puis, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, July 3, 1862, and
came to the United States with her parents in 1882, wlien a young lady ot
twenty years. She is a daughter of John and Henrietta (Puis) Puis, the
latter now residing in Tonawanda, New York, in which place the death
of the father occurred in the 5th day of February, 1905. They never lived
in Iowa. Mr. and Airs. Baumgarten had three sons and a daughter : Anna,
who died at the age of five years ; Albert, who was born February 4, 1893 ;
Walter, born .A.ugust 12, 1894; and William, born August 8, 1897. The
family is pleasantly situated in a comfortable home and the success which
Mr. Baumgarten has achieved enables him to supply his family with all
of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. His political allegiance
is given to the democracy and he is a devoted and interested member of the
Lutheran church. His life has ever been honorable and upright and con
stitutes an example well worthy of emulation. In all of his business affairs
he has been actuated by laudable ambitions and his energy and strong pur
pose have enabled him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in his
path.

FREDERICK HENNEAIANN.
Germany has furnished many worthy citizens to the United States, the
Teutonic element in our nationality having long been an important one.
Among the representatives of the fatherland now living in Page county
is Frederick Fleniiemann, who carries on general farming on section i,
Nodaway township. He was born in Prussia, Germany, Xovember 4, 1861,
and was the second in order of birth in a family of six children whose
parents were Ludwig and Wilhelmina (Shoultz) Hennemann. The father
died in Germany when his son Frederick w^as but seven years of age. Thc
mother afterward came with her son to the United States and is now re
siding with a daughter in this county. In the faiiiil}^ were six children :
Sophia, now the wife of Henry Sidenberg, of Valley township; Frederick;
Theressa, the wife of Fienry Gribbert, of Clarinda; Alar}-, the wife of Carl
Bradyhorst, a resident farmer of Tarkio township ; Henry, who died at
the age of twenty-four years, and Carl, of Oklahoma.
Frederick Hennemann remained a resident of his native country untU
eighteen years of age and during that period acquired his education in the
public schools. He was left fatherless at the age of seven and in the fall
of 1880 came with his widowed mother to the new world, starting in busi
ness life here as a farm hand. Fle was thus employed for five years but
being ambitious to engage in business on his own account he rented land
which he cultivated for five years. During that period he carefully saved

150 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
his earnings until he had a sufficient sum to invest in eighty acres of land
in Douglas township, where he resided for eleven years. He afterward
purchased his present farm of one hundred and forty-one acres on section
I, Nodaway township, and after selling his eighty-acre tract he invested
in an adjoining farm of one hundred and one acres in the same township,
so that his total holdings are now two hundred and forty-two acres, con
stituting one of the valuable farm properties of the locality. On the place
are two sets of good farm buildings and all of the modern accessories and
conveniences which facilitate the work of the fields and make the place
typical of the progressive spirit which has characterized agricultural Unes
in Page county in recent years.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Hennemann was married in
1891 to Miss Paulina Krull, who was born in Prussia, Germany, January
20, 1873, and was brought to the United States in 1885 by her father and
stepmother. She is a daughter of Henry Krull, who now resides in Douglas
township. He married Wilhelmina Kohn and had four children by that
marriage : Mrs. Hennemann ; Wilhelmina, who died at the age of four
years in the old country ; Mary, who died at the age of six months ; and
August, living in North Dakota. After losing his first wife Mr. Krull
wedded Fredericka Kluth and unto them were born two children, Johanna
and Henry.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hennemann has been blessed with six chil
dren, Ludwig, Rosa, Albert, Alma, Emma and Lena. The parents are
members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Hennemann is a democrat in his
political views. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the
day but does not seek nor desire office. He may well be called a self-made
man for he came to the new world empty-handed and worked as a farm
hand until he could make a start in business on his own account. His life
has been one of unremitting diligence and perseverance and his success is
well merited.

JOSIAH M. RUMBAUGH.
Josiah M. Rumbaugh, arriving in Clarinda in 1904, is now engaged in
the dry-goods business. He came to Iowa from Nebraska but is an eastern
man by birth, the state of his nativity being Pennsylvania, while his natal
day was November, 8, 1863. His parents, William and Hannah Rum
baugh, were farming people who removed to Adams county, Illinois, where
Josiah M. Rumbaugh spent his boyhood and youth, working in the fields
through the summer months, while in the winter season he obtained his
education in the public schools. In 1883 he removed to Lewis, Iowa, where
he secured employment in a dry-goods house, remaining there for thirteen
years. In 1896 he established a dry-goods store in Glenwood, Iowa, where
he conducted business until 1900, when he removed to Red Oak. After
a brief period he went to Nebraska and in 1904 came to Clarinda, where

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 151
he opened a dry-goods store, which he has since carried on under his
own name.
In 1895 Mr. Rumbaugh was married to Miss Luella Custer, of Blue
Springs, Nebraska, and unto them has been born a son, Harold Kent.
Mr. Rumbaugh is a chapter Mason and is affiliated with the Methodist
Episcopal church.

E. D. WINTER.

E. D. Winter is a successful farmer of Valley township, operating a
tract of two hundred and forty acres belonging to his fat|;ier-in-law, and
he is also the owner of two hundred and forty acres located in Taylor
county, Iowa, from which he derives a good rental. Air. Winter is a
native of Page county, born July 30, 1870, a son of N. C. and Amelia
(Moore) Winter, the former born in Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1829,
while the latter claims Highland county, Ohio, as the place of her birth.
The year 1857 witnessed the arrival of N. C. Winter in Page county, Iowa.
He here purchased a tract of land, on which he erected a log cabin, in
which the family made their home for a time, but later this crude dweU
ing was replaced by a more coimmodious frame residence. The marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Winter was blessed with nine children, all born in Page
county, and seven of the number still survive. The father died in November,
1906, at the age of seventy-seven' years, but the mother stiU survives at
the age of sixty-eight years and yet makes her home in this county.
E. D. Winter remained under the parental roof until he attained his
majority, during which time he was trained to the tasks of the home farm
and acquired his education in the district schools and in Shenandoah
schools, where he qualified for teaching. When starting out to make his own
way in the world he engaged in teaching school five years but the life of
the farm proving more congenial to him, he then rented land in Valley
township, and cultivated the same for a number of years. This brought
him the capital that enabled him to invest in land and accordingly he pur
chased property in Taylor county, Iowa, becoming owner of two hundred
and forty acres. This is a finely improved place but he now leases the
land and is giving his attention tO' a farm of two hundred and forty acres
located in Valley township, Page county, belonging to his father-in-law.
In addition to general farming he also raises stock, making a specialty Ckf
the latter branch of business, in which be is meeting with success.
It was in February, 1895, that Mr. Winter was united in marriage to
Miss Rose Depuey, who was born in Montgomery county, Iowa, a daughter
of Chester and Minerva (Sullivan) Depuey, who are still living and make
their home in Page county. Mrs. AVinter is one of a family of four
children and by her marriage has become the mother of three daughters
and two sons: Ray C., Charles E., Alaud V., Edna B. and Ethel M.
The parents attend and support the Alethodist Episcopal church. In
politics Air. AVinter is a democrat and at the present time is serving as

152 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
trustee of the township, while for four years he was township clerk. Pie is
likewise a school director and is now president of the school board. He
belongs to that class of representative young men who readily discern op
portunities of improvement and who are rapidl)- forging to the front. Fle is
advancing in the business world and is well and favorably known in both
Taylor and Page counties.

CHARLES ELMER KELLOGG, AI. D.
AVhen in college Dr. Charles Elmer Kellogg was one of two who secured
the faculty prize for the highest general average and in the practice of his
profession he has always maintained the same high standard, his technical
skill and ability being manifest in the practical duties which come to him
day by day.
A native of Clinton county, Iowa, he was born October 7, 1863, and is a
son of Luther and Deborah (Shearer) Kellogg, natives of Alassachusetts
and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was born near Alount Holyoke,
Alassachusetts, in 1825, and when about nine years of age accompanied
his parents on their removal to Kenton, Hardin county, Ohio, where he
was reared to manhood. There he became engaged in the manufacture
and sale of fanning mills on a small scale. In 1852 he came west to Iowa,
locating in- Clinton county, where he purchased land at a dollar and a quarter
per acre. For some years he continued the manufacture of fanning mills
after his removal to this state but eventually concentrated his entire atten
tion upon his farming interests and by additional purchases added to his
place until he had acquired some four hundred acres of land. He success
fully cultivated his fields and resided upon that farm until about 1890, wlien
he removed to Tarkio, Alissouri. In 1904 he retired from active business
life and took up his abode at Santa Anna, California, where he is now
residing at the venerable age of eighty-four years. His wife also still sur
vives and is now seventy-three years of age.
Dr. Kellogg was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public
schools and in Cornell University at Mount A^ernon, Iowa, while later he
atttended tbe Dixon Xormal School at Dixon, Illinois. When twenty years
of age he entered upon the profession of teaching and taught for three
terms. He then embarked in tbe hardware and implement business in part-
ner'^hip with his brother, John E. Kellogg, at Farmersville, Iowa. This con
tinued for three years, when the business was sold and Dr. Kellogg took up
the study of medicine preparatory to making its practice his life work. He
read under the direction of Dr. Clifton Scott, of Dixon, Illinois, who was
subsequently principal of the scientific department of the Flighland Park
CoUege at Des Aloines, and in the fall of 1890 Dr. KeUogg entered the
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, now the medical department
of the Illinois University. Fle was graduated from that institution with
honors as a member of the class of 1893 and was one of two who secured

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 153
the faculty prize for the highest general average. He was also honored
by his classmates with the presidency of the class and thus his coUege days
foreshadowed the success which he was to attain in his practice.
Following his graduation he went to Alinneapolis, Minnesota, passed
the required examination of the state board and for about a year practiced
in that city. He then removed to Barron, Wisconsin, where he formed a
partnership with a former classmate — Dr. Post. He remained at that point,
however, for only five months, at the end of which time he removed to North
boro, Iowa, where he conducted a successful practice, remaining at that
point for fourteen and a half years. During that time he built up a lucra
tive practice but in November, 1908, he sold out there and came to .Shenan
doah, establishing himself in ofiices in the National Bank building. He is
now building up a lucrative practice here, having already secured the pat
ronage of many of the leading families of the city and surrounding- country.
He is thoroughly conversant with modern methods and the results of scien
tific investigation, while reading and study have kept him in touch with the
onward trend of the profession. He is a member of the Page County
Medical .Society, the Iowa State Aledical Society and the American Medi
cal Association. He is also a niember of Page Camp, No. 1049, M. W. A.
In 1898 Dr. Kellogg was married to Aliss Blanche May Monk, of Shen
andoah. They have a hospitable home, which is a favorite resort with their
many friends. They hold membership in the Alethodist Episcopal church
and Dr. Kellogg is serving as one of its stewards. While residing at North
boro he served for several years as superintendent and assistant superin
tendent of the Sunday school. He is conscientious and faithful in aU that
he does, whether his work be of a professional or public nature, and his
strongly marked characteristics of enterprise, determination and reliabil
ity have won him a substantial measure of success.

JOHN PARKS. ¦

John Parks has occupied his present home since 1901. His place is
pleasantly located in Nebraska township, near Newmarket, on the bound
ary Une between Taylor and Page counties and in the management of the
farm he is displaying good busisness ability and keen discernment. His
birth occurred in Ross county, Ohio, May 14, 1844, and he was a youth of
ten years when he went to McDonough county, Illinois, with his parents,
Craighead and Lucinda (Farrell) Parks, both of whom were natives of
Ross county, Ohio. FoUowing their removal to Illinois, they spent their
remaining days in McDonough county, where the father carried on farming
until his life's labors were ended in death.
John Parks was one of a family of eight children and his youthful
days were passed in Ross county, Ohio, and in McDonough county, IlUnois,
where he was trained to farm work, early becoming familial with the duties
and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the time of the Civil

154 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations that
he might defend the Union, enlisting on the 19th of August, 1862, as a
niember of Company A, Eighty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under
Colonel L. H. Waters. With that command he served until the close of
the war, being mustered out as a corporal in the last of June, 1865. He
participated in all of the engagements with his regiment, including the bat
tles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Perry vUle, Stone River,
Chickamauga, Resaca, Rocky Face Ridge, Dallas, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Atlanta, Franklin and
Nashville. In fact he was in all of the engagements of the Atlanta cam
paign and saw arduous service on many hotly contested battlefields but
never swerved in his allegiance to duty and was equally faithful to the old
flag whether on the firing line or the lonely picket line.
At the close of the war Mr. Parks received an honorable discharge and
returned to his home in Illinois. With the exception of that period in the
war his entire life has been devoted to farming. He continued in Illinois
until 1892, when he came to Page county, Iowa, and has since resided near
Newmarket on the Taylor county line. He has occupied his present fann
since 1901, having eighty acres of land on section 36, Nebraska township.
He has placed all of the improvements upon his land, having good build
ings here, including a neat little home and substantial bams and sheds for
the shelter of grain and stock. His farm presents a well kept appearance,
indicating the careful supervision and progressive methods of the owner,
who is practical in all that he undertakes and is winning a fair measure oi
success as the years go by.
On the 20th of September, 1871, Mr. Parks was united in marriage to
Miss Alary M. Knowdes, who was born in McDonough county, Illinois,
August 22, 1851, and was a daughter of WiUiam and Lucinda (Robertson)
Knowles. Her father was born in Maryland, whUe her mother was a
native of Washington, D. C, her birth, however, occurring on the George
town side of the stream which divides the city. They were married in
Washington and in 1839 made their way to lUinois. There Mr. Knowles
followed carpentering and also owned and cultivated a farm, remaining in
active business there until his death. He was the father of twelve children,
six of whom reached years of maturity. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Parks was blessed with seven chUdren: Lucinda, who died in infancy;
Mary Adelaide; Anna Gertrude, the wife of W. I. Weaver, a resident
farmer of Dallas township, Taylor county, Iowa; Laura Myrtle, who died
in infancy ; John Gilbert, a pharmacist of Ottumwa, Iowa ; Edgar, who is
clerking for a wholesale drug company at Ottumwa ; and Ross, at home.
Air. Parks still maintains pleasant relations with his old army com
rades through his membership in Newmarket Post, G. A. R., and around
its camp fires he delights in recalling scenes and events which were features
in his military experience during the period when he defended the stars
and stripes on southern battlefields. In politics he has always been a re
publican and has held some minor offices but has never desired political
preferment as he felt that his business cares made sufficient demand upon

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 155
his time. He has been a member of the Presbyterian church throughout
his entire life and his family attend the Alethodist Episcopal church.
They are prominent and respected in the community and have a circle of
friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

GEORGE E. CLAYTON.
Opportunities for advancement are eagerly sought and wisely improved
by George E. Clayton, not alone for his own advantage but also for the
benefit of the city in which he resides. Alive to interests relative to her
welfare, he had labored effectively and earnestly along lines which have been
directly beneficial to Clarinda. He is now a member of the firm of Hunt
& Clayton, dealers in real estate, loans and insurance.
Mr. Clayton is a western man by birth, training and preference, and
the steady progress which is making rapid but substantial changes through
out this section oi the country finds its exemplification in his liie's labors.
He was born in Osage county, Kansas, March 12, 1873, and is a son of
B. F. and Mary (Riner) Clayton. The father was a merchant and for
some years was identified with the development and upbuilding of various
sections of the Sunflower state. The family lived for a time at Neosha
Falls, Kansas, and George E. Clayton was educated at Yates Center and
also at Burr Oak, attending the pubUc schools in both places. For two
years he engaged in teaching school, taking up the profession when six
teen years of age, and in 1891 he went to Taylor county, Iowa, locating at
Newmarket. There he engaged in clerking for a year in a general store,
after which he entered business in connection with Mr. Hunt, under the
firm style of Hunt & C\a.-yton. They opened a general store and also en
gaged in buying and selling grain. Both branches of business were care
fully managed and capably conducted and they continued at that point untU
1898, when they removed to Clarinda and here opened a general mercan
tile establishment under the old firm name. The business was later in
corporated as the Hunt & Clayton Company. Their previous experience
had made them familiar with the character of public demands in tbe line
of their trade,, had given them an understanding of the market and the
opportunities for judicious investment in the wholesale houses. They care
fully managed their mercantile interests here until January, 1909, when
they sold out and directed their attention to the real-estate, loan and insur
ance business, to which they are concentrating their energies exclusively.
This they had established three years before they disposed of their mer
cantile line and today they are ranked as one of the leading firms operating
in the real-estate field in southwestern Iowa. They are conversant with the
value of property, know what real estate is on the market, and are enabled
to make wise investments and profitable sales for their cUents. At the
same time they are gaining a fair measure of success to which they are
well entitled by reason of their enterprising and progressive spirit.

156 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On the 24th of October, 1894, the marriage of Mr. Clayton and Miss
Grace Alton, of Taylor county, Iowa, was celebrated. She is a daughter
of William Alton, a farmer of this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton
are now widely known in Clarinda and have made many friends during the
period of their residence here. They hold membership in the Presbyterian
church, in which Mr. Clayton is serving as a trustee. He is also connected
with its brotherhood movement. Fraternally he is identified with the In
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Knights of Pythias. In
the latter organization he is a past chanceUor and is now representative to
the grand lodge. In Masonry he has steadily advanced until he has reached
the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and he is a charter member
of the Commercial Club. This organization has for its object the develop
ment of Clarinda and the promotion of growth and progress in this part
of the state, and its work has been an effective force here. Mr. Clayton
is a director of the new railroad branch known as the Iowa, Missouri River
& Southern. In politics he is a Cleveland democrat, stanchly advocating
the principles of the New York statesman who is the only man in the
history of the country that was reelected chief magistrate of the nation
after an interval in which he did not fill the office. Mr. Clayton has served
as a member of the city council oi Clarinda and in that connection exercised
his official prerogative ior the public good.

JOHN MENTZER.
John Mentzer is the junior partner in the firm of Mentzer Brothers,
pioneers in the grocery business in Shenandoah. They established the first
undertaking of this kind in the city and have continued in the same line
of business to the present time while they have also extended their efforts
into other fields which have brought them individual profit and in which the
city has been an indirect beneficiary.
A native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Mentzer was born on
the loth of February, 1851, and his parents, John and Nancy (Foreman)
Mentzer, were also natives of the same county, where they were reared and
married. In 1854 they joined the vanguard of the immigration movement to
Iowa, coming down the Ohio river and up the Mississippi tp Muscatine,
where they landed. From that point tliey traveled by stage to Linn county,
reaching the town oi Marion on the 6th oi April, 1854. It was a pioneer
region in which many evidences of frontier life were stUl to be seen. The
father was a mason by trade and up to the time of his death was entrusted
with the greater part of the building operations in Marion, including both
residences and business blocks. Fiis political allegiance was given to the
democracy and for several years prior to his death he was a consistent,
faithful and helpful member of the Presbyterian church, though in earlier
years and up to the time of coming to Iowa he and family were Lutherans.

JOHN MENTZER

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 159
John Mentzer was only three years of age when brought by his par
ents to Iowa and was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public
schools of Alarion and in the Marion Seminary, which he attended for a
year. In 1868, when seventeen years of age, he started in business life in
connection with merchandising, securing a position in his brother's gro
cery store in Alarion, where he remained for more than three years. He
then camie to .Shenandoah, following his brother, P. H. Mentzer, who had
preceded him about six weeks. The brother erected the first buUding in the
city used for grocery purposes and had just about completed this when
John Mentzer arrived. After the business was established he entered
the store as a clerk and thus served for three years, at the end of which
time he was admitted to a partnership. The business has since been con
ducted under the firm name of Mentzer Brothers, covering a period of
thirty-six years, being the oldest mercantile establishment in Shenandoah.
They have not only enjoyed a good trade in their line and conducted an es
tablishment of growing extent and importance but have at all times mani
fested a most public-spirited interest in the general welfare and have been
connected with much constructive work that has promoted the upbuilding
and progress of the city. Many of the town's industries have been fostered
by them and they have neglected no opportunity to promote Shenandoah's
advancement and upbuilding along progressive lines. For twenty years
they owned and operated the Shenandoah canning factory, conducting busi
ness under the name of the Shenandoah Canning Conipany. They were
also instrumental in the organization of the Shenandoah Creamery Company
but as a stock conipany it soon suspended business and was then taken over
by Mr. Mentzer and his brother who conducted it successfully for a number
of years. Both of these industries were taken over by the Mentzer Brothers
largely from philanthropic motives prompted by their desire to see the in
dustries succeed for the town's benefit. They had been very active spirits
in securing the estabUshment of various industrial plants here and perhaps
no two men have done more for Shenandoah and its substantial progress
than have these two gentlemen.
On the 1st of April, 1875, John Mentzer was united in marriage to Aliss
Emma J. Myers of Shenandoah and unto them were born four children:
Edna G., who died in infancy; Mabel F., the wife of Ralph H. Patt, of
Kansas City, Missouri; Claud G., who is bookkeeper and assistant manager
for the Stead Lens Company in Kansas City; and John B., who is em
ployed in his father's store.
Mr. Mentzer is a member of Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, A. F. & A. Al.,
which he joined' during the early period of its existence. He also belongs
to Shenandoah Homestead, No. 176, of the Brotherhood of American
Yeomen, and for nine years has been secretary of the latter organization.
His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he served for
one year as recorder and for one year as a member of the city council in the
'70s. Later he was elected city clerk, which position he continued to fill
for twelve years, and he served for fifteen years as a member of the school
board and for seven or eight years was president of the board. His labors

160 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
for public interests have always been of a most practical nature and have,
therefore, accomplished results. He has been closely identified with the
Baptist church since 1872 and has been clerk of the church almost continu
ously since, while for many years he served as Sunday-school superintend
ent and next to the pastor the most dominant factor in the building of the
twenty-five thousand doUar house of worship, the first modem church
building erected in Shenandoah. The subjective and objective forces of life
are in him well balanced, making him cognizant of his own capacities and
powers, while at the same time he thoroughly understands his opportunities
and his obligations. To make his native talents subserve the demands which
conditions of society impose at the present time is the purpose of his life
and by reason of the mature judgment which characterizes his efforts at
all times he stands today as a splendid representative of the commercial
•and industrial interests of Shenandoah tO' whom business, however, is but one
phase of life and does not exclude his active participation in and support of
the other vital interests which go to make up human existence.

JAMES M. HAWLEY.

No record of Page county 'would be considered complete unless the
name of James M. Hawley was found in its pages. He was the first mer
chant within its borders and in many ways contributed to its transforma-
'.tion from the time when the earliest settlers were reclaiming its wild lands
for civilization. He met their needs in various lines by establishing a
store in a little log house and seUing to them the commodities which were
demanded by the frontier men.
Air. Hawley was born May 10, 1804, in Danbury, Connecticut. His edu
cational opportunities were limited but in the school of experience he learned
many valuable lessons which he put to good use. In early life he became a
combmaker by trade and followed that pursuit for eight years. In 1832
he went to Dunkirk, New York, where he established a comb factory, having
in the meantime carefully saved his earnings until he was able to start in
business on his own account. Two years later he went to Detroit, Mich
igan, where he conducted the Yankee Boarding House for a while and later
became proprietor of the American House, at that time the largest and best
hotel in that city. In his business undertaking he prospered as the years
went by and in course of time opened a store and also established a flour
mill, thus extending the scope of his activities and becoming a leading
factor in the business development of that growing western city.
In 1850 Mr. Hawley removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was
connected with mercantile lines, and the year 1853 witnessed his arrival
in Page county, Iowa. He first settled in Savannah Landing, which later
became Hawleyville, being so named in his honor. He had established busi
ness there as a merchant, opening a stock of goods in a log house. He re
tailed the first goods sold in the county, drawing his patronage from among

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 161
the pioneer settlers who occupied the wild district. In 1863 h^ came to Clar
inda and continued in mercantile lines in connection with A. Lorenz. In
a short time, however, he sold out to his son, James D. Hawley, and in
1864 went to .St. Joseph, Missouri, where he conducted a store for nine years.
While at that place he was secretary of the company which built the first
bridge across the Missouri river at that point. He ever worked for sub
stantial improvement and progress, and in each community in which he
lived he left the impress of his individuality for good. After eleven years
he returned to Clarinda and was elected justice of the peace. In that office
his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, winning him "golden opin
ions from all sorts of people." His record in every relation of life was a
creditable one, making him worthy of the high regard in which he was
uniformly held.
In September, 1832, Mr. Hawley was married to Miss Charlotte L.
Petty, a native of New Hampshire, and they became parents of four chil
dren : J. D., a merchant of Clarinda ; Julia, the wife of D. C. Chamber
lain ; Ada, who wedded D. C. Timmerman, an attorney of St. Joseph, Mis
souri ; and one who passed away.
While many years have passed by since Mr. Hawley was called to his
final rest, he is yet remembered by many of the older settlers and there
stands a monument to his life work in the town of HawleyviUe, which was
laid out by him in 1853 and is the oldest town of the county.

JAiMES D. HAWLEY.

James D. Hawley needs no introduction to the readers of this volume.
Few men have as intimate or accurate knowledge concerning the history of
this part of the state or have borne so large a part in the work of gen
eral development. Mr. Hawley was born in Detroit, Michigan, Novem
ber 29, 1836, and has therefore passed the seventy-second milestone on
life's journey. The period of his youth was passed on the frontier. Detroit
at the time of his birth was but a small village, Uttle more than a trading
post with the Indians and a shipping point for western trade. He was
a youth of fourteen when the family removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, and
when seventeen years of age came with his parents to Page county, Iowa.
As opportunity offered he acquired his education and as the years passed he
largely assisted his father in various business ventures until 1866, when
he purchased the interest oi his iather and Edwin Curtis in a general mer
cantile store which they had previously established. He has been continu
ously in business since that time and is now the oldest merchant in the
city of Clarinda!. He' stands, too, among the most honored, for the course
which he has pursued is one which will always bear the closest investiga
tion and scratiny. In addition to carrying on his mercantile interests he
built the Hawley Opera House in 1880. It is a fine building — a two-story
brick structure fifty by one hundred feet. His store building is also brick.

162 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
two stories in height, twenty-five by one hundred feet, and he now carries
a large and well selected line of staple and fancy groceries, having con
centrated his energies upon this department of commerce to the exclusion
of other lines of general merchandise.
It was on Christmas day of 1859 that Mr. Hawley was married to Miss
Sarah E. McAlpine, a native of Indiana and a daughter of David McAlpine,
who came to Page county in 1853. They have one son, Arthur J., who is
connected with his father in business, constituting a strong and reUable
firm. He married Aliss Nettie Harvey, a native of Pennsylvania and a
daughter of Alexander Harvey, who was for years connected with railroad
interests. Air. and Airs. Arthur J. Hawley were married February 27, 1897,
and have one son, Arlo.
Aside from his business connections J. D. Hawley has done much for
the interests of Clarinda and is one of its most respected and valued citi
zens. He was president of Page County Fair Association for some time
and through that avenue did much to stimulate ambition and promote effort
for the advancement of all that is best in the lines of business which are
represented within the borders of the county. He has ever contributed
to the support of public measures and has assisted in building the railroad.
Both he and his wife are devoted menibers of the Presbyterian church,
which Mrs. Hawley joined on its oganization. His son, Athur J. Hawley, is
a AIason and a Knight of Pythias, while both he and his wife are connected
with the Eastern Star. In Masonry he is well known and prominent, having
served as senior warden in the lodge and as worthy patron of the Eastern
Star. The name of Hawley ,has ever been a synonym in this county for
business activity, for progressive citizenship and for honorable manhood.
Since the early days when James M. Hawley opened up the first store with
in the borders of the county representatives of the name have been very ac
tive in bringing about the transformation that has annihilated all of the
evidences of frontier Ufe here and introduced those of modern civih
zation.

MARTIN LIST.

Alartin List, wdio for six years has been connected with the business in
terests of Yorktown as cashier of the Yorktown Savings Bank, was born
in Frankenmuth, Alichigan, on the loth of Alay, 1876. He is a son of J. AI.
and Mary (Schleier) List, also natives of Michigan, in which state they
now reside, the father there engaging in carpentering. Their family con
sisted of eleven children.
Passing the days of his childhood and youth in the state of his na
tivity, Alartin List acquired his early education in the district schools and
later supplemented this training by a course of study in the International
Business CoUege at Saginaw, Michigan. Thus well equipped for the prac
tical and responsible duties of life, he crossed the threshold of the business
world and entered his career as a clerk and bookkeeper. In 1894 he went

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 163
to Adair, Iowa, where he was engaged in bookkeeping and clerking for
some time, and then removed to WaU Lake, this state, where he was sim
ilarly employed until 1903, during which period he had received wide prac
tical experience in his chosen line of work. In that year he came to York-
town and upon his arrival here became cashier of the Yorktown Savings
Bank, which position he still occupies. His interest in the welfare of the in
stitution, his strict business integrity and his courteous and pleasing bearing
toward the patrons of the bank all combine to make him a very popular
and valuable official. He is also a member of the board of directors of the
bank, which has a capital and surplus of fourteen thousand dollars, its
officers being J. N. Miller, president; N. H. Alartin, vice president; and Mar
tin List, cashier. Although his financial duties occupy a large share of his
time and attention, Mr. List yet finds opportunity to engage in other in
terests and is now one of the trustees of the Consolidation Telephone Com
pany, while he is also interested and active, to some extent, in the public
Hfe of the community.
In the year 1902 Mr. List was united in marriage to Miss Adelheid
Beck, a daughter of Andrew" Beck, bom in Sebewaing, Michigan. They
have become the parents of four children, namely : Paul, born in Wall Lake,
Iowa ; Arthur ; Herman and Herbert, twins ; the three last named being
natives of Page county, this state.
In politics Mr. List gives stalwart support to the republican party and
is at present acting as city clerk. He is also the treasurer of the school board
and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is a faith
ful and consistent member of the German Lutheran church and its teach
ings form the guiding influences of his life. He is a man of genuine
personal worth, who has always adhered to a high moral standard, and while
still young in years, he is therefore to be congratulated upon the high place
which he has already attained in the confidence and esteem of his feUow citi
zens. Energetic, industrious and persevering, he has ever been quick to
recognize and utUize each opportunity that has come to- him, and if the suc
cess wdiich has already come to him in the business world is an indica
tion, Mr. List surely has before him a future rich with possibilities.

ALONZO GREEN.

Alonzo Green, who is successfully engaged in the real estate business
at Clarinda as the junior partner of the firm of Dryden & Green, was born
in Danville, Illinois, on the 28tli of February, 1864, his parents being the
Rev. John and Eliza (Frazee) Green, both of whom were natives of Indiana.
The paternal grandparents, AVilliam and Eliza (Crandall) Green, were na
tives of Ohio and New York respectively. William H. Frazee, the maternal
grandfather of our subject, was born in Indiana. His wife bore the maiden
name of Eliza Davis.

164 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Rev. John Green, the father of Alonzo Green, preached the gospel as a
minister of the New Light Christian church for forty-five years. His demise
occurred in Danville, IlUnois, on the 22d of June, 1908, when he had at
tained the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who proved a valuable help
mate to him in his ministerial labors, was called to her final rest on the 26th
of February, 1883. Unto this worthy couple were born four children,
namely: Charlotte, the wife of Dr. B. J. Hargan, who conducts a medical
sanitarium at Belmond, Iowa; Alonzo, of this review; Martha, who is the
widow of Bood Mills and makes her home in Danville, Illinois ; and John, a
painter of Clarinda, who wedded Miss Maud Fickle.
Alonzo Green was reared and educated in the place of his nativity and
in 1883, when nineteen years of age, made his way to Greene county, Iowa,
where he was engaged in digging coal for a few months. Subsequently he
went to Centerville, Iowa, where he also dug coal for a few months and
then came to Clarinda, the date of his arrival being June 28, 1883. Here
he worked as a farm hand for two years, on the expiration of which period
he went to western Nebraska and preempted a tract of land of one hundred
and sixty acres, being engaged in its cultivation and improvement until the
time of his return to Clarinda, Page county, when he disposed of the prop
erty. During the following year he was engaged in the operation of a rented
farm of one hundred and sixty acres four miles west of Clarinda and, af
terward bought a threshing machine and followed the threshing business for
twenty years. In addition to the work of farming and threshing he also
conducted business as a grain shipper.
In 1907 Mr. Green took up his abode at No. 502 West State street in
Clarinda, where he has since resided. He owns two blocks of city real estate
and also has a farm of two hundred and twenty acres on the state road, four
miles west of Clarinda, where he raises cattle, hogs and horses on quite
an extensive scale. He also has ninety-one acres of land one mile south
west of Yorktown. He is now engaged in the real estate business in part
nership with Ed L. Dryden, under the firm style of Dryden & Green. They
have thoroughly informed themselves concerning realty values and its appre
ciation or diminution in price and are thus enabled to assist their clients
in making judicious investments and profitable sales. Mr. Green has a
business record which any man might be proud to possess. Beginning at
the very bottom round of the ladder, he has worked his way steadily upward
until he is now numbered among the most prosperous, progressive and lead
ing citizens of the county.
On the 1st of January, 1887, in Clarinda, Mr. Green was united in mar
riage to Miss Minnie B. Baldwin, a native of that place. Her mother, who
bore the maiden name of Hulda J. Loy, was a daughter of William and Eliza
beth (Loy) Loy and a representative of the prominent Loy family who
owned most of the ground on the present site of Clarinda. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Green have been born three children : Earl, a resident of Seattle, Wash
ington ; Mabel, at home ; and James, who is head baker in the Clarinda hos
pital.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 165
At the polls Air. Green casts his ballot in support of the men and meas
ures of the republican party, and he did effective service for the cause of edu
cation while acting as president of the school board in Yorktown. His
fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias. Wherever known he
is respected for his unfaltering allegiance to the principles of honorable
manhood as manifest in business and social relations and in pubUc-spirited
citizenship.

AV. G. JOHNSON, M. D.

Dr. AV. G. Johnson, who is engaged in the general practice of medicine
in Coin, where his growing success is indicated in a constantly increasing
patronage, was born in Alount Vernon, Iowa, June 12, 1880, a son of J.
C. and Mattie (Gerard) Johnson. The father was a native of Ohio and be
came a prominent farmer of that state. About 1863 he enlisted for active
service in the CivU war with the Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry and
continued with that regiment until the close of hostilities. He then returned
to Ohio, where he lived for a short time, after which he removed to Iowa
about 1867. On coming to this state he settled in the eastern part and there
carried on farming. On leaving Iowa he removed to South Dakota, becom
ing identified with the educational interests of that state as principal of the
high school at Ashton, Spink county. This was not his first experience as
a teacher for he had previously engaged in teaching school at Mount Vernon,
Eldora, West Liberty, Tipton and other places. At all times his work gave
eminent satisfaction for he possessed pronounced ability as a teacher and
his zeal and interest in the work was a source of inspiration to his pupils.
After serving for one year at Ashton, he there passed away at the age of
forty-two. The Masonic fraternity found in him an exemplary member and
he also took an active part in the Grand Army work. His wife, a native of
Marion county, Ohio, is still living, her home being in Walla Walla, Wash
ington. She has married again, her present husband being C. D. Moore,
a contractor of Walla Walla. By her first marriage she became the mother
of six chUdren: Edgar E., who is assistant superintendent of the National
Mexico Packing House at Uruapam, Mexico; Eva, the wife of L. F. De-
kay who is living at the same place in Mexico ; Mabel, the wife of J. W.
Porter, w-hose home is at Freewater, Oregon; Carrie B., the wife of George
Redburn, of Spokane, Washington ; William Garfield, of this review ; and
Arthur D., deceased.
Dr. Johnson, whose name introduces this record, was about a year old
when his parents removed from Mount A^ernon, to other points in eastern
Iowa and after five years removed to South Dakota. He attended the
common schools at Ashton and in the fall of 1899 he matriculated in Grand
Prairie Seminary at Onarga, IlUnois, where he pursued a scientific and lit
erary course, being graduated in 1904 with a class of about thirty. In fur
ther preparation for life's practical and responsible duties he entered the

166 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Northwestern University Medical school at Chicago, IlUnois, and on the
completion of the regular course was graduated with the class of 1908. Dur
ing the summer of 1906 he entered the Eastern Hospital for the Insane at
Kankakee, Illinois, as assistant and had much experience there in the treat
ment of mental and nervous diseases. After graduating he engaged in the
practice of medicine at Onarga for about six months but left there to ac
cept a position in Mexico as medical director for the National Mexican
Packing Company. He remained there for two months but the climate
proved detrimental to his health and on recommendation he came to Coin,
Iowa, where he determined to locate after looking over the field. He is
now practicing here, -with office in the Alonzingo building, and is enjoying
success, making an exceUent record as the months go by. He belongs to the
Methodist church and gives his political allegiance to the repubUcan party.
On the Ust of his ancestors appears the names of such distinguished men
as Daniel Boone, the pioneer explorer of Kentucky; Governor Mitchell of
Ohio and General U. S. Grant.

EARL PETERS.

Earl Peters is actively connected with the profession which has im
portant bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of every community.
Since 1898 he has been a representative of the Clarinda bar and since 1904
has practiced as junior partner of the firm of Parslow & Peters. He has
made steady progress in his chosen field of labor and enjoys a well merited
reputation for the utmost care and precision which characterize his prep
aration of a case, making him one of the successful attorneys of Page county.
A native son of Iowa, Air. Peters was born in Pleasanton, February 22,
1873, and is a son of Dr. WiUiam E. and Alary A. (Smith) Peters. The
father was a physician who practiced his profession for a number of years
but later turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. Spending
his boyhood days in his parents' home. Earl Peters pursued his education
in the public schools and in the Leon high school, while later he prepared
for the legal profession as a pupil in the law department of the University
of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated with the class
of 1898. His training was thorough and comprehensive and, well equipped
for his chosen field of labor, he entered upon practice at Clarinda in the
fall of the same year. He was pleased with the city and believed it would
prove an advantageous location and that his choice was a wise one has
been evidenced by the result. He entered the office of H. E. Parslow and
in 1904 entered into partnership with Air. Parslow under the firm style of
Parslow & Peters, ^vhicll association has since existed. They conduct a
general law practice and are accorded a very extensive clientage, connect
ing them with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of this part
of the state. In his wide general information is found one of the strong
elements of Mr. Peters' power and ability as a lawyer. His pleas have

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 167
been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and by a lucid presentation
rather than by flights of oratory and his power is the greater before court or
jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice
and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will
thwart the principles of right and equity involved. During the year 1907
and 1908 he was city attorney, and in other connections he figures in the
public life of the city. He is a director of the Clarinda Chautauqua As
sembly and on its important committees. He has also been secretary of the
school board since 1905 and the cause of education or any movement which
tends to promote intellectual progress finds in him a stalwart champion.
On the loth of June, 1903, Mr. Peters was married to Miss Clara
Burleson, a daughter of D. G. Burleson, a grain dealer, who is now de
ceased. Mrs. Peters was born at ViUisca, Iowa, but was a little girl when
her parents removed to Clarinda, where she has since made her home.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Peters are widely known in this city and have a circle
of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr.
Peters belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. He has taken the degree of the lodge afid the chapter in
Masonry, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Eastern Star.
In politics he is a republican, thoroughly conversant with the issues and
questions of the day, and takes an active interest in the party work.

W. F. MASCHER.

W. F. Mascher operates a neat and well improved farm located on sec
tion 25, Douglas township. A native of IlUnois, he w^as born in Jasper
county on the 4th of Alay, 1875, a son of C. F. and Alary (Tulch) Mascher,
who were also born in Illinois, where they yet reside. Eight of the thirteen
children born ivnto them are still living.
Reared amid the scenes and environments of rural life, W. F. Mascher
attended the common schools during the winter periods while the summer
months were devoted to assisting his father on the farm. He early learned
the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting and the practical ex
perience thus gained was of great assistance to him when he later engaged
in business on his own account. He remained at home until eighteen years
of age, when he came to Page county, Iowa, and here worked as a farm
hand by the month until 1897. On the 6th of June of that year he was
united in marriage to Miss Rosina Sunderman, a daughter of Henry and
Sophia Sunderman, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.
After his marriage Mr. Mascher returned to IlUnois, where he remained for
about a year and a half, and then came again to Iowa, settling in Douglas
township. Page county, upon a farm belonging to his father-in-law, and has
since made it his home, operating it in the capacity of a renter. He
has directed his energies to its further improvement and development and

168 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
the neat and attractive appearance which the place presents is an indication
of his thrift and enterprise.
The home of Air. and Mrs. Mascher has been blessed with eight children,
namely: Wilbert, Laura, Vernie, Ella, George, Irene, Carl and Esther, the
last named being now deceased. Mrs. Alascher, who was born on the 27th
of August, 1875, passed away Alay 27, 1909, and was laid to rest in the
German Lutheran cemetery in Xodaway towmship. An excellent wife and
loving mother, she was held in high esteem throughout the community and
her loss was moumed not only by the menibers of her family but also by
a large circle of friends.
In politics Mr. Mascher is a stalwart republican but he neither seeks
nor desires public office as a reward for party fealty. His entire time and
attention are devoted to his business affairs, whicii are now capably con
ducted so that he is justly classed with the progressive farmers of the
county. Industrious habits and straightforwardness have enabled him to
maintain his standing in the community as a substantial and desirable
citizen.

JAAIES K. KING.

James K. King, spoken of by those who have known him long and weU
as a "grand old man" was one of the earliest settlers of Tarkio township
and still makes his home on section 33. His memory forms a connecting
link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He has wit
nessed many changes here as the wild prairie land has been converted into
rich fields, the native grasses and the wild flowers of summer giving way to
the crops of corn, wheat and other cereals. Mr. King was born in Somerset
county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of June, 1831, a son of Christopher and
Rosanna (Knight) King, who were also natives of the same county, the
father spending his entire life there, but the mother afterwards came to the
west with her son James in 1869.
Mr. King of this review was reared at the old home in Pennsylvania
and mastered the branches of learning taught in the pubUc schools near by.
His father was an undertaker in a day wdien those who followed the busi
ness also manufactured coffins, and as James K. King approached manhood
he worked with his father at coffin-making and in the undertaking business.
In 1854 he was married and moved to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where
he engaged in farming for fifteen years. He found the pursuit congenial,
and thinking to have still better opportunities for carrying on farm work in
the middle west, he made his way to CarroU county, Illinois, in 1869.
In the fall of the same year Air. King continued his journey to Page
county, Iowa, and, settling in Tarkio township, made his first purchase of
land, becoming the owner of a prairie tract of eighty acres and twenty
acres of timber land on section 33. Here he has lived continuously since
and in the intervening forty years has seen this section develop from a wild
region into one of the garden spots of the United States. In the midst of

MR. AND MRS. JAMES K. KING

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 171
highly cultivated farms, upon which are produced some of the finest crops
of corn in this country, are seen thriving towns and villages which have
been founded and built in his memory. As the years have passed Air. King
has labored diligently and persistently to carry on the farm work and has
prospered in his undertakings. Success always rewards earnest, persistent
labor and as his financial resources have increased he has continued to
invest in land until he now owns three hundred and seventy-one acres in
Tarkio township, making him one of its substantial citizens. The worth
of his character has always gained him high esteem and he is known as a
man who merits the regard which is uniformly tendered him.
In 1854 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. King and Miss Harriet
Fanning, a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, bom December 18,
1838. They reared nine children, of whom six are yet Uving: Zetta, the
wife of David Shaw, whose home is in Grant township ; Minnie, the wife
of Henry Hubert, who operates her father's farm; Jardin, at home; Port
Hudson, who is living in Tarkio township; Skiles Austin, who is also a
resident of Tarkio township and is serving as township trustee ; and Bessie,
a granddaughter whom Mr. and Mrs. King adopted and reared. She is now
the wife of Paul Hann, living in Nodaway township.
In his political views Mr. King is a stalwart republican, who has long
supported the party although he cast his first presidential ballot for Franklin
Pierce. He has served for two or three terms as justice of the peace and
his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He and his wife are devoted
menibers of the Church of God, in which Air. King has been affiliated for
sixty-one years, and through a long period has served as one of the elders.
His life has been guided by his Christian faith and conforms to the teach
ings of the church. His record, therefore, is exemplary of all those traits
of character which constitute honorable manhood and forms an example
well worthy of emulation.

G. A. McCULLOUGH.

For a half century G. A. McCuUough has resided in Page county and
throughout the entire period has not only been an interested witness of the
changes which have occurred and the growth and development that has
been made, but has also been a cooperant factor in much of the work of
transformation. His birth occurred in Scott county, Indiana, July 26, 1856, his par
ents being George and Sarah A. (McKee) McCuUough. The father was
born in South CaroUna, July 3, 1826, and the mother's birth occurred in
Kentucky, in November, 1827. In his childhood George AlcCuUough went
to Indiana with his parents, v/hile the mother of our subject was reared in
Ohio. They were married in Preble county of the latter state, October 15,
1850, and, removing to Indiana, there made their home until 1858, when
they came to Page county, Iowa, arriving here on the 8th of Alay of that

172 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
year. Air. McCuUough had visited the county in the previous year and had
purchased a farm near Braddyville in Amity township. When he returned
the following year he made permanent location thereon, it continuing to
be his home until his death, which occurred April 7, 1904. The mother
still survives and makes her home with her youngest son on the farm where
she located a half century ago.
George AlcCuUough was quite extensively engaged in general farm
ing and in feeding and raising cattle and was one of the eqterprising and
representative business men of the community. He served as a trustee of
Amity College for nearly a quarter of a century and was secretary of its
board for a number of years. He also filled the position of county com
missioner for a number of years and discharged every duty that devolved
upon him in an official way in a most prompt and capable manner. His
early political support was given the republican party, but in the latter part
of his life he supported the prohibition party. While in Indiana he assisted
in the operation of the underground railroad, whereby many negroes were
aided in their efforts to secure freedom in the north, and during the Civil
w^ar he served on the home guard. He was identified with the United Pres
byterian church throughout his entire life and was one of the first members
of the congregation in Page county to which he belonged.
In his family were nine children : J. M., who is living in Amity town
ship ; Margaret I., the wife of J. F. Reid, of Wyoming; G. A., of this
review; Nancy J., the wife of T. C. Shannon, of Amity township; Mat
thew Wilson, who died at the age of eighteen months ; Martha E., the
wife of John Farquahar, of Colfax township-; James William, living in
Amity township ; Joseph, who is upon the home place ; and Alollie, the
wife of W. B. Garrett, of Amity township.
G. A. AlcCuUough was only about two years old when the family re
moved from Indiana to Iowa and he has since resided in Amity township.
He was reared to the occupation of farming and reniained upon the old
homestead until his marriage. At that time he took up his abode upon a
farm three miles east of College .Springs, there cultivating two hundred
acres of land, which he yet owns. Year by year he carefully managed and
developed the property, making his home thereon until 1905, when he came
to College Springs. He also owms forty acres north of College .Springs,
whicii he cultivates. He has been one of the trustees of the United Pres
byterian church for the past twelve years and is active in its work, a fact
which indicates that his attention is not given wholly to business affairs nor
is his nature a self-centered one. He rejoices in what is accomplished along
the lines of moral development and improvement and cooperates in many
measures for the public good.
On the 9th of November, 1882, Mr. AlcCuUough was united in mar
riage to Aliss Nettie White, who was born in Ohio and died twenty-two
months after their marriage, leaving a little daughter, Ethel A., who is now
the wife of Murray Grove, of Pennsylvania. On the 31st of March, 1887,
Mr. McCuUough was again married, his second union being with Eva Mc
Kinley, who was bom December 21, 1858. She is a native of College

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 173
Springs and a daughter of J. W. McKinley. There were three children
born of this marriage : Agnes ; John, who died in infancy ; and George Wil
liam. Mr. McCuUough is a representative of one of the oldest famUies of the
county and as the years have gone by his cooperation in public affairs has
been of material benefit to this part of the state. He is recognized as one
of the representative agriculturists of the community, being a man of strong
purpose, who carefully formulates his plans and carries them forward to
successful completion.

CHARLES S. FOSTER.
Industry and enterprise — the sahent features in the Ufe record of Charles
S. Foster— have brought him a creditable measure of success and made
him locally prominent in Clarinda. He now is the owner of a feed yard
which covers a quarter of a block and is doing a good business. His birth
occurred in Henderson county, Illinois, near Monmouth, on the 3d of
October, 1856, his parents being Mathew R. and Mary F. (Leslie) Foster.
The father was a farmer, following that occupation as a life work but is
now deceased. The son pursued his education in the public schools, re
maining under the parental roof through the period of his boyhood and
youth. He was about nineteen years of age when in 1875 the family came
to Page county and he finished his education in this state as a student of
Amity College in College Springs. After putting aside his text-books, he
turned his attention to farming on a place of his own. This he conducted
for sometime, or until 1889, when he entered a general store with his
brother-in-law, Mr. Love, conducting this business at Coin, for five years.
He was also proprietor of a livery stable at Coin for a year, at the end of
which time he entered the service of E. F. Rose in the lumber business,
being thus engaged for two years.
In 1897 Mr. Foster's worth as a citizen led to his selection for public
office. Fle was chosen by popular suffrage to the position of sheriff of Page
county and that he discharged his duties fearlessly and faithfully is indi
cated by the fact that he was twice reelected, serving in all for three terms
or six years. On his retirement from the office he was given a position by
G. William Richardson, a lumber merchant, with whom he continued for
four years and in 1908 he bought a feed yard which covers a quarter of a
block. This he has since conducted and is now accorded a liberal patron
age. On the 20th of February, 1879, Air. Foster was united in marriage to
Miss Olive Patton, oi College Springs, Iowa, a daughter of James C. Pat
ton, who was formerly identified with agricultural interests but is now living
retired at College Springs. Unto Air. and Mrs. Foster have been born
four children: Glenn R., who is a student in Colorado College at Colorado
Springs ; Gertrude M. ; Porter P. ; and Fern F., at home. The family circle

174 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. The parents hold membership
with the Presbyterian church, in the work and activities of which they are
much interested, cooperating in every movement for the growth of the
church and the extension oi its influence. For the past two years Mr.
Foster has served as elder. His interests center in Clarinda and a life of
well directed thrift and activity has made him one of the substantial citizens
here. He has many sterling traits of character which have won him the
warm regard and stanch friendship of many with whom he has come in
contact.

AXEL HART.

With the agricultural interests of Fremont township Axel Hart is closely
associated, being engaged in the cultivation and improvement of two hun
dred and ten acres of land, which he purchased in 1902 and on wliich he
has since lived. He was born in Sweden, November 4, 1865, and is a son
of John and Clara Hart, who, like many other residents of this section of
Page county, claim Sweden as the land of their nativity. The favorable
reports which they heard concerning America proved to them an irresist
ible attraction and in 1868 they came to the United States, settling tirst in
Henry county, Illinois. As they learned more of the new world they felt
that they might have still better opportunities in lov/a and in 1870 removed
to Montgomery county, this state, where they lived for about a decade. Early
in the '80s they removed to Fremont township, Page county, and John Hart
became the owner of the farm upon which bis son Axel is now living. He
diligently took up the work of bringing his fields under a high state of
cultivation and was quite successful in his farming operations, at one time
owning five hundred and twenty acres of the rich land of Page county, for
as his financial resources had improved he had added to his original hold
ings, becoming one of the extensive and prosperous landowners of the com
munity. This brought to him a handsome competence and in the spring of
1901 he retired from active life and removed to Essex, where he now resides.
The youthful days of Axel Hart were quietly passed, the pubUc schools
affording him his educational privileges, while he was trained in the work
of the farm under the direction of his father. After putting aside his text
books he remained at home and assisted in the cultivation of his father's
farm until the spring of 1889, when he started upon an independent business
career, renting land. He was thus engaged in farming on his own ac
count for fourteen years, during which time his industry and careful ex
penditure brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land.
In the spring of 1902, therefore, he purchased the old Hart homestead of
two hundred and ten acres, to which he removed and upon which he has
since lived. Something of his business ability and his thorough understand
ing of modern agricultural methods is indicated in the neat and thrifty ap
pearance of the place. The fields are well tilled, the buildings are kept in
good repair and high grades of stock are handled. He has been quite sue-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 175
cessful and all of the grain which he raises he feeds to his stock, now deal
ing quite extensively in cattle.
On the 27th of April, 1890, Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss
A'manda Malmberg of Fremont township, and unto this marriage five chU
dren have been born, all yet at home: Gertrude, Alvin, Chester, Alillicent
and Winifred. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are consistent Christian people, holding
membership in the Swedish Mission church. In matters of citizenship he is
public spirited and progressive and gives loyal support to whatever he be
lieves to be right. He votes with the republican party and has served for
several years as a member of the school board, being a stalwart champion
of many measures that have been beneficial in promoting the interests of
public education.

WILL E. WHITTAKER.
Will E. Whittaker is numbered among the older residents of Page
county in years of continuous connection therewith, for through four decades
he has resided within its borders. He has been an interested witness of the
changes which have here occurred, wrought by time and man, and he has
never withheld his cooperation from movements for the general good. He
came to Iowa with his parents from Illinois, his birth having occurred near
Rock Island, that state. He is a son of Robert and Susan (Wilkes) Whit
taker, the former a farmer who in agricultural Unes provided for the sup
port of his family, continuing in that business until his Ufe's labors were
ended in death in 1888.
Will E. Whittaker had the advantage of educational training at Amity
CoUege at College Springs after he had completed his preUminary course
in the public schools. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early
becoming famiUar with the best methods of tilling the soil, and when his
school days were over he concentrated his energies upon farm work and was
thus continuously engaged until 1898. Previous to this he taught school and
for four years followed the profession in Iowa and Missouri. For some
time he was associated with his father in farming operations but eventuaUy
purchased land on his own account and continued to till the soil, which re
sponded in generous harvests. In March, 1898, however, he put aside the
work of the fields and came to Clarinda, where he entered the real estate
business with Greene & Greene and was identified with that firm one year
and subsequently entered the real estate field on his owm account, now con
ducting business as junior partner of the firm of Aloore & AVhittaker. His
partner is J. L. Moore, who has been engaged in the real estate business
here from 1904. They not only handle property but also conduct an ex
change and insurance business and their chentage is growing, making their's
a profitable work.
Mr. Whittaker was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Brownlee, near Coin,
a daughter of Archie E. Brownlee, who devoted his life to farming but died

176 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
in 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker have had no children of their own but
have reared an adopted son, Clyde Warren, who is seven years of age.
Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and he is now serving on the official board. He is also identified
with the Knights of Pythias and he gives his poUtical aUegiance to the
republican party. Pie has been elected to several local offices, the duties of
which he has discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to his con
stituents. For four years he has acted as a member of the school board
and during the latter half of the tim.e has been its president, the interests of
public education being materially promoted through his efforts. During
his absence from the city he was elected a member of the city council, being
chosen for the office on a ticket based upon pledges to pave and improve
Clarinda in other ways. He stands for progress and improvement in every
line, whether for individual interest in business circles or for the public
good, and his cooperation can always be counted upon to advance Clar-
inda's welfare and upbuilding.

GEORGE MAXWELL.

George Maxwell, a prominent and enterprising agriculturist residing
on section 10, Grant township, is now serving for the second term in the
office of township trustee. His birth occurred in County Donegal, Ireland,
in August, 1849, his parents being George and Martha (Shaw) MaxweU,
who spent their entire lives on the Emerald Isle. AVishing to take advan
tage of the excellent opportunities which he had heard might be enjoyed
in the new world, George Maxwell of this review set sail for the United
States in June, 1869, and after landing in this country made his way at
once to Page county, Iowa. Here he first worked as a farm hand for three
years and on the expiration of that period rented a tract of land, in the
operation of which he was successfully engaged for four years.
On the 5th of Devember, 1875, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to
Miss Julia C. Porter, of Grant township, Page county. Subsequent to his
marriage he farmed his wife's property of one hundred and sixty acres and
since that time has accumulated extensive landed holdings, being now the
owner of three quarter sections of valuable and productive farming land.
His success is aU the more creditable by reason of the fact that it has come
entirely as the result of his own untiring and well directed labor, for when
he arrived in this country his cash capital amounted to but one English
sovereign. Placing his dependence upon the substantial qualities of indus
try and perseverence, he has steadily worked his way upward until he is
today numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of Page
county. Unto Air. and Mrs. Maxwell have been born six children, four of whom
StiU survive, namely: George W., at ¦ home ; Thomas W., who follows
farming in Grant township ; and Isabelle and Alice, who are also yet under

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 177
the parental roof. Those deceased are Sarah C. and John, who died in
infancy. Mr. MaxweU is a repubUcan in his political views and is now serving
for the second term as township trustee, while for many years he has been a
member of the school board. He has never had occasion to regret his deter
mination to seek a home in the new world, and though he started out in life
empty-handed he has gradually advanced toward the goal of prosperity,
enjoying the advantages offered in this country, which is unhampered by
caste or class. His steady progress has resulted from the able use of his
innate talents and powers and of the opportunities with which he has been
surrounded, and his life record proves that success and an honorable name
may be won simultaneously. He has now^ made his home in Page county
for four decades and is well known and highly esteemed within its borders,
having won the kindly regard and friendship of all with whom he has been
associated.

JEROME B. ARMSTRONG.
In a review of American history, recognizing those who have con
tributed to the world's progress, it is imperative that mention be made of
Jerome B. Armstrong. Perhaps no man has done so much in propagating
corn and in this connection has received recognition from the department
of agriculture in Washington and from many expositions. He is now the
senior partner of the firm of J. B. Armstrong & Son, seedmen of Shenan
doah, and is the pioneer in this line of business not only in Iowa but also
in this part of the country.
He was born in New York on the 3d of July, 1831, and is a son oif
David W. and Sarah M. (Tredway) Armstrong. The ancestors of the
Armstrong family were of Irish birth, while the Tredways were of Scotch
lineage. Both families were founded in America in the seventeenth cen
tury, settling first in Connecticut. The grandfather of our subject and
three of his uncles, two on the paternal side and one on the maternal, served
throughout the Revolutionary war. Two of the number held commissions,
seeing official duty in connection with the struggle for independence. One
of the uncles was shot in the neck at the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and
the bullet, passing through his body, ranged downward and was taken out
of his back. He recovered from his wound, however, and lived to a good
old age.
David W. Armstrong was the seventh son in his father's family. He
was liberally educated, being a graduate in medicine from the Middlebury
(Vt.) College. He afterward practiced medicine to the time of his death,
first locating in New York at the fork of the Ausable river, which, at that
time, was a very important mining district. Later he returned to Vermont
and established his office at Shoreham, where he had previously lived and
where he practiced for four or five years. He turned to Westhaven, A'er-
mont, where he remiained until 1848, when he took the old Erie canal to Buf-

178 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
falo and thence proceeded by way of the lakes to Detroit and over the first
railroad which his son Jerome ever saw to Parma, Alichigan, eighty-six
miles from Detroit. This trip by rail consumed an entire day. There the
father resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1869, when
he was about fifty-seven or fifty-eight years oi age. He had survived his
wife, who passed away at the age of forty-five years.
Jerome B. Armstrong had one brother, A. D. Armstrong, who served
through the Civil war in the Fifteenth and the Thirteenth Michigan Regi
ments. He was shot through the body at Pittsburg Landing but .recovered
and reenlisted in the Thirteenth in time for the battle of Corinth. Later
he was with Sherman on the march to the sea and was captured and con
fined in Libby prison from the time of Johnston's capture until the close
of the war. He died in Shenandoah, Iowa, when but forty-five years of
age. Jerome B. Armstrong was reared at home, acquiring his education in
the public schools of the Green Mountain state. He was a youth of sixteen
years when his parents removed to Alichigan. Prior to this time, however,
he had worked as a farm hand, thus contributing to his own support as
early as his tenth year, when his remuneration was only three dollars per
month. At the time of the removal to Michigan he secured a clerkship in
a store at Parma, where he was employed for about five years. His father
had intended that he become a physician and with that end in view Jerome
B. Armstrong began his studies under his father's direction, but destiny
willed otherwise and one morning, after a talk with his father, he took
the train for Galesburg, Illinois, where he secured employment in a grocery
store as a laborer. After a week's work, however, he was placed behind the
counter in the absence of one of the clerks and immediately demonstrated
his ability to sell goods. He had hired to work at a salary of thirty-five dol
lars per month but when placed behind the counter his wages were increased
to sixty dollars per month and two or three weeks later he was again pro
moted to a position in the wholesale department at a salary of sixty-five
dollars per month. There he reniained for four or five months when Gales
burg received its city charter, and on the establishment of the police court
he was asked to serve as clerk of the court, which position he filled for three
and a half years. During this time he was appointed deputy United States
marshal for the southern district of Illinois and in that capacity, through
Captain R. N. Pollock, who was chief of police and United States marshal,
he came frequently in touch with the Pinkerton Detective Agency, acting
as private detective and special policeman.
In 1858 Mr. Armstrong came to low^a as a representative of the Ell-
wanger & Barry X^urseries of Rochester, New York. Three years later,
on account of his health, he returned to IlUnois, rented a tract of land,
bought horses and farm machinery and began farming, but in July follow
ing he suffered a sunstroke, which terminated his efforts along agricultural
Unes. In the fall, of that year he returned to Alichigan to consult his father
relative to his eyes, having almost entirely lost his sight. His father gave
him no encouragement and he then went to Detroit and consulted a special-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 179
ist, who treated him with but little benefit. After spending almost all of
his money he cast around for something to do and the result was that he
engaged in the harness business with a man at Corunna, Michigan. Soon
Mr. Armstrong acquired the entire business ^nd became an expert harness-
maker. In nine years he had not only secured an extensive stock but had
saved five thousand dollars from his earnings. He then quit that line of
business on account of his health and removed to Windsor, Illinois. _ In the
fall of 1869 he started westward for Emporia, Kansas, on a visit to his
brother-in-law in southwestern Iowa, but became attracted by the oppor
tunities and advantages offered in Page county. Therefore he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of school land near what is now Shenandoah
and the following spring removed to his new home, erecting a dwelUng
and breaking the sod. When he came to Shenandoah in 1869 the first two
buildings were being erected, these including the old depot which Mr. Arm
strong now owns. Returning to Illinois he engaged in the harness bus
iness for four years and then came to Iowa to make his home. Locating
in Shenandoah he engaged in harnessmaking, conducting a successful shop
here and also one in Coin. For thirty-four years he continued in the har
ness business, successfully conducting his trade along well defined Unes of
labor, his energy and abUity bringing to him well merited success.
While Air. Armstrong became locally weU known in mercantile lines, he
has gained world-wide reputation in connection with the propagation oi
corn. While in Michigan he began studying and experimenting along that
line and after coming to Iowa and seeing one crop of corn matured which
was the best he had ever seen up to that time, he took up the study of
further improvement and has delved deeper and deeper into the work,
studying and reading everything to be found upon the subject and putting
forth many new, original and valuable ideas. The president of Ames Col
lege recently made a statement that the methods now taught in the college
in the propagation of corn were the methods advocated and developed by
Mr. Armstrong years ago, who at that time was fifteen years ahead of the
times. It has been said by those who are competent to speak on the subject
that there is not an acre of corn now grown in Iowa that does not have the
Armstrong strain in it. From this beginning Air. Armstrong gradually
drifted to the seed business. As he becanie master in the work of propa
gating corn, in 1888 he began advertising his seed corn and thus started,
he has since developed his present extensive business until today Shen
andoah is recognized as the greatest seed corn center in the world. This
is due entirely to the energy of Air. Armstrong and his success along this
Hne and his work of developing corn. Today Shenandoah ships seed corn
all over the world and the name of Armstrong is known wherever corn is
successfully produced. In 1898 he received a gold medal, the only one
awarded to a grower of corn in Iowa, and a silver medal and all the other
honors awarded at the Omaha Exposition for the best exhibit of corn. In
1905, when the National Breeders Association was formed. Secretary of
Agriculture Wilson, who was then and is still president of the association,
in his appointment of three official members from Iowa named C. F. Curtis.

180 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
president of Ames College, as the first, and Mr. Armstrong as the second.
In 1908 Air. Armstrong made a further experiment. He had planted one
hundred and sixty acres of corn which was drowned out and on the loth
of July, simply as an experiment, he planted his second crop of corn, which
developed and matured perfectly. There is no one more competent to
speak in authority on the production of this great American cereal than is
he. The value and worth of his work is inestimable for the production of
corn is one of the greatest sources of the country's wealth and from
America its use has been introduced into other lands, where it is becoming
more and more popular.
Mr. Armstrong was married in Peoria, Illinois, on the 25th of July,
i860, to Miss Louise Hoag, of Galesburg, Illinois, who was a graduate of
Knox CoUege of that city in 1858. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have
been born two sons and five daughters : Sarah C, the wife of Richard De
Rouse, of Shenandoah; Grace, the deceased wife of William H. West; Orah,
who resides at home; Mary, deceased; Jerome B., Jr., a member oi the firm
of J. B. Armstrong & Son ; Carl, oi Cheyenne, Wyoming ; and Louise, the
wife of Calvin Sturtzbach, of Tampa, Florida.
In early life Mr. Armstrong gave his political allegiance to the whig
party and was one of the organizers of the repubUcan party, with which
he has since been identified. He has never sought, however, the reward
of office for party fealty. He is a member of the Shenandoah Lodge,
I. O. O. F., and has assisted in instituting numerous lodges, being much
interested in the work of the order. He has now passed the seventy-eighth
milestone on life's journey but seems a man of much younger years, being
keenly interested in matters relative to the world's progress and especially
in what is being done in agricultural lines. His own contribution to the
world's advancement has been a notable and commendable one and will
make his name honored for years to come.

THOMAS R. SHAW.

Thomas R. Shaw, filling the position of postmaster at Coin, is well
known as a representative citizen of the town. He owns five acres of land
where he lives and also ten acres near by. For a long period he was identi
fied with general farming but in 1897 took up his abode in the town, and
since 1896 has filled his present position. He was born in Perry county,
Ohio, August 24, 1845, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Rinehart)
Shaw, who were early settlers of Perry county. The father was a promi
nent agriculturist of that locality and the parents both died during the early
boyhood of Thomas R. Shaw, who was the youngest of three children, the
others being : Alaria, the wife of John Baker, who resides at New Lexing
ton, Ohio ; and Harriett, the wife of George Essington, who is living at New
Lexington.

T. E. SHAW

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 183
Owing to the fact that he was left an orphan at an early age, Thomas
R. Shaw was thrown upon his owm resources when a lad of ten years, being
bound out to work for a farmer at that time. When the war broke out he
ran away and enlisted. The man for whom he worked made no effort to
get him to return for he beUeved that the boy would soon come sick of
military Ufe and return of his own free will. He did not, however, but con
tinued at the front, serving throughout the entire war. It was on the 29th
of September, 1861, at New Lexington, Ohio, that he was enroUed as a
member of Company K, Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, joining the
regiment at Zanesville. The Sixty-second went into camp at Camp God
dard, where they were drilled for three months and were then sent to
Cumberland, Alaryland, and proceeded down the Potomac to the Shenan
doah valley. Air. Shaw participated in the battle of Winchester ; was under
General Shields in the attack on General Jackson ; also took part in the
siege of Petersburg, the battle of Deep Bottom, the charge on and capture
of Petersburg, and the battle of Appomattox where General Lee sur
rendered. He was also in the siege of Fort Sumter and in the reduction of
Fort Wagner, one of the defenses of Charleston, South Carolina, where for
gallantry and bravery he received a medal August 23, 1863 — the day before
the eighteenth anniversary of his birth. He was in a large number of
skirmishes and although he participated in twenty-one different engage
ments in all he was never wounded nor away from his regiment. He
acted as sergeant and color sergeant for a long time but was mustered out
as a corporal, for the promotion was never regularly made. He was only
sixteen years of age at the time of his enlistment and he still has the medal
of honor presented to him. He was mustered out at City Point, Virginia,
at the close of the war and at once returned to Perry county, Ohio.
Like many of the soldiers he gladly returned home when the country
no longer needed his aid and sought to establish a home of his own by
his marriage. On the i6th of November, 1865, he wedded Miss Sarah J.
Lower, a daughter of Ehjah and Elizabetii Lower, of Perry county. In 1866
they removed westward to McDonough county, Illinois, where Mr. Shaw
rented land on which he lived for two years. During that period his in
dustry and careful expenditure enabled him to gain a sufficient sum of
money to purchase eighty acres and he made investment in McDonough
county, where he lived for seven years, or until the spring of 1875, when he
sold his property there and made his way to Page county, Iowa. There he
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land near Coin. There was
a house upon it when he took possession and he at once began to further
develop and improve the place, remaining there for twenty-one years, dur
ing whicii time his carefuUy directed business affairs won him success in
agricultural lines. On the expiration of that period he sold out and re
moved to Coin. Here, in October, 1896, he was appointed postmaster by
President AIcKinley and through the intervening years has occupied the
position, the duties oi which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity.
Unto Air. and Airs. Shaw have been born eleven children. T. Semma
is the wiie of Wesley K. Stitt, a resident of Alarcus, Iowa, and they have

184 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
three children. Earl, Ruth and Dorothy. William died at the age of thirty-
one years. Ella is the wife of James Adamson, of Coin, and they have four
chUdren, Arthur, Gail, Paul and Russell. Mary died at the age of two
years. Inez is the wife of Ernest Veeder, of Illinois, and they have one
child, Clark. John H., who is conducting a feed store at Coin, wedded
Edna McMichael. Vannie is at home. Stella died at the age of twenty
years. Jessie is the wife of G. F. Mitchell, cashier of the Farmers & Mer
chants Bank of Coin. Charles is acting as assistant postmaster. Wellborn,
who completes the family, is yet at home.
Jn the spring of 1909 Mr. Shaw erected a fine residence, which he now
occupies and which is located in what is know as Shaw's addition to Coin.
He and his wife have long been well known in the town and occupy an
enviable position in social circles. Mr. Shaw is a member of Warren Post,
G. A. R., of Clarinda, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old
army comrades. He is also a prominent member of the Methodist church
and for many years has been president of its board of trustees. Starting out
in life for himself when only ten years of age he has made steady progress
in the business world and is now comfortably situated in life. Indolence
and idleness, however, are utterly foreign to his nature and he finds pleasant
employment for his time in discharging the duties connected with the distri
bution of the mails, performing his service in a most competent and satis
factory manner.

JOSEPH E. HILL.

For almost a half century Joseph E. Hill has resided in Clarinda and
through the intervening period has taken an active part in aft'airs relative
to the general progress and improvement of the city and county. He is well
known as a lawyer and representative member of the bar, while as mayor
of the city he largely promoted its interests and in an unofficial capacity
has also done excellent service for the interests of the community at large.
He came to Clarinda in i860 from Highland county, Ohio, where he was
born February 26, 1844.
At the usual age Mr. Hill began his education in the public schools of
Ohio, remaining there until sixteen years of age, when he came with a
family of his acquaintance to Iowa and here worked on a farm until the
outbreak of the Civil war. He watched with interest the progress oi events
in the south, noted the threatening attitude and resolved that if a blow was
struck to overthrow the Union he would stand loyally in its defense. Ac
cordingly in the opening year of the war he enlisted as a member of Com
pany F, First Nebraska Infantry, joining the regiment as a private. With
his command he was sent to Missouri in August, 1861, and participated in
the battle of Black Water and in the operations of the army along the
Mississippi. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Cape
Girardeau, St. Francis River, Jacksonport and in numerous skirmishes. This

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 18d
brought him up to the winter of 1864-5 when, with his command, he was
sent to the frontier to hold the IncUans in check. His company was the
first organized in Page county and he was in continuous service until the
ISt of July, 1866. Fiis military duty, therefore, covered five years, for the
date of his enlistment was June 15, 1861. He was ever a brave and loyal
soldier, fearlessly defending the cause which he espoused, and in Novem
ber, 1865, he was promoted to the rank of commissary sergeant. Later
he was made first sergeant and after leaving the service he returned to
Clarinda with a most creditable military record.
On again reaching Page county Air. Fiill resumed farming operations
and was identified with agricultural interests until the fall of 1870. He
was appointed deputy sheriff in 1871 and served until 1874. In the latter
year he was elected clerk of the district court and that he proved a most
capable and trustworthy official is indicated by the fact that he was re
elected five times, serving altogether for ten years. He was then admitted
to the bar and has since been engaged in general practice. His public ser
vice also includes four years in the office of mayor for he was reelected as
chief executive of Clarinda. He gave to the city a business like and public-
spirited administration with fair treatment to all. For four years he served
as city clerk and was for eight years clerk of the interstate foreign commerce
comniittee at Washington, D. C, and rendered valuable service there. In
addition to his other public service he has acted as a member of the board
of commissions of insanity for fifteen years. For twelve years he has
been a niember of the soldiers' relief commission, in both of which connec
tions he has put forth eff'ective and beneficial effort. He also does a large
pension business, having nearly all of the patronage of this character in
this vicinity.
Mr. Hill has been married twice, the last time to Miss Emma J. Spunan-
gle of Clarinda. He has six children: Walter W., Elmer E., George G.,
Helen, Birdie B. and Joseph E.
Mr. HiU belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and wears the
Grand Army button, holding membership in the post at Clarinda. His
long residence in this city has made him very widely known and the
value of his work is uniformly acknowledged. Over the record of his of
ficial career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil and he is
today one of the most valued and representative citizens of this part of the
state.

WILLIAAI S. SMILEY.
WilUam S. Smiley, a well known and successful farmer residing on
section 22, Amity township, is also engaged in dairying and stock-raising
to some extent. He was born in AUegheny county, Pennsylvania, on the
nth of February, 1849, his parents being Robert and Phoebe Ann (Pat
terson) Smiley, both of whom were natives of Washington county, Penn
sylvania. They came to Page county, Iowa, in 1864, taking up their abode

186 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
on the farm in Amity township where our subject now resides. Upon his
arrival here the father first purchased a tract of sixty-three acres and six
months later bought a quarter section of land adjoining. Several years
afterward he further extended the boundaries of his property by an addi
tional purchase of forty acres and through the careful conduct of his
agricultural interests won a gratifying and well merited degree of prosper
ity. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, being
called to his final rest in 1866 when forty-eight years of age. His wife,
long surviving- him, passed away in 1892, when she had attained the age
of seventy-two years.
W^illiam S. Smiley was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, at
tending school during the winter months, while during the summer seasons
he assisted in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. When
eighteen years of age he attended the Amity Select School at College
Springs, Page county, for one term, and after the death of his father took
charge of the old homestead farm, being the eldest child in the family. He
has alvvays continued to reside on this place and several years subsequent
to the demise of his father he bought one hundred and sixty acres from the
estate, later disposing of forty acres thereof to his brother, Thomas A.
Smiley. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and cli
mate he also conducts a dairy business and likewise raises stock to sell to
shippers. Fle feeds hogs and also has a fine flock of Shropshire sheep and
in his various undertakings is meeting with a measure of success that at
tests his capable management and exceUent business ability.
In 1871 Air. Smiley was united in marriage to Miss Elizabetii Mc
Michael, a daughter of William and Alartha (Parker) McAlichael, both of
whom were born in County Antrim, Ireland. They crossed the Atlantic
to the United States in 1850 and after landing in New York made their
way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they remained for eight years.
On the expiration of that period they came to Page county, Iowa, locating
in Amity township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr.
McMichael secured a farm of one hundred and sixty acres by land warrant
and was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits through
out his active business career. Both he and his wife lived tO' attain the
age of seventy-five years, passing away in 1884 and 1889 respectively.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smiley have been born six children, four sons and two
daughters, as foUows : John Patterson, who is engaged in farming in Cass
county, North Dakota ; William Ross, a resident of Bottineau, North
Dakota ; Airs. Alartha Riley, living in Canton, South Dakota ; and Robert,
Samuel and Mrs. Anna E. McDonald, all of whom reside in Colfax tovvn
ship, Page county, Iowa.
Mr. Smiley exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican party and his feUow-townsmen, recognizing his
worth and ability, have called him to various positions oi public trust. He
has now held the offite oi township clerk for eighteen years and is likewise
acting as secretary of the township school board, the duties of which posi
tion he has faithfully discharged for the past twenty-three years. He has

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 187
been a member of the township school board since 1879 and has done
eff'ective and valuable service for the cause of education. Both he and his
wife are devoted and consistent menibers of the United Presbyterian church
at College Springs, in which he is now serving as an elder, having been
elected for a six years' term in 1908. Air. Smiley has been a resident of
Page county for about forty-five years and during this long period has
witnessed much of the growth and development of the district from a wild
region into one of rich fertility, while thriving tow-ns and villages have
sprung up and the county has been placed in the front rank among the
counties of the state. The prosperity which he now enjoys is well merited,
for he has ever followed the most honorable business methods in his deal
ings with his fellowmen and therefore enjoys the high regard of all with
\^-hom he is brought in contact.

J. F. MARTIN.

J. F Martin, a respected and prominent resident of Clarinda, now living
retired, was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, on the 9th of
January, 1845, his parents being Frederick and Alaria (Walters) Alartin,
who were also natives of that place. Both the paternal and maternal grand
parents spent their entire lives in Hanover. Frederick Alartin, the father
of our subject, followed agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood and
three years after the death of his first wife was again married, afterward
emigrating to the Llnited States in 1853. He settled in Cook county, IlU
nois, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, passing away two
years afterward. Fle had been accompanied on the voyage to the new world
by his two sons, J. F. and Henry. The latter was twice married, his first
union being with Miss Maggie Kenn ett, by whom he had six children, of
whom three daughters and one son still survive. Subsequent to the deatli
of his first wife he wedded Mrs. Hattie Bonham and they make their home
at CoUege Springs, Iowa.
J. P. Alartin was a little lad of eight years when brought to the United
States by his father and stepmother and obtained his education in the dis
trict schools of Cook county, Illinois, where the family home was established.
When fourteen years of age he put aside his text-books and afterward
turned his attention to the work of general farming and, with the exception
of two years spent in Chicago, was actively identified with agricultural pur
suits in Cook county until he had attained the age of twenty-four years. In
the meantime, the Civil war having broken out, he offered his services in de
fense of the Union but was rejected because of his slight stature. The year
1868 witnessed his arrival in Harlan township. Page county, Iowa, where
he purchased a farm of eighty acres in 1870. It was all prairie land but
be resolutely set to w-ork and graduaUy transformed the place into a rich
and productive farming property, there successfuUy carrying on his agri
cultural and stock raising interests until 1894. He then bought the John

188 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Alorlin farm, situated a mile and a half west of his place, and continued to
reside thereon until 1903, when he retired from active labor and came to
Clarinda, where he has since made his home, owning a fine residence on
Sixteenth street. He still owns both of his farms, which he rents, and is
a stockholder in the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank.
On the 30th of Alarch, 1871, in Harlan township, Page county, Mr.
Martin was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Pollock, a native of Pitts
burg, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John and Margaret (Donahue)
PoUock, both of whom were born in Ireland. Unto Air. and Mrs. Martin
have been born seven children, as follows : R. J., residing southwest of
Clarinda, who married Elizabeth Young and has two children, Harold and
Annie; V/. G., who also Uves southwest of Clarinda and wedded Miss Emma
Kaufman, by whom he has four daughters, Velma, Mildred, Bernice and
Gladys ; Frank, who follows farming in Jackson county, Kansas ; Bertha,
Uving near Denison, Kansas, who is the wife of John Young and has
one daughter. Pearl ; Myrtle, living six miles southwest of Clarinda, who
is the wife of Archie Tippin and has a daughter. Fern; Herbert, who wedded
Miss Mary Black and lives on the home place ; and Grace, at home.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Martin are valued members of the Reformed Pres
byterian church and bave an extensive circle of warm friends throughout
the county in which they have so long resided. Mr. Martin has fully un
derstood the value of industry and close appUcation and by reason of the
exercise of these quaUties he has advanced in his agricultural and financial
undertakings until his success makes him one oi the prosperous retired
residents of Clarinda.

]OHN H. EISCHEID.

John H. Eischeid, president of the Iowa Wagon Company and vice
president and secretary of the Economy Hog & Cattle Powder Conipany,
doing business in Shenandoah, was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on the 8th of
January, 1872. "He is a son of John and Margaret (Haas) Eischeid, both
of whom were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married.
In 1869 they bade adieu to the fatherland and emigrated to the new v^v'orld,
bringing with them the one child who was born to them in Germany. Lo
cating in Waterloo, Iowa, the father later engaged in merchandising there
and was identified with that line of business until 1886, when he removed
from Waterloo to Clyde, Nodaway county, Missouri. There he was en
gaged in the hardware and implement business up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1890. In aU of his business affairs he was thoroughly
reliable, enterprising and industrious and those qualities won him good
success. In poUtics he was a stanch democrat, while in religious faith
both he and his wife were meinbers of the Catholic church. After los
ing her first husband Mrs. Eischeid wedded Peter Horig and resided in
Washburn, Iowa, until her demise which occurred in 1907.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 189
John FI. Eischeid was reared at home and acquired his education in the
pubhc schools. After his father's death in 1890 he started out in life on
his own account, entering the office of the Omaha & St. Louis Railroad
Company at Shenandoah in 1893. There he leamed telegraphy and was
identified with this road as operator, agent and assistant agent until 1902.
In 1902 he became associated with the Pacific Express Company and also
with the Economy Hog & Cattle Powder Company, in a clerical capacity.
In September, 1905, he severed his connection with the express company
for his other interests required his entire time, and to the upbuilding of
the business he has largely contributed through his enterprise, careful man
agement and diligence. In 1907 he acquired an interest in the business and
was made vice president and secretary of the company. He is also the
president of the Iowa Wagon Company and is a stockholder in the Com
mercial National Bank.
Mr. Eischeid is a -member of Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B'. P. O.
E., and is its treasurer. He also belongs to Nishna Lodge, No. 249, A.
O. U. W., and is a member of the CathoUc church. His political allegiance
is given to the democracy but he has never sought nor desired office. Pleas
antly situated in his home relations he was married in 1897 to Miss Ella
Schurtz, of Shenandoah, and unto this marriage have been born two chil
dren, Mark and Sarah Alargaret.
Mr. Eischeid owes his advancement and success in life entirely to his
own labors. He has worked diligently and persistently as the years have
gone by and his efforts have made him a forceful factor in commercial cir
cles, winning him a creditable measure of prosperity.

W. T. GHEAN.

Prominent among the young and enterprising business men of York-
town is W. T. Ghean, who is conducting a furniture and undertaking es
tablishment at this place. He is a native son of Page county, born near
Hawleyville, December 14, 1870, the second in order of birth in a family of
four children, whose parents were W. T. and Alartha E. (GrinneU) Ghean,
the former a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, while the latter claims Ban
gor, Maine, as the city of her nativity. The father removed to Washington
county, Kansas, from Page county and passed away in that state in 1890,
at the comparatively early age of forty-seven years. The mother was af
terward married to J. B. Hunt, their home being in Haddam, Kansas.
W. T. Ghean has but one surviving sister, Emma, now the wife of
William Johnson, of Haddam, Kansas. Two sisters, Anna and Frances,
died in childhood, the former at the age of seven years and the latter when
three years of age. The son was reared in Page county to the age of nine
years, his education being begun in the schools of this section. At that
age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Washington county,
Kansas, the family home being established on a farm. He remained un-

190 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
der the parental roof until he had reached the age of about twenty-two
years and then went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he secured employ
ment, with the National Biscuit Company, remaining with that firm most
of the time for seven years. On the expiration of that period he went to
Manhattan, Kansas, and for a time worked as clerk for W. Holt, a whole
sale and retail grocer of that city.
During this time Mr. Ghean carefully saved his earnings so that he felt
justified in entering business on his own account, and accordingly, on the
ISt of February, 1909, returned to Page county, and purchased the stock
of furniture and undertaking goods of J. AV. Huell in Yorktown. Although
he has been located here but a short time, he has already built up a good
trade and his modern methods, push and square dealing will undoubtedly
win him still greater success in the future. In August, 1909, he com
menced the erectioii of a five thousand dollar business block, which is
an indication of the business he has built up in Yorktown.
Mr. Ghean was married in January, 1901, to Miss Atha Bowers, a native
of Riley county, Kansas, and a daughter of AA^illiam H. Bowers. The
marriage of Air. and Airs. Ghean has been blessed with two little sons,
W. T., Jr., and Everett Eugene.
Mr. Ghean gives his political support to the democratic party. Enter
prising and progressive, his efforts meet with the approval of the com
munity in which he lives and he is highly respected as a man and a citizen.

FRED J. STEEVE.

Fred J. Steeve, who owns and cultivates a good fanii in Plarlan town
ship and makes stock-raising a special feature of his business, was born in
Henry county, Illinois, Alarch 20, 1864. He is the son of Henry and
Alary .Steeve, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume in con
nection with their son. Under the parental roof Fred J. Steeve spent his
youthful days, pursuing his education in the public schools and early ac
quainting himself with the best methods of tilling the soil and carrying
on the work of the farm. He continued with his father until twenty-six
years of age, when he started out in life on his own account by renting a
farm in Knox county, Nebraska, where he lived for a year. His father
then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Madison, Ne
braska, and he removed to that place, where he lived for three years, after
which he came to Page county and for four years carried on general farming
on the old homestead. He then sold the farm in Nebraska and purchased
the property upon which he now resides, becoming the owner at that time
of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. AA'ith characteristic energy he
began its further development and improvement and as his financial re
sources increased he made additional purchases until his place now com
prises two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land in Harlan town
ship. AA^hile he raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he makes

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 191
a specialty of raising stock and has some good grades of hogs and cattle
upon his place. From this branch of his business he derives a substantial
income for his keen discernment enables him to make judicious investments
and profitable sales.
On the 15th of November, 1891, Mr. Steeve was united in marriage to
Miss Matilda Ruechel and unto them have been born three children: Cor
delia, Albert and Adolph, all at home. In his poUtical views Air. Steeve is
a repubUcan but has never sought or desired office. He served as school
treasurer but otherwise has preferred to concentrate his energies upon his
business affairs and their capable management has brought to him the suc
cess wdiich makes him one of the representative agriculturists of this com
munity.

HARVEY F. McCOWEN.
The business enterprises which contribute to the growth and development
of Clarinda are on the whole conducted by men of energy, keen sagacity
and determination. Among this class is numbered Harvey F. McCowen,
who displays marked capacity for the successful conduct of affairs of
breadth. He is today a partner in one of the most successful and exten
sive mercantile houses of the city, being a member of the firm of McCowen
& Son, composed of himself and his father, Noah McCowen. They carry a
large line of furniture, carpets and undertakers' supplies and their trade
is constantly increasing.
Noah AlcCowen, the senior partner, removed westward from Darke
county, Ohio, to Page county, Iowa. He was the son of a farmer, and he
and his brothers entered land on the removal of the family to the west.
They came here in pioneer times when the settlers were but few and far be
tween, while the work of general improvement seemed scarcely begun.
Like his brothers, Noah McCowen took up farm work as a life occupation
and is today the owner of three hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable
land in Page county, to the development and cultivation of which he still
devotes his energies. In all of his work along agricultural lines he has dis
played a thorough understanding of modern methods and has capably used
the best means at hand to render his fields more productive and his labors
more profitable. In community affairs he has taken an active and helpful
interest and while he has never sought political office he has served as
school director. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged
and his business enterprise is no less pronounced than his business integrity.
Noah AlcCowen was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Amanda
Stone and they now have three sons : Harvey F., Jesse AV. and James T.
The last named is engaged in farming on the old homestead, while Jesse
W., who married Nannie Herren, is also a resident farmer of Page county.
The eldest, Harvey F. McCowen, entered the public schools at the
usual age and vvhen not busy with his text-books assisted in the work of
the fields. He continued in close identification with agricultural interests

192 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
until 1901, when he removed to Clarinda and on the 28th of January opened
the present store, in which his father is financially interested. He is now
the active manager of an important business conducted under the firm name
of Noah & Harvey F. McCowen. They carry a well selected line of furni
ture, carpets and undertakers' supplies and have a large and growing trade,
their patronage having increased continuously from the beginning. Their
trade is now gratifying and the business has been built up by reason of the
enterprise of the manager, who has made a close study of the demands of
the trade and has put forth earnest effort to please his patrons. His stock
of goods occupies three floors in a building, twenty-four by one hundred
and thirty feet.
On the 25th of February, 1901, Harvey F. McCowen was united in
marriage to Miss Nellie D. Goudie, of Clarinda, a daughter of James B.
Goudie, a real-estate dealer living at Twin FaUs, Idaho. Mr. McCowen
belongs to the Alasonic fraternity and the Modern AVoodmen camp and is
also affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. He is truly a self-
made man. for wrhile the financial condition of his father did not force him
to enter the struggle for subsistence at an unusually early age, he has
gradually Vi'orked his way upward until he has gained that success which is
ever the sure reward of diligence, perseverance and industry. As a busi
ness man and as a private citizen he enjoys the good will and high esteem
of all with whom he is brought in contact.

REV. HENRY GUENTHER.
Rev. Henry Guenther is a local minister of the United Brethren church
and also a well known farmer of Harlan township, living on section 35,
where he owns ninety acres of good land. He has developed this place
from the brush, made all of the improvements upon it and is now enjoying
the fruits oi his iormer toil, while his son Alfred has the active manage
ment of the farm. Mr. Guenther is a native of Alsace, France, now Ger
many, his birth having there occurred on the 1st of March, 1837. His
parents were Henry and Lizzie (Walter) Guenther, who were also natives
of that locality and spent their entire lives there, the father devoting his
time and energies to the occupation of farming.
Rev. Henry Guenther was an only child and in the acquirement of his
education entered the Strassburg University, but when his mother died he
put aside his text-books for the father was the owner of only a small farm
and was not able to pay his way. longer. In his early manhood Mr. Guen
ther served in the French army for seven years and during that period
participated in the French and Austrian wars when France and Italy were
allies, continuing in the service from 1857 untU 1863 inclusive. On receiv
ing an honorable discharge he returned to his home. In the same year —
on the 2d of July, 1863 — ^Mr. Guenther was married to Madaline Shank,
a native of Alsace, France, born May 2, 1842. On the death of his father

MR. AND MRS. HENRY GUENTHER

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 195
Air. Guenther decided to join his brother-in-law^, Peter Shank, who had
previously come to America, and vvith his wife and three chUdren he bade
adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world, making his
home at Woodstock, AlcHenry county, Illinois, in 1866.
As his financial resources were very limited and necessity rendered it
imperative that he secure immediate employment, he worked as a farm
hand for three years and then gained his start in life in this country. In
1871 he removed to Page county, where he has since resided. Here he
was employed as a laborer and was also a local preacher of the United
Brethren church for twelve years, receiving his license to preach after
coming to this county. In 1879 he bought his present home farm, becom
ing owner of one hundred and thirty acres, but he has since disposed of
forty acres to his son. He still owns ninety acres, constituting a valuable
and productive tract. When he obtained possession thereof, however, it
was covered with brush, but this he cleared away and placed the land under
cultivation. From time to time he made modern improvements and as the
years passed met with creditable success in his undertakings. His son
Alfred now operates the farm, while the father is living practically retired,
enjoying well earned and well merited rest.
Unto Air. and Airs. Guenther have been born eight children: Lena, the
wife of Fred Prigga, a farmer residing in Nodaway township, this county ;
Lizzie, the wife of WilUam Frosbrink, of Clarinda ; William Henry, who is
located in Colorado ; Peter, a resident oi Jefferson, Iowa ; George, who is
living in this township ; Maggie, the wiie oi Louis Frosbrink, of Hiawatha,
Kansas ; Alfred, who is cultivating the home farm ; and Clarence, living in
Harlan township. The three eldest were born in France, the next two in
Illinois and the others in Page county.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Air. Guenther has given
stalwart aUegiance to the repubUcan party and has done active campaign
work in its behalf for he believes that its platform contains the best prin
ciples of good government. He has been a school director for twenty
years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is
yet actively interested in the work of the church, and high and honorable
principles have characterized his entire life, winning for him a creditable
position in the regard of his feUowmen. His example, too, is one well
worthy of emulation, showing the force and value of an untarnished name
and the worth of unfaltering diligence, whereby success can always be
obtained.

WILLIAAI PETERS HEPBURN.
William Peters Hepburn, for twenty-two years a representative in con
gress from the eighth congressional district of Iowa and for fourteen years
chairman of the committee on interstate and foreign commerce, was born in
Wellsville, Ohio, on the 4th of XTovember, 1833. His father was Lieutenant
James S. Hepburn of the First United States ArtiUery, wlio was graduated

196 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
with the first class after the reorganization of the military academy in 1819.
His mother, who bore the maiden name of Ann Fairfax Catlet, was a daugh
ter of Surgeon Hanson Catlet of the United States Army and a grand
daughter of Mathew Lyon, who represented the state of Vermont and Ken
tucky and the territory of Arkansas in the house of representatives. She
was also a great-granddaughter of Governor Chittenden, who for nineteen
years was the chief executive officer of the commonwealth of Vermont.
In his youthful days Wiilliam Peter Hepburn became a resident of the
territory of Iowa, his parents removing westward from Ohio and taking up
their abode on a farm eight miles nortii of Iowa City in 1841. Today the
state has the most perfect system of public education in the country but at
that ti.me its opportunities in educational lines were very limited and Mr.
Hepburn received only such instruction as could be received in inferior pri
vate schools of Iowa City. His experience in a printing office also proved
educative in a way for in the year 1849 he entered a printing office, where
he reniained for nearly four years. He then took up the study of law and
it was in the path of that profession that he won distinction and honor, win
ning fame both as a lawyer and lawmaker.
In October, 1S55, Mr. Flepburn was united in marriage to Miss Melvina
A. Alorsman, the eldest daughter of Dr. M. J. Morsman, and unto them
were bom five children. In February, 1856, Mr. Hepburn removed with his
family to MarshaUtown, Iowa, and there entered upon his public career, be
ing elected chief clerk of the Iowa house of representatives in January,
1858. In the fall of the same year he was chosen district attomey of the
eleventh judicial district, then comprising twelve counties. In i860 he was a
delegate to the national republican convention which nominated Abraliam
Lincoln in Chicago and throughout that year he watched with the keenest
interest the progress of events in the south, noting the threatening attitude
of the states which later organized as the Southern Confederacy. A few
months after the outbreak of hostUities, when it was seen that the war was
to be no mere holiday event but a long and severe struggle for supremacy,
Mr. Hepburn enUsted in August, 1861, being mustered into the volunteer
service of the United States as captain of Company B, Second Iowa Cav
alry. He was promoted later to the rank of major and afterward to lieuten
ant colonel and he also served upon the staff of Colonel and Brigadier Gen
eral Philip H. Sheridan and of Major General Rosencrans.
After the war Colonel Hepburn remained in Memphis until June, 1867,
when he retumed to Iowa and located in Clarinda. Here he engaged in the
pubUcation of a newspaper and in the practice of law and from that time
forward has been a leading factor in the public Ufe of the state, leaving
the impress of his individuality as well upon the legislative history of the
nation. In 1880 he was elected a representative from the eighth district and
in 1886 he was defeated for the office. In April, 1889, he was appointed by
President Harrison solicitor oi the treasury, in which position he remained
until he became a member of the fifty-third congress. He served continu
ously in congress for sixteen years, aU the time a member of the committee
on interstate and foreign commerce and for fourteen years was its chairman.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 197
During his chairmanship the Nicaragua-Panama canal, the national quar
antine laws, pure food laws, the safety appliance laws, the sixteen hour law,
Hepburn bill, interstate railway regulation laws, the act creating the de
partment of commerce and labor with its dominating bureau of corpora
tions, the laws promoting the revenue cutter service, the laws making prom
inent and effective the marine hospital and public health service, were
enacted, improved or made more effective. Mr. Hepburn retired from
congress with the sixtieth.
In commenting upon his official record the Alton (Iowa) Star-Enter
prise said : "If we look at Mr. Hepburn's record it will be found that upon
a great many of the questions pending before the congresses of which he
has been a member, beginning with the first, he has participated in the
discussions, doing his best to get what he considered legislation of benefit
and value to the country and the people.
"He has introduced many bills of a public nature, in addition to those
private ones interesting peculiarly some of his constituents. The bills re
lating to or creating national quarantine; the board of health; the investi
gation of particular diseases, many of them he introduced and all of them
he aided in perfecting ; the various safety appliance acts ; the law fixing the
hours of labor on railroads; the act creating the department of commerce
and labor, have all had his support in committee and in the house by vote
and voice.
"Fle is the author of the original act as it passed the house providing
for the Isthmian canal ; the pure food law is his — that is, he framed the
bill and was diligent in advocating this legislation. The railroad rate law
he introduced and gave very vigorous support in committee and on the floor,
and the appropriation of five hundred thousand dollars to enable the attor
ney-general to investigate and prosecute the trusts and combinations, was
made by an aniendment drawn by Air. Hepburn.
"In the forty-ninth congress he aided in the passage of the law creating
the interstate commerce commission, and from time to time he has sup
ported amendments to that law to strengthen it and make the statute more
effective. "The records show that during the time Air. Hepburn has been a member
of congress he has introduced one hundred and sixteen public bills. Thirty
of them have become laws. He has introduced a great many private bills
granting or increasing the pension of veterans of the Civil war. Alore than
fifty of them have passed both houses and become laws.
"In the United States there are now about six hundred buildings owned
by the general government, less than one and a half on an average to each
of the three hundred and ninetj^-one congressional districts. Mr. Hepburn
has secured three of these six hundred public buildings and an appropriation
for two others. When the appropriation for the government building at
Council Bluffs was made, Pottawattamie county was in the eighth district.
Air. Hepburn secured that building very early in his congressional career.
"He next secured a building for Creston; and a division of the federal
court of that city ; then an appropriation for a buUding at Centerville, next

198 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
an appropriation for his home town, Clarinda, and an appropriation for one
at Shenandoah. Evidently he has been industrious along this line, other
wise he could not have been able to get five public buUdings when the
average is less than one and a half to the district. The people of these
towns will no doubt say that Mr. Hepburn has done something for his
district and the fifty or more old soldiers whose pensions have been in
creased by special legislation owing to their congressman's efforts wiU- say
that he has done something for them.
"In the niatter of installation and extension of the rural mail service
in his district, Mr. Hepburn certainly has been industrious. In this he
has been able to do as much for his people, for the farmers and their fami
lies as any member of congress, and a great deal more than the majority of
congressmen. The eighth Iowa district ranks among the first of all the
districts of the United States. In the number of rural routes our people
have better service than most communities. This district now has in success
ful operation two hundred and forty-four rural mail routes, an average of
a Uttle more than twenty-two to each of the eleven counties. A number of
the counties have complete county service and there are comparatively few
farmers in this whole congressional district who do not have advantage
of a daily mail brought to their homes by a carrier in the postal service.
Without doubt farmers of this district will not charge Air. Hepburn with
neglecting their interest in this work; on the contrary they are generally
convinced that he has been diligent and active in securing for them this
service."

MARTIN H. STEEVE.

Martin H. Steeve, wlio owns and operates a farm of two hundred
acres situated on section 22, Douglas township, is devoting his time and
energies to general farming and stock-raising. He was born on the farm
upon which he now resides on the 6th of October, 1880, and is a son of Henry
and Mary (Bente) Steeve, natives of Germany. The parents came to
America at an early date and located upon the farm now in possession of
their son, which they improved and upon which they both passed away,
the father's death occurring in 1893 and the mother's two years later. In
their family were thirteen children, of whom nine are yet living.
Martin H. Steeve was reared to farm Ufe and obtained his education
in the common schools of Douglas township. He was left an orphan at the
age of fifteen years and since that time has been entirely dependent upon
his own resources. AVisely taking up the occupation to which he had been
reared as a life work, he has been engaged continuously in agricultural
pursuits and has met with a gratifying measure of success. He now owns
the old homestead farm of two hundred acres located on section 22, Douglas
township, and through his untiring industry and his well directed efforts
he has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and the farm
is one of the well improved and valuable ones of this township. He also

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 199
gives considerable attention to raising and feeding hogs, and this branch of
his business is proving a very profitable source of revenue to him.
On the 4th of January, 1905, Air. Steeve was united in marriage to Miss
Clara A. Goecker, a native of Nodaway township and a daughter of John
and Alary Goecker, mention of whom is made on another page in this vol
ume. Mr. and Mrs. Steeve have become the parents of one son, Guy J.,
who is the Ught and life of the home. The parents are menibers of the Ger
man Lutheran church and are held in high esteem throughout the com
munity for their many excellent traits of heart and mind. Mr. Steeve
is independent in poUtics, casting his baUot at the polls for the men and
measures which in his estimation wiU best conserve the general welfare.
The honors and emoluments of office, however, have no attraction for him,
as he prefers to devote his entire time and thought to the conduct of his
private affiairs. Fle is a man whose career has been inspired by laudable
ambition and whose enterprise and aggressiveness have stood him well in
the battle of life, won him the prosperity w-hich he now enjoys and placed
him in the foremost rank as a representative citizen in the community
where his entire life has been spent.

U. G. REIXIXGER.

One of the leading industrial plants of Shenandoah is that of the Iowa
Wagon Company, of which U. G. Reininger is general manager. He has
sought success along well defined lines of trade and what he has accom
plished is a result of the fit utilization of the innate talents and powers
which are his. He was born in Boone county, Iowa, January 24, 1869, a
son of Joseph L. and Jane (Hyde) Reininger, both of whom were natives
of Pennsylvania. The mother was of Scotch and English extraction, while
the father was of German lineage. He came to Iowa as a young man di
rectly after the Civil war and located in Boone county, where he remained
for a number of years. The lady whom he wedded had come to this state
in her girlhood days with her parents, who established their home in Clay
ton county.
After their marriage Air. and Airs. Joseph L. Reiniiiger began their do
mestic life in Boone county, where they lived for four years, and about
1871 removed to DeKalb county, Missouri, where Air. Reininger purchased
a farm, continuing its cultivation through the succeeding decade. He
then returned to lowar and located at College Springs, Page county, that
he might give his children the advantage of a college education. His wife
died during the period of their residence there and about 1895 the father
came to Shenandoah, wliere he continued to make his home until his de
mise, on the 28th of June, 1908. His political allegiance was given to the
republican party. In antebellum days he was an unfaltering opponent of the
system of slavery, fearlessly advocating his views at a time when to do so

200 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
was to win the epithet of a "black abolitionist." Fiis mother was a cousin
of Peter Cartwright, a great evangelist, and it is possible that through this
branch of the family came Mr. Reininger's firm purpose and unfaltering
devotion to what he believed to be right. Mrs. Reininger, the mother of
our subject, had five brothers who were in the Civil war. One was killed
at Lookout Alountain ; one spent twenty-three months in Andersonville and
Libby prisons ; one died in Andersonville ; and two returned home. Our
subject has one sister living. Airs. J. W. Perry, of Kansas City, whose hus
band is president of the Bank of Comnierce of that place, which is the larg
est bank west of the Mississippi. They have two daughters, Pauline and
Virginia, both at home and attending school.
U. G. Reininger was reared at home, acquiring his education in the pub
lic schools and at Amity College, College Springs, Iowa, where he attended
for six years. During that period he became interested in newspaper work
and after leaving college he established a country paper called the Current
Press at College Springs. Three years later he sold his interest there and
went to Blanchard, purchasing a newspaper plant and publishing the Photo.
He remained there for only a year when he disposed of the plant and
came to Shenandoah to accept the position of manager and assistant editor
of the Sentinel. Nine years he continued in that position and under his con
trol the circulation of the paper was built up, being increased from seventeen
hundred to over forty-five hundred, the Sentinel becoming recognized as
the best and most influential country newspaper published in the state of
Iowa and one of the best in the United States.
During these years Mr. Reininger, in connection with Earl R. Ferguson,
became one of the most prominent factors in promoting Shenandoah's indus
trial development, using the columns of his paper to exploit the interests
and advantages of the city and thus securing the establishment of different
business enterprises here. He has indeed figured prominently in connec
tion with the evolutionary activities, his work being of lasting benefit to the
town. The first business enterprise established here through their efforts
was a Hail Insurance Company, wdiich operated successfully for some
years. Later a company was organized for the buying of poultry, etc., and
afterward an Independent Mutual Telephone Company was organized with
over twelve hundred subscribers. Then came the Shenandoah Light & Gas
Conipany, the Swanson Alauufacturing Company, the Wagon AVorks and
the Shenandoah Brick & TUe Works, and at all times Mr. Reininger was
active in securing the establishment of these business concerns which have
been most valuable features in the commercial and industrial life of the
city.- He is now secretary and cUrector of the Shenandoah Brick & Tile
Company which, at this writing, is entering upon arrangements for a con
solidation with the Lake & Cotrill Brick & Tile Company. He is also the
general manager of the Iowa AVagon Company, wdiich has a large output,
the business constantly increasing under his capable control. He is a man of
determined purpose, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he
undertakes. His energy is marked, his courage undaunted and his per
sistency unfaltering.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 201
Mr. Reininger manifests much of the leading qualities in his poUtical
activity. Since his sixteenth year he has taken an active part in politics,
doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the
political organization with which he is connected. In 1896 he had charge
of the repubUcan campaign and in 1900 was chairman of the county cen
tral committee. However, he does not draw the party line as closely as do
others and has sometimes been called a democrat by the more partisan re
publican.--. His attitude, however, is that of a citizen who desires the best
good of all and believes in supporting the candidates whom he regards as
thoroughly qualified to discharge the duties of the office. He does not be
lieve in sacrificing the general good to partisanship and yet he never falters
in the support of the principles in which he believes.
His fraternal relations are with the Tricentum Lodge, No. 300,
F. & A. M. ; Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M. ; Juniata Lodge, No.
195, K. P. ; Council Bluffs Lodge, No. 595, B. P. O. E. ; the Ancient Order
of United Workman ; the Modern Woodmen of America ; and the Woodmen
of the World. He attends the Congregational church of which his wife
is a member. He was first married in 1888 to Miss Katie Richards, of Col
lege Springs, and unto them were born three children : Beryl, the wife of F.
D. Allen, a telegraph operator at the Wabash station in Shenandoah ; Earl L.,
who is employed by the Pacific Express Company; and Harry, at home.
On the 3Tst of October, 1907, Air. Reininger wedded Miss JuUe HoUem-
back, of Shenandoah. He is well known socially as a man whose good
qualities are widely recognized, while his business standing is aniong the
foremost, his energy, enterprise and ability bringing him into prominent
relations with the industrial and commercial activities of the city.

NOAH McCOWEN.

For more than a half century Noah McCowen has been a resident of
Page county and has therefore been a witness of almost its entire growth
and upbuilding. In the work of general progress he has also cooperated,
his labors being particularly helpful in the line of general agricultural de
velopment. The careful control of his business interests has brought him
substantial success and he is now the owner of. four hundred and sixty-
four acres of valuable land in this county, his home place being pleasantly
situated on the Wall street road about two miles north of the public square
of Clarinda. Mr. McCowen was born in Darke county, Ohio, August 9, 1852, and in
September, 1854, he was brought to this county by his parents, James and
Hulda (Neely) McCowen, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye
state. From the time of their marriage they resided upon a farm in
Ohio until their removal to Page county. The father was born in Darke
county, Ohio, August 14, 1822, and after coming to this state he entered

202 FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
a large tract of land from the government and also purchased other farm
property. His claim comprised three-quarters of a section and this, in
addition to his various purchases, made him the owner of between five and
six hundred acres. His entire life was devoted to general farming and
stock raising and though he lived quietly upon his home place, his many
substantial qualities became known to his feUow citizens, who manifested
appreciation for his sterling worth. He passed away September 22, 1904,
at the venerable age of eighty-two years. His widow, who was born in
Darke county, Ohio, May 6, 1824, still survives and is residing upon the
farm in Nodaway township, to which she was brought by her husband
in 1856. They were the parents of four children: John, who makes his home
in Nodaway township ; Sylvester, living in Clarinda ; Xoah, of this review ;
and Mary E., the wife of Alexander Shum.
X^oali AlcCowen was only two years old when brought by his parents
to Page county and upon the home farm he was reared and remained with
his father until twenty-two years of age, during which time he ably assisted
him in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He was then married
and for ten years thereafter he resided on a part of his father's farm, after
which he purchased his present place in Alarch, 1890, and has since made it
his home. From time to time he has further invested in farm holdings
and is today the owner of four hundred and sixty-four acres of land, all in
this county. His home is two miles north of the public square of Clarinda,
bordering the Wall street road and adjoining the state hospital on the north.
He has here a fine home and good outbuildings, all of wdiich were erected
by him and stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. A spirit of
unfaltering diligence constitutes the basis of a success which is most desira
ble. Fiis fields are now well tilled and in addition to cultivating his crops
he raises high grades of stock and adds materially thereby to his annual
income. On the 29th of October, 1874, Mr. McCowen was married to Miss
Kittie Grinnell, who was born in Plover, Portage county. Wisconsin, Octo
ber 27, 1857, and was about four years of age when brought to Iowa by her
parents, Samuel and Susan (Lynscott) Grinnell, who were natives of
Appleton, Waldo county, Maine. The father was bom October i, 1820,
and the mother's birth occurred September 9, 1828. While residing in
the Pine Tree state Air. Grinnell followed the life of a sailor but subse
quent to his removal to the west engaged in farming. On coming to Iowa
in 1 861 he settled first in Taylor county, where he lived for about five
years, and then removed to Page county. \A'here he continued to make his
home until his life's labors were ended in death. He died June 16, 1868,
and his wife, surviving him for about thirty years, passed away May 5,
1900. In their family were seven children : Alartha E., who is the widow
of W. T. Ghean and resides in Fladdam, Kansas ; Alary L., the wife of
Samuel Pendergraft, of Buffalo, Wyoming ; Delora, who died at the age of
five years ; Kittie, now Mrs. AlcCowen ; Orren, who was a twin brother of
Kittie, and died at the age of two and a half years ; Nercilla H., who is
the widow of William AVebber and resides in Denver, Colorado ; Samuel,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 203
a resident of Buffalo, Wyoming; and Susan R., the wife of Robert FuUer
ton, also of Buffalo.
The marriage of Mr. and Airs. AlcCowen has been blessed with three
children : H. F., who is engaged in merchandising in Clarinda ; J. W.,
of Nodaway township; and J. T., at home. Air. and Mrs. McCowen are
well known in this county where both have resided from early childhood
and where their circle of friends is continually broadening as their circle
of acquaintance is increasing. Fiis political allegiance is given to the de
mocracy and he has served as road officer and as school director, acting
in the latter capacity for the past nineteen years. He has made an enviable
record as an alert, enterprising business man, using his opportunities to
the best advantage, and as the years have gone by he has won a creditable
measure of prosperity as the reward of his well directed energies.

REV. DAA^D AlcKEE.

Rev. David AIcKee, whose life was devoted to the noble purpose of
making the world better and so promoting the causes of civilization and
Christianity, lives today in the memory of all who knew him and the in
fluence of his life remains as a blessed benediction to those with whom
he became associated. A native of Ireland, he was bom April lo, 1821, and
was of Scotch-Irish lineage. When he was four years of age his parents
crossed tbe Atlantic with their family to the United States, settling in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Fourteen years later, in 1839, they
removed to Alercer county in the same state and availing himself of the
educational opportunities offered in the Alercer Academy, Rev. AIcKee
thus qualified for entrance into the junior class at Jefferson College. He
was there graduated in 1847 with a class of sixty-two niembers and the
biographical history of the class as written by the Rev. A. G. Wallace, D. D.,
in 1887, contained the following: "Our class was much indebted for its
good character to a fev/ older and graver members. Among the prominent
leaders of right-doing and good influence was David McKee. Good,
thoughtful, studious, upright, kind, good-hearted and pious, he commanded
the respect of all. No memory of foolish things lingers around his name.
No blush need mantle his cheek as he recalls his college days. He is the
son of David and Jane (Smith) McKee. His grade in class is indicated
on the commencement program — valedictorian, Greek, David AIcKee. His
right was not disputed. He was professor in AVestminster College for
three years, studied theology in the seminary of the Reformed Presbyterian
church in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and was licensed by the presbytery of
Pittsburg, April 19, 1851. He was ordained by the Philadelphia presbytery
July ,5, 1854, as pastor of the Fourth Reformed Presbyterian congregation.
After a few years there he removed to the west and since 1861 has been
pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian church at Clarinda, Iowa. In his
ministry he has won for himself a high standing in the community and

204 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
throughout the church. He has been an able pastor and a faithful defender
of the doctrines of the Cross and a cordial, firm supporter of all the great
moral movements of our day. The synod of 1885 honored him by making
him its moderator. He has been a liberal writer for the press and has
published a sermon on Ministerial Fidelity ahd Reward. September 3,
1856, he was married to Miss Alary Elizabeth Gregg, daughter of David
Gregg, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Around their table have been gathered
three sons and five daughters."
The children oi the Rev. and Mrs. McKee were as follows : David G.,
who is now engaged in the lumber business in Kansas City, Missouri ; Mary
M., the wife of W. M. Black, a resident farmer of Harlan township;
Jane E., the wife of WiUiam Turner, of Bellevue, Idaho; James M., who
died in infancy ; Martha, who also passed away in infancy ; Eda E., the
wife of A. E. Hosack, a resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania; John A.,
who was born in 1870 and died in 1897 at the age of twenty-six years ; and
Anna K., now the wife of J. Ren Lee, who is living on the old homestead
in Harlan township.
Rev. David McKee, who so long figured as one of the honored and rep
resentative citizens of Page county, always took a most active and helpful
interest in its welfare and upbuUding. He contributed liberally toward se
curing the building of railroads through the county and in 1875 he raised
the money with which to make needed improvements on the Page county
fair grounds. He did not believe, as too many men of religious tendency
have done, that the individual has nothing to do with this life but must
continually prepare for a life to come. He realized that Christianity is
Hving the best each day, doing good to one's fellows and striving for the
inculcation of principles of honesty, integrity and morality into our every
day existence. He exerted a most wide-felt influence not only in the pulpit
but through the example of his daily life and work. His entire career was
characterized by noble purpose and kind deeds and he left the impress of
his individuality upon all with whom he came in contact. Mrs. McKee
still survives her husband and resides with her daughter, Mrs. J. Ren Lee.

EDAIOND WILLIAM WHITING.
There is much that was picturesque and interesting in the life history
of Edmond William AA'^hiting, who came to Page county before Shenandoah
was founded or before the seeds of civiUzation had hardly been planted in
the soil of southwestern Iowa. He associated with the vanishing Indians
and hunted the wild deer over the prairies in those pioneer times and lived
to see all the changes which have brought Page county to its present status
of modern civilization and development. As the years have come and gone
his sunny nature enabled him to enjoy life to the fuU. With no vaulting
ambition prompting him to seek wealth, he Uved contentedly, gaining much
from contact with nature and association with friends, and at his death there

EDMOND W. WHITING

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 207
were hundreds throughout the county that felt the deepest regret at his
passing. Mr. Whiting was bom at Sharon Center, Aledina county, Ohio, July 31,
1 83 1. His ancestry can be traced back to a member of the English nobiUty
and to Mary Queen of Scots. He is also a descendant of Israel Putnam,
whom he is said to resemble in many traits of character. He was a son of
William and Lydia Whiting, and at his death was survived by his twin
sisters, Mrs. Mattie Willoughby and Airs. Alary Doughty, both of whom re
side in Hotchkiss, Colorado, and are now seventy-four years of age. The
mother was married again and two half-brothers of Air. Whiting, Charles
English of Hamburg, Iowa, and Simon C. of Oakland, CaUfornia, are yet
living. Mr. A'Vhiting was only a year old when in 1832 his parents removed
to Missouri and in 1836 became residents of Adams county, Illinois. In
1844 Mr. Whiting arrived in Iowa and was closely associated wdth the in
terests of the southwestern portion of the state from that time. In his youth
he was of a roving disposition and, leaving his boyhood home when but four
teen years of age, became a resident of Alills county, this state. Not long
afterward he enlisted as a soldier in the Alexican war. AVhen examined
for enlistment he stood on an ant hUl, which brought his height on a level
with the others in line and, being broad shouldered, he averaged well in
size and so was not questioned as to age and was accepted. The regiment
vvas sent to the front and he participated in the battles of Sante Fe, Ben-
tonsford, Fort Puebla and Fort Laramie. His battalion made forced
marches across the wilderness to the Pacific coast and their track at times
could be traced by their bloody footprints in many rocky places. Footsore
and weary, however, they at length reached their destination.
Not long afterward Mr. Whiting was mustered out owing to the close of
the war and with some companions set out on horseback for Iowa, but on
the way were captured by a band of Pawnee Indians. Through the in
fluence of a young chief, however, they were Uberated but were told to ride
for their lives and, acting on this suggestion, they covered seventy-five miles
the first day. They were thirty days in reaching the Alissouri river.
Air. Whiting took up his abode in Alills county, Iowa, in 1847, ^"d
there remained for five years. He enjoyed the free open life of the prairies
and was fond of hunting and outdoor experiences. In 1852, attracted by the
discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, he went to California, where he spent
four years in mining. Like the great majority of the men who proceeded to
the Pacific coast at that time, he did not find the wealth that he sought and
returned to Alills county. The remainder of his Ufe was largely devoted to
general agricultural pursuits and he completed his arrangements for hav
ing a home of his own in his marriage on the 19th of July, 1857, at Manti,
Fremont county, Iowa, to Aliss Augusta E. AlcConoughey, with whom he
traveled life's iourney happily for over half a century. In the autumn of
1858 they removed to Page county and took up their abode upon a tract of
land which is now a part of the city of Shenandoah, but at that time deer
were roaming over the prairie, which was starred with millions of wild flow-

208 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ers in the month of June and covered with one dazzling sheet of unbroken
snow in January. Mr. Whiting at once began tiUing the farm, remaining
thereon for ten years, after which he again went west to prospect for gold
and was once more captured by the Indians. He did not find mining any
more profitable there than in California and, returning home shortly af
terward, removed to the place which has long been familiar to Page county
citizens as Pleasant Hill Farm. He owned that property and continued to
reside thereon most of the time until his demise. Mrs. Whiting still owns
the home farm of eighty acres and also has three hundred and twenty acres
in Kansas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whiting there were bom five children, but they lost
their elder son, WiUiam E., then a leading physician, thirty-four years of
age, and also their younger son, Bertie, then five years of age. The sur
viving daughters are: Florence G., now the wife of J. K. Baynes of Dear-
field, Missouri; Nettie L., the wife of Charles Dewey of Shenandoah; and
Linnie C, the wife of Edgar Boydston of Imogene, Iowa. A grandson,
Ernest B., was also a member of the household and they adopted two little
boys, Teddie and Freddie, now with Mrs. Whiting.
Mr. Whiting held membership in the Christian church and his Hfe m
his latter years was one of daily worship, his prayers and Bible reading be
ing to him as necessary as his daily food. Even in his illness and delirium
he read passage after passage from an unseen Bible. He led an upright life
and was always ready to assist the needy, was honest as the day is long
and was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. One of the local
papers said oi him: "He loved his home, was a quiet, easy-going, kindly
man, a good citizen who little intruded into the noisy, busy world of aft'airs,
and was highly esteemed for his sterling honesty and his genial, optimistic
disposition." He passed away June 12, 1908, and after the funeral services,
which were held in the Christian church, he was laid to rest in the Shen
andoah cemetery. There remained to his family many cherished memories
of good deeds and of a kindly, genial spirit, and there were in his life many
characteristics worthy of emulation.

J. CHESTER DOW.

J. Chester Dow, editor of the Current-Press of CoUege Springs, was
born in Harlan township. Page county, August 20, 1874. His parents were
WiUiam C. and Lucinda M. (Lafferty) Dow, natives of New York and
Ohio respectively. The father who came to this county in 1857, is now
living with his son Chester, but the mother has passed away. They were
the parents of three sons and three daughters.
On the old homestead in Harlan township J. Chester Dow spent the
first eight years of his life and then accompanied his parents on their re
moval to College Springs, where he has resided continuously since with the
exception of two years, from 1895 until 1897, spent in Riley county, Kansas.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 209
He is a graduate of the public schools of College Springs and also pursued
a business course in Amity College. He likewise spent two years in clas
sical work in Amity College, which is now located at College Springs. He
made his initial step in connection with the printing trade, entering the
office of the Current-Press, of which the Rev. Burr was then the editor.
After a few months he went to Kansas, where he assisted an uncle in a
bank. On his return here he took up the painter's trade, which he followed
for five years during the summer seasons, while the winter months were
devoted to the printer's trade. During that time he carefully saved his
earnings until they were sufficient to enable him to invest in business on
his own account. On the ist of January, 1904, he purchased a newspaper
printing office, but on the 14th of February of the same year the plant
was destroyed by fire together with all it contained. After six weeks Mr.
Dow started anew and for two years conducted his office in the basement
of a drug store, He then built his present home on Main street and has
a well equipped printing plant, from which he turns out a most neat and
attractive paper. The Current-Press is altogether one of the best country
papers of this part of the state. It has a large circulation and is a good
advertising medium and, moreover, is a readable journal, devoted to the
dissemination of local and general news.
On the 19th of June, 1907, Air. Dow was united in marriage to Miss
Estella Stokesbury, a daughter of the Rev. J. W. Stokesbury, the present
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of CoUege Springs. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Dow hold membership in the Methodist church and are greatly
interested in its work, doing all in their power to advance its growth and
promote its progress. Mr. Dow is a stalwart republican in his political
views and has served as city clerk. He has been correspondent for the
Brotherhood of American Yeomen and in business lines manifests a spirit
of marked enterprise and excellent ability in solving intricate business prob
lems. He gives to the public a paper thoroughly modern in every particular
and the success which he is now enjoying in its publication is well merited.

NORMAN AV. CLINE.

Norman W. Cline, now living retired in Clarinda, was in former years
extensively and successfuUy identified with the farming and stock-raising
interests of Page county. His birth occurred in St. Joseph county, Indiana,
on the 2Sth of August, 1847, his parents being George W. and Harriet
(Aloon) Cline, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York.
The family is an old one in this country, several of the name having par
ticipated in the Revolutionary war. The paternal grandparents were
Abraham and Mary D. (McCloud) Cline, the former being a native of
Pennsylvania, while the latter was of Scotch descent. They came to Iowa in
1855 and passed away in Boone county, this state, the death of Abrahani

210 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Cline occurring about 1883 when he had attained the age of ninety-two years,
while his wife was called to her final rest about 1874.
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Cline, the parents of our subject, also made
their way to this state in 1855, finding it largely an unsettled and unde
veloped region of prairie and timber land. They located on an unimproved
tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres, which they entered from the
government at a dollar and a quarter an acre, and the father at once set
himself to the task of bringing the property under cultivation and estab
lishing a home in the pioneer district. In this arduous undertaking he
was ably assisted by his two sons, Norman W. and William W., the latter
being now a resident of Jewell county, Kansas. There were also two
daughters who accompanied the parents on their removal to Iowa, namely:
Barbara I., now living in Boone county, this state; and Harty F., who is
deceased. George W. Cline first erected a log house of one room, fourteen
by sixteen feet, wdth a fire place and sod chimney and al;?o built a cattle
shed. During the first year he had no crop but in the second year planted
and fenced twenty acres of land, hauling the fence rails for a distance
of eight miles. In 1866 he disposed of his farm for eleven doUars an acre
and bought a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres, which was
partly improved and was located within five miles of his orig'inal property.
There he successfuUy carried on his agricultural pursuits until the time of
his demise, which occurred on the 14th of February, 1908, when he had
attained the ripe old age of eighty-four years. His political allegiance was
given to the democracy and he was a man of considerable local influence
and prominence, serving as judge of election in Boone county and also as
township trustee and school director. He was a consistent and valued
member of the Alethodist Episcopal church, as was also his wife, the latter
passing away in that faith on the 12th of January, 1905, wdien seventy-
eight years of age.
Xorman AA^ Cline, who ^\'as a little lad of eight years when he accom
panied his parents on their removal to Boone county, Iowa, there remained
until 1877, wfheii he made his way to Kansas. In that state he purchased
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which-he successfully operated for
a year and a half and then sold the property for six hundred dollars. In
1879 he took up his abode on a partially improved farm of three hundred
and eighty acres in Buchanan township, Page county, and during the period
of his residence thereon brought the fields under a high state of cultivation,
built a dwelling and substantial farm and also fenced the place. He made
his home on this farm for twelve years, devoting his time and energies to
general agricultural pursuits and the raising of cattle, hogs and horses
wdth gratifying success. On disposing of the property he bought a tract of
land of four hundred acres in East River township, wliere he was exten
sively engaged in the buying, feeding and shipping of stock until 1901,
when he sold the place. Subsequently he took up his abode on a farm of
one hundred and ninety acres which he owned in East River township,
making his home thereon until 1906, when he came to Clarinda and has
here since resided in his handsome residence at X^o. 105 Garfield street. He

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 211
was also the owner of a farm of three hundred and seventy acres in Tay
lor county, w-hich he disposed of before coming to Clarinda, and in 1908
he sold his one hundred and ninety-eight acre farm in East River township
and purchased three hundred and fifty acres of land in Taylor county,
which is still in his possession. The prosperity which has crowned his
efforts and which now enables him to spend his remaining days in well
earned ease has come as the direct result of his earnest, persistent and
indefatigalxle labor in former years.
In June, 1872, in Boone county, Iowa, Mr. Cline was joined in wedlock
to Aliss Sarah C. Phipps, a daughter of George AAL and Margaret (Ben-
bow) Phipps, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of
Indiana. This union has been blessed with three children. Mack A., who
is engaged in the real-estate business at Lovell, Wyoniing, married Miss
Alaud Luker, by whom he has five daughters : May, Leta, Opal, Mildred and
Carrie. George AA''. wedded Miss Eva Linebaugh and makes his home in
Clarinda. They had four children, namely: Elva, Cleo and tw-o who died
in infancy. Noia A., the youngest child of Mr. and Airs. Cline, is still
under the parental roof.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. CUne has
given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy
and has served as trustee and school director in both Buchanan and East
River townships. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed throughout
the entire community by reason of their genuine worth and have won the
admiration and respect of all with whom they have come in contact.
Through the successful conduct of agricultural and stock-raising interests
he won the competence that now enables him to live retired, without re
course to further labor, in his beautiful home in Clarinda.

J. B. RUC.KER.'

J. B. Rucker is a self-made man, who has worked his way up in business
circles from a position as a farm hand to the owner of one hundred and
fifty-seven acres of fine farming land located on section 25, VaUey town
ship. He was born in Monroe county, Ohio, August 28, 1856, a son of
John and Jane (Windham) Rucker, who were likewise natives of the
Buckeye state, where they were reared and married. They had a family of
four children but two of the number are now deceased and both parents
have also departed this life.
It was in 1882 that J. B. Rucker of this review made a permanent loca
tion in Page county, he being then a young man of about twenty-six years.
He had acquired his education in the common schools of his native state.
When he started out on his own account he sought a location in the west,
believing that the newer districts offered better opportunities than the
more thickly settled eastern country. Accordingly, as above stated, he came
to Page county and for three years worked as a farm hand. During this

212 HISTQRY OF PAGE COUNTY
time he carefully saved his earnings, for the object uppermost in his mind
was to become the owner of land, and with this as an incentive to stimulate
his efforts he worked earnestly until he found himself in possession of a
sum sufficient to invest in one hundred and seventeen acres situated on
section 25, Valley township. He has improved this place with modern and
substantial buildings for the comfort of his family as well as shelter for
his crops and stock, and altogether his is one of the splendid farms of this
section of Page county. He carries on general farming and rSises stock
of all kinds, both branches of his business proving a profitable source of
revenue to him.
To further estabUsh a home of his own, about the time Mr. Rucker
purchased his farm he also, in 1885, wedded Miss Emma B. Orme, who was
born in Page county, a daughter of Nathan and Lucinda (Sharp) Orme,
who were natives of Ohio but came to Page county in the early '50s. The
father has departed this Ufe but the mother is still living and makes her
home in New Alarket, Iowa. They reared a family of six children. Two
sons grace the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rucker: Allen, who graduated
from the Shenandoah schools and is now on the home farm ; and Windham
B., who is a student at the Western Normal College at Shenandoah. Mrs.
Rucker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Rucker is a democrat in politics and although he keeps himself in
formed cn all pubHc affairs he is not an office seeker. He is a man of exem
plary habits and strict integrity, one who has passed from a humble position
to one of the prominent and reliable farmers and citizens of Page county.

WILLIAM L. LUNDY.

W^idely known and highly esteemed in the business circles of Clarinda,
WilUam L. Lundy is conducting a real-estate, loan and insurance office
in connection with J. W. Cozad, under the name of the Clarinda Real
Estate Company. He has resided in this city since 1880, coming to Page
county from Lacon, Marshall county, Illinois. He is one of the native sons
of that state, his birth having occurred in Putnam county, Illinois, on the
3d of Alarch, 1856. His parents were Benjamin C. and Catharine (Haines)
Lundy, the former a practicing physician. While spending his boyhood
days in his parents' home, William L. Lundy pursued his education and
then qualified for the conduct of a drug business, being admitted to that
field of labor by license from the state board of pharmacists, successfully
passing the pharmacists' examination in 1880. He then entered the drug
business and for a number of years engaged in clerking in different drug
stores but subsequently purchased a store which he conducted with con
tinued success under his own name for nineteen years. His business enter
prise stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. He has never regarded
any position as final but rather as the starting point for new endeavor and
his ready discrimination between the essential and non-essential has been

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 213
one of the most important elements in his success. Not all of his time has
been given to individual interests in business affairs, for he has devoted
considerable attention to public service. He acted for eight years as city
clerk, his continuance in the office being proof of the trust and confidence
reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen. In 1901 he was elected county
treasurer and again for the succeeding three terms, making a total of
seven years in that office. He retired from the position in January, 1909,
with the confidence and good wiU of all congBrned, for in the faithful dis
charge of his duties he had proven his loyalty and capabiUty. For a long
period he has been a recognized leader in republican circles and for three
terms was chairman of the Page county repubhcan committee. His work
for his party has been of an effective nature but while he is a firm beUever
in Its principles he never sacrifices the general good to partisanship nor
does he place personal aggrandizement before the general welfare. Since
retiring from office he has engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance busi
ness under the name of the Clarinda Real Estate Company and is now as
sociated with J. W. Cozad in the conduct of iniportant interests of that
character. On the 2ist of October, 1885, Mr. Lundy was married to Miss Alice C.
Clement, a daughter of A. T. Clement, a leading merchant of Clarinda.
They now have one child, Lorene, at home. Mr. Lundy is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken high rank, having attained the
thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the Mystic
Shrine. Few men in Clarinda are more prominent or more widely known in
business circles than Mr. Lundy, for through a considerable period he
has been associated with its development while by his own capable manage
ment and close application he has worked his way upward until he now
occupies a place among the substantial and well-to-do citizens.

ANDREW T. IRWIN.

Andrew T. Irwin, who for many years was closely associated with
business interests, his careful control thereof leading to success that now
enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of weU earned rest, was bom
in Northumberland count}^ Pennsylvania, September 17, 1833. He is a
son of William B. and Jane (Ten Brook) Irwin, natives of Pennsylvania.
The latter was a daughter of Andrew Ten Brook, who was born in New
Jersey in 1772. Her mother bore the maiden name of Eleanor Correy and
was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1776.
AVilliam B. Irwin was a blacksmith of McEwensville, Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania, and was thus closely associated with the industrial
life of the community for many years. He died in 1888 at the age of
eighty years. His political allegience had been given to the democracy
and for forty-five years he had served as justice of the peace, his decisions
being strictly fair and impartial, so that he "won golden opinions from all
sorts of people." A lifelong member oi the Presbyterian church he served

214 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
as one of its elders for many years and took a most active and helpful
interest in its work. His first wife, the mother of our subject, died in
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, at the early age of twenty-five
years when her son, Andrew, was but two years of age. There was also a
daughter in the family, Mrs. Jane Smith, who died in Oklahoma in 1903.
After the death of the mother the father married again, his second union
being with Mary Keeder, a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania,
born in 1839. By this marriage there were five sons : Ellis L., who was a
member of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Civil war and is
now deceased; John C, who became a member of the Fifty-third Penn
sylvania Infantry and died while being held as a prisoner of war at Millen,
Georgia, in 1864; James C, who was a member of the Seventh Pennsylvania
Cavalry and died in Louisville, Kentucky, about 1862, while serving his
country ; Henry R. ; and Edward P., who is living in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. Andrew T. Irwin was reared in Pennsylvania, remaining in that
state until he attained his majority. He supplemented his preliminary
education, acquired in the district schools, by study at McEwensviUe Acad
emy, with the intention of preparing for the ministry but gave this up.
Leaving school at the age of nineteen years, he afterward carried on farm
ing until twenty-one years of age, when he removed westward to AlcDon-
ough county, Illinois, wdiere he acted as station agent for the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Prairie City, for sixteen years. In 1881
he removed to Shenandoah and accepted a clerkship with a grain firm —
Burr & Randolph — ^witli whom he continued for two years. He was after
ward employed by another grain firm for six months, at the end of which
time he became bookkeeper in the First National Bank and so continued for
five and a half years. He next became assistant cashier of the bank in
Templeton, CarroU county, Iowa, after which he returned to Shenandoah
and acted as bookkeeper in the Shenandoah bank for several months. He
then took charge of the business of the Home Building & Loan Associa
tion, acting- as its secretary for eleven and a half years, at the end of which
time he resigned on the ist of January, 1909, and is now living retired.
He has led a busy and useful life and his well directed energy, thrift and
perseverance have brought to him the creditable measure of success which
he is now enjoying.
On the nth of December, 1856, in Northumberland county, Pennsyl
vania, Mr. Irwdn was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Everitt, a native of
that county. Unto them were born two children: Kate, who is now prin
cipal of the Forest Park school of Shenandoah; and WUUam E., who is
manager of the Andrew's dry-goods store, the leading establishment of that
character in Shenandoah. The family residence is at No. 402 West street
and is one of the attractive homes of the city.
The parents are niembers of the Presbyterian church and take an active
and helpful interest in its work and make generous contributions to its sup
port. Mr. Irwin has for twenty-eight years been one of the elders in the
church and has also been one of its trustees. His political support is given

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 215
to the democracy and he is much interested in the political c[uestions and
issues of the day. He has served as secretary of the school board since
1895 and the cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend.
He has been again and again called upon for official service in various con
nections and since 1888 has been honored as the secretary of the Odd Fel
lows lodge. Fle is much interested in literature, Dickens and Thackery
being among his favorite authors, and he has also been a great reader of
history. He is today recognized as a man of broad intelligence and general
culture, whose life in all of its salient characteristics is well vyorthy of
emulation and regard. Without invidious distinction he may well be termed
one oi the foremost residents of Shenandoah.

LEWIS ANNAN.

Lewis Annan was born near Page Center in Page county, July 14, 1863,
and has always resided in this locality, making his home continuously in
Nodaway township save for his first year. He is now busily engaged in
the conduct of Evergreen Farm, a valuable property nortii of Clarinda,
and is likewdse conducting a successful nursery business. He represents
one of .the old families of the county, his parents being John and Sophia
(Myers) Annan, who came here at an early date. The father removed
westward to Iowa from Jackson county, Indiana, in 1855, and is now one
of the most extensive land owners of the state, having about fifteen hun
dred acres which is now occupied and cultivated by his children. It is all
situated in this county and comprises some of the finest farm land in Iowa.
He and his wife make their home in Clarinda, his extensive realty interests
returning to him a very substantial and gratifying income which supplies
him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is classed
with the foremost citizens of southwestern Iowa and his success is the
merited reward of persistent and earnest labor, careful investment and keen
discrimination in business affairs.
Lewis Annan was reared under the parental roof and in his youthful
days acquired his education in the public schools. His business training
was received under the direction of his father, who gave to his children the
benefit of his experience and sound judgment. Lewis Annan was only a
year old when his parents removed to Nodaway township and he has since
Uved within its borders, devoting his attention to farming and to the nursery
business since he attained his majority. He now conducts a farm of two
hundred and sixty-five acres just north of the corporation limits of Clarinda
which belongs to his father and is known as the Evergreen Farm, appro
priately thus «tyled because of the many beautiful evergreen trees upon it. He
has conducted an extensive and profitable nursery business for the past sev
enteen years, handling fruit, shade and ornamental trees, about thirty-eight
acres of the place being devoted to nursery stock, for which he finds a ready

216 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
sale on the market, as he has made a close study of the kinds of trees adapted
to soil and climate. He likewise engages in raising Shetland ponies and has
shorthorn cattle and Percheron horses. He exhibits his stock at the fairs
where he has won many premiums for he handles only those of high grade.
Upon his farm he has excellent buildings, including a fine home, and the
farm has been brought to its present high state of perfection through the
efforts of himself and his father. • Mr. Annan is now a stockholder in the
Percheron Association of America and in the Columbus Percheron Asso
ciation of Ohio.
On the 2d of April, 1891, Mr. Annan was united in marriage to Miss
Nevada L. Behm, a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, born August
^7) 1873. She came to this county when four years of age with her parents,
William and Sally Behm. Her mother is. now deceased but her father still
survives and makes his home with Mr. and Airs. Annan, who are now the
parents of six children, Ethel, Catharine, John, Helen, Gladys and Mary.
The family is prominent socially and the Evergreen Farm is one of the
most hospitable of the county, their home being ever open for the reception
of their many friends. The name of Annan stands as a synonym for busi
ness enterprise and progress, for the well directed efforts of its representa
tives have gained them a position of distinction among the successful men
of the county.

MRS. SARAH M. TURNER.
Mrs. Sarah M. Turner, residing in Coin, has many warm friends in the
town and throughout this part of the county. She is the widow of William
H. Turner, who was born in Vinton county, Ohio, August 3, 1842, and was
a son of Andrew and Mary (Dixon) Turner, who -were early settlers of
Vinton county. The father was a miller by trade and during the boyhood of
his son WilUam he was accidentaUy killed in a grist mill, so that WUUam
Turner had to assume the burden and responsibilities of supporting the
family, managing the property interests and attending to the farm, for he
was the eldest son. There were seven children : Nancy and Amy, both
deceased ; Sarah ; William H. ; David ; Alary J. and Andrew, who have
also passed away. The mother died in 1862.
Soon after the death of the father the family removed to Stark county,
IlUnois, and there WUUam H. Turner attended the public schools. He was
a farmer throughout his entire life, which was a busy and useful one, his
labors being crowned with a creditable measure of success. After arriv
ing at years of maturity he married Miss Sarah M. Fantz, who was born
in Stark county, Illinois, and was a daughter of George and Sallie (Spring
er) Fantz. Her father was born in Baden, Germany, and when thirteen
years of age came to the United States with his parents, Michael and Eliza
beth Fantz. They settled in Ohio, near Columbus, where the grandfather
rented land, he and his wife spending their remaining days there. George
Fantz and a younger brother then removed to Illinois, settUng in Stark

ME. AND MRS. WILLIAM H. TURNER

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 219
county, where they purchased land. They traveled westward with a family
in a covered wagon and Mr. Fantz became identified with agricultural in
terests in Stark county, where he continued to engage in general farming
until his death in November, 1888. His wife, who bore the maiden name
of Sallie Springer, was born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of George
and EUizabeth Springer, early settlers of the Keystone state. Later they be
came residents of Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. George Fantz were born
twelve children: John, who is now Hving in CaUfornia; Elizabeth, the de
ceased wife of Richard Hare; Pollie, the wife of Joseph Armantrout, living
at Duncan, IlUnios ; Noah, who died in Andersonville prison during the
Civil war ; Andrew, who died in Arkansas ; Catherine, deceased ; Lavina, the
deceased wife of Wallace Steele ; Mrs. Turner ; Henry, who has also passed
away; David, who is living in Atchison county, Missouri; Ellen, the wife
of Arthur Wheeler, of Ellenwood, Stark county, IlUnois ; and Martha, the
wife of Thonias Standard, whose home is in Pomona, Califomia.
Mrs. Turner was reared in the county of her nativity, where she re
mained until nineteen years of age and during her girlhood days she mas
tered the branches of learning taught in the district schools. She was mar
ried in Stark county, Illinois, Alay 31, 1868, and for a year they reniained
in that county, after which they removed to Iowa, settUng in Nodaway
county. A year was there passed, at the end of which time they went to
Atchison county, Alissouri, where they purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land. Upon that place they lived for nine years, when they sold
their property there and returned to Illinois, settUng in Peoria county,
where Air. Turner purchased two hundred acres of land. Through the
succeeding decade his time and energies were devoted to the cultivation and
improvement of that property and on the expiration of that period they dis
posed of their interests in Illinois and in December, 1888, came to Page
county, Iowa, settling just west of Northboro, where they purchased one
hundred and sixty acres. Upon that farm they lived until 1899, when they
again sold out and removed to the vicinity of Shenandoah, purcliasing the
old John Ross farm of one hundred and sixty acres. While living upon
that place Mr. Turner died on the 13th of August, 1907, his remains be
ing interred in the Blanchard cemetery. Recently Airs. Turner has sold the
farm for one hundred and forty dollars per acre. Following her husband's
death, she removed to Coin in 1907 and has since made her home in the
town. Unto Mr. and Airs. Turner were born nine children : Mary, the eldest,
is the wife of Peter C. Currey, living at Hopkins, Alissouri. Hattie became
the wife of Otto MiUer, a resident of Oklahoma, and died in March, 1907,
at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving two children — Andrew and Fred.
Virgil O. married Hattie McGarry and resides at Vivian, South Dakota,
with his wife and two sons — Olin and Virgil. Delia is an accomplished
young lady who resides at home with her mother, to whom she is most de
voted ; Alice is the wife of Alark Bloom, who resides on a farm formerly
owned by Mrs. Tumer near Shenandoah, and they had four children, of
wdiom Lyman and Glenda are living, while Otto and Alelvin are deceased.

220 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Andrew married Alaud AlcCord and with their two sons, Marvin and Tal,
they reside at Coin. Alarvin, who married Grace McGarry and has one
son, Edward, makes his home near Blanchard, Iowa. Richard died at the
age of four years and one child died in infancy.
Mrs. Turner is a member of the Methodist church and in past years
took an active and helpful interest in its work. She first became a resident
of Iowa in 1868 and has hved in Page county since 1888. In the inter
vening years she has become widely known and her many good qualities
have won her a host of warm friends.

J. REN LEE.

J. Ren Lee, numbered among the enterprising and progressive argicul-
turists of Harlan township, his home being on section 14, was born in
Fremont, Nebraska, December 20, 1869. His parents were James M.
and .Sarah Al. (Johnson) Lee. The father was a native of the province
of Ulster in the county of Monaghan, Ireland, born in 1833, a.nd when
twenty years of age he left the Emerald Isle and sailed for America, taking
up his abode in Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed w^estward to Wis
consin and afterward established his home in Nebraska but later came to
Iowa and his death occurred August 16, 1909, in Clarinda. His widow is
a native of Ohio.
J. Ren Lee was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children
and was but two years of age when his parents removed from Fremont to
AA'ahoo, Nebraska. He resided with them until twenty-five years of age
and through the period of his youth attended the public schools and enjoyed
such pleasures as the youth of the day indulged in. He also performed
such duties as were assigned him by parental authority, spending some
time as clerk in his father's general store. He was qualified for the com
mercial world by a course in the high school and in a business college,
from which he was graduated. When twenty-five years of age he left home
and began farming in Nebraska, where he remained until 1897, when he
came to Page county and has since lived on the farm which is now his
home and which was formerly the property of the Rev. David McKee. It
is known as the Orchard Grove farm and is a valuable property of one hun
dred and sixty acres, on which is seen a fine grove together with a substan
tial dweUing that was erected by Air. AleKee and two barns that were
built by Air. Lee. Pie carries on general farming and stock raising and also
owns an adjoining tract of land, known as the Lee Grove farm, of two
hundred and fifty acres. He cultivates both places and is thus extensively
engaged in general agricultural pursuits. In all of his work he is practical,
enterprising and progressive and accomplishes what he undertakes, as
the result of his determined purpose and unfaltering energy. In addition
to his farming interests he is known as an active factor in business circles
and his judgment is sound and reliable. He is now one of the directors

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 221
of the Lee Electric Light Company of Clarinda ; a director of the Clarinda
Trust & Savings Bank; a director of the Clarinda Chautauqua and a stock
holder in the county fair. He was one of the original promoters of the
Electric Light & Heat Conipany, cooperated in the building of the plant
and has since had a voice in the management of the business as a member
of the directorate.
On the 5th of February, 1896, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss
Anna K. McKee, who was born June 26, 1871, on the farm which is yet
her home. She is a daughter of the Rev. David AIcKee, of whom mention
is made on another page of this volume. Air. and Mrs. Lee have become
the parents of four children : Mary EUzabeth, Sarah Alargaret, Dorothy
Gregg and Gertrude Alice.
The family attend the Reformed Presbyterian church, in which the
parents hold membership and in which Mr. Lee is now serving as an elder.
His life is actuated by his Christian belief and conforms to the teachings
of the church, so that he is straightforward and honorable in all of his
business relations, loyal in citizenship, faithful in friendship and devoted
to the welfare of his family.

CHARLES H. OATES.

Charles H. Oates, for forty years a resident of Page county, is thns
numbered among its pioneer settlers and, moreover, is classed with those
whose efforts and labors have constituted a vital force in the county's up
buUding and progress. He is now a successful and enterprising merchant
of Clarinda, enjoying a good trade as a furniture dealer. He was born
November 5, 1855, his parents being John F.- and Rebecca (Foute) Oates,
both of whom were natives of A^irginia. At an early date they removed
westward to Ohio and after living there for some years sought a home
in Page county, Iowa, where they arrived in 1869. The father was a
wheelwright and foUowed that trade in early manhood but subsequently
engaged in farming and continued to till the soil through the period of his
residence in this state. Fle passed away in 1871, while his wife survived
him for some time and died on the old homestead farm.
Charles H. Oates was in his youthful days when he accompanied his
parents on their removal to Iowa. He pursued his education in the public
schools until he had mastered the work of the grammar grade and later
he continued his studies in the high school at Villisca. He then engaged
in farming from that time lintil 1899 and through the period of his connec
tion with agricultural interests put forth earnest, persistent effort in tilling
the soil and in the cultivation of crops best adapted to climate and condi
tions here. Thinking, however, to find commercial pursuits more congenial
and profitable, he came to Clarinda ten years ago and through the inter
vening decade has been connected with the commercial life of the city.
On his arrival he purchased an interest in a furniture and undertaking busi-

222 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ness and three years later bought out his partner's interest and became sole
proprietor. He has since conducted his store in his own name and now has
a well appointed furniture and undertaking establishment. His line of
goods covers a wide range, including some of the best manufactured prod
ucts of the furniture factories as well as those of cheaper grades and he is,
therefore, able to meet the various tastes and demands of his patrons.
Throughout his career he has made it his purpose to adhere closely to a
high standard of commercial ethics and he enjoys the respect and honor of
all with whom he has been associated in trade relations. His store is
twenty-six by one hundred and forty feet and its tasteful arrangement
constitutes an iniportant feature in his success. He is also a licensed
embalmer and does a good business as an undertaker.
In October, 1877, Mr. Oates was united in marriage to Miss Sadie
McVay, of Page county, a daughter of Emanuel McVay, who was a farmer
by occupation but is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Oates have a circle of
friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. In Ne
braska township, where he lived so long, Mr. Oates served for twenty
years as the treasurer of his school district and was also road commissioner.
He belongs to the Alasonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias lodge and
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is greatly esteemed by his
brethren of those organizations. He likewise belongs to the Methodist
church, of which he is a trustee, while for the past six or eight years he has
been a member of its official board. He has earned for himself an enviable
reputation as a careful business man and in his present connection, through
his prompt and honorable methods, he has won the deserved and unbounded
confidence of his fellow citizens.

JOSEPH WARREN COZAD.
While Joseph AVarren Cozad has but recently entered the real-estate
field, his previous business experience and his spirit of determination and
enterprise argue weU for his success in this line. Joining AV. L. Lundy, he
organized the Clarinda Real Estate Company and with offices in the Na
tional Bank building they are conducting a real-estate, loan and insurance
business wdth a rapidly increasing clientage. Mr. Cozad came to Clarinda
in 1903 but prior to this time was well known in the county, for he is one
of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Red Oak, January 26,
1870. His parents were William and Mary Elizabeth (Hewitt) Cozad,
who were farming people, the father devoting his life to the tilling of the
soil in order to provide a competence for himself and family. As the years
passed he prospered in his undertakings and is now living retired in the en
joyment of well earned rest. He has been somewhat prominent and in
fluential in local political circles and for eight years served as a member of
the board of supervisors of Alontgomery county, his labors in that connec-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 223
tion being highly satisfactory to the general pubhc and creditable alike to
himself and his constituents.
Reared on the home farm Joseph Warren Cozad early became familiar
with the duties and labors that faU to the lot of the agriculturist. He
was educated in the public schools and, passing through consecutive grades,
at length became a student in the Red Oak high school. He made his initial
step in the business world in connection with the clothing trade, conducting
a store of that character until 1903, when he sold out and removed to
Clarinda. Here he engaged in the purchase and sale of horses and also
conducted a livery business. He met with prosperity in that undertaking
and continued therein until 1909 when, recognizing the opportunity for
successful operation in real-estate fields, he joined W. L. Lundy in organiz
ing the Clarinda Real Estate Company. They now not only handle property
but also place loans and represent various insurance companies, each de
partment of their business being now well organized, so that they are meet
ing with substantial success.
On the i8th of February, 1901, Mr. Cozad was united in marriage to
Miss NelUe McCartney Butler, a daughter of WiUiam Butler, of Clarinda
and of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. For six years they
traveled life's journey happily together and were then separated by the
death of the wife who passed away on the 4th of July, 1907. She left one
son, Vv''illiam Butler Cozad, who was born August 7, 1902. In all of his
business relations Mr. Cozad has been actuated by the spirit of enterprise
which is a dominant factor in the upbuilding and progress of the middle
west. Fle is a man of resolute spirit, brooking no obstacles that can be
overcome by determined and persistent effort and his achievement of suc
cess represents the fit utiUzation of his innate talents and powers.

NEHEMIAH AVOODRUFF.
The name of Nehemiah AA'oodruff is found on the honor roll of Page
county owing to the fact that he was a loyal soldier of the Civil war but
he has been an active and upright business man and in all matters of citizen
ship he has displayed a spirit of fidelity and progressiveness. Since 1870
he has resided continuously in Page county, where he has been connected
with both agricultural and commercial pursuits but is now practically living
retired. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, November 3, 1833, and was
one of the family of ten children whose parents, Joseph and Rhoda (Young)
Woodruff, were both natives of Pennsylvania. They lived for some time
in Ohio but spent their last days in Illinois. The father was a cooper by
trade and in following that pursuit provided for his family, which numbered
eight sons and two daughters. He served his country in the war of 1812
for a short time. A brother-in-law of our subject, Perry Jones, served in
the Mexican war under Captain Hodges.

224 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
In his early boyhood Nehemiah AVoodruff accompanied his parents on
their removal from Knox county to Delaware county, Ohio, where he
remained until eighteen years of age, when the family went to Noble county,
Illinois. There he resided until after his marriage and in 1859 he became
a resident of Iowa, settling first in Keokuk county. He enUsted from there
on the 14th of Alay, 1861, joining the boys in blue of Company F, Fifth
Iowa Volunteer Infantry. After being in the state service for about two
months he was mustered into the United States service and served for about
two years, when he was honorably discharged in the fall of 1863 at Corinth,
Mississippi. The first engagement in which he participated was at Croton,
Iowa, and he was afterward at New Madrid and Fort Pillow, acting as
guard for the gunboats. His regiment was with the troops held for rein
forcement at Shiloh, where they arrived the morning after the Confederates
were driven back. After the engagement at Corinth, Alississippi, they pro
ceeded to Holly Springs. Air. Woodruff' was the first man of the Fifth
Iowa Infantry who was wounded, being struck by rebel lead while guarding
a bridge at the mouth of the Osage river. He was in the hospital for a
short time and as soon as his wound had sufficiently healed he was appointed
cook by the captain and when he had recovered to a further degree he was
placed on guard duty. Later, however, he was taken ill and because of
physical disability was honorably discharged. AVhen able to be at the
front there was no more faithful or loyal soldier nor one who had a
stronger attachment for the stars and stripes.
At the time of his enlistment Mr. Woodruff was conducting a grocery
store at South English, Iowa, and turned the business over to his father.
When he was discharged from the army he made his way to Noble county,
IlUnois, where his family had gone in the m.eantime. For several years
after his return to the north he was incapacitated for business. In 1864 he
went to Tama county, Iowa, where he resided until 1870, wdien he came to
Page county, where he has since made his home. Here he has conducted
a butcher shop, a livery barn and a hotel and has also carried on general
fairming but is now living retired. In addition to town property in Sham
baugh he owns thirty-six acres adjoining the village limits and is comfort
ably situated in life, so that in the evening of his days it is not necessary
that he have recourse to further labor to supply himself with the necessities
and comforts which go to make life worth living.
It was in 1854 tbat Air. Woodruff was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Jones, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, Alay i, 1836. They were
playmates in their childhood, which was spent in the Buckeye state, but
their marriage was celebrated in Illinois, to which state her father had re
moved. Her parents were Samuel and Maria (Cockrell) Jones, the former
a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. Air. Jones died in
Illinois, while his wife passed away in Ohio. They were the parents of
eleven children, ten of wdiom reached adult age. The marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. AVoodruff was blessed with ten children: Joseph, who is now living
in Abilene, Texas ; Rosella, the wife of S. J. Colvin, -who makes his home
in Clinton, Alissouri; David, a resident of Sacramento, CaUfornia; Edward,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 225
who is in Taylor county, Iowa ; Lottie, the wife of C. x\. Hamm, of Sham
baugh ; Walter, of South Dakota; Mrs. Alartha BonsaU, now deceased;
Charles, living in Shambaugh ; Frederick H., who follows farming in East
River township; and one who died in infancy. Ina AA'oodruft", a grand
daughter of our subject, has resided with her grandfather since the death
of her mother.
Air. AA'oodruff is a member of Clarinda Post, X^o. ii, G. A. R., of
Clarinda and thus meets in pleasant relation his fellow comrades of the
Civil war. His poUtical allegiance has always been given to the republican
party whicii has found in him a stalwart champion. He has ever sought the
good of the community along lines of progressive citizenship and has given
tangible aid to many movements which have related to the general welfare.

ERICK WALL.

Erick AA-'all, who is widely known as a leading stock raiser and dealer
of X'odaway township, his home being on section 7, is a native of Sweden,
his birth having occurred near the little village of Xykopiiig, in Soderman
land, February 10, 1870. His parents are Carl Gustaf and Eva (Spong-
borg) AA^all, who spent their entire lives in Sweden. Their family num
bered seven children but Erick AA'all was the only one wlio came to the
United States. He remained a resident of his native land until 1890, when
he came single and alone to Iowa. He had no money but he possessed
what constitutes a better capital — determination, energy and industry. At
once he sought employment as a fann hand and worked in that way in Page
county for six years. He afterward rented land for five years, during
which time he carefully and economically saved his earnings until he was
enabled to purchase property. Gradually he has worked his way upward,
winning in honorable manner the success which he now enjoys and which
has enabled him to become the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of
valuable land in Douglas township, Page county, on the Alontgomery county
line. He resided thereon for three years and then rented his place and
came to the Ed Anderson farm, which comprises twelve hundred and fifty-
eight acres. He is a partner of Air. Anderson in the operation of this farm,
which is devoted to the raising of live stock of all kinds. He feeds cattle
on quite an extensive scale, keeping on hand about five hundred head
annually. Here Air. AA^all has resided for five years. He has stock upon his
own farm, which he is operating in partnership with the man who now resides
upon it. Besides his property in this county he also owns six hundred and
fifty-two acres near Tingley, Ringg'old county, Iowa.
In 1896 Air. AA^ail was united in marriage to Aliss Carrie Linquist, who
was born in Page county, Iowa, Alarch 21, 1876. She is a daughter of
Charles and Elizabeth CBeechler) Lincitiist, natives of Sweden and of Illi
nois, respectively. Air. and Airs. AA'all now have five children : Herb,
Florence, Viola. Bernard and RusseU.

226 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Mr. Wall has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek
a home in the new world, for he here found the opportunities which he
sought and in their utilization has made steady progress in the business
world, being now numbered among the substantial residents of Page county.

ARCHIBALD T. CLEMENT.
Many theories have been advanced concerning the best methods of se
curing success but an analyzation of the Ufe record of those men who have
made substantial advancement indicates that the great majority have placed
their dependence solely upon persistent effort and well directed energy.
These qualities have been predominant forces in the life of Archibald T.
Clement, who was born in western New^ York, August 21, 1832, and has,
therefore, passed the seventy-seventh milestone on Ufe's journey. He
is a son of Stillman and Mary (Taylor) Clement. The father was both
farmer and teacher, depending upon those lines of business for the mainte
nance which he gained for himself and family. While spending his boyhood
days under the parental roof Archibald T. Clement pursued his education
in the public schools and was stimulated to effective effort for the acquire
ment of knowledge by his father's keen interest in educational affairs.
Through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields until twenty-two
years of age, when he went to Kentucky where he carried on merchandis
ing, buying wood and tobacco. For five years he handled those commodi
ties and then returned to the old homestead in New York.
It was about that time that Mr. Clement was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza Costello, of Cincinnati. He engaged in farming for two years on
the old homestead after his retum to New York. Subsequently he made
his way to the middle west and for some years was engaged in general
agricultural pursuits in Grant county, AVisconsin, but at length he deter
mined to put aside the work of the fields and settled in Osage, Mitchell
county, where he established a furniture and undertaking business, continu
ing at that place for three years. He then sold out and removed to Lincoln,
Nebraska, before the building of the railroads to that city. From that
point he proceeded to Topeka, Kansas, and on the 13th of Alarch, 1869,
arrived in Clarinda. This city was then a comparatively small and unim
portant town but he believed that southwestern Iowa had good prospects
and that it would enjoy rapid and substantial growth, thus furnishing an
attractive field for mercantile endeavor. Here he purchased a building and
opened a stock of furniture and undertaking supplies on the south side of
the square. He has conducted the business continuously since, covering
about forty years and no merchant of the city is more widely or favorably
known. In 1882 he erected his present brick building, which is a two-story
structure twenty- four by one hundred and twenty feet. No word has ever
been uttered against his commercial integrity and the methods which he

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 227
has employed in extending his business have ever been honorable and
straightforward. Unto Air. and Mrs. Clement have been bom three children : Alary, now
the wife of Brose Robinson, editor of the Democrat at Clarinda ; .A.lice, the
wife of AAL L. Lundy, of Clarinda, ex-county treasurer and a real estate
dealer of this city; and Minnie, at home. They also lost a son and a
daughter: Stillman, who was drowned when fifteen years of age; and
Jennie, who was the vrife of Jacob Loy, a druggist.
Mr. Clement is in hearty sympahty with the principles and purpose of
the Masonic fraternity and that he is loyal to its teachings is indicated by
the fact that he is a past master of the lodge. He also belongs to the Knights
of Pythias fraternity. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and he was for many years a member of the city council and also
served as school director, filling the latter position at the time when the
high school buUding was erected. Mr. Clement is very widely known in
this part of the state for through many years he was the only undertaker
in thecounty. He has been dUigent in business, public-spirited in citizenship,
loyal in friendship and devoted to the best interests of his family.

A. W. GOLDBERG.

A. W. Goldberg, representing commercial interests in Shenandoah as
proprietor of a clothing and men's furnishing store, is classed with the
worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Page county. His birth
occurred in that country, February ii, 1864, his parents being Samuel and
Rachel (Mincer) Goldberg, both of whom were natives of Germany, where
they were reared and married. In 1865 the father crossed the Atlantic
to America, where he was joined by his wife and son four years later.
Locating first in Chicago, he entered business there as a commercial sales
man. From that city he removed to West Union, Iowa, in 1874 and three
years later became a resident of Hamburg, Fremont county, where he
established himself in the clothing and men's furnishing business. Suc
cess attended him in the venture and in 1887 he extended the scope of his
activities by opening another store in Nebraska City. This he continued
in connection with his Hamburg store and in 1892 he removed the Hamburg
store into more commodious quarters to accommodate the increasing trade
and added a general line of dry goods, shoes, etc. A successful and growing
business was conducted until 1897, when the store was destroyed by fire
and the business in Hamburg was discontinued. Soon after the fire the
store in Shenandoah was opened and A. W. Goldberg came to this point to
look after the business here, his father remaining in Xebraska City to man
age the interests of the firm there. He stiU resides in Nebraska City and
is one of the progressive merchants of that place.
A. W. Goldberg was only five years of age when brought by his parents
to the United States. He acquired his early training in the common schools

228 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
and as a boy in his fathers store, so that from early youth he has been con
nected with merchandising and has had broad and practical experience in
this direction. In 1892 he was taken into the business as a partner in the
Hamburg store and after his father opened the Nebraska City store the
Hamburg store was left under the management of A. W. Goldberg and a
partner. On the opening of the Shenandoah store in 1897 Mr. Goldberg
assumed the complete management of this business and in the intervening
years has built up a leading clothing and men's furnishing goods enter
prise of the city. The business was conducted under the firm name of S.
Goldberg & .Son until July i, 1909, when our subject purchased his father's
interest and is now sole proprietor. The store is altogether a modern one
and only high grade lines are carried. The trade has constantly increased
until it has now assumed extensive proportions and the enterprise of the
owner makes him one of the representative and valued merchants of the
city. Fle has from the beginning of his residence here been closely asso
ciated with the commercial development of Shenandoah and is a member
of the board of directors of the Home Building & Loan Association, is sec
retary and director of the Shenandoah Fair Association and is a member
of the Shenandoah Commercial Club.
In 1895 Air. Goldberg was married to Miss Alinnie Levy, a resident of
Nebraska City, and unto them have been born two sons, Albert L. and
Leland R. Air. Goldberg is a member of Tricentum Lodge, No. 300,
F. & A. AL; Sheshbazzar Chapter, Xo. 82, R. A. AI. ; and Shenandoah
Chapter, No. 81, O. E. S. For many years he was high priest of the chapter
and has always taken an active and helpful interest in Masonic affairs. Pie
belongs to Juniata Lodge Xo. 195, K. P., and is its present chancellor com
mander. He also belongs to Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E.,
and to Page Camp, Xo. 1049, AI. AAL A. In politics he is somewhat inde
pendent with republican proclivities. His life is preeminently that of a
successful, energetic and enterprising business man, yet his interests are not
so self-centered as to exclude his active participation in affairs relative to the
interests of the public. In fact he stands as a loyal supporter of many
measures for the general good and his opinions are backed by tangible
and substantial support.

WILLIAM W. W^ELCH.
The activities of ViUiani AA". AA^elch have been of such extent and im
portance as to leave the impress of his individuality upon the history of
Clarinda and this part of the state and he is numbered among the most
prominent and honored residents here, his labors contributing in substantial
measure to the development of this and other cities. With keen foresight
he seems to recognize the value of a business situation and opportunities that
others have passed by heedlessly he has noted and improved. A native of
Pennsylvania, Air. Welch was born in AA'ilkes-Barre, April 9, 1858, and is a

W. W. WELCH

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 231
son of John and Susan (Houpt) Welch. His father was a blacksmith by
trade but for the past fifty years has resided upon one farm and has been
closely identified with general agricultural pursuits. He and his wife, both
living, have traveled life's journey happily together for fifty-eight years.
WiUiam W. AA'elch was educated in the public schools and after putting
aside his text-books served a four years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's
trade, whicii he completed in 1875. He afterward came to Clarinda, where
he secured employment as a carpenter, spending about two years in the
service of others. He then began contracting and building on his own ac
count and as the years have passed has conducted a very successful business
as a builder in Clarinda and vicinity. From 1890 until 1895 he resided in
Omaha. He has been frequently called by reason of his ability in the line
of his trade to execute large contracts in Iowa and 'western Illinois. In
Creston he built the Masonic Temple, a large Catholic church and also a
Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been awarded contracts for the
erection of nearly all of the large and substantial buildings in Clarinda,
including- both residence and business property. Nearly all of the business
blocks on the public square stand as monuments to his skill and handiwork.
He has likewise erected public buldings in Creston, Alount Pleasant and
Glenwood and has executed contracts for the state to the amount of a
half million dollars. He designed and erected the public library, which is
without doubt one of the prettiest little libraries in the state. He has never
heid public offi.ce but has been very active in public measures for the benefit
of Clarinda and vicinity in promioting the attractive appearance of the place
and in indicating the substantial character of the city.
In June, 1883, Mr. Welch was married to Aliss Minnie B. Hinman, a
daughter of Charles and Cornelia Hinman. Her father was a farmer by
occupation, foUowing that pursuit in support of his family. Airs. Hinman
still resides in Clarinda and has made her home in Page county for the
past half century, so that her memory forms a connecting link between the
primitive past and the progressive present. She relates many interesting
incidents of the early days and has been a witness of many of the events
which have left their impress upon the annals of this part of the state. Her
daughter, Airs. AA^elch, was a graduate of the high school of Clarinda of
the class of 1881, and, a popular young lady, she became one of the greatly
esteem.ed matrons of Clarinda.- By her marriage she became the mother
of eight children, of whom seven are yet living. Helen, who is a graduate
of the Clarinda high school and of the Northwestern University of Illinois,
where she completed her course in 1905, is now successfully engaged in
teaching in the public schools of this city. Phillip, also a graduate of the
high school, is now pursuing his studies in the Armour Institute at Chi
cago. Alargaret is a pupil in the public schools, being a member of the class
of 1910. Ear! is a high school student. Ruth, Edith and Edgar are all
attending the public schools. Harry died at the age of nine years, in
Omaha, Nebraska. In 1903 the family were called upon to mourn the loss
of the wife and mother, who passed away on the 19th of October of that
year. She was very active in all the branches of work connected with the

232 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Methodist Episcopal church and her religious faith proved a permeating
influence in her life. Before her marriage she taught in the Clarinda high
school and her influence was ever on the side of culture, improvement and
progress. She was born, reared, educated and died in Page county and her
loss was deeply regretted by many friends as well as by her immediate
family. On the 2ist of February, 1906, Mr. Welch married Mrs. Edith Gibson,
a daughter of J. L. Brown, a native of Page county. She had a daughter,
Edith Grace, by her first marriage. Mrs. Welch is a niember of the Meth
odist church and is active in its various societies and branches of church
work. Mr. Welch also holds membership in the Alethodist church, of
which he has been a trustee for the past two years. He has been on the
official board for ten years and was steward for a number of years. His
fraternal relations are with the Masons, and in his life he exemplifies the
beneficent spirit of the craft. What he has accomplished in the business
world represents the force of bis character and the fit utilization of the
innate talents and powers which are his. Centuries ago the Greek philoso
pher, Epicharinus, said : "Earn thy reward. The gods give naught to
sloth." Realizing the truth of this admonition Air. Welch has worked per
sistently and diligently to attain the position whicii he now occupies in busi
ness circles and which is a most creditable and honorable one.

HON. AVILLIAAI BUTLER.
The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to
man's modest estimate of himself and his accomphshments but rather to
leave the perpetual record, establishing his character by the concensus of
opinion on the part of his fellowmen. Throughout Page county William
Butler, through the period of his lifetime, was spoken of in terms of admira
tion and respect and since his death the people of the county have honored
his memory. His life was so varied in its activity, so honored in its pur
poses, so far-reaching and beneficial in its efforts, that it becaine an integral
part of the history of southwestern Iowa. He exerted an immeasurable
influence on the city and county of his residence ; in business life as a finan
cier and promoter of extensive commercial enterprises ; in social circles by
reason of a charming personality and unfeigned cordiality; in politics by
reason of his pubUc spirit and devotion to the general good as well as his
comprehensive understanding of the questions affecting state and national
welfare. At the same time he realized and met his obligations to his fellow
men in every particular and such was the extent of his usefulness and
the honor of his purpose that his history may well serve as an example for
future generations to follow.
Air. Butler was reared upon the frontier, his birth having occurred in
Wayne county, Indiana, Septeniber 13, 1827. His parents -were Samuel and
Alary (Davenport) Butler, in whose family of eight children he was the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 233
third son and sixth child. His father was born in Georgia in 1793 and
accompanied his parents to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1806 — eleven years
before the admission of that state into the Union. The paternal grand
parents of our subject were Beal and Alary (Stubbs) Butler, the lady being
the first white woman to reside on the west side of the AVhite Water river.
The Butler family was established in America by English ancestors at an
early period in the colonization of the new world and representatives of the
name were prominent in connection with the ministry and with other pro
fessions, both in England and in the United States.
The environment of Samuel Butler, through the period of his youth,
was that of the wild western frontier and in later years his migrations
still connected him with pioneer experiences. He was married in early
manhood to Miss Mary Davenport, a lady of Quaker lineage whose parents
were Jes<-t' and Rebecca (Ploover) Davenport. Air. Davenport was a native
of North Carolina and his daughter, Mrs. Butler, was bom in Wayne coun
ty, Indiana. Her death occurred when her son William was a little lad of
four summers. In the spring of 1843 Samuel Butler removed to Whitley
county, Indiana, settling in a district whose population was largely composed
of Indians. There he took up the arduous task of developing a new farm
and his son William becanie his assistant in the difficult work which was
required to convert Indiana forest land into rich and productive fields. Amid
such surroundings the individual is trained to use every faculty and to
utilize every opportunity. He must depend upon the work of his hands
for those things which in more thickly settled regions can be obtained by
purchase and as Mr. Butler advanced in years he became self-reliant and
displayed a spirit of aptitude that enabled him to readily adapt himself to
any situation. AA'^ith a strong body and active mind as his capital, he started
out alone in the business world at the age of sixteen and for three years
thereafter engaged in teaming in AA'^ayne county. During the first winter,
however, he acted as weigh master in a packing house. At the age of nine
teen he ioind his brother in the cultivation of a rented farm to which they
devoted their energies for two years.
At the end of that time Mr. Butler took an important step on Ufe's jour
ney for on the 2d of February, 1851, was celebrated his marriage to Miss
Margaret AlcCowen, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of William
McCowen. AVith his bride Mr. Butler soon afterward went to Whitley
county, Indiana, where he again engaged in farming rented land until the
winter of 1855. He then traveled across the state of Illinois with a team of
horses to Fienry county, Iowa, and, standing upon the bank of the Missis
sippi river, saw the first locomotive that crossed the Father of Waters at
Burlington. For a year he engaged in farming rented land near New
London, Iowa, and in April, 1856, arrived in Page county. It was a moment
ous day for the county for at that time southwestern Iowa gained a citizen
whose influence was to become a most potent factor in the growth, develop
ment and progress of this section of the state. Much of the land was still
in possession of the government and he preempted a claim covering the
northeast quarter of section 30, Harlan township. Soon the track of the

234 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
breaking ;jIow was seen across the place and in the course of time the work
of development and progress had made this a valuable farm on which he
lived until the spring of 1865. At that time he purchased three -hundred
and five acres of land on which the state hospital for the insane was located.
From the autumn of 1861 until after the close of the Civil war he was
more or less actively engaged in buying and selling live stock and in 1871
he heg-an operating in grain, building the first grain elevator in Clarinda.
The firm of Butler Brothers, grain dealers, existed from 1876 until 1882
and in the years 1879-80 they shipped not only grain but also seventeen hun
dred carloads of stock. Air. Butler's keen insight enabled him to take busi
ness risks which a man-of less discrimination could not have ventured upon.
He readily recognized an opportunity, however, and sought in the legitimate
lines of trade and investment the success which is the goal of all business
endeavor. His business affairs, too, were of a character that contributed
to public progress as well as individual success, for his activity and enter
prise were direct factors in promoting business advancement in Page county.
While Mr. Butler makes steady advance in his business, not all days
of his life were equally bright for at times the sun of happiness was clouded
over. His first marriage, which was one of congeniality, was terminated
in the death of his wife on the 8tli of July, 1871. Later he was happily mar
ried on the 3rd of March, 1873, to Aliss Eleanor D. McCartney, who was
born in Geauga county, Ohio, July 6, 1828. Her father, Russell D. Mc
Cartney, was a native of Colchester, Connecticut, bom August 12, 1792, and
during his youth accompanied his parents to Martinsburg, Jefferson coun
ty. New York, where he was reared to farm Ufe. His parents both died in
one week, when he was nineteen years of age. Later he removed westward
to Geauga county, Ohio, where he formed a partnership with G. H. Kent,
in the manufacture of pearl ash and also carried on general farming. On
the 23rd of Alarch, 1820, he wedded DeUa Kent, who was born at Suffield,
Connecticut, April 30, 1795, and was a daughter of G. H. and Deborah
(Huntington) Kent, both natives of Connecticut, the former born at Suf
field, August 9, 1765, and the latter February 21, 1762. Mrs. Butler's grand
parents were the second family to settle in Geauga county, Ohio, and were
prominent in the formative period of that district. The grandfather entered
a large tract of land from the government, took an active part in the poUt
ical situation and had one son who was chosen to the legislature. In the
family of Russell G. McCartney were six children : Henry, Deborah,
Eleanor, Salmon, Alinerva and Edson. Of these Mrs. Eleanor Butler was
educated at Oberlin College and taught in the public schools of Cleveland,
Ohio, for a year, after which she resigned on account of her father's failing
health and she and her sister Minerva accompanied him on an extended visit
to the east, which included points in Canada and in New York. Mr. Mc
Cartney died July 5, 1857, and his daughter, Minerva, March 17, 1858, but
the mother, Airs. McCartney, passed away at the home of Mrs. Butler in
Clarinda, June 8, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Butler had but one child, NeUie Mc
Cartney, bom .A.ugust 26, 1875, in Denver, Colorado, who became the wife of
J. AV. Cozad, mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 235
AVhile Air, Butler becanie recognized as one of the leading business men
of Page county because of the extent and importance of his operations in
commercial and financial circles, he did not allow his private affairs to ex
clude active participation in matters of public interest. He became one of
the leaders of the republican party in Page county but while he never
wavered in his poUtical views nor in his support of principles which he
deemed to be for the good of the commonwealth, he enjoyed to the fullest
extent the confidence and trust of the followers of other parties because of
his fair mindedness and his freedom from bitter partisanship. He often
took an advanced stand which won him opposition but in course of time
his fellowmen were brought to see the wisdom and value of his views. In
the Fremont campaign of 1850 he wrote ballots half the day and by his good
work on the afternoon of the election assisted in sweUing the republican
vote until the party lacked but three votes to carry the county. He was
chosen the first representative of Harlan township on the first board of coun
ty supervisors when the old county judge system was abandoned and a
supervisor elected from each civil township. He entered upon the duties
of that position January 7, 1861, and served through 1864. In 1869 he was
again elected from Nodaway township and in the same year he was chosen
to represent his district in the thirteenth general assembly of Iowa. At the
next campaign he was reelected and during that session of the legislature was
made chairman of the appropriation committee and was also largely instru
mental in promoting the building of the present state house, at Des Aloines.
When the question arose whether wine and beer should be classed among
the intoxicants he voted, yes, and when the prohibition amendment vote was
taken in the legislature he was one of the fifty-two members who supported
the biU. The greatest good to the greatest number was ever his watchword.
During the special session of the legislature in 1873 when the "code oi 1873"
was enacted Mr. Butler did noble service. At that session he served as chair
man oi the committee on police regulations and many important laws were
submitted to him. Through correct voting on various sections by Mr.
Butler and his colleagues who possessed cool level headed deliberation, the
code of today is looked upon by the courts as among the best of the nation.
He was again chosen a member of the general assembly in 1883 and reelected
in 1885. In 1884 he achieved for himself in Page county the greatest victory
arising over the location and erection of Iowa's third hospital for the insane.
While he used every honorable means and influence to make Clarinda the
choice of the legislature the course which he pursued was one which would
bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and upon it could be turned the
search light of public opinion without finding therein a flaw. Such was
the encomium passed upon him by the press throughout the state. The
securing of the location of the insane hospital at Clarinda may be called the
crowning triumph in Mr. Butler's roll as a legislator, emphasizing his marked
individuality as no other act could possibly have done for it should be re
membered that Atlantic, Creston, Red Oak and many other cities in south
western Iowa all had experienced and able men representing their interests
in the same matter. Upon the receipt of the news of the final outcome of

236 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the contest the following telegram was sent to Des Moines : "Hon. Wil
liam Butler: Five hundred assembled citizens, hoarse from enthusiastic
cheering, send you congratulations." Upon his return home a brilliant re
ception was tendered him and the Home Glee Club sang words of victory:
"Butler thought it, fought it, won it;
When twice 'twas lost he won;
He has been a faithful servant.
Let us say, 'Well done'."
Another pubhc work which redounds to the honor and credit of Mr.
Butler was the building of the present courthouse for which he was awarded
the contract in February, 1885, his bid therefor being seventy-one thousand
dollars. Fle gave to the work special and personal attention from the laying
of the foundation stone to the completion of the dome and all citizens agreed
that no more honest work was superintended in Page county. Air. Butler
was also instrumental in securing the building of railway lines through the
county as well as in assisting in the enactment of state laws for railway
management on behalf of the people.
In fraternal relations Mr. Butler was not unknown. In fact he was
prominently identified with the various divisions of Masonry, was a charter
niember of both the chapter and commandery of Clarinda and attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He also held membership in the
Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. Death came to him May 6, 1904.
No man in public life perhaps has had so few enemies. Even those opposed
to him politically entertained for him the warmest personal regard and ad
miration. It is said that he never forgot a friend : the playmates of his
boyhood, the associates of his early manhood, those with whom he labored
in legislative circles and in business life, were alike remembered through
all of the years with their added responsibUities and honors. His life record
finds embodiment in the words of Pope:
"Statesman, yet friend to truth ; of soul sincere.
In action faithful and in honor clear;
Who broke no promise, served no private end,
Who gained no title and who lost no friend."

LOUIS P. STEEVE.

Douglas township has its full quota of progressive farmers who have
contributed their share to the upbuUding and development of the county.
Among this number is Louis P Steeve, now living on section 22, Do.uglas
township, where his time and energies are fully occupied with the work of
general farming and stock raising. His birth occurred on the 2d of Feb
ruary, 1867, in Cook county, Illinois, and he is a son of Henry and Mary
(Bente) Steeve, who were born in Hanover, Germany, and came to Amer
ica at an early date. They purchased and improved the old homestead farm,
which is now in the possession of Martin H. Steeve, a brother of our subject,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 237
mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. Both parents passed
away upon that farm, the father in 1893 and the mother in 1895.
Reared upon the home farm, Louis P. Steeve attended the conimon
schools in the attainment of his education and during the periods of vaca
tion assisted his father in the work of the fields. He remained at home un
til he reached manhood, when, entering business Ufe on his own account, he
came to the farm upon which he now resides, consisting of two hundred
acres on section 22, Douglas township. He has greatly improved the place,
erecting a fine house and substantial barns and outbuildings, and the farm
today is one of the desirable properties of the township, presenting in its neat
appearance the visible evidence of a Ufe of well directed thrift and energy.
He has won substantial success in his general farming pursuits and has also
engaged extensively in stock raising, which is proving a very profitable
branch of his business.
On the 24th of February, 1903, Mr. Steeve was united in marriage
to Aliss Laseba Stuart, a native of Iowa, who was one of five children born
to Charles AV. and Marion (Jones) Stuart, who were born in Alaryland and
now make their residence in Clarinda. The home of Air. and Airs. Steeve
has been blessed with two children, Elnora E. and Alarion L.
Mr. Steeve belongs to the German Lutheran church, while his wife holds
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is independent,
ahvays voting for the best man regardless of his party affiUations, and he
always takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the growth and
upbuilding of the community. He is a man of a high moral character, in
dustrious and enterprising, and his honesty and uprightness have always mer
ited him the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.

ISAAC VAN ARSDOL.
Aniong the honored and venerable citizens of Page county is numbered
Isaac Van Arsdol, who has now reached the age of eighty-nine, his birth
having occurred in Delaware county, Indiana, August 3, 1820. He is a
son of CorneUus and Jane (McClellan) Van Arsdol, the former a native
of New Jersey and the latter of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather,
John Van Arsdol, was born in Holland and his wife was a native of Ger
many. Coming to America, he served in defense of colonial interests in the
Revolutionary war, while his son, Cornelius Van Arsdol, was a soldier of
the war of 1812.
Although born in the east the parents of our subject were married near
Cincinnati, Ohio, and in AprU, 1820, removed to Indiana, spending their
remaining days in Delaware county. The father was a local minister of
the Christian church and a man who exerted a widely felt influence for the
moral development of the com.munity. He gave his early political allegiance
to the whig party, afterward became an abolitionist and wrhen the republican
party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its

238 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ranks aud continued to follow its banners until his death, which occurred
about 1869. His widow long survived him and died at the very advanced
age of ninety-eight years. They were among the first settlers of Delaware
county, Indiana, and Cornelius A^an Arsdol there established one of the
first blacksmith shops in the county, doing aU of his own work. He Ukewise
engaged in farming and then as occasion required he preached the gospel on
Sunday. Fiis wife had been previously married prior to the time when she
became Airs. Van Arsdol and by her first marriage had a son, Thomas Hack
ett, who died at the very advanced age of ninety years. The other mem
bers of the household were : Alary, who is the wife of William Brown and
lives in Delaware'" county, Indiana, at the age of ninety-nine years; John,
who married Lois Paton, but both are now deceased ; Ellen, who became the
wife of Henry Alulkins, both now having passed away ; Martha, the de
ceased wife of Christopher Ribble, who Uves in Delaware county, Indiana,
at the age of ninety-three years; Isaac, of this review; Cornelius, who is
married and lives in Delaware county, Indiana, at the age of eighty-seven
years ; Airs. Jane Wilkins, deceased ; Mrs. Lucretia Hollis, deceased ; and
Rachel, who is the widow of John AA'^olverton and lives in Seymour, In
diana. Isaac Van Arsdol was the first white child born in Delaware county,
Indiana, at which time his parents were living on an Indian reservation.
He was there reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life,
sharing in the privations and hardships incident to settlement on the fron
tier. His education was acquired in a subscription school and he worked
in his father's blacksmith shop during the winter season and on the farm in
the summer months. He continued his residence in Delaware county until
1853, when he made his way to Polk county, Iowa, where he spent one win
ter looking over the county for good farm property. The journey from
Indiana had been made by wagon and he traveled over Iowa on a prospect
ing trip on horseback, eventually locating in Page county, on a part of the
present site of Clarinda in April, 1854. The land was then all wild prairie
and he purchased five hundred acres, for which he gave a yoke oi cattle and
eight hundred dollars in gold. Mr. Van Arsdol improved most of this
property and remained upon the farm for about forty years or until 1893,
when he erected the residence in which he now lives at No. 206 Garfield
street in Clarinda. With the growth and development of the city his farm
was included within the corporation limits and he disposed of much of it
in town lots at a good figure. He disposed of all but two lots and the house,
the remainder of his acres being no^v built upon as good residence property.
Mr. Van Arsdol was married in Delaware county, Indiana, in 1844 to
Miss Margaret Ribble, who was born Alarch 9, 1822, a daughter of George
and Sarah (.Surfus) Ribble, the former a native of Montgomery county,
West Virginia, and the latter of Virginia. Mrs. Van Arsdol had twelve
brothers and sisters and the family record is as follows : Emeline, who is
the widow of Samuel AVeidener and resides in Clarinda; Airs. Van Arsdol;
Harriet, living in Indiana ; Airs. F'Uza Hutchings, deceased ; Airs. Sarah
Stouder. who has passed away ; Mary, who is the widow of Gilbert Lyons

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 239
and resides in Clarinda ; David, also of Clarinda ; Arbelia, who is the widow
of Samuel Furlow, a Alethodist Episcopal clergyman and resides in Indi
anola, Iowa; Nancy, wdio is the widow of Ross Henchman and is living in
Tacoma, AA''ashington ; Henry, a Civil war veteran, who resides in Pasa
dena, CaUfornia; and three children who died in infancy.
The home of Mr. and Airs. Van Arsdol has been blessed with six chil
dren : Mary, who is the widow of Wilson Woods and is living in Clarinda
with her parents ; Luther, of Kansas City, Alissouri, who married Cynthia
Connor and has two children, Mrs. Grace Gay and AVest; Cassius, who is
married and is a civil engineer working in Canada ; George, who is married
and lives in AA^aterloo, Iowa; Sallie, the wife of Robert Burrell, of Ne
braska ; and one who died in infancy.
Air. Van .Arsdol not only followed agricultural pursuits but has built
and plastered many houses in Clarinda, burning his own lime for the mortar.
He burned the first lime ever used in Page county and he built and plas
tered the first Methodist Episcopal church of Clarinda. He has helped
to pay for and build three churches and three parsonages in Clarinda and
in many other ways has been closely associated with the substantial de
velopment and progress of the community. He had one of the first farms
of the county, upon it built an octagonal barn and engaged extensively in
cattle raising. In his business life he was progressive, enterprising and per
sistent and the same qualities have been manifest in his citizenship, making
his work in behalf oi the public good one oi far-reaching and beneficial im
portance. He has Hved to witness the many great changes whicii have trans
formed this county from a wild and unimproved district into one of rich
fertility, dotted here and there with fine homes, exceUent school buildings,
churches and business enterprises. As the years have passed he has re
joiced in what has been accomplished and he continued as an active factor
in the world's work until the weight of years necessitated his retirement.
He is now almost a nonogenarian and his memory goes back to the time
when there were few railroad lines throughout the country and when the
telegraph and telephone were unknown. He has always believed in progress
and improvement and has, therefore, rejoiced in what has been accomplished
as the years have gone by.

JAMES CRAMER.

James Cramer, who for the past thirty-seven years has been success
fully identified with the jewelry trade in Clarinda, is now conducting an
establishment of that character in partnership with his son, under the firm
style of James Cramer & Son. His birth occurred in Bloomfield, Iowa, on
the 28th of November, 1850, his parents being Henry Hartman and Alary
(McNeal) Cramer, the former a farmer by occupation. Mr. Cramer of
this review obtained his education in the country schools and after putting
aside his text-books became acquainted with the jewelry business, with

240 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
which line of activity he has since been connected. The year 1872 witnessed
his arrival in Clarinda, where he estabUshed the jewelry store which he
has conducted to the present time, being now recognized as one of the most
prosperous, progressive and enterprising merchants of the county. In 1903
he admitted his son, H. Bruce, to a partnership in the business, at which
time the name of the concern was changed from James Cramer to James
Cramer & Son. The dimensions of their store are twenty-four by one hun
dred feet and, as they have ever maintained an unsulhed reputation for busi
ness integrity and reliability, their trade is of a most extensive and profitable
character. In June, 1876, Mr. Cramer was united in marriage to Miss Maria V.
Rogers, a resident of Clarinda and a daughter of Philip C. and Matilda V.
Rogers, the former a merchant. Unto them have been born four children.
Netha R., is the wife of Charles H. Dack, a druggist of Columbus, Ne
braska. FI. Bruce married Miss Clarice M. Hunt, a daughter of Albert V.
Hunt, a merchant of Clarinda, who is mentioned on another page of this
volume. By this union there is one son. Hunt. Minnie is the wife of
Thomas N. Randall, who is with the Chicago Daily News. James Vernon
Cramer is still under the parental roof.
Fraternally Mr. Cramer is a Royal Arch Mason, while his religious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Alethodist Episcopal church. His ster
ling- characteristics are recognized by all with whom he comes in contact,
and he is therefore justly numbered among the representative business men
and citizens of Page county.

JOHN McCOWEN.

John McCowen is numbered among the honored pioneer settlers of
Page county, dating his residence here from 1854. In the years which
have since come and gone he has shared in the hardships and privations of
life on the frontier, has borne his share in the work of general progress and
improvement as wild prairie land has been converted into productive fields
and frontier dwellings have been replaced by modern, substantial and com
modious residences. He was but ten years of age at the time of his arrival,
his birth having occurred in Darke county, Ohio, December 12, 1843. His
parents were James and Hulda (Neely) McCowen, who in the year 1854
disposed of their interests in Ohio and made their way westward to Iowa.
The father arrived with something over two thousand dollars in cash and
this he invested in land, which he purchased at a dollar and a quarter per
acre. He gave one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land to each of his
four children, besides fifty acres of timber land, and he retained three hun
dred and seventy-five acres for his own use until his death. His widow
is now in possession of a valuable farm of two hundred acres. The chil
dren were: John; Sylvester, living in Cleveland; Noah, who is mentioned

JOHN ilcCOWEN AND CHILDREN

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 243
elsewhere in this work; and Mary, the wife of Alexander Shum, who is also
represented elsewhere in this volume.
John McCowen has resided continuously in Nodaway township since
1854. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm
life for him in his boyhood and youth. He assisted in the arduous task of
developing new land and remained with his parents until twenty-four years
of age. He was then married and started out in life on his own account.
He has never sought to change his mode of living but has continued to en
gage in farming, in which work he became thoroughly familiar in his boy
hood. He now has a place of one hundred and four acres on sections 8 and
18, Nodaway township, his home being situated on the latter section. He
has made substantial improvements upon his farm and used modern ma
chinery to facilitate the work of the fields.
Mr. McCowen has been married twice. He first wedded Debbie Epper
son, a native of Monroe county, Iowa, who died in the year 1888, leaving
five children: William, who resides at Shoshoni, Wyoming; Jefferson, who
is living in East River township, this county; EsteUa May, the wife of
George Buffican, of ViUisca, Iowa ; Nora, the wife of James Hall, living
in Nodaway township; and Myrtle, the wife of AVilliam George, of Fre
mont county, Iowa.
Mr. McCowen was married again in 1889, his second union being with
Miss Ella McMullen, a native of Page county. The children of this mar
riage are Elmer, Dessa May, Ira, James, Nora and Pearl.
Mr. McCowen votes with the democracy and keeps in touch with the
questions and issues of the day but is not a politician in the sense of office
seeking. His life has been one of diUgence and his labors have been care
fully directed by keen business judgment. His record shows what may
be accomplished by dete.nnined and earnest purpose and at all times his
business methods have been above question.

CHARLES ALDRICH.

When one reviews the history of Page county and notes the factors which
have been valuable elements in its upbuilding and progress, it will be seen
that Mr. Aldrich has been closely associated with the work of general im
provement because of his connection wdth agricultural interests and his
active cooperation with the Fair Association. He is also serving at the
present time as a member of the city council and exercises his official pre
rogatives to introduce needed reforms and progressive measures.
He entered upon the journey of life on the loth of November, 1848, a
native of Canada and a son of Chester W. and Sarah A. (Bailey) Aldrich,
both of whom were natives of Canada. The mother died when her son
Charles was but seven years of age and the father, who afterward married
again, came to the United States in 1857, settUng at Neponset, Illinois,
where he engaged in farming. Prior to this time he had worked at the car-

244 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
penter's trade and later he devoted many years to general agricultural pur
suits but is now living retired in Neponset in the eighty-sixth year of his age.
Charles Aldrich was reared at home, acquiring his education in the
common schools and dividing his time between the mastery of the branches
therein taught and the work of the farm. His father was a soldier of the
Civil war and while he was at the front, defending the Union, Charles
Aldrich remained at home carrying on the work of the fields. In 1865, no
longer able to subdue his rising patriotism, he, too, enlisted as a soldier
of the Civil war but when the authorities found that he was not yet eighteen
years of age he was sent back home. After the cessation of hostilities and
his father's return to the north Charles Aldrich was employed as a farm
hand for four years and then engaged in farming on his own account for a
year. He continued his residence in Illinois until 1871, when he removed to
Iowa and, taking up his abode near Creston, he there engaged in the cul
tivation and improvement of a farm, the owner of which resided in Nepon
set, Illinois. He had the management of a tract of more than two hundred
acres, being in charge of this property for four years. In 1873 he invested
the capital which he had saved from his earnings in eighty acres of land in
Fisher township, Fremont county, four miles south of Shenandoah, and in
1875 he removed to this farm; whereon he has since made his home. By
additional purchase he has extended its boundaries until the place now com
prises three hundred and twenty acres and is one of the valuable and highly
productive farms of Fremont county. In 1896 Mr. Aldrich lost his wife
and, while he still operates the farm, for the past five years he has made
his home in Shenandoah. He is a most progressive agriculturist, quickly
adopting new and practical methods for the advancement of farming in
terests, and by reason of his sound judgment and keen discrimination his
labors are always attended with success. He has done much to promote
progress in agricultural lines in this county. For the past eight years he
has been the president of the Shenandoah Fair Association and has been a
member of the board for the past twenty years. In this connection he has
done much to stimulate pride and interest in progressive agriculture and the
fairs held by the association continually draw large crowds by reason of the
splendid display of products offered by the county.
In other connections, too, Mr. Aldrich has proven his worth of a man
and citizen. He is now serving on the board of city councilmen, being chosen
member at large. He is independent in politics, voting for the candidate
whom he regards as best qualified for office rather than for party. His
fraternal relations are with Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E., while
his religious faith is evidenced by his membership in the Alethodist Episcopal
church. Mr. Aldrich was married in 1872 to Miss Roxa Caldwell, of Batavia,
Iowa. Unto them were born six children : Dr. Frank F. Aldrich, a physician
and surgeon of Shenandoah ; Maurice, living in California ; Blanche, the
wife of Albert Smith, of Oklahoma ; Ida, the wife of Beecher Smith, also of
Oklahoma; Bertha, Uving in California; and AUce, at home. Such in

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 245
brief is the life history of Charles Aldrich, a man whose worth of character,
whose successful accomplishment and public-spirited citizenship have won
him classification with the respected and representative men of Page county.

ELLIS L. BENEDICT.

In presenting to the readers of this volume a history of Ellis L. Bene
dict we give the record of one who is widely and favorably known. Now
residing in Clarinda, he dates his residence in Page county from 1868, at
which time he took up his abode in Washington township. He is far sep
arated from the place of his birth for he is a native son of Pennsylvania,
having started upon life's journey in Pleasantville, Venango county, that
state, on the nth of September, 1855. His parents were Thomas and Eliza
beth Benedict who during the early youth of their son Ellis removed west
ward to Alissouri and eventually came to Page county. The father ar
rived in 1870 and here followed the occupation which he had made his life
work — that of farming. Year by year he carefully tilled the soil and the
rich prairie land of Iowa made quick response to the care and labor he be
stowed upon it. At length when he had acquired a substantial competence
he retired from active business and established his home in Shenandoah,
where he lived until his death in 1892.
In his early youth Ellis L. Benedict accompanied his parents to Mis
souri and in the public schools of that state he acquired his early education.
He was a youth of thirteen when he came to Page county and in Amity
CoUege at College Springs, Iowa, he continued his studies until he was well
quaUfied for the profession of teaching, which he took up when nineteen
years of age. His first school was in Blanchard, where he remained for two
terms, and he was also a teacher at Northboro. In fact he engaged in
teaching in the country schools of this part of Iowa for eight years, im
parting clearly, cogently and concisely to others the knowdedge that he had
acquired. He proved a capable educator, the value of his services being rec
ognized in the various school districts where he was employed. At the age
of twenty-seven years he turned his attention to commercial pursuits, es
tablishing a pioneer organ business, which he has since been constantly con
ducting. He opened his first store in Shenandoah and in 1893 came to Clar
inda, where he also started a business. The store in Clarinda is twenty-
four by one hundred and twenty feet and that in Shenandoah of equal
dimensions. Tn both places he confines his attention exclusively to pianos
and organs, and has secured an extensive and gratifying patronage He
carries the finest manufactured musical instruments of this character and his
sales now reach a large figure annually.
Air. Benedict was married on Christmas Day of 1878 to Aliss Laura A.
Winrott, of Washington township, this county, a daughter of James and
Celina Winrott, the former a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Bene
dict have become the parents of four sons : Worley AAL, twenty-nine years

246 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
of age, who is now connected with his father in business and who married
Miss Maud A. Delk, of Coin, Iowa; Otho C, who is with his father in busi
ness; Ivan G., also with his father; and Ermal H., who is likewise his fath
er's associate. The four sons are now able assistants in carrying on the ex
tensive and growing enterprises which the father established. The business
in both cities is conducted under the firm style of E. L. Benedict & Sons.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Benedict is an Odd Fellow and politically
is a republican. He served as township clerk and councilman at Coin,
where he resided for fourteen years, removing his residence to Clarinda in
1908. In the discharge of his official duties he has always been prompt
and reliable and his loyal service has won him high encomiums. He belongs
to the Methodist Episcopal church and is faithful to its interests and active
in its work. Fiis wife is a lady of more than average ability and inteUi
gence and for some time was numbered among the successful teachers of
Page county.
Such in brief is the Ufe history of Ellis L. Benedict who, by close at
tention and ability, has established and now conducts the largest pioneer
piano house in southwestern Iowa or in northern Missouri. One. of the
features of the success which the firm now enjoys is that the father and
sons are all piano tuners and repairers, each one being an expert in that
line. To the father's broad experience and keen business discernment has
been added the enterprise and modern progressiveness of the young men,
constituting a firm of rare strength and abiUty. They occupy a most prom
inent position in the business circles of the southwestern portion of the state
and their record proves that success and an honorable name may be won
simultaneously.

RICHARD W. MORRIS.
Richard W. Morris is classed among the substantial farmers and stock
raisers of Page county, his home being on eighty acres of land in Valley
township which he owns. Mr. Morris was born in Henry county, Illinois,
August 3, 1858, a son of David and Annie (Daniels) Morris, the former
born in Wales and the latter near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The father
came as a young man to the new world, making a location in Henry county,
Illinois. At the inauguration of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth IlUnois Regiment. He became iU in
Vicksburg and died there while serving his country and it is supposed that
he was buried in that city. The mother is still living in Henry county at
the age of seventy-one years.
Richard AAL Morris of this review is one of a family of three children
and the only one now living. He remained with his widowed mother in
Henry county until he reached the age of seventeen years and during this
time pursued his studies in the common schools. Ambitious to make for
himself a place in the business world, at the age stated he came to Iowa, the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 247
year of his arrival being 1876. He located in Montgomery county, where
for a time he was employed by the month at farm labor. It was in 1881
that, feeling justified in estabUshing a home of his own, Mr. Morris was
united in marriage to Miss Heppa A. Bolt who was born in Montgomery
county, Iowa, in i860, a daughter of John M. and Lucinda (Sager) Bolt.
The father was bom in Kentucky, while the mother claimed the Buckeye
state as the place of her nativity. Removing westward to Montgomery
county, Iowa, Mr. Bolt there purchased land, on which he erected a log
cabin, whicii was later replaced by a frame structure. The mother passed
away many years ago, her death occurring in November, 1868, while the
father, surviving for a long period, departed this life in November, 1907,
at a very advanced age. They had a family of six children.
Following his marriage Mr. Morris located on a tract of land which he
rented, continuing to operate the same until 1896, when he purchased his
present farm of eighty acres on section 12, Valley township. This place was
partially improved when it came into his possession but he has since added
many improvements in the way of buildings and other accessories necessary
to the successful conduct of a farm. He does general farming and raises
stock and his efforts are being rewarded with success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morris have been bom two sons. The elder. Park A.,
is married and has one son, Elvin L. He is assisting his father in the opera
tion of the home place. Frank, the younger, is still under the parental
roof. Air. Morris gives his pohtical support to the democratic party and
through reelection has served eight years as township assessor, while for
several years he has also acted as school director. FraternaUy he is identi
fied with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at VilUsca. He has held
to high ideals in citizenship and in business relations, thus commanding
the warm esteem and genuine admiration of all who know him.

D. Al. KETCHAM.

Since starting out in life on his own account D. M. Ketcham has made
for himself a substantial place in the world, and through investment in farm
lands has accumulated a competence that now enables him to practically live
retired, although he retains his home on a small farm of twenty acres, lo
cated just outside the corporation limits of Shenandoah in Grant town
ship. He still owns other farm land in Page county — one tract of one hun
dred and forty acres, also in this township, and another of one hundred and
twenty acres in Morton township.
Mr. Ketcham was born in Hancock county, lUinois, October 12, 1854,
a son of James and Louisa (Fairbanks) Ketcham, both of whom were na
tives of the state of Indiana, where they were reared and married. The
year following their marriage they took up their abode in Hancock county,
where the father engaged in farming. He is still living at the age of eighty-

248 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
five years and now makes his home with his children, his wife having been
called to her final rest in the faU of 1907, when she was seventy-two years
old. D. M. Ketcham was reared on the home farm in Hancock county and
acquired his education through the medium of the public schools of that
state. His education, however, was somewhat limited. As he was the eldest
in a family of eleven children, and the father owned only a small farm of
sixty-two acres, he had to not only provide for his own support from an
early age but much responsibility rested upon his young shoulders in caring
for the younger members of the household. He remained with his father
until after he had attained his majority, giving him the benefit of his services,
but in the meantime, in order that he might make something for himself,
he operated rented land as well. Through this means he accumulated a sum
of money whereby he felt justified in establishing a home of his own and
starting out in Ufe upon an independent business venture.
Accordingly on August 7, 1879, Mr. Ketcham was united in marriage
to Miss Louisa Peck, of Hancock county, Illinois, and the following spring
removed with his young wife to Iowa, locating on a farm in Morton town
ship. Page county. He operated rented land there for four years and at the
end of that period purchased forty acres in the same township. For one
year he rented his land while he continued to operate leased land. Taking
up his abode on his own farm at the end of a year, he cultivated the same
for two or three years, and in the meantime, having made improvements upon
the place, he sold the property to good advantage and invested his capital
in a tract of eighty acres in Morton towmship. Taking up his abode upon
the latter tract he improved and cultivated it four years and then disposed
of that and purchased one hundred and forty acres in Lincoln town
ship, on which he made his home for seven years. He then returned once
more to Morton township and purchased two hundred and forty acres of
land, wdiich he continued to operate for two years. He then disposed of that
farm and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Grant township but he
has sold one hundred acres of this and now owns but twenty acres. This
farm is located on section 28, Grant township, just outside the corporation
limits of Shenandoah. It is therefore valuable because of its close prox
imity to the city as well as for the modern improvements whicii are found
upon the place. Since taking up his abode here Mr. Ketcham has spent few
idle moments, for he has bought and sold many tracts of land and in this
manner has accumulated a competency that now enables him to live prac
tically retired, although he stiU looks after his invested interests. His two
farms, one in Morton township and the other in Grant township, are operated
by his sons. While Mr. Ketcham has made many changes in his place of
residence since coming to the state, it will be noted that he has confined his
investments to Page county land, whicii is an indication of his firm faith in
the value of lands in southwestern Iowa.
The marriage of Air. and Mrs. Ketcham has been blessed with six
children, of whom five survive, namely: Clyde, a resident of Providence,
Rhode Island; Alark, who is on his father's farm in Morton township;

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 249
Earl, who operates his father's farm in Grant township ; and Lena, and
Beulah, both at home.
While Air. Ketcham endorses the principles of the democratic party
at the polls, he has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to give
his time to private business interests. He belongs to the Modern Wood
men camp, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
taking an active interest in the work of the various organizations, es
pecially in the Ladies Aid Society. From an early age Air. Ketcham dis
played marked business ability. Deprived of many of the comforts of life
in his youth and early manhood his strong ambition and desire was to ac
quire a competence that would provide himself and family with a good Uv
ing, and his ambition has been rewarded, for today he is numbered among
the well-to-do citizens of Grant township, and yet he stands in the same re
lation to his fellowmen today as he did in former years when struggling
for a livelihood.

SAMUEL E. SPERRY.

The place which Samuel E. Sperry occupies in commercial circles
in Clarinda is an enviable one, both by reason of the reputation which he
sustains as a reliable and enterprising business man and also from the fact
that he is proprietor of one of the leading mercantile enterprises of the
city. He arrived here in 1881 from Rochester, Indiana, his native city,
wdiere he was born on the 30th of May, 1862. He is a son of Jacob P. and
Clamenza (Dunlap) Sperry, the former a farmer by occupation.
Saniuel E. Sperry was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, his
time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of
the playground and the task assigned him by parental authority. In the
periods of vacation he worked in the fields and was identified with farm
life during the period of his residence in Indiana. As stated, he came to
Clarinda in 1881, being then a young man of nineteen years. Here he
entered the hardware store of J. H. Dunlap and in 1883' as a partner of
Mr. Dunlap and C. W. Foster he established a hardware store at New
market, Taylor county, under the name of Dunlap & Company, of which
he was made the manager. He continued in active control there until 1888,
when his partners sold out and the firm of Sperry &- Clark was organized
and existed for two years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Sperry
disposed of his interest at Newmarket and returned to Clarinda, where in
1890 he purchased an interest in the Dunlap store, continuing as a partner
in that enterprise until March, 1907, when he purchased Mr. Dunlap's in
terest and is now sole proprietor, conducting the store under his own name.
He carries a large and carefully selected Une of shelf and heavy hardware
and the arrangement oi his store and the quality of goods which he handles,
together with his reasonable prices and fair dealing constitute the salient
features in the success which he has won.

250 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Air. Sperry was married in 1885 to Aliss Emma Freeman, of Clar
inda, a daughter of Avery Freeman, who is proprietor of a hotel at Val
paraiso, Indiana. They have become the parents of five children : Frederick
H., wdio is a traveling salesman and resides at Champaign, Illinois ; Ralph
S., who is a student in the University of Ilhnois at Champaign ; Howard
F., who is connected with his father in the hardware business ; and Helen
and Alary, both at home.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, to the support oi
which they contribute generously and in the work of whicii they are ac
tively interested. Air. Sperry belongs to the Alasonic fraternity and to the
Knights of Pythias lodge, and both he and his wife occupy an enviable posi
tion in social circles, the hospitality of their pleasant home being greatly
enjoyed by their friends, who are legion.

JAMES AI. McCLOY.

James Al. McCloy, a representative citizen of Shenandoah and one of
the best known auctioneers in this part of the country, was born in Wash
ington county, Pennsylvania, January 4, 1843. He is the son of Robert
W. and Julia M. (McCleUan) McCloy, both of whom belonged to Wash
ington county. The mother was in fact a native of that county, and the
father went there as a very small boy with his parents from Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania, the place of his birth. He had learned the trade of
a cabinetmaker in his early youth and followed that line of work until
his deJith, which occurred in his fifty-fifth year. His wife survived him
by nearly a quarter of a century, having attained the advanced age of seventy-
three when deatli came upon her.
James AlcCloy lived under the parental roof until he was twenty years
of age. Fle received the fundamentals of his education in the common
schools, supplementing the course here by study at Duff's Business College
in Pittsburg. During his youth he worked with his father at carpentering
and cabinetmaking, but upon attaining his twentieth year he decided to make
a change in his occupation and embark in the world of business for himself
at a new place. He went first to lUinois, where he spent some five years
in Knox and Warren counties. In 1868 he came to Iowa on a visit and
was so well satisfied with the outlook here that the next year he came to
stay, locating about five miles southwest of Shenandoah, in Fremont county.
For perhaps five years he farmed as a renter, and then purchased a farm of
eighty acres. This he subsequently sold to purchase another of one hun
dred and sixty acres, which in turn he sold to buy another of eighty acres.
In 1890 he sold his last farm, which, like the other two he had owned, had
been considerably improved while he was in possession, and he then removed
to -Shenandoah and has since given his entire time to crying sales. Auc
tioneering has, in fact, been his principal occupation during the past thirty-
five years, since 1874, and he is in consequence one of the best known men

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 251
engaged in that profession in this section of the country. His services are
in demand wherever there are sales to be cried, as may be judged from the
fact that last year, which may be taken as an average year, he conducted
seventy sales.
On the 1st of January, 1870, Mr. McCloy was united in marriage to
Aliss Emma E. Alaxwell, of Abingdon, Illinois. Eight children have been
born to them: Alary, who is the wife of E. A. Aloore, of Shenandoah;
Archie G., of Lincoln, Nebraska ; Vesper Bell, who is the wife of W. R.
Beeson, of Shenandoah ; Clarence W. and James P., who are both residents
of Shenandoah ; the twins, Edith and Ethel, and Emma, the youngest, all
live at home.
Air. AlcCloy has made a success of the difficult business of auctioneer,
to whicii he has devoted himself with so much energy. Fle has many other
interests, however, and is known for his capacity to fill offices demanding
an equal amount of ability. Air. AlcCloy was one of the organizers of Tri
centum Lodge, No. ,300, F & A. AI., and also of the Farragut lodge, though
he has transferred his membership in this latter to the Shenandoah lodge.
He belongs also to Sheshbazzar Chapter, R. A. Al. In politics Air. AlcCloy
votes the democratic ticket and has ever evinced a strong- interest both in
the principles of the party and in the progress of local affairs of government.
His attitude has been appreciated by the voters of this section, who have
elected him for ten years to serve as assessor. The position he has filled
w-ith honor to himself and to the complete satisfaction of his constituents,
but shortly after his last election he felt that it was necessary to resign it.
A man widely known Air. AlcCloy has never felt any regret at the reputation
that has spread concerning him, for it is one which any might desire to
claim, that of an honest man, who does not shirk the measure of work that
falls to his share.

FRANK H. CLARK, Al. D.
In a history of the medical profession of Clarinda mention should be
made of Dr. Frank H. Clark, who is one of the younger representatives of
the profession but his years do not seem any bar to his progress or his
success. He was born near Stansbury, Missouri, Februar}^ 6, 1877, and is
a son of AVilliam FI. and Mate (Holbrook) Clark. The family reniained
residents of Alissouri until 1879 when they removed to CoUege Springs,
Iowa. The father followed merchandising for a long period from early
manhood but some years ago retired from active business life and is now
living in Blanchard, Iowa, in the enjoyment of well earned rest.
Dr. Clark was educated at Amity College in CoUege Springs, there
pursuing his literary course, after which he decided upon a professional
career and made choice of the practice of medicine as a life work. With
this end in viewr he took up the study of medicine in the Central Aledical
College at St. Joseph, Alissouri, from which he was graduated in 1900. He

252 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
then located at Wathena, Kansas, where he opened an office, remaining there
for two years. In order to further equip himself for his chosen calling he
took up special courses of medicine in the medical department of the Uni
versity of Illinois at Chicago and was graduated there in 1903.
In that year Dr. Clark located at Shambaugh, Iowa, where he continued
in practice until January, 1909, when, seeking a broader field of labor, he
came to Clarinda where he has since been located. Although a resident
here for less than a year he has made substantial progress in his profession
and his labors have been attended with a degree of success that indicates
his thorough understancUng of medical principles and also the confidence
reposed in his professional ability by his fellow townsmen.
On Christmas day of 1900 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Clark
and Aliss Ora Sherman of Clarinda, a daughter of Samuel L. Sherman,
a real-estate operator. This marriage has been blessed with one child,
Alice Alarjory. Dr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and are prominent socially. They have made many warm friends
during their residence in Clarinda and are widely and favorably known in
the county. In his fraternal relations Dr. Clark is a Mason and is also
connected with the Alodern W^oodmen of America. He is Ukewise a member
of the Page County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and
the American Medical Association and thus he keeps in touch with the ad
vanced thought of the profession.

ALEXANDER SHUM.

Alexander Shum, who for thirty-six years has made his home in Page
county, residing throughout this period in the vicinity of Clarinda, owns and
cultivates two hundred and forty acres of rich farming land of which one
hundred and fifty-three acres is in the home place a mile north of the cor
poration limits of the city. He is far separated from the place of his birth,
for he is a native of Rutland county, Vermont, his birth having there oc
curred June 26, 1852. The Shum family is of French descent and was es
tablished in Canada at an early date. The parents of Alexander Shum
were Peter and EUzabeth (Penor) Shum, who were natives of the province
of Quebec, born near the Vermont line. They were married in the Green
Mountain state, where both removed when about fifteen years of age.
They continued residents of Vermont until 1857, when they removed west
ward to Iowa, settling in Lee county, where they lived for sixteen years,
and then came to Page county in 1873. The father stiU resides in Clarinda
but the mother passed away in that city in February, 1900, at the age of
sixty-eight years. Alexander is the eldest of their ten children, the others
being Peter, George, Joseph, John, William, Moses, James, Anna, aU Uv
ing ; EUzabeth and Abraham, deceased.
Alexander Shum was a little lad of five summers at the time of the re
moval of his parents to Lee county, Iowa. There he was reared and in the

ALEXANDER SHUM

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 255
public schools of his home neighborhood pursued his education. AVhile not
busy with his text-books his time was largely giveii to the work of the fields
on his father's place. He was twenty-one years of age when, in 1873, he
came to Page county, since which time he has resided in the vicinity of Cla
rinda. His entire Ufe has been devoted to farming and the place of two
hundred and forty acres which he owns is the visible evidence of his well
directed thrift and industry. He is numbered among the self-made men of
the county, owing his prosperity to his earnest labor and wise utilization
of his opportunities. He has in his home place one hundred and fifty-three
acres, situated a mile north of the corporation limits of Clarinda, and here
he has lived for sixteen years. On the farm are found good buildings and
all modern improvements, and these have been placed there by Mr. Shum,
who carries on general farming and stock raising, meeting with well mer
ited success in his undertakings. He is diligent, persevering and determined,
and these qualities are always valuable elements in the attainment of pros
perity. On the Sth of June, 1878, Mr. Shum was joined in wedlock to Miss Alary
E. McCowen, who was bom in Nodaway township, this county, February
27, 1859, her parents being James and Hulda McCowen, who are men
tioned elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of her brother,
Noah AlcCowen. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shum have been born four daughters :
Carrie Maude, now the wife of Arthur Apple, of Nodaway township, by
whom she has two children. Dale and Nina ; Bessie Laverne, who is the
wife of J. E. Bean, of Nodaway county, Missouri, by whom she has five chil
dren, Thelma, John, deceased, Raymond, Burrell and A^era Bernice ; Kath
arine and Geneva May, the younger members of the family, both at home.
Air. Shum has given his political allegiance to the democracy since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never held office save
some minor local one, as his ambition is not in the line of office holding.
He belongs to Clarinda Lodge, No. 109, I. O. O. F., and is in sympathy with
the beneficent spirit of the order, for he is a gentleman of broad hu
manitarian principles. In the work of the farm his Ufe has been passed and,
realizing that success is not a matter of genius but rather the outcome of
clear judgment, experience and industry, he has worked persistently to at
tain the creditable position which he now occupies as a representative of
agricultural pursuits in his adopted county.

KXOX ALEXANDER.

Among the valuable farm properties of Page county is that owned and
managed by Knox Alexander, called the Fairview Farm. It is situated on
sections 26 and 27, East River township, and in its seemly appearance in
dicates the careful supervision of an owner who is at once practical and
progressive in his methods of farm work. Moreover, he is entitled to rep
resentation in this volume from the fact that for a half century he has

256 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
resided in Page county. .He is, in fact, one of its native sons, his birth hav
ing occurred in Harlan township, February 15, 1859.
His parents were David and Mary Ann (Stoops) Alexander. The former
was a son of John and Alary Jane (Richmond) Alexander, natives of
County Armagh, Ireland, whence they crossed the Atlantic to Canada with
their two children. Subsequently they went to New York, afterward re
moved to Pennsylvania, later to Ohio, then to Illinois and in due time to
Page county, Iowa. There were the parents of six children, three sons and
three daughters : Philip, Sarah, Agnes, Jane and David, all of whom are
now deceased ; and John R. P.
David Alexander, the father of our subject, was born in Mercer county,
Pennsylvania, in 1835, and from that district removed to Mercer county,
Ohio, and afterward to Alercer county, Illinois. He came to Page
county, Iowa, in 1856, and resided here until 1861 when, in response to the
country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in its incipiency, he joined
the army, enlisting on the 15th of June, 1861, with the First Nebraska
Volunteer Regiment. After three years he veteranized on the 1st of Jan
uary, 1864, and his service continued for four years and nine months.
He was wounded at Fort Laramie and never fully recovered from his in
juries. In fact his death was occasioned thereby. He passed away Feb
ruary 8, 187s, at the comparatively early age of about forty years. He had
followed farming and carpentering as a Ufe work and was ever a man of
undaunted industry and of unfaltering business integrity. In early man
hood David .Alexander wedded Mary Ann Stoops, who was born in Green
castle, Indiana, Alay 6, 1841, and now resides in Ray, Colorado. They
were the parents of two children : Knox and Frances Mary, the wife of
F. M. Forney, who is living in Kansas City, Missouri.
Soon after the war David Alexander removed with his family to Rock
Island, Illinois, and the foUowdng year went to Washington county, Iowa.
There Knox Alexander remained until 1872, when he came to Page county
but the foUowing year returned to Washington county. There the father
died February 8, 1875, after which Knox Alexander with his mother and
sister came to Page county. He began learning the plasterer's trade in
Clarinda in 1877 and followed that pursuit until 1892. He remained in
Clarinda until 1885, when he went to Kansas City, Missouri, where he
continued until 1889, after which he .spent about three years in St. Louis.
In 1892, however, he took up his abode on the Fred Fisher farm near Clar
inda, where he Uved for six years. In 1898 he came to his present place,
which is appropriately termed the Fairview Farm. It comprises two hun
dred acres of rich and productive land on sections 26 and 27, East River
township, beside fifteen acres of timberland on section 21. It is now a
valuable property, lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of
a model farm. Tn 1906 he erected a ten-room residence, which is the finest
home in the township, modem in every respect and supplied with every con
venience known to the city home. It stands on an elevation commanding
a fine view of the surrounding country and thus its name of Fairview Farm
was chosen.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 257
Mr. Alexander niakes a specialty of the breeding and raising of horses,
handling draft and general purpose horses. He keeps on hand about forty
head and at one time he was also engaged in the raising of mules but does
not do so now. In addition to his other interests he feeds cattle and hogs,
for which he finds a ready sale upon the market. On the place are two
good barns which he built together with all of the latest improved machinery.
Aside from his agricultural interests he is a stockholder in the Trust &
Savings Bank of Clarinda, is a stockholder in the Chautauqua Association,
in the Cooperative Livestock Company and in the Page County Fair Asso
ciation. He stands for progress along any line on whicii he thinks it can be
achieved and his own efforts have been potent forces for general ad
vancement. Mr. .Alexander is pleasantly situated in his home life. On the 9th of
September, 1880, he wedded Miss Laura Bell Fisher, who was born March
24, 1859, about a mile northwest of Clarinda and is a daughter of Fred
erick and Elizabeth (Palmer) Fisher. Her father was a native of Baden,
Germany, while her mother was a native of England, and they were mar
ried at Bucyrus, Ohio, after which they came to Page county, Iowa, in 1856.
Both are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have been born
two children but they lost the elder, Fred, at the age of nine years. The
younger, George, was born on King's Highway in St. Louis, Alissouri,
June 14, 1893.
In politics Mr. Alexander is a stanch democrat, never faltering in his
allegiance to the party, for he deems its principles most conducive to good
government. He has held several township offices, the duties of which he
discharged with promptness and fidelity. He has been interested in many
movements for the general good, for he endorses every measure for general
development, and his interest in educational affairs is proven by his coopera
tion in the Chautauqua movement.

GEORGE WUBKER.

George Wubker, a retired agriculturist now making his home in Clar
inda, was born in Jacksonville, IlUnois, on the 23d of February, 1846, a son
of William and Lena Wubker, both of whom were natives of Germany.
The father, whose birth occurred in 181 6, came to the United States alone
when twenty years of age, while the mother, whose natal day was August
21, 1818, also sailed for the new world when a young lady of about twenty
years. On landing in this country William Wubker first made his way to
Pensacola, Florida, and afterward removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where
he was married. Subsequently he brought his young bride to Jacksonville,
Illinois, where he learned the trade of a brickmason and plasterer, at which
he worked for several years and in 1856 took up his abode on a farm in
Virginia, Illinois. There he successfully carried on his agricultural and
stock-raising interests until called to his final rest on the 12th of November,

258 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
1892, passing away in the faith of the German Lutheran church. His po
Utical allegiance -was unfalteringly given to the democracy and he vvas widely
recognized as a most substantial, progressive and enterprising citizen. His
widow reniained on the old home farm until the 2d of April, 1908, when she
located near Red Oak, Iowa, where she has since continued to reside, making
her home with a daughter. She is now in her ninety-first year. By her
marriage she becanie the mother of six children, namely: Henry, residing
in Oklahoma ; George of this review ; .Sarah Caroline, living on a farm in
Alontgomery county, Illinois, who is the wife of James McDowell and has
seven children; John, who passed away in 1900; Alary E., who is the wife
of Willianl A. AIoore, has three children and makes her home on a farm
four miles from Red Oak, Iowa ; and AALlUam, whose demise occurred on
the 25th of April, 1908.
George AA'^ubker spent the first eight years of his life in the place of his
nativity and there began his education in the district schools. In 1856 he
accompanied his parents on their removal to A'irginia, Illinois, where he
attended the country schools during the winter months and in the suinmer
seasons assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm. He reniained
under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then operated
a rented farm of fifty acres in Cass county, Illinois, for one year, at the
expiration of which period he rented another farm of fifty acres in the
same county, continuing its cultivation for a similar period. Subsecjuently
he spent a year on the home farm and then again rented a tract of fifty acres
in Cass county for a year, while afterwards he removed to still another farm
of fifty acres, being engaged in its operation as a renter for twelve months.
In 1872, having accumulated sufficient capital by dint of close economy
and careful expenditure, he purchased forty acres of land in Red Oak,
Iowa, to which he afterwards added by additional purchases until the farm
comprised one hundred and twenty acres, on which he made his home for
twenty-three years, devoting his time and energies to the tilling of the soil
and the raising of stock. In 1894 he disposed of this property and bought
three hundred and eleven acres of land three miles from Red Oak, there
carrying on his agricultural and stock-raising interests for a period of six
years. At the end of that time he sold the land for fifty-two dollars per
acre and bought a two hundred and forty acre farm near Red Oak, paying
sixty-five dollars per acre for the propert3^ AA'hen a year had passed he
di.sposed of it at eighty-two and a half dollars an acre and took up his abode
on a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, six miles southwest of Clar
inda, whicii he had purchased.
After remaining on that place for four years Air. Wubker put aside the
active work of the fields and removed to Clarinda, where he has since
lived retired in a fine residence at No. 507 West Alain street. The pros
perity whicii has attended his efforts is entirely the result of his own untir
ing and well directed labor, for he started out in business life on his own ac
count with but one team of horses, given him by his father. Working dili
gently, persistently and energetically as the years went by, he advanced
steadily and surely tovvard the goal of success and his landed holdings now

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 259
include a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, two town lots and a
block of ground, three hundred by three hundred and si.xty feet, on the
corner of Water and Twenty-first streets. He likewise owns the attractive
and commodious dweUing in which he resides and is widely recognized as
one of the most substantial, respected and representative citizens of the
community. In 1870, in Virginia, Illinois, Mr. Wubker was united in marriage to
Miss Lorinda A. Moore, a daughter of AVilliam and Keziah (Moore)
Aloore, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Air. and Airs. Aloore had a
family -of thirteen children, namely : Manelis, James Nelson, Fetina and
Robert Bruce, all of whom are deceased; Thomas Sylvester; Mandy;
William, who has also passed away; John; Charles; Ldysses ; Lorinda .\.;
George, who is likewise deceased ; and Alma.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wubker have been born thirteen children, as follows :
Keziah, the deceased wife of Alonzo Shank, a merchant of this state; Nan
nie, the deceased wife of William .Pond, of Iowa, by whom she had two
children, Iru and Lewis ; Alary, who is the wife of Friedman Copley, a cabi
netmaker residing in Lincoln, Nebraska; Lena, who makes her home with
her uncle, Ulysses Moore, in Holdredge, Nebraska; Cora, who is the wife of
AVilUston Campbell and lives in CenterviUe, Kansas ; Emma, residing in
Red Oak ; Owen, who is an agriculturist by occupation ; Walter, who fol
lows farming two miles south of Yorktown, Iowa, and married Rachel
Baylus, by whom he has two children, Earl and Alarjorie; James, living
in Lincoln, Nebraska, who wedded Aliss Mary McGraff and has two chil
dren, Helen and Gerald ; John, who belongs to the United States navy, on
board the West A^irginia ; Harvey, a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska ; Nellie,
who is pursuing a commercial course at CoUege Springs ; and Elsie, who is
still under the parental roof and is a public school student.
Air. AVubker is a stalwart democrat in his poUtical views and while living
in Red Oak acted as school director for six years, while for eight years he
was treasurer of the school district, the cause of education ever finding in
him a stanch champion. A man of exemplary habits, of high principles and
of upright conduct, wherever he is known he commands the good will and
trust of those with whom he is associated.

ALPHONSO EDAIONDS.
In the fall of 1856 Alphonso Edmonds arrived in Page county, accom
panied by his bride, for he had been married only a few days before. They
cast their lot with the pioneer settlers of this section of the state and he has
since been numbered among the progressive and enterprising agriculturahsts
and business men. His labors have been a substantial factor in the growth
and progress of the county and at all times he has taken the keenest interest
in everything pertaining to the public good.

260 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, April 12, 1830, his parents being
Thomas and Elizabeth (West) Edmonds, the former a native of Virginia
and the latter of Clermont county, Ohio. Thomas Edmonds lost his "father
when he was only four years of age and afterward removed to Bourbon
county, Kentucky, and subsequently to Clermont county, Ohio. There
he continued until 1839 when he went to Clay county, Indiana, where he
resided for about seventeen years, after w-hich he came to Iowa in 1856
with his son, Alphonso. His last days were spent in Page county. He was
born December 3, 1791, and passed away January 8, i860, while his wife,
who was born in July, 1804, died Alay 30, 1885. He was a brick mason by
trade but during much of his life owned and cultivated a farm. His family
numbered twelve children, namely: MaximiUian," ElUs, WilUam, Alphonso,
Burke, Perry, Ethelbert, Thomas, Isaac, Thornton, Robert and Mary Ann.
Of these Alphonso, Thomas, Robert and Mary are the only ones now hving.
The family has a creditable military record, the father of our subject having
served in the war of 1812, enlisting from Clermont county, Ohio, while four
of the sons became soldiers of the Union army in the Civil war. ElUs
enlisted from Page county in 1862 as a member of Company F, of the
Twenty-third Iowa Regiment and died at the hospital in St. Louis while
still in the service. Burke enlisted at the same time and Ethelbert joined
the army with the troops from Jasper county, Iowa, while Robert was also
a member of the Twenty-third Regiment.
Alphonso Edmonds was only nine years of age when in the fall of 1839
his parents removed to Clay county, Indiana. There he continued until the
fall of 1856, during which time he assisted in the arduous task of clearing
and developing a new farm, whicii he hewed out in the midst of the forest.
Not a stick had been cut nor an improvement made upon the place at the time
the family took up their abode there. Wild game of all kinds was to be
had, deer, turkey, prairie chickens and other kinds being very plentiful.
Mr. Edmonds early learned the value of unfaltering industry and perse
verance and his entire life has been characterized by those substantial
qualities. In September, 1856, Alphonso Edmonds was united in marriage to Miss
Peachy Sampson, who was born in Virginia in August, 1833, and in her
girlhood went to Indiana with her parents, John and Clarissa (Joliet)
Sampson, who were Ukewise natives of the Old Dominion. In the fall of
1856 a few days after their marriage Air. Edmonds came with his bride to
Page county, Iowa. The journey was made by wagon and they were a
month on the road ere reaching their destination. Mr. Edmonds afterward
entered eighty acres of land on the Nodaway river in Nodaway township
and with characteristic energy began the development and improvement of
his place on which he lived until 1868. He has since resided on several
different farms but all in Nodaway township and has made his home at his
present place of residence since 1887. Here he owns and cultivates a farm
of two hundred and forty acres on section 7, Nodaway township, three
miles north of Clarinda on the WaU Street road. He has an attractive and
inviting home, a well kept lawn and good buildings, many of the improve-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 261
ments on the place being made by him. The farm is appropriately termed
the Fountain Spring place for there is a fine spring near the home and the
land is well watered for the Neely branch of the Xodaway river runs across
his land. Air. Edmonds carries on general farming and stock-raising,
keeping on hand a high grade of shorthorn cattle.
In 1893 -'^Ir. Edmonds was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife
who died on the 20th of January, of that year, her deatli being deeply re
gretted by many friends as well as her immediate family. There were four
children of that marriage : Seth Warren, of Xodaway township, who is
married and has three children — Dosia, Della and Laura; Amanda C, the
wife of Henry Stafford, of Nodaway township, by whom she has three
children — Frank, Zella and Harry; Elmira, the wife of George Smith, of
Kensington, Kansas ; and Charles V., who operates the home farm for his
father. He married Mattie Kelly and they have two children — Neola and
Lois. PoUtically Mr. Edmonds has been a stalwart republican since Fre
mont became the first presidential candidate of the party. He has held
various school and road offices and has always been interested in the growth
and welfare of the community. He has witnessed the many changes which
have been wrought by the white men during all the intervening years
since 1856 and has cooperated in many movements for the general good.
He can remember when much of the land was still unclaimed and uncul
tivated, much of the county presenting the appearance of unimproved
prairie land, starred with a million wild flowers during the summer months
and in the winter covered by an unbroken and dazzling sheet of snow. To
day rich crops replace the native prairie grasses and in place of the wild
animals are seen some of the finest specimens of live stock to be found
in the entire country. In his own farming operations Mr. Edmonds has
been successfully and carefully carrying on his work until his labors have
won him a substantial and well merited reward.

MILLER C. McVAY.

Aliller C. AlcVay, a successful and enterprising grocery merchant of
Clarinda, was born in Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio, on the nth of Decem
ber, 1853 a son of Emanuel and Margaret L. (Cretcher) AIcA'ay. He is
of Scotch-Irish descent on the paternal side and of German extraction on
the maternal line. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, came to
Clarinda in 1865 and was here identified with the drug trade for a year.
On the expiration of that period, however, he again devoted his time and
energies to the work of general farming and was actively engaged in ag
ricultural pursuits until the time of his retirement. He passed away at the
age of seventy-eight years and is still survived by his widow, who is a
well known and highly esteemed resident of Clarinda.
Miller C. McVay obtained his education in the public schools and early
in Ufe became famUiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the

262 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
agriculturist. He has been engaged in the work of the fields to some extent
up to the present time and still operates his farm. In 1891 he established
a shoe store in Clarinda, successfully conducting the enterprise until 1899,
when he sold out. Two years later, in 1901, he purchased a general store
in Braddyville, ot whicii he reniained the proprietor for three years, winning
a well merited measure of prosperity in that undertaking. In 1907 he
opened a grocery establishment in Clarinda on the east side of the square
and has already gained an extensive and profitable patronage by reason of
his well selected stock, his eamest desire to please his customers and his
straightforward business dealings.
In 1878 Air. AIcA'ay was joined in wedlock to Miss Carrie E. Strong,
a resident of Clarinda and a daughter of Nathan Strong, a farnier by occu
pation. By this union there are two children : Ona, the wife of J. G.
Scroggs, of Clarinda; and Edward E., wdio is associated with his father
in business. Fraternally Air. AIcA^ay is identified with the Knights of Pythias, being
now ex-chancellor commander of Clarinda Lodge, No. 139, in which he has
filled all of the chairs. He is likewise a consistent and faithful member of
the Alethodist Episcopal church, the teachings of which he exemplifies in
his daily Ufe. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known within
the borders of this county, having ever displayed those sterling traits of
character wdiich in everv land and clime wdii admiration and regard.

RALPH E. ANDERSON.
On tlie honor roll of Shenandoah's leading business men appears the
name of Ralph E. Anderson, who -is one of the more recent arrivals, and
yet he has for many years been widely known in this part of the state as
a leading, progressive and successful merchant. Throughout the entire
period his commercial integrity has remained unquestioned and his pro
gressive spirit and close application have brought him creditable prosperity.
Mr. Anderson was born in AVarren county, Iowa, on the i6th of Alarch,
1861, his parents being William H. and Euphema (Findley) Anderson,
both of whom were natives of Cambridge, Guernsey county, Ohio, where
they were reared and married. In 1854 they removed to the west, settling
in AA'arren county, Iowa, where the father entered one hundred and sixty
acres of government land. Subsequently he increased the boundaries of his
farm by additional purchase and upon the place whicii he there developed
he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1889
when he was seventy-two years of age. His wife died in 1887 at the age
of sixty-four years. Mr. Anderson had given his political allegiance to
the republican party as an unswerving advocate of its principles and a stal
wart champion of its candidates. He was himself honored with several
local offices and from 1875 until 1879 served as county treasurer. His
opinions always carried weight in the party councils and he did not a little

HISTORY OF PAGE C(JUXTY 263
to promote republican successes. Both he and his wdfe were earnest Chris
tian people, active in the work of the United Presbyterian church.
Ralph E. Anderson is indebted to the public-school system for the edu
cational privileges which he enjoyed in his boyhood and youth. He, how
ever, put aside his text-books when in his sixteenth year and at that period
m his life made his initial step in the business world, entering a grocery
store in Indianola. There he acted as clerk for seven years and through
this experience laid the foundation of his later success which came when
he embarked in merchandising on his own account. His careful expenditure
and his unfaltering industry at length bringing him sufficient capital, in
1885 he established a store of his own, opening a stock of groceries in
Indianola, where he successfully conducted business for about ten years.
On the expiration of that period he virent to Atlanta, Iowa, where he carried
on business for eight years and in 1903 he came to Shenandoah, where he
established his present business. For more than thirty )'ears he has been
identified with the grocer)- trade and also conducts a meat market. Fle has
built up an extensive enterprise in Shenandoah, carrying a large and well
selected line of staple and fancy groceries, which he places upon the market
at reasonable prices and thereby secures a liberal patronage. In addition
to his commercial interests be owns an excellent farm of one hundred and
sixty acres with valuable water rights in Alorgan county, Colorado.
In 1886 Air. Anderson was married to Aliss Ella Al. Young, of Central
City, Nebraska, and they have three children: Ross W., who is now
sojourning in Boise City, Idaho, for the benefit of his health; Gerald C. and
Robert, both at home. The family occupy a handsome residence at No. in
South Center street, which is the property of Mr. Anderson.
He is a well known member of the Shenandoah Commercial Club and
has always taken an active and helpful interest in any movement pertaining
to the city's progress. He belongs to Page Camp, No. 1049, M. W. A. ;
to Shenandoah Lodge, A. O. U. W. ; and to Lodge No. 1122, B. P. O. E.,
Both he and his wdfe are members of the Congregational church, in which
he is serving as a member of the board of trustees. He thus manifests an
active and helpful interest in the social and moral development as well as
the material progress of the city.' His life record has been commendable by
reason of his fidelity to duty and to his close adherence to high standards
of manhood and citizenship.

WILLIAM HISER.

WiUiam Fliser is numbered among the substantial farmers of Tarkio
township, wdiere he owns a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres,
located on section 16. He was bom in Wood county, Ohio, November 28,
1848, of the marriage of Jacob and Catherine (Isenauer) Hiser, both of
whom were natives of Stark county, that state, where they were reared
and married. Subsequently they took up their abode in Wood county.

264 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Ohio, where the father bought a farm, which he operated for several years,
and then sold his land and removed to Sandusky county, Ohio-. He also
engaged in farming in that part of the state and made a specialty of raising
horses. Both he and his wife passed away in Sandusky county.
Willlam Pliser of this review was reared under the parental roof and
acquired his education in the public schools. When twenty-three years of
age he began farming on his own account -and for nine years operated
rented land and assisted his father on the home farm. In 1881, subsequent
to his father's death, Mr.. Hiser came to Page county and bought one hun
dred and sixty acres of his present farm on section 16, Tarkio- township. He
made the purchase almost wholly on time but as the years passed was able
to liquidate his indebtedness and add to his holdings, so that he now owns
two hundred, and forty acres in one body. In addition to general farming
he has also for several years past engaged in breeding heavy draft horses.
He owns two of the finest imported stallions in western Iowa, one a French
draft and the other a Percheron Norman.
On the first of January, 1873, Mr. Hiser was married to Miss Mary E.
Duke, a resident of Sandusky county, Ohio, and they have two sons. Pearl
Sylvester and John William. The elder wedded Miss May Coy, of Tarkio
township, by whom he has three children, Clyde Lawrence, Orville Leonard
and Ortha Lillian. The younger son wedded Miss Anna Martin, a daugh
ter of Henry Martin, of College Springs, Page county. They have two
daughters, Mabel, Irene and an infant son. Both the sons are identified
with the father in his farming and stock-breeding interests and are worthy
young men of the county.
Mr. Hiser is a republican in politics where national issues are con
cerned but at local elections casts his ballot for the men whom he deems
best fitted for office. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Clar
inda and he also holds membership with Columbia Camp, No. 1892, M. W. A.
He and his wife are devoted members of the Baptist church. They are
people of the highest respectability and worth and fully merit the high
esteem in which they are held.

HIRAM H. MURPHY.

Hiram H. Murphy follows farming on one hundred and sixty acres of
land which he owns in \''alley township. He well deserves to be mentioned
among the older settlers of Page county, as he came to this section about
forty-five years ago and has been a factor in developing the county and
bringing it to its present splendid condition as a rich agricultural center.
Air. Murphy is a native of the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth
having occurred in Shelby county, July 9, 1841. His parents, Porterfield
and Katharine (Dora) Murphy, were both born in Pennsylvania and re
moved westward to Indiana at an early day. They made a location on a
tract of timber land, which the father had to clear before the fields could be

i\IR. AND MES. H. H. MURPHY

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 267
placed under cultivation. The mother died during their residence in the
Hoosier state and subsequently, in 1854, the father removed with his fam
ily, numbering six children, to Davis county, Iowa, where he spent four
years, while in 1858 he returned to Indiana and there departed this life.
Hiram H. Murphy, the only surviving member of the father's family,
accompanied his parents on their various removals up to the time of the re
turn to Indiana in 1858. During this time the son had pursued his educa
tion in the schools of the various localities in which the family lived. He
was a youth of seventeen years when, the father returning to Indiana, he
went to Van Buren county, Iowa, where he remained until 1863. He then
came to Page county and purchased eighty-three acres of land, retaining
pos,session of the same two years. In the meantime, in 1864, he made an
overland trip to Denver, Colorado, with an oxteam, the long and wearisome
journey requiring about four months. He spent about a year in the west but
had only been in Denver about three weeks, when he enlisted for service
in the Civil war, joining Company C, Third Colorado Volunteer Cavalry,
and for five months did duty fighting on the frontier. He was mustered in
as corporal and did valiant service in defense of the Union.
Subsequent to his miUtary service, Mr. Murphy returned once more to
Page county and purchased the farm on which he has since made his home,
the tract embracing one hundred and sixty acres in Valley township. His
first home was a log cabin, in which the family Uved eight years, but at the
end of that time, the country having become better developed, farmers be
gan making more modern improvements and it was then that Mr. Murphy
built a comfortable frame dwelling and otherwise improved his place, add
ing a substantial barn and various other outbuildings for the shelter of his
grain and stock. He gives his time to general farming and his efforts are
meeting with success.
It was after his retum from Colorado that Mr. Murphy was married on
the 31st of December, 1868, to Miss Alahala A. Eperson, who was born in
Monroe county, Iowa, a daughter of Thomas and Letha Mahala Eperson,
both of whom were born in Tennessee and both are now deceased. Mrs.
Murphy was one of a family of six children and by her marriage has be
come the mother of ten children, as follows : Dora, the wdfe of AVilber
Lewis, a resident of Taylor county, Iowa ; Cyrus, of Valley township ; Alar
tin, still under the parental roof ; Anna, the wife of Andy Harris, who lives
in Wyoming ; Jennie G., the wife of Ed Cooper, a resident of Page county ;
B. E., also in Page county; Nettie M., the wife of John Ashmore, also of
Page county ; .Sarah, the wife of John Swan, of Taylor county, Iowa ; Effie, at
home ; and Frank, who has passed away.
Giving his political allegiance to the democratic party, Mr. Alurphy has
filled several public offices, having for the past nine years served in the
office of township trustee, and he has also served as school director and in
other minor offices. Fle was likewise president of the Old Settlers As
sociation of southwestern Iowa, for two years. Airs. Alurphy is a devoted
and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Air. Alurphy has

268 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
made good use of his opportunities and as the years have passed has worked
energetically and persistently until he is now in possession of one of the
valuable farming properties of Valley township. He has advanced from
adversity to prosperity and today, crowned with a goodly competence, he
can look back over an honorable and well spent life, while he enjoys to the
fuUest extent the high regard of all with whom business or social relations
bring him in contact.

ANSON DOUTHIT.

Anson Douthit, who is now deceased, was for many years actively
connected with agricultural pursuits and as a result of well directed energy
and enterprise his labors were crowned with a most gratifying measure
of success. He was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, August ii, 1858,
and was a son of Nathan and Sarah (Beatty) Douthit, who were of Scotch-
Irish and Gernian descent respectively. The parents were among the very
earliest settlers of Page county, where they located upon a farm three
miles north of Clarinda and where for a number of years they were ac
tively and helpfully engaged in the work of general transformation and
improvement, aiding in converting the raw prairie land into richly cultivated
fields. Subsequently they removed to Clarinda, where the remainder of
their lives was spent, the father's death occurring in January, 1887, while
the mother passed away in February, 1898.
Ansoii Douthit acc[uired his education in the common schools of his
•native state and was thirteen years of age when he accompanied his par
ents on their removal to the west. The intervening years, up to the time
he had attained his majority, were spent on his father's farm with the ex
ception of two years, during which time he was employed by a bridge con
tractor of Clarinda. When he attained his twenty-first year he rented a
farm five miles west of Clarinda, which he cultivated for some time, and
later moved to Fiitchcock county, Nebraska, where he remained for seven
and a half years. Then for a similar period he resided in St. Clair county,
Alissouri, where he was eng-aged in the operation of a rented farm. In
1900 he retumed to Page county, Iowa, and purchased a farm of one hun
dred and tw'-entjr-seven acres located on section 24, Amity township. He
was perniitted to enjoy his new home, however, for only a short time, as
he was called to his final rest on the 29th of August, 1902. Throughout his
business career his life had been one of continuous activity in which had
been accorded due recognition of honest labor, and his many excellent traits
of character made him a valued and respected citizen of the communities
in which he resided.
On February i, 1882, Mr. Douthit was united in marriage to Miss Fan
nie HuU, who at that time was residing three miles west of Clarinda, Page
county. She is a daughter of George and Nancy (Lauver) Hull, both of
whom were of German lineage and were born in Adams county, Pennsyl-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 269
vania. They came west in 1866, locating in Knoxville, Illinois, where they
resided for four years, and then removed to Iowa, locating six miles east
of VilUsca, where they made their home for three years. For a short time
they lived in various parts of Page county and they settled in Buchanan
township in 1888, purchasing a farm of forty acres, which they made their
place of residence for nineteen years, when they moved to Braddyville,
where both are now residing. The home of Air. and Mrs. Douthit was
blessed with five children: Harry Irwin, at home; Airs. Georgie Willa
Smiley, residing in Amity township; and Elmer AA'ilkins, Grace Lucretia
and Fannie Ruth, all living at home. Mrs. Douthit stUl resides upon the
homestead, the management of which she leaves to her two sons. She is
a most estimable lady and occupies a high place in the community in which
she lives.
Mr. Douthit's poUtical allegiance was given to the republican party but
he never sought nor desired public preferment, choosing rather to devote
his entire time and energy to the management of his private business affairs.
He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Lowry City, Missouri, and
was superintendent of the Sunday school, teacher of the Bible class and a
deacon of the church for seven years. He was a most active Christian
worker whose private life was at all times in harmony with his professions.

OWEN CLARK McCORKLE.
A well improved farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres on section
18, Nodaway township, is the property of Owen Clark AlcCorkle and it pays
a substantial annual tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon the
place. Here he carries on general farming and also makes a specialty of
dairying. Iowa numbers him among her native sons, for his birth occurred
in Lee county, December 6, i860, his parents being James and Sarah
(Clark) McCorkle, who were natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania,
the former born in 1816, and the latter in 1840. She was his second wife
and now resides at CUnton, Iowa. The death of Mr. McCorkle occurred
at Fort Aladison, Iowa, in 1895. He had made farming his life work and was
also a stock feeder and shipper, who owned a half section of land, con
stituting the farm upon which his son Owen was born. For many years
he carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock raising but eventually
put aside business cares and Uved retired. He had two children by his first
marriage: Addison, now living in California; and WiUiam J., who makes
his home with his brother, Owen C, who is the eldest of the four chUdren
of the father's second marriage, the others being: Eva, the wife of Charies
Lawder, a resident of Dakota, Iowa ; Clyde, who is now located in Boston,
Massachusetts ; and BeUa, the wife of E. D. Goldsbury, of Clinton, Iowa.
Owen Clark AlcCorkle resided in his native county untU thirty-three years
of age. In his youthful days he pursued his studies in the public schools
and afterward had the benefit of instruction in AVhittier College, at Salem,

270 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Iowa. \A hen not busy with his text-books his time was largely occupied with
the work of the fields and he early received training in the best methods
of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He continued to make his
home in Lee county until the spring of 1894, when he came to Page county
and purchased eighty acres of his present farm on section 18, Nodaway town
ship. Later he added forty-four acres on section 17 and now has a farm
of one hundred and twenty-four acres of rich and arable land, which in
golden harvests responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows
upon it through the period of plowing and planting. There are also good
buildings upon the place whicii were erected by him. In 1903 his dwelling
and two barns were destroyed by fire and also the sheds and cribs upon
his place. He has erected aU of the buildings now found here and has a farm
of modern improvements, lacking in none of the accessories and conven
iences that constitute a most important feature in farming interests. He en
gages somewhat in dairying, milking about fifteen cows.
In 1881 Mr. McCorkle was married to Miss Maria N. FliU, who was
bom in AVashington county, Pennsylvania, May i, 1859. She is a daughter
of Stephen and IsabeUa (Clark) HiU, both of whom were natives of Penn
sylvania. The father died in the Keystone state and the mother came lo
Iowa about 1873. Here her remaining days were passed, her death occurr
ing in Lee county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCorkle have been born three chil
dren : Leroy, at home ; Walter, who married Gertrude Larrabee, both being
now employed at the State Hospital in Clarinda ; and Grace, at home.
Politically Air. McCorkle is a republican. He has served in school and
road offices, being officially connected with the schools from the age of
twenty-one years. He is an attendant of the Presbyterian church and his
substantial quaUties have gained him the honor and confidence of his fel
lowmen. He has never been known to take advantage of another in any
business transaction but is always reliable and persevering, placing his
dependence upon indefatigable industry and careful management for the
attainment of success.

FRED LARSON.

Among the valuable farming properties of Harlan township is the Rose
Lawn Fruit Farm on section 10, and classed with the leading horticulturists
of this part of the state is its ovifner, Fred Larson. The practical methods
which he employs in the cultivation of fruit and in the development of his
farm for the purpose of grain raising have made him one of the foremost
and representative citizens of this part of the state. As the name indicates,
he is of Swedish birth. He was bom March 25, 1856, and is a son of S. J.
and Louise (Brigitta) Larson, wdio spent their entire Uves in the old coun
try, where the father was a merchant and clothier.
Fred Larson was the youngest in a family of twrelve children, six of
whom came to America. He remained a resident of his native land until

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 271
eighteen years of age and during that period supplemented his early educa
tion by study in Jonkoping CoUege, from which he was graduated in 1875.
The favorable reports which he had heard concerning America and its
opportunities led him to determine to seek his home on this side of the Atlan
tic and in 1876 he came alone to the United States. Making his way at once
into the interior of the country, he settled first at Princeton, IlUnois, where for
one year he was employed in a dairy. He then removed to Shelby county,
Iowa, where he continued until 1883 and during that period engaged in
general farming. In the year mentioned he went to South Dakota, where
he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1894. In that year he
arrived in Page county and in 1898 purchased forty acres of his present
farm. To this he has since added and now owns fifty-three acres on sec
tion 10, Harlan township. It was all covered with brush when he took pos
session, but with characteristic energy he began to clear and improve it
and the place is now all in fruit. It is today a valuable property, known
as the Rose Lawn Fruit Farm.. He has set out fifteen hundred peach
trees, five hundred pear trees, one hundred and fifty apple trees, one hun
dred cherry trees, seventeen hundred grape vines, an acre of raspberries, an
acre of blackberries, a half acre of stawberries and three hundred mul
berry trees. He also conducts a general gardening business and in July,
1909, he established a cannery and is now canning all kinds of fruit and
produce, the fruit formerly selling chiefly to the wholesale trade of Clar
inda. He Ukewise makes a specialty of the raising of Shetland ponies
and has twenty head of Shetlands at the present time. His busi
ness interests are most capably directed and are bringing substan
tial returns, portion of the farm yielding six hundred dollars to
the acre in fruit. There is only one other man in Page county who is de
voting his attention entirely to horticultural pursuits. Air. Larson always
makes exhibits at the fairs, where he has won many premiums.
In 1883 in Shelby county, Iowa, Mr. Larson was married to Miss Kittie
Crumb, who was born in Illinois, August 3, 1862, and is a daughter of Lon
and Jane (Norcross) Crumb, both of whom were natives of Vermont.
Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Larson went to South
Dakota, at which time he had in his possession sixteen hundred dollars in
cash, eight head of horses and five cows and a car load of machinery. He
came back in 1903 with one span of ponies. He had cultivated as high as
five hundred acres each year, but either droughts or hail storms had caused
his loss. He then took up the sale of fencing and machinery and built
woven fire fences, continuing in that business for three years, after which
he purchased his present farm and has since enjoyed continuously increasing
prosperity. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Larson has been blessed with six children:
Richard Alonzo, Rex Alfred, Minnie Maude, Nellie Augusta, Inez Gladys
and Trixie Pearl. The family is well known in this part of the county,
where Air. Larson justly deserves classification with the leading citizens.
He has proved what many had previously doubted, that this district is well
qualified for fruit raising and a visit to his farm is most interesting for it

272 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
presents a splendid appearance and shows what can be accomplished when in
telligence and energy are appUed to the utilization of the advantages which
nature has offered.

S. E. ASHMORE.

The time and attention of S. E. Ashmore is devoted to the improvement
and operation of a fine farm of one hundred and seventeen and a half acres
of land situated in Valley township, Page county. He is a native of the
state of Iowa, born in Des Moines county, June 24, 1853, and a son of
George and Margaret (Sheldon) Asfimore. The mother was born on the
Emerald isle but the father was a native of the Buckeye state, whence he
came to Iowa at an early day. He was long identified with its development
and improvem.ent and became an influential citizen, passing away in 1904.
The mother is still Uving and now makes her home in Monona county, Iowa,
at the advanced age of seventy-seven years.
S. E. Ashmore of this review is one of a family of nine children. The
son entered the common schools at the usual age and therein acquired the
knowledge that fitted him to face the responsibilities of life. He remained
under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then began
work as a farm hand, being thus engaged two years. Subsequently he en
gaged in the dairy business, which he followed six years. However, be
lieving that agricultural life would prove more congenial as well as profitable
to him, he then rented land in Des Moines county, operating the same two
years, after which he spent seven years on a farm in Monona county. At
the end of that period he made a permanent location in Page county, oper
ating rented land here seven years. He had worked earnestly and carefully
saved his money, so that he eventuaUy felt justified in making a purchase of
land and accordingly became the owner of his present farm, consisting of
one hundred, seventeen and a half acres in Valley township. Since taking
possession he has made all the improvements which are here found, including
a good farm residence, barn and outbuildings, and he uses only the latest
improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. He understands
the best methods of farming and his efforts are rewarded with good crops
each year.
It was in 1880 that Mr. Ashmore established a home of his own by
his marriage to Miss Maggie Reynolds, who was born in Louisa county,
Iowa, and is one of a family of nine children whose parents were J. R. and
Amanda (SterUng) Reynolds. The former was a native of England,
while the latter was born in Indiana. Both the parents have departed this
life. Unto Air. and Mrs. Ashmore have been born seven children, namely:
Maud C. and May C, twins, the former deceased, while the latter is now
the wife of AA''Uliam Narigon, a resident of Nodaway, Adams county, Iowa ;
Guy G., at home; J. W., who makes his home in Page county; Myrtle, de
ceased; Neva B., stiU under the parental roof; and Theada E., also at home.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 273
Mr. Ashmore's study of the political questions and issues of the day has
led him to give stalwart support to the republican party although he has
never been active in public Ufe. He has, however, served as school director
and is ever deeply interested in a good school system. He is also at the present
time serving as road supervisor. Both he and his wife affiliate with the
Methodist Episcopal church, in which Air. Ashmore is acting as a steward.
It is through the efforts of such men as Mr. Ashmore that Valley town
ship has been brought to its present well developed and attractive state.
He not only keeps his land in a tillable condition but takes great pride in
keeping the buildings and fences about his place in repair. His Ufe has
been a busy and active one as is evidenced by the property of which he is
today the possessor, and which was acquired through his own earnest and
honest toil. The family is one of Page county's best and they have a host
of warm friends by whom they are highly esteemed.

JOHN T. STUART.

John T. Stuart is an octogenarian, having started upon Ufe's journey
more than eighty years ago. He has witnessed many changes in that time
for in his youthful days railroad travel was unknowm in the west and prac
tically so in the east. Steamboat navigation had made comparatively little
progress and such conveniences as are offered by the telegraph and tele
phone were not as yet dreamed of. Then, too, the greater part of this
middle west country was wild and unimproved but it was rich in its possi
bilities and natural resources. As the years have gone by Air. Stuart has
rejoiced in what has been accomplished and has borne his share in the work
of general, improvement throughout the period of his residence in Iowa.
For a considerable time he was closely identified with farming interests and
his official service has also made him a valued and representative resident
of this state.
He was born October 3, 1828, in Kentucky, his parents being Roy and
EUzabeth (AA''illiams) Stuart, who were natives of Virginia and in chUd
hood days accompanied their respective parents to the Blue Grass state.
John T. Stuart spent his youthful days in the acquirement of an education
in the subscription schools and in 1847, at the age of nineteen, he came
to Iowa. He entered land in Alahaska county from the government, se
curing one hundred and eighty acres. Fiis brother, who preceded him to
Iowa, had located in what is now Van Buren county many years before
when it was still a part of Michigan, while subsequently it was a part of
Wisconsin. Later the territory of Iowa was set off and eventually was
admitted to the Union.
After securing his land John T. Stuart visited his old home occasionaUy
for the next fifteen years but made his home in Van Buren and Lee coun
ties, in both of which he owned land. About 1870 he removed to Council
Bluffs and was appointed deputy United States marshal for the western

274 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
division of Iowa, filling the position in an acceptable manner for twelve
years but his health became somewhat impaired and feeling that a change
might prove beneficial he went to Missouri, residing for about a year and
a half with a brother in that state.
The year 1884 witnessed the arrival of Air. Stuart in Shenandoah,
where he has since made his home. For a few years he was engaged in
the grain business after coming to this city but recently has devoted his time
solely to looking after his financial affairs. For twenty-five years he has
been a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Shenandoah,
and is a stockholder in the Swanson Alauufacturing Conipany.
Mr. Stuart was married in 1854 to Aliss CaroUne Dunning, of Van
Buren county, Iowa, and unto them have been born two daughters, Ella
and Elizabeth, both at home. The wife and mother died in 1861 and later
Mr. Stuart wedded Aliss America Wagner, also of A^an Buren county.
The only child of this marriage is deceased.
Mr. Stuart is a stalwart republican in politics and while in A'an Buren
county was appointed sheriff to fill out an unexpired term. At its close
he was regularly elected to the office and proved a competent official, dis
charging his duties without fear or favor. Fle belongs to the Congregational
church and is loyal to its teachings. More than sixty years have passed
since he first came to Iowa. He stands as a splendid example of those men
who have ever been true to their obUgations to their fellowmen and yet
through persistent, earnest eft'ort have found the path to success.

CLARENCE G. JOHNSON.
Clarence G. Johnson, a well known and prosperous grocery merchant of
Clarinda, was born in Westergotland, Sweden, on the 2d of September,
1859, a son of Charles and Anastina Johnson. In 1867 they crossed the
Atlantic to the United States and took up their abode in Henry county,
IlUnois, the father carrjdng on agricultural pursuits as a means of liveli
hood. In 1870 he brought his family to Page county, Iowa, being here
engaged in the work of the fields throughout the remainder of his active
business career. He passed away on the 17th of March, 1909, while his
wife was called to her final rest in Alay, 1902, the community thus losing
two of its most widely known and esteemed residents.
Clarence G. Johnson first attended school in Henry county, Illinois, for
two years and following the removal of the family to this county he became
a pupil in the public schools here. He remained on the home farm until
1880 and then came to Clarinda, where he was employed in a clerical ca
pacity by J. H. Dunlap, a hardware dealer, for nine years. On the expira
tion of that period he accepted a position as traveling salesman for an
Akron (Ohio) firm, selling the Buckeye harvesters and mowers throughout
this district. Fle severed his connection with the company, however, at
the end of two years and became engaged in the grocery business in part-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 275
nership with John A. Orth, the enterprise being conducted under the name
of Orth & Johnson. That relationship \\'as maintained until 1899, when
Mr. Johnson purchased his partner's interest and has since remained the
sole proprietor of the establishment. The neat and tasteful arrangement
of his goods, his reasonable prices and honorable business dealings are all
factors in the success which has attended his eftorts as a merchant and he
has long been numbered among the most substantial and enterprising citi
zens of the county.
On the i6th of August, 1893, Air. Johnson was united in marriage to
Miss Alma D. Falk, a resident of Essex, Page county, and a daughter of
Charles M. Falk, who is a farmer by occupation and also conducts a grain
elevator. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born four children, namely :
Karl M., Bemhard F., Clarence G. and Florence Helene.
Mr. Johnson is a stalwart republican in his political views and until
recent years was a most active worker in the local ranks of the party.
Fraternally he is identified wdth the Modern AA^oodmen of America. His
genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character have won him the
unbounded confidence and esteem of the entire community and the respect
and admiration of all with whom he has come in contact.

HENRY GOECKER.

Ohio has furnished her full quota of substantial citizens to the Hawkeye
state, aniong which number is Henry Goecker, who since 1876 has lived in
Page county and is now a prosperous farmer, owning four hundred and
thirty-five acres of valuable land all in one body. He was born in Cincin
nati, Ohio, August 20, 1852, his parents being Bernhart and Katharine
(Rose) Goecker, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. In the
year 1842 they arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, and were married there. They
remained residents of that state until 1854 when they removed with their
family to Jackson county, Indiana, and spent their remaining days upon the
farm on which they settled when they took up their abode in that state. The
father first worked in a brick yard in Cincinnati and afterward established
a brick yard in that city on his own account but after going to Indiana gave
his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His wife died June 17,
1878, while he survived until March 17, 1892, wdien he also passed away.
Their family numbered seven children: Henry; William, a resident of
Indiana; Ferdinand, Uving in Page county, Iowa; Henrietta, the wdfe of
A. G. Ostermann, of Seymour, Indiana ; Mrs. Charlotte Brummer, now
deceased ; Louis, whose home is in Yorktown ; Elizabeth, the wife of George
Klostermann, of Jackson county, Indiana; and August, who is living in
the same county.
Fienry Goecker was only two years old when his parents removed with
their family to Jackson county, Indiana, and there he was reared amid the
wild scenes and environment of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all

276 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
of the hardships that fall to those who establish homes on the frontier. He
also assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and worked at
farm labor through the periods of vacation while in the winter months he
acquired his education by attending the pubhc schools. In 1876 he came
to Page county, Iowa, with four other young men and has since lived con
tinuously in this county. For two years he worked as a farm hand for
Henry Ottie, now his father-in-law, and at the end of that time married
Mr. Ottie's daughter and took up his abode upon the farm in Nodaway
township. It was a place of seventy-two acres upon which he lived for
fourteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present
farm on section i of the same township and he now owns a valuable property
of four hundred and thirty-five acres all in one body. On this are two
sets of buildings which are substantial and kept in a state of good repair.
There are large sheds and cribs for the shelter of grain and stock and
none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth
century are lacking. Most of the shade trees upon the place have been
planted by Mr. Goecker and in following general farming and stock-raising
he is meeting with excellent success for in all of his business ideas he is
practical and his energy and enterprise enable him to overcome aU the
difficulties and obstacles that ever bar the path to prosperity.
In 1878 Mr. Goecker was joined in wedlock to Miss Hannah L. Ottie
and unto them have been born seven children : Frank, who is living in
Oklahoma; Charlotte, the wife of Frank Wilds of the same state; Daniel,
who married Laura AVindhorst and resides upon a farm in Nodaway town
ship ; Louisa, the wife of B. AI. Janssen of Oklahoma; Anna, Ulysses and
Benjamin, all at home. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran
church and Mr. Goecker votes with the repubUcan party. His time and
attention, however, are given solely to his business affairs and his valuable
property is the visible evidence of his life of unfaltering energy and thrift.
He has worked diligently and persistently to attain success, brooking no
j-bstacles that could be overcome by determined and honorable effort and his
record shows what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and
to do, for the Alaplebrook stock farm is one of the valuable properties of
the county and the owner is now numbered among the leading stock-
raisers of this part of the state.

JOHN F. M. PORTER.
John F. M. Porter, a highly respected farmer of Grant township, whose
modern and progressive methods are evidenced in the well kept appearance
of his place on section 9, was born in Cabell county, West Virginia, on the
20th of January, 1832. His parents were John and Jane (Burns) Porter,
who were likewise natives or Cabell county, West Virginia, where they
lived until about 1838 and then removed to Ohio, where they spent two
years. In 1840 they became residents of Tippecanoe county, Indiana,

J. F. M. PORTER

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 279
where the death of the father occurred. The mother aftenvard became the
wife of Thomas Coon and with him removed to Cass county, Iowa, in 1853,
their last days being spent in that locality.
John F. M. Porter was a lad of only nine summers when his father
died and at that early age he began to provide for his ow-n support by work
ing for neighboring farmers. His educational opportunities were neces
sarily curtailed as it was imperative that he provide for his own support.
His father, however, had been a school teacher for years and had sown the
seeds of learning in the youthful mind of his son, who, ambitious to improve
his knowledge, has largely utilized his leisure hours in reading and study.
In this way he has acquired broad, general learning, and in the school of
experience has also mastered many of the difficult lessons of life.
Mr. Porter continued to work as a farm hand untU he had attained his
majority and soon afterward he made arrangements for having a home of
his own by renting land and providing a companion and helpmate for life's
journey in his inarriage, which was celebrated on the 29th of January, 1852,
the lady of his choice being Aliss Sarah Jane Jordan, a native of Tippe
canoe county, Indiana. For two years thereafter Air. Porter engaged in
the cultivation of rented land and then sought a home in Iowa, making
his way west of the Mississippi in company with his wdfe and two children.
They settled in Cass county and Air. Porter invested his earnings in a farm
of two hundred acres. He also secured credit and purchased five yoke of
oxen, wdth whicii he intended to break prairie, hoping by his earnings in
that way to make the additional payment upon his land. However, it de
veloped that those for whom he intended to break the sod had no money
wdth which to pay him, so that the following year he sold his land and
brought his cattle to Page county. He took up his abode in Grant town
ship, where at different times he purchased various tracts of land, securing
some from the government and other tracts from individuals. He also
bought land from the county which he secured on long time payments. In
this way, through his various investments, he became the owner of over a
thousand acres. He has continuously resided in Grant township and is to
day one of its oldest residents, having witnessed its development from
pioneer tinies to the present. As the years have passed he has placed his
farms under cultivation and his success has been assured by reason of the
fact that the land is naturally rich and arable and because he is diligent,
persevering and energetic in all of his business affairs.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Porter was blessed with five children, of
whom four are yet Uving, namely: Julia C., the wife of George Maxwell,
of Grant township-; John C., also oi Grant township; WUUam, who resides
in Essex, Page county ; and Thomas, oi Pierce township. The wife and
mother died February 26, 1886, after they had traveled life's journey to
gether for more than a third of a century.
In his political views Air. Porter was originaUy a whig and on the dis
solution of that party he joined the ranks of the new repubhcan party, which
he has continued to support. He has been a very successful man, having
accumulated a fortune, but in recent years has divided his property among

280 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
his children and others, retaining only a sufficient amount to give him a
comfortable income, for he has desired that his children should have the
benefit of the property while he is yet living. While he has reached the
age of seventy-seven years, he is yet a well preserved man, and his record
is one which wins for him in the evening of life the veneration' and respect
which should ever be accorded to those of advanced years.

JOSEPH MORHAIN.

Joseph Morhain is one of the wealthy landowners of Page county,
owning altogether four hundred and forty acres of land here, and all this
is the outcome of the wise use of a capital of three hundred dollars which
he possessed upon his arrival in this country. He is also well known in
financial circles in this part of the state as one of the organizers of the Se
curity Trust & Savings Bank, of Shenandoah, of which he is acting as vice
president and serving on the board of directors.
Mr. Morhain was born in Lorraine, France, February lo, 1850, a son of
Stevens and Alary (Posser) Morhain. The father was reared m France and
served as an officer in the French army under Louis Philippe. He was
married in that country and about 1844 came to the United States, leaving
his family in France. Soon after he arrived in this country the Alexican
war broke out and Mr. Alorhain's services were secured as a drill master
for the army. He served in that position during the period of hostilities
and in 1848 returned to his own country, where he spent his remaining days,
his deatli occurring when he had reached -the age of sixty-five years. His
wife died when sixty-nine years of age. Her father served under LaFay
ette in the war for Independence.
Joseph Alorhain was reared under the parental roof and his education,
which was begun in the public schools, was completed by graduation from
St. Ann X^ormal College with the class of 1867. He had a strong desire
to enter the army but wa's opposed in this by his parents, so he remained at
home until 1871. Foreseeing no future in France for him and having
heard and read a great deal about the freedom and the opportunity for ad
vancement in this country, he decided to leave home. It was on the 12th
day of July of that year that he first set foot on American soil, landing in
New York city. He made his way westward to St. Louis, Missouri, from
which place he went to St. Clair county, lUinois, and for three years was
employed at farm labor.
In 1874 Mr. Morhain continued his journey westward to Page county,
Iowa, and for three years operated rented land. At the end oi that time, in
1877, he purchased a farm of eighty acres, located on section 12, Grant
township, this tract constituting a portion of his present home place. On
this land stood a small frame house, sixteen by twenty-two feet, in which
the family lived until 1886, when Mr. Alorhain remodeled and added to
this dwelling, and in 1906 he built a modern and commodious house, his

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 281
being one of the fine residences of this section. It is suppUed with hot
and cold water, bath, furnace, and all modern improvements. As he
prospered in his undertakings he also added to his landed possessions and
in 1892 purchased a tract of eighty acres adjoining his first purchase, while
in 1898 he added another eighty acre tract, so that his home farm now em
braces three hundred and twenty acres in Grant township. In 1900 he pur
chased a farm of eighty acres a mile south of his home farm, and in 1903
he bought one hundred and twenty acres in Morton township, so that he
owns altogether four hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land.
Air. Alorhain's capital consisted of but three hundred dollars at the time of
his arrival in this country but his wise investment of this has led to his
present financial success.
In 1878 Mr. Alorhain was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Nies,
of Flamburg, Fremont county, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with
two sons and one daughter : William, who follows farming in Grant town
ship ; John Joseph, who operates a farm belonging to his father ; and Eliza
beth, at home.
Mr. Alorhain gives his political support to the republican party and
for thirteen years served as a member of the school board, the cause of
education ever receiving his hearty cooperation. He has made wise use of
his talents and opportunities and has met with well merited success. A
public-spirited citizen, he is loyal to his adopted country and since coming
to Page county has made many friends, by whom he is highly esteemed.

JOHN MIDDAUGH.

John Aliddaugh, a representative agriculturist of Page county, owning
a wel! improved and productive farm of two hundred and forty acres in
Nodaway township, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, on the 4th of
May, 1851, his parents being George and Susan (Oswalt) Middaugh. The
family is of German extraction. George Middaugh, the father of our sub
ject, whose birth occurred in Indiana, removed to Illinois in his boyhood
days and in 187 1 came to lov/a, locating on a farm in Douglas township,
Page county. He continued to reside upon that place until the year 1880,
wdien he took up his abode near Neck, Jasper county, Missouri, where he
has made his home to the present time. Fiis time and energies have been
given to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career
and he has won a gratif)dng measure of success in his undertakings. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Oswalt and whom he wedded
in Illinois, was a native of the state of Ohio. Her demise occurred in 1875
at A^illisca, low-a, where her remains were interred. By her marriage she
became the mother of eight children, as follows : John, of this review ;
.Anna, who passed away when t-wo years of age; James, who died at the
ao-e of nine years; Louisa, whose demise occurred in 1877; Posa, who
passed away at Alaryville, Missouri, in 1881 ; one who died in infancy;

28? HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Lydia, the wife of Frank Reeder, an agriculturist of Neck, Missouri; and
Susie, the wife of B. J. Hoffman, of Pittsburg, Kansas.
John Aliddaugh obtained his education in the common schools and re
mained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age. He then
began farming the place on which he now resides, first renting the property
for three years. On the expiration of that period he bought forty acres of
land across the road, erected a house and barn, as well as all necessary
outbuildings, and as the years have gone by has equipped the place with aU
modern improvements. His farm now embraces a tract of two hundred
and forty acres of rich and arable land and in its cultivation he has won a
substantial and weU merited degree of prosperity, annually garnering boun
teous harvests. The success which he today enjoys is due entirely to his
own efforts, for he started out in life empty-handed and through his own
energy, economy and perseverance he has gradually worked his way up
ward until he is now numbered among the prosperous and enterprising cit
izens of the community.
In 1876 Mr. Middaugh was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Fisher, by
whom he had one child, Charley, now deceased. In his political views Mr.
Middaugh is an unfaltering republican and an active worker in tlie local
ranks of the party. He has held the office of trustee for nine years and is
now serving as president of the board. Fraternally he is connected with the
Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 139, at Clarinda, in which he has filled
some of the chairs. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of
Page county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to
any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance
its wonderful development.

WILLIAM C. DOW.

William C. Dow, numbered among the pioneer residents of Page county,
was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, December 2, 1836. He is a son
of John and EUza (Weber) Dow, natives of Connecticut and New York re
spectively. They were pioneer settlers of the western portion of the Empire
state and WUliam C. Dow was there born in a log cabin in the midst of the
forests. His parents were reared and married in New York and there spent
their remaining days. The death of the mother occurred in 1856 when she
was about forty years of age and the father, long surviving her, died in 1897
at the age of eighty-eight years. John Dow was the son of Daniel Dow, a
native of Connecticut, who died near College Springs, Iowa, in 1859, having
come to this state to live with his sons. He was a farmer by occupation
.and in following that pursuit provided a comfortable living for his family,
which numbered seven children: Dan, John, Benjamin, James, Aaron, Isa
belle and Rachel. William C. Etow was the second in order oi birth in a
family of five children. The others w^ere : Daniel, of Washington ; Mary,
now the wife of William M. Woods, of Nodaway ; James, who died in

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 283
Kansas ; Mrs. Gertrude Teft, deceased ; and Belle, the wife of Charles H.
Fleckenstein, of New York, was a child of the father's second marriage.
As previously stated, William C. Dow spent tlie days of his boyhood and
youth in the place of his nativity and on attaining his majority came to Page
county, Iowa, with an elder brother, Daniel M. Dow. They made the journey
by rail to Alount Pleasant, which was then the nearest railroad point to this
county, and from there they walked the remainder of the way. William
C. Dow resided with his uncles, Aaron and Daniel Dow, who had preceded
them. Aaron Dow assisted in laying out College Springs and the famUy
were closely associated with the early progress of the community. William
C. Dow made his home with his uncle, aided in breaking the raw prairie and
otherwise assisting in the arduous labor of developing the farm, and in the
winter months he engaged in teaching school for two seasons. There came
an interruption to his labors on the 6th of August, 1861, when he enlisted
as a member of Company K, Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Captain
Joseph Cramer, of this county, with whom he served for three years, being
honorably discharged in September, 1864, at Jonesboro, Georgia. He took
part in the battle of Pea Ridge and in the engagements at Vicksburg, look
out Mountain, Missionary Ridge and those of the Atlanta campaign. Dur
ing the latter part of his services he was detailed for duty with the pioneer
corps and all during his connection with the army he was never wounded
nor taken prisoner, remaining with his regiment throughout the entire time.
When the country no longer needed his aid, Mr. Dow returned to Ohio,
where he spent the winter after being mustered out. In the spring of 1865
he removed to Mercer county, Illinois, where he resided until the faU of
1867, when he came to Page county, Iowa, and has since made his home
here. For fifteen years he resided on a farm four miles northeast of Col
lege Springs and since that time has lived in the town. Here he has con
ducted a wagon repair shop, but at length, becoming unable to do manual
labor, he retired and is now enjoying a well earned rest.
On the 24th of March, 1865, Mr. Dow was united in marriage to Miss
Lucinda M. Lafferty, who was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, March 17,
1841, and was a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (McDowell) Lafferty.
She went with her parents to lUinois in the spring of 1865 and there resided
until her marriage, after which she came with her husband to Iowa and here
lived untU called to her final home in June, 1907. She was one of a family of
fourteen children and by her marriage became the mother of six children:
AAL Newton, who is superintendent of the rural telephone system of Clarinda ;
Nettie L., the wife of Edwin S. King, of Rich HUl, Missouri; Gertrude L..
the wife of George R. Murray, of Holt county, Missouri ; Chester, living in
College Springs, where he is weU known as the owner and publisher of the
Current Press; Oella, the wife of D. Brichard, of Amity township; and
Walter E., of Carroll county, Missouri.
Mr. Dow was a member of the Congregational church until it was dis
banded about two years ago. He has always been interested in Amity Col
lege, in which he has educated his chUdren, and his influence and aid are
ever given on the side of inteUectual and moral as well as material progress.

284 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTA'
He has become widely knowm during the long years of his residence here
and his many substantial and sterling qualities have gained him the high re
gard in which he is now uniformly held.

JOHN BEAAl.

John Beam, who since 1902 has lived retired in Clarinda, was born in
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of January, 1831, his parents
being Jacob and Margaret (Clendening) Beam, both of whom were natives
of the Keystone state. The father, who was an iron worker by trade, passed
away on the i6th of Alay, 1884, when he had attained the age of eighty-six
years. His political allegiance was given to the democracy, while his relig
ious faith was indicated by his membership in the Evangelical Association.
The death of his wife occurred in Pennsylvania on the 17th of April, 1846.
The eight children born of their union were as follows : Eliza ; Jacob ; Kath
erine, who is deceased; John, of this review; Alargaret, Christian and Samuel,
all of whom have passed away; and AVilliam.
John Beam obtained his education in the district and subscription schools
and remained in the county of his nativity until twenty-two years of age,
there learning the miller's trade. In 1853 he crossed the Allegheny moun
tains and came to Iowa, making the journey by canal boat. Locating in
Louisa county, he there carried on general agricultural pursuits for a year
and then went to Aluscatine, Iowa, where he conducted a transfer business
until 1858. .Subsequently he made his way to Nodaway county, Missouri,
and during his year's residence there assisted his brother-in-law in the im
provement of a farm. In 1859 he returned to Muscatine, Iowa, where he
was engaged in general farming until 1865, when he again went to Noda
way county, Missouri, there remaining until April, 1866.
At that time he came to Clarinda and purchased the hotel known as the
Clarinda House, which stood on the northeast corner of the public square,
continuing as the proprietor of this hostelry for fifteen years. On the ex
piration of that period, in 1882, he sold out and bought a farm of two hun
dred and six acres, situated two miles north of Clarinda, in the cultiyation and
improvement of which he was successfully engaged for twenty years. At
the end of that time he sold the property to the state for one hundred dol
lars an acre, being the first man in Page county to secure that prize. In 1902,
having accumulated a handsome competence, he put aside active business
cares and took up his abode at No. 204 East Lincoln avenue in Clarinda,
where he owns an attractive and commodious residence. At one time he
was the owner of considerable property but has divided it all among his
children. Untiring, persistent and well directed labor was the basis of the
prosperity which crowned his efforts and which now enables him to spend
his remaining days in well earned ease, surrounded by all of the comforts
and many of the luxuries of life.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 285
On the 26th of February, 1856, in Aluscatine, Iowa, Air. Beam was
united in marriage to Aliss Sarah Shoemaker. Her maternal great-grand
father, Air. Scudder, participated in the Revolutionary war as a member of
the commissary department and Air. Beam now has in his possession the
book in which he kept his accounts. Stephen Bell, the grandfather of Mrs.
Beam, was a native of New Jersey, born on the i8th of August, 1774. He
was very influential in the aft'airs of the Alethodist Protestant church and
w-as sent as a delegate to the first conference of that denomination, which
was held in Baltimore in 1827. He was the first mayor of Springfield, Ohio,
and also represented his district in the Ohio legislature in 1839. His de
mise occurred on the 14th of November, 1852. Unto Air. and Airs. Beam
were bom four children, namely: Belle; Allie, who is deceased; Charles;
and Ervin. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 28th of
February, 1899, her demise being the occasion of deep and widespread re
gret. In his political views Mr. Beam is a stalwart advocate of the democracy,
while fraternally he is identified with the Alasons, belonging to Clarinda
Chapter and Pilgrim Commandery. His life in its varied relations has ever
been honorable and upright and throughout the county where he has now
made his home for more than four decades he is recognized as a leading,
respected and representative citizen.

AIRS. A. K. CHRISTENSEN.
Airs. A. K. Christensen is a resident of Coin and in addition to the
town property which she owns she has a fine farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in AVashington township. A native of Denmark, she was born in 1847
of the marriage of Aladison and Carrie (Henderson) Madison, both of
whom died in Denmark. Mrs. Christensen spent her girlhood days there and
when nineteen years of age came to the United States with her brother, set
tling in Illinois. In 1868 she gave her hand in marriage to N. B. Christ
ensen, also a native of Denmark, born April 18, 1840. The wedding was
celebrated in Illinois, where they resided until 1871, when they came to Page
county, Iowa, where Airs. Christensen has since lived. They purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of raw land on which a dwelUng was erected and for
four years they made that farm their home, Mr. Christensen carefully cul
tivating- the fields. At length, however, he sold the property and bought an
other farm of one hundred and sixty acres. It was a tract of raw land, not
a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made upon the place,
but with characteristic energy he began its development, erected buildings
there which furnished ample shelter for grain and stock and for a long
number of years made the place his home. As he prospered in his under
takings he added to his holdings until in addition to the home farm he
owned three hundred and twenty acres, whicii at his death was divided among
the children. Ha was quite prosperous in his business career, basing his

286 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
business principles upon the rules which govern unfaltering energy and
strict unswerving integrity. He was seldom at fault in matters of business
judgnient and his success was honorably won. He continued a resident of
this county up to the time of his death, which occurred May 9, 1888. The
community thereby lost a representative farmer, the county a reliable citi
zen, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a devoted and loving
husband and father.
Unto Air. and Mrs. Christensen have been born nine children. Peter,
now a farmer of Alorton township, married Sadie Wilson and has five
children : Glenn, Grace, Roy, Paul and Boyd. Augusta is the wife of Walter
Dougherty, who resides upon the old Christensen homestead in Washing
ton township, and they have four children: Benjamin, Lester, Elsie and
Dale. William, who is a graduate of Highland CoUege of Des Moines and
is now engaged in school teaching at Dubuque, Iowa, married Ora Spencer,
who died leaving one child, Alfred, who makes his home with his grand
mother, Mrs. Christensen. Charles, who follows farming near Fuller-
ton, Nebraska, wedded Mabel Bently and they have two children: Ralph
and Clyde. Carrie is the wife of Ed Gamble, a farmer of Morton town
ship, by whom she has three children : Merle, Esther and Thelma. Emma
is at home with her mother. John, living in Colfax township, married Clem-
mie Jeffrey, and they have two children : Newell J. and John F. Anna, a
graduate of the Coin high school of the class of 1903, is at home. Edwin
completes the family and is yet under the parental roof.
In 1905 Mrs. Christensen removed to Coin, where she now makes her
home. She is a member of the Methodist church of that place and is
weU known in the town and throughout the county where a large circle of
warm friends entertain for her high regard.

ALEXANDER B. CLARK.
Alexander B. Clark, a prominent and successful attorney of Clarinda,
practicing in partnership with WUUam F. Stipe under the firm style of Stipe
& Clark, was born on the i8th of March, 1874, a son of Talton E. and Alary
B. (Burtch) Clark. The father was a resident of Clarinda from 1867 until
the time of his demise on the 20th of April, 1902. He was admitted to the
bar in this city and throughout his -entire career remained a leading and suc
cessful member of the legal profession, while for ten years he ably repre
sented his district in the state senate. His widow still makes her home in
Clarinda, where she is a weU known and highly esteemed resident.
Alexander B. Clark first attended the public schools of Clarinda and then
entered the law department of the Iowa State University, being graduated
from that institution in 1894. A year later he began the practice of law
in partnership with his father under the -firm style of Clark & Son, while
subsequently he prosecuted his profession in Kansas City, Missouri, for two
years. In 1908 he formed a partnership with WUliam F. Stipe for the prae-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 287
tice of law in Clarinda and the firm has since enjoyed an extensive and dis
tinctively representative clientage. While yet a young man, Mr. Clark has
attained an enviable position in professional circles, the favorable decisions
which he has won in the courts attesting his comprehensive knowledge of
the principles of jurisprudence and his correct application thereof to the
points in litigation.
On the 23d of December, 1903, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Rex, a resident of Creston, Iowa, and a daughter of C. S. Rex, who
is a retired lumber merchant. By this union there is one son, Talton Rex
Clark. Mr. Clark casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the
republican party and is an active party worker. In January, 1907, he was
elected to the offlce of justice of the peace and in 1909 was re-elected, so
that he is now the incumbent in that position, the duties of which he dis
charges in a most able and impartial manner. He likewise served as deputy
clerk of the county court for one year. In his religious faith he is a Presby
terian and has served as trustee of the church of that denomination for the
past two years. Practically his entire life has been passed in Clarinda, where
he has a wide and favorable acquaintance, many of his stanchest friends hav
ing known him from his boyhood.

J. H. HUSEMAN.

It is a noticeable fact that young men are continually forging to the front
in commercial and industrial lines, the truth of which statement is found
in the life record of J. H. Huseman, who, although one of the recent addi
tions to the business activities of Yorktown, has already gained a creditable
place for himself among the merchants of this city. A native of Page county,
Iowa, he was born in Lincoln township, January 14, 1879, and is therefore
but thirty years of age. He is a son of WUUam and Minnie (Segebade)
Huseman, natives of Germany, the former born in Hanover and the latter in
Oldenburg. The father came to the United States about thirty-six years ago
and the mother arrived here about two years later. They were married in
this country and became the parents of four children, namely : J. H., of this
review; Lena, the wife of Henry MiUer, of Lincoln township; WiUiam and
Martha, both at home. The parents are both living and now make their
home on a farm of two hundred acres in Lincoln township. Page county.
Reared to farm life amid the scenes and environments of his native town
ship, J. H. Huseman there attended the district schools in the acquirement of
an education and remained upon his father's farm, assisting in the work of
the fields, until 1905, when he came to Yorktown, where he purchased his
present hardware store. He has since directed his energies toward the con
duct of his business, and although his residence in this city covers only four
years, he has, nevertheless, already attained a place among the prosperous
and progressive merchants and is enjoying a most gratifying patronage.

288 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
_ Energetic and industrious, he possesses good business ability and the power
to carefuUy manage his affairs, two features which are essential in the ulti
mate attainment of success. He also owns the building in which his business
is located, a brick structure consisting of one story and basement, twenty-
five by fifty-foui feet.
In August, 1907, Air. Huseman was united in marriage to Miss Ida List,
born in Frankenmuth, Michigan, on the 29th of August, 1889, and a daughter
of J. AI. List. The home of Air. and Mrs. Huseman has been blessed with
one child, a daughter, Lucy. Mr. Huseman is a member of the Evangelical
Lutheran church, in the work of which he is help>fully interested. Although
one of the younger members of mercantile interests of Yorktown, he has
already attained a measure of success that augurs well for the future. Dur
ing the four years of their residence in this town he and his wife have gained
a number of warm friends and are numbered among the highly esteemed
young people of the community.

C. C. POLLY.

C. C. Polly, a representative citizen and a grocer of Shenandoah, Iowa,
was born in Randolph county, near Union City, Indiana, February 12, 1848,
the son of Dr. Samuel and Anna (Alote) Polly. The father was a native
of either Virginia or Ohio, the mother was born in Darke county, the latter
state, where the couple met and were married. Dr. Polly had considerable
practice in his profession there, but shortly after his marriage he took
his family to Randolph county, Indiana, and there made a place for himself
as a physician. In 1856 he came to Iowa, locating in Osceola, where he
practiced his profession for some eighteen or nineteen years. His next
move was to Alonona county, this state, in which he made his home until
his death, which occurred in 1896. His wife survived him some five years.
Both parents were members of the Christian church and were held in high
regard. C. C. PoUy received his fundamental preparation for life at home and in
the common schools. When he had attained the age of twenty he began
life for himiself as a farmer, at first renting a farm in Clarke county, near
Osceola, and one in Warren county. After four years' trial of this kind of
work he removed to Monona county, where he purchased his first farm.
This he cultivated until 1882, when he decided to enter upon another phase
of life. Having disposed of this piece of property he embarked in general
merchandising, opening up a store first in Whiting, Iowa. Eleven years
later he sold his interest in the business and for the next seven years was
variously employed. In February, 1900, he came to Shenandoah, and, see
ing a suitable opening, the following July he opened a grocery store at his
present location, 519 West Sheridan Avenue. Here he has won the con
fidence of the people and has built up an extensive trade.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 289
On the 25th of February, 1868, Mr. Polly was united in marriage to Miss
-iilizabeth Farley, of Palmyra, Warren county, Iowa. No children have
been born of this marriage. Mr. Polly is a member of Page Camp, No.
1049, M. W. A., of Shenandoah and is a conspicuous person at many of its
social gatherings, besides being closely identified with its interests and
those of his fraternal brothers. AVhen called upon to exercise his franchise
he casts his vote for the candidate of the repubUcan party as upholding the
poUtical principles wdth which he is most in sympathy. Mr. Polly is a man
highly esteemed among the citizens of Shenandoah, for he has been found
to be honorable in all his dealings, and ever evinces a strong desire to satisfy
the wants of those that sfive him their custom.

JAMES H. WHITEHILL.
James H. Whitehill is proprietor of a restaurant, candy and cigar store
in Clarinda, and his well appointed establishment, the excellent Une of goods
which he carries and his courteous and obliging manner to his customers
are important elements in the success which he has won and which now
classes him with the leading merchants of the community. He was bom in
Browm county, Ohio, September 2, 1852, and is a son of John R. and Mar
garet (Holmes) Whitehill. The father was a stone and brick mason by
trade and followed that pursuit in his earlier manhood but subsequently
turned his attention to farming. He continued his residence in the Buck
eye state until 1857, when he removed with his family to Illinois, settling
at Al onm outh.
James H. AAdiitehill was then but five years of age. He was educated in
the public schools and began life as a farnier, having become familiar with
the work of the fields in his boyhood days through the assistance which he
rendered his father. Thinking to enjoy better business opportunities and
secure advancement more c[uickly in western Iowa, James H. Whitehill came
to Clarinda on the i..:|th of October, 1876. He here began work as a laborer
and for five years he acted as an engineer, during which time he carefully
saved his earnings until he was enabled to make investment in a farm.
He had farmed in Taylor county for seven years previous to locating in
this place. He worked diligently and persistently to bring his place under a
high state of cultivation and as the years passed his property became very
valuable. Tn 1902, however, he sold his farm and again took up his resi
dence in Clarinda. He remained in this county from 1876 until 1893. In
the latter year he sold out and went to Des Moines county but in 1895 dis
posed of his business interests there and returned to Taylor county, where
he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1902. In that year he again
came to Clarinda and bought his present business, being now proprietor of a
good restaurant. He always carries a large line of candy and cigars and
all branches of his business are profitably conducted. The store is twenty-
four by one hundred feet and is well equipped. In addition to his other in-

290 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
terests Mr. Whitehill was at one time engineer electrician of the Clarinda
Electric Light & Power Company, fiUing the position for two years. His
agricultural interests, however, now make heavy demands upon his time and
attention and in his chosen field of labor he is making steady progress.
On the 1st of October, 1874, Air. Whitehill was married to Miss Mary
E. Carnagey, a native of Mercer county, Illinois, and a daughter of John
J. Carnagey, a resident farmer of that part of the country. Mr. and Mrs.
Whitehill have three children: Nora, who is now the wife of Williain- A.
Weller, a resident of Ottawa township, Taylor county, where he foUows
farming; Ada EUen, the wife of A. C. Eastman, who carries on general
agricultural pursuits in Ottawa township, Taylor county; and Edna Vir
ginia, the wife of Thomas E. Martindale, proprietor of the South Side
Bakery at Clarinda. They also lost one child, Elvira, who was the wife of
Bert Dickson, of Roverton, Nebraska.
Mr. WhitehiU is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and
at one time was master of the exchequer. He has many friends both
within and without the order, for his sterling quaUties are such as command
respect and confidence in every land and clime.

AVILLIAM J. WILLIAMS.
General farming and stock raising command the attention of William J.
Williams, who cultivates an extensive tract of land in Valley township
known as the Woodlawn Stock Farm, eight and a half miles north of Clar
inda. He is a man who, through close application and perseverance, coupled
with hard work and careful management now ranks among the repre
sentative and ' progressive agriculturists of Page county. He was born in
England on the 25th of April, 1852, and is a son of John and Amy (Rogers)
WilUams. The father, who is now living retired on his farm of six hundred
acres in Valley township, is mentioned more extensively on another page of
this volume.
WilHam J. Williams came with his parents to the United States when
about fourteen years of age, the family locating first in Wisconsin and
coming to Page county, Iowa, in the fall of 1870. He acquired his education
in the schools of his native country and after arriving in the new world de
voted his time to assisting his father in the work of the farm. He remained
under the parental roof until he had attained his majority when, wisely de
ciding to follow as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared,
he took up farming on his owm account, moving to the well known Wood
lawn Stock Farm at the age of thirty years. He I'vas since continued to make
this his place of residence and has directed his energies to its further cul
tivation and improvement. That he has prospered in his agricultural pur
suits is indicated by the fact that as the years have gone by he has been
able to add to his holdings from time to time untU he is now the owner of
three hundred and sixty acres of land in Valley and Douglas townships and

MR. AND MRS. W. J. WILLIAMS

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 293
also nine hundred and sixty acres in Canada, all of which is under a high
state of cultivation. He rents his Canada land. He is ranked among the
large land owners of Page county and his success is but the direct result of
unfaltering industry and untiring perseverance. In connection with his
general farming he gives much time and attention to the raising and feed
ing of stock, and this branch of his business is also proving a very profitable
one. On the 19th of December, 1889, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to
Aliss Isabelle Bair, a native of IlUnois. She is a daughter of Joseph and Eliza
beth Bair, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed from that state to Henry
county, Illinois, and came to Page county, Iowa, in 1869, locating in Colfax
township, where Mr. Bair purchased a farm and continued to reside for
many years. He is now living retired in Clarinda, but his wife died in 1900
at the age of sixty-nine years. In their family were six children, namely:
Isabelle, now Mrs. Williams ; Anna, the wife of J. T. Monzingo, residing
in Oklahoma; John, a resident of Clarinda; Allen, of Amity township, this
county; Alexander, of Colfax township; and Bessie, the wdfe of J. B. Hurst,
of Terre Haute, Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. WilUams are both members of the United Presbyterian
church, of which he is one of the elders. In politics AA'iUiam is a republi
can in all national matters, but he reserves the power in local elections to
vote for the best man, regardless of his party connections. He has served
as school director, but outside of that has never held public office, prefer
ring to devote his time and energies to his private business matters. He is
up-to-date and progressive in his methods, possesses good business ability
and through his own efforts entirely has attained the gratifying degree of
prosperity which he now enjoys.

WALTER C. CRAMER.
Walter C. Cramer, who has been successfully engaged in the jewelry
business at Clarinda since August, 1905, was born on the i6th of Feb
ruar)'', 1874, a son of Ansel B. and Mary F. (Grosvenor) Cramer, who
came to Clarinda from Chickasaw county, Iowa, in i860. The father was
an accountant and acted as city clerk at one time. He had made his way
from A'^ermont to this state in the year 1857. His demise occurred in 1892,
when he had attained the age of sixty-four years, but his widow still sur
vives, being a well knowm and respected resident of Clarinda.
Walter C. Cramer supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in
the public schools, by a course of study in the Clarinda Educational Insti
tute. In 1889 he went to Alonte Arista, Colorado, where he was engaged
in the lumber business in association with his brother, O. A. Cramer, for
a period of three years. At the end of that time he returned to Clarinda
and was here engaged as a clerk until 1896, when he secured employment
in a jewelry store for the purpose of acquainting himself wdth the trade

294 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
in principle and detail. In 1898 he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in
order to gain still further knowledge of the jewelry business and on re
turning to Clarinda became identified with that line of activity. It was in
August, 1905, that he went into business on his own account as a dealer in
jewelry and has been thus engaged to the present time, owning a fine store
on the west side of the square.
On the ISt of June, 1899, Mr. Cramer wedded Miss Maud Thompson,
a resident of Clarinda and a daughter of I. M. Thompson, an agriculturist
by occupation. By this union there are two sons, Loel B. and Clarence
Maxwell. Fraternally Mr. Cramer is identified with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership
in the First Presbyterian church, in which he is acting as elder and also as
superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a man of good business abiUty,
of exemplary habits and upright character, is worthy the trust of his fellow
men and fully merits the good will which is uniformly extended him.

FIENRY J. SUNDERMAN.
Among the native sons of Page county who have always remained resi
dents of this part of the state is numbered Henry J. Sunderman, whose
birth occurred in Douglas township on the 3d of November, 1883. He is
a son of Henry and Sophia Sunderman, the former now deceased and the
latter of Douglas township. The father for many years was one of the ex
tensive farmers and landowners of this portion of the state, recognized as
a business man of marked ability, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this
volume. In the usual manner of farm lads of the age and locality Henry J.
Sunderman was reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and
labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained at home until
he had attained his majority and then removed to one of his father's farms,
which he now owns. He is today the possessor of one hundred and sixty
acres of rich and productive land on section 14, Douglas township, and he
handles stock of all kinds, keeping in his fields, lots and pastures good
grades of horses, cattle and hogs. His fields, too, are well tilled and every
thing about his place indicates the supervision oi a careful and progressive
owner. In addition to his farming interests he has other business affairs,
being now treasurer of the Fairview & Bethesda Telephone Company.
Air. Sunderman was united in marriage to Miss Sedalie Goecker, who
was bom in Nodaway township in 1881 and is a daughter of John and
Mary (Riskey) Goecker, who are now Uving in Nodaway township. They
were the parents of four daughters. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sunderman have
been born four children: Harley J., whose birth occurred May 24, 1902;
Bertholdt J., born on the 12th of March, 1904; Elvira Al. S., born December
II, 1905; and Clara R. V., born April 20, 1907.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 295
The parents are affiUated with the German Lutheran church and Mr.
Sunderman is a progressive citizen, interested in the welfare of the com
munity and active in support of many measures for the public good. He
is a busy man, constantly occupied with the duties relative to the develop
ment and improvement of his farm, and during the years of his residence
in this county his substantial probity as a business man and his progressive
ness in citizenship have gained him his present firm hold on the good will
and regard of his fellow townsmen.

SETH WARREN EDMONDS.
Among the native sons of Page county, who have made creditable records
in business, winning success through intelligent and well directed effort, is
numbered Seth Warren Edmonds, who was born in Nodaway township,
September i8, 1857. He is the eldest oi the four children of Alphonso and
Peachy Julia (Sampson) Edmonds, of whom extended mention is made on
another page of this volume. He has always resided in this county and his
youthful days were spent in his parents' home. At the usual age he began
his education, pursuing his studies in the pubhc schools while the periods
of vacation were devoted to the work on the home farm. He resided with
his father until he had attained his majority and afterward worked by the
month as a farm hand until he had saved sufficient capital to enable him to
engage in farming" on his own account. He first rented land and so con
tinued to till the soil until 1887 when he purchased a half interest in one
hundred and sixty acres, upon which his father now resides. He resided on
another farm belonging to his father for three years and then came to his
present place of residence, having here one hundred and eight acres on sec
tion 6, Nodaway township. Its location is about four and a half miles north
of Clarinda on the Wall Street road and the good buildings which formed a
pleasing feature of the place were erected by Mr. Edmonds. The land was
only partially broken when he took possession thereof and the buildings were
all poor but with resolute spirit he set to work to make this a model farm
property and the result of his labors is seen in the excellently improved tract
of land which he today owns and cultivates. From the time of early spring
planting he is busily engaged in the work of the fields until crops are har
vested in the late autumn when he receives the generous reward of his
labors. In 1884 Mr. Edmonds was united in marriage to Sarah J. Plank, who
was born in Buchanan county, Alissouri, August 13, 1854, and when ten
years of age came to Page county with her parents, John and Julia (Lynch)
Plank, the former a native oi Tennessee and the latter of Missouri. Both
died in this county. Air. Plank was a farmer by occupation but also engaged
in teaching school and his interest in the cause of education prompted him
to give his children good advantages and to urge them to improve their op
portunities in the greatest degree. In his family were thirteen children.

296 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
nine of whom reached years of maturity. Of these David Plank is a master
mechanic at Cloverport, Kentucky, and two of the sons were railroad men.
Five of the children altogether taught school. Airs. Edmonds be'gan teach
ing when seventeen years of age and followed that profession for fifteen
years. Her own early education, acquired in the district schools, was sup
plemented by study in a high school and also in Amity CoUege. Unto Air.
and Mrs. Edmonds have been born three children: Dosia, Della and Laura,
all graduates of tbe rural school while the two eldest daughters are now
teaching. Mr. Edmonds is also a warm friend of the cause of education and has
served on the school board for twenty-five years. He was elected a school
director before he was married and throughout his life has done what he
could to advance the cause oi education in this locality. He is a stockholder
in the Chautauqua Association and a stockholder in the Page County Fair
Association and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. His
life has been a busy and useful one, his time being well spent and thus his
record reflects credit upon his native county where he has now lived for more
than a half century, witnessing the growth and development of this part of
the state from an early day. He can remember a time when much of the
land was unclaimed and uncultivated and when comparatively few of the
fields were fenced but as the years passed new settlers made their way into
this part of the state and, recognizing the value of the rich prairie, have con
verted it into beautiful homes and farms.

H. L. COKENOWER, M. D.
Dr. H. L. Cokenower, who for twenty years was engaged in the prac
tice of medicine and surgery in Clarinda, continuing actively in the profes
sion until a short time prior to his death, was born in Shelby county, Illinois,
September 23, 1854, his parents being Michael and Sarah (Thompson)
Cokenower. The father was a farmer by occupation but at the time of the
Civil war put aside all business considerations and joined the army, de
fending the Union through the period of hostilities. Both he and his wife
died in Illinois. He was a republican in politics and his religious faith was
indicated in his membership in the Baptist church. There were three sons
and a daughter in the family: H. L., of this review; James AV., who is a
physician practicing in Des Aloines ; Howard, a resident farmer of lUinois ;
and Mary, deceased.
Dr. Cokenower was reared in the state of his nativity to the age of
twenty-one years, acquired his education in the public schools, and after
ward engaged in teaching near Cowden, Illinois. Later he became connected
with commercial interests as a clerk in a drug store and this awakened his
interest in the medical profession and led him eventually to become a pupil
in the Keokuk Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class
of 1877. He had previously attended the Normal Academy at Shelbyville,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 297
Illinois, and had thus laid a substantial foundation on which to rear the su
perstructure of his professional learning. FoUowing his graduation he be
gan practice at Pleasant Plains, Illinois, where he remained until 1880, when
he located in Clarinda, there practicing continually until 1900. During that
period of twenty years he succeeded in securing an extensive patronage, for
his ability was manifested in the capable manner in which he coped with the
intricate problems of disease. He kept thoroughly informed concerning the
advanced methods of practice and his comprehensive understanding of ma
teria medica and of surgery made him well qualified to do the work which
was entrusted to him.
On the nth of February, 1880, Dr. Cokenower was married to Miss
Clara Hamilton, a daughter of Robert and TeUtha (Purvance) Hamilton.
Mrs. Hamilton still survives at the advanced age of eighty-three years and
is living at Pleasant Plains, Illinois. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Cokenower were
born two chUdren : WilUam Lloyd, who is connected with the freight depart
raent of the Chicago, BurUngton & Quincy Railroad at Clarinda ; and Helen
T., who is attending the Clarinda high school.
In his poUtical views Dr. Cokenower was a repubUcan and always kept
well informed on the questions and issues of the day but never sought nor de
sired office. He belonged to Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M. ; to
the Knights of Pythias fraternity ; to the Odd Fellows society ; and to the
Modern AA^oodmen of America ; and his brethren in these fraternities enter
tained for him warm regard. He was a popular man, respected and esteemed
wherever known and most of aU where best known. His death, therefore,
which occurred September 18, 1900, was the occasion of deep and widespread
regret. Fle "was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wdfe and chil
dren, was loyal in his friendships, and most faithful and conscientious in
the performance of his professional duties.

EDAVARD BIRKHIAIER.
Edward Birkhimer dates his residence in Shenandoah from 1900 and
has been a well known representative of its mercantile interests since 1902,
wdien he became connected wdth the grocery trade in this city. He is now
sole proprietor of a leading establishment of this character and has financial
interests in other important business concerns. His aptitude for successful
management has been clearly demonstrated and his energy and industry
constitute thc foundation upon which has been built his prosperity.
Air. Birkhimer is a native of Ringgold county. Iowa, born on the 13th
of Septeniber, 1859. His parents were John and Amanda (Van Nostrand)
Birkhimer, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In their early life they
came with their respective parents to Iowa, settling in Jefferson county,
where they were reared and mafried. They begun their domestic Ufe in
Ringg'old county, where they resided for four years, and then returned
to Jefferson county, establishing their home near Fairfield, where the father

298 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
engaged in farming until about 1873. Removing to Fremont county, Iowa,
he was there very successful in his business affairs, acquiring nearly an
entire section of land, constituting what was known as the Pleasant View
Farm, one of the valuable properties of Fremont county. About 1890, how
ever, he sold that farm and came to Shenandoah, where he gave his atten
tion to the supervision of his financial interests. He was a stockholder
of the First National Bank of this city and had other valuable and re
munerative investments. He was a man of notable strength of purpose, of
keen discrimination and of undaunted enterprise and carried forward to
successful completion whatever he undertook. In his political views he
was an earnest republican, recognized as a prominent local leader in the
party, and while a resident of Ringgold county he served either as county
clerk or county treasurer. His religious faith was indicated by his member
ship in the Methodist church, while his wife -was a member of the Christian
church. He passed away in 1898 and is still survived by Mrs. Birkhimer,
who now makes her home with her son Edward.
Quietly and uneventfully the youthful days of Edward Birkhimer were
spent as the routine of farm life offbrs little to vary the monotony. The
district schools afforded him his educational privileges and when not busy
with his text-books he worked in the fields, assisting in the plowing, planting
and harvesting. He remained at home up to the time of his marriage, which
was celebrated on the 2d of February, 1882, the lady of his choice being
Miss Clara McMillen, of Fremont county, Iowa. Not long afterward
he purchased an eighty-acre tract of land in Fremont county and began
farming on his own account, residing upon that place for nine years,
during which time he brought the fields under a high state of cultivation.
On selling the property he removed to Butler county, Nebraska, and pur
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land about a mile from the county
seat. There he engaged in the breeding and raising of cattle and, ex
tending his business activity into other fields, he also became a stockholder
and director of the City National Bank of David City, Nebraska. He
remained there for about ten years but in the fall of 1900 disposed of his
interests in that state and came to Shenandoah, where he has since made
his home.
It was not until April, 1902, that Mr. Birkhimer engaged in business
in this city, at ^which time he formed a partnership with T. W. Shoults for
the condupt of a grocery store, which they carried on under the firm name
of Shoults & Birkhimer. The partnership existed for about three years,
at the end of which time Mr. Birkhimer purchased his partner's interest
in the business and became sole proprietor. He still carries on the store,
which is equipped with a large and extensive line of fancy and staple gro
ceries tastefully and attractively arranged. His reasonable prices and his
earnest desire to please his patrons are the effective elements in his success.
Mr. Birkhimer is also a stockholder in the Shenandoah National Bank,
serving on its board of directors and as a member of its finance committee.
He is also the vice president of the Shenandoah Artificial Ice, Light, Heat &
Power Company and is a heavy stockholder in the Independent Mutual

HISTORY .OF PAGE COUNTY 299
Telephone Company. His investments have been judiciously placed, bring
ing him substantial returns. In matters of business judgment he is seldom,
if ever, at fault, discerning the value of every situation and recognizing the
obstacles as well as the opportunities so that he prepares to meet the former
while utilizing the latter.
Mr. Birkhimer is a member of the Shenandoah board of education and
is chairman of the teachers' committee. In all matters of citizenship he
manifests an active interest and helpful spirit, and his efforts have at all
times been effective forces for the city's upbuilding and improvement. He
belongs to the Shenandoah Commercial Club and is one of the most promi
nent business men here.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Birkhimer was blessed with four chil
dren : Grace, now the wife of Fred TruUinger, cashier of a bank in Burson,
Nebraska; Edith, the wife of Harry Day, a clothier of Shenandoah; Olive,
the wife of Arthur Tutt, who is employed by Mr. Birkhimer; and Retta,
at home. The family is a prominent one in the community socially and the
Birkhimer home is a most hospitable one, its good cheer being greatly en
joyed by the man)' friends of the family.

WILLIAAI F. STIPE.

WilUam F. Stipe, who since 1902 has been successfully engaged in the
general practice of law at Clarinda and now the senior partner of the
firm of Stipe & Clark, was born in Montgomery county, Iowa, on the 7th
of March, 1870, his parents being David and Amy (Overman) Stipe, now
of San Diego, California. The father was a cooper and farmer by occupation
but is now retired.
Air. Stipe of this review was afforded excellent educational advantages,
attending the high school at Villisca, Iowa; the Westem Normal College
at Shenandoah, Iowa; and also the Highland Park College at Des Moines.
Subsequently he became connected with journalistic interests, editing the
Stanton Iowa Call for four years, while at one time he was also local editor
of the Villisca Review. Having determined upon the legal profession as
a life work he then took up the study of law under the direction of United
States District Judge Smith McPherson, an attorney of Red Oak, Iowa,
and R. W. Beeson and after being admitted to the bar practiced for a year
in that city. He afterward pursued a post-graduate course in the George
Washington University at Washington, D. C. In 1902 he came to Clarinda
for the practice of his profession and in Alay, 1908, he formed a partner
ship with A. B. Clark under the firm style of Stipe & Clark. They prac
tice in all the courts and are accorded a good clientage, having proven them
selves fully qualified to successfully handle the legal interests entrusted to
their care. Air. Stipe is recognized as a lawyer of broad knowledge, who
prepares his cases with thoroughness and is strong in argument and logical
in his deductions.

300 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
In his political views Air. Stipe is a stalwart republican and has always
been an active worker in the ranks of the party, exerting a widely felt in
fluence in its behalf through his advocacy' of its men and measures by voice
and pen. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while his reUg
ious faith is indicated by his membership in the Alethodist Episcopal church.
The rules which govern his conduct and shape his life are such as command
confidence and regard in every land and clime and he has a host of friends
who are not only wdlUng but eager to testify to his sterling worth.

HARRY E. OSBORN.

Iowa derives her wealth largely from her agricultural interests. The
great broad prairies of the state offer excellent opportunities to the farmer
and stock raiser. The soil requires none of that previous laborious prepar
ation necessary in a district oi native iorest growth but responds readily to
the care and labor which is bestowed upon it as the furrows are turned and
the fields are cultivated. Recognizing these facts, Harry E. Osborn, while
identified with farming interests, has carefully controUed his business and
through his industry, economy and perseverance has won the prosperity
which now classes him with the substantial citizens of Amity township.
One of Iowa's native sons, Harry E. Osborn has spent his entire Ufe in
Page county, where his birth occurred November 26, 1875, four miles north
west of Clarinda. He is a son of W. N. and Hannah (Britt) Osborn, natives
of Kentucky and Canada, respectively. The father came to- Iowa in 1865,
locating upon the farm which was the birthplace of our subject, and there
he continued to reside until his demise. He passed away on the 6th of
February, 1909. His wife, who accompanied her parents tO' Iowa in -the
early '50s, is stiU living on the old homestead fami near Clarinda.
Reared amid the scenes and environments oi rural life, Air. Osborn of
this review passed the days of his boyhood and early youth upon his father's
farm and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early educa
tion. AVhen fourteen years of age, howfcver, he entered the Clarinda Educa
tional Institute, wdiere he pursued a course of study for several terms. After
completing his education in that school he returned home and was em
ployed on his father's farm until twenty-six years old. At that time in con
nection with his father he came to Amity township, where he purchased
eighty acres of land, which tract forms a part of the farm upon wdiich he
now resides. This 'occurred in 1901 and in 1909 he bought eighty acres of
land adjoining his place on the south, so that his property now consists of
one hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land, thirty acres of which
are covered with good timber, wdiile the remainder is all under a high state
of cultivation. It is well w^atered and well drained and is one of the val
uable and desirable farming properties of Page county. Air. Osborn carries
on general farming and in connection therewith feeds hogs, selling his stock

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 301
mostly to shippers. Both branches of his business — the raising of grain and
the raising of stock — are proving a gratifying source of remuneration to
him and he is ranked among the successful and well-to-do farmers of Amity
township. Air. Osborn was united in marriage on the 20th of Februar)-, 1901, to
Aliss Ida A. Mitchell, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Mitchell, a resident of Clar
inda, Page county. To this union was born one child, Raymond Clare, aged
seven years, who is the life and Ught of the household.
Air. Osborn and his wife hold membership in the United Presbyterian
church of College Springs, Iowa, and are respected throughout the commun
ity for their many good traits of character. Since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise Air. Osborn has voted for the men and measures of the
republican party and is at present serving as school director of district No. 6,
Amity township. The cause of education finds in him a stanch cha-mpion
and he is deeply interested in other matters which have for their object the
substantial upbuilding and growth of the community. He has become well
known throughout the county of his nativity, where his entire life has been
passed, and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of
his acquaintances, while the consensus of public opinion accords him a high
place among the representative and valued citizens of Page county.

F. L. FISHFJR.

F. L. Fisher, living on section 12, Douglas township, devotes his time and
energies to general agricultural pursuits. He was born in Fienry county,
Ohio, on the 25th of July, i860, a son of Jacob and Alargaret (AluUencoff)
Fisher, natives of Germany. They came to America in early life and both
resided in Ohio, where they were married and where their deaths occurred
in 1909, the mother passing away on the nth and the father on the 19th of
February. In their family were twelve children, eight of whom are still
living. F. L. Fisher passed the years of his boyhood and youth upon his fath
er's farm and is indebted to the common-school system for the educational
advantages which he enjoyed. He remained at home, assisting his father,
until nineteen years of age, when he came to Page county, Iowa, and worked
as a farm hand for about three years. Then, in 1883, he was united in mar
riage to Miss EUa Newsam, a native of Douglas township and a daughter of
George W. and Elizabeth Newsam, whose sketch appears on another page
of this volume. After his marriage Air, Fisher rented a farm, which he
operated for about three years, and then purchased the farm upon which he
now resides. It consists of eighty acres located on section 12, Douglas town
ship, and he later purchased another tract of eighty acres in Valley town
ship, making an aggregate property of one hundred and sixty acres. Pie
is up-to-date and progressive in his methods and is meeting with a most
gratifying degree of success in his general farming pursuits. He has also

302 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
operated a thresher for the past sixteen years and has thus greatly added
to his income.
As the years have passed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher has been
blessed with three children, namely : Fred, residing in Douglas township ;
Ethel G., who attended the VilUsca high school and is now the wife of
Harry WiUiams, of Montgomery county, Iowa; and Lela M., residing at
home. The parents are both members of the United Presbyterian church and
are prominent among a large circle of friends in the community in which
they reside. Mr. Fisher is a repubUcan in politics and has served as a school
director for some years, while for four years he was president of the school
board. The cause of education finds in him a stanch champion and he is
ready at all times to lend his aid to all matters which have for their object
the material, intellectual and moral upbuilding and progress of the com
munity. During his residence in Page county he has gained a large circle
of acquaintances and that he is most liked where best known is indicative
of the fact that his salient characteristics are such as command the con
fidence, respect and good will of all with whom he is associated.

JOHN P. BROWN, D. D. S.
Dr. John P. Brown, who has now been successfully engaged in the prac
tice of dentistry in Clarinda for thirty-eight years, dates his residence in this
city from the spring of 1866. His birth occurred in Highland county, O'hio,
on the i6th of January, 1844, his parents being Thomas D. and Mary (Wil
liams) Brown, the former a farmer by occupation. After completing his
own education he was engaged in teaching school for three years, on the
expiration of which period he took up the study of dentistry under the
direction of Dr. Sanbom, of Tabor, Iowa. In 1871 he began the active prac
tice of the profession in Clarinda, where he has since continued, being a most
skilled and successful representative of his chosen calling. Dentistry may be
said to be almost unique among other occupations, as it is at once a profes
sion, a trade and a business. Such being the case, it follows that in order to
attain the highest success in it one must be thoroughly conversant with the
theory of the art, must be expert with the many tools and appliances inci
dental to the practice of modern dentistry and must possess business quali
fications adequate to dealing with the financial side of the profession. In
all of these particulars Dr. Brown is weU qualified and therefore has at
tained prestige among the able representatives of dentistry in Page county.
In 1872 Dr. Brown was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Loranz, of
Clarinda, a daughter of Anthony Loranz, a merchant. By this union there
were born five children, namely : Walter A., practicing dentistry in Colo^rado
Springs, Colorado; Helen, at home; Thomas L., who is connected with the
firm of Loranz & Company, engaged in the abstract business ; Wilbur E., who
is employed as a civil engineer by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rail-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 303
way at Davenport, Iowa; and Raymond P., a student in a commercial col
lege at Quincy. The wife and mother passed away in August, 1906, her
demise being deeply regretted by all who' knew her.
For the past twelve years Dr. Brown has been an elder in the First Pres
byterian church, of which he is a most devoted and faithful member. Fra
ternally he is identified with the Modern AA^oodmen of America, being a
worthy exemplar of the craft. During the dark days of the Civil war he
manifested his patriotism by erUisting in August, 1862, at Hillsboro, Ohio,
in Company I, Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain D. M.
Barrett, and was discharged for disability in October, 1863. During the long
years of his residence in this county he has gained a most extensive circle of
warm friends, his sterling manhood as well as his professional attainments
commanding for him the respect and honor of those with whom he has been
associated.

J. G. PARSLOW.

Dr. J. G. Parslow, who is enjoying a satisfactory and growing prac
tice, being numbered among the leading veterinary surgeons of southwest
ern Iowa, was bom in Middlesex county, Ontario, Canada, January 3, 1859.
His parents were Abram and Hannah (Mahon) Parslow, the former a na
tive of Ireland and the latter of the province of Ontario, Canada. When
a young man Abram Parslow crossed the Atlantic to the new world and
continued a resident of Canada throughout his remaining days, giving his
attention to general agricultural pursuits there. He died in 1868 and his
wife, surviving him for about eighteen years, passed away in 1886.
Dr. Parslow, whose name introduces this sketch, spent his youthful days
in his native country and acquired his education in the public schools there,
mastering the common branches of learning and also those usually taught in
the high school. On approaching manhood he entered upon an apprentice
ship at the trade of ornamental carriage painting and followed that pursuit
for several years but eventually abandoned that work and for a short time
was employed in a mercantile establishment. However, he did not find that
he had permanently located himself in business lines and turned his atten
tion to the study of veterinary surgery. In the fall of 1889 he entered the
Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, Ontario, and was graduated there
from in the .spring of 1891. Following his graduation he came to Iowa
in search of a favorable location for practicing his profession and in the fall
of that year opened an office in Shenandoah, where he remained until the
summer of 1894. At that time the crops were destroyed by drought and Dr.
Parslow went to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he opened an office and re
mained in practice for four and one-half years. In January, 1899, he re
turned to Shenandoah, where he has since built up an extensive practice,
having now a very large and profitable business. He not only derives from

304 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
this a very gratifying income but has other indications of his prosperity in
the owmership of a section of valuable land in the Alberta province of Canada.
In 1906 Dr. Parslow was married to Miss Emma Jones, of Shenandoah,
and they are most hospitably received in the best homes of the city. Dr.
Parslow is a republican in his poUtical views. Whatever success he has
achieved or enjoyed in life is attributable to his own labors, well directed
eff'orts and well defined activities. His Ufe is not self centered, for his
thoughts are given not only to business affairs but to the mastery of munic
ipal problems and to the performance o-f all the duties and obUgations which
he owes to his fellowmen.

CHARLES W. AlITCHELL.
Charles AV. Alitchell, who for many years was identified with the agri
cultural interests of Iowa, is now the capable and efficient postmaster of
Yorktown, which position he has held for the past twelve years. Born in
Chester, Meigs county, Ohio, on the 28th of March, 1844, he is a son of
Enos and Harriet (Chaffin) Mitchell. The parents were both natives of old
A^irginia, where they were reared, but on account of his opposition to the
practice of slavery the father removed to Ohio in 1832, in which state they
were married. They passed away in Knox county, Illinois. In their fam
ily were nine children, seven of whom still survive : Mary, who passed away
in infancy; George, a resident of Weldon, Iowa, and a soldier in the Civil
war, who enUsted in 1861 as a member of Company A, Fifty-ninth Illi
nois Infantry, and after being wounded at Pea Ridge, was discharged;
Charles AV., of this review; Harriet, the wife of R. N. Golf, of Missouri;
M. O., making his home in California; James P., who died in infancy; Enos,
a practicing physician of Osceola, Iowa; O. W., residing in Kansas; and L.
A., of Des Aloines, Iowa.
Charles W. Alitchell was but a lad of seven years when he accom
panied his parents on their removal to Knox county, Illinois, and there the
family residence was maintained until 1872. During the meantime he had
acquired his education in the common schools and later, on the 12th of
September, 1863, he enlisted as a soldier in the Civil war from Knox coun
ty, Illinois, as a member of Company G, Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteer In
fantry. Under the command of Captain Howell, this regiment took part
in many important battles, Mr. Mitchell seeing- much active service. He
participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Knoxville, Buzzards Roost,
Resaca, Pickett Alills, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta,
Lovejoy Station, Franklin and Nashville. Throughout the entire period of
his service he gallantly defended the old flag and remained loyal to the
cause which it represented. He was mustered out at New Braunfels, Texas,
on the 1 6th of December, 1865.
After the close of hostilities, Mr. Mitchell returned home on the iSth
of January, 1866, and was there engaged in farming until 1872, when he

i»y

,/'ylj

MR. AND ilES. CHARLES VV. MITCHELL
at South Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 307
came to Iowa, settling in Clarke county. The year 1884 witnessed his ar
rival in Page county, where he has since continued to make his home. He
purchased a farm in Colfax township and was actively connected wdth
agricultural interests here for a number of years. About twelve years ago,
however, he was appointed postmaster of Yorktowm and, retiring from the
farm, he inoved to this place to assume the duties of his position. It is a
fourth class office and during Mr. Alitchell's incumbency two rural free
delivery routes have been established in connection therewith. He makes
an excellent official, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity,
while his service at all times has been most creditable to himself and sat
isfactory to the entire community.
The year 1870 witnessed the marriage of Air. Mitchell and Miss Lu
cinda J. AA^estfall, a native of Athens county, Ohio, born in 1846, and a
daughter of S. B. Westfall. This union has been blessed with seven, chil
dren, as follows: A. W., residing in Page county; Effie, the widow of C.
Loy, who makes her home with her father ; C. H., of Lincoln township.
Page county; Jennie, the wife of H. H. Handorf, of Lincoln township;
Mabel Alorley, deceased; Alaggie the wife of M. E. McMutt, of New
market; and George F.. cashier of a bank in Coin.
Mr. Mitchell holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church
and in politics gives his aUegiance to the republican party. He maintains
pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in
the Grand Army Post at Clarinda. In 1909 he attended the National En
campment at Salt Lake City, Utah, and is generally present at such gath
erings. He is public-spirited in an eminent degree and remains as loyal to
his country in times of peace as when he followed the old flag on south
ern battlefields.

FRANCIS M. VARDAMAN.
Francis M. "Vardaman has for forty-five years been a resident of Page
county and although for many years connected with agricultural interests
is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, his home being
in the village of Shambaugh. He was born in Jefferson county, Iowa, De
cember 22, 1843, and is, therefore, a representative of one of the early
famiUes of the state. His parents were George W and Mary (EUott)
Vardaman, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The family is of Ger
man lineage and was established in America at a very early day by the
great-grandfather of our subject. His son, George Vardaman, the grand
father, became a farmer of Greene county, Kentucky, and a slave owner
George Vardaman was also born in the Blue Grass state and when a young
man went to Ohio, where he met and married Miss Mary Eliott, also a na
tive of Kentucky. They became the parents of twelve children: Peter,
Nancy, John E., Benjamin W., George W., Jeremiah, Mary, EUzabeth,
Francis M., Amanda, Jasper N. and Eliza.

308 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Soon after their marriage the parents removed to Shelby county, In
diana, where the father owned a farm, which he cultivated for several years.
For a brief period they were also residents of lUinois and about 1837 took
up their abode in Lee county, Iowa. But few white settlers were living
within the state at that time, the Indians being more numerous. In fact,
Iowa was still under territorial rule and the work of progress and improve
ment seemed scarcely begun within its borders. At a later day George Vard
aman and his family removed to Jefferson county, where he purchased a
farm upon which the family remained for some time. Fiis son, F. Al. Vard
aman, was seven years of age when a removal was made to Benton county,
Iowa, and for three years they lived near Vinton. At the end of that time
they went to Keokuk county, where they remained for four or five years,
later went to Kansas, and from 1854 until 1859 were residents of Taylor
county, Iowa. In the latter year they removed to Lawrence county, Mis
souri, where they located just prior to the outbreak of the Civil war and
experienced all of the hardships, dangers and privations that fell to the
lot of those who lived on the border where sectional feeling ran very high.
In 1864 the father took his family to Alinnesota and three years later re
turned to Jefferson county, Iowa, where he died in 1867. He was a con
sistent and faithful member of the Christian church and his good qualities
won him the esteem and friendly regard of all who knew him. For many
years he filled the office of justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly
fair and impartial, being always based upon the law and ec[uity of the case.
Francis M. Vardaman was the eleventh in order of birth in a family of
twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, of whom one son and three
daughters are now living. His brother, George, having enlisted for one
hundred days' service in the Civil war, died at Collierville, Tennessee, while
at the front. Another brother, Benjamin W., served for three years in the
Civil war, enlisting from Taylor county as a member of Company F, Twen
ty-ninth lo'wa Infantry.
F. M. Vardaman accompanied his parents on their various removals
until 1864, when he came to Page county, Iowa, where he has since lived.
He was then a young man of twenty-one years. His educational oppor
tunities were limited owing to the fact that they had always lived on the
frontier, but, possessing an observing eye and retentive memory, he has
added much to his knowledge by observation and reading. When a youth
he possessed a delicate constitution and during the period when the family
resided on the border w^as obliged to endure many vicissitudes to which that
section of the country was subject. The family were frequently disturbed
by people of dissimilar opinion and the sons were frequently compelled to
sleep in the brush for safety. .Vt one time the house was surrounded by
bushwhackers who made some trouble but were frightened away by a gun
shot. Returning to Iowa in 1864 Air. A^ardaman was for three years employed
by the month as a farm hand in Page county. He has always carried on
general agricultural pursuits and for many years resided upon the farm in
Buchanan township, whereon he took up his abode in 1870. He owns one

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 309
hundred and fifty-five acres on section i6 and as the years passed his well
directed labors brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and made
them very productive. He continued to successfully carry on general farm
ing until March, 1898, when he put aside the active work of the fields and
came to Shambaugh, purchasing his present place of residence, which con
sists of a good dweUing in the midst of ten acres of land. His farm is
well improved, being one of the best in the township, and all of its modern
equipments are the result of the labor and enterprise of the owner. He
made stock raising the special feature of the place and in that branch of
his business was quite successful. The farm is now operated and managed
by his sons.
It was in 1867 that Air. Vardaman was married to Miss Alary Indiana
Baker, who was born in Shelby county, Indiana, July 13, 1847, and is a
daughter of Peter and Ann (Swiggett) Baker, the former a native of
Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. Both died upon a farm near where
they settled in East River to'wmship. Mr. Baker entered from the govern
ment the first piece of land which he ever owned and was identified wdth
the pioneer development and improvement of the county. In his family
were four sons and three daughters of whom one died in infancy. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Vardaman have been born six children : Alary AUce, now the
wife of Ephraim Warren, a resident of Boulder, Colorado ; Erie Ann, the
wife of D. A. Pritchard, who lives near Cromwell, Union county, Iowa ;
Benjamin Rutherford, a resident of Detroit, Michigan; Irma Glen, the
wife of Ira FuUer, of Oregon ; Avery Earl, who is living on the home place
in Buchanan township ; and Francis Emmett, who is living on the farm with
his brother.
Politically Mr. A^'ardaman is a republican, conversant with the lead
ing questions and issues of the day. He has served as township trustee and
held other local offices, yet is not a politician in the sense of office seeking.
Fraternally he is connected with the Alasons, belonging to Plumb Lodge,
No. 285, A. F. & A. M., of Siam. He has held the offices of trustee and
school director and has manifested a deep and helpful interest in educa
tional aft'airs. He converted his farm from a wild and unimproved tract into
one of the valuable and substantial properties of the county and from it
he yet derives a substantial income while living retired in Shambaugh. His
rest has been well earned and his record proves what may be accomplished
when determination and industry are guided by sound business judgment.

ROBERT GEORGE CASKEY.
-Robert George Caskey, who carries on general farming on section 20,
Harlan township, in a most practical and progressive manner, was born in
Sumter county, Alabama, Xovember 16, 1844. His parents were James and
Katharine (Mawhiimey) Caskey, who were natives of the north oi Ireland,
bom in County Down and Armagh respectively. The mother came to the

310 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
United States with her parents when sixteen years of age, and the father
crossed the Atlantic on attaining his majority in company with a sister,
while his parents afterward followed. The young couple were married in
1829. Mr. Caskey had worked in a flaxmiU in his native country, but turned
his attention to farming in the new world. About 1852 he removed with his
family to Cook county, Illinois, settling thirty mUes south of Chicago, and
four years later, in the fall of 1856, came to Page county, Iowa, arriving on
the 1 6th of October. Both he and his wdfe continued to reside in this county
throughout their remaining days and both reached a ripe old age. The
father, who was born in 1800, passed away in 1894, while the mother, whose
birth occurred in 1806, died in 1892. He was the owner of one hundred and
si.xty acres of land in the homestead place in Harlan towmship and in the
careful cultivation and development of the farm he made a good living for
his family, which numbered ten children, namely: John, who enUsted from
Page county as a member of Company C, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, in 1861 and
died at the front; Alexander S., deceased; Jane, the deceased wife of Wil
liam C. Brown ; William, who died in lUinois at the age of sixteen years ;
James, who is living in College Springs, Iowa; Mary Ann, the widow of
John Pollock, a farmer of Harlan township ; Sampson, who was also a mem
ber of Company C, Fifth Iowa Cavalry and died in a Confederate prison at
Florence, South Carolina, while serving in the CivU war ; Robert George, of
this review ; Joseph, who is living in College Springs ; and Isaac A'^., who is
located at Billings, Oklahoma.
Robert G. Caskey was but eight years of age when his parents removed
from Alabama to Cook county, Illinois, and was a youth of twelve years
when they came to Page county, where he has since made his home. He
has been a life-long farmer, early becoming familiar with all the duties and
labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he cultivates his crops and
raises his stock. He is now the owner of eighty acres of arable and pro
ductive land on section 20, Harlan township, and he also owns twenty acres
of timber land on section 22. He works earnestly and persistently in till
ing his fields and his farm presents a well cultivated and well improved ap
pearance. In 1898 Mr. Caskey was married to Aliss Elizabeth Blair, a native of
Ireland, born February 14, 1868. She came to America with her parents,
James and Jane Blair, when two years oi age and died in this county, June
13, 1909. The children oi that marriage are: James Arthur, who- vvas born
January i, 1900; WUliam Howard D., born October 5, 1901 ; Jane Isabella,
bom July 28, 1903 ; Robert WUey, December 20, 1905 ; and Lisle Stewart,
April 18, 1909.
Mr. Caskey is a member of the Reio-rmed Presbyterian church and his
Hie is in consistent harmony with its principles. He attempts to live peace^
ably with all, to overreach no one in a business transaction, but give just
returns at all times. He enjoys the respect and good will of those who know
him and is a worthy citizen of the county in which he has now resided for
more than a half century. Few men are more familiar with its history for
through fifty-three years he has witnessed its growth and development as the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 311
wild lands have been reclaimed for purposes of civilization and converted
into fine farms, while attractive homes have been built and thriving towns
and cities have sprung up.- He has at all tinies been an interested witness
of its progress and has also borne his full share in the work of general im
provement.

ORVILLE C. GREENE.

Theodore Roosevelt said the strongest type of the American citizen is he
who is reared in the east, receiving the thorough training and culture of that
section of the country and then puts his talents to use in the enterprising
west with its unlimited opportunities. Of this class Orville Caldwell Greene
is a representative. He was bom in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, August 22, 1872,
and since 1887 has been a resident of Clarinda. His parents are Alfred W.
and Letitia M. (Caldwell) Greene. His father was for many years a suc
cessful teacher in the schools of Pennsylvania and on removing westward to
Iowa, continued to follow the same profession in this state for three years,
being superintendent of the public schools at Clarinda from 1887 until 1890.
He is now the senior partner of the firm of Greene & Greene, conducting a
real estate, loan, insurance and abstract business.
AA'hen a lad of six years Orville C. Greene entered the public schools of
Pennsylvania, continuing his studies in Tyrone until 1886, when he ac
companied his parents on their removal to Essex, Iowa. The follow
ing year the family home was established in Clarinda and he pursued his
studies in the public schools of this city. He also attended the Clarinda
Educational Institute and Academy of Clarinda and after he had completed
his own education he also turned his attention to the profession of teaching.
He likewise engaged in clerking in his early manhood and for a brief period
filled the office of deputy county auditor. He next entered upon the study of
law under the direction of John R. Good, who was then county attorney,
and later he attended the law school at Des Aloines, where he completed his
course, being admitted to the bar in 1897. He then entered upon active prac
tice in connection with the abstract business. He is junior partner in the
firm of Greene & Greene, for he is associated with his father in business
affairs. They handle much real estate, negotiate many important realty
transfers, loan money on farm lands, make abstracts of titles and write con
siderable insurance annually. Thus each department of their business is well
managed and is bringing substantial returns. In the law Air. Greene largely
confines his attention to office practice and probate work and to establi.shing
real estate and land titles. His analytical mind and knowledge of the law
well qu.alify him for the conduct of his business in other connections.
Air. Greene's work in behalf of public progress and improvement has
been continuous, far-reaching, effective and beneficial. He is especially well
known through his labors as the secretary of the Conimercial Club, which
office he has filled since Alarch, 1907. In this connection he has put forth

312 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
.strenuous effort to promote tbe business interests of Clarinda for the club,
of which he was one of the organizers, has had marked influence upon the
city's development in commercial and industrial affairs. He has also been
secretary of the Masonic Lodge since January, 1906, and is prominent in
Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He
also belongs to the Mystic Shrine and to the Knights of Pythias. He is,
moreover, a niember of the Alethodist Episcopal church and is not neglectful
of his duties in relation to the moral welfare oi the community. In politics
he is a repubUcan and active in the ranks of the party but he does not seek
political honors or preferments for himself.

GEORGE NEWTON TRIMBLE.
An excellent farm of eighty-five acres on section 7, Amity township,
pays tribute to the care and cultivation of George Newton Trimble. Of
this place forty-five acres Ue within the corporation limits of College
Springs. The place is one of the highly improved farm properties of the
county, indicating in its excellent appearance the careful supervision and
enterprise of the owner. Mr. Trimble was bom in Indiana county, Penn
sylvania, January 2, 1863, his parents being Samuel and Lydia Trimble, who
were likewise natives of the same county. The paternal grandfather was a
native of eastern Pennsylvania and he and six brothers were aniong the
pioneers of western Pennsylvania. Part of them were never heard from again
after they went into that wild region. The Trimble family are of Scotch-
Irish lineage, while the ancestors of our subject in the maternal line were
of Irish descent. The father, who was born August i, 1817, died on the
14th of November, 1900. at the advanced age of eighty-three years. He
was a carpenter by trade and worked between the ages of eighteen and
twenty-one years for his board and clothing. He continued to follow his
trade until he came west, when he turned his attention to farming, taking
up his abode upon a tract of land in Amity township which is now occupied
by his son George. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits until
the marriage of his son George, who remained upon the farm while the
father removed to the village of College Springs and there spent his re
maining days. He was twice married, his first union being with a Aliss
McGee, hy whom he had five daughters : Anna Pauline, the wdfe of Archi
bald Nichol, of Indiana county, Pennsylvania ; Jane, wdio is the widow of
John Patterson and resides in Omaha ; Martha, the wddow of Andrew Wig
gins and also a resident of Omaha ; Agnes, wdio died in childhood; and Belle,
the widow of John AlcAvoy, of Point Isabel, Indiana. For his second wdfe
the father married Airs. Lydia (Kelley) Reed, a widow and the mother of
our subject, who now resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was born July
12, 1834. By her marriage to Mr. Trimble she became the mother of two
children : Bessie, who is the v.ddow of John Black, wdio for the past ten

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 313
years has been connected with the public library of Council Bluffs, Iowa;
and George Newton, of this review.
In taking up the personal history of George Newton Trimble we pre
sent to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known
in this county. He was only four years old when in the spring of 1867
his parents came to Page county, settling at College Springs. He has re
sided continuously since upon the farm which is now his home and which
comprises eighty-five acres on the north side of the village on section 7,
Amity township, forty-five acres of the place lying within the corporation
limits. Year by year he has diligently and persistently carried on the work
of the fields here and in his farm work has displayed a practical spirit that
has enabled him to use his advantages in the best possible manner. He has
erected a large and modern residence upon his place and has also put up a
number of good buildings whereby ample shelter is afforded for grain and
stock. Fle carries on general farming and stock raising and his careful
control of his business affairs has insured his success.
On th.e Sth of December, 1887, Mr. Trimble was united in marriage to
Miss Jennie Garrett, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania,
July 12, 1866, and in the spring of 1883 came to Page county with her
parents, W. G. and Mary (Barr) Garrett, who were also natives of AVash
ington county but now reside in College Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Trimble
had three children but lost their first born, George, at the age of two
years. Those still living are : Mary and Vivian.
Mr. Trimble's views concerning the temperance question are indicated
by the loyal support which he gives to the prohibition party. He holds
membership with the United Presbyterian church, in which he formerly
served as an elder for fifteen years and in all the departments of church
work he has been deeply and helpfully interested. He has been the president
of the village board of education and the cause of the schools found in him
a stalwart champion. His influence and aid are ever given on the side
of progress, reform and improvement, and his record is such as has at
tached him in ties of warm friendship to those with whom he has been
associated.

SAAIUEL M. GREENE.
Samuel M. Greene, although now living in CaUfornia, was long well
known as a strong man in the newspaper field of southern Iowa and his
worth as a citizen was widely acknowledged, for both in an individual
capacity and as an editor and publisher he did much to promote the welfare
of the community in which he lived. He was born August 25, 1873, of the
marriage of Alfred W. Greene and Letitia Al. Caldwell, of whom extended
mention is made on another page of this work, the father being one of the
prominent real estate men of Page county.
Samuel Al. Greene at the usual age entered the public schools of Clar
inda and passed through consecutive grades until he was graduated from

314 • HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the high school. He also attended the Clarinda Educational Institute, and
Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa. Later he went to Nebraska and became
a student in the Wesleyan University of Lincoln, that state, from which he
graduated. Fle was thus provided with Uberal educational advantages, giv
ing him keen insight into the world's history, its work and its purposes, and
he was thus well qualified to take up the profession of journalism. For
years he was associated with the Clarinda Herald and learned the newspa
per business in principle and detail, becoming famiUar with every branch
of the office work. Afterward he became assistant editor of the paper and
was thus a representative of newspaper interests in Clarinda until 1901,
when he removed from this city to Chariton, Iowa. He then bought the
Chariton Herald, which hc successfully conducted until 1908, when he sold
out and is now in Califomia. He enjoyed a high reputation in the news
paper fraternity of southwestern Iowa and his personal worth also won for
him many friends.
In June, 1898, Mr. Greene was married to Miss Vesta Lisle, of Clar
inda, a daughter of C. A. Lisle mentioned elsewhere in this volume. They
are parents of two children : Paul Vernon and Loren .Samuel.

ALFRED W. GREENE.

Alfred W. Greene is the senior partner of the firm of Greene & Greene,
conducting an extensive real estate, insurance and abstract business. He is
a man of keen discernment, seldom if ever at fault in matters of business
judgment, seeking his success along legitimate lines and accomplishing de
sired results by reason of his indefatigable purpose and reliable methods.
He was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1845, ^""^
is a son of George Alorris and Antha (Houck) Greene. The father was a
farmer by occupation and in that department of business activity won a com
fortable living for himself and family. His son Alfred attended the public
schools and later had the opportunity of becoming a student in Cassville Sem
inary and in Martinsburg Academy. After attending those institutions he
continued his studies in the Millersville State Normal School of Pennsylvania.
He did not pursue his studies continuously through all these years but at
times engaged in teaching, devoting a part of six years to the profession.
In 1869 he engaged in teaching in the pubhc schools of Tyrone, Pennsyl
vania, and later became superintendent of the schools of that city. Fle proved
a capable educator as is evidenced by his promotion, carefully systematizing
the work done under his direction and laboring to make the public instruc
tion there a source of thorough preparation for life's practical and respon
sible duties.
Air. Greene continued at Tyrone until 1886, when he came to Page
county, Iowa, and for a year thereafter engaged in teaching in Essex. In
1887 he arrived in Clarinda and accepted the superintendency of the schools
of this city, continuing in active connection therewith for three years. Be-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 315
lieving that a broader and more profitable field of labor was before him in
real estate lines, in 1890 he established his present business, handling real
estate and farm loans, making abstracts of titles and writing insurance.
During the initial year of his connection with this line of business he was a
partner of John R. Good, under the finn style of Good & Greene — an asso
ciation that existed until Febrauary, 1899, when his son Orville purchased the
interests of the senior partner and the present firm style oi Greene & Greene
was assumed. They are prominent among the real estate dealers of south
western Iowa, having built up an extensive business which is creditable and
satisfactory. Mr. Greene was married on the 3d of October, 1871, to Miss Letitia M.
Caldwell, a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of
Saniuel Caldwell, a farmer and surveyor. They have become- parents of
four children : Orville, who is associated with his father in business ; Samuel
Morris, who is connected with the newspaper business ; Alary Lois, at home ;
and Letitia M., the wife oi Charles S. Tomlinson, who is a bookkeeper of
Santa Barbara, California.
Air. Greene is a prominent member of he Alethodist Episcopal church
and in its work has taken an active and helpful part. He was at one time
a steward of the church and has also been secretary and treasurer. He was
for many years a teacher in the Sunday schools in both Pennsylvania and
Clarinda and his abUity in clearly and concisely imparting knowledge made
his instruction of worth to those who sought to know all scriptural truths.
Forty-one years of his life were spent in Pennsylvania, where he began
teaching while yet in his teens. He was in Tyrone from 1869 until 1886
and his labors in educational Unes were of great benefit to the communities
in which he resided. Clarinda, moreover, has appreciation for his worth as
a manly citizen, for his cooperation in public affairs and for his value in
business lines, for his labors here are a direct influence in promoting the
growth and progress of Page county.

DAATD WILKEY.

David Wilkey is thc owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 2, Valley township. His birth occurred in Ireland,
February 2, 1836, and he was one of a family of five children, having a twin
brother and three sisters. He continued a resident of the Emerald Isle
until fifteen years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States
on a sailing vessel, -v\diich was four weeks and three days in making the
voyage. Pie took up his abode in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and
made his home in the Keystone state until he had attained his majority,
when he went to AVisconsin, where he was engaged in the lumber busi
ness for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Henry
county, Illinois, where he resided for ten years, devoting his time and ener
gies to general agricultural pursuits. The year 1870 witnessed his arrival

316 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
in Page county, Iowa, and after operating a tract of rented land for a
year, he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on
section 2, Valley township. The many substantial improvements on the
property stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise and in addition
to cultivating- the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty
of raising and feeding hogs, both branches of his business returning to
him a gratifying annual income.
On the i6th of June, 1867, Mr. Wilkey was united in marriage to
Miss Lottie Lemley, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter
of George and Sarah (White) Lemley, who spent their entire lives in the
Keystone state. Mr. and Mrs. Lemley reared a family of eleven children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. AALlkey have been born I'wo children, namely: James F.,
who carries on the home farm; and Samuel A., a resident of Nebraska.
Mr. AVilkey is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the democracy
and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him
to various positions of public trust. He has held the office of school direc
tor for twenty years, served as justice of the peace for two years and for a
period of six years capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in
the position of road supervisor. Both he and his wife are devoted and
faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which
they take an active and helpful interest. They have now made their home
in this county for almost four decades and are wddely and favorably known
within its borders, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with
the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. AVilkey has now reached the seventy-
third mUestone on Ufe's journey and his has been a commendable record,
actuated by honorable principles.

MICHAEL BECK.

Among the self-made men of Page county mention should be made of
Michael Beck, who, starting out in life at the age of eighteen years with
out capital and with but a Umited education, has worked his way steadily
upward until today he stands among the wealthy citizens and large land
owners of this section of Iowa. Air. Beck was born in AA^estmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1836, a son of Michael and Catherine
(Houk) Beck, who were likewise natives of Westmoreland county, their
respective parents removing from New York to the Keystone state at an
early day when much of the land there was still in possession of the Indians.
On both the paternal and maternal side the family have been loyal to the
interests of their country, the maternal great-grandfather of our subject
having served in the Revolutionary war under Washington, while the ma
ternal grandfather fought in the war of 1812. Three cousins served in the
Mexican war, while five cousins by the name of Fox and three brothers
of our subject took part in the CivU war.

MR. ANTD MRS. MICHAEL BECIil

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 319
Michael Beck and Catherine Houk were reared in AVestmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, where they were also married and made their home
until 1857. In that year the father removed with his family tO' Jackson
county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm of three hundred and fifty acres,
which he cultivated until the time of his death, ten years later, in 1867.
The mother survived him about fifteen years, when she, too, vvas called to
the home beyond.
Michael Beck of this review was reared in the place of his nativity and
acquired his education in the common schools, but his opportunities in this
direction were somewhat limited. He remained at home untl eighteen years
of age, when he began Ufe on his own account, working as a farm hand at
ten dollars per month, his duties beginning early in the morning and last
ing until late at night. He was thus employed for five years his wages
going to his father until he attained his majority, and he remained at home
until he was twenty-two years of age, but in the meantime he had accom
panied his parents on their removal to Jackson county, this state. Feeling
justified in engaging in farming on his own account he rented a tract of
land in Jackson county, operating the same for twelve or fourteen years.
He then purchased forty acres, on whicii he made his home for about nine
years, when he sold his farm and removed to Sumner county, Kansas, for
at that time fand could be purchased at a much lower rate there than in
Iowa. He became owner of four hundred and eighty acres, on which he
made his home five years.
In 1888 Mr. Beck rented his land in Kansas and removed to Page
county, Iowa, bringing Jiis teams with him. He located in Essex, it being
his intention to engage in teaming. Soon afterward he had the opportunity
of purchasing his present farm at a low figure and although he had no
ready money he contracted for the purchase. A short time afterward,
however, he disposed of his land in Kansas and was then enabled to make a
payment on his Iowa land. Taking up his abode thereon he further de
veloped and improved the place, which comprises four hundred and eighty
acres of as fine farming land as can be found in Page county. He is here
engaged in general farming and also gives much of his time and attention
to feeding cattle, to which he owes much of his success. As the years
passed and he prospered in his business undertakings, he purchased four
hundred acres of land in Vernon county, Missouri, near the city of Nevada,
and from this he derives a good substantial income.
It was on the nth of March, 1859, that Air. Beck established a home oi
his own by his marriage to Miss Hannah AA'ilson, of Jackson county, Iowa.
Their union has been blessed with nine children, seven sons and two daugh
ters, as follows : Mary J., the wife of Michael Buzzard, a resident of Pierce
township. Page county; Jaines, also residing in that township; John, of
Shenandoah ; AA^illiam, of Pierce township ; Isaac, who resides in Vemon
county, Alissouri ; Mrs. Emma Leut, who lives in the eastern part of the
state ; AIichael, a resident of Grant township ; David, of A'ernon county,
Missouri ; and George, who is still under the parental roof.

320 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Mr. Beck has always been a stalwart supporter oi the democratic party
but has never been active as an office seeker, for his private business in
terests have made heavy demand upon his time. He is largely a self-
educated as well as self-made man, one who through the inherent force of
his nature and the utilization of opportunities has passed from the unknown
into a position of distinction among the well-to-do residents of Grant town
ship and Page county. His success, however, has been worthily and honor
ably won, and it is therefore well deserved. In 1863 he crossed the plains
to Montana with one companion, starting from Jackson county, Iowa, with
three yoke of oxen and a yoke oi cows, and boated across the Platte river
in wagon beds. He was gone about one year and while prospecting located
the first coal in Montana, near Bozeman.

GEORGE BERRY.

George Berry, now living retired in a commodious and attractive resi
dence at No. 206 Grant street in Clarinda, was formerly actively identified
with the agricultural and stock raising interests of the county for many years.
He was born in Scotland on the 3d of February, 1826, a son of George and
Ann (RobiiLson) Berry, who spent their entire lives in the land of hills and
heather, passing away at the ages of eighty-seven and sixty years respectively.
The father, who was a shoemaker by trade, followed that occupation
throughout his active business career. His religious faith was indicated by
his membership in the United Presbyterian church, in which he served as
an elder. Unto him and his wife were born four sons and six daughters, as
follows : Andrew and William, both of whom are deceased ; George, of this
review ; John and Ann, who have also passed away ; Jane, who is the widow
of Joseph Hancock and makes her home in Clarinda, Iowa ; Agnes, Margaret,
Isabelle and Elizabeth, who are Hkewise deceased.
In his youthful years George Berry attended the schools oi his native
land in pursuit of an education and also worked on his father's farm. He
likewise acquainted himself with the carpenter's trade in early manhood and
when t\\-enty-seven years of age, influenced by the favorable reports which
had reached him concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new
world, he determined to establish his home in the United States. After
crossing the ocean he located in Champaign county, Ohio, and there worked
as a journeyman carpenter for fourteen years. On the expiration of that
period, in 1867, he came to Page county, Iowa, locating on a tract of land
of eighty acres at College Springs. Subsequently he extended the bound
aries of his farm by additional purchase until it embraced one hundred and
sixty acres and on that place he successfully and energetically carried on his
agricultural interests for twenty-seven years, or until the time oi his re
tirement in 1894. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil
and climate he was also engaged in stock raising to some extent, ineeting
with a highly gratifying and weU merited measure of prosperity in

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 321
both lines of activity. Energetic, industrious and perservering, he brought
his place under a high state of cultivation and improvement and some idea
of the wonderful transformation wdiich he wrought may be gained from the
fact that though he purchased the property for but six hundred dollars, he
disposed of it for twelve thousand dollars when he left the farm and took
up his abode in Clarinda.
On the 20th of September, 1858, in Ashland county, Ohio, Mr. Berry was
united in marriage to Miss Ag'nes Berry, whose birth occurred in Scotland
in 1833. They have now traveled life's journey together for more than a
half century, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years have
passed by. Of their five children, three still survive. Andrew, who resides
on a farm in Page county, married Aliss Carrie Kingley and has four chil
dren : Ethel, Annie, Emest and George. John, living on a farm near Clar
inda, married Miss LiUie McKee, by whom he has five children : Earl, Mary,
Annie, Jennette and Clara. Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to John
Duncan, likewdse niakes her home on a farm near Clarinda and has become
the mother of five children, namely : Walter, Roy, Ann, Spurgeon and
Vernier. Mr. Berry is a strong Calvinist in religious faith and belongs to the
United Presbyterian church, with which his wife is also identified. In 1881
he made a four months' trip to Scotland, renewing old acquaintances and
visiting the scenes of his youth and early manhood. When he first landed
in this country, "a stranger in a strange land," his cash capital amounted to
but three dollars and therefore it will be seen that he owes his present pros
perity to naught save his own untiring efforts and persistency of purpose.
His competence has been honorably gained along legitimate lines of labor
and at all times he has commanded the respect and good will oi his feUow
men by his genuine personal worth, his kindly spirit and his appreciation of
the good in others. Both he and his wife are most highly esteemed through
out Page count)', where they have now made their home for more than four
decades, the circle of their friends being coextensive with the circle of their
acquaintances. Mr. Berry has now passed the eighty-third milestone on life's
journey and receives the respect and veneration which should ever be ac
corded to one of advanced years whose career has been active and honorable,
as his has been.

FRANK ANSHUTZ.

Frank Anshutz is the leading jeweler of Shenandoah, an enterprising
man who has sought his success along the legitimate lines of trade and
found in indefatigable industry, perseverance and capable management the
key that unlocks the portals of prosperity. A native of Moundsville, West
Virginia, he was born February 23, 1852, of the marriage of Christ and
Rebecca (Woodwell) Anshutz. The father, a native of Germany, came to
the United States, when sixteen years of age, in company with his parents

322 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
and after reaching the new world learned the miller's trade. Following his
marriage he located in Moundsville, West Virginia, where he resided to the
time of his death, which occurred in 1854 when his son Frank was but
two years of age. He left a family of eleven children, whom the mother
carefully reared to manhood and womanhood.
Frank Anshutz was educated in private schools and when sixteen years
of age left the parental roof to seek a home and fortune in the middle west.
Alaking his way to Iowa with Des Moines as his destination, he there spent
the winter in the home of a sister and during that time attended school.
In .A.pril, 1870, he entered upon an apprenticeship to the jeweler's trade and
worked for two years in Des Moines, after whicii he returned to the east
in 1872 and completed his trade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the
summer of 1873 h^ made his way westward to Pittsburg but had remained
there for only two months when the city became involved in the financial
panic of 1873. Believing that better opportunities were offered in the west
he returned to Des Aloines and was employed that fall as a journeyman,
thus working for four months. He next went to Jefferson, Greene county,
Iowa, where he was employed until the spring of 1875, when he embarked
in the jewelry business on his own account in Mitchellville, Iowa, feel
ing that his careful expenditure and his previous experience justi
fied him in taking this step. He was there identified with the business for a
period of five years, at the expiration of which time he removed to Glen
wood, Iowa, where he conducted business for three years. Thinking to
find a more profitable field in Shenandoah, he came to this city in 1883 and
opened a store. For more than a quarter of a century he has now been
identified with the jewelry business in this city, having the leading estab
lishment of the kind here. He carries a large and attractive stock, tastefully
arranged and the reliability and enterprise oi his business methods and his
reasonable prices have been the salient features in the success which has
attended his labors. He was also one of the organizers of the Peoples' Gas
Company and for several years was its treasurer, while later he was chosen
vice president of the company and so continued until 1909.
Pleasantly situated in his home life Mr. Anshutz was married in 1881
to Aliss Sarah Blake, of Winnebago county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Anshutz
are very prominent socially and are held in the highest esteem by all. As a
representative of Masonry he is connected with Tricentum Lod.ge, No.
300, A. F & A. M., and Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M. He is also
a charter niember of Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E. His political
support is given to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of
office have no attraction for him. He belongs to the Commercial Club of
Shenandoah and for many years has been most active in aU movements per
taining to the progress and upbuilding of the city. His wife is a member of
the board of trustees of the Shenandoah library, is serving- as secretary of
the board and is chairman of the book purchasing committee. She is also
a charter member of the Kappa Delta Club, of which she was secretary for
several years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anshutz are niembers of the Presbyterian
church and are actively interested in its work and upbuilding. Air. Anshutz

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 323
is a member of its board of trustees while Mrs. Anshutz has served repeat
edly as president of the Ladies Aid society and as a Sunday school teacher for
twenty years, and has been most active in promoting various lines of church
work. Honored and respected by all there is no man who occupies a more
enviable position in commercial and financial circles, not alone by reason of
the success which he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward busi
ness policy which he has ever followed. Moreover, his Ufe record proves
that success is not a matter of genius as held by some but it is the out
come of clear judgment, experience and unfaltering industry.

TFIOMAS JOHNSTON.
Thomas Johnston, engaged in farming and coal mining in Nodaway
township, is one of the representative citizens of Page county. Born in
Dane county, Wisconsin, December 23, 1869, he is a son of James and Agnes
(Flair) Johnston, both natives of Scotland. The parents, wdth two chil
dren, came to America in 1853, first locating in New York, whence they re
moved to Dane county, Wisconsin. The father, who was born on the 14th
of February, 1822, was a carpenter and cabinetmaker in early life but after
his arrival in this country devoted his attention to general agriculture. He
owned three hundred and twenty acres of land in Douglas township. Page
county, to which place he had removed in the autumn of 1872. His death
occurred on this farm December 27, 1897. His wife, who was born Feb
ruary 14, 1827, passed away in Clarinda, where she was residing with two
sons and one daughter, on the 25th of April, 1891. She was first a member
of the Presbyterian church and later joined the United Presbyterian church,
and was an eamest Christian woman. She was a devoted wife, a loving
mother and a kind and obliging neighbor, and her loss was a matter of deep
regret to a large circle of friends.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. James Johnston were eight children, of
whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. The other members are:
Robert, residing in Colorado; John, who passed away in infancy; Jeanette
Swanson, making her home in Denver, Colorado; Alexander H., of Colo
rado ; Alarion Stephenson, of Colorado ; Margaret Burwell, residing in
Canada ; and James, Vifho lives in Clarinda.
Thomas Johnston, whose name introduces this review, was only two
years of age when he accompanied his parents to Page county, Iowa, where
the family home was established in Douglas township. There he grew to
manhood, acquiring his education in the common schools, and early became
familiar with the work of the farm. He also learned the carpenter's and
blacksmith's trades and was thus engaged until 1898, in wdiich year he pur
chased the farm upon which he now resides. The place consists of eighty
acres located on section 35, Xodaway township, about two miles west of the
town of Clarinda. Here he carried on general farming and as the years have
passed he has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. He not

324 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
only found that the soil of his farm was most excellent for agricultural pur
poses, but that it also was rich in coal deposits, and in 1901 he opened up
a coal mine on the farm which annually yields on an average of forty-five
hundred tons. This branch of his business interests is proving a source of
very gratifying returns to him, and he is now ranked among the prosperous,
progressive and influential farmers and business men of Nodaway township.
In 1893 Air. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Maggie R. Weir,
a native of Davis county, Iowa, born in 1870. She is a daughter of David
and Sarah Weir, and by her marriage has become the mother of nine chil
dren, Richard, David D., James A., Fred J., Dan, Thomas, Glenn, Charles
J. and Chester. Of this number Richard and Dan both died in infancy,
while Thomas was killed in an accident at the age of six years.
Air. Johnston has given his allegiance to the republican party since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise and is deeply interested in the
progress of the party. He is a school director and the cause of education
finds in him a stanch champion, while he at all times lends his cooperation
to any measure which has for its object the permanent and substantial growth
of the community. He has won a high place among the successful business
men of Nodaway township, and his saUent characteristics are such as have
won for him the respect, confidence and good wiU of all with whom he has
been associated.

JAMES SHAMBAUGH.
The story of the life of James Shambaugh, if given in detail, will pre
sent an accurate and interesting picture of early life as well as of modem
progress in Page county for in the 'sos he arrived in this part of the state
and since that he has been an active and controlling factor in molding general
progress and improvements. His reminiscences of the early times are most
interesting but, while he has lived here for more than a half century and was
a promoter of the pioneer development, he has also kept pace with the trend
of general progress and improvement and even now, in his declining days, is
keenly interested in the affairs of the county and what is being accomplished
here. James Shambaugh was bom in Coshocton county, Ohio, October 15,
1825, his parents being Isaac and Nancy (Barrow) Shambaugh, the former
a farmer by occupation. He was a native of Virginia, but removed to Ohio
in 1816 and at the time of the Mexican war enlisted in defense of American
interests. James Shambaugh was reared on the home farm, but, choosing another
pursuit as one more congenial andj profitable, he engaged in clerking in a
store until about six years before he came to Iowa. Arri-ving in this state,
he settled in Mills county and took up a claim, but later made his way
across the country on horseback to Page county. He was pleased with the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 325
natural resources and prospects and returned to Ohio, where he prepared for
opening a store in this section of the state. He bought goods in the east
and in 1853 came to Clarinda. That fall he returned to Ohio, but in the
spring of 1854 traded his land in Mills county for a stock of goods which
he opened up for sale on the north side of the square in the month of July.
There he conducted business until March, 1855, when he sold out to J.
Powers. At that time he purchased a sawmill, which was somewhat dilapi
dated, but he improved it, made additions thereto and transformed it into
the first gristmill in Page county. It was also the first sawmill in the
county and a picture of this old landmark appears on another page of this
volume. When the month of May, 1855, arrived he had his mill in shape so
that he sawed from two to three thousand feet of lumber per day. In 1856
he added the grist department and ground corn meal in February, 1857, this
being the first flour made in Page county. Air. Shambaugh continued to
operate the mill untU it was destroyed by fire. It was situated on Nodaway
creek, two and one-half miles southeast of Clarinda, and was one oi the lead
ing industries of the county at an early day. He also owned another mill
at a place now called Shambaugh. He liad paid to the railroad company
considerable money and when the railroad was built through this section of
the state the name of the postoffice was changed from Xodaway to Sham
baugh. The place is situated about six miles from Clarinda and the mill,
whicii he there owned and operated, stood until about 1898, when it was
struck by lightning. Fle then built a mill in Clarinda with a capacity
for one hundred and fifty barrels daily and an elevator with fifty
thousand bushels capacity. The market for the flour manufactured
by Air. Shambaugh at an early day and which could not be dis
posed in the home locality was Omaha, Denver, St. Joseph and many other
points, to which he made shipment by wagon. In those days the teamsters
and freighters were John and Isaac McDoweU, Samuel Pinlterton and Mose
Thompson, who hauled the products of the Shambaugh miUs to Denver. The
freight was ten doUars per hundred and the flour sold in the western markets
at sixteen dollars per hundred. At one time Mr. Shambaugh fitted out his
own team and did his own hauling to St. Joseph, having four yoke of oxen
to a wagon. They camped out along the way in going and on their return
trip, and the flour which they transported brought one dollar and a half per
hundred weight.
In i860 Air. Shambaugh fed three hundred head of hogs and of these he
sold one hundred head at a dollar and a quarter per hundred. He also
butchered one hundred head and hauled them dressed to Denver, where the
hams and sides brought only three cents per pound, while the lard sold at
five doUars per barrel. He had paid three dollars a piece for the barrels
and each barrel held two hundred pounds so that it will be seem that the
profit was comparatively small.
Mr. Shambaugh continued an active factor in the business of the com
munity until 1898, when he retired and was succeeded by his son Ira W.,
who now conducts the business, having from his youthful days to the present
time been associated with his father in his miUing interests.

326 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
In 1858 Mr. Shambaugh was married to Miss Julia Jaycox, who was born
in Greene county, New York, and they had two children, Ira W., and Charles,
but the latter, who was born in 1864, died in 1879. The death of Mrs.
Shambaugh occurred March 7, 1897.
Throughout the entire period of his residence in this part of the state
Air. .Shambaugh has been known as a most public-spirited citizen, contribut
ing in many substantial ways to the growth and progress of the community.
He was one of the first subscribers to get the first railroad through here.
In 1854 he Mas assistant postmaster and was also assistant or deputy county
treasurer, tax receiver and recorder. The cause of education has ever found
in Air. Shambaugh a stalwart champion and he was serving on the school
board when the new brick high school was erected. He has long been a
devoted member of the Baptist church and is interested in every project that
tends to promote the upbuilding and development of the town and county.
He has now reached the venerable age of eighty-five years and is one of the
most honored and respected citizens of the community, not only owing to the
success which he has accomplished but also owing to the straightforward
business policy which he has ever follov^^ed. His commercial standing is an
unquestioned fact in his career.

PATRICK O. BYRNES.
The invariable law of destiny accords to tireless industry, energy and
abiUty a successful career and this statement finds ample proof in the Ufe
record of Patrick O. Byrnes who, starting out in life as a poor boy, has,
through well directed efforts and unfaltering perseverance, attained a credi
table place among the substantial agriculturists of Page county and may
justly claim the proud title of a self-made man. Born across the waters,
he is a native of County Clare, Ireland, and is a son of Michael and Bridget
Byrnes, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle, where their entire lives
were spent.
Reared in his native country, Patrick O. Byrnes acquired his education
in the pubhc schools and remained at home until 1871, when, thinking to find
greater opportunities for advancement in the new world where individual
effort is unhampered by caste or class, he left home and friends and sailed
for the United States. He did not tarry on the eastern coast but made his
way direct to Chicago, where he found employment as a dock builder. He
was thus engaged for about six years, and then became identified with
railroad construction work in Alercer and Henry counties, Illinois, being con
nected with the Rock Island Railroad Company. Later he went to Arkansas,
remaining there for only a short time, and in 1877 he arrived in Page
county, Iowa. Two years later he purchased eighty acres of land, which
tract constitutes a part of his present farm, and at once became engaged in
general agricultural pursuits. He has brought his fields under a high state
of cultivation, carries on his activities along up-to-date and progressive lines.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 327
and that his efforts are meeting with gratifying success is indicated in the
fact that as the years have come and gone he has been able to add to his
holdings until he now owns considerable valuable property. He has re
cently sold a tract of eighty acres, while his present farm consists of one
hundred and twenty acres located on section 6, Grant township.
The year 1S99 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Byrnes and Miss Ellen
Brennen, of Audubon county, Iowa, and in his marriage he established the
foundation for a happy home life. He and his wife are members of the
Catholic church and are people of excellent traits of character, enjoying
in no limited degree the respect and good will of their fellowmen.
Mr. Byrnes is democratic in politics but the honors and emoluments of
office have had no attraction for him, as he prefers to direct his entire time
and energies to tbe conduct of his private business affairs. His life has been
a successful one and he has never found cause to regret his determination to
come to America, for here he found the opportunities for which he had
sought, while his whole career is illustrative of the fact that certain actions
are followed by certain results. Pie is as loyal to the interests of his adopted
country as though he were a native born, and the consensus of public opinion
accords him a high place among the substantial, progressive and enterprising
farmers of Page county.

IRA W. SHAMBAUGH.
The name of Shambaugh has figured in connection with the milling in
terests of Page county for more than a half century. Ira W. Shambaugh,
a successful, progressive and enterprising business man, is now the active
factor in the ownership and control of the Clarinda flouring mills. He was
born in this city, his parents being James and JuUa (Jaycox) Shambaugh.
The public schools of this locality and of Burlington, Iowa, afforded him his
educational privileges and in his youth he entered his father's employ, while
at the age of twenty-one years he was admitted to- a partnership in the bus
iness. On coming irom Ohio to Iowa J'ames Shambaugh settled at Clarinda,
where he first conducted a general store, but shortly afterward- built a saw
mill on Nodaway creek near the city. In a short time he added burrs and
began the grinding of both wheat and corn. In the '60s he built a flour and
saw-mill at a place now known as Shambaugh, which was .named in his honor,
and at the present time is a town of seven or eight thousand inhabitants.
The mill at Shambaugh was destroyed by fire in 1898 and then James Sham
baugh, with his son Ira AV., who had long been his partner, built the present
mills and elevator at Clarinda, the latter having a capacity of fifty thousand
bushels and the former a capacity of one hundred and fifty barrels per day.
Since the retirement of his father from business Ira AA^. Shambaugh has
been at the head of extensive miUing interests, which constitute him one of
the leading representatives of the productive interests of this county. He

328 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
is also a director of the Clarinda National Bank and his name is an honored
one on commercial paper.
Ira AV. Shambaugh belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has
attained high rank, being now connected with the Mystic Shrine. He is a
member of the I'Cnights o£ P)'thias fraternity. AA'hile he entered upon a
business already established, many a man of less resolute spirit and of less
energy would have failed in carrying it forward to successful completion.
His record, therefore, proves clearly that success is not a matter of genius,
as held by some, but is rather the outcome oi clear judgment and experience.

AVILLIAM ROY HILL.

Among the native sons of Page county who are successfuUy engaged in
agricultural pursuits and through their well directed efforts and unfal
tering industry and perseverance are meeting with gratifying measure of
success, is numbered William Roy Hill. He was born in Amity township on
the 2ist of Alarch, 1873, ^nd is a son of J. H. and Emma (Morledge) Hill.
The father, who is of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in Highland county,
Ohio, and came to Page county, Iowa, in the early '60s, locating near Clar
inda on a farm of eighty acres, owned in connection with his brother, J. E.
Hill. The father now makes his home in Shambaugh with his youngest son,
Ed Hill. The mother, who was of English lineage, passed away on tjie old
homestead on the 25th of April, 1886.
Reared to agricultural pursuits, William Roy Hill remained under the
parental roof until twenty-one years of age, in the nieantime attending the
district schools during the winter months and assisting his father in the
w^ork of the fields in the summer seasons. Subsequently, when he could be
spared from the farm, he attended Amity College at CoUege Springs, Iowa,
during the years 1891 and 1892, pursuing a general course, and in the year
1893 was graduated from the commercial department of that institution.
After his graduation Mr. Hill went to Kansas City, Missouri, where he
was employed as a bookkeeper by Swift & Company for six months. He
then returned home, remaining upon the farm until his marriage. He
operated the farm until 1888 in the capacity of renter and in that year, in
partnership with George G. Long, he purchased one hundred and twenty-
seven acres two and a half miles south of Shambaugh in Amity and Bu
chanan townships. The following year they bought eighty-seven acres ad
joining their property on the southeast and Air. HUl continued to make this
farm his place of residence for five years. He then went into partnership
with his brother, Ed HiU, in farming and stock raising and in 1904 rented
the Samuel White farm of two hundred and fifty-four acres. They also
rented the old homestead place of one hundred and eighty acres and for a
period of five years operated the entire tract of seven hundred acres. At the
expiration of that time the partnership was dissolved, William Roy Hill
selling his share of the property to his brother with the exception of twenty
acres. He then invested in one hundred acres of land in Nodaway county,
Alissouri, near Clearmont. Subsequently he rerented the Samuel Whitt

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 329
farm for a term of three years and is now residing thereon. He is pro
gressive and up-to-date in his methods, his business acumen is keen and his
ambition to succeed is surpassed orUy by his great energy and perseverance.
His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due
recognition of honest labor, and now, as the result of close application and
good business management, he is enjoying a most gratifying measure of
prosperity. It was on the 28th of October, 1896, that Mr. Hill was united in mar
riage to Miss Gladys Al. Long, a daughter of George G. and MoUie (Mar
shall) Long, residing three-quarters of a mile southwest of the village of
Shambaugh. Her parents were natives of Ohio, the father coming to Iowa
in the late '50s, being numbered among the first settlers of the district,
while Mrs. Long came to Iowa in 1869, where she was married in 1871.
Extended mention is made of them on another page of this volume. Mrs.
Fiill attended the pubUc schools and later took a normal course at Amity
College, after which she taught school for fifteen terms in the rural dis
tricts of Page county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hill has been blessed
with five chUdren, namely: Gertrude Marie, born October 22, 1898; Harry
Hepburn, born November 4, lOOO; Gerald Maurice, born November 28, 1904;
Mabel, born October 9, 1907, who passed away in infancy; and Kenneth
Reid, born July 30, 1909.
Mr. and Airs. Hill are members of the Methodist Church of Sham
baugh, while the former is treasurer of the church and also a member of
the official board. They are greatly interested in the work of the church
and do all in their power to further its influence in the community. Air. HUl
gives his political support to the repubUcan party and is now serving as a
member of the district school board, having filled that office for five years.
In 1906 he was chosen by a large majority for township trustee but he
refused to accept the office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention
to his business aft'airs. He is, nevertheless, a pubUc-spirited citizen and his
influence and activity are always upon the side of progress, reform, im
provement and advancement, and these qualities constitute him a valued and
representative citizen of the county. Having spent almost his entire Ufe in
Page county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances,
and by his sterUng qualities has commanded the respect and esteem of all
who know him.

WILLIAM R. RYERSON.
William R. Ryerson, now serving as clerk of the district court at Clar
inda, Iowa, was born near HamUton, Mo., February 11, 1873, a son of
Joshua J. and EUzabeth E. (Culp) Ryerson. The father, who arrived in
Page county in 1874, was for some time identified with the agricultural
interests of this district, but later, upon removing to BraddyvUle, he became
engaged in the grocery business in 1879. He died in January of the same
vear, however, but his wife still makes her home in that city.

330 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Reared under the parental roof, William R. Ryerson received his early
education in the public schools of Braddyville and later pursued a course of
study in the Western Normal College at Lincoln, Nebraska, subsequently
graduating from the Fremont Normal College at Fremont, Nebraska, in
1895. For six years thereafter he was identified with educational interests,
teaching in the schools of Page county for four years and also in the Lenox
high school, at Lenox, Iowa, for two years. He then withdrew from pro
fessional circles and accepted a position as clerk in a drug store, while later
he purchased an interest in a hardware business at Conway, Taylor county,
where he remained for two years. Selling his interests in that town, he be
came identified with the same line of business in Shenandoah, Iowa, conduct
ing business under the firm name of W. R. Ryerson. Thus he continued
until 1908, when he sold out, having been elected clerk of the district court.
Fle assumed the -duties of this office on the 4th of January, 1909, his term
expiring two years from that date. He is prompt and loyal in the discharge
of his duties and his service is proving entirely satisfactory to his constitu
ents and the community at large.
In poUtics Mr. Ryerson is a republican, giving stalwart support to the
principles of that party. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the
Alodern AVoodmen oi America, while his religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He has always been deeply
interested in church work and while residing at Conway served as super
intendent of the Sunday school, likewise serving as president of the Epworth
League at Shenandoah. In his official capacity he has exercised the same
businesslike spirit of promptness and energy that characterized him in the
control of his private interests, and he has held to high ideals oi citizenship
and to lofty principles concerning conduct in business and in private Ufe. No
trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed and the consensus of public opin
ion ranks him among the representative citizens oi Page county.

CHARLIE ALBERT LISLE.
Charlie Albert Lisle, editor and owner of the Clarinda Herald, has thus
been associated with the newspaper interests of the city since the ist of June,
1885. Pie has also been active in other lines of business, while moreover
his labors have been fruitful elements in promoting public progress and
improvement. Pie was born in Belmont county, Ohio, a son of Joseph and
Mary (Evans) Lisle, who were farming people and came to Iowa in the
spring of 1 861, settling first in Guthrie county. There the father died at
the age of seventy-five years, and the mother passed away July 16, 1909,
at the age of eighty-eight.
In the country schools C. A. Lisle acquired his early education and
when sixteen years of age he took up the profession of teaching. He
afterward, however, pursued a classical course in the Iowa Wesleyan Uni
versity of Mount Pleasant and was graduated with the class of 1872. While
sitting on the platform waiting to deliver his graduating oration he was
handed a telegram informing him that he had been elected principal of the

z;

'/2
2

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 333
West HiU school in BurUngton. He occupied that position for a year and
then went to Red Oak, Iowa, as superintendent of the city schools,. remain
ing there through the scholastic year of 1873-4. In September of the latter
year he returned to Burlington as principal of the high school and was thus
closely and prominently identified with the educational interests of that city
for eight years, a period in which he established a high reputation for the
efficiency and value of his professional labors. In 1882 he went to Fort
Madison to begin newspaper work, having purchased the Plaindealer and
since that time his energies have been devoted to journalism. While there
residing he was appointed postmaster by President Arthur and continued to
fill the office until November, 1885.
Mr. Lisle became a factor in the business interests of Clarinda when in
June, 1886, he purchased a half interest in the Clarinda Herald, removing to
this city in the following November. In 1887 he purchased his partner's
interest in the paper and has owned and published the Herald continuously
since. He has always found genuine pleasure in newspaper work and has
made this one of the most creditable country newspapers of the state, for
he employs many methods of modern journalism and gives to his sub
scribers a clean sheet devoted to the discussion of questions of local and
general interest. He has a well equipped printing plant, a gratifying adver
tising patronage and a large circulation. In 1903 he became interested in
manufacturing lines and since January, 1905, has been serving as president
and general manager of the Lisle Alauufacturing Company, engaged in the
manufacture of weU boring and drilling machinery and cream separators.
This is one of the important industrial concerns of the county and its
large output, which is being constantly increased to meet the growing de
mands of the trade, makes it a profitable concern.
Another interesting chapter in the life record of Mr. Lisle is found in
connection with the patriotic spirit which he displayed at the time of the
Civil war. He was only fifteen years of age when he enlisted as a recruit
in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and was taken to Camp McClellan at Daven
port to be mustered in, but while there he became ill with typhoid fever
and because of this failed to pass muster and was sent home. The same
spirit of loyal devotion to the country has ever characterized his life and his
loyalty to matters of local concern has been manifest in many tangible and
helpful ways. Fle has been honored with several public offices, poUtical
and otherwise. AVhile living at Fort Madison he occupied the position of
postmaster and was likewise postmaster in Clarinda for one term. In all
affairs relative to general improvement and progress he has manifested a
deep interest, withholding his cooperation from no movement which he
deems essential to the public good. He was for nine years officially con
nected with the Chautauqua Assembly and for five years has been president
of the Clarinda Commercial Club. His political allegiance is always given
to the republican party and he does everything in his power to advance its
interests and secure its success.
On the 3d of January, 1872, Mr. Lisle was married to Miss Frances La
vina Spry, of Red Oak, Iowa, and unto them were born seven cliildren,

334 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
four sons and three daughters, as follows : Charles Vernon, who met
death by drowning when thirteen years of age; Vesta, the wife of S. M.
Greene, an editor; SteUa Mae, who is the wife of W. A. Turner, a member
of the law firm of Orr & Turner at Clarinda; Edna, the wife of A. A.
Jeffrey, who is the business manager of the Herald and proprietor oi the
Clarinda Printing Company ; Edwin, the secretary of the Lisle Manufac
turing Company, who wedded Miss Edith Crane, of Alount Pleasant, Iowa;
Harvey H., who is serving as inspector for the Lisle Alauufacturing Com
pany and married Miss Ina May Robbins, of Alalvern, Iowa ; and Lorance,
who was a student in Denver University for three years and is now learning
the machinist's trade in the factory. All of the chUdren have been pro
vided with excellent educational opportunities, having the advantage of
college instruction. The wife and mother died in July, 1890, and on the
19th of February, 1908, Mr. Lisle was again married, his. second union
being with Mrs. Emma Harris Russell, of Alissouri Valley, Iowa.
The family are connected with the Methodist church. Mr. Lisle has been
a member thereof since his childhood and served as a delegate from the
Des Aloines conference to the general conference which met in Los Angeles
in 1904. For twenty-one years he continuously acted as superintendent of
the Sunday school but retired from that position on the ist of January,
1909. His influence is always on the side of right, progress and improve
ment, whether put forth in a private capacity or through his championship
of measures in the columns of his paper. While he holds to high ideals,
he works along practical lines and the results achieved are therefore satisfac
tory and commendable.

DUFF M. CREAL.

Duff M. Creal, who is the capable incumbent in the office of county
treasurer in Page county, was born in Lee county, Iowa, on the ist of
Alarch, 1857, a son of WilUam and Sarah (Saxe) Creal, both of wdiom are
now deceased. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his
active business career. Mr. Creal of this review obtained his education in
the schools of Fairbury, Nebraska, and Clarinda, Iowa. It w^as in the year
1877 that he took up his abode in Clarinda and here learned the miller's
trade, being afterward employed for five years as head miller in the city
mills. His identification with milling interests continued for twelve years,
and in 1891 he began selling groceries on the road, traveling throughout
southwestern Iowa for seventeen years. As a traveling salesman he met
with a most commendable and gratifying measure of success and it is safe to
say that there is no man in Page county who has a wider acquaintance
than Air. Creal. In 1908 he was elected to the office of county treasurer for
a two years' term and is now discharging the duties of the position in a most
prompt, efficient and satisfactory manner.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 335
On the 7th of July, 1882, Mr. Creal was united in marriage to Miss
Alice J. Rounds, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, her father being William
Rounds, a farmer by occupation. Fraternally Mr. Creal is connected with
the Knights of Pythias, being a worthy exemplar of the craft. In whatever
relation of life we find him — in political circles, in business or in social rela
tions — ^he is alvvays the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth
well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

JOHN Q. A. ORTH.

After many years connection with the mercantile interests of Clarinda,
John Q. A. Orth is now living retired from business life, although he main
tains a deep and active interest in the public affairs of the community. A
native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Lebanon, Lebanon county, that state,
on the 22d of May, 1837, a son of Adam G. and Fannie (Seacrist) Orth, the
former a tanner by occupation. Reared in his native state, he attended the
public schools there and acquired a good knowledge of the common branches
of the English language. After leaving school he leamed the blacksmith's
trade, which he followed in the Keystone state until 1882.
In that year Mr. Orth arrived in Clarinda, Iowa, where he became iden
tified with merchandising, dealing in groceries and queensware. He was
connected with that line of business in this city for sixteen years, during
which period he met with most gratifying success, for he was strictly up-to-
date in his business methods and carried an excellent line of goods that was
calculated to meet all of the demands of the trade, for he realized thaf .sat
isfied customers constituted the best advertisement a business could have.
Moreover, his business integrity and true personal worth became widely rec
ognized, gaining for him the trust, confidence and goodwill of his feUowmen.
He became one of the best known representatives of commercial interests in
Clarinda, contributing in large measure to the upbuilding of the city in
mercantile lines. As he prospei"ed in his business affairs, his interests ex
tended along other lines and he became the owner of several business struct
ures in this city, including the Union block, a two-story brick buUding on
the south side and a two-story brick structure on the west side. In 1898,
feeling that his many years of well directed energy and labor entitled him to
a merited rest, he sold out his store and retired from business activities.
The only interruption that came in his business career was occasioned
by his enlistment, on the ist of August, 1862, as a private in Company C of
the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Going
to the front to aid his country in her hour of need, he served with that reg
iment ior ten months, during whicii period he participated in the battles of
Antietam and the battle of Fredericksburg, wdiile he also was present at
the engagement at Chancellorsville, which extended over the ist, 2d, and 3d
of Alay, 1863.

336 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Mr. Orth was united in marriage in February, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth
AUeman, of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and they now have six children,
namely: Jennie, the wife of Russel Farrens, a merchant of Clarinda;
Florence and Fannie, both teachers in the public schools of this city; Mary,
who wedded Carrie Beckner, engaged in mercantile interests in this city;
Grace, a bookkeeper in Clarinda; and James Guy, a merchant of this city.
They also lost two sons, Jacob Calvin and John AUeman. The two daugh
ters, Fannie and Grace, own a two-story brick building on the west side of
the town, from the rental of which they derived substantial annual income.
Mr. Orth is a stalwart republican, stanchly supporting the principles and
candidates of that party, being recognized as an active and helpful worker
in local party ranks. He has served as councilman irom the second ward
for the past five years and in 1909 was chosen councilman at large, his term
of service in the latter office to cover two years. He is serving as the chair
man of the streets and alleys committee and is a member of the water com
mittee. The cause of education also has always found in him a stalwart
champion and while still a resident of the Keystone state he served as school
director for nine years, while he served in similar capacity for six years in
Clarinda. Public-spirited and loyal in citizenship, he is interested in every
thing that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He has
gained a wide circle of friends during his residence in this city and his salient
characteristics are such as command the respect, esteem and good will of all
with whom he has come in contact.

SKILES AUSTIN KING.
Skiles Austin King, a well known and successful agriculturist residing
on section 34, Tarkio township, is at the present time serving as a member
of the board of township trustees. He is numbered among the worthy na
tive sons of Page county, his birth having occurred in Tarkio township on
the 6th of January, 1879. He was reared on the farm adjoining his present
place of residence and attended the public schools in pursuit of an education
that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. On
attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account as an
agriculturist, renting a tract of land from his father. At the end of five
years, by dint of unremitting industry and close economy, he had accumu
lated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase the property, which has
since remained in his possession and to the cultivation and improvement of
which he now devotes his time and energies. The farm comprises one hun
dred and fifty-seven and a half acres of rich and productive land on section
34, Tarkio township, and is the source of a gratifying annual income to its
owner. He utilizes practical and progressive methods in the conduct of his
agricultural interests and has won a degree of prosperity that entitles
him to recognition among the substantial and representative citizens of the
community.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 337
On the 23rd of December, 1898, Mr. King was united in marriage to
Miss Ethel Ferris, a resident of Clarinda, Iowa, and a daughter of George
Ferris, who is a retired agriculturist of that city. Mr. and Mrs. King now
have two children. Earl J. and Darline.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. King has given
his political alleg'iance to the republican party, believing that its principles
are most conducive to good government. In November, 1908, he was
elected a member of the board of trustees of Tarkio township and is prov
ing a capable incumbent in tbe office. His wife is a devoted and faithful
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a wide and favorable
acquaintance throughout the county in which he has resided from his birth
to the present time and well merits the confidence and good will which are
uniformly accorded him.

TIM C. JACKSON.

On the honor-roU of those who have been prominent in the upbuilding- of
the prosperous little city of Shenandoah, Iowa, the name of Tim C. Jack
son, the druggist, deserves a place among the first, for though he did
not own this city as his home until his early manhood, he has been un
swerving in his devotion to its interests in the years since he engaged in the
drug business within its boundaries. He was born on February 4, 1875,
in Knox county, Ohio, wdiere his father and mother, Bruce E. and Mary
(Ross) Jackson, were born, reared and married. In 1879 Mrs. Jackson
died, and the foUowing year Mr. Bruce Jackson came to Red Oak, Iowa.
In 1895, however, he removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he now resides
and where merchandising claims his time and interest now as they have in
the past.
After his mother's death Tim C. Jackson was cared for by his paternal
grandparents until his eighth year, when he was taken by his step-mother's
parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Crawford of Red Oak. Under their guidance
he grew to manhood, supplementing the education received in the public
schools of Red Oak by a course in the Western Normal CoUege of Shenan
doah. After leaving school he secured a position with F. A. Dickson of
this city in his drug store, and though the business has been conducted by
dift'erent men, Mr. Jackson has reniained through aU vicissitudes, conducting
his business today in the same room he entered years before as a clerk. He
remained as pharmacist when Air. Dickson sold his store to N. R. Hender
son, and* then on January i, 1900, he and Dr. T. L. Putnam bought the busi
ness, which for eight years they conducted in partnership. The interval be
tween January and November, 1908, was the only period during which he
has not had the reigns in his hands. He is now again the proprietor and it
is hoped that he will not soon see the necessity of relinquishing his cares
to another.

338 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
In the two formal organizations that look toward the development of
Shenandoah and in three of the fraternal societies that cultivate a healthful
spirit of brotherhood Mr. Jackson is active. Of the latter Juniata Lodge,
No. 295, K. P., Alishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. AV., and Shenandoah
Lodge, No. 1 122, B. P. O. E., claim him as a member. The Commercial
Club has its name on their roll-call, and the Home Building & Loan x'Vsso-
ciation, which has been all powerful in building up this enterprising little
city, looks to him, as one of its directors, for guidance in its progressive
policy. In 1905 the republican citizens here showed their appreciation of
Mr. Jackson's public spirit by electing him a. member of the city council,
and it is only justice to say that they have had no reason to regret the placing
of this trust.
On the 19th of October, 1898, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Maud
Trophagen, of Waterloo, Iowa, and two children, Dorothy M. and Robert L.,
have been born of this union. Airs. Jackson is a member of the Women's
P. O. organization of the Shenandoah Baptist church, which she and her
husband attend and support.

JEROME YEAROUS.

Jerome Yearous, living on section 17, Nodaway township, is one of
the thrifty and prosperous farmers and stock raisers of this township. One
of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Clayton county on the 25tli of May,
1856, a son of Charles and Catharine (Peters) Yearous. The former, a
native of Baden, Germany, was born January 9, 1834, and came to the
United States with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Yearous, when only
three years of age. They located in Cleveland, Ohio, where Charles Yearous
was reared. He passed away, however, in Clayton county, Iowa, on the 7th
of January, 1906. His wife, who was born in May, 1833, in Ohio, still survives
and makes her home on the old farm in Clayton county, Iowa. In their fam
ily were nine children, namely: Aaron, of Eagle Grove, Iowa; Jacob S., re
siding in West Union, Iowa ; Jerome, of this review ; Alartha Jane, the wife
of Frank Kimpston, of Fayette, Iowa; Christ, of Fayette county; Charles,
residing in South Dakota ; William, making his home in Clayton county ;
John, residing in Fayette county; and Andrew, a resident of Clayton county.
Reared in his native county, Jerome Yearous attended the district schools
in the acquirement of an education that would fit him for the practical and
responsible duties of life. His time was divided between the duties of the
school room and the work of the fields, and he remained under the parental
roof, assisting his father in the cultivation of the home place, until twenty-
two years of age, when he became desirous of entering business on his own
account. Accordingly he went to Phelps county, Nebraska, wdiere he took
up a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres, which he immediately
put under cultivation. Eleven years were spent in the improvement of this
place and then, in the spring of 1890, he sold this property and returned to

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 339
Iowa, establishing his home in Nodaway township, Page county, upon
the farm which is still his place of residence. This farm, known as Alaple
Grove Farm, consists of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting the south
east Cjuarter of section 17, and is one of the valuable farms of Nodaway
township, presenting in its neat appearance an indication of care and pro
gressiveness on the part of the owner. Mr. Yearous has erected good, sub
stantial buildings upon the place which afford ample shelter for grain and
stock and he has also instituted many other improvements. He has devoted
his entire life to agricultural pursuits, engaging in general farming and
stock raising, his close appUcation to business, his energy and perseverance
and his ability to capably manage his affairs being potent elements in the
gratifying degree of prosperity which he now enjoys. He is also the owner
of considerable property, owning, aside from his home farm, a half section
of land in Hand county. South Dakota, near the town of Aliller.
On the 20th of September, 1881, in Clayton county, Iowa, Mr. Yearous
was united in marriage to Miss Laura E. Schrack, who was born near Free-
port, Illinois, January 18, 1864, a daughter of Potter and Rebecca (McHoes)
Schrack, the former now deceased and the latter residing at Alma, Ne
braska. Thc home of Air. and Mrs. Yearous has been blessed with the
foUowing chUdren: Charles R., residing in South Dakota; Raymond O.,
and George A., also in Dakota; Guy U., Isaiah, Leona A., Nathan A. and
Leonard, all at home. They also lost two children, Nevada, who died at
the age of seventeen months, and Herschel, who passed away when three
years old.
Mr. Yearous gives his political allegiance to the repubUcan party and
has served for the past six years as trustee. He is not, however, an office
seeker, preferring to devote his time and energies to the management of
his business affairs. He has used his opportunities to the best advantage
and he has won a creditable measure of prosperity, while during the nine
teen years of his residence in Nodaway township he has gained a large
circle of friends who entertain for him high regard and esteem.

JAMES GUY ORTH.

James Guy Orth, a member of the firm of Orth & Beckner, well known
shoe dealers of Clarinda, was born in Upton, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of
March, 1884. He was brought to Page county, Iowa, by his parents, who
returned to Clarinda after an absence of a year and a half, and began his
education in the pubHc schools of this city. He further prepared himself
for the duties and responsibilities of an active commercial career by a course
of study in the Quincy Business College and after leaving that institution
was engaged in clerking in general stores in Clarinda and adjoining towns.
In 1905 he established a shoe store in Clarinda in partnership with J. C.
Beckner, under the name of Orth & Beckner, which has been successfuUy
conducted up to the present time. The store is located on the west side of

340 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the square and is accorded an extensive patronage, its owners having ever
maintained an unassailable reputation for business integrity.
For the past three years Mr. Orth has acted as secretary of the Fifty-
fifth Military Band and is now its treasurer. He is widely recognized as a
most substantial, progressive and enterprising citizen of the county. In
religious faith he is a Presbyterian, belonging to the church of that denomi
nation, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias.
Though still a young man, he has already made an enviable record in busi
ness circles and his many friends predict for him a bright future.

DAVID WINGERT.

David Wingert, a retired farmer, and now one of Shenandoah's repre
sentative citizens, who has devoted much time and thought to the advance
ment of the city's interests, was born in Preble county, Ohio, September
20, 1842, the son of Henry and Anna (Bentz) Wingert. Both parents
were natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and
married, and where their three eldest children were born. They first moved
to Preble county, Ohio, and in 1851 went to Lee county, Illinois, which was
their home until they died, the father in his eighty-seventh year, the mother
in her seventy-first. Both parents were consistent members of the Meth
odist Episcopal church, and Henry Wingert was a republican in politics at
a time when that party was struggling into recognition. The one hundred
and sixty acre farm in Lee county is still in the possession of the family.
The subject of this sketch was brought up at home and received his edu
cation in the public schools. At the outbreak of the CivU war he enlisted,
though he was not yet nineteen years of age, in Company C, Thirty-fourth
IlUnois Infantry, on September 7, 1861, and served in this company through
out the war, untU he was mustered out, July 19, 1865, as first lieutenant of
his company — a period of four years lacking six weeks. In some of the
battles which have been accounted important in the progress of the war,
such as Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River (where he was wounded twice), Lib
erty Gap, Peach Tree Creek and Averysboro, he took an honorable part,
besides doing his share in many minor skirmishes. He was also one of
those whom .Sherman ever remembered so fondly as "his boys" on that
historic march to the sea.
Upon his return from service Mr. Wingert located in Franklin Grove,
Illinois, where he farmed for one year on his father's land. On the 24th
of January, 1867, he was married and the following spring bought a farm
of one hundred and fifty acres in Lee county, lUinois, on which he settled
and lived until the spring of 1871, when he came to Page county, Iowa.
Here he bought a half section of land in Morton township, which was his
home for thirty-two years and which he stiU owns. In 1903 he moved to
Shenandoah, and has since been identified with the interests of this city,
though he has not relinquished his large holdings of farm lands, which

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 341
at one time amounted to five hundred and sixty acres, and now, after gener
ous gifts to his children, aggregate three hundred and sixty acres. Per
haps the fact that he is a stockholder in the Security Savings & Trust Com
pany and is vice president of the Shenandoah Fair Association best dem
onstrate the substantial position he occupies in the city.
Air. AA^ingert's first wife, who in her maidenhood had been Miss Elizabeth
Houser, of FeUcity, Ohio, died March 20, 1898, and some time after he
married Miss EvaUne Priuty, of Clermont county, Ohio. Of this second
marriage there has been no issue, but of the four children of the first two
daughters survive: Jessie M., the wife of J. F. McCurdy, a fruit grower
in Yakima valley, Washington, and Effie L., the wife of Harry Wilson, an
attorney of Seattle, Washington. Mr. and Airs. Wingert are members of the
Congregational chuurch.
Mr. AA'^ingert's long life of useful and successful activity and his sincere
interest in all that contribute to the advancement of Shenandoah make him
a citizen who should be widely esteemed, but perhaps of greater influence,
especially upon the younger members of this community, is the record of
his soldier's days. He belongs to that all too rapidly diminishing fraternity
whose patriotism was put to severe test, and his words, his presence, even,
serve as a constant inspiration to that noblest of all loves, that of country.

JAMES L. BROWN.

James L. Brown, who has been assistant postmaster of Clarinda for the
past ten years, was born in Adams county, Ohio, on the i6th of October,
1845, his parents being Thomas B. and Mary E. (Williams) Brown. The
father was an agriculturist by occupation and also labored effectively as a
minister of the gospel.
James L. Brown of this review obtained his education in the public
schools of his native state and early in life became familiar with the duties
and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In 1865 he moved to
Villisca, Iowa, and the following year took up his abode in Clarinda,
where he subsequently secured a clerkship in a general store, being thus
employed for eight years. He was then elected county recorder and filled
the position for four terms or eight years, his long retention in the office
standing in incontrovertible proof of his efficiency and reliability in the
discharge of his duties. On retiring from the office he entered the Nodaway
Valley Bank as assistant cashier and remained with the institution for two
years, during which period it had become the Clarinda National Bank. In
1887 he went to Wakeeney, Kansas, and after one year's service in a bank
at that place he became identified with the clothing business, continuing
his connection with that line of activity until his return to Clarinda after
an absence of eight years. Here he accepted a position in the postoffice,
where he has since been employed, having for the past ten years capably
served in the capacity of assistant postmaster.

342 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On the 2d of March, 1871, Mr. Brown was joined in wedlock to Miss
Jennie Boyle, a native of Pennsylvania. By this union there are four chil
dren, namely: Edith, the wife of W. W. Welch, a contractor and builder
of Clarinda; Mary E., who served as deputy treasurer of Page county and
on June 16, 1909, became the wife of Dr. W. C. Phillips, of Clarinda;
Louis H., who follows merchandising in Varna, Marshall county, Illinois;
and Mabel A., who acts as deputy county clerk of Page county:
Mr. Brown belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is a member
of its official board. He has an extensive circle of friends throughout the
county and in the various relations of Hfe in which he has been found has
shown himself fully worthy the confidence and trust which are uniformly
given him.

WILLIAAI SPANGENBERG.
A well improved and highly cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty-
three acres located on section 19, Nodaway township, has been the home
of WiUiam Spangenberg since he came to Page county in 1892. He is
a native of Joliet, lUinois, born Septeniber 8, 1858, of the marriage of
John and Sophia (Etlar) Spangenberg, both natives of Alecklenbiirg, Ger
many, where they were reared and married. The father emigrated to the
United States with his wife in 1854, their only child having died in Ger
many. Locating in Joliet, he was there employed as stationary engineer
and blacksmith at the roundhouse of the railroad. He was thus engaged
twenty-eight years, when he came to Iowa and located on a farm near Red
Oak, where he and his wife spent their remaining days, the father passing
away at the age of seventy-six years, while the mother's deatli occurred when
she was sixty-eight years old. After coming to the United States eight chil
dren were added to the household, their family numbering nine chUdren,
as follows : Charles, who died in Germany ; Mary, the wife of Henry
Bruce, of Red Oak, Iowa ; Anna, the wife of John Wagener, of Yorktown,
who is mentioned elsewhere in this work ; William, oi this review ; Louis,
who lives on the old homestead iarm near Red Oak; Lizzie, the wife of
Fred Huelle, of Nebraska; Charles, also of Nebraska; Minnie, the wife of
Reinhold Huelle, also a resident of that state ; and John, deceased.
William Spangenberg was a youth of sixteen years at the time of the
parents removed from Joliet to Red Oak, Iowa. He reniained on the
home farm there until he was twenty-eight years of age and at that
period in his life decided to establish a home of his own and engage in
farming on his own account. He was accordingly married in 1886 to Miss
Lena Wagener, who was born in Holstein, Germany, in 1864, and was but
three years old when she was brought by her parents. Air. and Mrs. Hans
Wagener, to the United States, while she was six years of age at the
time of their removal to Page county.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 343
Mr. and Mrs. Spangenberg took up their abode upon a farm in Mont
gomery county, Iowa, where, through their united efforts they accumulated
the means with which to invest in land. In 1892 Mr. Spangenberg came
to Page county and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty-
three acres on section 19, X^odaway township. He has made many im
provements on the place and now occupies a good country residence and
has built substantial outbuildings. He does general farming and is numbered
among the successful men of this section of the county.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Spangenberg was blessed with three
daughters : Mattie, the wife of Fred Geer, of Tarkio township ; and Annie
and Bertha, both at home. The wife and mother passed away about two
years after coming to Page county, her death occurring in 1894. Mr.
Spangenberg also has three grandchildren, Walter, Lena and Charles Geer.
A democrat in his poUtical views, he takes an active interest in the wel
fare of his community, whUe his reUgious faith is indicated by his member
ship of the German Lutheran church at Yorktown. A practical, general
and successful farmer, his business interests have been so managed as to
win him the confidence of the public and the prosperity which should always
attend honorable effort.

J. M. McGLONE.

J. M. AIcGlone, of McGlone Brothers, cigar manufacturers of Shenan
doah, was born in Delaware, Wisconsin, April 30, 1872. His parents,
Michael and Alary (AIcGlone) AIcGlone, were natives of Ireland, but came
as young people to this country and were married in New York city. After
a period of farming in New York state they came west to Wisconsin, and in
1876 continued west to Nebraska, where they took up- a homestead claim
near Lincoln. There the mother died and the father resided untU recently,
when he retired from active Ufe ahd went to Denver to make his home there
with two of his sons.
The rudiments of his education M. J. McGlone received from the public
schools, but it was at his home in the midst of the prairies that he acquired
those fundamental lessons of life which have since enabled him to win his
deserved success in business and gain the confidence of his fellow citizens.
At the age of sixteen he started to learn the cigarmaker's trade and after
completing his apprenticeship worked for some seven or eight years as a
journeyman cigarmaker. In 1896 he came to Shenandoah and with his
brother Peter established the present cigarmaking business. For about a
year and a half the firm did an exclusively wholesale business, but in
1897 they secured their present site at 513 West Sheridan avenue, and
opened up a thoroughly modem retail store in connection with their manu
factory. Mr. McGlone is now one oi the city's leading business men,
actively identified with the interests that look to its development and im
provement. His public spirit has been appreciated, too, by the repubUcan

344 FIISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
citizens, who have reelected him a member of the city council. Plowever,
business and political cares he does not permit to consume all his energy,
but finds time for many fraternal affiliations, and is the guiding hand and
happy .spirit in the little groups that gather for the enjoyment of a few
sociable hours, l-'or he has been for the past seven or eight years the
financier of Mishna Lodge, Xo. 249, A. O. U. AA^., belongs to Shenandoah
Lodge, X'o. 1 122, B. P. O. E., and is a member of that active Uttle organiza
tion, the Booster Club. His religious allegiance is given to the Catholic
church. dn 1900 Mr. McGlone and Miss Annie Morrison were married. Two
children, Ellen Louise and Joseph Alorrison, have been bom to the couple,
who are worthy of the high esteem in which they are held in the com
munity.

GEORGE AV. NEWSAM.
George AV. Newsam, now deceased, came to Page county in pioneer
times and was identified with its early development and progress until he
felt that the country's claim upon him was paramount to every other duty
and went lo the front to aid the Union in the Civil war. He afterward re
tumed and was identified y ith fanring interests in this portion of the state
until his demise, during which period he was accounted one of the leading
and representative agriculturists and citizens of his community. He was
born in AVashington, Pennsylvania, a son of George and Xancy Newsam,
who at an early day removed westward to Lee county, Iowa, and there re
mained until called to their final rest. In their family were ten children.
In his youth George W. Newsam accompanied his parents to Lee county,
lo'wa, and was still a young man when he removed to Page county, casting
in his lot among its early settlers. Comparatively few had taken up their
abode within its borders at the time of his arrival and much of the land
was still in possession of the government. He entered a claim of eighty
acres which was entirely wild and unimproved, not a furrow having been
turned nor a building erected thereon. He put up a little board shanty and
at once began the development and cultivation of his farm, being busily em
ployed with the work of the fields until after the outbreak of the CivU war,
when, in response to the country's call for troops, he enlisted as a mem
ber of Company F, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry. With that command
he served for three years, participating in several hard-fought battles. He
never faltered in the performance of any military duty, whether it called him
into the thickest of the fight or stationed him on the lonely picket line. At
all times he gallantly follow^ed the old flag in defense of the cause which it
represented and after the war he returned to Iowa with a creditable record
as a soldier.
When the country no longer needed his aid, Mr. Newsam resumed farm
ing in Page county and improved the property which he had secured. His
wife also homesteaded eighty acres upon which she resides, entering this

MR. AND MRS. CEORdE W. NKVVS.VRt

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 347
claim while her husband was absent in the army. Air. Newsam was busily
engaged in the work oi developing these two tracts and lived the life of an
energetic, progressive and useful farmer.
It was in 1859 fh^t Mr. Newsam was united in marriage to Miss EUza
beth Margerum, who was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, a daughter of
David and Nancy Ann (Eberly) Margerum, who came to Page county,
Iowa, in 1859 and spent their remaining days here. Their family numbered
eight children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Newsam were born five children: Su
sanna, who is now the widow of Oscar Bagley and resides in Taylor county,
Iowa; Inez, the wife of John Glasgow, a resident of Minneapohs; EUa, the
wdfe of Frank Fisher, a farmer of Douglas township ; Sherman and Emmet,
both deceased.
In his political views Mr. Newsam was a stalwart republican and ever
took an active part in politics, keeping vvrell informed on ciuestions and is
sues of the day and doing all in his power to promote the growth and in
sure the success of the party. For ten years he filled the office of town
ship clerk and was also a member of the school board for several years. Fle
was deeply interested in everything that pertained to the welfare of the
community and his cooperation could always be counted upon to further any
movement for the public good. He died about thirty years ago, leaving a
widow and three children to mourn his loss. His remains were interred in
the Villisca cemetery and his memory is yet enshrined in the hearts of many
who knew him. Airs. Newsam still survives her husband and is now the
owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 12,
Douglas township. She is a member of the United Presbyterian church and
an earnest, consistent Christian woman, who guides her life by the teachings
of the church.

OMAR DUNCAN.

Omar Duncan, a mail carrier of Clarinda, is numbered among the worthy
native sons of Page county, his birth having occurred here on the 15th of
July, 1874. Plis father, Daniel Duncan, followed farming throughout his
active business career and passed away on the 25th of October, 1908. The
mother, who bore the maiden name of Nancy N. AIcFerrin, still survives,
being a well knowm and esteemed resident of Clarinda.
Omar Duncan supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the
public schools of this county, by a course in Amity College at CoUege
Springs. On the 13th of June, 1898, he enlisted for service in the Spanish-
American war, becoming a private of Company AI, Fifty-first United States
Volunteer infantry. The regiment went to San Francisco and on the 3d
of September sailed for Alanila, remaining on the Philippine Islands from
December 7, 1898, until September, 1899. Air. Duncan participated in all
the engagements of his regiment and also acted as scout on many occasions.
On the 2d of November, 1899, at San Francisco, he was mustered out of
the arm)- as corporal, having been promoted to that rank.

348 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
After returning to Clarinda he entered the United States mail service
as office assistant and subsequently became a carrier, which position he has
held to the present time, proving a most capable, reliable and trustworthy
emplo)'e of the govern.ment. He is a valued and a faithful niember of
the Alethodist Episcopal church, serving as a member of the official board
and also as superintendent of the Sunday school. He has an extensive circle
of warm friends throughout the county in which he has always resided, his
many excellent traits of character having gained him the kindly regard and
good will of all with wdiom he has been associated.

PETER SHUM, JR.

Peter Shum, Jr., who conducts an up-to-date livery stable in Clarinda,
was for many years identified with the agricultural interests of A'^alley town
ship, Page ccunty. Fle was born in Vermont on the Sth of December, 1853,
a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Peanor) Shum, who were both born in
Canada and went to Vermont with their respective parents. They were
married in that state and later moved to Lee county, Iowa, in 1858. There
they rented a farm for a while and then Mr. Shum purchased eighty acres
of land, to which he subsequently added another tract of eighty acres,
which he operated until 1874, when he sold his farm and moved to Page
county. In this county the mother passed away and in 1902 the father
removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he yet resides at the age of seventy-
eight years. They were the parents of sixteen children, nine of whom stUl
survive. Coming to Iowa when but five years of age, Peter Shum, Jr., acquired
his education in the common schools of this state, and when not engaged
with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the farm. He early
became familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvest
ing, and the experience thus gained in his boyhood and youth proved of
great assistance to him when, having reached his twenty-first year, he
undertook the operation of his father's farm. He continued to reside
upon the homestead for eleven years and then he purchased a tract of
eighty acres in Valley township, which he continued to improve and develop.
He put his fields under a high state of cultivation and became very success
ful in his various agricultural pursuits, operating this farm for about four
teen years. At the expiration of that period he sold his property and came
to Clarinda, where he purchased a livery barn, in the conduct of which he
has since been engaged. He owns eight good teams and at all times keeps
his vehicles in first-class order, his livery being up-to-date and modern in
all of its appointments. He is a good business man and has been most suc
cessful in his undertaking, the fact that he is ever square and upright in aU
of -his dealings making him popular with a large and constantly growing
patronage.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 349
Mr. Shum has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Mary A.
McMichael, who was born in Page county. Their wedding was celebrated
in 1875 and unto this union were born three children, namely: Nora L.,
the wife of Harry Turner, residing in Clarinda; Alyrtle, who wedded F.
L. Moore and resides in Villisca, Iowa; and S. W., who is also married
and makes his home in this city. In 1885 the wife and mother passed to
her final rest, and two years later Mr. Shum was again married, his second
union being with Miss Alary J. True, a native of Des Aloines county, Iowa.
By her marriage she became the mother of four children, as follows : Ora,
the wife of Neal Turner, of Shenandoah, Iowa ; Georgia, who married Clyde
Nealy and resides in Clarinda ; Jessie, who is still under the parental roof
and is now attending high school at Clarinda; and Hazel, at home.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Shum is a member of Hepburn Lodge,
No. 482, I. O. O. F. He has given his allegiance to the democratic party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he served as con
stable and road supervisor for eleven years. Public-spirited in his citizen
ship, he takes a deep interest in all matters that tend toward the substantial
and permanent growth and development of the community. His success
ranks him among the prosperous and progressive citizens of Clarinda, and
he is popular with a large circle of friends who entertain for him high
regard and esteem.

MRS. JULETTA KID WELL.
Mrs. Juletta Kidwell, well known in Coin, where she has many friends,
is one of Iowa's native daughters, her birth having occurred in Lyon county.
Her parents were Malon and Rachel (Haworth) Haworth, by whose early
death Mrs.. Kidwell was left an orphan when eight years of age and went to
Uve with a relative, Aladison Thompson. She was one of a family of ten
children, namely: George, now deceased ; Adary, who is the widow of G. W.
Davis and now resides in Coin, Iowa ; James, who died of measles while
serving his country as a Union soldier of the Civil war; Sylvester, a resi
dent of Canada; Ellen, the deceased wife of George Riley, w^ho is living
in Canada; Cassius M., who died in childhood; Airs. Kidwell; and Matilda,
who was married but is now deceased. The parents of these children be
came farming people of Illinois and afterward of Iowa, making their home
in Lyon county until their daughter Juletta was about three years of age,
when they returned to Illinois, where their remaining days were passed.
Mrs. Kidwell continued a resident of Illinois until a maiden of sixteen
years and pursued her education in the public schools of that state. She
then came to Page county with Aladison Thompson, in whose home she
had remained since her parents' death and here she was afforded the
opportunity of attending the Snow Hill school. She remained a member
of Mr. Thompson's family until her marriage, which was celebrated on the
5th of October, 1873, on which date she became the wdfe of James Kidwell,

350 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
who was born in Ohio and was left an orphan at the age of six years. He
came to Iowa about 1869 and before his marriage purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land, upon which he took up his abode. Fle soon made
further arrangements for having a home of his owm by his marriage to
Juletta Haworth and they began their domestic life upon a farm which
he had purchased, Mr. Kidwell bending his energies to the further develop
ment and improvement of the place. He built a house there and began
cultivating the fields but after a short time disposed of that property and
bought forty acres. Fle afterward disposed of that tract and invested in
eighty acres, which he improved, making his home thereon for twenty-five
years, during which time he converted the place into one of the finest farms
of the locality. He was persistent and energetic in his work, brooking no
obstacles that could be overcome by earnest effort, and as the years passed
he won success that made him one of the substantial farmers of his com
munity. Mr. Kidwell was numbered among the veterans of the Civil war, having
enlisted from Illinois in 1865. Soon afterward, however, he became ill
and was taken to the hospital, where he remained most of the time during
the war. Throughout his life he was a loyal citizen, interested in whatever
pertained to the welfare of the county, state or nation. Fraternally he was
connected wdth the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Coin. He con
tinued to carry on farming throughout his entire life and passed away on
the old homestead in Colfax township, April 4, 1903. His death was the
occasion of widespread regret to many friends as well as to his immediate
family for his sterUng qualities endeared him to all virlio knew him. Mrs.
Kidwell now makes her home in Coin, where she ovi'iis a good residence.
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a lady of exceUent
traits of heart and mind.

G. WILLIAM RICHARDSON.
Twenty-three years have come and gone since G. WiUiam Richardson
took up his abode in Clarinda and became a factor in the business life of the
city. He has since made steady progress for he has learned to correctly value
life's contacts and its experiences and to so utilize his opportunities that
the utmost possibility of accomplishment at that point in his career has been
attained. He is today numbered aniong the leading lumber merchants of this
part of the state and he figures prominently in financial circles and in
connection with other business enterprises. He was born in Itasca, Illinois,
and is a son of WiUiam and Susan (Martin) Richardson, who were farming
people, the father having devoted his entire life to the tilling of the soil.
G. William Richardson spent the first eighteen years of his life in school
and after teaching a country school one year he entered business life as a
traveling salesman, spending ten years on the road. Believing that Clar
inda offered a favorable field for success in business, he arrived in this

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 351
city in 1886 and has since made his home here, covering a period of twenty-
three years, during which time his forceful indi'viduaUty has been felt as a
moving factor in the business development of the city. He first purchased
an interest in a lumber business, which was conducted under the firm style
of Howell & Richardson for two years. On the expiration of that period
he purchased the interest of his partner, WiUiam M. Howell, and has since
conducted the business alone under his own name. He has large and well
appointed lumberyards, dealing in luniber and builders' supplies in Clar
inda and Shambaugh, Iowa. This does not indicate the limit of his abUity
and resources, however, for he has extended his efforts into other fields
and is now the president of the Shambaugh Savings Bank at Shambaugh.
He is likewise the vice president of the Lee Electric Light Company at
Clarinda and is a director of the Page County State Bank. His judgment
is regarded as sound and reliable, his discrimination keen and his enterprise
unfaltering, and thus he carries forward to successful completion whatever
he undertakes. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Page County
Building & Loan Association and from its inception has served on its board
of directors, his sound business judg-ment constituting a factor in the success
of that undertaking. In addition to his commercial and financial interests
he is the owner of several pieces of Clarinda real estate.
Mr. Richardson was married in 1880 to Aliss Alary Sayer, of Bartlett,
Iowa, a daughter of Fienry V. and Phoebe Sayer, the former a farmer by
occupation. Unto Air. and Mrs. Richardson have been born four children:
Susanne E. ; AVarren S., who pursued his education at Lake Forest, Illinois,
and is now connected with his father in the lumber business ; Zua Christel,
who is attending the high school ; and Doris Ruth, in the public school.
Air. Richardson is a member of the Presbyterian church, generous in
its support and active in its work. For the past eighteen years he has
served as one of its elders and his labors have been a valuable element in
its growth and the extension of its influence. He is preeminently a man of
affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. Alodestly inclined, he
does not seek praise for what he has accomplished but the consensus of
public opinion places him in the front rank aniong the prominent residents
of Clarinda.

JOHN B. GIBSON.

The invariable law of destiny accords to tireless energy, industry and
ability a successful career and the truth of this assertion is abundantly veri
fied in the life of John B. Gibson, a retired farmer residing in Shenandoah.
When he arrived in this state he faced the situation many tiines of being
without a cent in his pocket. Today he is one of the wealthy men of the
county, owning extensive tracts of valuable land in both Iowa and Missouri.
He was born in AVayne county, New York, on the 27th of February, 183 1,
a son of Benjamin T. and Mary (Chattin) Gibson, both natives of New

352 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Jersey. The parents were reared and married in the latter state and subse
quently removed to New York, where they resided for about eleven years.
They then returned to New Jersey and located in Gloucester county, where
their remaining days were spent, the father devoting his life to the occupa
tion of farming. Plis death, which was occasioned by cholera, occurred in
184,9, when he had reached the age of forty-nine years, while the mother
passed away at the early age of forty-three years.
John B. Gibson, whose name introduces this review, passed the days
of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, acquiring his early educa
tion as a pupil of the common schools and supplementing this training by
a term of study at a select school at Charlotteville, New York. In 1856
he came west, locating in Des Moines, Iowa, where he spent the following
winter. In the spring of 1857 he continued his journey westward to the
Missouri river, driving a- team through to Omaha for a man who was
making the trip with several teams. He remained in Omaha over night
and then went to Nebraska City, taking up a preemption claim of a quarter
section of land five and a half miles west of that city. In 1858 he drove a
team for a man freighting from White Cloud to Fort Kearney, Nebraska.
The trip was made across the vast prairies where still roved great herds of
buffalo. In 1859 he removed to Alissouri, where he secured a position in
a mill on No Man's Land, an island in the Missouri river, where he applied
himself to learning -the miller's trade. This he followed until 1863, when,
laying aside all business interests, he enlisted in Company M, Second Ne
braska Cavalry, serving for over nine months, the regiment being sent
north into the Dakotas to suppress the Indians in their depredations.
After the close of his term of enUstment Mr. Gibson was honorably
discharged and mustered out. He returned to Hog Fish Bend, Missouri,
three and a half miles southeast of Hamburg, where he purchased an interest
in a mill, being thus connected until 1866, when he sold his miUing interests
and directed his energies toward agricultural pursuits, locating in Atchison
county, Alissouri, where he invested in two hundred and forty acres of farm
land, paying but eight and a third dollars per acre. Three years later he
purchased another tract of two hundred and forty acres lying just across the
road from his original farm, for which he paid fifteen dollars per acre.
This land was very rich and productive, yielding in one year twelve thousand
bushels of com, the one crop being sufficient not only to cover the cost of the
entire farm but also the fencing of the same. In 1894 he sold this property
for fifty dollars per acre, thus realizing an immense profit over the purchase
price. Air. Gibson came to Shenandoah in 1893 and bouglit a farm of two hun
dred and forty acres in Locust Grove township, Fremont county, Iowa, to
whicii he removed and upon which he resided for eighteen months. In
1894 he again came to Shenandoah, remaining here for one year, when
he took a trip to California, spending the winter of 1895-96 in that state.
Returning to Fremont county, Iowa, he purchased another farm of three
hundred and twenty acres in Locust Grove township, which farm consti
tutes one of the finest tracts of land in that county. He resided upon this

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 353
place for twelve years, devoting the intervening years to general agricultural
pursuits, his efforts in this direction meeting with excellent results. The
signal success which attended him in his farming at last made it possible
for him to retire from the active duties of business life and in 1908 he
returned to Shenandoah, where he is now residing, enjoying, as a reward
for his former years of toil, all the comforts and many of the luxuries of
life. He is still in possession of his two tracts of land in Locust Grove
township, Fremont county, and is also the owner of five hundred and seventy
acres three miles east of Stanberry, Missouri, for which he recently refused
ninety dollars per acre. His property holdings now aggregate eleven hun
dred and thirty acres of valuable land, ranking him aniong the extensive
landowners of the county.
On June 11, 1865, Mr. Gibson laid the foundations for a happy home
life by his marriage to Miss Fiannah Alahala Benedict, a native of western
Pennsylvania. In 1854 her father, Albert Benedict, removed with his
family from A'enango county, Pennsylvania, to Alissouri, locating in Atchi
son county, where he is still living. His wdfe died in 1878 and was buried
at Grange Hall, that county. Both held membership in the Baptist church.
Air. and ATrs. Gibson are also consistent members of the Baptist church
and take an active and helpful interest in the various phases of church work.
In politics Mr. Gibson is a stalwart republican although the honors and
emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, preferring as he does
to concentrate his energies upon his own private interests. Pie is in the
broadest sense a self-made man, being both the architect and builder of his
own fortune. Starting out on his business career empty-handed, he has,
through indefatigable energy and untiring perseverance, forced his way
upward until he is today classed among the men of affluence in the county.
His natural powers have been used to good advantage, while he has at all
times been quick to recognize and utilize opportunities that have come
his way.

iEORGE F. FISFIER.

George F. Fisher, who is now living retired in Clarinda, having put
aside active business cares, is capably serving his fellow townsmen in
several positions of public trust and responsibility. Fle was born in Craw
ford county, Ohio, on the 5th of August, 1846, a son of Frederick and
Elizabeth (Palmer) Fisher. The father followed merchandising in the
Buckeye state but on his removal to Page county, Iowa, in 1854, he
entered government land and was actively and successfully identified with ag
ricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. His farm occupied
the site of- the present state hospital and he was wddely recognized as one
of the most substantial and respected pioneer settlers of his community.
He passed away at the age of eigthy-three years, four months and twenty-
eight days, while his wife vvas called to her final rest when seventy-three
years old.

354 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
George F. Fisher obtained his education in the common schools of this
county and on putting aside his text-books gave his attention to agricultural
pursuits, having early become familiar with the work of the fields through
the assistance which he rendered his father. As the years passed and his
financial resources increased, owing to his capably directed and untiring
labor, he gradually added to his landed holdings until at the time of his
retirement he was the owner of two finely improved and valuable farms.
In 1904, having accumulated a handsome competence, he disposed of this
property and took up his abode in Clarinda, wdiere he has since lived retired
in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. On the 17th of August,
1864, he had enlisted for service as a private of Company I, First Nebraska
Veteran Volunteer Cavalry, continuing wdth that command until Sep
tember, 1866. They did duty in the west at the time of the Indian troubles,
guarding railroads, ranches and mails and participating in a nuinber of
skirmishes. Mr. Fisher was with the regiment in all its movements and
also did scout duty, proving a brave and loyal soldier who never faltered
in the performance of any task assigned him.
On the 28th of October, 1866, Air. Fisher was joined in wedlock to
Miss Mary Stone, of Pekin, Illinois. By this union there are two children,
namely: Frederick A., who married Aliss Bessie Livingston, of Page
county, and now follows farming in Gravity, Taylor county, Iowa ; and
Hattie A., who is the wife of Rube Livingston and likewise makes her
home in Gravity, Taylor county.
Politically Mr. Fisher is a stanch advocate of the republican party and
for the past five years has acted as township trustee. Fle is likewise the
commissioner for the poor at Clarinda and is also tbe incumbent in the
office of township road supervisor, discharging his various official duties
in a most ijrompt and capable manner. He stands for advancement and
reform and has ever been an advocate of justice, truth and right in all his
relations with his fellowmen.

ASA H. MITCHELL.

Asa H. Alitchell is engaged in general farming in Amity township, o-wn-
ing and cultivating two hundred acres of land on sections 15 and 23. He
was horn on the i8th of January, 1878, on a farm five miles southwest of
Tarkio, Alissouri, his parents being Anthony and Frances (Alenefee)
Mitchell. The father, a native of Germany, was but a child when brought
by his parents to the new world, the family home being established near
Tarkio, Missouri, on the farm which is still his place of residence. The
mother of our subject, whose birth occurred in Page county, Virginia, re
moved to AVhite Cloud, Kansas, wdth her parents wdien a child. She is now
deceased, having been called to her final rest on the 5th of August, 1894.
She was the daughter of Rev. John H. Alenefee, a well known hardshell
Baptist minister, who preached in Iowa at one time.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 355
Asa H. Mitchell was reared on the old homestead farm and attended
the district schools until sixteen years of age. Subsequently he spent three
years in Tarkio (Mo.) high school, from which institution he was gradu
ated in 1897. He then spent one year in Tarkio College. On account of
failing health he was obliged to give up a contemplated coUegiate course
and after putting aside his text-books he devoted his attention to the work
of general farming for a period of six years. He was engaged in the opera
tion of a rented tract of land for one year and then, in association with his
brother, K. C. Alitchell, purchased eighty acres six miles southwest of Tar
kio. At the end of two years he sold his interest to his brother and after
ward operated a rented farm for a year. During the following three years
he li-^/ed on a farm of two hundred and forty acres near Tarkio, which he
owned in partnership with his brother, E. L. Mitchell. After selUng out to
his brother he came to Page county, Iowa, purchasing two hundred acres oi
land on section 15 and 23, Amity township, where he has since continued to
reside. Fle has brought the fields under a high state of development and
cultivation and everything about the place indicates the supervision of a
most practical and progressive owner.
On the 15th of March, 1906, Air. Mitchell was united in marriage to
Miss Lula E. Jones, a daughter of I. N. and Sarah (Woolsey) Jones, who
make their home near Hamburg, Fremont county, Iowa, the father being a
well known agriculturist of that county. Mrs. Jones is a native of Cald
well county, Missouri. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have been born two
children : Orville, now three years of age ; and Harold, who is one year old.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Mitchell has
cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the repubUcan party,
being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Cumberland Pres
byterian church of Tarkio, Missouri. Though still a young man, he has
already attained a creditable measure of prosperity as an agriculturist, while
the many sterling traits of character which he has displayed in both business
and social relations have won him an extensive circle of friends.

EDWARD R. HARRISON, D. D. S.
Dr. Edward R. Harrison, a well known and successful dental practi
tioner of Clarinda, was born in Bloomington, Illinois, on the i6th of May,
1880, a son of Willianl H. and Helen Al. (Uhle) Harrison. The father is
identified with the Bankers Life Insurance Company, of Des Moines,
Iowa. When but two years of age our subject was brought by his parents
to Shenandoah, Page county, Iowa, where he was reared and educated,
completing the high school course. Having determined upon the profes
sion of dentistry as a life work, he then entered the dental department of
Washington University at .St. Louis, Alissouri, frcm wdiich institution he
was graduated in 1903. Locating for practice in Clarinda, he has here

356 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
remained to the present time, his skill and ability in the line of his chosen
caUing being attested by the large and remunerative patronage which is
accorded him. He belongs to both the Corning District Dental Society and
the Iowa State Dental Society.
On the 28th of December, 1904, Dr. Fiarrison wedded Aliss Grace L.
Hunt, a daughter of A. V. Plunt, of Clarinda, a sketch of whom appears on
another page of this work. By this union there are two children, Ruth
Agnes and Albert A/'ictor. Dr. Harrison is a consistent and devoted mem
ber of the Alethodist Episcopal church ami is also a wrorthy exemplar of the
beneficent teachings of the Alasonic fraternity, to which he belongs. Though
still a young man, he has already gained enviable recognition as a most
able representative of the dental profession and is also highly esteemed
socially, his genial nature and deference for the opinions of others winning
him the warm regard of those wdth whom he comes in contact.

JAMES GAAIBLE.

James Gamble, a prominent and well known resident of Colfax town
ship, where he owns three hundred acres of rich farming land, has retired
from the active work of the fields and now rents all of his property save a
tract of twenty acres a half mile from Coin, on v/nicli he makes his home.
His birth occurred in Scott county, Indiana, on the 9th of Alay, 1842, his
parents being Alexander and Elizabeth (Carlile) Gamble. The father,
who was born in County Cavan, Ireland, April 6, 1811, accompanied his
parents on their emigration to the United States in 1821, the ocean voyage
consuming twelve weeks. The family home v/as estabUshed in Carroll
county, Ohio, where Alexander Gamble remained until 1842, when he took
up his abode in Scott county, Indiana. There he purchased land and con
tinued to reside until called to his final rest on the 2d of November, 1891.
His wife, who was born in Carroll county, Ohio, June 6, 1819, died on the
13th of Alay, 1890. The paternal grandparents of our subject both passed
away in Carroll county, Ohio. In the family of Alexander and Elizabeth
(Carlile) Gamble there were nine children, as follows: Alargaret, deceased,
vvho gave her hand in marriage to Nathan Morgan ; James, of this review ;
Robert, who resides on the old home place in Scott county, Indiana ; John,
who is deceased ; George W., a resident of Washington county, Indiana ;
Sarah J., the wife of David Morgan; Alary Al., the wife oi Asbury StiU,
of AA''ashington county, Indiana; Alartha Isabelle, who is the wife of W.
Lynch, of Scott county, Indiana ; and Amanda EUen, the wdfe of Wilbur
Christie, of Scott county, Indiana.
James Gamble obtained his education in the district schools of his native
county and remained on the home farm, assisting in its cultivation, until he
joined the "boys in blue" in their loyal defense of the Union. It was on
the 9th of August, 1862, that he enlisted from Scott county, Indiana, be
coming a member of Company F, Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry

..TAMES rjAMBLE AXD FAMILY

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 359
The regiment was mustered into service at Camp Noble in New Albany
and a week later participated in the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, where
Mr. Gamble was taken prisoner and held captive for about a week. He
was then paroled and, being given a thirty days' furlough, returned home.
He aftenvard reported for duty at Camp Noble, where he rejoined his
regiment and remained for about a month. At the end of that time the
regiment was sent to Indianapolis, where they were equipped and then
went into winter quarters at Corinth, Mississippi. The next summer they
joined Sherman's command and participated in the entire compaign under
that famous general, taking part in the battle of Atlanta on the 22d of July.
In that engagement General McPherson was killed and Air. Gamble had his
gun shot out of his hand. He went with Sherman on the memorable
march to the sea and remained with him until the time of the Grand Review
at Washington, D. C. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis,
Indiana, on the 3d of June, 1865, and arrived in Scott county on the 15th
of the same month, returning home with a most creditable military record.
On again taking up the pursuits of civil life Air. Gamble became identi
fied with mercantile interests in Scott county, conducting an establishment
of that character until he left the Hoosier state to come to Iowa. He
started westward on the 21st of September, 1869, and, after a slow and
tedious journey by wagon, arrived in Page county on the 31st of October.
Here he purchased eighty acres of raw land, on which he built a small house
and started housekeeping, having at that time a wife and one child. As
the years passed by he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation
and improvement and, by reason of his untiring industry and excellent
management, won a gratifying measure of success in his farming oper
ations, so that he was enabled to purchase more land from time to time.
At one period he owmed six hundred and forty acres of valuable farming
property but was given more than half of this to his children and his farm
now embraces three hundred acres in Colfax township. He is at present
living retired in a pleasant and commodious residence within a half mile of
Coin and rents all of his property save the tract of twenty acres on which
he resides. He is a stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Coin
and also in the local telephone company, and is widely recognized as one
of the most substantial, respected and influential residents of the county.
On the 20th of February, 1866, Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to
Aliss Elizabeth AlcCuUough, who was born in Scott county, Indiana, on the
6th of March, 1845, h^r parents being James Y. and Rhoda (Smith) Mc
CuUough. Their union has been blessed with twelve children, the record
of whom is as follows: Emma, living at Blanchard, Iowa, is the wife of
J. H. Hensley, by whom she has three children ; Arthur, Elizabeth and
Vesta. Robert O., the assistant cashier of the Farmers & Alerchants Bank
of Coin, Iowa, wedded Miss Emma Rhinehart and has three chUdren:
Mildred, Frances and Melton. Lewis B., a resident of Washington town
ship. Page county, married Miss Maud Henderson and has one child, Wes
ley. Edwin, living in Alorton township, this county, wedded Miss Carrie
Christensen, by whom he has three children: Alerrell, Esther and Thelma.

360 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Flora, who resides on her father's old home place in Colfax township, is
the wife of Robert H. Smiley and has one child, Marie. Chester, living in
Morton township, wedded Aliss Alary Mabel Lingo and has one child,
Martha. George AV., who wedded Aliss Alary Anderson, is a resident of
Torrington, AA'yoming. Alae, who is the wife of Edward Henderson, of
ICing City, Missouri, has two children, Erniel and Leonard. The other
four children passed away in infancy.
Mr. Gamble has ever given his political allegiance to- the men and
measures of the republican party and has been an active worker in its local
ranks. He has filled all of the township offices, was secretary of the school
board for tv,-enty years, capably served as county commissioner for six
years and acted as township trustee for a long period. He still maintains
pleasant relations with his old army comrades througli his membership in
the G. A. R. The Alethodist church also numbers him among its valued
and exemplary members, for his life has been at all times in harmony -^vith
his professions. Both he and his wdfe, who- is a member of the same church,
have an extensive circle of friends in this county, where they have now re
sided for four decades, their many excellent traits of character command
ing the respect and esteem of all who know them.

THOAIAS E. MARTINDALE.
Thoinas E. Alartindale is a member of the firm of Alartindale Brothers,
proprietors of a restaurant, bakery and confectionery business on the south
side of the square in Clarinda. That their establishment is popular is indi
cated by the liberal patronage accorded them and its popularity is due not
only to the business enterprise of the, owners but also to the cleanly and
attractive manner in whicii the store is conducted and to the excellent
service which they give to the public.
Thomas E. Alartindale was born February 12, 1878, in Schuyler county,
Missouri, and is a son of Alarcus Allen and Amanda Ellen (Lunsford)
Martindale. The father was born in Iowa, Alay 13, 1851, becanie a farnier
by occupation and now makes his home at Bridgeport, a part of Cheyenne,
Nebraska. He had been a life-long resident oi Iowa until his removal to
Nebraska in 1908. In 1881 he had established his home in Page county
and here he remained for twenty-seven years, living in Nebraska township,
where he owned a tract of land and foUowed the occupation of farming.
He brought his land under a high state of cultivation, carefully tUling the
fields and making it a valuable property. He was not only known as one of
the representative and progressive agriculturists of the community but also
as a man of considerable local influence, who served for some years as school
director and otherwise contributed to public works by his cooperation and
movements for the general good. In 1871 he married Aliss Amanda EUen
Lunsford, of Davis county, Iowa, and they became the parents of eleven
children, nine of whom are yet living, namely: James AV., Thonias E.,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 361
Isaac N., Arthur C, Jesse E., Linna Ellen, Elmer, Ona and Altie. The two
deceased members of the family are: William, who died at the age of
eleven years ; and Francis, who died when a year old. The parents are mem
bers of the Adventist church and are people whose consistent Christian lives
have won for them the warm regard and lasting friendship of the majority
of those with whom they have come in contact.
Thomas E. Martindale was only three years of age at the time of the
removal of the family from Schuyler, Missouri, to Page county, Iowa. Here
he was reared upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties
and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His time and attention
were giveii to the work of the farm until 1904, when, thinking that he
would find other pursuits more congenial and perhaps profitable, he came
to Clarinda and entered the restaurant of J. H. AVhitehill. There he becaine
familiar with the methods of conducting such an enterprise and later he
embarked in the business on his own account, purchasing- a restaurant on
the north side of the square. This he conducted for a year, after which he
sold out and removed to a farm. He was then connected with general agri
cultural pursuits until January, 1909, when he and his brother, James W.
Alartindale, established their present business, opening a restaurant, bakery
and confectionery store on the south side of the square, under the firm style
of Alartindale Brothers. Already they have secured a good patronage.
They cater to the public trade in a manner that wins them success. They
endeavor to give to their patrons whatever the market affords, served in at
tractive style, and their bakery goods and the confectionery which they
handle is of high quality and therefore finds a ready sale.
Air. Martindale was married on the 31st of August, 1904, tO' Aliss
Edna M. Whitehill, of Clarinda, a daughter of J. H. AAdiitehill, a merchant.
They have one child, Gerald WhitehiU, born Septeniber 4, 1906. Mr. and
Mrs. Martindale have many friends in the city where they have long resided.
He has established himself as a substantial business man, reliable, enterpris
ing and progressive, and his success is the merited reward of earnest, per
sistent labor.

W. I. McCULLOCH.

W. I. McCulloch, living retired in Shenandoah, Iowa, is a well known
and prominent figure among the early settlers of Page county. His birth
occurred in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, in February, 1844, a son of James
and Alary (Irvin) McCulloch, both natives of that place. His paternal
grandparents were of Scotch-Irish descent, coming to the United States
from the north of Ireland, while the maternal grandparents came to this
country from Scotland, both famiUes settUng in Juniata county, Pennsyl
vania. The grandmother, Mrs. Priscilla McCulloch, was the daughter of
Colonel Thomas Turbett, of the Revolutionary war. The parents of our
subject were reared, married and laid to rest in the county of their nativity.

362 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the mother passing away when about forty-five years of age. Unto their
union were born five children. The father lived to the very venerable
age of ninety years. Having lost his first wife he wedded Miss Mary A.
Beale, who by her marriage became the mother of four children.
Reared under the parental roof, W. I. McCulloch attended the common
schools in the acquirement of his preliminary education and later had the
advantage of two terms of study at the Tuscarora Academy, Tuscarora,
Pennsylvania. At the age of twelve years he became badly crippled with
rheumatism and it was not until he had reached manhood that he outgrew
the effects of the disease. In 1873 he came to Shenandoah where, for a
while, he made his home with his brother, Samuel T. McCuUoch, who had
come to Page county, this state, the preceding year. Here he purchased
a number of cattle which he herded on the then unfenced prairie of this
county for about eighteen months. At the expiration of this period he sold
his cattle and invested in one hundred and twenty acres of farm land in
Grant township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he at once
directed his energies. He made a close study of the best methods of plow
ing, planting and harvesting, practiced the rotation of crops and conducted
his business interests along strictly modern lines, so that eventually his
fields were brought under a fine state of cultivation and yielded rich annual
crops. He continued to operate this place until 1901, when the substantial
success which had attended his efforts made it possible for him to retire
from active work. He removed to Shenandoah, where he has since made
his home, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of former years of toil.
Since coming to this city, however, he has figured prominently in financial
circles, being a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the
.Shenandoah National Bank.
On January 11, 1877, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McCulloch
and Miss Nancy E. Patterson, a daughter of WilUam and Mary (Neely)
Patterson, natives of Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and representatives of
old Pennsylvania families. Unto this union has been born one child, Mary I.,
who makes her home wilh her parents. She is a graduate of the Western
Normal College with the class of 1902 and possesses considerable musical
abiUty, being a graduate of the primary course in music at that institution.
The family home is located at No. 404 Church street and is a handsome
residence erected by Mr. McCulloch. He still owns his farm of one hun
dred and twenty acres in Grant township and the rental therefrom consti
tutes a substantial source of income to him, while his wife, after her mar
riage, purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres three and a half
miles southeast of Shenandoah, which is still in her possession. Mr. and
Mrs. McCuUoch are both members of the Presbyterian church and Mrs.
AlcCuUoch is very active in all of the church work, while Mr. McCulloch
has been president of the board of trustees since its organization in 1877.
He is democratic in politics, and while not an aspirant for public office he
has been called at different times to the office of trustee. He recognizes
the duties and responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship and his
means and influence are ever at the disposal of well directed and feasible

H-ISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 363
plans for general improvement. He is a man of admirable characteristics
and in this county, where he is numbered among the old and w-ell-known
residents, his circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his
acquaintance, and- he is held in uniform honor and respect by all with
whom he has come in contact.

JAAIES W. MARTINDALE.
Success is the direct and legitimate outcome of earnest, persistent and
honorable effort. It also depends upon the power of the individual to rec
ognize and utilize his opportunities and in none of th^e qualifications is
James W. Martindale lacking. He is now associated with the business
interests of Clarinda as a member of the firm of Alartindale Brothers,
owners of a restaurant, bakery and confectionery store on the south side
of the square.
James W. Martindale is numbered among Iowa's native sons, his birth
having occurred in Davis county on the 9th of August, 1872. His parents
were Mackus and Amanda (Lunsford) Martindale, the former for many
years a farnier near HoUyville, Taylor county. Extended mention is made
of him on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of his
son Thomas E. Martindale.
James W. Martindale was reared under the parental roof and early be
came famUiar with the duties and labors fading to the lot of the agricultur
ist. He worked in the fields during the summer months and in the winter
seasons acquired his education in the public schools. On leaving the farm
he came to Clarinda and with his brother Thomas E. Alartindale, began
their present business, opening a restaurant, bakery and confectionery
store. Their place of business is on the south side of the square in a com
modious room and they have there all of the iacilities for conducting a
growing and profitable trade. They handle an excellent line of confection
ery and bakery goods and in the restaurant also cater to a high-class trade,
furnishing excellent meals at reasonable prices.
On the 28th of October, 1896, Mr. Martindale was united in marriage
to Miss Nora Welch of this county, a daughter of Benjamin Welch. Her
father came to Page county from Missouri in 1875 and here began farming.
He had for a number of years previous been employed as a railway fireman
but has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits since
his arrival in this part of the state. He now has a well developed property,
indicating in its neat and thrifty appearance the progressive spirit and
careful supervision of the owner. For the past thirty-five years he has
resided in Nebraska township as one of its most respected and worthy citi
zens and has not only been active as a farmer but also has served for a
number of terms as school director, the cause of education finding in him
a stalwart champion. To other matters relative to the public good he is
equally loyal and is regarded by all as a most public-spirited citizen. Unto

364 HISTORY OF .PAGE COUNTY
Mr. and Mrs. Welch have been born five children who are yet living: Julia,
Marie, Benjamin, Nora and Mina. Of this family Nora became the wife
of James W. Martindale' and they now have three children: Earl Welch,
Donna Gladys and Carrie Belle. Mr. Martindale is connected with the
Modern Woodmen of America while in his political views he is a demo
crat. He does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty but
keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is able to
support his position by intelligent argument. Those who know him in a
business way find him accommodating and those whom he meets socially
entertain for him warm friendship.

A. C. SIAIONS.

A. C. Simons, the junior partner of the firm of Gauss & Simons, is one
of the enterprising and representative business men of Shenandoah, who
through unfaltering energy and unwearied perseverance, has worked his
way upward in the business world until he has today attained a position
among the successful and prosperous citizens of the city. Born in Perry,
Iowa, on the 4th of September, 1874, he is a son of Arthur E. and Sarah
(Willis) Simons, natives of Connecticut and of Indiana respectively. The
father removed to Indiana in his early manhood and here made the ac
quaintance of the lady whom he. later made his wife. Ere his removal
to that state, however, he had prepared himself for the ministry and con
tinued as a minister of the Baptist church throughout his entire life. During
the '60s he came to Iowa where, during his later years, he held several
charges in various parts of the state. His death occurred May 28, 1904, in
Hamburg, Iowa, where he was buried. His wife still survives and resides
in the old home at Hamburg, where she has continued to live for twenty-
one years.
Reared in a home of Christian culture and refinement, A. C. Simons
acquired his early education in the public schools and later attended the
Hamburg high school, from which he was graduated wdth the class of 1892.
He then spent one year at the Baptist College at Des Moines, Iowa, after
wdiich he took up the profession of teaching, being- identified with educa
tional work for about five years. He proved a very capable instructor, impart
ing clearly and readily to others the knowledge he had acquired, and he never
ceased to be a student but continuously broadened and expanded his own
information by constant reading and research. Thinking, however, to
find other lines of activity more congenial and remunerative, he associated
himself with mercantile interests and for five years was employed in a
clerical capacity in dry-goods stores in Hamburg and Shenandoah. At the
expiration of this period, in 1902, in company with Edward F Gauss, he
went to Alanilla, Iowa, where they embarked in the drug business, conduct
ing a store in that city for two and a half years. They then sold their inter
ests there and in the fall of 1904 returned to Shenandoah, where they

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 365
opened their present pharmacy, which is recognized as one of the finest
modern drug stores in southwestern Iowa. Their trade has already reached
large proportions and is constantly increasing in volume and importance,
while theirs is ranked among the substantial and representative enterprises
of the city. Air. Simons has also found time to engage in other lines, be
coming one of the organizers and a sockholder in the Veterinary Remedy
Company of this city.
On the 7th of August, 1905, occurred the marriage of Air. Simons and
Miss Anna AI. Gauss, of Shenandoah, and unto this union has been born
one child, Sarah Katherine. A member of the Baptist church he is ac
tively and helpfully interested in church work, and his life has ever been
ill accord wdth its teachings. Fraternally he is a member of Page Camp,
No. 1049, J^'l^- ^'^^ -'^'-, and also of Juniata Lodge, No. 295, K. P., and he is
also connected with the Commercial Club of Shenandoah. He has given his
allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right
of franchise, and although never an office-seeker, he yet does all in his
power to further its influence and insure its success. He is loyal in his
citizenship, lending his influence at all times to those matters and measures
which have for their object the material, intellectual and moral welfare of
the community. His life has been one of continuous activity, while his
business integrity and true personal worth have gained for him the honor,
respect and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

J. F. MIER.

A valuable farming property on section 36, Tarkio township, pays
tribute to the care and labor which is bestowed upon it by the owner and
occupant, J. F. Alier, who in 1900 took up his abode upon this farm, which
contains four hundred and eighty acres of Page county's rich and productive
land. A native of Indiana, he was born in Jackson county, July 27, 1849.
His father, Frederick Mier, was a native of Germany and attained man's
estate in that country, after which he sought the opportunities offered by
the freedom and appreciation of this great westem world. He located in
northwestern New York, near Buffalo, and afterward removed to Jackson
county, Indiana, where he resided until his death, devoting his attention
to general agricultural pursuits.
The public schools of his native county acquainted J. F. Mier with the
branches of learning which constituted an excellent preparation for life's
practical and responsible duties. He remained at home until his twentieth
year and in 1869 left the parental roof for Iowa. Arriving in the fall of that
year, he established his home in Page county, near Clarinda, where he began
work as a farm hand. Two years later he purchased eighty acres of prairie
land in Nodaway township with the proceeds of his former labor. He was
ambitious to own a farm of his own and had carefuUy saved his earnings
until the sum was sufficient to enable him to make investment in this prop-

366 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
erty. Only ten acres had been broken at that time and it was two years
after he made the purchase that Air. Mier began to farm the land. . He
then resolutely undertook the task of turning the first furrows in his fields
and of bringing them under a high state of cultivation. He lived thereon
until 1900 and in the meantime he had acquired two hundred and forty
acres in addition to his original purchase and stUl owns two hundred acres
in the home farm. In 1900 he removed to his present place, which is one
of the extensive and valuable farm properties of Tarkio township, com
prising four hundred and eighty acres of land which he had purchased in
1897. No equipment or accessory of a model farm is here lacking. He
utilizes the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields
and substantial and commodious barns and sheds offer ample shelter for
grain and stock. Well kept fences divide the farm into fields of convenient
size and there are some fine fruit and other trees upon his place. In
addition to tilling the soil for the production of his crops he has also raised
stock and year by year has added to his competence until this now is a very
substantial one.
In 1874 Mr. Mier was united in marriage to Miss Albertina Kirchhoff,
then a resident of Page county but a native of Germany, whence she came to
the United States in early womanhood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mier were born
four children, of whom three are yet living, namely: Carrie, the wife of
Fred Sump, of Tarkio township ; George, at home ; and Charlie, also yet
under the parental roof.
Mr. Mier votes with the democracy and has served on the school
board but is not active in political lines, leaving official preferment to others
who have more desire for it. He and his wife are members of the German
Lutheran church and are highly respected people whose many substantial
qualities have gained them firm hold on the affection of their friends and
neighbors. Although Mr. Mier came to Page county a poor man, he is
today the owner of six hundred and eighty acres of as valuable land as can
be found in the Mississippi valley and his holdings are the visible evidence
of his Hfe of weU directed energy and thrift. His example may well serve
to encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when one has
the will to dare and to do. His history proves that obstacles and difficulties
can be overcome and that success eventually rewards intelligently directed
and honest effort.

FRANKLIN PIERCE BARR.
The Hillsdale Stock Farm, comprising one hundred and seventy-five
acres, the greater part of which lies in Nodaway towmship, has been brought
to its present productive and attractive state through the efforts of the
owner, FrankUn Pierce Barr. He was born in Union Star, Breckinridge
county, Kentucky, December 6, 1852, a son of EUas and SaUy (Beauchamp)
Barr, who were likewi.se natives of Breckinridge county, the former born

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 367
December 8, 1807, and the latter on the 4th of December, 1808. The pa
ternal grandfather of our subject was Adam Barr, who served throughout
the period of the Revolutionary war. He wedded Alary Claycomb, a native
of Virginia but of Pennsylvania parentage. He followed farming as a life
work and both he and his wife died in Breckinridge county, his death oc
curring when he had reached the advanced age of ninety-seven years and
ten months, wdiile his wife passed the century mark and died when one
hundred and three years old. Their family numbered twelve children, all
of whom reached years of maturity. The maternal grandparents of our
subject were Jerry B. and Mary (Downum) Beauchamp, the former a
native of England and the latter of Scotland. Each came to the United
States in early life and were married in Kentucky. Air. Beauchamp was
a planter and large slaveholder of the south and served several terms in
the legislature. Both he and his wife died in the Blue Grass state.
Elias Barr in early life left the south and made a location in Hancock
county, Illinois, where for many years he engaged in farming. Unto him
and his wife were born twelve children, six sons and six daughters. The
record of the sons is as follows : Daniel T., who died at the age of twelve
years; Newell R., who has departed this Ufe; Bluford B., also deceased;
George W., of Dallas City, Illinois; John A., a practicing physician of Foun
tain Green, IlUnois ; and Franklin P., of this review. The daughters oi
the iamily are: Elmira A., the widow of J. W. Hurdle, and a resident of
Hancock county, Illinois ; Mary E., the widow of T. L. Ray and also a
resident of Hancock county; Kittie A., who became the wife of S. Tur
ney, but is now deceased ; Sarah E., the widow of D. J. AVright, of IlUnois ;
Martha J., the wife of M. T. Bross, a resident of Adams county,
Iowa; and Amanda M., the wife of D. C. Showers, of Fresno, California.
Both the parents are deceased, the father passing away in Hancock county,
Illinois, on the i8th of July, 1875, when he had reached the age of sixty-
eight years, while the mother survived for a number of years and died in
Adams county, Iowa, May i, 1892, when she had reached the very advanced
age of eighty-four years.
Franklin Pierce Barr was a little lad of six years when he was taken
by his parents from his native state to' Hancock county, IlUnois, so that he
was practically reared in the latter state, where his education was acquired,
his studies being completed in La Harpe Academy and Carthage College,
graduating from the latter institution in 1873. He remained on the home
farm until he was . twenty-eight years of age and during this time, when
not engaged in study, assisted in the work oi the homestead property. He
then went to Bates county, Missouri, and remained one year, after which he
returned to Illinois and married Miss Flora M. Painter, their wedding
ceremony being performed on the 8th of February, 1880. She was born in
Hancock county, Alay 7, i860, a daughter of H. R. and Jane (Dawson)
Painter, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Kentucky, while
both departed this life in Illinois.
Having thus assumed the responsibiUties of a home Mr. Barr imme
diately removed with his bride to Page county, Iowa, where he has lived

368 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
to the present time. He purchased his farm of one hundred and seventy-
five acres, one hundred and twenty acres of which is located on section
35, Nodaway township, while the balance is located on section 3, Harlan
township, within two miles of Clarinda. When Mr. Barr took possession
of this property there were but forty acres fit for cultivation, the remainder
being covered with timber. Fle cleared the land, made all of the improve
ments, including a good country residence, barn and other outbuildings,
and the place is novv known as the Hillsdale Stock Farm. In addition to
carrying on general farming and dairying Mr. Barr also raises thorough
bred shorthorn cattle and Percheron and French draft horses, having twenty-
two head at the present time. He also raises and feeds cattle on quite an
extensive scale and in all departments of his business is meeting with suc
cess. In addition to his home farm he also has one hundred and sixty acres
of pine and oak timber in Polk county, Arkansas. AU that he now owns
has been acquired through his economy and careful management, for he
started in the business world like most young men, without capital.
The home of Mr. and Airs. Barr has been blessed with three sons and
one daughter, Henry E., Frank E., Louis E. and Lillian P., all still under
the parental roof. Mr. Barr is a republican in politics but finds little time
for active participation in pubUc affairs. He and his family are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church at Clarinda, while his fraternal rela
tions connect him with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of
influence in the community in which he has so long made his home and
today occupies a notable position among the farmers and stock raisers of
southwestern Iowa.

CHARLES BEAUCHAMP.
Charles Beauchamp, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Amity
township, is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres
on section 14. He was born in Davis county, Iowa, on the i6th of June,
1864, his parents being Nathan and Mary Alvira (Mallory) Beauchamp, the
former oi German lineage and the latter of Yankee stock. In the late
'50S they removed from the vicinity of Terre Haute, Indiana, to Davis
county, Iowa, where the father purchased a farm of one hundred and
twenty acres. The year 1876 witnessed their arrival in Page county, Iowa,
the family home being established on a farm two and a half miles east of
Clarinda. On taking up his abode in this county Nathan Beauchamp
purchased a tract of land comprising forty-nine acres and later bought forty
acres more adjoining. It was all covered with timber and he had to clear
a site on which to erect his dwelling. A man of determined spirit and un
faltering energy, he resolutely set to work and as the years passed by
brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement, con
tinuing to make his home on this farm until caUed to his final rest. He
became well known as a most enterprising and progressive citizen of the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 369
community and his demise, which occurred on the 25th of December, 1899,
was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. At the time of his death
he had attained the age of sixty-eight years, five months and four days.
His widow still survives and at the present time makes her home in Clar
inda, Page county.
Charles Beauchamp spent his youthful days on the home farm, in the
cultivation of whicii he ably assisted his fatber when not busy with his text
books. He first attended the district schools and when seventeen years of
age spent one year in tbe Clarinda high school. Subsequently he worked
by the month as a farm hand until the time of his inarriage, after which he
was successfully engaged in the operation of rented land for a number of
)iears. In 1906 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on
section 14, Amity township. Page county, on wdiich he has since continued
to reside and in the cultivation of which he has won a commendable and
well merited degree of prosperity. In addition to^ raising the various cereals
best adapted to soil and climate he also feeds good graded cattle, hogs
and sheep and both branches of his business return to him a gratifying
annual income. His farm is all rolling land, well watered and drained, and
in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a practical
and progressive owner.
In 1887 Air. Beauchamp was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Patton,
a daughter of Thomas and Rose (Glasglow) Patton, who at that time were
living two and a half miles east of Clarinda, Page county. Mr. Patton
passed away in 1903 but is still survived by his widow, who now resides in
Tarkio, Missouri. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beauchamp have been born four chil
dren, namely: Wilbur, a young man of twenty years; Orvil, eighteen
years of age; Harry, who is seventeen years old; and Vesta, five years of
age. All are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Beauchamp gives unfaltering allegiance to the men and measures
of the republican party and is a stanch advocate of its principles. Both he
and his wife are consistent and devoted members of the United Presbyterian
church at College Springs, Iowa, while his fraternal relations are with
the Modern Woodmen camp at Braddyville, Iowa. They have an exten
sive circle of friends throughout the county in which they have now long
resided and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to
them.

E. J. ANDREWS.

E. J. Andrews, merchant and proprietor of the largest department store
in Shenandoah, was born in Albert Lee, Minnesota, August 15, 1868, the
son of Clark and Louise Ann (Pitcher) Andrews. The father was a
native of Ohio and the mother of New York state, but both went to Min
nesota with their respective parents and there grew to maturity, were
married and resided until 1870, when they removed to Maryville, Missouri.
There they have since made their home. Air. Andrews, Sr., during his

370 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
active life was engaged in the real estate business, but of recent years has
put aside all such cares, for he has reached his seventy-fifth mile-stone on
life's journey and is now living retired. His wife is four years his junior.
He is a republican in politics and is a member of the Baptist church of
Maryville, of which he was one of the organizers.
To the influences that surrounded his early years at home and in tbe
little town of Maryville, E. J. Andrews owes the foundation of the success
which he has won in the years of his maturity. He passed through the
grammar and high schools of his home town, graduating from the latter
with the class of 1883. In 1886 he entered, as a clerk, a dry-goods store in
Alaryville, where he acquired the experience and knowledge that paved
the way for his future mercantile operations. For some six or seven
years he worked there intermittently and then went into the wholesale fruit
business, to which he devoted his energies for perhaps four years. In 1897
he came to Shenandoah and opened a dry-goods store ii; the Bogart block.
Three years later his business had outgrown his quarters and he moved
into a building put up for him by E. Read, the store now occupied by S.
Goldberg & Son, but in two- years this also had become too small for his
constantly increasing trade, and he removed into the building vacated by
the Blackaller Company, which concern had failed after an existence of
barely two years with a loss of about twenty-five thousand doUars. Since
his occupation of these premises in 1902 Mr. Andrews has built up a much
more extensive business and is now the leading merchant of the city. He
has added to the store a large shoe department, an important carpet depart
ment, and a ladies' ready-to-wear department ; carries a stock of some
seventy-five thousand dollars value and in regular seasons employs twenty
persons. In short, Mr. Andrews' is the largest department store in south
ern Iowa.
Mr. Andrews is a member of the Commercial Club and finds time in
the midst of his business cares to attend the meetings of the Knights of
Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, to the local lodges of which
he belongs. In politics he votes with the republican party but has shown
no desire to accept any public office, and yet he is a public-spirited man,
considering the best interests of the city as his interests. His success
whUe phenomenal is due to his own efforts, and Shenandoah is the more
prosperous for his enterprise.
On the 19th of September, 1897, Air. Andrews was united in wedlock
to Miss Emily OUver, a niece of the ex-governor of Missouri.

H. AV. SCALES, M. D.

Dr. H. W. Scales, who for more than a quarter of a century has been
successfully engaged in the practice of medicine, was born in TaylorsvUle,
Indiana, December 22, 1853, a son of AAdlson and Alartha (Spladley) Scales,
natives of Indiana, where their entire lives were spent. The father was a

DR. H. W. SCALES

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 373
grocer and farmer by occupation and passed away at the age of seventy-
three years in Booneville. His wife, who still survives, makes her home
in that city. In their family were three sons : H. AV., of this review ; Travis
D., a farmer and coal operator of Booneville, Indiana; and William E.,
who died when eight years of age.
Reared in Indiana, Dr. H. AV. Scales was but four years of age when
he removed with his parents to Pike county, that state, where he acquired
his preliminary education in the district schools, remaining upon the home
farm until nineteen years of age. His father, realizing how much of suc
cess in business depends upon a good education, then took his two sons to
Booneville, Indiana, where they might receive better educational privileges
than those offered at home. In the course of time Dr. H. AV. Scales was
graduated from the high school of that place and then, in 1873, took up the
study of medicine in the office of and under the direction of Drs. Scales
and Tyner, of Booneville. After three years devoted to the study of the
fundamental principles of medicine, he entered, in 1876, the Ohio Medical
College of Cincinnati, where, on the 28th of February, 1879, he received
his M. D. degree. Immediately upon his graduation from that institution
he opened an office in Springfield, Indiana, vvhere he was engaged in the
practice of his profession for three years.
At the expiration of that period he came to Yorktown, Page county,
Iowa. At the time of his arrival the district was still wild prairie land,
upon which stood Uttle more than the railroad station. Undaunted, how
ever, by the unfavorable outlook. Dr. Scales opened an office for the general
practice of medicine and continued to make this his place of residence until
1890. Throughout that period he was the only physician in his locality,
and as the years passed and the Uttle town progressed his practice ex
panded in proportion until at the time of his removal he was enjoying a
large and constantly growing patronage. In 1890, however, he returned
to -Booneville, Indiana, where he engaged in general practice for fourteen
years. Alay 17, 1904, witnessed his second arrival in Yorktown, which,
during the years of his absence, had grown from a small village to a flour
ishing and progressive town. Fiis long connection with the profession has
given him a wide, practical experience, while he has constantly sought to
extend his knowledge by further reading and research. He keeps abreast
of the improvements being instituted in the professional world through
his membership in the Page County Aledical Society, the American Medical
Association and-the State Aledical Association, and whatever tends to fur
nish a key to the mystery which we call life is of deep interest to him.
On the 19th of Alarch, 1877, Dr. Scales was united in marriage to Miss
Lizzie Gast, a daughter of AA^endaU and Lana Gast, natives of Germany.
She was born in Booneville, Indiana, on the Sth of June, 1858, and by her
marriage to Dr. Scales has become the mother of one son, AVelby Earl,
born March 18, 1886, in Yorldown, Iowa. He is now married and is suc
cessfully engaged in the lumber business in Booneville, Indiana.
Fraternally Dr. Scales is connected wdth the Woodmen of the World
and also with the Court^of Honor, holding his membership in Booneville, In-

374 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
diana. He gives his political support to the democratic party, but neither
seeks nor desires office, the duties of his profession occupying his entire
time and attention. He is conscientious and faithful in the discharge of
his professional services, fully realizing and appreciating the responsibili
ties that devolve upon him in this connection, while at all times he adheres
to a high standard of professional ethics, enjoying in large measure the
confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

BURTON VORSE COLE.
Burton Vorse Cole is one of the substantial and progressive young busi
ness men of Shenandoah, where hie is secretary and treasurer of the Shen
andoah Hosiery mills. His birth occurred in Van Buren county, Michigan,
October 25, 1880. His father, Harrison Vorse, was accidentally kiUed in
the Michigan pineries when his son was but six months old and he was
adopted by J. L. Cole, of Fremont county, Iowa, who had reared his
mother to womanhood. Mr. Cole came to Iowa from Michigan in 1866
and located upon a farm in Fremont county, where he resided until 1880,
when he took up his abode in the city of Shenandoah, making it his place
of residence until his death in 1894.
Burt Cole, for so he is known throughout the city and county where
he has always resided, was educated in the public schools of Shenandoah
and in the Lincoln Business CoUege, of Lincoln, Nebraska, being there
graduated with the class of 1901. After the completion of his commercial
course he secured a position as bookkeeper with the Barnet Lumber Com
pany, of McCook, Nebraska, there remaining for a year. In the spring
of 1902, however, he returned home and went to work upon the farm be
longing to his adopted father, continuing its cultivation for five years. In
1907 he came to Shenandoah and entered the drug store of Webster & Com
pany, in which he had owned an interest since 1898. For two years he
gave his time to the management of the drug business, ha-ving a well ap
pointed establishment to which was accorded a gratifying trade. On the
ISt of June, 1909, Mr. Cole sold his drug business and became connected
with the Shenandoah Hosiery Mills as above stated.
On the 4th of November, 1902, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss
Vena Clarke, a daughter of Christopher Columbus and Martha (Lea)
Clarke. Her paternal grandparents were David and Eliza (Russell)
Clarke, natives of Washington and Green counties, Kentucky, respectively.
The former was born in 1799 and was a son and grandson of Revolution
ary soldiers, his grandfather being Captain John Clarke of the Virginia
line. In the pioneer times of southern Illinois David Clarke removed with
his family to McDonough county, that state, his first home being a little
log cabin. He continued to reside there throughout his remaining days
and after the death of his wife, in 1875, made his home with his children
until he passed away in November, 1883, at the agfe of eighty-four years.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 375
He was known throughout that section of the state as "Uncle David"
Clarke, and was an unique and interesting figure on the streets of Macomb,
continuing to his last days to wear a silk hat and a heavy gray blanket
shawl, as was the custom of his earlier years. He was for many years
justice of the peace in the town. Unto him and his wife were born a large
family of chUdren, but only four are now living: Mrs. Alargaret Alarietta
Chapman, of Los Angeles, California; C. C. Clarke, of Springdale, Arkan
sas ; S. J. Clarke, oi Chicago ; and Mrs. Anna Eliza Chapman, also of Los
Angeles, California. C. C. Clarke, the father of Mrs. Cole, was born in
Alacomb in 1839 and is now seventy-eight years of age. He lived for
many years in his native town and afterward removed to Bentonville,
Arkansas, where for some time he conducted a grocery store. He is now
carrying on a fruit farm near Springdale, Arkansas. He married Martha
Lea and they had eight children : Damon, who is married and resides in
Little Rock, Arkansas ; Gertie, who died in early womanhood ; Carrie, at
home; Edith Marie, the wife of Dr. Charles Forrest Perkins, of Spring-
dale, Arkansas ; W. Lea, who is with the S. J. Clarke Publishing Company,
of Chicago ; Jessie May, the wife of Harry Risteen, who is living in Okla
homa City, Oklahoma ; Charles, who is m,arried and resides in Spring-
dale; and Vena, now Mrs. Cole, the youngest of the family. It was while
on a visit to her sister, Mrs. Perkins, then living in Shenandoah, Iowa, that
she met and married Mr. Cole. Unto them have been born four children,
of whom three are living: Richard V., Ross C. and Catherine. The family
occupies a pleasant home at No. 120 East Grand avenue. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Cole are well known in Shenandoah and their interest in and talent
along musical lines has made them popular in homes where a love of music
is a characteristic feature.

JOHN WAGENER.

Among the retired citizens of Yorktown who in former years were
identified with the farming interests of Page county may be numbered John
Wagener. Born in Holstein, Germany, July 12, 1836, his parents were
John and Lucy Marie (X^eehlsen) Wagener, who spent their entire lives
in their native land. They reared a family of three sons: Hans, a retired
farmer living in Yorktown ; Nicholas, who passed away in Council Bluffs,
Iowa ; and John, of this review. There is also one son of a former mar
riage of the father, Jurgen Wagener, who still lives in Germany.
John Wagener of this review was reared and educated in his native
land and was there married in 1864, to Miss Margaret Plohn, who was
likewise born in Holstein, her natal year being 1838. Foreseeing no future
in Germany and having heard and read about the freedom and opportunity
for advancement in the new world, Mr. Wagener had, prior to his marriage,
made arrangements for emigrating to the United States and immediately
thereafter he and his bride crossed the Atlantic. They made a location in

376 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Joliet, Illinois, where Air. AVagener spent nine years working at the
painter's trade, having learned the same before coming to America. Be
lieving that the west offered better opportunities, he then made his way to
Red Oak, in Montgomery county, Iowa, and settled on a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres, which he purchased. He eventually disposed of
that land and bought two hundred and forty acres in Tarkio township. Page
county, which he farmed about six years, when he sold his property and
removed to Yorktown, where he has since lived retired, enjoying the fruits
of his former toil.
It was while Mr. and Airs. AVagener were residing in Joliet that three
children were born to them, these being George John, a resident of Oregon;
Olga, the wife of John Bruce, of Omaha, Nebraska; and Alartha, the wife
of Robert Docker, of Red Oak, Iowa. The mother of this family passed
away in Joliet, and in 1878 Mr. Wagener was again married, his second
union being with Barbara Schok, a native of Germany, while his present
wife bore the maiden name of Anna Spangenberg. Her birth occurred in
Joliet, Illinois, February 18, 1856, and she still survives.
Independent in poUtics, Mr. Wagener votes for the men whom he
deems best c[ualified for public office, regardless of party ties. He has
served as a member of the village council for the past nine years. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran
church, in which he is acting as a deacon. In former years Mr. Wagener
spent a busy, useful and active life, and now he and his estimable wife are
enjoying in retirement the accumulations of profitable, successful and honor
able careers, being numbered among the best citizens of Yorktown and Page
county.

WILLIAM A. HENDERSON.
AVilliam A. Henderson was for twenty years successfuUy engaged in the
drug trade in Clarinda but since 1904 has devoted his attention to the pur
chase and sale oi lands in Kansas, Colorado, Idaho and Canada. His birth
occurred in Louisa county, Iowa, on the 1st of March, 1861, his parents
being AALlUam J. and Martha J. Henderson, the former a farmer by occu
pation. After completing the high school course at Columbus Junction,
Air. Henderson of this review served a three years' clerkship in a drug store
and in 1882 started out as a pharmacist on his own account, opening a drug
store at West Branch, Iowa. In 1884 he established himself in business
as a druggist of Clarinda, conducting his store there for twenty years or
until 1904, when he sold out, having accumulated a handsome competence.
Since retiring from the drug trade he has devoted his time and energies
to the purchase and sale of lands in Kansas, Colorado, Idaho and Canada,
laid out an addition of fourteen blocks of Akron, Colorado-, and has met
with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in his under
takings.

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 377
On the 23d of February, 1882, Air. Henderson was united in marriage
to Miss Anna E. Limbocker, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, a daughter of
J. Simeon Limbocker, who was a farmer by occupation. They have one
daughter, Gertrude Oveda, who is a high school graduate and also pur
sued a course of study in Knox College at Galesburg, IlUnois. She is now
at home. Politically Air. Henderson gives unfaltering allegiance to the men and
measures of the republican party. He labored effectively to advance the
cause of education during his nine years' term of service as a member of
the school board, acting as president of the board for two years of that
time. He was likewise one of the organizers and on the first board of the
Clarinda Chautauqua Assembly and his efforts have ever been an important
factor in the upbuilding and development of the community along many
lines. His fraternal relations are with the Alasons, the Alodern AA'oodmen of
America and the Knights of Pythias and he was trustee of the state or
ganization of the last-named order for three years. His religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, in the work of
which he is deeply and helpfully interested. For a quarter d? a century
he has now been numbered among the leading and representative citizens of
Page county, being highly esteemed for his sterling worth and as a promoter
of all that tends to advance the general welfare.

CHARLES M. FLEAIING.
Charles M. Fleming, carrying on general farming on section 10, Harlan
township, is a native of Missouri, his birth having occurred in Platt county,
that state, on the 22d of September, 1853. He was the eldest in a family
of four children bom unto Thomas and Jane (McFarland) Fleming, who
were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They were married,
however, in Missouri and unto them w^ere born three sons and a daughter:
Charles M. ; Delia, the wife of R. B. Flowers, of Watertown, IlUnois;
Frank, who is living in Taylor county, Iowa; and Edmund, who resides
near his brother Charles. The father passed away September 6, 1893, at
the age of sixty-seven years and the mother died August 14, 1909, in Clar
inda, at the age of seventy-five years.
Charles AI. Fleming was not a year old when his parents left Alissouri
and came to Page county in 1854, where he has lived during the greater
part c: his life. The family -home was first established at the edge of
Taylor county near the Page county Une and he continued under the
parental roof until his inarriage, when he started out in life for himself.
Fle had acquired a good common-school education and had received ample
training in the work of the farm, for from early boyhood he had assisted
in the labors of the field. After -he began farming on his own account he
cultivated rented land for a number of years and then purchased his pres
ent farm in Alarch, 1902. The place comprises one hundred and seventy-

378 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
two acres of land on section lo, Harlan township, and the soil, naturally
rich and productive, res-ponds readily to the care and labor which he be
stows upon it. At one time he was engaged in the livery business in
Clarinda, conducting the enterprise from 1883 until 1893, but, with the ex
ception of that period, has always given his attention to general agricultural
pursuits. On the loth of October, 1889, Mr. Fleming completed his arrangements
for having a home of his own by his marriage tO' Aliss Maggie McCunn,
who was born in Page county, Iowa, April 3, 1868, and died April 6, 1907,
her death being deeply mourned by many friends as well as her immediate
family. She was a daughter of John and Harriet (Elder) McCunn, who
were natives of Pennsylvania and were pioneer settlers of this county.
The father died in 1882, but the mother now resides three miles west of
Clarinda. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fleming were born four children, but one
daughter, Margaret, died at the age of seven and a half months. Those
still living are Gladys, Warren and Elizabeth.
Politically Air. Fleming is a republican, giving support to the party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as
trustee of Harlan township for one term but has never been a politician
in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to the Presbyterian church of
Clarinda and is a cooperant factor in the work of the church and in every
measure for the progress and upbuilding of the community.

CLARENCE E. BLAIR.
Clarence E. Blair is the secretary of the firm of Loranz & Company,
conducting a business in farm loans, insurance and abstracts at Clarinda.
He was bom in Chenoa, lUinois, on the 4th of July, 1873, a son of Leander
V. and Martha L. (McGahon) Blair. In 1888 the family home was es
tablished in Clarinda, where Leander V. Blair, who was a miller by trade,
had charge of the City Mills. He is now living retired in Clarinda, where
both he and his wife still make their home, being numbered among the
most liighly esteemed and respected residents oi the community. The broth
ers and sisters of our subject are as follows: M. Gertrude, wdio is a teacher
in the high school at Clarinda, Iowa ; Frank L., who was reared in Clarinda
but is now living in Creston, Iowa, where he is engaged in the conduct of
a drug store; Effie L., the wife of Thomas L. Brown, oi Clarinda; John
S., the secretary of the Duluth Elevator Company; and Cecil C., who is
connected with the Alonarch Elevator Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In the acquirement of an education Clarence E. Blair first attended the
public schools of his native town and following the removal of the family
to Clarinda he continued his studies here. After putting aside his text
books he worked in the flouring mill with his father for about two and a
half years and was then made assistant postmaster, capably discharging
the duties of that office for four and a half years. Subsequently he was

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 379
identified with the Green Bay Lumber Company at Clarinda for two
years and was then employed in Weil's clothing store for three years.
On the expiration of that period he was made deputy county clerk and on
retiring from the offlce at the end of two years he acquired an interest
in the Loranz Company, becoming a partner in the concern. On the in
corporation of the enterprise on the ist of January, 1906, under the name
Loranz & Conipany, Mr. Blair was made secretary and has since continued
to act in that capacity. The firm is an old one, having been established
in 1874, and does an extensive business in farm loans, insurance and ab
stracts. They have the exclusive agency for loans for the Connecticut
Mutual Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, in Page and
Taylor counties. Mr. Blair is likewise the secretary of the Page County
Building & Loan Association and is widely recognized as one of the leading,
substantial and representative citizens of the county.
Fraternally Mr. Blair is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the
Alasons and for two years has served as secretary of the local lodge of the
latter organization. He is likewise a valued and prominent member of the
Presbyterian church, in which he has been trustee for four years, while for
six years he vvas secretary of the Sunday school. His life is exemplary in
all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated
to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving
of highest commendation.

J. B. SUTTON.

J. B. Sutton, the local editor of the Shenandoah World, is a well
known and popular representative of journalistic interests in Page county.
He was born in La Harpe, Illinois, on the loth of Jlily 1878, a son of Dr.
R. H. Sutton, who was a successful medical practitioner. In 1884 the
parents located on a farm near Shenandoah, Iowa, and the following
year the family home was established in that city. Air. Sutton, of this
review, was graduated from the Shenandoah public schools in 1895 and
subsequently entered Tabor College at Tabor, Iowa, completing the course
in that institution in 1899.
On starting out in life on his own account he first worked in a clerical
capacity for a time and then became local editor of the Shenandoah World,
being thus connected with the paper for three years. During the following
two years he acted as manager of the Shenandoah Knitting Alills. In
February, 1909, he again becanie identified with the Shenandoah World
in the capacity of local editor, in which position he has since remained.
Politically Mr. Sutton is a stalwart advocate of the democracy, never
failing to cast his ballot in support of its men and measures. For five
years he served as second lieutenant of Company E, Fifty-fifth Regiment of
Iowa National Guards. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason,
belonging to the Consistory at Des Moines and also to the blue lodge and

380 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
chapter at Shenandoah. Pie is likewise identified with the Modern AA^ood-
men of America at Shenandoah. His aid and cooperation can be counted
upon to further every movement calculated to benefit the community and
he enjoys the high regard and esteem oi an extensive circle of friends.

CHARLES NORTON AlARVIN.
Charles Norton Alarvin, the editor and principal stockholder of the
Sentinel Post, pubUshed at Shenandoah, is well entitled to prominent men
tion in this volume as a leading representative of journalistic interests in
Page county. He was born at East Orange, Delaware county, Ohio, on the
24th of Septeniber, 1857, a son of WiUiam Perry and Harriet Brewster
(HamUn) Marvin. On the paternal side he traces his ancestry back to
Raynolde Alarvin, of Harwich, England, who was bom in 15 14 and died
in 1561. In the maternal line he can trace his ancestry back to Captain
Giles Hamlin, born in England in 1662, who was a mariner for fifty
years. He emigrated to America with the Puritans, settling in Connecti
cut. Both the paternal and maternal ancestors of our subject participated
in the Revolutionary war. Major Ephraim Marvin served as captain and
afterward as major in Colonel Field's regiment during the struggle for
independence. In 1859 WUliam Perry Alarvin, the father of Charles N. Marvin,
brought his family to Johnson county, Iowa. In 1862 he enlisted for
service in the Union army as a member of Company I, Twenty-second Iowa
Infantry, and was killed in the charge on the Confederate works at Vicks
burg, Mississippi, on the 22d of May, 1863. His body was interred among
the unknown dead in the National Cemetery at Vicksburg. His widow
was afterward again married, becoming the wife of Lysander Taylor in
1866. Charles Norton Marvin was reared in the usual manner of farm lads
and attended the common schools near Westerville, Ohio, where his mother
had taken up her abode after the death of her first husband. He sup
plemented his preliminary education by a high school course, spending three
years in the town schools at Rock Creek, Ohio, and Alarshalltown, Iowa.
He continued to reside on the home farm until seventeen years oi age and
early in life manifested a fondness for reading. After completing his own
education he taught school for five years and then becanie identified with
newspaper work, with which line of activity he has since been connected.
His first position of this character was with a concern publishing an educa
tional journal known as the Iowa Teacher, which subsequently failed. He
afterward became connected with The Star at Union, Iowa, acting as its
editor for a year and a half, on the expiration of which period he began
the publication of the Sentinel at Shenandoah, the first copy oi which was
issued on the 25th oi November, 1887. On the ist of April, 1905, the
Sentinel was consolidated with the Shenandoah Post and the paper has since

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 381
been known as the Sentinel Post, Mr. Marvin being its editor and principal
stockholder. Fle owns the building in which the journal is published and
has long been numbered among the most prosperous, influential and pro
gressive citizens of the county.
On the 28th of June, 1884, Air. Marvin was joined in wedlock to Miss
Bertha L. McCausland, of Neodesha, Kansas. They have one Uving chUd,
Merze, who is now a stenographer in the office of the state auditor at Des
Moines. Air. Marvin gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for
eight and a half years held the office of postmaster at Shenandoah under
the administrations of Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt. For two years,
from 1907 to 1909, he acted as president of the board of trustees of the
Shenandoah public library. His fraternal relations are with the Alasons,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of P)^hias and
the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is not a member of any church
but leans toward the Methodist Episcopal faith. He meets the obligations
oi life with the confidence and courage that come of conscious personal
ability, a right conception o-f things and an habitual regard for what is best
in the exercise of human activities and has won the respect of all with whom
he comes in contact.

FREDERICK FISCHER.
There has been no election perhaps in the history of Page county
that has been more fully the expression of popular approval and confi
dence than that which made Frederick Fischer county attorney, calling
him to the office as the advocate of the democratic party in a county whose
normal republican vote is as tw^o to one. Such is the demand at the pres
ent time for honest government and for upright, faithful and capable
service. Mr. Fischer was born in St. Clair county, IlUnois, XTovember 3, 1869,
his birthplace being a little log cabin on a farm belonging to his parents,
Louis and Mary (Friess) Fischer. In both the paternal and maternal
lines the ancestors were Germans. Louis Fischer was born under the rule
of the kaiser in 1826 and came to this country in the fall of 1852, settling
in St. Clair county, Illinois. There he worked for several years as a farm
hand and later acquired- a farm in that county, becoming owner of two
hundred acres, which he carefully tilled and cultivated until 1881, when he
disposed of his property in Illinois and removed to Iowa, settling in
Grant township. Page county. The previous year he had purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land while on a visit to his brother-in-law in
this county, and after taking up his abode on this property he continued
to add to his possessions .from time to time as his financial resources per
mitted until he became one of the extensive landowners of this part oi the
state, his holdings embracing eleven hundred and twenty acres, all in one

382 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
body in Grant township. No finer land could be found in Iowa and through
its development and cultivation his annual income was materially increased.
He has since divided some of his property among his children but still owns
large interests, including his home farm, which is three and one-half miles
east of Shenandoah. Unto him and his wife were born five children who
are yet living: Anna, who is attending Drake University; Ida M., at home;
John Henry and Ernest A., who are resident farmers of this county ; and
Frederick. Frederick Fischer spent his youthful days on his father's farms in
Illinois and in Iowa, being a lad of twelve years at the time of their re
moval to this state. His literary education was acquired in the district
schools of the two states and in the Western Normal College at Shenan
doah, from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. Under the
parental roof two lessons were early impressed upon his mind, to tell the
truth and to respect the rights oi others. His parent's native tongue was
used in the home and it was not until he entered school that he began to
learn English. After he had completed his scientific course in the Western
Normal College there came an interim of four years when he had much
trouble with his eyes and because of this fact could no longer study but
spent the time on a farm. Later he entered the law department of the
University of Alichigan, at Ann Arbor, and on the completion of the reg
ular course was graduated with the class of 1898. The same year he was
adniitted to the bar at Lansing, Michigan. Returning to his home in Page
county he passed the required examination and on the 5th of October was
admitted to practice in the Iowa courts.
Mr. Fischer at once opened an office in Shenandoah and entered upon the
practice oi his chosen profession. Here he has succeeded and in November,
1898, his fellow townsmen gave substantial proof of their belief in his
ability and the confidence reposed in his official integrity by calling him to
the office of county attorney. He was the first democrat elected to the
office in Page county since 1861, receiving a majority of three hundred and
seventy-nine — a vote which was highly complimentary owing to the fact
that the republican vote is almost double the democratic vote in this dis
trict. He carried every precinct in the county with the exception of six
and in five other precincts he polled the highest of any candidate of either
party. His father had been a life-long republican but in early manhood
Frederick Fischer began studying the political questions, issues and con
ditions, noted the abuses in the party and turned his support to the democ
racy, with which he has since been connected. His record has justified
the confidence reposed in him, for he is using his professional skUl and
knowledge for the best interests of the county in upholding the standards
of law and order.
On the 17th of June, 1905, Mr. Fischer was married to Miss Helen E.
Field, of Shenandoah, a daughter of S. E. Field, now a resident of High
land, CaUfornia, and formerly a representative from this district. Unto
this marriage have been born two children, Gretchen and Helen Marie.
Mr. Fischer is a member of Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, F. & A. M. ;

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 383
Sheshbazzar Chapter No. 82, R. A. M. and Shenandoah Chapter, No. 81,
of the Eastern Star. He is also connected with Shenandoah Lodge, No.
1 122, B. P. O. E., and with the Unitarian church. He is not a politician
in the sense of office seeking although he is now one of the county's offi
cials, but he is a believer in good government and wiU work for interests
of that character. He is therefore striving to give acceptable service to
the office of county attorney and his record is most commendable.

JOSEPH S. TUNNICLIFF.
Iowa with its splendid agricultural possibilities offers excellent oppor
tunity to him who wishes to e*rn his living by the tilling of the soil. Wash
ington has said that "Agriculture is the most useful as well as the most
honorable occupation of men," and history gives evidence of the fact that
it is the basis of all success. Devoting his time and energies in successful
manner to the cultivation and improvement of a farm, Joseph S. Tunni-
cliff has become one of the progressive and prominent citizens of Grant
township, where he owns two hundred acres of exceUent land.
He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on the i8th of January, 1845, a son
of Edward and Sarah (Cooper) TunnicUff, both natives of Derbyshire,
England, where they were reared and married. In 1841 they came to the
United States, locating in East Liverpool, where the father, a potter by
trade, was employed in the potteries for a short time. He then went to
Zanesville, Ohio, where he engaged in this business on his own account,
establishing potteries at that place. In 1855 ^^ removed to Kewanee,
Illinois, where he resided for about two years, moving thence to Hamp
ton, that state, where he followed his trade for a short time. Within a
year, however, his potteries burned down and he returned to- Kewanee, in
which city he made his residence until called to his final rest, March 16,
1902, when eighty-nine years of age. The mother, although in good
health at the time of her husband's demise passed away eight days later,
while in her eighty-fourth year. Both were faithful members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Spending the period of his boyhood and early youth under the parental
roof, Joseph S. TunnicUff acquired his education in the common schools
and as early as his fifteenth year he began working on his own account,
being employed as a clerk in a mercantile establishment for three or four
years. In 1864, in response to his country's call for more troops, he en
listed as a soldier in the Civil war for one hundred days' service, becoming
a member of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Infan
try. In February, 1865, he reenlisted for a year as a member of Company
A, One Hundred and Twenty-iourth Illinois Infantry, and after a most
creditable military record was discharged in December, 1865. He had
seen considerable active service, participating in many hard-fought battles
and skirmishes, among them being the battle of Spanish Fort in Alabama.

384 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
When his country no longer needed his services he returned home and on the
i6th oi September, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Alin-
nick, oi Kewanee, Illinois.
vVfter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. TunnicUff resided upon a farm near
Kewanee, which he operated for three years as a renter. In the spring of
1872 he came to Page county, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of
land, making a first payment of one hundred and fifty doUars. This con
stituted the nucleus of his present fine farm, and upon this tract of eighty
acres stands the present family residence, a comfortable and attractive
dwelling. From time to time Mr. TunnicUff added to his farm until his
place today consists of tw^o hundred acres all lying in one body, located on
section 35, Grant township. It is a finely improved property, equipped with
all of the modern conveniences and accessories that go to make up a model
farm of the nineteenth century. He carries on general farming and his
efforts in this direction have met with substantial success, and he is ranked
among the prominent, well known and progressive agriculturists of Grant
township. As the years have come and gone the home of Mr. and Airs. TunnicUff
has been blessed with fourteen children, ten of whom reached mature
years. Eight are now living, namely: Williain, residing in Castle Rock,
Colorado; Alice, the wife of Lawrence E. Pennewell, of Stoughton, Wis
consin ; Edward, a resident of Grant township, this county ; Lida, who
married Lewis L. Hunter, of Castle Rock, Colorado; Berton, making his
home in Grant township ; Joseph, of Morton township. Page county ; Harry,
who operates the home farm ; and Fred, employed in a bank at Elliott,
Iowa. The famUy are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are
highly esteemed throughout the community, while they occupy a prominent
place in the social circles of Grant township. Air. TunnicUff gives stanch
support to the republican party but he has never sought nor desired office
as a reward for party fealty. He is, however, deeply and helpfully in
terested in the cause of education and served for many years as treasurer
of the school board. He has made steady advancement in his Ufe, not
only in its successful accomplishment but also in matters of citizenship,
gaining at the same time the favorable regard of all who know him. He is
a man of marked strength of character, genial disposition and genuine worth
and has the unqualified respect and good will oi his iellowmen.

ale:xander harris.
One oi the substantial residents of Coin, Iowa, is Alexander Harris,
who has retired from the active pursuit of farming though he still owns ten
hundred and eighty acres of land in AVashington township. He was born
September i, 1837, in McDonough, Illinois, and is the son of Alexander
and Mantia (Creal) Harris. Both parents were natives of Kentucky, but

history of page county 387
the maternal grandparents, Durham and Margaret Creal were born in Mary
land, and the paternal grandparents, Alexander and Mary (Crawford)
Harris, claimed Virginia as their native state. The parents of the subject
of this sketch shortly after their marriage started to Ilhnois, where they
spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1862, and the mother a
few years later. Besides Alexander they were the parents of James R. and
Durham, both deceased ; John, who lives in Colorado ; George, whose home
is in Missouri; William WaUace, of Bardolph, lUinois; Martin, of College
Springs, Iowa; James, a resident of Northboro, Iowa; Alary, the wife of
WilUam Edmundson, of Bardolph, Illinois ; and .Rosella who married
Benjamin Smith of the same place.
The school facilities of McDonough county, when Mr. Harris was of an
age to partake of them, were of the crudest, the nearest schoolhouse being
four miles away, and that constructed of logs with slabs for flooring. In
consequence the formal education that he received w-as very meager, and he
has had to rely upon an apt mind and hard experience to give him that
preparation for the problems of life that are now less severe than they
were in the early days, just subsequent to the tinies of the pioneers. At
the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Harris enUsted as a member of Company
L, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, but had been in the service but a short time
when he was taken sick and sent home for six weeks. He returned to the
front, but was again taken sick and was this time discharged from service,
in the spring of 1862.
Seven years later Mr. Harris left Illinois and came to Iowa, finally lo
cating- in AA''ashington township. Page county, which was his home to within
the past two years, when he retired from farming and moved to Coin. When
he came here there was not a house where the flourishing towns of Shen
andoah and Coin now are, and it was only after having traveled extensively
through the state that he finally decided that Washington township offered
the best inducements in the way of land. The years have justified his de
cision for he has been very successful. He pursued general agriculture, with
out specializing in anything, though he engaged to some extent in buying
and feeding stock, a phase of his business he did not relinquish when he re
tired from the active life of a farmer. On June 26, 1875, Mr. Harris had
an experience with a cyclone that he will not soon forget, as it carried
away his house, and compelled his family to Uve in a shanty until another
could be built. In the course of his long life Air. Harris has built six
houses, a fine one for himself, and five for those who have been tenants
of his. On the 13th of September, 1872, Air. Harris was married to Miss Ma
thilda Spiker, the daughter of William and Caroline (Vincent) Spiker.
The parents removed from New York state to Indiana, and from there to
Terre Haute. Illinois, where they conducted a hotel for a number of years.
The father enUsted at the time of the Civil war, but was away from home
only a year when he was taken sick and died. Airs. Harris was the oldest
oi a large family, the others being : Isaac, of Griswold, Iowa ; Oscar, whose
home is in Kansas City, Alissouri ; Sylvia, deceased, who was the wdfe of

388 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
WilUam Chapman ; Lincoln, who lives in Dakota ; and Wilhelmina, the wife
of Alfred Swinson, who lives in California. Airs. Spiker married again,
her second husband being John Thomas, and they had one son, Henry, who
lives in Kansas.
To Mr. and Mrs. Harris have been born the following children: Ruby,
the eldest, now deceased, was the wife of Sam Gibson and the mother of
two children, Lura and Orville, the former of whom is being reared and
educated by her grandfather Harris. Lewds Allen married Cora Applegate,
who has borne him three children — Alildred, Russell, and Helen. Loy Elvin
married Alabel Alillen and lives on his father's farm. Melvina, became the
wife of Judson Turner and is the mother of a son, AA'eldon Harris. Arthur
Garfield married Alabel AA'ashburn, and they have one daughter, Vera,
and an adopted son, Harold. Eunice Etta married Edgar Frazier, of West
boro. Elmer .Alexander is a farnier in Page county, Iowa.
Mr. Harris is the vice president of the First Xational Bank of North
boro. In political matters his support is giveii to the republican party and
while on the farm he w^as a niember of the township school board. Early
in life he joined the Presbyterian church but on coming to Page county he
became a member of the Alethodist church, in which organization the mem
bers of his family are also enrolled.

CHARLEY A. AVILLIAAIS.
Charley A. WilUams, who for thirty-eight years has lived in Page county,
where he now owns and cultivates one hundred acres on section 5, Nodaway
township, was born in Cornwall, England, September 3, 1866. His parents
were John and Emma (Rogers) AALUiams, also natives of Cornwall, the
former born in 1826 and the latter on the 4tli of May, 1829. They were
reared, educated and married in their native land and about 1867 crossed the
Atlantic to the new world, settling near Racine, Wisconsin, where they
lived for four years. On the expiration of that period they came to Page
county, Iowa, in 1871 and took up their abode on a farm in VaUey town
ship, a mile west of Flepburn. It was a tract of raw prairie at that time
but, with firm purpose and unfaltering energy, the father took up the task
of improving the place and as the years went by he converted the wild
land into productive fields. He also added to his holdings from time to
time until he became the owner of eight hundred acres but later disposed
of much of this to his children.
Fiis family numbered four sons and four daughters : William John,
who resides in Valley township; J. C, who is Uving in Douglas township;
Anna, who became the wdfe of James Dyke and died in Kansas ; Jennie, the
wife of E. Al. Fleenor, also living in Valley township ; Carrie, the wife
of Ed Bolen, of Valley township ; Charley A. ; Ernest, who Ukewise is
a resident of A^alley township ; and Minnie, the wife of Frank McNeil of the
same township.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 389
Charley A. Williams was only a year old when his parents bade adieu
to the land of their birth and sailed over the broad Atlantic to the new
world. He came wdth them to Page county when a little lad of five years
and was reared in Valley township on a farm. At the usual age he entered
the public schools and through the winter months mastered the branches of
learning taught in his home locality, while in the summer months he did
such work as his years and strength qualified him for. Later his entire
life was devoted to the development and improvement of the farm and he
continued to live with his parents until thirty-five years old, when he pur
chased his present farm. This comprises one hundred acres of land on
section 5, Nodaway township. In the midst of well tilled fields stands a good
residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, so that the farm presents
an excellent appearance owing to the improvements he has made upon it
and in the well kept condition of the fields, whicii are devoted to the raising
of the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate.
On the 9tli of May, 1900, Air. Williams was united in marriage to Aliss
Katharine Sunderman, who was born in Douglas township, Page county,
on the 30th of April, 1867, and is a daughter of Henry and Sophia
(Fosbrink) Sunderman. The father, who was bom in Hanover, Germany,
October 14, 1834, went to Jackson county, Indiana, with his parents when
four years of age. In 1854 he removed westward to Page county, Iowa,
and entered from the government a tract of wild prairie. He then returned
to Indiana, where he was married in 1858 to Aliss Sophia Fosbrink, and
wdth his bride he once more came to this state. As the years passed he
prospered in his undertakings and, making judicious investment in land
from time to time, was the owner of over fourteen hundred acres at the
time of his death. This was all well stocked and improved with several
sets of buildings upon it. His 'wddow, who w^as born in Jackson county,
Indiana, February 15, 1843, still resides on the old home place and is num
bered among the estimable ladies of the community. Unto Air. and Mrs.
Sunderman were bom eight children : John, who resides at Fort Morgan,
Colorado ; Airs. WilUams ; Hannah, the wife of WilUam Enderbrock of
Brownstown, Indiana; Rosina, who became the wife of William Mosher
and died May 29, 1909; Elvina, wdio is the wife of Fred Roberts, living
in Douglas township ; Henry, also of Douglas township ; George, who was
drowmed in the Nodaway river when seventeen years of age ; and WilUam,
wdio died in his second year.
From her father Mrs. WiUiams inherited one hundred and sixty acres
of land in Douglas township. In addition to their home place Air. Wil
liams owns a seventy acre farm in A'alley township, which he received
from his father. They make their home, however, in Nodaway township,
w-here Mr. AALlUams is extensively engaged in the breeding and raising of
Percheron horses, Durham cattle nnd Poland China hogs, being among those
who are doing much to establish lo-iva's reputation as one of the live-stock
centers of the country. In all of his business affairs he is diligent and
persevering, and the capable direction of his business interests is bringing
to him substantial success. In politics he is a democrat but is not active in

390 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the work of the party aside from casting his ballot for its candidates. Both
he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church at RosehiU
and their Christian faith constitutes the guiding force in their lives.

JOHN F. COULTER.

An excellent farming property of one hundred and sixty acres situated
on sections 14 and 23, Amity township, pays tribute to the industry and
enterprise of John F. Coulter, whose life -has been spent mostly in the county
of his nativity. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Shambaugh,
Page county, on the 3d of September, 1872, a son of Robert and Jennie
AI. (White) Coulter. The father, who is of Irish ancestry, was born in
County Antrim, Ireland, and came to American when nineteen years of age,
locating in Ohio, where he remained for three years. At the expiration
of that period he came to Iowa, where he operated a farm in Amity town
ship as a renter for four years. He then purchased forty acres of land,
upon which he erected a home and which he continued to cultivate for
nineteen years. Later he bought another forty acres and a few years after
ward he acquired forty acres more, while he removed his house upon the
last tract of forty acres and made that his home for eight years. Subse
quently he traded this farm for two hundred and twenty-three acres of
land in Monroe county, Iowa, and upon that property he and his wife are
now residing. He had married Jennie M. White, who was born near
ZanesviUe, Muskingum county, Ohio, and came to Iowa shortly after her
marriage. Upon the loth of August, 1909, she and her husband cele
brated their fortieth wedding anniversary, which was attended by aU of the
children and grandchildren.
John F. Coulter of this review spent the period of his boyhood and
youth upon his father's farm and during the winter months he attended the
district schools, while during the summer seasons he was busily engaged in
assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields. Subsequently he at
tended Amity College, at CoUege Springs, Iowa, where for several winters
he pursued a general course oi study. After leaving that institution he
was employed for two years, and then, when twenty-six years of age, he
took up the occupation of farming on his own account, renting a farm of
eighty acres near Service in Monroe county, Iowa, he was thus engaged
for three years. He then removed to Lincoln township. Page county,
where he operated a rented farm near Coin for four years, after which
two years were passed in the operation of a rented farm in connection with
his brother-in-law, J. M. McKee. His capital then enabled him to purchase
a farm oi his own, and for the past three years he has been residing upori
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on sections 14 and 23,
Amity township. The soil is naturaUy rich and productive and responds
readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it, while through energy and
diligence intelligently directed Mr. Coulter has brought his fields under a

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 391
high state of cultivation and his place is now one of the weU improved and
valuable properties of the township.
It was in the spring of 1898 that Mr. Coulter was united in marriage
near Braddyville, Page county, to Miss Mary E. McKee, a native of this
county and a daughter of WiUiam and Eliza (Hall) McKee. The former,
a farmer by occupation, passed away in 1886. The mother, who was bom
in New Brunswick, New Jersey, came to Iowa in the early '60s, locating
in Amity township, this county, upon a farm which she made her home for
one year, and then she removed to a farm of one hundred acres near Braddy
ville, whicii her husband had purchased and upon which she now resides
with her grandson, WiUiam McKee. The home of Mr. and Airs. Coulter
has been blessed with two children, William and Francis, aged respectively
seven and five years.
Mr. and Mrs. Coulter are members of the United Presbyterian church
of College Springs, Iowa, in the work of which they are deeply and ac
tively interested, while Mr. Coulter is one of the elders thereof. He gives
his poUtical aUegiance to the republican party, but has never sought nor
desired office for himself, preferring to direct his entire energies to his
private business interests, which, carefully controlled, are bringing to him a
substantial measure of success. In this county where his entire life has been
spent he has gained the reputation of being an honorable and upright
gentleman, whose business integrity is unquestioned and whose saUent
characteristics are such as have won him the unqualified regard and esteem
of an extensive circle of friends.

O. W. FREED.

O. W. .Freed, living on section 6, Tarkio township, is well known as a
representative farmer of that locality, and that his fellow townsmen regard
him as one worthy of public trust is indicated in the fact that he is now
serving as a member of the board of county supervisors. He was born in
Sweden on the 6th of October, 1865, and is a son of Andrew and Anna
Freed. The father vvas a soldier of Sweden, serving in the standing army
in that kingdom for thirty-three years. Both he and his wife are now
deceased. O. W. Freed was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public
schools of his native land, which he attended until fourteen years of age,
when he faced the responsibiUty of business Ufe, starting out upon a course
that has eventuaUy led him to success. The path that he has followed has
not been a devious one for throughout the intervening years his undivided
attention has been given to farming and kindred interests. He was first
employed at farm work by the year but feeling that there was little future
for him in his native land when compared with the opportunities offered
in the new world he bade adieu to friends, family and country when twenty
years of age and crossed the briny deep to the United States.

392 HISTORV OF PAGE COUXTY
Page county was his destination and in that year he arrived in Hep
burn, where he worked by the inonth for three or four years. Plis diligence
and industry enabled him to command good wages, which he carefully
saved until he felt justified in starting out in farm life for himself. He
first rented land and in iSSo purchased a farm of one hundred and forty
acres in Nodaway township. Immediately afterward he located thereon
and made it his home until the spring ol 1893, when he sold that property
and purchased his present farm, a fractional quarter section on section 16,
Tarkio township. He has since resided thereon and is busily employed in
cultivating the soil, raising the various crops best adapted to climatic con
ditions here. Fle also owns four hundred acres of land in Aliner county.
South Dakota. He has made a business of general farming, in which he
has been very successful, and for several years he has been feeding from
one to three carloads of cattle yearly, his live-stock interests being an im
portant source of revenue to him. He is also vice president and one of the
directors of the Farmers Savings Bank of Essex.
In 1881 Mr. Freed took to his home as his bride Aliss Alary J. Ander
son, of Douglas township. Page county, but a native of Sweden. The
children of this marriage are eight in number : Victor, who is assistant
cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank, of Essex ; Frank, who follows farm
ing in Miner county, South Dakota; Albin, also a farmer of Miner county;
Alice, Hilda, Paul, Harold and Alildred, all at home.
The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, in the work
of which they are deeply interested, Mr. Freed serving as one of the deacons.
He votes with the republican party, which he has loyally supported since
becoming a naturalized American citizen. For some years he has been rec
ognized as an influential factor in local politics and served for three terms
as township trustee and in other minor offices. In 1906 he was nominated
and elected a member of the county board of supervisors and received
hearty endorsement for his official service in that capacity in his reelection
in the fall of 1908, his second term beginning January i, 1910. Citizenship
is to him merely no idle farce and there is no native son of America more
loyal to the stars and stripes. While he does not seek to become widely
known in politics, in his home locaUty he never hesitates to do wdiat he can
for his party and the community at large and has made a most creditable
record through his devotion to the public good.

J. W. AIYERS.

J. W. AIyers, who is now Uving retired in Shenandoah, where he has
made his home for the past eleven years, was fornierly identified wdth the
farming interests of the county and the ability and energy which he dis
played in carrying on his business affairs now enable him to live retired
in the enjoyment of the fruit of his former toil. He was born in Alonmouth,
Warreii county, Illinois, and in the paternal line comes of German ancestry.

J. W. AIYERS

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 393
his grandparents having been born in the fatherland. George Myers, his
father, was born in Brown county, Ohio, and having arrived at years of ma
turity, he married Ann Gooday, also a native of that county. They were
married, however, in Decatur county, Indiana, Mrs. AIyers having accom
panied her parents to that place when about eighteen years of age. George
Myers became an extensive dealer in live stock in Warren county, Illinois,
and was an active and enterprising business man whose well directed efforts
brought him substantial success. In the year 1865 he removed with his
family to Fremont county, Iowa, where he died twenty years later, while
his wife passed away in 1881.
J. W. Myers of this review was educated in the district schools of
Warren county, Illinois, and in his youthful days engaged in herding cattle.
He also worked upon the farm in the various branches of labor which fall
to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained at home until his marriage
and then in 1865 went to Fremont county, Iowa, where he carried on general
farming and stock-raising for thirty-three years. In all of his business
affairs he was diligent and persistent, meeting with the success that crowns
earnest and indefatigable effort. As the years went by he harvested good
crops and was also particularly successful in raising and handling live
stock. His judgment regarding aU business matters of that character was
sound and reUable and prompted his safe investment and profitable man
agement of his business affairs. While he has left the active operation and
control of his farm to others since 1898 he still owns the old home property
of two hundred and forty acres in Fremont county, Iowa. His name is
also an honored one in financial circles, for he is a stockholder in the Com
mercial National Bank of Shenandoah. Ever reliable in his business trans
actions, his word has ever been considered as good as any bond solemnized
by signature or seal. While Uving upon the farm he fed much stock and
also made extensive shipments so that he became recognized as one of the
leading representatives of the live-stock interests of this part of the state.
It was in 1859 that Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Maria
Lowe, the wedding being celebrated in Warren county, Illinois. Mrs. Myers
was born in Pennsylvania but in her girlhood days accompanied her parents
to IlUnois, the family arriving in Warren county, about 1843. O" the i8th
of January, 1909, this worthy couple celebrated their golden wedding, for
they have traveled life's journey together for a half century. Eighty
friends and relatives gathered on that memorable occasion to celebrate with
them this day of rejoicing and left many substantial tokens of high esteem.
Of the four children born to them two died in infancy, the birth of both
occurring in Warren county, Illinois. Albert Andrew, now living one mile
south of Shenandoah, married Miss Katie J. Woods and they have three
children. Emma Maria is the wife of Thomas Beardsley living three miles
southwest of Shenandoah and they have four children. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Myers have long been devoted and faithful members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in which Mrs. Myers has served as class leader and Mr.
Myers has been vice president of the board of trustees for sixteen years.
He is a stockholder in the Shenandoah Hospital and is interested in the

394 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
various measures and movements which are factors in the life and develop
ment of the city, along social, material, political, intellectual and moral lines.
Although they resided for many years in Fremont county they have for
nearly a half century been witnesses of the growth and progress of Shenan
doah and of Page county. In the early days Mr. Myers mowed grass in
what is now the center of the town. Nearly all of this portion of the state
was wild prairie and there was little indication of the rapid changes which
were to occur and transform southeastern Iowa into a populous district
with splendid business possibiUties, while its rich prairie lands were to be
transformed into productive fields, its farms today equaUng those found in
any part of the country. With the work of general improvement Mr. Myers
has been closely associated, taking an active interest in everything relative
to the public good.

WILLIAM J. KNOX.

William J. Knox is a most public-spirited citizen of Pierce township,
taking a prominent part in affairs which affect the public welfare. He is
also a general farmer and stock raiser, owning a valuable property of two
hundred acres located on section 20, Pierce township. Mr. Knox is a
native of the Emerald Isle, born April 7, 1853, and is one oi the six children
oi John and Ellen (Anderson) Knox, who were likewise natives of Ireland.
In 1864 the father emigrated with his family to the United States and
located in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming until
1877, in which year he took up his abode in Page county, Iowa, on a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres which he bought. In 1882 he sold that
farm and purchased five hundred and twenty acres in Otoe county, Ne
braska, to which place he removed, and there he made his home untU his
death, which occurred in 1900, when he had reached the age of seventy-
seven years. The mother survived for only a few years, her death occurring
in 1904, when she was seventy-six years old.
AVUliam J. Knox was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his
parents on their emigration to the new world. His education was acquired
in the public schools, wherein he mastered the branches that fitted him for
life's practical and responsible duties. In 1876 he came with the family to
Page county and engaged in farming on rented land which he leased from
James Martin in Pierce township. In the spring of 1885 he purchased a
tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, Pierce township, on
which he at once took up his abode. Later he bought an additional tract of
forty acres, so that his place now embraces two hundred acres. Mr. Knox
has made many improvements on the farm and now has a good country resi
dence, substantial barn and various other outbuildings to shelter grain and
stock, while his fields have been placed under a good state of cultivation.
For the past several years in addition to carrying on general farm work,
Mr. Knox has fed about two carloads of cattle for the market each year.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 395
and this branch of his business has proved profitable. Besides his home
farm he owns a half section of land in Sully county, South Dakota. In
1902, when the Commercial Bank of Essex was reorganized as the Com
mercial National Bank, Mr. Knox becanie a stockholder of the institution
and was also elected to its board of directors on the 1st of January, 1903.
On the 22d of March 1887, Mr. Knox was married to Aliss Mary Dean,
of Pierce township, and this union has been blessed with four sons and one
daughter, namely: Floyd A., Earl J., Robert R., Dean W. and Wilma F.
The eldest son, Floyd A., was graduated from the business department of
Simpson College at Indianaola, Iowa, with the class of 1909. All the chil
dren are still at home.
In his political views and affiliations Mr. Knox is a republican and for
thirteen years served as trustee of the township, while for sixteen years
he most acceptably filled the position of road supervisor. At the present
time he is serving as treasurer of the school board and is numbered among
the most influential and substantial men of Pierce township. He is a mem
ber of Mountain Lodge, No. 360, A. F. & A. M. at Essex, and Mrs. Knox
is a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church. Positive and aggressive,
Mr. Knox is always found on the right side of all public questions where the
best interests of the community are involved. To him has been entrusted
important public service, which has been discharged with the same degree
of promptness and fidelity as he displays in his private business affairs.
He has been successful, as is evidenced by the fine farm of two hundred
acres of which he is today the owner.

LEE F. COWGER.

Lee F. Cowger, one of the most prominent and esteemed citizens of Coin,
where he has made his home since 1900, is the proprietor and owner of the
Merchants Fiotel and also the present mayor of the town. His birth occurred
at Sidney, Fremont county, Iowa, on the 4th of March, 1878, his parents
being WiUiam A. and Mary E. (Huffer) Cowger, the former being a native
of Martinsburg, Iowa, while the latter was born near London, Indiana.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were James and Susan Cowger,
and the grandparents on the maternal side were Daniel and Jane Huffer.
William A. Cowger, the father of Lee F. Cowger, foUowed the barber's
trade in early manhood, later was connected with general agricultural pur
suits for a number of years and then became a dealer in hardware and
implements at Northboro, Iowa, conducting an establishment of this char
acter in association with his son, Lee F., until he passed away on the Sth
of August, 1906. His widow, who stUl survives him, makes her home at
Riverton, Iowa. Unto this worthy couple were born five children, as fol
lows : Lee F., of this review ; David C. and George W., who are resi
dents of Missouri ; Arien B., who is the wife of Wallace C. Johnson and
Hves in this state; and William A., a resident of Coin.

396 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Lee F. Cowger attended the common schools at Riverton, Iowa, until
fourteen years of age and then learned the barber's trade, which he fol
lowed for a period of seven years. Since 1900 he has lived in Coin, Page
county, being now the proprietor and owner of the Alerchants Hotel at
that place. He is a most popular and genial host, doing everything possible
for the comfort of his- guests and the hostelry therefore receives an ex
tensive patronage.
On the nth of April, 1900, Mr. Cowger was united in marriage to Miss
Emma R. Weland, a daughter of Fred and Augusta (Griiner) Weland,
who are farming people of this state. Their children are six in number,
namely: George; Lena, the wife of James Chesnut; John W. ; Charles;
Edward ; and Mrs. Cowger. The last named is now the mother of three
children: Minnie L., born December 2, 1902; David L., whose birth oc
curred September 3, 1904; and William A., whose natal day was De
cember 3, 1906.
In his poUtical views Mr. Cowger is a firm and unfaltering republican
and as the candidate of that party was elected mayor of Coin, the duties
of which office he is now discharging in a most capable and highly satis
factory manner. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows at Coin and in religious faith is a Methodist. Though
still a young man, he has already attained an enviable position in political
and business circles and is today recognized as one of the most influential,
public-spirited and enterprising residents of his community.

THOMAS WILLIAM KEENAN.
Thomas William Keenan is actively connected with the profession which
has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any sec
tion or community and one which has long been considered as conserving
the pubhc welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining in
dividual rights. The public, recognizing his ability in his profession, has
accorded to him a liberal clientage and thus he has been connected with
much important work of the courts since his admission to the bar.
A native of Noble county, Ohio, he was born Alarch 3, 1875, of the
marriage of Thonias and Maria (Reed) Keenan. His father was born near
Pittsburg in 1833 and as a boy accompanied his parents to Belmont county,
Ohio, vvhere he attained his majority and was married, his bride being a
native of that county. Two or three years later they removed to Noble
county, Ohio, where Mr. Keenan engaged in general farming, there mak
ing his home up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1888. His
wife survived until 1896 and passed away at the age of sixty-one years.
They were both consistent niembers of the Methodist church and Mr.
Keenan was a stalwart democrat in politics.
Thomas William Keenan was reared at home, acquiring his education
in the district schools and in the Batesville (Ohio) high school, from which

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 397
he was graduated with the class of 1890. Fle then took charge of the old
home farm, which he continued to cultivate until 1896 and for two winters
during that period he also engaged in teaching in the district schools. Desir
ous of improving his own education, in 1896 he entered the Valparaiso Uni
versity, at A^alparaiso, Indiana, wdiere he pursued a scientific course and
also a special course in mathematics, being graduated from that institution
with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1897. He next entered the Lin
coln Normal University at Lincoln, X^ebraska, and accepted the chair of
mathematics, teaching in that institution until the 1st of December, 1898,
when the university buildings were destroyed by fire and the school was
discontinued. On the 6th of January, 1899, Air. Keenan arrived in Shenandoah and
the following fall was offered and accepted the chair of mathematics in the
AVestern Normal College in this city, remaining in this position for four
years. In 1901 he was chosen vice president of the college and served
in that capacity for two years. While thus engaged he was giving all of
his leisure time to the study of law under the direction of Attorney Denver
L. AA'"ilson. After severing his connection with the college in 1903, he ap
plied himself assiduously to his law studies and in June, 1904, successfully
passed the required examination for admission to the bar. Mr. Keenan
then formed a law partnership with his former preceptor, Mr. Wilson, with
whom he was associated until the 1st of April, 1907, when the partnership
was dissolved.
Mr. Keenan has since been practicing independently. He is an able
barrister and has built up a large and remunerative clientage. No profes
sion is more open to talent than is that of the law and in no field of endeavor
is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough apprecia
tion of the absolute ethics of Ufe or of the underlying principles which form
the basis of all human rights and privileges. Possessing all of the requisite
qualities of the able lawyer, Mr. Keenan carefuUy manages the legal in
terests entrusted to his care, never faiUng to recognize the main point at
issue and never neglecting to make a thorough preparation. His pleas have
been characterized by terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation,
rather than flights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or
jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice
and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which wUl
thwart the principles of right and equity involved.
On the 14th of November, 1906, Mr. Keenan was married to Miss
Addie E. Culver, a daughter of George A. Culver, then of Clarinda, this
county, but now of Beatrice, Nebraska, Unto this marriage has been borne
one son, Thomas William.
Mr. Keenan belongs to Juniata Lodge, No. 195, K. P., Nishna Lodge,
No. 249, A. O. U. W., and to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is now
choir leader in the church and has made its music an attractive feature
of its worship. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged,
while his ability in his chosen profession is carrying him into important
relations with the work of the courts. Although Mr. Keenan is not now

398 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
actively engaged in mathematical work, he was, on September ii, 1909,
chosen as a member of the international committee for the investigation of
the teaching of mathematics in private institutions of learning. This comes
to him unsought and is a fitting recognition of his work both as a mathe
matician and as a teacher of mathematics.

DAVID B. AlcCALLA.

The birth of David B. McCalla occurred August 28, 1861, on section
23, Harlan township, on a farm adjoining that on which he yet resides. He
has always made his home in this neighborhood and, therefore, has a wide
acquaintance in the community. As a business man he has made a creditable
record and is now the owner and manager of the Orchard Hill Fruit Farm,
on which he is extensively engaged in the cultivation of apples and other
fruit. His youthful days were spent in the home of his parents, James and Ann
(Bolton) AlcCalla, both of whom were natives of the north of Ireland but
came to America in early life and were married in Philadelphia. The
father was a weaver by trade. In the year 1857 he brought his family to
Iowa and soon afterward purchased eighty acres of land in Harlan town
ship. Page county. For twenty years he here devoted his attention to gen
eral agricultural pursuits, continuing in the work of the farm until his Ufe's
labors were ended in death in 1877, when he was seventy-six years of age.
His widow survived him for a number of years, passing away in 1886 at the
age of fifty-five years. They had a family of seven children : John, now de
ceased; Alary, the wife of F. M. Thurman, living in Taylor county, Iowa;
Jane, the wife of L. C. Cox, also of Taylor county; Samuel A., w-ho makes
his home in the same county; David B. ; WiUiam A., living in Oklahoma;
and James, who resides upon the homestead farm adjoining that occupied by
his brother, David.
In the usual manner of fann lads David B. McCalla was reared, being
early trained to the work of the fields, while in the public schools he received
his mental training and discipline, which have well qualified him for life's
practical and responsible duties. The occupation to which he was reared he
has chosen as a life work and in addition to tilling the soil for the production
of corn and other cereals he has also made a specialty of horticultural pur
suits and his place is appropriately termed the Orchard FliU Fruit Farm.
It comprises eighty acres of land, of which twenty-five acres are devoted
to the raising of apples and some small fruit. One-half of his apples are of
the Ben Davis variety, one-fourth of the winesap and nearly one-fourth are
Jonathans with a few trees of other varieties. AU were set out by Air. Mc
Calla, who takes great and justifiable pride in his fruit, which has been a
prize wdnner at many exhibits of the county fairs and of the Southwestern
Iowa Horticultural Society. For several years Mr. McCalla has been a di-

t-l<

o
o

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 401
rector of the latter, which covers a territory comprised within the fruit belt
of the southwest Iowa. He has always made a specialty of apples and his
study of horticultural questions has caused his opinions to be largely ac
cepted as authority on the matter of apple cultivation.
In 1892 Mr. AlcCalla was united in marriage to Aliss Alary Belle Stoops,
who was born in Harlan township in 1865 and is a daughter of WilUam and
Martha B. Stoops. The father is now deceased but the mother yet re
sides in Clarinda. Mrs. McCalla passed away November 14, 1902, at the
age of thirty-seven years, leaving one child, Anna Belle.
Mr. McCalla is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church and
conforms his life to its teachings. Pie is interested in its work and con
tributes generously to its support. As a business man he is thoroughly
reliable under all circumstances, for his integrity is unquestioned and he has
never been known to overeach another in any business transaction. He
has been a witness of the growth and development of the county for forty-
eight years, during whicii time many notable changes have been made as
the wild land has been reclaimed for the purpose of civilization and trans
formed into cultivable fields. While here and there towns and villages have
sprung up, supplying the agricultural district with aU that it needs from a
commercial source.

JAAIES McCALLA.

James McCalla, a brother of David B. AlcCalla, was born Alarch 8,' 1865,
on the farm in Harlan township upon which he yet makes his home. His
youthful days were spent in the home of his parents, James B. and Ann
(Bolten) McCalla, who arrived in this county in 1857. Soon afterward the
father preempted eighty acres of land, upon which James McCalla now re
sides, and he and his wife spent their remaining days upon the farm which
is now owned and occupied by their son James. The father died in January,
1877, at the age of seventy-seven years, while the mother passed away in
November, 1886, at the age of fifty-five years, her birth having occurred in
1831. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church and as
sisted in erecting the first house of worship.
In his youthful days James McCalla worked in the fields from the time
that he was old enough to reach the plow handles and turn the furrows
across the fields. He has continuously resided upon the old homestead and
now has eighty acres of weU improved land, presenting a neat and attractive
appearance because of the care and labor which he bestows upon his fields.
He carries on general farming and stock raising and feeds all that he raises
on the farm.
On the 17th of October, 1894, Mr. McCalla was united in marriage to
Aliss Martha Stoops, who was born in Harlan township. Page count)', No
vember 12, 1871, and is a daughter of Wilson and Martha B. (McCrory)
Stoops, the fonner a native of Indiana and the latter of Iowa. After the

402 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
death of Air. Stoops his widow married again and now resides in Cla
rinda. Unto Mr. and Mrs. James McCaUa have been born six children:
Bessie, Lorena, James Leslie, Mary Lois, Wilson Sloan and Knox Bolton.
James AlcCalla and his family attend the Reformed Presbyterian church of
Clarinda, of which he is a member. His life interests are closely confined
to the farm for he finds that when he utilizes his land to the best advantage
he has little leisure time for other things. He works diligently and per
sistently to cultivate his fields and the place in its neat and well kept appear
ance indicates his careful supervision.

AUSTIN VAN GUNDY.
A weU improved farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres, located on
section 32, Grant township, is the -home of Austin Van Gundy, who in
addition to this land owns a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Fre
mont county, thus being numbered among the large landowners and prom
inent citizens of southwestern Iowa. He is a native of Ross county, Ohio,
born June 21, 1856, of the marriage of James and Rachel (Ring) Van
Gundy, both of whom were natives oi the Buckeye state, the former born
in Ross county and the latter in Pickaway county. They were married
in Ross county and made that their home until 1865, when they removed
to Atchison county, Missouri, where they spent their remaining days, the
mother passing away in 1899 when she was seventy-four years of age,
while the father, surviving for a number of years, departed this life in 1907
when he had reached the very advanced age of eighty-three years.
Austin Van Gundy bgan his education in the schools of Ross county,
Ohio, and being a little lad of nine years at the time of the parent's
removal to Atchison county, Missouri, continued his education in the schools
of that place. He was reared on the home farm and was trained by bis
father in the work of the fields, so that he was well qualified for taking charge
of a farm of his own, when, in the spring of 1876, just prior to the twentieth
anniversary of -his birth, he located on eighty acres of land in Nodaway
county. This tract was a portion of a tract oi eleven hundred and forty
acres which had been entered from the government by the grandfather,
John Van Gundy, in 1856. For seven years Austin Van Gundy spent his
time in developing and cultivating that property but on the expiration of
that period he returned to Atchison county, Missouri, and purchased two
hundred acres of land, on which he made his home until igoi. Believing
that Iowa offered better opportunities to the farmer, in that year he came
to this state and invested his money in two hundred and forty acres in Fre
mont county, his land constituting one of the finest farms in that section of
the state. He made his home there but a few years, however, when in 1908,
he came to Page county and bought his present home farm of one hundred
and twenty-one acres, located on section 32, Grant township. Taking up
his abode on this place in the year above mentioned, he has since been en-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 403
gaged in its cultivation and now has -one of the model farms of this section
of Page county. Mr. Van Gundy is ever watchful of opportunities point
ing to success and his excellent judgment of land values is indicated in the
fine farms which he today owns and which are returning to him a good
financial income.
Air. Van Gundy was married on the i8th of AprU, 1880, the lady of
his choice being Miss Mary Gray, a daughter of John L. and Lucinda
(Runyan) Gray, residents of Atchison county, Missouri. Two sons and
three daughters grace this marriage, namely : Pearl, who acts as house
keeper for her brother Fred, a farmer of Pierce township, he being the
second in order of birth in the family; Bryson, who operates his father's
farm in Monroe township, Fremont county ; and Sallie and Ruth, both at
home. Mr. Van Gundy gives his political allegiance to the men and measures
of the repuWican party but has never been active as an office seeker, as his
private business interests have always made fuU demand upon his time
and attention. His fraternal relations connect him with the Alodern Wood
men of America. Mrs. Van Gundy and her three daughters are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Although the family have resided in
Page county for but a brief period, they have already gained many warm
friends, who receive a cordial welcome at their hospitable home. In bus
iness dealings Mr. Van Gundy displays sound judgment and may well be
classed among the successful men of the state.

THOMAS VAN SWERINGEN.
Thomas Van Sweringen is the owner of a valuable farm of two hun
dred and forty acres on section 34, Grant township. He became the pos
sessor of this through two purchases, making investment in one hundred
and sixty acres in 1894, while the adjoining eighty acre tract was acquired
four or five years later. The farm presents a neat and attractive appear
ance, indicating the careful supervision of a progressive owner.
Mr. Van Sweringen was born in Honey Grove, Juniata county, Penn
sylvania, on the 2 ISt of April, 1856, his parents being WUliam and Rachel
(Sweringen) Van Sweringen, who were likewise natives of Juniata county,
where they were reared and married and continued their residence until
called to the home beyond. The father was a farmer, merchant and miller
and a general business man of Honey Grove, whose enterprise and careful
manipulation of his business affairs brought him substantial and well mer
ited success. He died when about eighty-one years of age and his wife
was sixty-seven years old at the time of her demise. In community affairs,
aside from business, Mr. Van Sweringen was quite active and influential
and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to
various offices, including that of county commissioner, in which he served
for two or three terms. His loyalty in public affairs and his tangible ef-

404 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
forts for the general good made him one of the representative men of
Juniata county.
Thomas A'an Sweringen was reared under the parental roof and his
educational opportunities were those oft'ered by the common schools of
his native town. In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Ben
nett, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The following summer he engaged in
farming a portion of the old home place but in February, 1881, with his
young wife, he came west to Iowa and for two years thereafter engaged
in the cultivation of a rented farm in Grant township. Page county. On
the expiration of that period he removed to Gage county, Nebraska, where
he rented land and carried on general farming for three years. Then he
returned to Page county and for eight years rented and cultivated the
McCulloch farm in Grant township. During these years he carefully saved
his earnings until his economical expenditure enabled him to make invest
ment in land. As previously stated he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of his present farm in 1894 and four or five years afterward ex
tended its boundaries by the purchase of an additional tract of eighty acres,
so that now he has a valuable place of two hundred and forty acres, upon
which he has made many substantial improvements. He has good build
ings, modern farm machinery and good grades of stock, and the fields are
highly cultivated, bringing forth large crops annually.
Unto Air. and Airs. Van Sweringen have been born four children:
John, a farmer living in Grant township ; Grace, at home ; and Helen and
Louise, twins, also at home. Mrs. Van Sweringen is a member of the
Presbyterian church and a lady whose estimable qualities have gained her
many friends in this locahty. Air. Van Sweringen is widely and favor
ably known and his record is one which awakens admiration, for he came
to Iowa a poor man, his only capital being ambition and energy. Today
he is one of the substantial citizens of his part of the county and his life
record stands in incontrovertible proof of what may be accomplished
through determination, diligence and business honesty.

THOMAS TOMLINSON.
Thomas Tomlinson, who for a long period was closely associated with
the business interests of Clarinda, having for more than a third of a cen
tury resided here, belonged to that class of representative men who came
from foreign lands to enjoy the broader business opportunities of the new
world. He realized that success is not a matter of genius as held by some
but is rather the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable
energy and throughout his life diligence and persistency of purpose con
stituted strong forces in his advancement.
He was born in Yorkshire, England, May 31, 182S, and was his fath
er's namesake. In early life he learned the tanner's trade, to which he
served a regular apprenticeship and afterward worked along that line for

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 405
nine and a half years. He began his trade in York, England, and continued
in active connection with tanning interests of that country until he came
to America. He remained in York for five years and then removed to
Hull, England, where he established business as a tanner and currier, con
ducting his enterprise for seven years. Free trade in England, however,
limited success in his chosen field of labor, and, having seen glowing ac
counts of a place called Amity, now CoUege Springs, Iowa, he decided that
he would cross the Atlantic and seek his fortune in that eldorado of the
middle west.
Air. Tomlinson had previously wedded Miss Mary Newliam, who was a
miUiner of Hull, England, the marriage being celebrated Septeniber i8,
1855. They were the parents of four children, of whom three are still
Uving: Fred N., a resident of Clarinda; Emily Mary, now the wife of C.
N. Morris, living at .Santa Barbara, California; Henry Earnest, whose home
is in Newmarket, Iowa; and Herbert K., who died in 1908.
W^ith his wife and the four children, Mr. Tomlinson set sail for the new
world and after arriving in America five children were added to the house
hold, all born in Clarinda, namely: George W. and Charles S., who are
residents of Santa Barbara, California; Anna Alaud, the wife of M. A.
Aleagher, of Washington; Frank R., living in San Francisco, California;
and Bertha A., now the wife of Arthur Burson, of Santa Barbara, Cali
fornia. It was in September, 1864, that the family sailed for the new world and
in October reached America. They landed first at Quebec and thence made
their way to Detroit and Chicago. At both the latter places Air. Tomlinson
was robbed in the customs. He afterward made his way to St. Joseph,
Alissouri, and at that place he and another man were taken for rebel spies
and could find no place where they might shelter their famUies. At length
they found accommodation for a day, for which a charge of one hundred
and eight dollars was made. Mr. Tomlinson crossed the country to Amity,
now College Springs, Iowa, but he did not feel that the little town came
up to the representations which he had seen on paper. He found that it
contained only a few houses and a store or two. His disappointment was
great as he had used nearly all of his means in reaching his destination.
However, he turned his attention to farming but after a brief period re
moved to Clarinda. Airs. Tomlinson here proved herself a most devoted
wife and mother. She had previously learned the miUiner's trade in England
and she opened a millinery shop in Clarinda, conducting business along that
line for twenty-five years. She also carefully reared her family, which be
came a credit and honor to her name.
Mr. Tomlinson, after reaching Clarinda, worked at the tanner's trade
for some years and subsequently purchased a tannery which he conducted
for fifteen years. It was in 1866 that they came to Clarinda and, while
conducting a tannery, he also established a harness shop and on the ex
piration of a period of fifteen years he took charge of his shop, which he
managed from 1882 until 1889. He then began purchasing wool, carrying
on business in that direction until 1894, when he removed to California and

406 FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
retired. His last days were spent in that state, where he died in January,
1903. His widow still survives and resides in California at the age of
seventy-five years.
Mr. Tomlinson was a great singer and an ardent church man, be
longing to the Alethodist church. Pie sang at all gatherings of importance
in his community. In pohtics he became a republican and his musical talent
was greatly appreciated in campaign work throughout southwestern Iowa.
His influence was felt by all with whom he came in contact and through
his labors he did good at all times. As his business interests were extended,
bringing him into contact with more people his labors continued to be an
important source of good throughout the community and he is yet remem
bered by many as one whose work largely promoted the moral progress. He
stood ever for those things which are right, just and true, and his name is
honored wherever he was known but most of all where he was best known.
He was a man of extremely liberal spirit, generous almost to a fault, but of
him it might be said as it was of Goldsmith's village preacher "and e'en
his failings leaned to virtue's side." He was one of those who gave most
liberally to the Nodaway & Brownsville Branch Railroad and was one of
the most generous in his donations to the Methodist Episcopal church.
Viewed from the standpoint of worldly success, he perhaps did not give
'wisely for he sacrificed bis own interests for the pubhc welfare but the phil
osopher has said, "not the good that comes to us but the good that comes
to the world through us is the measure oi our success," and judged by this
standard Thomas Tomlinson was a most successful man.

FRED N. TOMLINSON.
From an early period in the development of Page county the name of
TomUnson has been well known here. Fred N. Tomlinson is now numbered
among the wide-awake, alert and determined business men of Clarinda,
where he is engaged in dealing in harness and saddlery and also handles
hides, furs and wool in season. He is a native of Hull, England, who in his
youthful days was brought to the new world by his parents, whose sketch
is given above. He pursued his studies in the public schools and in Clar
inda he also learned the harnessmaker's trade, which he has foUowed to
the present time. His father was the owner of a harness shop here and
the son received thorough and ample training when he quaUfied for his
present work. When his father gave up the wool business he took up the
same line of work and has been purchasing continually since. This branch
of his business brings to him a substantial return for he is an excellent
judge of good fleece.
In 1882 Mr. Tomlinson took up land in South Dakota, near Woonsoeket,
and spent six years there for the benefit of his health, devoting his time
during that period to the improvement of his property. He then returned
to Clarinda and has a two-story brick business block, which is twenty-four

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 407
by one hundred feet. He also owns a warehouse, which is built of brick
and is twenty-four by thirty-two feet. The latter is used for storing hides,
furs and wool, while the former is occupied by his harness store, in which
he carries a large line of well made goods, his sales reaching a gratifying
figure annuaUy.
On the 26th of February, 1884, Mr. Tomlinson was married to Miss
Mary Davison, of College Springs, Iowa, a daughter of George Davison,
a native of Ireland and a florist by occupation. In 1872 he came to Page
county, where he conducted a farm and is still residing in this county as
one of its respected, loyal and upright citizens. He is also a leader in the
Methodist Episcopal church. Unto Mr. and Airs. F. N. TomUnson have
been born three children: Annie Al., now the wife of O. R. Lucas, an in
surance man of St. Joseph, Alissouri ; Pearl A., residing in Lincoln, Ne
braska; and George Thomas, who is a graduate of the Clarinda high school,
now at home. He has also spent one year in college.
Mr. TomUnson is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp of Clarinda
and is a trustee of the public Ubrary. No project put forth for the benefit
of the community fails to receive his endorsement and cooperation, and
his efforts along many lines have been extremely helpful. The Methodist
Episcopal church finds in him a devoted member and active supporter. He
was reared in the atmosphere of a Christian home, early began guiding his
life by religious teachings, and for eighteen years served as a trustee of his
church. He was one of the organizers of the Clarinda Chautauqua Assem
bly, which has been of niarked educative value in the community and for
many years he was a member of the Clarinda Band, which later was called
the C. B. & Q. Band. This was the only band at the inauguration of Presi
dent Garfield that held an honorable position on that occasion and at dif
ferent times they were honored by banquets in Chicago, Burlington and
other cities. Mr. Tomlinson does not look at life from the selfish stand
point of getting all he can without rendering anything to others but realizes
his obligations to his fellowmen and to his city, state and country. He is,
therefore, neglectful of no duty of citizenship, and Clarinda has largely
profited by his enterprising and progressive spirit. The name of Tomlinson
has long been an honored one here and like his father, Fred N. TomUnson
enjoys the respect, confidence and good will of those with whom he has
been associated.

CHARLES LEE JONES, M. D.
Charles Lee Jones, physician and surgeon, practicing in Shenandoah,
is one oi the younger members of the profession but his years do not seem
any bar to his practice. He is in touch with the most modern methods
and has already won recognition of his ability which is based upon
thorough and systematic training.

408 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
He was born in Alarshalltown, Iowa, September 23, 1881, and is the
son of Charles D. and Hattie D. (Dexter) Jones, both of whom were
natives of Tama county, Iowa, for the Jones and Dexter families were
among the earliest settlers of the central part of the state. The Jones
family came from Pennsylvania to Iowa, while the Dexter family had pre
viously been residents of Ohio. The grandfather. Knight Dexter, was
for years sheriff of Tama county during the early history of that part of
the state. After his marriage Charles D. Jones settled in Marshalltown,
Iowa, where he had previously served an apprenticeship to the newspaper
business in the office of the Times-Republican. Later he removed to
Huron, South Dakota, w-here he managed and edited the Huronite for
some years, making it one oi the leading journals of that part of the state.
Subsequently he went to Sioux Falls, Soutii Dakota, and later became
owner and editor of the Argus at Cedar Falls, Iowa, publishing that paper
until about 1890, when he sold out and returned to the old home in Toledo,
Iowa. He then went upon the road, representing a printer's supply house,
and later he handled printer's ink exclusively, representing the Ullnian-
Philpott Manufacturing Company, of Cleveland, Ohio. In this capacity
he has become known to every newspaper man in the five central states
and is familiarly mentioned as "Jones, the ink man." His cordiality, con
geniality and good business qualifications have made him popular with
many patrons. He is still Uving in Toledo, Iowa, and is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He is a consistent and active member of the Methodist Epis
copal church and wherever he has gone has won a host of warm friends.
Dr. Jones, whose name introduces tbis review, was reared at home, ac
quiring his education in the public and high schools of Toledo and in the
Western College of that place prior to entering the Northern Illinois
Normal School at Dixon. After leaving that institution he secured a posi
tion as telegraph operator and relief agent wdth the Chicago & North
western Railway Company, having learned telegraphy in his early man
hood. He was thus em,ployed for three years and on resigning the posi
tion took up the study of medicine, having determined to make its practice
his life work. He read under the preceptorship of Dr. C. Al. Morford, of
Toledo, Iowa, and in the fall of 1902 he entered the Hahnemann Medical
College, oi Chicago, fro-m which institution he was graduated with the class
of 1906 on the completion of the regular four years' course. During the
time he attended lectures he also acted as nurse for eighteen months in the
nervous department of the Garfield Park Sanitarium. This gave him a
keen insight into and knowledge of all nervous diseases and the treatment
of insane patients that can only be gained from actual experience. Coming
into close contact with such patients he studied the manifestations of the
disease. Following his graduation he came to Shenandoah, where he
located, and in the three years which have since passed he has built up an
extensive and lucrative practice. He is a close and earnest student, read
ing broadly and thinking deeply and manifesting niarked ability in apply
ing his knowledge in specific cases.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 409
Dr. Jones is a member of the Page County Medical Society, of the Iowa
State Aledical Society and of the American Aledical Association and thus
keeps in close touch with the work that is being done by his fellow mem
bers of the profession. He belongs to Nishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. W.,
and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On the 20th of
May, 1908, he wedded Miss Maud Jeffers, of Wahoo, Nebraska, and they
are now well known and popular in the social circles of Shenandoah.

WILLIAAI C. FLYNN.

William C. Flynn has made good use of his opportunities and today is
classed among the representative and substantial citizens of Page county,
having been connected with its agricultural interests since 1874. A native
of [reland, he was born in County Cavan on the 12th of July, 1844, a son of
Owen and Martha (Crawford) Flynn, who were also born in Ireland.
The parents came to the United States in 1863, the family home being es
tablished in Connecticut. The climate, however, did not agree with the
father and he retumed to his native land in 1864, there passing away three
years later. The mother, after her return to Ireland, found it lonesome
without her children, who all sought the advantages offered by the new world,
and the same year in which she had accompanied her husband on his trip
back to the Emerald Isle witnessed her second arrival in the United States.
While en route for America, however, she contracted a severe cold, from the
effects of which she died a short time later.
Willianl C. Flynn, who was a young man of nineteen years when he
arrived in the United States, remained for a time in Connecticut, holding
a position in a drug store in Naugatuck for four or five years, and then he
found employment in the woolen miUs at Beacon Falls, that state. He was
thus connected for seven or eight years when, his health faUing him, he
was compelled to give up his work along this Une. He removed to St.
Louis, vvhere for a couple of years he assisted a brother, James C. Flynn,
a contractor and builder of that city.
The year 1874 witnessed his arrival in Page county, Iowa, and also
wdtnessed the beginning of his career as a farmer. For about six years
he operated a farm as a renter, and then, feeling that his experience and
economy warranted his investing in a farm of his own, in 1881 he pur
chased a tract of eighty acres, which forms the nucleus of his present hold
ings. He directed his eff'orts to general agricultural pursuits and wdth the
passing of the years he becanie very successful. In 1891 he bought another
tract of eighty acres adjoining his original purchase, so that his home farm
now consists of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land located on
section 19, Pierce towmship, and in 1902 he became the owner of one hun
dred and fift)r-four acres in Fremont towmship, this county. That his de
cision to make farming his Ufe work was a wdse one is indicated by the
fact that, although when he came here he was compelled to borrow sufficient

410 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
money with which to pay his way from St. Louis, he ranks today among the
substantial farmers and extensive landowners of his section of the county.
Air. Flynn was united in marriage, on January 2, 1880, to Aliss Alice
McAllister, of St. Louis, Missouri, where she was born and reared, and this
union has been blessed with four children, namely; Joseph, A., farming in
Pierce township; Fisk H., making his home in Oklahoma; Ralph W., liv
ing at home ; and William C, following farming near Clarinda, Iowa.
In politics Air. Flynn gives his allegiance to the republican party, but
the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, prefer
ring, as he does, to direct his entire time and attention to the conduct of his
private business interests. A man of strong integrity and purpose, he ranks
high in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen, not only because of the
gratifying degree of prosperity whicii he has attained but also by reason
of excellent traits of character and his honorable and upright manhood.

RUFUS ELMORE LEE.
Of marked activity, energetic, honest, far-seeing and public-spirited,
Rufus Elmore Lee has operated continuously in lines of business leading to
success and by the stimulus of his exertions has aroused the enterprise of
others. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, having
been both the architect and builder of his own fortune. He is now the sec
retary, treasurer and general manager of the Lee Electric Light Company,
an enterprise of marked value in the thriving city of Clarinda. He is still
a young man, his birth having occurred March 23, 1874, in Wahoo, Ne-
bra.ska. His father, James M. Lee, was a general merchant who, in 1855,
removed westward to Nebraska, becoming one of the pioneer residents of
that state. He acted as the first postmaster at Wahoo, erected the first store
building there and continued in active connection with its business enter
prise from 1869 until 1896. He died in Clarinda, August 16, 1909. He
married Sarah Al. Johnson, who survives him.
Reared in the place -of his nativity, Rufus Elmore Lee acquired his educa
tion in the public schools and when he entered the field of business it was to
acquaint himself with the electrical line, and the interests of telephone build
ing and operation. He started out at the meager salary of six dollars per
month, spending one year in Chicago, during- which time he gained com
prehensive knowledge of electrical work. He then began business for him
self, obtaining a franchise for an electric light plant at Superior, Nebraska.
He erected the plant in 1894, put it in successful operation and continued
its management until 1902. He and his brothers are still owners of the plant
and business there. He also installed the plant of the Rufus E. Lee Tele
phone Company, of which he was the president, but after a year he sold out
to the Nebraska Telephone Company. However, he was retained as local
and district manager for some time, conducting that line of work in con
nection with the management of the Superior Electric Light Plant until

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 411
1901, when he came to Clarinda and secured a franchise for a lighting plant
here in 1902. He was associated in this enterprise with his brother and
they built and carried on the plant, the partnership being between Rufus Lee
and J. Ren Lee. This relation existed until February, 1905, when they in
corporated the business, a new franchise being granted them in that year.
Since that time they have operated under the name of Lee Electric Light
Company with J. Ren Lee as president of the company, L. W. Lewis as
vice president and Rufus E. Lee secretary, treasurer and general man
ager. The last named built and operated the plant and is conducting a
profitable business. The company now has many subscribers and its pa
tronage is constantly increasing because of the excellence of service rendered
to the public.
In Superior, Nebraska, on the 4th of November, 1895, Mr. Lee was
united in marriage to Miss Fielen Aladolyn CoUette, of that place, a daugh
ter of EU and Louise CoUette, the former a farmer and merchant. In 1902
Mr. and Airs. Lee removed to Clarinda, where they now occupy a pleasant
home, together with their two daughters, Beatrice Sadie and Helen Madolyn.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Lee was
at one time a trustee. In his business he is known for his enterprise and
unfaltering integrity and his well defined labor has brought him substan
tial success. An analyzation of his life work indicates the possession of
many sterUng traits of character which have commended him to the con
fidence, trust and good will of his fellowmen. In business life he repre
sents an important modern feature that is figuring most largely in trade,
manufacture and transportation as well as in illumination, and his progres
sive spirit has enabled him to give to the public valuable service, while at
the same time he is promoting his individual prosperity.

EDWARD LUKE, Al. D.
Dr. Edward Luke, one of the leading -physicians of Page county, has
been successfuUy engaged in practice at Coin since the 1st of Alarch, 1905.
His birth occurred at Danville, Illinois, on the loth of December, 1874,
his parents being Charles and Caroline (Kohler) Luke, both of whom
were natives of Germany, the former born in Berlin and the latter in
Saxony. Their marriage was celebrated in the United States, however.
The father carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his active
business career, meeting with a gratifying measure of prosperity in his
undertakings. His family numbered five children, namely: Charles F.,
now a resident of Seneca, Missouri ; Henry and George, both of whom
live in Danville, lUinois ; Alary, the wife of David Williams, of Olathe,
Colorado ; and Edward, of this review.
The last named obtained his early education in the district schools of
his native city, then spent four years in the Danville high school and sub
sequently pursued a select course in the Illinois State Normal School, giving

412 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
special attention to all studies bearing upon the science of medicine. He
afterward entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago,
Illinois, and after receiving his diploma served for one year as externe in
the Augustana Hospital at Chicago. Fle then spent a year at the Soldiers
National Home in Danville, Illinois, and on the 1st of March, 1905, located
for practice at Coin, Iowa, where he has remained continuously since, his
skill and ability in the line of his chosen profession having won him an
extensive and lucrative practice.
On the 26tli of April, 1905, Dr. Luke was united in marriage to Miss
Delia Johnson, a daughter of Henry and Anna Johnson, of Monroe City,
Missouri, where the father is a well knovvn contractor. Air. and Mrs.
Johnson have four children : Ralph, Carl, May and Delia. Unto Dr. and
Mrs. Luke has been born a son, Charles Daniel, who first opened his eyes
to the light oi day on the 4th oi October, 1907.
Dr. Luke gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the
republican party and is at present serving as health officer of Lincoln town
ship. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fel
lows and the Alodern AA'oodmen of America at Coin, while his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Alethodist Episcopal church at
that place, with wdiich his wife is also identified He is conscientious and
faithful in the discharge of his professional duties and in his practice con
forms closely to a high standard oi professional ethics.

THOMAS G. H. PORTER.
Thomas G. H. Porter, who owns a valuable farm on section 32,
Pierce township, is numbered aniong the native sons of Page county, Iowa,
his birth occurring in Grant township on the 2d of April, 1867. He is a
son of John F. M. and Sarah Jane (Jordan) Porter, the former a native
of Cabell county. West Virginia, and the latter of Tippecanoe county, In
diana. The father, who was born on the 20th of January, 1832, was one
of the extensive and well known landowners of Page county, where he still
makes his home, being one of the oldest residents of this county. He has
now reached the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and is still well
preserved. Extended mention of him is made on another page of this
volume. Our subject is one of a family of five children, the others being:
Julia C, the wife of George Maxwell, of Grant township ; John C, also of
Grant township ; William, who resides in Essex, Page county ; and one who
has passed away.
Thomas G. H. Porter was reared on the home farm and acquired his
education in the common schools, receiving good training in the various
branches of English learning. He reniained at home, assisting his father,
until he had almost attained his majority, when he removed to the farm upon
which he now resides, consisting of tw-o hundred and forty acres on section
32, Pierce tovv'nship, which had been deeded to him by his father in 1S85.

THOiLlS G. H. PORTER AND FAiHLY

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 415
It is an exceUent piece of property, naturally rich and fertile, and upon
the place Mr. Porter has introduced all of the modern conveniences and ac
cessories that go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. The
fields are highly cultivated and each autumn return golden harvests which
are a source of gratifying remuneration. For a period of several years,
however, Mr. Porter rented his farm though he continued to live thereon, but
is now engaged in its operation.
For a few years after his removal to his present place Mr. Porter re
sided upon his farm alone, and then, on the 1st of June, 1894, he chose as a
companion and helpmeet Miss Jessie Porter, of Wamic, Oregon, whose
acquaintance he had made while on one of his trips to that state. Unto
this union have been born two children, Dewey D. and Dora E. Mr. Por
ter has also taken into his home three children of his wife's sister, whose
guardian he has been appointed, namely : Cyril, Wesley and Fount Goff, and
he has but recently returned from Oregon wdth four children of another
sister of his wife.
Republican in his politics, Mr. Porter gives stalwart allegiance to that
party, doing all in his power to further its influence in the community,
although he is not a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is serving
his third term as a member of the school board, the cause of education find
ing in him a warm champion, and he gives his influence to all matters which
have for their object the improvement, progress and upbuilding of the com
munity. Having spent his entire life in Page county, he has gained an ex
tensive circle of friends, and that he is most liked and respected where best
known is indicative of the fact that his salient characteristics are such as
have won the honor, esteem and good will of his fellowmen, while the pros
perity which he today enjoys ranks him among the substantial and success
ful agriculturists of Pierce townstilp.

C. G. PETERSON.

Each race has its own characteristics and throughout the world the
sons of Sweden are known as men of industry and reliability. From
that land came C. G. Peterson, now living on section 8, Tarkio township.
He was born in .Sweden, July 28, 1855, a son of Peter J. and Anna Skar-
strom. The parents came to the United States in 1873' and took up their
abode on section 28, Fremont township, Page county, Iowa, the father
at that time purchasing forty acres of land to which he afterward added
a tract of similar extent as his financial resources made further invest
ment possible. He then carried on his farm work upon that place until
his life's labors were ended in death, about 1897. His wife survived him
for more than a decade, passing away in the spring of 1908.
C. G. Peterson, whose name introduces this record, was educated in the
schools of Sweden and was eighteen years of age when the famUy crossed
the briny deep. The following year he started out to earn his own liveli-

416 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
hood, being employed the first year as a farm hand at a wage of seventeen
dollars a month. He devoted ten years to farm labor and then began
farming on his ovvn account, renting land. For two years he cultivated
the Russell farm in Fremont tovvnship and in the fall of 18S5 he purchased
eighty acres of his present farm. In the spring of 1886 he removed to
this place and has since purchased two other forty acre tracts, so that -he
is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. This farm he has care
fully cultivated until it is novv a valuable property, well equipped with
modern conveniences, while the latest improved machinery is used to facili
tate the work of the fields. That he is prosperous is indicated in the fact
that in 1908 he made further investment in property, becoming owner of
two hundred and forty acres of land in Kingsbury county. South Dakota.
He carried on general farming and the neat and thrifty appearance of his
place indicates that his labors are so directed that he is meeting with sub
stantial success.
On the 3d of November, 1886, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage
to Miss Selma C. Strom, who was then living in Tarkio township. She
had been brought to this country from Sweden when four years of age
by her parents and had been carefully trained in the duties of the house
hold through her girlhood days, so that she vvas well equipped to take
charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage. LTnto Air. and
Mrs. Peterson have been born four children, of whom three are living:
Herbert P., who is attending the Western Normal College at Shenandoah ;
Martin and Gilbert. The sons are all at home and assist in the cultivation
of the farm. Their father's example may well serve as a stimulus to them,
showing what may be accomplished by persistent, earnest effort.
Mr. Peterson is a republican and, keeping well informed on the ques
tions and issues of the day, is able to support his position by inteUigent
argument. He has served as road supervisor and favors the care and im
provement of the public highways. He has also been school director and
is a champion of progressive education He appreciates the opportunities
which the new world aft'orded him for advancement and is loyal in his
allegiance to his adopted land where, unhampered by caste or class labor
and energy may win its legitimate reward.

ED HAKES.

Ed Hakes is one of the extensive farmers of Page county, engaged in the
cultivation of nine hundred and sixty acres of land, most of which Ues in
Nebraska township. In all of his business affairs he displays"keen discern
ment and undaunted enterprise, combined with the spirit of determination
which ultimately overcomes all obstacles and leads to success.
He is one of the county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Noda
way township, November 27, i860. His parents were Fienry Harrison and
Anna (Palmer) Hakes, and the father, now a retired farnier of Clarinda,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 417
was one of the pioneer settlers of the county. He was born in Onondaga
county, New AA'ork, June 25, 1830, and was a son of Nathan Hakes, a native
of Albany, New York, and a grandson of Albert Hakes, a native of England.
Coming to this country he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and
his son, Nathan Hakes, was a soldier in the vvar of 1812. The latter mar
ried Alargaret Bush, who was born at Greenbush, New York, about four
miles from Albany, and was of German lineage. Unto Nathan Hakes and
his wife were born ten children, of whom Henry was the youngest. He
was a lad of four years when the family became residents of Delaware
county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. His mother died when he
was twelve years of age and Nathan Hakes passed away in Seneca county,
Ohio, at the age of seventy-two years.
Henry H. Hakes was reared to farm life, receiving ample training in
the work of the fields, although his educational opportunities were limited
to three months attendance at school. Experience, however, has brought
him many valuable lessons, and reading in his leisure moments has also
greatly broadened his knowledge. During the period of his youth Dela
ware county, Ohio, was a wild and unsettled region, in which the residents
had to employ every available means at hand to secure the comforts of life
that were not purchasable as there were no near-by markets nor would the
financial resources of the family have permitted their obtaining such by
purchase. He therefore learned to best employ his time, his talents and his
opportunities and thus qualify for the experiences of pioneer life in Iowa.
He was married November 27, 1852, to Anna Palmer, a native of Rich
land county, Ohio, and a daughter of William P. Palmer, a native of Eng
land. Her mother bore the maiden name of Hannah Rose and she, too, was
of Pmglish birth. They came to America on a sailing ship, which vvas nine
weeks and five days in completing the voyage. Through adverse winds it
drifted to Cuba but finally landed in New York. They had three children
who were bom in the old country and one, an infant, died while on ship
board. Four others were added to the family here. The children were :
Mary, Elizabeth, Katharine, Louisa, Sarah and Anna, all of whom mar
ried, reared famiUes and became well-to-do. All established homes in Iowa
in the '50s.
In 1857 Henry H. Hakes started with horses and wagon for Iowa and
was thus one month in completing the journey, reaching his destination with
a cash capital of but eighty-five cents. He settled on a ten acre tract of land,
where he built a box house and five years later he purchased sixty acres of
James Reed, thereon making his home for two years. After selling that
property he bought an improved farm of thirty acres, whicii he sold four
years later, and took up his abode on section 28, Nodaway township. There
he first bought forty acres of wild land, upon which he built a box house, but
as the years passed he added modern and substantial improvements and also
extended the boundaries of his farm until it comprised four hundred acres
of rich and productive land. The place is well adapted to stock raising
and in that branch of business Mr. Hakes was very successful. In 1870,
at the cost of twenty-two hundred dollars, he erected a fine residence on an

418 FIISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
excellent building site, commanding a wide view of the surrounding coun
try. His bams and sheds also furnish ample shelter for stock and grain,
and altogether the Hakes farm presented the appearance which results from
careful management and progressive ideas. For a long period Mr. Hakes
continued to successfully engage in general agricultural pursuits and stock
raising and then retired from business life, taking up his abode in Clar
inda, where he now resides. His wife, who was born October 4, 1836, died
in 1895. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hakes were born five children: Alice,
the wife of J. M. Peterman, of Taylor county; William, who is living in
Shambaugh, Iowa; Ed, of this review; Charles, a resident of Clarinda;
and Ida, the wife of F. E. Fox, of Clarinda. The father gave to his chil
dren liberal educational advantages for he realized from his own lack what
is the value of educational training. He cast his first vote for Salmon P.
Chase, the free soil candidate for governor of Ohio, voted for Lincoln twice
and for Grant in 1868 and afterward supported Peter Cooper for the
presidency. In local matters he has been quite active, serving as township
trustee for several years in a creditable manner. Fle belonged to Clar
inda Lodge, No. 109, I. O. O. F., and also to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He is now one of the venerable citizens of the county, honored
and respected for the upright life which he has ever lived.
Ed Hakes, whose name introduces this review, has alvvays resided in the
county and in his youthful days he acquired his education in the public
schools. Through the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the
fields and continued to carry on farming with his father until 1892, when
he married and with his bride went to a farm of his own. He took up his
abode in Nebraska township, where he has since lived, and he is now cul
tivating nine hundred and sixty acres, of which one hundred and sixty acres
belongs to his wife, while the remainder of the property is in his own name.
Two hundred and forty acres of this lies in Dallas township, Taylor county,
while the other is all in Nebraska township. This tract is divided into six
separate farms though all adjoin with the exception of one, which is a half
mile away. This land borders the village of Hawleyville, where Mr. Hakes
resides. Pie carries on general farming and stock raising, the feeding of
hogs and cattle being the main feature in his business. However, he also
raises Percheron and road horses and is the owner of the fine Percheron
stallion Rhodus. As a live-stock dealer he as won success for he is an ex
cellent judge of farm animals and is, therefore, able to make judicious in
vestments and profitable sales. He likewise owns a store building in Haw
leyville and his property has been gained entirely through his own efforts.
He carefully considers a situation before he passes judgment upon it, is
watchful of all the details pointing to success, and in the years which have
come and gone he has won a creditable measure of prosperity.
In Alarch, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hakes and Miss
Mary Spaulding, who was bom in Page county, September 19, 1870, and is
a daughter of E. J. and Mary E. (Jackson) Spaulding, natives of New York
and Indiana, respectively. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hakes have now been
blessed with two children, Harry and Harold, aged respectively sixteen and

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 419
four years. The family home is a hospitable one and is a favorite resort with
their many friends. Air. Hakes votes with the democracy at the present
time although he cast his first vote for Benjamin Harrison. He has served
on the township board for two terms and as a public-spirited citizen is in
terested in all measures and movements relating to the general good.

J. A. EKEROTH.

The success which is the result of earnest, persistent effort, intelligently
directed, has come to J. A. Ekeroth, who is now the cashier of the Farmers
Savings Bank of Essex. Thrown upon his own resources at the age of sev
enteen years and having the added responsibility of aiding in the support
of the family, he resolutely set to work to meet the obligations that devolved
upon him and has come oft' victor in the strife. He was born in Sweden
on the 2d of April, 1856, his parents being C. J. and Anna M. Ekeroth, who
came to the United States in 1868 and for two years resided at Andover,
Illinois. During that time the father worked on the construction of the
Burlington Railroad in Iowa and in 1870 removed to Page county, where he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Fremont township. On
this he took up his abode and made it his home until his death, which
occurred in December, 1874. He had been on the farm but four years at
the time of his demise and had made but one payment on the land. The
year of his death the first crop of any consequence was harvested, forty
acres of wheat yielding over one thousand bushels, but all that could be
spared beyond that which was needed above the actual necessities of the
family was sold to pay doctor bills.
J. A. Ekeroth was then a youth of seventeen years and, being the eldest
of the family, on him fell the burden of taking care of the family and
operating the farm. On the settlement of the estate four or five years later,
J. A. Ekeroth and his brother, C. G. Ekeroth, purchased the farm, each tak
ing eighty acres, and upon that tract of land the subject of this review
continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until 1888. In the
meantime he had become interested and active in politics and in that year he
was elected to the office of county recorder, in "which position he discharged
his duties so promptly and capably that he was reelected and filled the posi
tion for three successive terms. During this period he purchased his broth
er's half of the home farm and added to his holdings until he now owns
three hundred and sixty acres of land in one body and also two hundred and
sixty acres in .South Dakota. He was prompt and efficient in discharging
the duties of his position and retired from the office in January, 1895, as he
had entered it — with the confidence and good will of all concerned.
Mr. Ekeroth then formed a partnership with William Orr in the insur
ance, real estate and loan business, having charge of that department of their
business, while Mr. Orr looked after their legal interests. Three months
later, however, Mr. Ekeroth was offered a position in the Commercial Bank

420 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
of Essex, which he accepted, and withdrew from the partnership with Mr.
Orr. He remained with the Commercial Bank for nine years but in 1904
he resigned his position and took a trip to his native country, spending three
months in Europe. On the expiration of that period he returned to Essex
and for two years was engaged in the real estate and insurance business.
In the fall of 1906 the subject of establishing a new bank in Essex was
agitated and he became one of the active spirits in the organization of the
new financial institution, which on the 5th of January, 1907, opened its doors
for business with Mr. Ekeroth in the position of cashier, in which capacity
he has since served. The success of the institution is largely due to him for
his previous banking experience well qualified him in this connection. He
is a popular official, always courteous and obliging, looking carefully after
the interests of the bank and of its patrons as w-ell.
In 1878 Air. Ekeroth was united in marriage to Miss Tillie E. Ander
son, of Fremont township but a native of Sweden, and unto them have been
born three children : Ellen E., the wife of Alfred Sar, a clothing merchant
of Essex; Alartin P., a lumber merchant of Wakefield, Nebraska; and Mabel
C, at home. The parents are meinbers of the Lutheran church, in the work of
which they are actively and helpfuUy interested. Air. Ekeroth having served
as one of the churcli trustees for the past twelve years. In politics he is a
republican, recognized as a local leader in the ranks oi the party, for at
all times he is a stalwart champion of whatever he believes to be right, whether
in political connections or in other relations of life. He is a man of marked
enterprise and forceful character, who has made for himself a creditable
name during the long years of his residence in Page county.

ALLEN DAVISON.

Allen Davison, who devotes his time and energies to the pursuits of farm
ing and stock-raising on an extensive scale, was born in Taylor county,
Iowa, February 2, 1866, his parents being Pleasant and Margaret Jane
(Ferguson) Davison, both of whom were natives of Missouri. The pa
ternal grandfather, Samuel Davison, was born in Kentucky, while WUliam
Henry Ferguson, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of
A^irginia. Pleasant Davison, the father of AUen Davison, was an agricul
turist by occupation and throughout his entire business career was success
fully engaged in the work of general farming and the raising and feeding
of stock.- In politics he was a stanch republican, always casting his ballot
in support of the men and measures of that party. He was called to his
final rest in 1880,, his demise occurring on his farm in Page county, but
is still survived by his widow, who resides at the corner of East Main and
Twelfth streets in Clarinda. Unto this worthy couple were bom seven sons
and two daughters, as foUows : Charles and Edward, who follow farming
in Page county; AUen, of this review; Clark, who is also engaged in agri
cultural pursuits in this county ; Henry, who is deceased ; Lawrence, Ukewise

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 421
a farmer of Page county; Fiarry, a resident of Clarinda; Airs. Clara Nelson,
whose husband is engaged in the butchering business at Clarinda; and
Mrs. Jennie Dow, whose husband is a farmer of this county.
In his childhood days Allen Davison accompanied his parents on their
removal to Page county and here obtained his education as a pupil in the
Thompson school. When not busy with his text-books he assisted in the
work of the home farm and on leaving school at the age of eighteen years
he gave his entire attention to the cultivation of his father's property, which
was located five miles southeast of Clarinda, on sections i6 and 21. When
twenty-one years of age he bought a tract of eighty acres adjoining the old
home farm and there carried on agricultural pursuits for eight years, during
which period he added to his landed holdings by an additional purchase of
one hundred and twenty acres. Subsequently he traded his eighty-acre farm
for a tract of similar size in Taylor county, where he made his home for a
year and then spent two years on a farm of one hundred and forty acres in
Buchanan townsship, which he had purchased. On the expiration of that
period he took up his abode on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres near
Clarinda, where he remained for three years, in the meantime disposing of
both his eighty-acre farm and his place of one hundred and twenty acres.
He also sold his farm of one hundred and forty acres and afterward bought
two hundred and forty acres of land east of Clarinda, extending the boun
daries of this place by additional purchase until it comprised two hundred
and ninety-five acres. He afterward disposed of his farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, then bought another tract of one hundred and sixty acres one mile
south of Clarinda and subsequently purchased more land adjoining. He then
traded his farm of two hundred and forty acres for one of one hundred and
sixty acres three miles south of Clarinda, which he later sold. He now owns
all of section 12, with the exception of eighty acres, and also has six hundred
acres in Oklahoma. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to
soil and cUmate he is extensively engaged in buying, feeding and shipping
horses and cattle and both branches of his business return to him a most
gratifying annual income. His substantial and commodious barn has a
capacity oi two hundred tons of hay, two thousand bushels of shelled corn
and two thousand bushels of oats and there are stalls for sixty-two horses.
In 1907 he sold sixty head of horses for two hundred and fifty dollars a
head, that being the world's record for that number of horses sold at one time.
In 1908 he sold sixty head for two hundred and twenty-five dollars each,
and 1909 the same number for the same amount. A man of keen discrimina
tion, unremitting energy and sound judgment, he has won a large degree
of prosperity in his undertakings and has long been numbered among the
substantial, enterprising and leading agriculturists and stock raisers of the
county. On the I Sth of February, 1886, in Clarinda, Mr. Davison was united
in marriage to Aliss Minie Rose Brooks, who was born in Page county, her
parents being J. C. and Phoebe (Arnold) Brooks, the former a native
of England and the latter of Ohio. Unto Air. and Airs. Brooks were born

422 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
six sons and four daughters, namely Tom, who is now deceased; Mrs.
Clara Davison, whose husband follows farming in this county; Nora, who
has also passed away ; Mrs. Minie Rose Davison ; Willis, an agriculturist of
Taylor county; Smith and Rome, who are engaged in farming in Page
county; Arthur, who is deceased; Albert, an agriculturist of this county;
and Mrs. NeUie Carmichael, whose husband is likewise a farmer of Page
county. Mr. and Mrs. Davison have a daughter, Essie Pearl, who is now
pursuing the classical course in Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois.
Mr. Davison gives his political allegiance to the repubUcan party but
has no desire for the honors and emoluments of office. Both he and his
wife are widely and favorably known throughout the community, having
won the unqualified confidence and regard of all with whom they have come
in contact.

HARRY E. EATON.

Harry E. Eaton is a western man by birth, training and preference and
the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the dominant factor
in the upbuilding oi the middle west is strong within him. He is today
the secretary and treasurer of the Henry Field Seed Company of Shen
andoah, Iowa, and is also a member of the Iowa State Board of Phar
macy. His birth occurred in Newton, Jasper county, this state, on the 25th
of July, 1867, his parents being Fred A. and Carrie (Hodges) Eaton,
who were natives of Vermont and Ohio, respectively. The father came
into Ohio as a young man and there met and married Miss Hodges. He
remained in that state until 1856, when he removed westward to Jasper
county, Iowa, with his wife and one child. There he resided on a farm
for a half century and was one of the well known and successful stock buy
ers of that section of the state. He was also active and pro^minent in com
munity affairs and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability,
elected him to the office of county recorder, in which he served for two
consecutive terms. On the expiration of the last term, having then reached
the age of seventy-six years, he retired from active life but is still living
in Newton, a most honored- and respected citizen of eighty years. His
wife has reached the age of seventy-six years. They are consistent and de
voted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and they shape their
lives according to its teachings. Mr. Eaton is also prominent in Alasonry,
having attained the Knight Templar degree.
Harry E. Eaton was reared at home, acquiring his education in the
Newton public schools and in the Iowa State University at Iowa City. He
was graduated from the phannaceutical department with the degree of
Ph. G., with the class oi 1892 and then accepted a position as pharmacist
in Essex, Iowa, where he remained for six years. He had been in Essex
for two years prior to entering coUege and after remaining there for four

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 423
years following his graduation he went to Denver, where he purchased a
drug store. As the city was then in the throes of a financial panic he sold
out after six months and returned to Essex, Iowa, where he purchased the
drug store in which he had formerly served as pharmacist. He then con
ducted the business for eleven years and at length severed his connection
with the enterprise because of ill health. In 1907 he came to Shenandoah
to give his attention to the seed business, having formerly acquired an
interest in the Fienry Field Seed Company and before he sold his drug
store he had been elected secretary and treasurer of the company. To this
company he is now giving his energies with good results, his enterprise
and progressive spirit proving effective forces in the growth of the com^
pany's business. In November, 1908, his duties were further augmented
through an appointment to fill a vacancy as a member of the state board
of pharmacy, in which official capacity he is now serving.
On the 5th of October, 1898, Mr. Eaton was married to Aliss Martha
Field, oi Shenandoah, and they have one son, Robert Bruce. Mr. Eaton
belongs to Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, F & A. Al. ; to Sheshbazzar Chapter,
No. 82, R. A. M., Bruce Commandery, No. 34, K. T., of Red Oak, Iowa ;
Des Moines Consistory, Xo. 3, A. & A. S. R. ; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A.
A. O. N. Al. S., of Des Moines. He likewise belongs to Shenandoah Lodge,
No. 1 122, B. P. O. E. ; to Juanita Lodge, No. 295, K. P. ; and Page Camp,
No. 1049, ^- ^^'- A- Plis reUgious faith is indicated by his membership
in the Presbyterian church and while in Essex he was for years a member
of the official board and treasurer of the church. He is now widely known
in Page county as a representative and progressive citizen who in all bus
iness relations has enjoyed the confidence and trust of his fellowmen and
in all social relations their high regard and warm esteem.

DANIEL B. GOODMAN.
A complete history oi the county records not only the lives of those who
are now managing the machinery of government or pushing forward the
wheels of progress, but those wdio have at any time been active factors in the
Hfe of the community. In this connection specific mention should be made
of Daniel B. Goodman, vvho for many years was a resident and leading
farmer of Nebraska tovvnship, there residing to the time of his death, which
occurred September i, 1908. He was born in Andrew county, Missouri,
April I, 1844, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (KUngelsmith) Goodman.
His youthful days were quietly passed and when ten years of age he
accompanied his brothers on their removal to Hawleyville, Iowa. In his
youthful days he assisted his brothers in a blacksmith shop at Savannah, Mis
souri, and later at Hawleyville, remaining with them until seventeen years
of age. In the meantime he had secured a fair education in the common
schools £md in 1861 in response to an early call for troops to aid in crushing
out rebellion in the south, he offered his services to the government and en-

424 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
listed as a member of the First Nebraska A'^olunteer Infantry. Pie was as
signed to duty with conipany F and accompanied his regiment to Omaha.
His war record is varied and extensive, for through the period of hostiUties
he remained at the front and was on active duty in many of the more impor
tant campaigns. VA^hile the regiment was quartered at Georgetown, Alissouri,
its niembers went out about twenty miles to the west and captured about a
thousand rebels, who were on their way to join General Price. This oc
curred about the ist of December, 1861. From Georgetown the troops pro
ceeded to Fort Henry and participated in the capture of that Confederate
stronghold. Subsequently they participated in the battle of Fort Donelson
and during the succeeding three vi'eeks were stationed at Fort Henry, Air.
Goodman and his conipany taking part in the battle of Pittsburg Landing on
the 7th of April, 1862. He was also in the battle of Shiloh under General
Lew AA'allace and participated in the engagement at Cape Girardeau, Alis
souri, with the opposing- army under rebel General Alarmaduke, who had
come there to capture the place. This occurred on the 26th of April, 1863,
The Confederate officer, however, did not succeed in carrying out his plans
and as he retreated the Union troops followed him for one hundred miles to
Chalk Bluff, fighting almost day and night. In addition to the battles already
mentioned ATr. Goodman participated in various skirmishes and figured in not
a few remarkable episodes. Fle enlisted June 18, 1861, only about a month
after Fort Sumter was fired upon, and, having veteranized, remained at the
front until honorably discharged December 28, 1865. He was never away
from his command nor was he on the sick list until he suffered an attack of
rheumatism at Julesburg, Colorado, in April, 1865. The time of his service
altogether was four years, six months and ten days, while his regiment served
for a few days over five years. During the skirmish at Batesville, Arkansas,
AprU 7, 1864, Air. Goodman was taken prisoner but was paroled three hours
later. Previous to his release, however. Captain ReUeford ordered him blind
folded and shot and took one hundred and twenty-three dollars in money
from him. Before the time for the execution came, however, his parole was
granted but this circumstance made liberty much sweeter to him than it had
ever been before, and what the object of the order vvas he could never ascer
tain. Not long after this Air. Goodman w-as given a furlough of thirty days
during vvhich time he returned to his home and on its expiration rejoined
his regiment at Omaha, Nebraska. Thus he was sent to guard the western
frontier and he witnessed the execution of the Sioux chief. Two Face, who
was trying to sell a white woman, whose husband and child he had killed, the
Indian wishing to exchange the woman for seventeen horses. After more
than four and a half years of active military duty Air. Goodman was honor
ably discharged December 28, 1865.
After the war he devoted three years to blacksmithing in connection with
his brothers and then established a home oi his own by his marriage and
turned his attention to farming. It was on the 6th oi February, 1869, that
he wedded Aliss Alatilda Jane Collier, a daughter of A. AI. and Nancy (Asul)
Collier. Airs. Goodman was born in a log house on the bank of the river in
HawleyviUe, August 23, 1852, and so far as known, was the first white child

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 425
whose birth occurred in the viUage. Here she has always resided and her
clear memory makes her an authority upon events of importance connected
with this part of the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goodman were born four
children : Clyde, deceased ; two who cHed in infancy ; and Birdie Ina, who on
the 20th of March, 1895, became the wife oi MarshaU Owen. They took
up their a'oode vvith her parents and continue to reside with Mrs. Goodman.
They have three children, Helene Ethel, Hobart, Goodman and Hildred
Lillian. Alter his marriage Mr. Goodman resided upon a farm which was a gift
to his wdfe from her parents. As the years passed by and he prospered in
his undertakings, he added to the original tract of forty acres and developed
and improved one of the best farms in tlie community, bringing his fields
under a high state of cultivation and adding many modern improvements
thereto. He owmed two hundred and fifty acres of land when he died and
also had an interest in a store at HawleyviUe, his widow yet owning the same
interest. In his political views Mr. Goodman was a stalwart republican, interested
in the party and delighting in its success. He belonged to AVarren Post,
No. II, G. A. R., also to the Orphans Hope Lodge, No. 25, I. O. O F. In
the latter organization he filled all of the chairs and for over twenty years
was treasurer of the lodge, filling that position at the time of his demise.
AVhile he did not seek to figure prominently in public affairs his Ufe was one
of signal usefulness and a benefit to the community, and his death was the
occasion of wide spread regret because of the place which he had won for
himself in the affectionate regard of the citizens of HawleyviUe and his part
of the county.

J. A. SWANSON.

J. A. Swanson is a prominent and successful representative of the financial
interests of Page county, being the cashier and manager of the Farmers
Savings Bank at Hepburn. His birth occurred in Henry county, Illinois,
on the 29th of April, 1S69, his parents being Jonas and Christina Swanson,
both of whom were natives of Sweden. On emigrating to the United States
in 1854 they first took up their abode in Illinois, in which state they continued
lo reside until 1871, when they came to Page county, Iowa. The father
purchased a tract of land in Douglas township, this county, where he made
his home until called to his final rest in 1905, becoming widely recognized
as a most prosperous agriculturist and enterprising citizen of his community.
The mother, who has now attained the age of seventy-four years, still sur
vives and lives in the village of Hepburn.
J. A. Swanson completed his education at Shenandoah, Iowa, and re
mained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age. He then took
up the study of telegraphy and was busily engaged as an operator for a
period of sixteen years. At the end of that time he organized the Farmers

426 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Savings Bank at Hepburn, Iowa, and is now serving as cashier and mana
ger of the institution. He is a man of keen discrimination, sound judgment
and excellent executive ability and the success which has attended the bank
is attributable in no small degree to his efforts. In addition to his banking
interests he also has extensive landed holdings, owning one hundred and
sixty acres on section 27, Douglas towmship, eighty acres on section 9, Val
ley township, and a half interest in two hundred acres on sections 16 and 20,
Valley township. He also has a fine residence in Hepburn, where he makes
his home, and has gained wide and favorable recognition as one of the lead
ing and substantial citizens of the county.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Swanson chose
Miss Belle Alurphy, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Warren and
EUzabeth Murphy, who are now living in St. Joseph, that state. Mrs. Swan
son was one of a family of five children bom to her parents and by her
marriage has become the mother of a daughter, Alerle.
In his political views Mr. Swanson is an unfaltering repubUcan but
has no desire for the honors nor emoluments of office, preferring to give his
undivided attention to his private business affairs. He belongs to the Odd
Fellows Lodge, No. 482, at Flepburn, in which he has filled all of the chairs.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian
church, with which his wife is also identified. He is interested in all that
pertains to the county's progress and upbuilding, and his cooperation is given
to many measures calculated to promote the general welfare.

DAVID FRIEDMAN.

The growth and prosperity of a community does not depend upon its
machinery of govemment or even upon the men who fiU its public offices —
although these are both factors in the general welfare — but rather upon the
men who are active in business circles, in which connection David Friedman
is well known, being the popular and enterprising proprietor of a clothing
and men's furnishing goods store in Clarinda. He dates his residence in
Page county since 1884, having come from Chicago. He is, however, a
native of Austria, where he spent the first thirteen years of his life and then
made the long voyage across the Atlantic to the United States. He had
been a pupil in private educational institutions of Germany and he completed
his education in night schools in America, remaining for a year in New York.
It was in 1870 that he arrived on the shores of the new world and in the
fall of 1 87 1 he went to Pittsburg. While in the eastern metropolis he ped
dled collar buttons on Broadway but, though his start in business Ufe was a
humble one, he was ambitious and eagerly embraced every opportunity for
advancement. After going to Pittsburg he became stock keeper in a whole
sale clothing house but investigations into business conditions of the country
convinced him that still better opportunities were to be enjoyed in the middle
west and accordingly he made his way to Chicago, where he became con-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 427
nected with the Morris Clothing Company, his association with that house
covering ten years. Later he was with Willoughby Hill & Company for
three years and from Chicago he came to Clarinda in 1884.
Here Mr. Friedman entered business as a member of the firm of P. H.
Friend & Company and after three years spent in that way purchased the in
terest of Mr. Friend and has since carried on business alone as a dealer in
clothing, men's furnishings and shoes. From the beginning he has prospered,
his trade constantly increasing with the growth of this part of the state,
his reUable business methods commending him to the confidence and sup
port of the general public. His success is indicated in the fact that he has
erected a three-story pressed brick buUding, twenty-five by one hundred and
thirty feet, which is one of the finest business blocks in the city of Clarinda.
He carries a large and well selected line of goods adequate to the demands
of varied tastes and his earnest desire to please his patrons, together with his
reliability in all mercantile transactions, has brought him a gratifying meas
ure of prosperity.
On the 31st of January, 18S3, in Mendota, Illinois, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Friedman and Miss Lena Friend, a daughter of Abraham
Friend, a money broker of that place. They have become parents of three
children : Rae H., now the wife of Max Kaufman, a merchant of Dubuque,
Iowa; Florence, who is a student in Tarkio College of Missouri ; and Maurice,
who is attending school in Clarinda.
Mr. Friedman has never sought or desired pubHc office, preferring to con
centrate his energies upon his business affairs, and yet he is not remiss in the
duties of citizenship nor does he hesitate to support the measures or move
ments which he deems will prove of general good. FraternaUy he is both a
Mason and a Knight of Pythias and has the genuine regard of many friends
whom he has made in those orders.

J. A. LAWSON.

J. A. Lawson, carrying on general farming and stock-raising is one of
the self-made men of Page county who through his own labors has reached
a creditable financial position, being now the owner of one hundred and
sixty acres of valuable and productive farming land. He was bom in Val
ley township on the 5th of December, 1864, a son of John and Mary A.
(Wiseman) Lawson, natives of North CaroUna and Illinois respectively.
The father came to Page county in the early '50s and was numbered aijiong
the pioneer settlers of this district. He entered a homestead claim upon which
he built a log cabin, and here he resided for some twenty-five years. He and
his wife were the parents of seven children, as follows : Isaac, residing in
Kansas ; Henry, making his home in Valley township ; Mattie, deceased ;
CaroUne, also deceased ; J. A., of this review ; WilUam, also of Valley town
ship; and W. J., a resident of Nebraska. The parents are both deceased,

428 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the father passing away April 27, 1886, while the mother survived until the
loth of Alay, 1907.
In the common schools of his native township J. A. Lawson acquired
his education which, however, was somewhat limited, as the greater part
of his time was devoted to assisting his father in the work of the farm.
He remained at home until thirty years of age, when he laid the foundation
for a happy home life of his own in his inarriage to Mrs. M. E. Stephenson,
who was born in Sweden on the 26th of April, 1852. She was the daughter
of Andrew W. and Ellen (AA^esterblo) Johnson, also natives of Sweden.
The father came to America in 1852 and first located in Henry county,
Illinois. He was a carpenter by occupation and followed that trade up to
the time of his death. The mother, who by her marriage became the mother
of seven children, has also passed awawy. In former years, before her
marriage. Airs. Lawson taught school for some time and she was also a
home missionary worker for ten years, being an active member of the
Alethodist Episcopal church.
After his marriage Air. Lawson operated a farm as a renter for about
fifteen years, and he then purchased the farm upon which he now resides.
It consists of one hundred and sixty acres located on section 18, VaUey town
ship, and is a finely developed property, the improvements thereon having
almost entirely been placed there by Air. Lawson. The farm is equipped
with a comfortable house, good barns and outbuildings, and the air of neat
ness which pervades its premises bespeaks thrift and progressiveness on the
part of the owner. Aside from general agricultural pursuits Air. Lawson
devotes some time to the raising and feeding of hogs, cattle and horses,
and this branch of his business interests is proving a source of gratifying
profit to him.
Politically Mr. Lawson gives stalwart support to the republican party,
doing all in his power to extend its influence in the community. He is,
however, no office seeker, preferring the role of a private citizen to that
of public official. Pie is public-spirited, nevertheless, and aU matters that
pertain to general welfare and improvement are of interest to him. He
started out in life empty-handed and has batded earnestly and energetically,
and by indomitable courage and integrity, aided by his estimable wife, he
has achieved a creditable place among the progressive and prosperous
farmers of A-^alley township, well deserving the proud American title of a
self-made man.

AIRS. AUGUSTA HEFFNER.
Airs. Augusta Heffner lives in Colfax township, where she owns two
hundred acres of fine farm land. The fields are highly cultivated and the
improvements upon the place are such as make this one of the desirable
farm properties of the community. It was in this township that Mrs. Heff
ner was born February 15, 1857, her parents being Alexander and Ona

GEORGE VV. HEFFNER

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 431
(Pierce) Alontgomery. Her father was born in Washington county, Ken
tucky, pursued his education in the schools there and after arriving at years
of maturity was married in that county to Miss Pierce, who was also born
within its borders. They began their domestic life there but several years
later removed to Buchanan county, Missouri, where they made their home
for about eighteen months. The year 1851 witnessed their arrival in Page
county, Iowa, at which time they settled in Colfax township. There were no
neighbors for miles around and deer were frequently seen while wild game
was to be had in great quantities. They traveled by wagon, bringing their
household goods with them, and lived in the wagon until they could build
a log house. This pioneer dwelUng is still standing, being one of the old
landmarks of the county. The farm was all raw land when it came into their
possession but Mr. Montgomery at once began to clear and cultivate it,
broke the prairie and soon developed productive fields. For a long time
they lived in the log cabin but afterward a frame dwelUng was erected
which the family occupied until their removal to Clarinda, Iowa, where
the father died at the age of sixty-two years. In the meantime he had
prospered in his undertakings and had become the owner of six hundred
acres of valuable land. His widow survived him for fifteen years and passed
a'way at St. Joseph, Missouri. They were the parents of the following
children: Zachary, now living in Indiana; Elizabeth, the wife of E. E.
Cook, a resident of Shenandoah ; James, who was the first white male
child born in Page county and now a resident of Shenandoah ; Julia,
who is the widow of John Maxwell and makes her home in Coin ; Augusta,
now Mrs. Heffner; and William, deceased. There were also four other
children who died in infancy.
Mrs. Heffner has spent her entire life in Colfax township, always liv
ing on a part of her father's land with the exception of one year. She at
tended the district schools and assisted in the w^ork of the household.
Farm life has enabled her to spend much of her time out of doors and thus
she enjoys extraordinarily good health. She became the wife of George W.
Heffner on the 28th of December, 1873, and they traveled Ufe's journey
happily together for twenty-eight years. Mr. Heffner was born in Pickaway
county, Ohio, May 24, 1S4S, a son of Samuel and EUzabeth Heffner, who
were early settlers of that county and were of German descent. George
W. Fleffner attended school in his native county and also in Illinois. He
afterward made his way westward and traveled over a number of different
states until he finally settled in Page county, Iowa. He lived with Alex
ander Fiarris and for a time not only managed their business affairs but
also discharged the duties of the household. It was in 1871 that Air. Heffner
arrived in Page county and in 1873 he won for his bride Aliss Augusta
Montgomery. They became the parents of seven children : Wilson, the eldest, was born
February 3, 1875. and now lives at Violet, Nebraska. He married Ora
Hickman of Alissouri, and they have five children : Carl, Ola, Georgia M.,
Glenn and AA''allace. OUie, born October 20, 1876, died June 24, 1889.
Clara, born Alay 6, 1S7S, was married March 12, 1802, to Ernest Stum-

432 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
baugh and they now live in Page county with their three children^— Linn,
Roy and Glenn. Charles AL, born November i, 1879, was married Decem
ber 26, 1905, to Frances Mann and with their two children, Shirley
and AA'^allace, they reside in Soutii Dakota. Fred, bom November 5, 1881,
married Alaud Padley and Uves at Hamilton, Montana. Inez, born Sep
tember 28, 1883, is the wife of Frank Crane, hving near Giltner, Nebraska,
and they have one child, Boyd. Lura N., born October 7, 1890, was grad
uated from the Coin high school in the class of 1909 and is at home with
her mother. The death of the husband and father occurred October 15, 1901,
and his grave was made in the Coin cemetery. He left his family in com
fortable financial circumstances and more than that he left to them the
priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
Airs. Fleffner and her daughter still reside upon the farm which she
leases on shares. She attends the Alethodist church of Coin, of which her
parents were charter menibers, the first meeting of the congregation being
held in the schoolhouse on Mr. Montgomery's farm. For more than a half
century ATrs. Heffner has been a witness of the changes which have oc
curred in Page county. She was reared here upon the frontier and has
lived to see a remarkable transformation as the county has become thickly
settled with the homes of a contented and prosperous people. Its rich
prairie makes it preeminently an agricultural district and yet there are in its
midst many flourishing towns so that it is lacking in none of the advantages
and opportunties which town life aft'ords.

ALFRED FALK.

Alfred Falk is the proprietor of the Boundary Grove Farm, one of the
valuable properties of Nebraska township. Fiere he devotes his energies
extensively to the raising- of stock and also to the production of corn and
his success indicates his sound judgment and his undaunted enterprise. He
was born in Henry county, Illinois, December 4, 1862, his parents being John
A. and Elizabeth Falk, both of whom were natives of Smoland, Sweden,
where they were reared and married. On crossing the Atlantic to the
United States they landed first in Rock Island, lUinois, in 1S54 and after
ward became residents of Henry county. In 1882 they arrived in Page
county, Iowa, where their last days were passed. The father's surname was
originally Anderson but owing to the fact that there were so many of the
name in the locality in which he located and that it was with difficulty that
he obtained the mail which was intended for him he changed his name to Falk.
Unto him and his wife were born ten chUdren : Louise, who died in 1865 ;
A. P., who is living in Council Bluffs ; C. Al., who died in 1906, leaving two-
daughters ; Hannah, who is the widow of Andrew Shellburg, of Moline,
lUinois, and the mother of a family who are a credit to her name, one
son being a prominent lawyer; August, who enlisted from Rock Island,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 433
lUinois, and died while in the services in the Civil war ; J. P., who resides
in Essex, Iowa; Lydia, who became the wife of Alfred Halburg, who con
ducted a store at Essex, but after his death she removed to Wakefield,
Nebraska, where she is now living; Clara, the deceased wife of C. L. Lar
son ; X'ora, the wife of Rev. G. O. Gusteson of Red Oak, Iowa ; and Alfred.
The last named spent the first twenty-four years of his life in the place
of his nativity. He acquired his early education in the public schools and
spent his youthful days in the usual manner of most lads of the period.
AAdien he was twenty years of age his father retired and left him to operate
the farm of one hundred and sixty acres, following which time he conducted
the property for four years alone. In 1886 he went to Essex, Iowa, to which
place the family had preceded him, and purchased a farm southwest of the
town comprising one hundred and sixty acres. This n-as the first property
that he had ever owned. Fle lived upon that farm for five years and then
traded it for a farm near Essex, on \^¦llich he lived for four or five years,
when he sold it. He then cultivated two hundred and forty acres of rented
land for three years.
Prospering- in his undertakings as time passed by, in igoi Air. Falk pur
chased his present fann of four hundred and eighty acres hing on sections
25 and 26, Nebraska township. There are excellent buildings upon it which
were erected by him and the farm is today a yer)- well improved proptrt)-.
There are three dwellings upon the place, one occupied by his son and an
other b)' his son-iii-la\\ , ^vhile the third is the family residence of ATr. Falk.
He plants about two hundred and fifty acres of corn each year and usually
harvests a large crop, but he feeds all he raises on his farm for he is an
extensive dealer in live stock, selling about one hundred head of cattle, four
hundred head of hogs and about a carload of horses each year. Plis place
is known as the Boundary Grove Farm and the name is a synonym for pro
gressiveness and successful accomplishments along agricultural lines in this
county. Air. Falk is also a stockholder in the Chautauqua and Fair Associa
tions and makes annual exhibits of his stock at the Fair, where he has won
man)' premiums.
Air. Falk has been married twice. In 1883 he wedded Helen AA'il-
helmina Swanson, who was born in Sweden in 1863 and came with her
parents to America when six years of age. She was a daughter of C. AA'.
and Alary (Stroburg) Swanson, who becanie residents of Illinois, where the
mother died but the father is novv residing in Rio, that state. Airs. Falk
passed awa)- in 1895, leaving three children: Elesef Alarie, now the wife of
AA''. E. Brown, who resides on her father's farm and by whom she has one
child, Beulah ; Arthur W., who married Candace Latherop and lives on his
father's farm; and Leslie R., at home. For his second wife Air. Falk chose
Aliss Eugenia Falk, whom he wedded in 1899. She was born in Page county,
ATay 15, 1872, and is a daughter of C. A. and CeciUa C. (Hendrickson)
Falk, who were natives of Sweden. The mother now resides in Fremont
township, this county, while the father is deceased. There are no children of
the second marriage but they have adopted a little daughter, Bernice, the
child of Airs. Falk's sister.

434 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
In his political views Mr. Falk is a stalwart republican and has served
as trustee of his township. Fle was reared in the Lutheran church but his
family attend the Methodist Episcopal church of Hawleyville and he aids
in its support. His life has been one of diligence and usefulness, character
ized by fidelity and activity in business affairs and by progressiveness in citi
zenship.

ARTHUR LINDBURG.

Arthur Lindburg, among Page county's native sons whose records have
been entirely creditable to the state, while their work has been of worth
in the general development and upbuilding of the community, was born in
Douglas township, June 24, 1S71. He is a son of Abraham and Hannah
(WaUin) Lindburg, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where they
were reared and married. Soon afterward they came to the United States,
settUng in Henry county, Illinois, and for four or five years the father was
employed in various ways in that locality. In 1870 he came to Page county,
having previously purchased eighty acres of land in Douglas township. On
his arrival here he took up his abode upon the farm where he lived for five
years and then sold the property and purchased a farm of three hundred
and sixty acres in Fremont township. He then removed to the latter place
and there carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1894, when he re
tired from active Ufe and removed to Essex, where he has since lived. He
came to this country a poor man without funds and deserves much credit for
what he has accomplished as he is today one of the substantial residents of
Page county. He is one of the heaviest stockholders in the Commercial Na
tional Bank and a member of its board of directors. His success has been
honorably achieved, being the result of persistent, earnest effort, and his
life record proves what can be accomplished by indefatigable industry. Both
he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and are held in the
highest esteem^ by those who know them because their lives have been
an exemplification of the highest principles of manhood and womanhood.
Arthur Lindburg, whose name introduces this review, spent his youth
ful days in his father's home and acquired his education in the public schools,
supplemented by a commercial course in the Western Normal College at
.Shenandoah. At twenty-one years he engaged in the grocery and meat
business in Essex, thus taking his first independent step in the business world.
For ten years he conducted the enterprise with growing success and at the
end of that timiC disposed of his store. In 1902 he was offered and accepted
the position of assistant cashier in the Commercial National Bank of Essex,
in January, 1904, and he assumed the duties of cashier after two years or
in January, 1906. He has since acted in this capacity, watching carefully
over the interests of the institution, with which he is now thoroughly famUiar
in principle and detail.
On the 4th of April, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Lindburg and
Aliss Hilda Falk of Essex, and unto them have been born six children: Earl,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 435
Wallace, Frances, Bernard, Ernest and Joseph. The family circle yet remains
unbroken and all are still under the parental roof. The parents are members
of the Lutheran church and theirs is a hospitable home — a favorite resort
with their many friends.
Mr. Lindburg has served as a member of the town council of Essex,
being elected to the board when but twenty-six years of age. At the age
of twenty-nine he was chosen chief executive of the city and his record in
office was altogether a creditable one, being characterized by all that goes to
make up a business like and progressive administration. It was under his
administration that the present excellent system of waterworks was built.
He worked for needed reforms and improvements and gave to his official
duties the same care and fidelity which he has always bestowed upon his
business interests. He has in his commercial and financial career sought suc
cess along the lines of close application, concentration of purpose and un
faltering diligence, and his record at all times has been such as will bear the
closest inspection and scrutiny.

JOHN SHOBERG.

The agricultural interests of Page county find a worthy and successful
representative in John Shoberg, who is the owner of a highly improved and
valuable farm on section 21, Pierce township. He was born in Sweden on
the 1st of June, 1854, a son of Andrew and Anna (Johnson) Shoberg, who
made their way to Henry county, Illinois, immediately after their arrival in
the United States in 1870. The father was in Umited financial circumstances
and his passage money was loaned to him by a brother-in-law. After taking
up his abode in Henry county he worked for a couple of years at whatever
employment he could obtain and subsequently rented a tract of land and en
gaged in farming. Owing to his untiring and well directed labor he pros
pered in his undertakings and in a short time had accumulated sufficient
capital with vvhich to purchase a farm of his own, coming into possession of
a tract of eighty acres. In iSSo he disposed of the property and went to
AlcPherson, Kansas, buying a quarter section of land west of that place. A
year later, however, he also sold that farm and came to Essex, Page county,
Iowa, where for some years he engaged in general agricultural pursuits as
a renter. Subsequently he purchased a tract of land of eighty acres in Pierce
township, to which he later added fifty acres and on this farm of one hundred
and thirty acres he continued to reside until 1896, when he put aside the active
work of the fields and took up his abode in Essex. There he lived retired
until called to his final rest, passing away on the 23d of Deceinber, 1906. He
had made his home within the borders of this county for a quarter of a century
and was well known as one of its most prosperous, esteemed and representa
tive citizens. His widow, who still survives, is a resident of Essex. Unto
this worthy couple were born two sons, John and Andrew M.

436 FIISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
John Shoberg, who was a lad of sixteen years when he accompanied his
parents on their emigration to the new world, obtained most of his education
in the common schools of his native land. Fiis youth was one of unremitting
toil, for the family was poor and when he could be spared on the home farm
he worked for others in various capacities, thus earning enough money to
buy his own clothes and support himself. He continued to assist his father
in the cultivation of the home farm until the time of his inarriage and sub
sequent to that important event in his life he remained on the home place
for another year. He then accompanied his father to Kansas but remained
there for only one summer and in the following fall came to- Page county,
Iowa. Being practically penniless, he found immediate employment a neces
sity and went to \vork husking corn. By dint of eamest labor and close
economy he saved forty dollars in forty days and seven dollars of this sum
was expended for household effects, including- a table, some old chairs and a
bed. His employer, Charles Carlson, went security for him for a cook stove.
When the corn husking seaspn was over he obtained a position in the elevator
owned by Linderholm & Pendleton, receiving a wage of thirty dollars per
month His capability and trustworthiness was soon recognized and within
a year he was managing the elevator at a salary of fifty dollars per month.
Pie remained in the employ of Linderholm & Pendleton for about two years
and then again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, being engaged
in the operation of a rented farm for four years. He vvas then offered a
remunerative position as engineer in the Essex Roller Alills and, accepting
the same, was thus employed for a period of seven years and four months.
During this time he had purchased a block of town property and also a forty-
acre farm in Pierce township and on resigning his position in the mUls he
gave his attention to the cultivation of his farm. A short time afterward he
traded this farm and his town property for his present place on section 21,
Pierce township, on which he has made his home since 1899. He has re
buUt the fences and has placed many substantial improvements on the prop
erty, so that it is now lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of
a model farm of the twentieth century.
Air. Shoberg has been married twice. In 1878 he wedded Miss Augusta
Englund, of Henry county, Illinois, by whom he had one child, Alice, now
the wife of Ludwig Falk, of Fremont township, Page county. Airs. Augusta
Shoberg was called to her final rest in 1893 and in March, 1895, Air. Sho
berg was again married, his second union being with the widow of Nels Mun
son, who in her maidenhood was Miss Ida Ring. They have become the
parents of five chUdren, as follows: Edith AI. E., Pearl A. C, Bernard C. J.,
Helen V. A^. and Laurine V. R. Mrs. Shoberg had one child by her former
marriage, Sadie Munson, who is a graduate of the Lindsborg (Kansas) Col
lege, received a Ufe's certificate and is now teaching in the Essex high
school. Politically Mr. Shoberg is a stalwart republican and his fellow townsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of
public trust. He is now serving for the second term as a member of the
board of trustees of Pierce township. He was a member of the town council

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 437
of Essex while living there and served on the school board for seven or eight
years, while for the past six years he has been president of the board. Fra
ternally he is identified with Essex Camp, M. W. A. His genuine personal
worth and sterling traits of character have won him the unbounded con
fidence and esteem of the entire community and the respect and admiration
of all with whom he has come in contact. His example should serve to en
courage others who start out in life as he did — without capital — for his
history shows what may be accomplished when one has the perseverance to
overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, wresting fortune from the
hand of fate.

H. S. SWANSON.

H. S. Swanson is president and general manager of the Swanson Alauu
facturing Company, manufacturers of agricultural implements, and is also
an inventor of considerable note, his genius in that direction being manifest
in several practical and beneficial results. Pie is a native of Sweden, born
October i, 1867. His parents were Henry and Sophia .Swanson, also na
tives of Sweden, who came to the United States in 1882. The father con
ducted business in his native land as a himberman and farmer and on cross
ing the Atlantic to the western world he made his way into the interior of
the country, locating- in Pottawatomie county, Kansas, where he purchased
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. For nine or ten years he resided
upon and cultivated that property and then removed to Alarshall county,
Kansas, where he made his home up to the time of his death. His widow
still survives and resides in Shenandoah.
H. S. Swanson was reared on the home farm. He was fourteen years
of age at the time of the removal to America and his education, begun in
the schools -of his native country, was continued in the public schools of the
United States. He also spent one term as a student in Bethany College at
Lindsburg, Kansas, and at the Atchinson Business College at Atchinson,
Kansas, from which he waa graduated with the class of 1891. He then
engaged in the agricultural implement business at Irving, Kansas, and four
years later he opened a branch house at Frankfort, Kansas, conducting the
two houses until the fall of 1901, when he turned his attention to the manu
facture of agricultural implements at Blue Rapids, Kansas. There he re
mained in business until June, 1903, when his manufacturing department was
washed away by flood and the water power of the tovvn destroyed.
In the fall of 1903 Mr. Swanson arrived in Shenandoah and organized
the Swanson Manufacturing Company. In the short period of six years the
business under his management has been increased from forty thousand to
two hundred thousand dollars annually and is yet growing with substantial
and gratifying rapidity, being one of the manufacturing industries of this
city which is proving a gratifying success. The firm manufactures a spe
cialty for listed corn cultivators, hay stakers and portable grain elevators,

438 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
shovel cultivators, disc harrows, etc., and the output of the house finds a
ready sale upon the market. Mr. Swanson is the inventor of a flying Swede
corn cultivator, which is a radical departure from former cultivators and a
decided success. Pie is also the inventor of the Lay Bye corn cultivator,
which cultivates the com in three plowings. He possesses marked mechani
cal ingenuity and his ability in management is displayed in the excellent suc
cess which has attended the manufacturing company which he organized.
In 1898 Mr. Swanson vvas married to Miss Emma Gould, of Blue Rapids,
Kansas, and they have two children, Alarguerite and Arbury E. In his po
Utical views Air. Swanson has been a republican since age conferred upon him
him the right of franchise and but the honors and emoluments of office have
no attraction for him. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias
Lodge at Irving, Kansas, and in Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E.
He is a man of determined and resolute spirit, knowing that persistency of
purpose and indefatigable energy will do more to win success than any num
ber of plans or briUiant theories. Fle possesses many of the sterling char
acteristics of his race and bears an unassailable reputation for business
integrity.

G. W. PETERSON.

G. W. Peterson, devoting his time and attention to general farming on
section 7, Tarkio township, well developed fields being a clear indication that
his labors are intelligently directed, was born in Hamilton county, Iowa, Sep
tember 18, 1871. His parents were Olaf P. and Sarah (Nelson) Peterson,
both of whom were natives of Sweden. The mother came to the LTnited
States in 1852 with her parents when but seven years of age, the family home
being established in Knoxville, IlUnois. Olaf P. Peterson arrived in this
country as a young man during the period of the Civil war and soon after
ward, entering the government employ, was sent to Tennessee. He was one
day inspecting a boiler when parties, forgetting that be was thus employed,
turned on the steam and his Ufe was almost terminated thereby. Fiowever,
he recovered and continued to work for the government until the close of
the war, after which he went to Knoxville, Illinois, where he formed the
acquaintance of Sarah Nelson, whom he afterward married. They removed
to Hamilton county, Iowa, but later returned to Knoxville, lUinois, where they
lived for two years, and then, in 1874, came to Page county, settling in Fre^
mont township. Year by year Mr. Peterson carefully tilled his farm and
conducted a successful business in the Une of general agriculture until 1906,
when, with a handsome competence, he retired and took up his abode in
Essex. He still owns his farm of one hundred and sixty acres and his
property is the visible evidence of his life oi diligence and unialtering per
severance. G. AV. Peterson spent his youthiul days in his father's home and acquired
his education in the common schools. He was twenty-three years of age
when, in 1894, he began farming on his own account on land which he leased.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 439
For seven years he thus cultivated the fields and during that period carefully
saved his earnings until, in 1901, he was enabled to purchase eighty acres
lying just across the road from the farm which he leased. He continuously
operated the two hundred acres on which he resides until a recent date,
since which time he has rented to others both his own farm and his father-
in-law's farm, which he had himself leased and tilled for twelve years. His
labors have been fruitful, bringing to him well merited reward, and not only
is he numbered among the farmers of affluence but is also connected with
financial interests in the county as one of the stockholders in the Farmers
Savings Bank of Essex.
On the nth of December, 1895, Air. Peterson took to- his home as his
bride Miss Minnie M. Johnson, a daughter of Mack L. Johnson, who is
now living retired in Essex. Four children were born unto them but only
two are now living: Olive and Clifford. The parents hold membership
in the Swedish Mission church in Essex, in which Air. Peterson is one of
the trustees and cashier. Their home is a hospitable one, its good cheer
being greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
In politics Mr. Peterson is a democrat and has served as road boss and
also as school director for several years. His aid and influence are always
on the side of progress and improvement, and he stands for whatever tends
to promote the general welfare. He largely finds his recreation in motoring
and is an enthusiast on the subject, owning a Buick car. Although he
started out in life for himself without capital, his course has been marked
by orderly progression and the years have chronicled his success which,
resulting from its concentration of purpose and his carefuUv directed in
dustry, has made him one of the substantial farmers of Page county.

J. CALE GUTHRIE.

J. Cale Guthrie, owner and proprietor of the Alba Dairy, the model
institution of this kind of the United States, was born at Coin, this county,
on the 19th of March, 1882, his parents being William A. and Isabelle
(Sewall) Guthrie, natives of New York and Quincy, Illinois, respectively.
The father was bom about thirty miles south of the city of Rochester and,
coming to the Mississippi valley, settled in Iowa in 1865. For four years
he resided in Marshall county and in 1S69 came to Page county, purchasing
a farm in Lincoln township, on which he resided for thirty-nine years. In
the spring of 1908 he retired from active life and removed to Coin, where
he now makes his home, his long connection with agricultural interests and
his untiring activity bringing to him a comfortable competence that now
supplies him with all of the necessities and some of the luxuries of life.
His wife came to Iowa about 1875 on a visit to a sister who was a neighbor
of Mr. Guthrie and it was during that period she became acquainted with
him and four years later, or in 1879, they were united in marriage. Mr.
Guthrie is now sixty-seven years of age, while his wife has reached the age

440 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
of sixty-two years. Both are consistent menibers of the United Presby
terian church and are interested and active in its work. Air. Guthrie having
served for a number of years as a member of the offlcial board of the
church. He has been also- a prominent factor in the cause of prohibition in
Page county for years and has been the party's nominee for various offlces.
He is a stanch advocate of temperance, doing all in his power to abolish the
use of intoxicants both by prestige and example.
J. C. Guthrie spent his youthful days as a farm boy and acquired his
early education in the district schools, while his preparatory course was
pursued at Amity College in the town of College Springs, Iowa. Later he
spent four years in study in the Iowa State College at Ames, where he
took special work in dairying. He completed the course with the class of
1906 and for a year thereafter he had charge of the dairy extension work of
the college. He was then sent to the dairy division of the United States
department of agriculture, his work taking him to Tennessee and Ken
tucky. He traveled throughout every portion of those states and to some
extent over other sections of the United States.
In the spring of 1908, Mr. Guthrie returned to Page county and took
charge of his father's farm, which he is now operating. He resided there
until November, 1908, when he removed to Shenandoah, where he intends
to make his future home. In the fall oi that year he began the erection
of his model dairy buildings, just within the city limits of Shenandoah,
and his is said to be the finest dairy in the LTnited States, operated after the
most modern, sanitary and scientific methods. He certainly deserves to be
rewarded with substantial success in this venture and already is accorded
a liberal patronage.
On the 2 1st of December, 1907, Mr. Guthrie was married to Mrs.
Carolyn MiUer, nee Aliddleton, of Los Ang-eles, California. Mr. Guthrie
belongs to Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E., and to the United
Presbyterian church, while in politics he is independent. He is one of the
representative and progressive citizens among the younger business men
of Shenandoah, belonging to that class upon which, the future growth and
progress of the city rests.

ALBERT V. HUNT.

The place which Albert V. Hunt has occupied in business circles in
Clarinda during the past decade is no inconsequent one. He was, through
much of this period, closely, actively and successfully connected with gen
eral agricultural interests but is now engaged in the real estate business
and is making rapid progress in that line. He started upon the journey of
life at Onargo, Iroquois county, Illinois, January 6, 1859, and is a son of
George and Alary (Riner) Hunt. The father was a farmer by occupation
and through the tilling of the soil provided a fair living for his family and
gave to them good educational privileges. Albert V. Hunt was a youth of

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 441
seven years when his parents removed from lUinois to Kansas, settling at
Ottawa, where he pursued his education as a public-school student for nine
years. He then retumed to Illinois at the age oi sixteen years, spending the
succeeding three years in his native state, and when a young man of nine
teen he came to Taylor county, Iowa, where he began farming. In the
succeeding eight years he was connected with agricultural pursuits in that
locality, during which period he was married to Aliss Agnes Alton on the
13th of July, 1881. She was a daughter of William Alton, a farmer of
that district.
In 1888 Mr. Hunt removed to Newmarket, Taylor county, and putting
aside agricultural interests became connected with conimercial pursuits.
Establishing a drug store, he conducted it for four years and then entered
the field of general merchandising. He also bought and sold grain and in
the latter undertaking he was joined by G. E. Clayton. This partnership
existed until 1898, when Air. Hunt sold out and removed to Clarinda, be
Ueving that there was an advantageous field for business in this city. Here
he established the store of Hunt & Clayton, which was thus continued for
five years, at the end -of which time the business was incorporated under
the firm style of the Hunt & Clayton Company, his partner being G. E.
Clayton. For nine years Mr. Hunt remained as a member oi the firm, con
ducting a business of large and growing proportions, the extent of the trade
making the enterprise a profitable one. In January, 1909, they sold out and
entered the field of real estate operations, in which they had been previ
ously engaged for three years. They were more and more largely concen
trating their energies upon that work and now their entire time is given
to the conduct of a real estate, loan and fire insurance business. Although
they have now carried on the business for less than a year their previous
record was sufficient to commend them to the public and already they have
handled many inportant realty propositions, negotiated various large prop
erty transfers, and are doing a business which is hardly second to any in
the city.
Unto Mr. and Airs. Hunt have been born two daughters : Clarice, now
the wife of B. C. Cramer, a merchant of Clarinda ; and Grace, the wife of
Dr. E. R. Harrison, who is successfully practicing dentistry in this city.
Air. and Airs. Hunt hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church
and take an active interest in its work, Mr. Hunt serving on the official
board. His political aUegiance is given to the republican party, and wdiile
he does not seek nor desire office, he is thoroughly in sympathy with the
party platform, believing the issues which it advocates to be of great impor
tance in the welfare of the city and county.
Fraternally Mr. Hunt is a Mason and has attained the thirty-second de
gree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a prominent representative of the
Knights of Pythias, is a past chancellor of the local lodge and is now act
ing district grand deputy. Realizing the value of concerted and organized
effort, he became one of the founders of the Commercial Club, instituted to
develop the business interests of Clarinda, and at the present writing is
serving on its executive board. He is a man of keen discernment, and his

442 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
executive ability and excellent management have brought to the concern
with which he has been connected a large degree of success. Moreover, he
has displayed in the conduct of his business interests those traits of character
which ever command regard and confidence, and he belongs to that class
of representative American citizens who promote the general prosperity
while advancing individual interests.

ALONZO LOVITT.

Alonzo Lovitt, the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of rich and
productive land in Page county, is now a retired farmer living in Coin.
For many years his life was one of intense and well directed activity as he
carried on general agricultural pursuits and the years of his labor brought
to him the competence that now enables him to live in well merited ease.
His birth occurred in Licking county, Ohio, on the 28th of December,
184S, his parents being Price and Mary (Grigsby) Lovitt. The paternal
grandparents were John and Anna Lovitt. About the year 1852 Mr. and
Mrs. Price Lovitt removed from Ohio to lUinois, where the father of our
subject successfuUy carried on farming until he passed away, being the
owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land in Henderson county,
that state, at the time of his demise. His widow still survives and makes her
home in Henderson county, Illinois. They reared a family of eleven chil
dren, as follows : Sarah, the deceased wife of John Chalmer ; Oliver ; John ;
Alonzo, of this review; Clarissa, who has also passed away; Cordelia, the
wdfe of Axel Nordstrom; Frances, the deceased wife of Milton Kern;
Marion ; Selina, who gave her hand in marriage to John Cooper ; A'^iola, the
wife of OUver Moore ; and Jessie.
In his youthful days Alonzo Lovitt attended the district schools in pur
suit of an education but was only able to prosecute his studies there for a
few months in the winter season, as his assistance was needed in the work
of the home farm during the rest of the year. When in his twentieth year
he attended his last term of school, and after attaining his majority he
came to Page county, Iowa, and here started out as an agriculturist on his
own account, purchasing a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres.
He has since made his home in this county and throughout his active busi
ness career was successfully and energetically identified with the work of
the fields, meeting with a gratifying and commendable degree of prosperity
in his farming operations. As the years passed by and his financial resources
increased he added to his landed holdings by additional purchase until at the
present time he is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of Iowa's
rich and fertile soil. Since 1906 he has been living retired at Coin, now
enjoying the fruits of his former toil in a handsome and modern home
which he erected in 1908.
On the 7th of December, 1876, Mr. Lovitt was united in marriage to
Aliss Nancy Lucinda Flays, a daughter of John and Rachel (Richards)

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 443
Hays, who were natives of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. They were mar
ried in that county but afterward took up their abode in Henderson county,
Illinois, where Mrs. Hays passed away. John Flays followed the trade of
carpentering in early manhood but later turned his attention to general
agricultural pursuits, with which line of activity he is still connected, now
making his home in northwestern Nebraska. Mrs. Hays died at the home
of her daughter, near Coin. Unto them were born the following children:
James ; Mrs. Lovitt ; Mary Ann, now the wife of John D. Linder ; Newton ;
Mina, the wife of Walter Griffith ; and Ruth, who gave her hand in marriage
to Lincoln Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Lovitt have a family of four children,
namely : Florence, the wdfe of Burton Plutchison, of Center, Colorado ;
Albert, living in Page county, who wedded Miss Cliff E. Whitmore, by
whom he has a daughter, Ruth ; and Agnes and Mary, vvho are still under the
parental roof.
Politically Air. Lovitt is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the dem
ocracy. He and his family belong to the Methodist church, in the work
of which they take an active and helpful interest. The period of his residence
in this county novv covers four decades and he is well known and highly
esteemed within its borders as a most substantial and representative citizen.

C. H. LILJEDAHL.

C. H. Liljedahl, who occupies a foremost place among the leading and
representative agriculturists of Page county, is also engaged to some ex
tent in stock raising and is one of the extensive landowners of Pierce town
ship, while public opinion accords him a high place ainong the valued and
influential citizens of the community. As the name indicates, he is of
Swedish origin, his birth having occurred in Sweden on the 13th of January,
1865. He is a son of John and Mary (Peterson) Liljedahl, who were also
born across the waters, where they were reared and married. The father
came to the United States in 1S69, his wife and three children joining him
the following- year. Settlement was made in Aloline, Rock Island county,
Illinois, wdiere he secured employment in the coal mines, being thus engaged
until 1873. In that year he came to Page county, Iowa, locating in Fre
mont township, and in conjunction with two brothers, Frank and Gustaf,
purchased eig'hty acres of land. Later they severed their connection and
John Liljedahl removed to Pierce township, vvhere his remaining days were
spent. He became the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of property,
most of which lay in Pierce township, and he had also accumulated quite
a substantial fortune. Fle passed away in 1901 at the age of sixty-four
years, while his wdfe died in 1892 when fifty-two years old.
It was in Pierce township that C. H. Liljedahl of this review was reared
to manhood, acquiring his education in the public schools. He reniained
at home until his twenty-fourth year, assisting his father in the work of the
farm and early becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, plant-

444 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ing .and harvesting, while in the school of experience he learned lessons
concerning the value of energy, industry and perseverance. In the year
mentioned, thinking" to establish a home of his own, he was united in mar
riage to Miss Emma C. Carlson, of Essex, and the young couple began
their domestic life on a farm in West township, Montgomery county, con
sisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which had been purchased for Mr.
Liljedahl by his father. Fle continued in the operation of that farm for
four years, when he sold it and purchased three hundred and seventy-seven
acres in Sherman township, Alontgomery county. There he resided for
seven years and then he again sold out and became the owner of four hun
dred and forty acres of his present farm located on section 23, Pierce town
ship. Page county. He established his home upon this property, to the
further improvement and cultivation of which he at once directed his entire
time and attention. During the intervening years he has been signally suc
cessful in his farming and he has added to his place until his farm now
consists of six hundred and sixteen acres, constituting one of the extensive
and valuable farming properties in Page county. He carries on general
agricultural pursuits and in connection therewith has for several years given
considerable attention to stock, feeding from one to three carloads, of cattle
annually. Both branches of his business — the raising of grain and the raising
of stock — are carried on along up-to-date and progressive lines and are prov
ing gratifying sources of income, his prosperity being due to his close appli
cation and good business management.
As time passed six sons came to bless the home of Mr. and Airs. Lilje
dahl, namely: J. Mauritz, Harry C, Julius F., Paul T., Robert E. and
George, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. Since becoming an
American citizen Mr. Liljedahl has given stanch allegiance to the republican
party and he is now serving his second term as township clerk. He and
his wife are both members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Liljedahl is
serving as secretary of the board. Although not American born, never
theless he is stanch in his loyalty to his adopted country and is thoroughly
identified with every interest tending to promote the welfare of the com
munity. He is a man vvho has made good use of his opportunities, forging
his way to a foremost place among the substantial farmers of Page county,
and no man in his section of the county is held in higher esteem than is
Mr. Liljedahl.

FRED BOLES.

Death claimed Fred Boles on the 24th of January, 1905, and East River
township lost one of its representative citizens and progressive farmers. He
was a resident of the county from 1S70 and throughout that period had man
ifested all the SterUng traits of the loyal citizen and reliable business man.
He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 22d of February, 1838, and
was a son of Cyrus and Sarah A. (Boston) Boles. The father was a na-

MR. AND .VIRS. FRED IKlLLS

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 447
tive of TrumbuU county, while the mother's birth occurred in Westmore
land county, Pennsylvania. They removed to Michigan when their son Fred
was only a year old and remained residents of that state for four years,
after which they went to Wisconsin, where they maintained their residence
for three years. During the succeeding five years they made their home in
Cass county, Illinois, and afterward were again residents of Pennsylvania
until 1S84.
During his boyhood and youth Fred Boles was employed in various ways
whereby he might provide an honest living for himself. He was thrown
upon his own resources at the age of fourteen and after that had no oppor
tunity to continue his education, which up to this time had been acquired
in the public schools. In the school of experience, however, he learned many
valuable lessons and gained also practical information which served him
well in all the duties of Ufe that afterward befell him. In the year 1854 he
accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, where he remained
until the spring of 1S55, when he resumed his westward journey, traveling
through Iowa to Minnesota. He spent about two years in the two states
and then retumed to Illinois, settling in Cass county. He had been Uving
there for three years when the Civil war was inaugurated, and when it was
seen that the conflict was to be no mere hoUday affair he offered his ser
vices to the government, enlisting in 1861 as a member of Company G,
Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three
years. He was with the regiment the greater part of the time on active
duty in the south and at the close of his term of enlistment received an
honorable discharge and returned to Cass county, IlUnois. There he re
sumed farming on his own account, for in the meantime his parents had
returned to Pennsylvania. From that time until his death his attention was
devoted to general agricultural pursuits and, realizing that energy and
earnestness are the basis of success, he labored diligently and unfalteringly
with the purpose in view of obtaining a comfortable competence for his
family. It was on the loth of March, 1869, that Air. Boles was united in mar
riage to Miss Rebecca Lacy, a daughter of John and Alary W. (Emerson)
Lacy, who were natives of England and came to this country about the
year 1S44. They settled in Illinois and Mrs. Boles was born in Morgan
county, that state, on the 17th of October, 1S47, so that she was twenty-
one years of age at the time of her marriage. Unto them have been bom
five children: Alma, who was born February 2, 1872, and is the wife of
Ira Shortridge, a resident of Greeley, Colorado ; Hulda, who was bom
January 20, 1874, and is the wife of Samuel Hutcheson, of Poplar Bluff,
Alissouri ; Ned D., who was born December 24, 1876, and is living in
Greeley, Colorado; Archie, who was born July 20, 187S, and died April 9,
1907; and Anna R., wdio was bom May 11, 1882, and is at home.
In the wdnter of 1870 Mr. Boles came to Page county and located on a
farm midway between College Springs and Braddyville in Amity township.
There he secured eighty acres of land, whicii he improved and cultivated,
making his home thereon until 1882, when he sold that property and bought

448 FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in East River township. There he
resided until his death, January 24, 1905, and his widow yet maintains the
ownership of the farm although she has resided in Shambaugh since the
winter of 1906. Mr. Boles was an energetic and progressive farmer, who
carefully tilled the soil and kept in touch with modern, progressive methods
of agriculture. He was a member of the Masonic order and both himself
and wife belonged to the Methodist church. In his political views he was
a republican but was not active in politics, preferring to lead a quiet home
life, his attention being given to the development of his farm and to the
enjoyment of the pleasures of the home circle. While he did not seek to
figure prominently in public life he w"as recognized as a man of geniune worth
and he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

C. E. ELLISON.

C. E. Ellison, the proprietor of the Orchard Grove Fruit Farm, which
name indicates the specialty oi his interests in the tiUing of the soil, was
born in Monroe county, Iowa, December 8, 1852, and is the eldest in a
family of four Uving children whose parents were Thomas and Katharine
(Elder) Ellison. The father was born in England and after coming to the
new world established his home in Monroe county, Iowa. He was there
living at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and in response to the
call for troops he joined the Eighth Iowa Cavalry and served for three
years. He then returned home but died in Alissouri two or three years
after the war. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania and they became the
parents of eight children, of whom four died in childhood. The others are:
C. E. EUison, of this review ; J. W., who is living in Albany, Oregon ; I.
E., a resident of Wisconsin ; and Airs. Mary C. Moss, whose home is in
Monroe county, Iowa. After losing her first husband Mrs. Ellison became
the wife of John Burtt and unto them were born three sons : George H.,
now deceased ; WUliam L., who is Uving in Ottumwa, Iowa ; and Fred,
whose hom.e is in Minnesota.
During the period of his boyhood C. E. EUison accompanied his parents
on their removals to Wapello and Mahaska counties. In those two coun
ties and in his native county he resided from the period of his birth until
1S81, when he came to Page county and took up his abode on his present
farm, which constitutes one hundred and twenty acres of rich and well
cultivated land on sections 23 and 26, East River towmship. It is known
as the Orchard Grove Farm and is well improved with good buildings,
all of which were erected by Mr. Ellison. Here hq pays considerable at
tention to fruit arid also carries on general farming. In all of his work he
is practical, readily seeing the needs and the opportunities of the place,
meeting the former while improving the latter. AA^hen he took up his
abode here in 1881 there was a little one-story house, fourteen by twenty-
four feet, upon the place. Now they have various good buildings, including

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 449
a substantial residence. The farm has also been fenced by Air. Ellison, who
has converted it from a wild tract into one of rich fertUity. There was noth
ing but wild grass upon it but he at once began its improvement, not only
for the purposes of cultivation but also to enhance its attractive appear
ance. He set out a fine grove oi catalpa trees which had been raised
irom the seed that he brought with him. Four of these fine trees are
about a foot in diameter. He also has evergreens, European cutleaf and
the weeping birch. He likewise has an apple orchard of thirteen acres, all
of which he set out, and he takes great pride in his trees, which constitute
one of the most attractive features in the landscape.
In 1877 Mr. EUison was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Miller,
who was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, on the 26th of February, 1S56,
and there resided untU her marriage. She is a daughter of Henry Clay and
Angeline (Harper) Miller, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. The
father died in 1863 but the mother now resides in EddyvUle, Iowa. They
were the parents of three children: Mrs. Ellison; Roy, who died at the
age of nine years; and Fred,. who is Hving in EddyvUle, Iowa. Unto Air.
and Mrs. EUison have been bom eleven children: Eva Alay, now the wife
of James Stirk, of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Wilber C, who is living in Noda
way township ; Ethel M., the wife oi Firman Hughes, who is located near
Page Center, Page county ; Nellie A., the wife of Fred Handorf, of York
towm, Iowa ; Lula Pearl, who is a trained nurse, now in Guthrie, Oklahoma ;
Floyd, at home ; Amy D. ; Nina V. ; John Edward ; Flora H. ; and Fred
Wayne. Mr. Ellison is a member of the Independent Order of Odd FeUows, his
associations being with the lodge at Clarinda. He does not take a very
active part in public interests, however, as he prefers to concentrate his
energies upon his business affairs. He is a native son of Iowa and for
more than a half century has been a witness oi its development and prog
ress. Throughout the entire period he has been more or less closely asso
ciated with farming interests and that his ideas are practical and his labors
unremitting- is shown in the success which he has achieved.

GEORGE F. COTRILL.

Working earnestly and indefatigably to secure the success which is now
his, George F. Cotrill has become widely and favorably known as a leading
contractor and builder of Shenandoah. There have been no unusual or ex
citing chapters in his life history but it is the story of one who through
honest thrift and industry has gained the respect of his fellowmen as well
as the substantial reward of labor. He vvas born in Fairfield county, Ohio,
November 13, 1848. His father, John Cotrill, was a native of Virginia
and a millwright by trade, following that occupation and also the business
of miUing throughout his entire life. In 1856 he removed to De Kalb

450 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
county, Indiana, wdiere he spent the remaining years of his life. In early
manhood he wedded Alary E. Brown, a native of Ohio.
George F. Cotrill spent his youthful days in his parents' home, acquiring
his education in the public schools, thus qualifying for life's practical and
responsible duties. In 1879 he came west to enter upon his business career
and on arriving in Page county, Iowa, found a comparatively wild and
unbroken district. He was on the present site of Shenandoah soon after the
sale of town lots was held and before the construction of any buildings
was begun. There had not been an acre of land broken between Aliller's
.Station and Naiiti and there were many evidences of frontier life to be seen.
However, the country was soon to become settled up by a class of intelligent,
enterprising people who, realizing the opportunities that the west afforded,
had resolved to utilize them for their own benefit. Air. Cotrill was here on
the organization of Grant township, the election being held at the residence
of John F Porter, two miles nortii of Shenandoah, at wdiich time there
were but twenty-one voters in the district. In the intervening years Mr.
Cotrill has witnessed all of the changes whicii have been wrought and
which constitute the history of the county in its material, political, in
tellectual and moral progress. He has from the beginning been
accounted one of the reliable and enterprising citizens, for, though
he had but eighty-seven cents in his pocket when he reached this
portion of Iowa, he possessed resolute purpose, determined energy and
undaunted resolution — substantial qualities which never fail to win in the
end. In his early manhood, while in Indiana, he had served an apprentice
ship at the carpenter's trade under a brother and on coining to Iowa he con
tinued his work at this trade for three years as a journeyman carpenter.
He then began contracting and building on his own account and has since
been identified with that line of business to the present time. His labors
have been a potent element in the improvement and adornment of Shenan
doah and the surrounding country. During his residence here he has seen
the virgin prairie transformed into a modern cit)^ with paved streets and
all substantial improvements. In fact it is acknowdedged to be the best city
of its size in Iowa. In its upbuilding Air. Cotrill has been a dominant
factor. There is probably no one man who has done more in this line than
ATr. Cotrill, who has taken great pride in his work, knowing- that his efforts
in this direction would do much to make or mar the appearance of Shenan
doah. He has at all times kept in touch with the progress that has been made
in architectural lines and his work has been of a most satisfactory character.
Aloreover, he was one of the rTganizers of the Lake & Cotrill Brick & Tile
Company and at the beginning was elected president of the company, in
which capacity he has smce served, actively controlling its affairs and con
tributing in substantial measure to its success. He is also the president of
the Home Building & Loan Company — the one organization that has done
more than any other to advance the interests of this progressive little city.
He is also a stockholder and director of the Shenandoah XTational Bank.
Fiis worth is most widely acknowledged for in all things he has been prac
tical and yet has ever looked forward to the city's substantial improvement,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 451
doing everything in his power to build along lines of permanency and
beauty. In his business affairs he has prospered, and yet his success has
never depended upon the wreck of other men's fortunes. It has been in
the legitimate lines of trade and through earnest, persistent effort that he
has reached the place which he now occupies as one of the substantial men
of Shenandoah. In 1899 Air. Cotrill was married to Aliss Grace Alden of this city. They
occupy an enviable position in social circles and their own home has ever
been attractive by reason of its warm-hearted and generous hospitality.
Both Air. and Airs. Cotrill are active and helpful niembers of the Baptist
church and he is serving as a member of the official board. Air. Cotrill
had the contract for building the church and into his work put his whole
heart because of his deep interest in the organization. He is a member of
Tricentum Lodge, XTo. 300, F. & A. Al. ; and Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82,
R. A. Al., while his political allegiance is given to the repubUcan party.
He has been called to various offices, serving as assessor of the town in 1874
and 1875, while in 1880 he w-as again elected for a two years' term and
reelected in 1883, so that his incumbency in that office covers six years —
his reelection standing as incontrovertible evidence of his ability and the
confidence reposed in him by the public. He was a member of the town
council from 1892 to 1895 inclusive, was again elected in 1897, serving for
two years, and in 1899 was once more called to the office for a two years'
term. In 1902 he was elected mayor of Shenandoah, and filled the office for
two years, his administration being characterized by progressiveness, by
practical reform and needed improvement. Pie was careful of expenditure
and yet did not believe in an economy that restricts progress. At all times
he has been a public-spirited citizen, giving valuable aid to measures for the
general good and seeking the material, poUtical, intellectual and social and
moral progress of the city. His personal worth has gained him the .warm
regard of many friends, the number of whom increases as the circle of his
acquaintance is extended.

ROBERT A. SANDERSON.
Robert A. Sanderson, whose splendid business ability is indicated in his
successful control and management of extensive farming interests and also
as the president of the Farmers Savings Bank, of Essex, has in his business
life shown much of the initiative spirit in formulating new plans and carry
ing them forward to successful completion and also coordinating forces
and bringing apparentiy dissimilar interests into a unified whole. A na
tive of IlUnois, he was born in Jo Daviess county, IlUnois, on the 29th of
July, 1866, and is a son of Williain and Alargaret (WeUs) Sanderson, both
of whom were natives of County Alonaghan, Ireland, where they were
reared, but w-ere married in Boston, Alassachusetts, soon after coming to
the United States. They established their home in Jo Daviess county, Illi-

452 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
nois. The father was a poor man, with no capital to aid him in making
a start in the new world, and for some eight years he worked on farms by
the month. He was ambitious, however, to own property and engage
in business for himself and, carefully saving his earnings, he at
length purchased eighty acres of land and began farming. He prospered
in his undertakings as the years passed and in later life added to his hold
ings from time to time until he had acquired five hundred and twenty acres
of valuable land. He died in February, 1909, at the age of seventy-three
years, and is still survived by his widow, who is living on the home farm at
the age of about sixty-six years. In politics Mr. Sanderson was a stanch
republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party, but was never an
office seeker. Both he and his wife were members of the United Presby
terian church, and the sterling qualities of his character Mr. Sanderson dis
played in his business activity, in his relations to the public and in his social
and home life as well.
Robert A. Sanderson was only nine years of age when he left the pa
rental roof and took up his abode with his great-uncle, James Martin, who
resided in Essex. His uncle had no children and Mr. Sanderson was reared
and loved as a son in his household. Mr. Martin had become a resident of
Page county in 1876. He emigrated from Ireland, his native country, and
unlike most of his countrymen who come to the new world, he was a man of
means when he crossed the deep Atlantic and on establishing his home in
Essex he associated himself with B. Al. Webster in loaning money and in the'
real-estate business. In this department of activity he met with very sub
stantial prosperity and amassed a fortune. He died in June, 1891, while his
wife, Mrs. Jane Martin, passed away in September, 1891. At the death of
Mr. Alartin Mr. Sanderson was made the sole beneficiary.
Reared in Essex, Robert A. Sanderson acquired his education in the
public schools of the town, where he enjoyed good advantages and also re
ceived thorough business training from his uncle, who owned and operated
five hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the town. For two years
prior to the death of his uncle, who was then in ill health, he had the care
and control of the farm and soon demonstrated his business abihty in its
capable management and in the success which attended his efforts. He lives
in a commodious and handsome residence in the outskirts of Essex and
owns eight hundred and sixty acres of land in Pierce township, together
with one thousand acres in eastern Colorado. He was one of the organizers
of the Farmers Savings Bank of Essex and was made president of the insti
tution, in which position he has since served.
On the I2th of Septeniber, 1893, Mr. Sanderson was united in marriage
to Aliss Lulu Stearns, a daughter of Dr. A. M. Stearns of Essex, and unto
them were born four chUdren, of whom three are yet living: Gail, Janice
and Alargaret. Air. and Mrs. Sanderson hold membership in the Presby
terian church, in which he is a trustee. They contribute generously to its
support and are interested in its various activities.
Mr. Sanderson's study of the political issues and questions of the day
has led him to give his allegiance to the republican party and he has served

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 453
on the board of councilmen in Essex and also as a member of the school
board. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the
town, giving hearty cooperation to many measures and movements which
benefit the community. In all affairs relative to the good of the community
he is influential as it is well known that his leadership is such as promotes
progress and substantial improvements. He is a man of forceful character
and marked individuality, who is leaving the impress of his labors for good
upon the community.

J. ALFRED JOHNSON.
J. Alfred Johrison needs no introduction to the readers of this volume,
for he is well known in Page county not only by reason of the gratifying
success which he has attained along business hues but also because of his
deep and helpful interest in the affairs of the community in which he has
resided. Born in Sweden, his birth occurred on the 28th of December, i860,
and he is a son of John and Louise Johnson, both natives of that country,
who came to the United States in 1869. They made their way to Illinois,
locating first at Altoona, where they resided for a few months, and then
removed to New Windsor. Their residence in that state covered a period of
two years and in 1871 they came to Page county, Iowa, residing for a few
months in Fremont township. Later they went to Tarkio township, where
a son. Alack, then resided, with whom they made their home for about a
year and a half. At the expiration of that period he purchased forty acres
in Fremont township, paying fifteen dollars per acre, and there he removed
his family. The mother and father both passed away on that farm, the death
of the former occurring in 1895, and the latter about three years later.
J. Alfred Johnson, whose name introduces this record, was but nine years
of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to the United
States, and his education, which was commenced in the old vvorld, was com
pleted in the common schools of Illinois and Iowa. At the early age of six
teen he became independent, starting out in business life on his own account
as a farm hand. Pie operated a tract of eighty acres, doing the entire work
of the farm, for which he received but -twelve dollars per month. He con
tinued in the capacity of a farm hand for two years and then he purchased a
team and began farming for himself, operating the home place in connection
with some adjoining land, which he rented, continuing to make the home
stead his place of residence until his marriage. He then rented the Russell
farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Fremont township, which he
worked for six years, and during this period he purchased forty acres ad
joining his father's farm. Upon leaving the RusseU farm he returned to
the homestead, which was to come into his possession upon the death of
his father, as he had turned over his wages to his father and assisted in
paying for the place. The farm then consisted of eighty acres and he also
rented adjoining land, which he operated in connection with his own prop-

454 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
erty until 1900, when he sold the homestead and purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of his present place in Pierce township. Taking up his abode
upon this place he has since directed his efforts to general farming, in
which line of activity he has met vvith signal and gratifying success. In
1906 he purchased an adjoining fifty acres, so that his present farm com
prises two 'hundred and ten and a fraction acres, located on section 14,
Pierce tovvnship. The ground is naturally rich and fertile, responding
readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it, while Mr. Johnson, through
industry, thrift and perseverance, combined with up-to-date and progres
sive business methods, has annuaUy reaped golden harvests from which he
has accumulated a very substantial and gratifying income.
In 1886 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Aliss Anna Carlson, of
Fremont township, Page county, who came from Sweden to the United
States about 1881. Unto this union were born nine children, of whom eight
still survive, namely: Elmer W., Lilly E., Carl A. C, Alice H. M., Thyra E.,
Mamie V., Anna A. and Paul L., all of whom are yet under the parental
roof. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are both members of the Lutheran church, in
which the former is serving as a deacon and also as superintendent of the
Sabbath school. He is a stanch republican, having taken an active interest in
the affairs of the party in the various communities in which he has resided.
While making his home in Fremont tovvnship he was called upon to serve
as road supervisor, as constable and as a niember of the board of township
trustees, and since becoming a resident of Pierce township, his fellow citi
zens, recognizing his general worth and ability, have again called him to
office. He has served as road supervisor and has now entered upon his
second term as trustee of Pierce township. Preeminently public-spirited in
his citizenship, he is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress
of the community and gives loyal support to all interests which are matters
of civic virtue and civic pride. His worth as a man of business is widely
acknowledged and in his career he has proved that energy and cUUgence con
stitute a safe basis upon which to buUd success. Starting out in life empty-
handed as a farm hand, he is now the owner of a valuable property and is
numbered aniong the substantial agriculturists and valued citizens of Pierce
township.

FRANK JOHNSON.

Sweden has furnished a large number of citizens to Page county, in
cluding Frank Johnson, whose time is busily taken up with his farming
interests on section 5, Tarkio township. He was born in Sweden, December
13, 1848, and the school system of his native land afforded him his educa
tional privileges. His youthful days vvere spent amid such surroundings
as are familiar to the Swedish youth and from time to- time he heard in
teresting reports concerning the new world. These, at length, proved so

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 455
irresistible that on reaching his majority he made arrangements wherebv he
could sail for the United States, making the voyage in the spring oi 1869.
He at once continued his journey across the country to the broad prairies
oi the Mississippi valley and, locating in Altoona, Illinois, soon secured
work at railroad building.
Later Mr. Johnson was employed at farm labor in that vicinity, making
his home in Altoona for three years, after which he came to Page county
in 1872. He here worked for one summer on a farm and then for two
years was again engaged in railroad work. For two winters he was em
ployed in coal banks south of Clarinda but received no salary for his labor
owing to the dishonesty and unscrupulousness of the man whom he served.
He then again took up farm work and, becoming imbued with the desire
to own property, he carefully saved his earnings until he felt justified, in
1875, i'"' niaking purchase of eighty acres of land in Tarkio township.
A year later, however, he sold that tract and in company with his brother,
Charlie H. Johnson, bought one hundred and twenty acres. They carried
on farming together for two years, after which they divided the land.
Frank Johnson remained upon his farm until 1893, in which year he removed
to the farm belonging to his -brother, M. L. Johnson, in Tarkio township.
He rented and cultivated that land for two years and in the fall of 1893,
disposing of his own property in Fremont township, he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of his present farm, to which he removed in the
spring of 1895. Here he has since resided and two years after the purchase
of this place, he invested in forty acres across the road, so that his posses
sions now include two hundred acres oi the rich land of Tarkio town
ship. In all those affairs which relate to public progress he manifests a
keen interest and with firm belief in the principles of the republican party
he gives to it his support at the polls. He has done effective work in
behalf of good roads, while serving as road boss, and has promoted educa
tional interests as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are
consistent and faithful members of the Swedish Alission churcb, in which
he is serving as deacon. In her maidenhood Mrs. Johnson was Miss Carrie
Hagglund, an adopted daughter of Peter Hagglund, of Fremont township.
The marriage was celebrated in 1877 and has been blessed with seven
children, of whom six are now living: Amanda, the wife of Elmer Kempe,
of Red Oak, Iowa; Joseph, an a.griculturist, of Tarkio township; Arnold,
also an agriculturist, now residing in Pierce township ; Nora, the wife of
Ira Edwards, of Morton township, this county; and Anna and WilUe, at
home. In a review of the life and work of Mr. Johnson we note that he landed
in this country with about ten dollars in his pocket ; today he is one of
the substantial men of Tarkio township and his home is one of the modem
and attractive residences of his part of the county. The contrast between
his present financial condition and that in which he was found at the time
he came to the new world indicates something of the Ufe and activity which
he has led in the intervening years, bringing him to a place which is enviable

456 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
and creditable. He has sought his success along honorable lines and has
gained therewith not only the substantial rewards of labor but also the re
spect of his fellowmen.

JOHN H. SHAW.

John H. Shaw a flour and feed merchant of Coin, Iowa, who is also
engaged in the wholesale egg and poultry business in Clarinda, was born
in Coin, July i6, 1878, and is the son of Thomas R. and Sarah J. (Ix)wer)
Shaw. For several generations the Shaw family has been closely identified
with agricultural interests, the paternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth
(Rinehart) Shaw, having been prominent in the farming community of
Perry county, Ohio, where Thoinas R. Shaw was born. Because of the
early death of his parents the latter was thrown on his ovvn resources and
at the age of ten was bound out to a farmer near his home. At the out-
breal< of the Civil war he ran away and, making his way to New Lexington,
Ohio, enUsted in Company K, Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on
the 29th of Septeniber, 1S61, joining his regiment at Zanesville. For some
three months the Sixty-second was drilled at Camp Goddard and then was
sent to Cumberland, Maryland, whence they proceeded down the Potomac
to the Shenandoah valley. Mr. Shavv took part in the battle of AA^inchester ;
was under General Shields when he made the attack on General Jackson ;
participated in the siege of Petersburg; in the battle of Deep Bottom; in
the charge on and capture of Petersburg; and in the battle of Appomattox,
where General Lee surrendered. He was also- in a large number of skir
mishes, but although he played a creditable party in twenty-one engage
ments he was never wounded nor away from his regiinent. He acted as
sergeant and color sergeant for a long time, but was inustered out as cor
poral, for the promotion was never regularly made. He was only sixteen
at the time of his enlistment, and still has a medal of honor presented to
him the day before he was eighteen by General Q. A. Gilmore. At the
close of the war Air. Shaw returned to Perry county, Ohio, and on the
i6th of November, 1865, married Miss Sarah Lower, the daughter of
Elijah and Elizabeth Lower, of that county. The next year he moved west
to lUinois, whence after seven years he removed to Page county, Iowa,
where he farmed for twenty-one years, coming to Coin in 1896. In that
year he was appointed postmaster by President AIcKinley and has held
the position ever since. A successful farmer, he has fulfilled the duties of
his present office with fidelity and to the satisfaction of his townspeople.
Eleven children were born to Mr. Shaw and his wdfe, of whom John
Shaw is the fifth in order of birth.
After completing the course of study prescribed by the public school of
Coin, John Shaw proceeded to the high school, from which he was gradu
ated at the age of eighteen. For two years he then worked on the farm of
his father-in-law, A. R. McMichael, and then obtained a position as clerk

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 457
in a general store in Coin, where he worked for six years. He thus ac
quired an insight into business methods and made a number of friends in
the world of affairs, and was ready he believed to engage in business for
himself. In May, 1909, he started as a dealer in flour and feed, and in
the few months' experience he has had has been very successful, for the same
qualities that made him a good clerk and the thrift that enabled him to
engage in business for himself, have made it possible for him to build up
a large trade and to conduct his operations on a paying basis.
On the 22d of December, 1903, Mr. Shaw was wedded to Aliss Grace
Edna McMichael, the daughter of A. R. and Sarah (McNutt) McMichael.
The parents were prominent farmers of Page county, but a few years ago
gave up active labor and came to Coin to make their home. Of their family
Mrs. Shaw is the oldest, the others being: Cora Blanch is the wife or Roy
Delk, who is in business with his father in Coin; and they are the parents
of a daughter, Lois. Maud is the wife of Arthur Henderson, of Page county.
Gertrude is a graduate of Tarkio Musical College and now has a class of
piano pupils in Coin. Mabel is a pupil of the Coin high school.
One of the younger business men of Coin, Mr. Shaw bids well to
reach the position attained by those who have been connected with its
commercial life for a long period. He enjoys the confidence of his fellow-
citizens and the good will of his fraternal brothers of Coin Lodge, No. 2410,
M. W. A. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and is seen in regular attendance at its services.

J. A. ENGSTER.

J. A. Engster owns and cultivates a farm on section 2, Tarkio town
ship, and is numbered among the prosperous and active agriculturists of his
part of the county. He makes a specialty of raising cattle and hogs, being
one of the leading livestock dealers oi the community. He has resided
in America since 1893, at which time he came to the new world from his
native land of Sweden. He was there born April it. 18/3 a son of John
and Anna Johnson. The father died when the boy i^ias but eleven years
of age and the mother still resides in Sweden.
J. A. Engster spent his youthful days in his native land and acquired
his education in the Swedish schools, supplemented by three terms in the
district schools of this country, which he attended during the winter months.
It was in 1893, when twenty years of age, that he emigrated to the United
States, settling in Wakefield, Nebraska, where lived his uncle, Frank Eng
ster, who had preceded him to this country. This uncle was a brother of
our subject's father and because of the fact that the Johnsons were so
numerous in the section in which he located he took the name of Engster
to avoid confusion. On the arrival of the nephew he was generally called
Engster by his uncle's associates and in consequence adopted the name.
For three years he worked as a farm hand and then began farming for

458 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
himself on rented land. He was thus engaged for only a year, however,
for his crops, while abundant, commanded no price, corn seUing from seven
to nine cents per bushel. The following year he was given employment
as a farm hand and spent two more years in that way. Again, in 1899, he
began farming as a renter and as prices were now much higher, he was
enabled, after two years, to purchase the farm which he had been renting
and which he continued to m.ake his home until 1903.
The year previous, however, Mr. Engster had sold the place and pur
chased his present home in Tarkio township. Page county, to which he
removed in 1903. He here owns one hundred and forty-five acres of land
on section 2, and in January, 1909, he purchased one hundred and twenty
acres adjoining the original tract on the south, so that his present place com
prises two hundred and sixty-five acres. He makes a specialty of raising
cattle and hogs, feeding not only all the grain which he raises but also
buying extensively. He is known as one of the leading stock raisers of this
part of the state, carrying on a business of large proportions and of sub
stantial profits.
In March, 1901, Air. Engster was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hart,
of Essex, Iowa, a daughter of John Hart, one of the first Swedish settlers
of Page county, now living retired in Essex. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Engster
have been born three children : Myrtle L., Alice M. and Lillian E. The
parents attend and support the Swedish Mission church and Mr. Engster
votes with the republican party. His success has been won through his
farming and live-stock interests and he is now numbered aniong the men
of affluence in Tarkio township. In his views regarding public questions he
is well balanced, his theories being of a practical nature, while his labors
are permeated by a progressive spirit. His record of honorable achieve
ment merits for him the confidence and esteem in which he is uniformly held.

A. W. MURPHY.

A. W. Murphy, ai^e of the best known business men of Shenandoah,
representing financio? mterests of the county as the vice president of the
Commercial National Bank, was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, Oc
tober 2, 1857. His parents were Thomas and Margaret (Lauther) Murphy,
who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was reared in that state and
went to Fort Madison, Iowa, for his bride, she having removed to that
city some time previous with her parents. After his marriage he returned
to the Keystone state and settled on a farm in Juniata county, where he
spent the remainder of his days, passing away about ten years ago-. His
widow still survives at an advanced age and resides on the old homestead
in Pennsylvania. A. W. Alurphy was reared at home, acquiring his education in the pub
Uc schools and in the state normal school at Shippensburg. He also at
tended the academy at Academia, Pennsylvania, and when still comparatively

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 459
young entered upon the profession of teaching to which he devoted his
energies at intervals until his twenty-fifth year. At times during that period
he also worked on the farm and engaged in clerking in a general store at
Pent Mills, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1882 he came west to Iowa,
settling in Page county, where he was first employed as a clerk in a store
at Tarkio. He continued there for a month, after which he came to Shen
andoah, and entered the employ of R. B. and C. F. Crose, general merchants,
who did business in the same building now occupied by the Com
mercial National Bank. Mr. Murphy entered the employ of the firm with
the understanding that he would remain for a month but so satisfactory
were his labors that he continued with them for more than a year and was
then transferred to the hardware store of Burr & Crose, with whom he
continued until August, 1S84. He next purchased Air. Burr's interests
in the firm and the name vvas changed to Murphy & Crose, the subject of
this review becoming a partner in the enterprise, Air. Crose, however, fur
nishing a large share of the capital. The business was conducted under this
partnership relation for ten years with Mr. Alurphy bending every energy
toward the successful conduct of the enterprise. That his efforts were a
source of profit is indicated in the fact that in 1894 he was enabled to pur
chase Mr. Grose's interest in the business and the same year erected a large
modern business block on the 11-ortheast corner of Sheridan avenue and
Elm street, transferring his stock to the new quarters. He conducted an
extensive business at that location and continued in active connection with
mercantile interests until the spring of 1903, when he disposed of his stock
on account of faiUng health. He had for a long period enjoyed a large
trade and his business was one of substantial success.
The summer following the disposal of the store Mr. Murphy became
associated with the Commercial Savings Bank, now the Commercial Na
tional Bank, and was made cashier of the institution. He served in that
capacity for three years, when he retired from the cashiership and was made
vice president of the bank, in which capacity he has since served, bending
his energies to administrative direction and executive control. His long ex
perience in commercial lines constituted an exceUent foundation for his
banking experience, and in financial circles he has made -s miost creditable
record in control of what is one of the strong moivyed concems of the
county. ^
Mr. Murphy has in many other respects been a most prominent and
influential factor in the life of the community. He has regarded business
as but one phase of existence, never allowing it to exclude his active par
ticipation in and support of the other vital interests which go to make up
human existence. He has been a lifelong member of the Presbyterian
church and for years has served as one of the elders of the church in Shen
andoah. He takes a helpful interest' in all departments of the church
activity and has served for the past fifteen years as superintendent of the
Sunday school. At this writing, in 1909, he is the president of the Page
County Sunday School Association and is also the president of the Shen
andoah Library Association. For fifteen years or more he served on the

460 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
board of education and is deeply interested in all those movements which
tend to promote intellectual and moral progress of the community. His
political allegiance is given to the democracy and for several years he
served as city treasurer of Shenandoah, making an excellent record in the
prompt and faithful manner in which he discharged his duties. He is well
known in fraternal circles, especially as a representative of Masonry, be
longing to Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, A. F. &. A. M. ; Sheshbazzar Chap
ter, R. A. Al. ; Bruce Commandery, No. 34, K. T., of Red Oak, Iowa ; and
Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Davenport.
In 1887 Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to Miss Etta F. McCul
loch, of Juniata county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of J'ames McCulloch.
Unto this marriage was born one child, Ella McCulloch, who is now a
junior in the high school of Shenandoah. The family are prominent so
cially and their's is a most hospitable home.
Mr. Murphy is a type of the business man who has risen in the world
through close application, industry and honorable business methods. He
came to Iowa a poor boy in 1882 and today is classed among Shenandoah's
successful, most esteemed citizens, his record proving that success is am
bition's answer. At the same time the subjective and objective forces of life.
are in him well balanced and while he is cognizant oi and has used his own
capabilities and powers in a business vvay, at the same time he has thor
oughly understood his opportunities and his obligations and has been neg
lectful of no duty devolving upon him in the relations of social life and of
citizenship.

MRS. MARTHA PALMER.
Mrs. Martha Palmer, w^ell known in Coin, is the widow of Captain
John H. Palmer and was born in Ulster county, New York, Aug-ust 21,
1842. Her parents were Joshua and Salina (Vredenburg) Schoonmaker,
who were Hkewise natives of Ulster county. The father, who was bom in
1813, died about ,1883, while the mother whose birth occurred in 1814,
passed away in 189. n- ' Mr. Schoonmaker was a farmer by occupation and
spent his entire lif(.-;m the place of his nativity. Following his demise the
mother came to Page county, Iowa, where her last days were spent. They
were the parents of four children: Mary, who was born June 18, 1836,
died December 31, 1S70. She was the wife of Jacob Tobias and he, too, is
deceased. Kathryn J., born March i, 1838, is the widow of Lafever
Auchmoody and resides in Ulster county. New York. Mrs. Palmer is the
next of the family. Emily, born October 25, 1S43, Is the deceased wife of
Edgar S latter.
Mrs. Palmer spent her girlhood days in Ulster county and attended the
district schools and also assisted in the work of the household, so that she
was well trained to take care of a home of her own at the time of her
marriage. On the 21st of February, 1S60, at Fort Ewen, New York, she

CAPTAIN JOHN H. PALMER

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 463
became the wife of Captain John PI. Palmer, who was born in Ulster
county, October lo, 1838. He, too, attended the district schools and after
ward was a student in Ashland Seminary. His parents were Harvey and
Jane (Harket) Palmer, early settlers of Ulster county.
Following their inarriage Captain and Mrs. Palmer located at Rifton,
Ulster county. New York, where Captain Palmer engaged in teaming until
the 22d of August, 1862. On that date he enlisted for service in the Civil
war, becoming a member of Company A, One hundred and fifty-sixth
New York Volunteer Infantry. This regiment saw much active service,
being connected with the Department of the Gulf under General Banks.
The command took part in the siege of Port Hudson and in the Red River
Campaign and in 1864 joined General Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley,
participating in the battles of Winchester and Cedar Creek. .Subsequently
the troops went to Savannah, where they did guard duty. Soon after enter
ing the service Mr. Palmer was promoted to orderly sergeant; later was
commissioned first lieutenant, on the I9tli of March, 1864; and on the nth
of July the same year received a captain's commission. After being at
Savannah for a short time he was placed in charge of twenty picked men
doing guard duty on the Savannah river in charge of transports. At the
close of the war he returned to Carthage, Illinois, and was there mustered
out October 23, 1865.
For a brief period after the close of hostilities Captain Palmer resided
at Carthage and then went south to take charge of a plantation on the
Mississippi river. His wife accompanied him as far as Memphis, where she
was to remain until he could make arrangements to send for her. He did
not like the south, however, and soon they retumed to Illinois, where they
remained until 1870. In that year they removed to Fremont county, Iowa,
where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, whicii was known
as the Doan place. They lived there for a year, after which they soU, out
and removed to Page county, Iowa, where they purchased one hundred
and twenty acres south of Coin. Most of this was raw land and Captain
Palmer devoted his energies to cultivating and improving the place. They
built a house and barn and added to their property until they owned two
hundred and ninety acres. During the time they resided thereon the
Wabash railroad was built across their place. They lived there for about
thirty years, their farming interests being successfully conducted, and at the
end of that time they purchased fifty acres near Coin at a place known as
xAustin's Alill.
While they were residing there the death of Captain Palmer occurred
on the 15th of November, 1902, and his remains were interred in the Ellen-
wood cemetery. He had led a busy and useful life, was a prosperous farmer
and stockman and also conducted a successful creamery business. In fact
in all those Unes of life which he followed in order to provide for the support
of his family he met with success, for he displayed keen judgment in his
business manageinent, combined with unfaltering industry. He also took
an active part in politics and gave stalwart support to the republican party
and its principles, but would never accept office. He was a prominent mem-

464 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ber of the Alethodist church and for a number of years served as president
of its board of trustees. He gave generously to the support of the church
and cooperated in its various movements for the moral regeneration of the
community. He belonged also to the Grand Army Post of Clarinda and
throughout the years of his connection therewith found pleasure in its
campfires, where the veterans recalled the scenes and recounted the deeds
that were notable epochs in the Civil war.
FoUowing the death of Captain Palmer, Mrs. Palmer remained lor some
years at Austin's Alill and in June, 190S, removed to Coin, where she now
resides. She has since disposed of her farm land but owns the residence
which she occupies. She has been a devoted mother to her family of eight
children, who in order of birth are as follows : Mary J., the wife of Oliver
Ernest, living at Greeley, Colorado; Harvey, who died at the age of nine
years; Georgia A., the wife of E. J. Woolsey, also of Greeley, Colorado;
Helen M., who is the wife of S. J. Hockabout, of Fort Morgan, Colorado,
by whom she has two children, Dale and Alildred; Carrie R,, who died at the
age of twenty-two years ; Playes, living near Coin, who married Winnine
Harris and has four children, John L., Theodore R., Louise and William
Howard Taft ; Garfield, who died at the age of six years ; and Joseph, who
died when four years of age.
Mrs. Palmer is a member of the Methodist church of Coin and is a
lady whose excellent traits of character have won her a firm hold on the
affection of those with whom she has been brought in contact. Her hus
band, Captain Palmer, was for many years a leading and representative
agriculturist of this county and at his death left to his family the priceless
heritage of an untarnished name as well as good property which he had
secured as the result of his carefully directed energy and business activity.

OSCAR W. OKERLIN, M. D.
Dr. Oscar W. Okerlin is numbered among the young and successful
practitioners of Page county and during the three years in which he has
been located in Essex, he has built up a large and extensive practice. He
was born in Boone county, Iowa, October 3, 1873, a son of John and Johanna
(Johnson) Okerlin, who were natives of Sweden, whence they came to the
United States after reaching mature years, their marriage being celebrated
in Boone county, this state. There the father engaged in farming until his
death, which occurred in 1877 when he was a comparatively young man.
He left a widow and three small children.
Dr. Okerlin of this review was but four years of age at the time of his
father's death, after which he was carefully reared by his mother. He was
kept in school until his sixteenth year, at which time he graduated from the
Boone high school. He then secured employment as storekeeper by the North
western Railroad Company, being located at various points and remaining in
their employ eleven years. In the meantime he had taken up the study of

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 465
medicine under the preceptorship of Drs. Humphrey and Kauffman of
Lake City, Iowa, pursuing his studies during his leisure hours, while at the
same time he retained his position with the railroad company. In 1901 he
entered the medical department of the Iowa State University, graduating
from that institution with the class of 1905.
Having thus carefully prepared for his profession he went to Liscomb,
Iowa, where he remained for one year in charge of the practice of a physi
cian at that place. In 1906, however, he came to Essex and although he
has been here but three years he has already become widely known and his
services are in demand not only in this city but in the surrounding districts
as well. He keeps in touch with the progress that is made by the medical
fraternity through his membership in the Iowa State Medical Society and
in the American Institute of Homeopathy.
Dr. Okerlin was married in 1905 to Aliss Sue Denne, of Atlantic, Iowa,
and their union has been blessed with two daughters. Amy and Ruth. The
Doctor gives his political support to the republican party, while his fraternal
relations are with Mountain Lodge, No. 360, A. F. & A. M., and with Essex
Camp, No. 3297, M. W. A., and he is acting as medical examiner of both
these organizations. He is also identified with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon,
a coUege fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. They are hospitable young people, enjoying the warm
regard of many friends, and if the present professional standing of the
Doctor is any criterion to go by, no doubt the future holds stUl greater
success for him.

EDWARD S. AVELCH.

Edward S. Welch is proprietor and sole owner of the Mount Arbor
nurseries of Shenandoah and his business career has been marked by steady
progress resulting from his close application and unfaltering energy, to
gether with an intelligent recognition and use of the opportunities that
have been presented. He was born near Williamsburg, Sangamon county,
Illinois, February 8, 1S69, and is a son of Ebenezer HilUs and Keziah
(Yovvell) Welch, both of whom were natives of Indiana and removed to
Illinois with their respective parents. The father was a farmer by occupa
tion and in 1869 formed one of the vanguard of pioneers to southwestern
Iowa. He located at that time in Fremont county, where he purchased a
tract of land and made his home until 1879. He then sold out and removed
to western Kansas but remained for only two years in that state. Return
ing to Iowa in the fall of 1881, he spent the winter in Sidney and in March,
1882, came to Page county, settling in Shenandoah, where he passed his
remaining years in quiet retirement from business, enjoying rest which he
had truly earned and richly desen'ed. Fle died October 26, 1886, at the age
of fifty-two years, while his wife survives at the age of sixty-six years and
resides in Shenandoah.

466 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Edward S. Welch was reared under the parental roof, accompanying his
parents on their removal to Iowa in his infancy. His entire life, therefore,
has been passed in this state save for the brief period spent in Kansas, and his
education has been acquired in the district schools, in the public schools of
Shenandoah and in the Western Normal College of this city. As early as
his twelfth year he worked at farm labor, hiring out by the month, and his
life record has at all tinies been one of diligence, perseverance and industry.
On coming to Shenandoah — he was then thirteen years of age — be se
cured work in the nurseries of D. S. Lake and there laid the foundation for
his subsequent successful business career. While thus employed he learned
every detail of tree culture. Fle remained in the service of Air. Lake for
the greater part of nine years and while thus engaged — in 1887 — he began
growing nursery stock on his own account. He remained, however, with
Mr. Lake until 1891, when he left his employ and in connection with E. I.
Alartin, now of Red Lands, California, purchased of the firm of Howard &
Latimer the Alount xArbor nurseries, which had been established by T. E. B.
AIason in 1875. For a year thereafter the business vvas conducted under the
firm name of Martin & AVelch, but in 1892 Air. VA^elch purchased his part
ner's interest and has since been sole proprietor. Under his capable manage
ment and wise guidance the business has been built up to its present magni
tude. The first year's business under Martin & AA^elch amounted to eight
thousand doUars and today the sales reach one hundred and fifty thousand
doUars annually — the result of the business abiUty and careful direction of
Mr. AA^elch. In the first place he resolved to furnish high grade nursery
stock, knowing that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. As his
patronage increased he enlarged his nurseries until today his plant is one
of the best ec[uipped in the United States. He has commodious buildings
for the handling of the stock and a railway track has been built by the side
of the buildings so that shipments are most easily made. He has seven
hundred acres of land in use for the cultivation of his nursery stock and
today his name is known in this connection throughout the entire country
for he has built up an extensive and profitable business.
In addition to his other interests he is a stockholder and director in the
Shenandoah National Bank and in the Shenandoah Brick & Tile Conipany.
Plis associates recognize in him one of the leading business men of the city,
alert and enterprising. He never regards any position as final but rather
as the starting point for still further accomplishment. Pie manifests rare
ability in discriminating betvi-een the essential and the non-essential and also
in the coordinating of forces into a uniform and harmonious wdiole.
Pleasantly situated in his home Ufe, Air. Welch was married in December,
1891, to Aliss Ida A. Boydstun of Abingdon, Illinois, and to them has been
born one child, Gertrude F., who is attending- high school. They have re
cently adopted a son, Wayne X. They are wddely and favorably known
socially and the generous hospitality of their own home makes it a favorite
resort with many friends. They hold membership in the Congregational
church, in the work of which they are much interested, Air. Welch serving
as a member of the board of trustees. He is likewise a member of the Shen-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 467
andoah library board and is interested in the various movements and
measures that relate to the city's progress and advancement along many lines.
His fraternal relations are with Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, F. & A. M. ;
Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. Al. ; and the Eastern Star. He is also
connected with Page Camp, No. 1049, ^^- W. A., and wdth Three Oaks
Camp, No. 52, of the Royal Xeighbors.
His poUtical allegiance is given to the republican party where national
questions are involved but at local elections he votes independently. For
twelve years he has served as a member of the S'henandoah school board
and his advocacy of public education is manifest in his eamest efforts to
secure competent teachers and to advance the interests of the schools. He
stands today as a splendid example of the self-made man who recognizes
and uses his opportunities to the best advantage, placing his dependence
ever upon indefatigable energy and unfaltering diUgence.

JOHN L. AIOORE.

A considerable percentage of the county's successful business and pro
fessional men are numbered among her native sons, for the growth and
development of southwestern Iowa, wdth its enlarging possibilities and
opportunities, have afforded scope for the labors and ambitions of those who
have grown to manhood here. John L. Aloore was born in Page county,
March 27, 1872, his parents being AAdlliam J. and Mary E. (Leonard)
Moore. Although for many years the father followed the occupation of
farming in providing for the support of himself and family, he is now
Hving retired in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence which was the
reward of his previous labors. He makes his home in Braddyville, Page
county. As a public-school student John L. Aloore mastered the conimon branches
of learning and continued his education at Amity College in College Springs,
Iowa. He started out in business life as a farmer, first purchasing forty
acres of land, to which he has added from time to time as his financial re
sources have increased until now he is the owner of four hundred acres of
valuable farm property. His realty possessions also include two residences
in Clarinda. As the years went by he carefully tilled the soil, bringing his
fields under a high state of cultivation and carrying on his farm work along
most progressive lines. Year by year his agricultural interests were care
fully and successfully conducted until 1904, when he put aside the work of
the fields and removed to Clarinda. In addition to his realty interests in
Iowa he also owns land in Colorado. After taking up his abode in the city
he conducted the Farmers Feed Yard, whicii covers a half block. This he
sold out sometime later and in 1906 concentrated his energies exclusively
on the real-estate business, having for two years before engaged quite
largely in buying and selUng property. He handles farm lands mostly and is
thoroughly conversant with realty values and the possibilities for profitable

468 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
investment. In 1908 he entered into partnership with William E. Whitta
ker, under the firm name of Moore & Whittaker, and they now handle a
large amount of the real estate businessi in Clarinda and also have an ex
tensive chentage in the insurance business, both branches being now profit
ably managed and conducted.
Mr. Moore was married to Miss Mary S. Young, of Clarinda, a daughter
of George W. Young, who was a brick mason and auctioneer. The wedding
was celebrated on the 12th of October, 1898, and now there are four children
in the household: Floyd D., Ethel A., Laura M. and LeRoy L.
Air. Moore exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the democratic party, believing that its principles are best cal
culated to conserve good government. In his fraternal relations he is con
nected with the Odd Fellows and with the Knights of Pythias. He has not
only made friends but holds them to him with the compelling power of
genuine sympathy and helpfulness.

AMOS BEERY.

Amos Beery, who for many years was identified with agricultural in
terests in this part of Iowa, is now living retired in Shambaugh in the en
joyment of the fruits. of his former toil. He was born in Fairfield county,
Ohio, April 5, 1850, but was only six months of age at the time of the
removal of his parents to Adams county, Indiana. He is the son of Daniel
and Magdalene (Hamm) Beery, the former a native of Fairfield county,
Ohio, and the latter of Germany. She was brought to the United States
when but six months old. Following the removal of the family to Indiana,
the father died in Adarris county about 1S56 and ten years later the mother
came to Page county, where she continued to reside until her demise. In
their family were four children : Amos ; Noah, who is Uving in Alissouri ;
.Amanda, the wife of Abe Stemen, a resident farnier of Amity township;
and Daniel, who was born after his father's death and is now deceased.
Amos Beery lost his father when only six years of age. He continued
a resident of Adams county, Indiana, until sixteen and then came with his
mother to Page county, Iowa, in 1866. His education was largely acquired
in the former state, for after coming to Page county his time and energies
were largely devoted to the task of providing for his own Uving. He re
mained here until his marriage, when he went to Neosha county, Kansas,
where he lived for five years. On the expiration of that period he returned
to Page county, where he has since made his home. He has been a lifelong
farnier and is now the owner of a valuable property comprising three hun
dred and eighteen acres of rich and arable land included within two farms.
He also owns two good lots in the town of Shambaugh, where he resides,
and a substantial brick residence at the south edge of the village. Of his
farm land, eighty acres is situated on section 12, Amity township, while the
remainder is on section 6, Buchanan township. He removed from the farm

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 469
in Amity township to Shambaugh about three years ago and is now prac
tically living retired, save for the supervision which he gives to his invest
ments and general agricultural interests. -He has always made a specialty of
raising cattle and hogs and has also fed considerable stock. In his busi
ness affairs he displays sound judgment and indefatigable energy and what
ever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion.
Pleasantly situated in his home Ufe, Mr. Beery was married in 1871 to
Miss Laura Woods, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, January
I, 1854, and was brought to Page county in 1865 by her parents, Enoch and
Nancy (Washburn) Woods, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of
Indiana. Her father died in Kansas, and her mother now resides in Neosha
county, that state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beery have been born twelve chil
dren : Noah E., a farmer of Amity township ; Enoch, who is living in Cler
mont, Missouri; Nora, who died at the age of nine months; Nancy, the wife
of Abe Wolf, of Shambaugh ; Bessie, the wife of Scott McClarnen, of Amity ;
Jennie, the wife oi Burt C. Floskins, of Buchanan township; Jesse A. L.,
of East River township ; Lulu, who is living in Omaha, Nebraska ; Melvin,
at home ; Leona, vvho died February 14, 1908, at the age of sixteen years ;
Gertrude and Myrtle, twins. Air. and Mrs. Beery also have thirteen grand
children. Mr. Beery is a member of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ church of
Shambaugh, in which he is serving as deacon. His influence is always given
on the side of morality, truth and righteousness. He is also a stalwart ad
vocate of the cause of temperance and votes as he prays, giving his alle
giance to the prohibition party. He not only advocates but does that which
is right and his sterling -honesty and integrity of character have gained him
the trust, respect and good will of his fellowmen.

GEORGE G. LONG.

George G. Long, a resident of Shambaugh, largely devotes his time and
energies to the purchase and sale of farms, although in former years 'he was
actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits. His life record began
on the 9th of November, 1849, at the parental home about eight miles east of
Columbus, Ohio. He was one of a family -of seven children born unto
Edward and Katharine (Reid) Long. The father was a native of Frank
lin county, Ohio, born in 1S20, while the mother's birth occurred in Picka
way county, Ohio, in 1819. Edward Long was a blacksmith by trade and
conducted a smithy and carriage-making shop in Ohio, where he continued
to live until about 1855, when he removed westward to EddyvUle, Lee
county, Iowa. In the spring of 1856 he took up his abode in Clarinda, at
which time the town contained only five houses. He bought out the first
blacksmith shop in the vUlage and conducted it for a few years, after which
he rented it to the firm of Harrold & Chamberlin. He then removed to a
farm two and a half miles west of Shambaugh, taking up his abode on a

470 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
half section of land in Amity township, vvhich he had entered from the gov
ernment in 1853. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made
upon the place, but with characteristic energy he began its development
and converted it into rich and productive fields. There he resided until the
spring of 1863, after which he removed to a farm about two miles southeast
of Clarinda. Upon that place he resided until his death, which occurred in
November, 1864. His widow long survived him, passing away on the Sth
of Alay, 1907, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. She was then living
in Loup City, Nebraska. Both were active meinbers of the Methodist Epis
copal church throughout their entire lives. In their family were seven chil
dren, of whom two died in infancy, the others being: Hannah, who died at
the age of sixteen years ; George G., of this review ; Ella R., a resident of
Chicago ; Elmer Ellsworth, who died at the age of thirty years ; and John W.,
of Loup City, Nebraska.
George G. Long was a little lad of but six summers when his parents
came lo Iowa and was not yet seven years of age at the time of the removal
to Page county, where he has since made his home. He was a youth of
about fifteen years when his father died. At that time the family removed
to Clarinda, where they lived for a few years, after which they returned to
the farm. In 1872 George G. Long was married and resided on the home
farm for a year, after which he purchased eighty acres of land in East River
township and made his home thereon for seventeen years. At the expiration
of that period he sold his property and removed to a place a half mile south
west of Shambaugh, purchasing eighty acres, on which he continued to re
side for fourteen years. During that period he transformed the tract into
rich and arable fields, from which he annually gathered large harvests. As
the years passed he prospered and in 1906 he erected a pleasant home in
Shambaugh, a house of nine rooms, which is one of the finest in the village.
Here he now lives and for some time he has given his attention to the pur
chase and sale of farms, handling farm property in Iowa and Missouri but
mostly in the latter state. His sound judgment and discrimination enable
him to make judicious investments and profitable sales and his business is
now a most satisfactory one.
As previously stated Mr. Long was married in 1872, the lady of his
choice being Miss Molly F. Marshall, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio,
in Alay, 1852. Unto them were born two children, but the son, Edward,
died in infancy. The daughter, Gladys M., is now the wife of WilHam R.
Hill, who is living a mile and a half south of Shambaugh, and they have
four children : Gertrude Marie, Marry, Gerald and Kenneth Reid.
Mr. and Mrs. Long are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in which they take a deep interest. They contribute liber
ally to its support and do all in their power to promote its various activities,
Mr. Long serving as superintendent of the Sunday school for the past twelve
years, while in other ways he has been officially connected with the church
and its work. His poUtical allegiance is given to the repubUcan party and
his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to
the office of mayor. He does not seek office, however, but desires rather to

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 471
perform his public services as a private citizen, aiding in public measures
by his influence and cooperation. His life has been actuated by laudable
ambition and characterized by unfaltering diligence and perseverance, and
his history proves that success is ambition's answer.

J. W. ORAIE.

Starting out in the business world empty-handed, J. W. Orme has grad
ually worked his way upward until today he stands among the substantial
citizens and wealthy landowners of Page county owning five hundred and
forty acres of land in Valley township, this county, and one hundred acres
in Taylor county, Iowa. Fle is a native of the Buckeye state, born in Knox
county Alay 25, 1845, and is one of a family of seven children whose par
ents were WiUiam and Elizabeth (Dum) Orme. The father was born in
Alaryland and the mother in Ohio, where they made their home until 1854,
in whicii year they came westward to Iowa, entering land from the govern
ment in Page county. Here they spent their remaining years, the father
passing away in 1874, while the mother survived for several years and died
May 16, 1888.
J. W. Orme is the younger of the two surviving children of the father's
family, and his brother is also a resident of Valley township. J. W. Orme
remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-
four years, during whicii time he assisted his father in the work of the fields,
plowing, planting and harvesting, while in the winter months he pursued his
studies ill the common schools. When he started out to face the responsi
bilities of life he choose the occupation to which he had been reared and
for three years operated rented land. Pie then bought eighty acres of the
farm which is novv his home. He improved this property with a substantial
farm dweUing and many outbuildings, and from time to time, as his finan
cial condition permitted, he added to his holdings until his place now com
prises a section of land, situated in Valley township. He carries on general
farming but gives his time more particularly to the raising of stock, keeping
high grade animals, and this has proved a very gratifying source of income
to him. On December 6, 1881, Mr. Orme was married to Aliss Ada A. Tice in
Page county, and their home has been blessed with five children, three
sons and two daughters : Albert, DeUa, Frank and Nellie, the other son
having died in infancy.
The parents are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Epis
copal church. Air. Orme gives his poUtical endorsement to the republican
party but aside from serving as school director has never held public office,
preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his private business
interests, which have now assumed extensive proportions. The ideals of
men Uke Air. Orme, their personality, the history of their lives and their
profound sense of integrity could be made the text of a lesson from which

472 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the young men of today could study success, for starting out in life with no
capital save his ambition and determination, he has steadily forged his
way to the front until he is now one of the wealthy and large landowners of
Page county. His success, however, has been acquired only through the
most honorable methods.

DAVID S. LAKE.

As civiUzation advances on the frontier agriculture becomes the first
department of business to wdiich the pioneer directs his energies. From the
soil must be produced those foods which sustain life and constitute a mar
ketable commodity that other necessities may be secured. AA'ith the set
tlement of a district, however, business interests become more diversified
and complex and not only is attention directed to the tilling of the soil for
the production of cereals but interest is also awakened in the possibiUties
of raising fruit and of cultivating trees and shrubs. Thus there is a demand
for nursery stock and the pioneer in the development of a business oi this
character in Page county was David S. Lake, now proprietor oi the Shen
andoah Nursery.
A native of New Fiampshire, he was born in Alerrimack county, Janu
ary 27, 1845, a son oi David and Julia B. (Sanborn) Lake. Both the
Lake and Sanbom families were established in the Old Granite state in
pioneer times and Robert Lake, the grandfather, traced his ancestry be
yond the seas to English origin. The Sanborn family produced many able
men especially famed in educational circles. Professor E. D. Sanbom, of
Dartmouth College and Dyer H. Sanborn, a celebrated educator of New
Hampshire, were brothers of Mrs. Lake, and John R. Sanborn was an en-
fluential member of the Canadian parliament.
David S. Lake was the third in order of birth in a famUy of five chil
dren and upon the old New England farm he remained until sixteen years
of age, after whicii he pursued a thorough course at Pittsfield Academy,
wherein he continued his studies to the age of nineteen. Attracted by the
unfolding opportunities of the growing west he then sojourned for a
brief period in Wisconsin but soon took up the profession of teaching in
Illinois. He was thus engaged for five years, when he turned his atten
tion to the nursery business as an employe at Prairie City, Illinois, whence
he removed to Iowa in 1870. Here he established the Shenandoah Nur
sery, investing a limited capital of about four hundred dollars. He planted
ten acres of rented land to nursery stock and, increasing his business as
his financial resources have perniitted, he has enjoyed a constantly growing
patronage. It has been his policy to make every order, however small,
perfectly satisfactory and this won him a most desirable reputation and led
to the increase of his trade until he was obliged to give his entire attention
to the wholesale department of his business. His enterprise has kept
abreast with the growth of the city and the development oi this part oi the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 473
country, being today one of the largest nurseries in the west. Something
of its development is indicated by the fact that over four hundred acres are
now devoted exclusively to growing its stock and over one hundred acres
are planted in stock annually. The north packing shed covers an acre of
ground, is built of brick and is a fire-proof and frost-proof structure. Mr.
Lake has trained his two sons, A. F. and Ralph Lake, to the business and
they have taken up the responsibilities of the enterprise and are proving
worthy and valuable assistants to their father. The company now em
ploys one hundred and fifty people and their nursery plant embraces buUd
ing after building erected in the most approved manner in which all of the
different things are done to perfect the trees and shrubs for market. Their
stock includes goods imported from France and other foreign countries
but their specialty is apple seedlings and the conipany suppUes the market
vvith this product.
On the 17th of January, 1872, David S. Lake was married to Miss
Hannah, a daughter of Daniel O'Day, and the children of their marriage
are : Albert, Ralph, Clara and Leslie. The Lake family is prominent so
cially and Page county acknowledges its indebtedness to its members for
the promotion of business activity within this part of the state. The Lake
nursery is today one oi the most important commercial concerns of Iowa
and the growth of the business is attributable to its founder, whose ability has
enabled to surround himself with an able corps of assistants, to de-vise and
imstitute substantial and practical plans and to produce valuable stock and
place it upon the market in such a manner as to make the demand therefor
constant and increasing.

JOHN EMIL SWANSON, M. D.
Dr. John EmU Swanson, a well known and successful representative
of the medical profession in Page county, has practiced in Essex since
April, 1903. His birth occurred in Aledo, IlUnois, on the 27th of Sep
tember, 1 87 1, his parents being Jphn E. and CaroUne (Johnson) Swanson,
both of whom were natives of Sweden. They emigrated to the United
States in young manhood and womanhood, in the year 1868, locating at
Galva, Illinois, where they were married. A short time afterward they
established their home at Aledo, IlUnois. The father, who was a tailor by
trade, was there engaged in business along that line untU 1875, when he
took up his abode at WoodhuU, lUinois, where he now successfully con
ducts an extensive tailoring establishment. His political allegiance is un
falteringly given to the republican party but he has no desire for the honors
and emoluments of office. His religious faith is indicated by his member
ship in the Swedish Lutheran church, with which his wife is also identified.
John E. Swanson spent his youthful days under the parental roof and
obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of WoodhuU,
Illinois. Subsequently he entered Augustana College at Rock Island, IU-

474 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
inois, from which institution he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts
degree in 1896. In the fall of the same year he took up the study of medi
cine in the CoUege of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, which
he attended for a year, when he entered the School of Medicine of the
University of Illinois at Chicago. Following his graduation of 1899 he was
given an interneship in the Augustana Hospital at Chicago, where he
served the regular term and in the spring of 1901 he located for practice
at Swedona, Illinois. Shortly afterward, however, he went to Denver,
Colorado, for the benefit of his health, where he practiced his profession
for six months and' at the end of that time, having fully recuperated, he
came to Essex, Iowa, in April, 1903. He bought out the practice of Dr.
Stottler, who removed to Shenandoah and in the intervening six years has
built up an extensive and lucrative patronage, being today one of the well
known and representative physicians in the county. He keeps in close touch
wdth the onward march of the profession through his membership in the
Page County Aledical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the
American Aledical Association.
In 1900 Dr. Swanson was joined in wedlock to Miss Selma Liljedahl,
of Essex, Iowa, and unto them has been born one child, John Milton. The
parents are consistent and faithful members oi the Swedish Lutheran church,
the teachings oi which they exempliiy in their daily lives. Dr. .Swanson's
skill in the application of rem.edial agencies is widely recognized, and he
commands the respect and esteem of his patients, fellow citizens and mem
bers of the medical fraternity.

JOHN LAGERQUIST.

On the roster of officials of Page county appears the name of John Lager-
quist, who is now recorder of deeds. He was born in New York city, Au
gust 20, 1852, and is a son of Abraham and Caroline (Duberg) Lagerquist.
Tlie father was a mechanic. He was a native of Sweden and came to
America when the voyages across the Atlantic were made in sailing ves
sels. He remained in the eastern metropolis until about 1859, when with
his family he removed to Macon, Georgia. There he foUowed. his trade
until 1866, when he went to Illinois, settling first in Henry county, where
he purchased land and began farming but was not long permitted to enjoy
his new home, his death occurring in 1868. His widow survived for about
five years and passed away in 1873.
John Lagerquist was only seven years of age when he accompanied his
parents on their removal from New York city to Georgia and was a youth
of fourteen when the family home was established in Illinois. He was edu
cated in the public schools and began farming in Henry county. He after
ward clerked in a general store in Page county and in the fall of 1876 came
to Iowa. He had previously leamed the cabinetmaking trade but after
reaching this state he accepted a clerkship at Essex, where he continued

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 475
from 1876 to 1904. In the latter year he was elected county recorder of
deeds and filled the position so acceptably that he was reelected in 1906
and again in 190S, so that he is now serving for a third term, which expires
in 191 1. His record is altogether creditable, as is indicated in his long con
tinuance in office. In Essex he filled the offices of mayor, councilman, jus
tice of the peace and assessor. No public trust reposed in him has ever
been betrayed in the slightest degree. On the contrary he is most loyal
to the duties that devolve upon him and is prompt, faithful and reUable in
their execution.
On the 3d of July, 1873, Mr. Lagerquist was united in marriage to Miss
Clara C. Anderson, of Galesburg, lUinois, and they have four children :
Walter E., who is now a student at Yale ; K. Pearl, who lives at home and
is acting as deputy county recorder; M. Mabel, a student in the high school
at Clarinda; and Warren S., who is pursuing his studies in the Clarinda
public schools. The elder son was graduated from Simpson College with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts and at Yale in his first year he won the
Master of Arts degree and eventually will win the Doctor of Philosophy
degree. He was elected to fill the chair of economics at Beloit College, in
Beloit, Wisconsin, where he remained for some time.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the parents
are faithful members. In the work of the church Mr. Lagerquist takes an
active and helpful interest and for many years was a trustee of the church
and was also superintendent of the Sunday school at Essex. At Clarinda he
has been a member of the official board and also a class leader. His life has
ever been upright and honorable and the motives which have guided his
actions have been such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.
Page county has no citizen more loyal to its interests than John Lagerquist.

J. C. WILLIAAIS.

J. C. WiUiams, who owms and operates a farm of four hundred acres
located partly in Valley and partly in Douglas townships, is a weU known
and substantial farmer, who is meeting with gratifying success in his ag
ricultural pursuits. Born in England on the iSth of April, 1856, he is a
son of John and Amy (Rogers) Williams, of whom extended mention is
made on another page of this volume. The father, also a native of England,
came to the United States with his family in 1866, settling first in Wis
consin and later in Page county, Iowa, where he was actively engaged for
some time in farming, becoming one of the extensive landowners of the
locality. He is now living retired on his farm of six hundred acres in
Valley township, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.
J. C. Williams came to the new world when but a lad and is indebted to
the common-school systein for the educational advantages which he en
joyed. He remained at home, assisting his father in the cultivation of the
fields, until he reached manhood when, starting out in business for himself,

476 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
he removed to one of his father's farms, which he operated for some time
as a renter. Later he purchased the place and has since added to his pos
sessions, until now he owns four hundred acres located in Valley and Doug
las townships. lie has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation,
practices the rotation of crops and makes a thorough study of the best
methods of cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He also
engages in the raising and feeding of stock, the good grade of which insures
it a ready sale on the market.
On the 2d of December, 1880, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to
Miss Helen Fleenor, who was born in Henry county, Iowa, on the 3d of
April, 1863, and is a daughter of George and EUzabeth Fleenor, residents
of Clarinda. To this union have been born two children, namely: ArseUa
Jane, born December 22, 1881, who is still at home; and George C, who was
bom on the 17th of January, 1S86, and is now married and resides in Valley
township. The family is connected wdth the United Brethren church and is held in
high regard in the community. In politics Air. Williams is independent,
casting his ballot at the polls for the men who, in his opinion, are best
adapted to fill the position for which they are candidates. He served as
school director but otherwise has not sought nor desired public office. He
is public spirited in his citizenship, at all times desirous for the best interests
of the community. He has won success in his agricultural pursuits and his
farm, which is known as the Neely Branch Stock Farm, is one of the finely
improved and valuable properties of Page county.

MRS. NELLIE JONASSON.
It is the names of the men of a community that are apt to figure most
prominently on the pages of history from the fact that they control the
business interests, fiU the offices and manage the public affairs. Yet there
are in every community ladies whose business abiUty is pronounced and
whose sterling worth well entitles them to classification with the repre
sentative residents of the county. In this connection mention should be
made of Mrs. Nellie Jonasson of Coin, who owns and controls a farm of
one hundred and seventy-six acres of fine land in Colfax township. She
also has a beautiful town residence which she occupies. She was born in
Sweden, July 11, 1844, and is a daughter of John and Magnal (Pierce)
Matteson, both of whom spent their entire lives in Sweden, where the father
died at the age of fifty-five years, while the mother reached the advanced age
of eighty-seven years. They were parents of but two daughters, the elder
being Airs. Hannah Augison, the wddow of Mans Augison, and a resident
of Sweden. Airs. Jonasson, the younger daughter, acquired her education in the
schools of her native country and came to the United States with a number
of friends when twenty-four years of age. She became a resident of Min-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 479
neapoUs, Minnesota, where she remained for about four years and then went
to Illinois. She was married in Kewanee, that state, on the 5th of April, 1873,
to P. A. C. Jonasson, who was born in Sweden and was the son of Jonas
and Sissa Peterson.
The young couple began their domestic Hfe in IlUnois, where they
remained for two years, and then removed to Page county, Iowa, bringing
with them their eldest son, who was born in the former state. On reach
ing this county they took up their abode near Northboro on one hundred
and sixty acres of raw land which Mr. Jonasson had purchased the previ
ous year on a trip to the west. He at once began to cultivate this place,
breaking the sod and tilling the fields until they rewarded his efforts by gen
erous harvests. He erected all of the buildings upon the place and con
tinued to reside upon the farm until February, 1905, when with his family
he removed to Coin and retired from active business Ufe. He was at that
time about sixty-five years of age. His birth had occurred in Sweden,
April 20, 1840, and on the 9th of August, 1867, he arrived in the United
States. Alaking his way to the interior of the country, he settled at Ke
wanee, Illinois. He had followed carpentering and engineering in Sweden
but in this country turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits.
After a brief period he made his way to Scott county, Kansas, where he lived
for six months, after which he returned to Kewanee, Illinois. He was twice
married, his first union being with Miss Ellen Anderson, who was a school
mate of Mrs. NelUe Jonasson, when they were in Sweden. That marriage
was celebrated December 31, 1S71, and on the 29th of October, 1872, the
young wdfe passed away. On the 5th of April, 1873, Air. Jonasson wedded
Aliss Nellie Johnson and they traveled life's journey happily together until
he was called to the Hfe beyond.
Mr. Jonasson became a naturalized citizen of the United States, March
2, 1880, and was always loyal in his allegiance to the best interests of the
country. During his residence in Page county he won for himself a favor
able position among the leading farmers of this part of the state. He paid
nine and one-eighth dollars per acre for his first tract of land of one hun
dred and sixty acres and to his original holdings he kept adding from time
to time until he had five hundred and seventy-six acres. He was a prominent
farnier living in AVashington township but owning land both in that and
Colfax township, and his life record indicated the success that niight be
achieved by determined purpose intelligently directed. He made good use
of his time, talents and opportunities and thus won prosperity so that he
was able to leave a very substantial competence to his family when he was
called to his final home. In addition to his farming interests he was one
of the organizers and original stockholders of the First National Bank of
Blanchard and became a stockholder of the local telephone company, of
which he was elected secretary and treasurer. In other ways he was closely
associated wdth public progress, for his fellow-citizens, recognizing his worth
and ability, caUed him to a number of local offices. He always regarded a
public office as a pubUc trust and was most faithful to the duties entrusted
to his care. He acted as justice of the peace, was school director, secre-

480 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
tary of the school board for ten years, was township trustee and also fiUed
other offices to whicii he was chosen as the candidate of the republican
party. He was a member of the Lutheran church in Sweden but after com
ing to Page county united with the Alethodist church, assisted in building
the house of worship in Northboro and held office in that church for many
years. After his removal to Coin the family joined the Methodist church
of this place and Mr. Jonasson was serving as one of its stewards at the
thne of his death. He passed away December lO, 1908, and his grave vvas
made in the Ellenwood Cemetery of Coin.
The inarriage of Air. and Airs. Jonasson had been blessed wdth six chil
dren. John Alfred, who was born January 8, 1874, died February 27, 1900.
He was a graduate of Tarkio CoUege, afterward was assistant superinten
dent of the Coin schools and at the time of his death was superintendent of
the schools at Essex, Iowa. Clara M. is the wife of L. H. Wiar of Col
fax township and they have two children, Nellie O. and Charles E. Fran
cis O., born July 2, 1878, died February 19, 1900, while attending Tarkio
College. Eva S., born January 12, iSSo, died December 31, 18S1. Stella
B. is the wife of Clyde Whitmore, who resides on the old homestead farm,
and they have one chUd, Pearl Irene. Blanche H., living at home, was a
student in Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa.
Airs. Jonasson and her family are all members of the Methodist church
and are held in high regard by those with whom they have come iri con
tact. In addition to her town and farm property Mrs. Jonasson owns stock
in the First XTational Bank of Blanchard. The land, formerly in posses
sion of her husband and not included in the old homestead, was divided
among the children after his death. Mr. Jonasson also left to his family
the priceless heritage of an untarnished name for he was always honor
able and upright in his business, never taking advantage of the necessities
of another in any transaction but seeking his success by earnest, persistent
and honorable effort.

S. A. JOHNSOX.

S. A. Johnson, one of the leading farmers of Fremont township and a
niember of the board of township trustees, was born in Sweden, September
19. 1857- His parents, John and Anna (Swanson) Johnson, came to the
United States in 1869. They made a short stay in Atkinson and also at
Cambridge, Plenry county, Illinois, and about a year later took up their
abode at Swedona, Illinois, where they remained for thirteen years. In
1882 they came to Page county, Iowa, settling in the vicinity of Essex,
where they resided until called to their final rest, the father dying in the
fall of 1908 when in his ninety-fourth year, while the mother passed away
in February, 1900, in her eighty-second year. On coming to this country
the father took the name of John Ask, by which he was afterward known.
S. A. Johnson was a youth of eleven years when his parents crossed
the Atlantic. He continued at home until his thirteenth year, when, because

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 481
of the limited financial resources of his parents, he began to provide for
his own support, working by the month as a farm hand. While his educa
tional opportunities in this country were limited, yet in his native land he
had received thorough training in the common schools. Pie proved him
self diligent and persevering in his farm work and, therefore never found it
difficult to secure a situation during the eleven years in which he was em
ployed. On the 19th of January, 1883, Mr. Johnson was united in inarriage to
Miss Lena Nelson, of Shenandoah, who was a native of Sweden and
came to the United States in 1873. The spring following his marriage
Mr. Johnson began farming for himself as a renter and thus busily tilled the
soil for five years. In the fall of 1887 he purchased his present farm of
one hundred and twenty acres, to which he rem,o-ved and whicii has since
been his place of residence. He has been very successful in his chosen
life work, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, practicing
the rotation of crops and utilizing the modern methods of farming to
make his work productive. He has made a specialty of the breeding and
raising of hogs and this has constituted a profitable branch of his business.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson has been blessed with seven chil
dren, six of whom are yet living, as follows : Hilda Otelia, Ellen D., Elmer
XT., Lawrence A., Quincy B., and Verna C. All are yet under the parental
roof. In his political views Air. Johnson has long been an earnest and stal
wart republican and keeps well informed on the cjuestions and issues of the
day. He is a niember of the present school board and in the fall of 1896
v/as elected to the board of trustees of Fremont township, in which position
he served so capably and faithfuUy that in the fall of 1908 he was re
elected to the office and is novv the incumbent in that position. He and
his wife are members of the Lutheran church and its teachings constitute
the guiding influence in their lives. Mr. Johnson may truly be called a
self-made man for he has been dependent upon his own resources from
early boyhood and has worked his way upward along the legitimate steps
of an honorable business career. He is now a stockholder in the Farmers
Savings Bank of Essex and is one of the substantial and influential men
of Fremont township. His business record is one which will bear close in
spection and scrutiny, for the course which he has followed has at all
times been an honorable and upright one.

JAAIES J. DOTY.

AVhile some men attain success by patient perseverance in lines of busi
ness already well defined and niarked out, others owe their prosperity to the
fact that they originate new enterprises which they conduct along well de
fined lines of trade until a most satisfactory remuneration is gained. Of
the latter class James J. Doty is a representative. He was the organizer

482 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
and is the president of the Economy Hog & Cattle Powder Company and is
thus one of Shenandoah's most prominent business men, for the industry
is one of the most important and successful in the city.
His birth occurred in Bureau county, Illinois, on the loth of October,
1874, his parents being John C. and Ann Elizabeth (Jackson) Doty. The
father was a native of Scotland but vvas only seven years oi age vvhen
brought from the land of hills and heather to the United States by his
parents, who located in New York city. Later they removed westward to
Chicago, where both the father and mother of John C. Doty passed away
during the cholera epidemic. John C. Doty was reared to manhood in his
parents' home and at the time of the Civil war offered his services to the
government, enlisting as a member of the Sixty-fourth Illinois Regiment. He
was captured twice while at the front and for a short period was confined
in AndersonvUle prison. At the close of his mUitary experience he re
turned to Chicago, where he lived for a few years. He was then mar
ried and located on a farm in Bureau county, IlUnois. In 1888 he came
westward to Iowa, settling in Guthrie county, where he purchased one hun
dred and twenty acres of land, cultivating the soU of that farm until 1894,
when he put aside the more active business cares and took up his abode in
Shenandoah, where he is now living at the age of sixty-four years. He is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife, who is sixty-
three years of age, is connected with the Christian Scientists.
James J. Doty was reared at home, acquiring his education in the dis
trict schools and in the Shenandoah high school, while later he pursued a
business course in the Westem Normal College. His father's financial re
sources did not permit of him receiving a university education and when
eighteen years of age he started out in Ufe on his own account. He was
first employed as a clerk in the grocery store of C. S. Andrews, with whom
he remained for three years. Later he engaged in the coal, flour and feed
business and gradually transferred his interests to the Economy Hog &
Cattle Powder Coinpany. He was the organizer of this company and
estabUshed a business vvhich is now of large and profitable proportions.
He has given to the public an article of value to the farmer and stock-
raiser, and the sale of his output is very extensive. In addition to his in
terests along that line he is a director of the Iowa Wagon Conipany and a
stockholder in the Commercial National Bank and also in the Security
Trust & .Savings Company. His name is an honored one on commercial paper
and his opinions are received with attention in business circles for the suc
cess which he has achieved proves their worth.
It was on the i6th of November, 1898, that Mr. Doty was united in
marriage to Miss Lema M. Jividen, of Onawa, Iowa, and unto them has
been born one child, Forrest Jividen. Mr. Doty holds membership in
Shenandoah Lodge, No. 261, I. O. O. F. ; Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122,
B. P. O. E. ; and Nishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. W. He is also a devoted
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as steward,
while his political views are manifest in his support of the democratic party
at the polls. He belongs to the Shenandoah Commercial Club and has

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 483
served as a member of the board oi trustees of the public library. He
is a recognized leader in various business enterprises and in public move
ments, in all of which the community is an indirect beneficiary. He is a
successful man, not only carrying forward to completion whatever he under
takes in a financial way but also accomplishing what he undertakes for the
good of the community. He is justly accounted one of the men of promin
ence in Shenandoah and his social qualities have made him popular with
his fellow townsmen.

JOSEPH AURACHER.

Few men in recent years have figured more prominently in grain and
live-stock interests in Page county than Joseph Auracher, being the owner
of some of the finest cattle in the United States. A native of Pennsylvania,
he was born in Northampton county on the 9th of March, 1862, a son
of Christian and Mary (Buzzard) Auracher. The father vvas a native of
Germany, while the mother was born in America of French extraction.
The parents were married in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and in
1869 came with their family to Iowa, locating on a farm in Louisa county,
where their remaining days were spent. The father passed away in Sep
tember, 1879, at the age of sixty-three years, while the mother's death oc
curred in 1899, when she had reached her seventy-third year.
On the home farm Joseph Auracher was reared to manhood, acquir
ing his early education in the public schools, while later he pursued a busi
ness course at the Eastern Normal College at Columbus Junction, Iowa.
During the meantime he had devoted the hours not spent in study to assist
ing his father in the work of the farm, and he remained under the parental
roof until the fall of 1885, when he went to Shenandoah, Iowa, and engaged
in business on his own account, forming a partnership with O. H. Schenck
in the grain business. They operated at Shenandoah and Bingham under
the firm name of Schenck & Auracher, the relationship existing for about
eighteen months. At the expiration of that period Mr. Auracher purchased
his partner's interest in the business which he has since conducted inde
pendently. The enterprise, which has been most successful from the first,
has enjoyed a rapid and continuous growth and now has branches at Bing
ham and Summit, Mr. Auracher being considered one of the leading grain
men in this section of the state. He has also found time to devote his
attention to other lines of activity and for the past six )'ears he has been
engaged in raising and breeding registered polled Angus cattle, and in this
latter branch of his business he has been remarkably successful. He nov/
owns some of the finest cattle of this breed in the United States and has
taken premiums at all of the fairs of Page county and the surrounding
counties. At Lincoln, Nebraska, he exhibited three animals and was awarded
three premiums, and also exhibited at the Iowa state fair. His stock farm
is located in Walnut towmship, Fremont county, and is known throughout

484 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the state for its fine cattle. Preeminently a man of business, he conducts
his activities in an energetic and determined manner and is a man who
brings things to pass, never doing anything by halves. These characteris
tics have proved the saUent elements in a prosperity which is now ranking
him among the successful and substantial business men of Page county
Mr. Auracher laid the foundation for a happy home Ufe by his marriage,
on the 9th of March, 1893, to Aliss Alay SchoU, of Shenandoah, Iowa, trie
couple being prominent among a large circle of warm friends. Fraternally
Mr. Auracher holds membership in Nishna Lodge, No. 300, F. & A. M.,
and is likewise a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, while along the line of his business
he is the president of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Association of the state
oi Iowa. His poUtical allegiance is given to the republican party, in the
affairs of which he is deeply and helpfully interested, and he has served on
the city council for about seven years. Public-spirited, his influence has
at all times been upon the side of progress, improvement, reform and ad
vancement. His has been a life of continuous activity, inspired by laudable
ambition, and his enterprise and aggressiveness have stood him well in the
battle of life, winning him the prosperity which he now enjoys and plac
ing him in the foremost rank as a representative citizen of Page county.

CLYDE W. TURNER.

The business interests of Coin, Iowa, are ably represented by Clyde W.
Turner, who is engaged in the undertaking and embalming business in
this city. Fle claims Page county as the place of his birth, which occurred
January 11, 1S78, his parents being James W. and Martha (Turk) Turner,
natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Page county in 1S58, where they
took up their pennanent home, the father engaging in general farming until
about eighteen years prior to his demise, when he retired from active busi
ness and took up his residence in Coin. He passed away in July, 1906, but
the mother still survives and makes her home with the subject of this re
view. In their family were the foUowing children : Elizabeth, the wife of
Dr. E. E. Lymer, residing at Mount Pleasant, lo-wa; Sultana, deceased;
John C, who has also passed away ; Grant P. ; George W. ; James E. ;
William A.; Judson L. ; and Clyde W.
Clyde W. Turner spent the years of his early boyhood on his father's
farm and received his early training in the schools at Long Branch, later
attending the high school at CoUege Springs, while his education was com
pleted in the high school at Coin. After laying aside his text-books he en
listed for service in the Spanish-American war as a member of the Third
United States A^olunteer Engineers, serving for one year, at the expiration
of which period he was mustered out with his regiment. He then engaged
in the restaurant business at Randolph, Iowa, for one year, and next be
came identified wdth the undertaking business, first in connection with C.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 4S5
D. Chapman, of Shenandoah, with whom he reniained for about eighteen
months, and later as an embalmer for AlcCowen & Son of Clarinda, for
whom he worked two and a half years. During his connection with Air.
Chapman he had taken an examination before the state board at Des Aloines,
Iowa, and received a diploma as an embalmer, so that, after severing his
connection wdth McCowen & Son, he was qualified to enter the business on
his own account. Accordingly he purchased his present business from A.
E. Swift, although it was then known as the DoweU Undertaking & Fur
niture Company, and has since directed his energies toward its control.
He has been very successful in his undertaking for he has attempted to
meet all of the demands of his patrons and his service in their behalf has
ever been most satisfactory.
It was on the 3d of October, 1906, that Mr. Tumer was united in
marriage to Aliss Lottie C. Herren, a daughter of David and Alary Louise
(Carter) Herren, who were early settlers of Page county, and are now
both deceased. She was one of a large family of children, the other mem
bers being: Catherine, the wife of Al Wagner; Dr. Herren, novv deceased;
Kemp, who resides in Newmarket, Iowa ; Jennie, the wife of Lou Elgin,
of Des Moines ; Roy ; Georgia, who married Henry Anan ; Harley ; and
Nannie, the wife of Jesse McCowen. The union of Mr. Turner and Mrs.
Turner has been blessed with the birth of one son, CUnton H., born on
the 3d of August, 1909.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Turner belongs to Coin Lodge, No. 455,
I. O. O. F., and also to Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E. Since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has voted with the
republican party and is a loyal supporter of the principles thereof. He is
at present serving as alderman of the city being elected on that ticket.
Having passed almost his entire life in Page county, his many sterling traits
of character have won for him the respect and esteem of his fellowmen,
and he ranks among the substantial, progressive and representative busi
ness men of the corrununity.

LENUS HAGGLUND.

Among Page county's residents who are known beyond the district in
which they live is Lenus Hagglund, whose fame in connection with the
propagation of seed corn has spread abroad throughout the land. He is
now Uving in Pierce township, where he owns an excellent farm of two
hundred acres, and whUe he has gained fame in the line mentioned, he is
doing equally good work in other departments of farming and stock rais
ing. He was born in Sweden, May 11, 1864, and was only three years
of age when brought to the United States by his parents, Erick and Britta
(Johnson) Hagglund, who arrived in America in 1S67. They made their
first location at Andover, Illinois, where the father purchased forty acres
of land, which he carefully tilled and cultivated until 1S76. That year wit-

486 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
nessed his arrival in Page county and, locating in Fremont township,
he made investment in eighty acres of land, upon which he resided up to
the time of his death in the spring of 1882. He was then sixty-seven years
of age. His widow still survives and is yet living on the old homestead with
her youngest daughter. The father followed a seafaring Ufe for twenty-
six years prior to his emigration to the new world.
Lenus Hagglund was reared at home, acquiring his education in the
district schools of IlUnois and Iowa, and through the periods of vacation
assisted actively in the work of the home farm. In 1S87 he purchased
eighty acres of land in Pierce township and began farming on his own
account. On the 19th of March, 1891, he was married to Miss Alice
Seablom, of Tarkio township, and about that time sold his Pierce township
farm and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Montgomery county,
upon which he resided for three years. He then sold that property and re
turned to Pierce township, investing in his present farm of two hundred
acres, where he has made his home continuaUy since.
Air. Flagglund has gained a national reputation through the propaga
tion of corn. He has made a close, thorough and scientific study of the
growing of corn and for two terms attended the State Agricultural College
at Ames. For several years now he has made a specialty of growing seed
corn. He makes what he terms "an ear to the row" test each season. His
plan is to select one hundred or any other number of select ears of corn
and plant fifty hills of corn from each ear, numbering the ear and the row.
He then retains all the kernels left upon the ear after the planting has been
done and awaits the results. On harvesting the crop he weighs the corn
from each row and from the best results he selects from each ear his next
year's seed. Thus he is continually improving the seed corn which he raises
and so superior is the quality which he sends out that he has gained a
national reputation. He has taken more premiums at the county institutes
than any man in Page county and has never exhibited without receiving
a premium. In 190S he won the sweepstakes of Iowa at the National
Com Show at Omaha, where there were five or six hundred exhibitors. In
addition to the cultivation of corn and other cereals he is also engaged to
some extent in stock raising, feeding a carload of cattle and one of hogs
annually. He is one of the best known men in this section, being recog
nized as a most progressive farnier, who is not only in touch with the
spirit of advancement that is manifest in agricultural life but has been a
leader in progressive movements.
The home of Air. and Airs. Hagglund has been blessed with five chil
dren: Irene E., Bernard L., Raymond S., Oliver E. and Wallace J. The
daughter is a graduate of the Essex high school and is now a student at
Ames CoUege. The parents hold membership in the Swedish Lutheran
church and Air. Hagglund gives his political allegiance to the republican
party. For eleven years he has served as a member of the school board and
the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is interested
in all matters of vital moment to the county and his cooperation can be
counted upon to further any movement for the general good. He belongs

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 487
also to the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the work which he has
done in connection with corn propagation has made his name most widely
known. His labors in this direction have been -of direct benefit to the
great agricultural population of the country and he deserves much credit
for what he has accomplished.

LUDVIG T. FALK.

The extent and importance of the farming and stock-raising interests
of Ludvig T. Falk, make him one of the representatives of modern, scien
tific farming in Page county. He is living on section 20, Fremont town
ship, and is conducting a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, whereon
he is extensively breeding and raising live stock. His birth occurred in
Henry county, Illinois, September 20, 1874, bis parents being John F. and
Sophia (Johnson) Falk, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father
was brought to this country by his parents when but three years of age,
whUe the mother in early womanhood crossed the Atlantic. They becaine
residents of Henry county, Illinois, where they were married, and the year
1881 witnessed their removal from that locality to Page county, Iowa,
where the father purchased the first land that he ever owned, making invest
ment in what is now known as the Falk homestead of three hundred and
twenty acres on section 20, Fremont township. He resided upon this
place until the spring of 1902, when he resolved to retire from active life,
for he had acquired a handsome competence, his financial resources being
sufficient to enable him to live comfortably without further recourse to
labor. He then turned the farm over to- his son and removed to Essex,
where he has since lived a- retired life. He vvas very energetic and indus
trious and in addition to the home property he also ovvned a quarter section
of land in Pierce township, adjoining Essex on the east. In business
matters his judgment is sound and reliable, and what he has undertaken he
has carried forward to successful completion, his record proving what may
be accompUshed when one has the will to dare and tO' do. His political
allegiance is giveii to the democracy, and while in Plenry county he was a
candidate for sheriff but was defeated. He never sought nor desired office
in Page county, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business
affairs, which carefully directed, brought to him the success which places
him among the men of affluence in this part of the state.
Ludvig- T. Falk spent his youthful days in the usual manner of most
farm lads. He was but seven years of age when he accompanied his parents
to Page county and here he was reared on the old homestead, acquiring his
education in the public schools and spending many happy hours in sports
in which boys of the period indulged. He also received ample training in
the vvork of the farm and in the spring of 1897 he began farming on his
own account and for two years cultivated a portion of his father's land.
In 1899 he removed to the farm near Essex and to- its further development

488 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
devoted his energies for three years, or until 1902, vvhen his parents re
moved to Essex and, as stated, he took charge of the homestead of three
hundred and 'twenty acres in Fremont township. This he has since con
ducted. Fle not only has practical knowledge of the work of the fields but
also a comprehensive knowledge of scientific farming, knowing much of
the nature of the soU and the needs oi the crops, together with the best
methods of production. He is now one of the more successful agricultur
ists of this part oi the county, annually harvesting rich crops, while at the
same time he has been extensively engaged in the breeding and raising of
horses. For some years past he has been feeding from one hundred to one
hundred and twenty-five head of cattle and in fact in all of his farm in
terests his work is conducted along an extensive scale.
On the 6th of September, 1899, Mr Falk was married to Miss Alice
Shoberg, of Pierce township. They have three children: Annis M. H.,
Vina E., and Elpha C. In the community they are widely and favorably
known. Mr. Falk belongs to Mountain Lodge, No. 36, F. & A. M. and
gives his political support to the republican party. While he does not seek
office as a reward for party fealty, he is never neglectful of the duties of
citizenship. He is serving as president of the school board and is a stal
wart champion of progressive education. In business affairs he is thor
oughly energetic and reUable, and his well managed and extensive interests
make him one of the leading representatives of farming and stock raising in
the county.

LEVI BAKER.

Levi Baker, a man of action rather than of theory, who carefully formu
lates his plans and is determined in their execution, was born at Middle-
grove, Illinois, in 1846. He resided upon a farm until about fourteen years
of age and during that period acquired his early education in the public
schools of Canton and of Galesburg, Illinois. He also attended the State
Normal University at Bloomington and was thus well quaUfied by liberal
educational training for life's practical and responsible duties.
The year 1868 witnessed his arrival in Page county, at which time he
settled in the eastern part of Grant township on the AVest Tarkio river. His
place was on a tract of land of eighty acres and upon this he began raising
corn and hogs. His financial progress is due to his close application and
his earnest purpose. As the years have gone by he has prospered in his
farming operations and has also extended his business activities into other
fields, becoming a director of the First National Bank of Shenandoah and
also the president of the Independent Mutual Telephone Conipany, which
is capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Baker is also presi
dent of the Commercial National Bank of Essex, Iowa, which is one of the
oldest and most .substantial financial institutions of Page county, established
in 1875.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 489
On the 13th of May, 1873, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss
Ernestine C. Farnham and unto them were born four children, three daugh
ters and a son, all of whom are now living, namely: EsteUa, the wife of
J. J. Weber, of SedaUa, Missouri ; Wilma, the wife of J. W. Ratekin, of
Shenandoah; Louise, the wife of R. R. Lawson, also of Shenandoah; and
Eugene, of the same city.
Mr. Baker has always loved agricultural life and now resides on a farm
within the city Umits of Shenandoah. He takes life quite easy, for his
enterprise and diUgence in former years have brought to him a substantial
competence, releasing him from the necessity of further arduous labor.
However, indolence and idleness are foreign to his nature and when not oc
cupied with business cares his activity reaches out to other interests, many
of which directly are beneficial to the county and to the country at large.
He is now a member of the Trans-Mississippi Commercial Congress and also
vice president in the congress for Iowa. He has never aUowed the words
discouragement or faUure to have place in his vocabulary, believing that
one can accomplish what he wishes if he will but put forth the necessary
effort to do so. In all that he has undertaken Mr. Baker has found success
for he has never allowed obstacles or difficulties to bar his path when they
could be overcome by honest purpose and indefatigable energy.

GEORGE R. MORSE.

Situated in the midst of one of the richest agricultural and stock-raising
districts of the entire country, Shenandoah has become a center of manu
facture for remedies that are required when disease makes its inroads on
the farms where Hve stock is handled. To such an enterprise George R.
Morse is giving his energies, being well known as manufacturer of the
Royal Live Stock Remedies. His business is now large and of an im
portant character, placing him with the substantial merchants of the town.
He is a native of the neighboring state of Illinois, his birth having oc
curred in Bureau county on the 31st of August, 1867. His parents were
Ruel W. and Jemima (Morgan) Morse. The father was a native of Maine,
tracing his ancestry back to one of three brothers who came to this country
in the seventeenth century and located in New England. In his boyhood
days, prompted by a restless spirit and a love of adventure, Ruel W. Morse
ran away from home and shipped as a sailor. For several years thereafter
he sailed from eastern ports to the West Indies, but at length, tiring of the
sea, he engaged in railroad work and was in charge of one of the first
trains that ran over the Quincy branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
railroad. A decade was then devoted to railway interests as an engineer,
but after his father's death he resigned his position on the railroad to look
after the settlement of the estate. When this was accomplished he turned
his attention to the milling business, owning and operating a mill at Buda,
Illinois, in partnership with J. B. Stewart. In this connection they con-

490 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ducted an extensive enterprise that brought to them well merited remunera
tion. It was in the faU of 1879 that Mr. Morse left IlUnois and came to
Iowa. In the spring of 1880 he settled in Shenandoah, Page county, and
from that time forward was a dominant factor in the upbuilding and devel
opment of this progressive little city. He possessed a notable initiative spirit
and much constructive ability, and in those early days there was no move
ment put forth for the advancement of Shenandoah that did not feel the
stimulus of his activity and profit by his cooperation. Pie was the prime
mover and the organizer of the first light plant in Shenandoah, which he
controlled for thirteen years and which, in 1891, was incorporated under
the name of the Shenandoah Electric Light & Power Company. As the
city grew he saw what might be accomplished in real-estate fields and laid
out and platted several subdivisions. He was very enthusiastic concerning
the future of the town and imbued others with the same spirit of enterprise
and progress. After taking up his bode here he engaged extensively in the
grain trade, having elevators at Shenandoah, Summit and Imogene. He
also established himself in the lumber business, which he conducted for a
number of years, and then sold out to the Green Bay Lumber Company.
The word fail had no place in his vocabulary. He displayed remarkable
prescience in foreseeing the opportunities for the city and county, utilized
his advantages in the best possible manner and, while working for individ
ual success, also contributed in substantial measure to the public progress.
Aside from his business affairs in Shenandoah Mr. Morse became in
terested in mining in the Black Hills and was a heavy stockholder in the
Squaw mine tunnel and in other properties in that region. He attained
high rank in Masonry and was very famUiar with the work of the craft and
the principles upon which it was founded. In poUtics he was a republican
and served for some years as a member of the town council, at all times
exercising his official prerogative in support of many measures for the
public good. He was also an active worker in the Baptist church, and his
interest in moral progress was manifest in his generous support of and
active cooperation in the various branches oi the work. He died December
14, 1904, at the age of sixty-seven years, and his death was the occasion
of deep and wide-spread regret. He was a man of kindly spirit, of generous
disposition and of broad humanitarianism. While he never courted popu
larity he held friendship inviolable and as true worth could always win his
regard he had a very extensive circle of friends. The public work which
he did was largely performed as a private citizen, yet made extensive de
mands upon his time, his thought and his energies. In his life were the
elements of greatness because of the use he made of his talents and his
opportunities, his thoughts being given to the mastery of great problems
and the fulfillment of his duties as a man in his relations as a man to his state
and his country.
George R. Morse, whose name introduces this review, was reared in his
father's home and acquired his education in the public and high schools of
Shenandoah, together with a business course in the Western Normal Col-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 491
lege. In iSS8 he became associated with his father in the lumber trade,
and from that time on they were closely identified in aU of their business
enterprises. As the father advanced in years the son more and more largely
reUeved him of the arduous duties connected with the management of
affairs. Mr. Morse and his father were much more closely associated than
the average parent and son. They spent most of their time together, in
terested in the same projects and thinking along the same Unes. From the
organization of the electric light plant, when it needed careful manage
ment to make it a substantial enterprise, George R. Morse gave to the
business his attention almost day and night, personally ran the engine and
the dynamos, climbed the poles and wired the houses. From a plant with
five hundred lamps he built it up to an enterprise of five thousand lamps, and
during that time paid six per cent dividends to the stockholders. He was
actively associated with the business until it was sold in 1904. In April,
1905, he purchased the Trotter & Amburg grocery business, which he
carried on successfully for fourteen months, when he disposed of his mer
cantile enterprise and turned his attention to the manufacture of live-stock
remedies, in which he has since built up an extensive business. He is also
a stockholder in several of Shenandoah's manufacturing concerns, and his
sound judgment makes his opinions of value in the conduct of any indus
trial or commercial concern.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Morse was married to Miss
AUce Peairs, of CarroUton, Missouri, and unto them have been born three
children, Ruel W., George F. and Elethea M. Air. Morse is a member of
Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, A. F. & A. M. ; Sheshbazzar Chapter, No.
82, R. A. M. ; Juniata Lodge, No. 195, K. P. ; Shenandoah Lodge, No.
1 122, B. P. O. E. ; Nishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. W. ; and Page Camp,
No. 1049, M- W. A. Mr. Morse is a member of the board of directors of
the Western Normal College and his interest in public affairs is evidenced
by the active and extensive cooperation which he gives to every movement
for the public good. While he was fortunate in his entrance into business
circles, having the benefit of his father's association and success, he has
yet proved in his later career that in his own life are the elements of cap
able management, discriminating judgment and unfaltering perseverance.
He is a well known, prominent and honored representative of industrial
and financial affairs in Shenandoah.

JOHN M. HILGERSON.
A good farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 9, Pierce town
ship, is the property of John M. Hilgerson and in its cultivation and further
improvement his time is busily occupied with the result that he is meeting
success in his efforts. He was born in Sweden on the 15th January, 1844,
his parents being Hilga and Catherine (Jones) Hilgerson, both of whom
spent their entire Hves in that country. Mr. HUgerson of this review was

492 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
reared and educated in his native land and remained a resident thereof
until 1869, when as a young man of twenty-five years he made the ocean voy
age to the United States. During the fall of that year he was employed at
railroad construction work in Alercer county, Illinois, having made his way
to that county immediately after landing in America. Throughout the fol
lowing summer he worked by the inonth as a farm hand and in the fall se
cured employment in the brickyards. In 1871 he started out as an agricul
turist on his own account by renting a tract of land, in the cultivation of
which he vvas successfully engaged for four years.
It was in the spring of 1875 that Air. Hilgerson came to Page county,
Iowa, purchasing eighty acres of the farm whereon he now resides and
which has been in his possession for the past thirty-four years. As time has
passed and his financial resources have increased he has gradually extended
the boundaries of his place by additional purchase until it now embraces tvvo
hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land, which responds readily
to cultivation. That effective methods of farming are employed is indicated
in the rich harvests which are amiually gathered, for he secures extensive
crops of corn and other cereals. Practically all the com raised on the farm
is fed to his stock. Air. HUgerson is likewise a stockholder and a member
of the board of directors of the Farmers Savings Bank of Essex and is well
known and highly esteemed as one of the substantial and influential citizens
of his community.
In 1871 Mr. Hilgerson was joined in wedlock to Miss Anna L. Carlson,
of Aledo, Illinois, whose birth occurred in Sweden. The two children bom
of this union, Carl O. and Frank O., are now deceased.
Iri his political views Mr. Hilgerson is independent, voting for the man
whom he believes best qualified for office without regard to party affiUation.
He has served for several years as a member of the school board, being a
stanch friend of the cause of education. Coming to the United States in
early manhood, he has made good use of the opportunities and advantages
here offered and by close application and untiring energy has worked his
way steadily upward, having won a gratifying and well merited degree of
prosperity. Within the borders of this county, where he has now made
his home for more than a third of a century, he is most widely and favor
ably known.

THOMAS P. HARRIS.

Thomas P. Harris, the proprietor of the Clarinda Laundry, was born
in New Athens, Ohio, on the 24th of Alay, 1880, a son of William H. and
Hulda (Evans) PTarris. The father who was a successful merchant, is now
deceased. Air. Plarris of this review received his preliminary education in
the public schools and subsequently pursued a course in the law department
of Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa. For fifteen years he has been
engaged in the laundry business, working first in Des Moines and later in

THOMAS P. HARRIS

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 495
Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1908 he made his way to Clarinda, Page county,
Iowa, and bought the laundry which he has since conducted, having estab
lished agencies in more than twenty outside towns and cities. He employs
from eight to twelve people in the plant, which is equipped throughout with
electrical povver and is one of the best laundries to be found in the entire
state in a town the size of Clarinda. A man of keen discrimination and ex
cellent business abiUty, Mr. Harris has already won a gratifying measure
of prosperity in the conduct of his interests and is widely recognized as a
most substantial, enterprising and representative citizen of the county.
On the 2d of March, 1904, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss
Grace McKinnon, a resident of Clarinda and a daughter of Taylor Mc-
Kinnon, who is connected with an implement house of Clarinda. Mr. Harris
is a devoted and consistent member of the Christian church and is a young
man whose upright and honorable life has won him the warm regard and
esteem of his associates.

CHARLES A. HAMILTON.
Charles A. Hamilton, a general contractor, whose efficiency in his chosen
line of business has won him a liberal patronage and substantial success,
was born in Hamburg, Fremont county, Iowa, on the 14th of May, 1868.
He is a son of William and Mary (McDonald) Hamilton. His father was
one of the early settlers of Ham.burg, where he engaged in the practice of
medicine and surgery, becoming one of the best known physicians in this
section of the state, his professional skiU being widely recognized in Fre
mont, Page and adjoining counties during the early days. His practice
extended over that region and in the path of duty he met many hardships,
being often exposed to the storms of winter as well as the heat of
summer. He never regarded any personal discomfort or sacrifice too great,
however, if he could aid his fellowmen, and in many a household through
out this part of the state he was held in loving respect and warm regard
because of the aid which he rendered in the hour of need. He died in 1S81
at the age of fifty-six years, and following his death his widovv became the
wife of A. J. Wilson, of Hamburg, where she now resides.
In his father's home Charles A. Hamilton spent the period of his boyhood
and youth and at the usual age was sent as a pupU to the public schools,
therein continuing his studies through consecutive grades until he became
a high-school student. In 1888, when twenty years of age, he went to
Sioux City, Iowa, where he served an apprenticeship to the plumbing and
heating trade and after becoming familiar with the business continued in
that line of activity in Sioux City for seven years. In 1902 he came to
Shenandoah and accepted the position with J. J. Dunnegan, who was at that
time engaged in the plumbing- and heating business in this city. For seven
years he remained with Mr. Dunnegan and then purchased his employer's
business in partnership with O. H. Frink. The enterprise was thereafter

496 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
conducted under the firm style of Frink & Hamilton for four, years, at the
expiration of which period the junior partner sold his interest and turned
his attention to general contracting, in which line he has been very successful.
He is thorough, accurate and reliable in all of his business transactions and
the salient equalities of his business Ufe are such as have won for him sub
stantial and continually increasing success.
Mr. Hamilton is not alone well known in business lines, for in fields
of activity relative to the general welfare his work is also known. He takes
an active interest in the political situation of the day, gives stalwart support
to the republican party and is ever able to uphold his position by intelUgent
argument. He is now acting as secretary of the republican central comniittee
of Page county and is also ward committeeman of Shenandoah. He beUeves
most firmly in the principles of his party and while he does not seek office
for himself his loyalty in citizenship prompts him to give unfaltering aid to
the great organization which he believes is best calculated to promote good
government. Fraternally Air. Hamilton is well known as a member of
Shenandoah Lodge, I. O. O. P.; Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E. ;
Nishna Lodge, A. O. U. W. ; the Brotherhood of the American Yeomen ;
the Royal Neighbors ; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also
a member of the Commercial Club of Shenandoah and his cooperation is
generously and helpfully given to every movement calculated to benefit the
city or promote the substantial growth or adornment, thereby rendering it
a more attractive place of residence. Both he and his wife are members
of the Alethodist Episcopal church and do all in their power to promote its
growth and extend its influence.
In 1891 Mr. Hamilton was married to Miss Emma May Storey, of Sioux
City, Iowa, and unto them have been born three children: Gifford Wil
liam, Lavone and Charles. The family residence is a handsome home at
No. 600 Elm street, which is the property of Mr. Hamilton. Unaided at
the outset of his career by special advantages or opportunities, he has stead
ily worked his way upward, placing his dependence in the substantial qualities
of energy and well directed activity. His unflagging industry has been
accorded due recognition in the success which is now his. He is a man oi
iorceful character, whose good qualities are recognized by his fellow towns
men, many of whom entertain for him the warmest regard.

THOMAS P. KEENAN.

A well developed farm property on section 16, Grant township, is owned
and cultivated by Thonias P. Keenan, who has here one hundred and sixty
acres that are carefuUy tilled. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth
having occurred in Dubuque county, on the 2Sth of May, i860. His par
ents were James and Rose (MoCauley) Keenan, natives of Ireland, where
they were reared and married. About 1853 or 1854 they bade adieu to the
Green Isle of Erin and came to the United States, attracted by the enticing

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 497
reports which they heard concerning the conditions of the nevv world and
its business opportunities. They established their home in Dubuque county,
Iowa, near the city of Dubuque, where the father engaged in general farm
ing, there residing for fifteen years. On the expiration of that period he
removed to Alills county, Iowa, where he secured a section of land and
resided for twenty-five years. On selling that property he became a resident
of Wayne county, Nebraska, and purchased a quarter section of land, on
which he resided for thirteen years. Once more he sold out and then es
tablished his home in the town of Wayne, where he is now living retired,
enjoying a rest that he has truly won and richly deserves. In the early
'80s he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away
when sixty years of age.
As a public-school student, Thomas P Keenan mastered the common
branches of learning, and as a farm boy he became familiar vvith the work
of the fields, diligently pursuing his tasks until his broad experience well
qualified him for work of that character when he started out for himself.
He rented his first land in Mills county after his marriage and there en
gaged in farming for three years, at the end of which time he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres in Fremont county, four miles west of Imogene.
It was his place of abode for thirteen years and when he sold out he made
investment in his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Grant
township. Page county, to which he removed. Here he has since resided
and his well developed farm shows that there are few idle hours in his life,
for his time is well used in developing- and improving his place.
On the 25th of Alay, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Keenan and
Miss Mary Skahill, of Imogene, Fremont county, Iowa. They became the
parents of seven children, of whom five are living: Bertha and Loretta,
both of whom are graduates of the AA^estern Xormal College at Shenan
doah ; Ruth ; AValter J. ; and Rose. The family all are communicants of the
Catholic church, and Air. Keenan gives his political aUegiance to the dem
ocracy.

DR. GEORGE W. REED.
The home farm of Dr. George W. Reed comprises one hundred and
twenty acres of land a mile west and a quarter of a mile south of Sham
baugh, on the Harlan and Amity township road. Of this forty acres Hes
on section 2, Amity township, and eighty acres across the road on section
35, Harlan township. In the midst of the latter stands the family residence,
around which are seen some fine trees, while in the rear are good barns
and outbuildings, together with all the accessories and equipments of a model
farm. Dr. Reed is busily employed in the cultivation and further improve
ment of this place.
He was born in Kirkville, Iowa, December 16, 1858, and was only eight
een months old when his parents removed to Braddyville. He is one of the

498 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
eight children of Mitchell and Sarah (Foster) Reed, who were born, reared
and married in Harrison county, Ohio, and came to Iowa in 1853 or 1854.
They took up their abode in Page county in i860 and the father now re
sides in Braddyville at the venerable age of eighty-two years, while his
wife passed away in 1893 at the age of sixty-three years. Their children
were as follows : Samuel, now living in Cass county, Missouri ; Sarah
Jane, vvho is the widow of Hugh Armstrong, of Sloan, Iowa; William, who
is a miller ; Emmett, living in CoUege Springs, this county ; George W. ;
Frank, whose home is in Braddyville ; Ella, the wife of Robert Johnson,
Hving at Earl, Nebraska ; and Thomas, also of Braddyville.
Since brought to this county in his infancy. Dr. Reed has resided con
tinuously within its borders save for a period of about four years, which
he spent in Mercer county, Missouri. His youth was passed upon a farm
near BraddyviUe in Buchanan township which is still owned by his father,
and in his boyhood he worked in the fields from the time that he was old
enough to handle the plow. The summer months were passed in the active
work of the farm and in the winter season he pursued his education in the
public schools. He remained upon the old homestead up to the time of
his marriage, when he started out in business life on his own account, set
tling upon a tract of rented land which he continued to cultivate for three
years. On the expiration of that period he went to Mercer county and
bought a farm of eighty-two acres, which he cultivated for four years, when
he sold out and returned td Page county. He then again rented land for
nine years, during which period his unfaltering diligence and careful ex
penditure brought him sufficient capital to justify his purchase of his present
farm. Dr. Reed bought this property sixteen years ago and has made his home
thereon for thirteen years. It is pleasantly and conveniently located not
far from Shambaugh, on the dividing line between Harlan and Amity
townships, and all of the improvements thereon have been made by him. He
has set out trees, erected the buildings and has carried on the work in ac
cordance with the ideas of progressive and modern farming. His attention
is now given to the cultivation of corn and other cereals and also to the rais
ing of stock, and both branches of his business are proving remunerative.
On the 31st of December, 1900, he received a state certificate enabUng him
to practice veterinary surgery, to which he has given more or less attention
throughout the past twenty years.
On March 31, 1880, Dr. Reed was united in marriage to Miss Flora
Robinson, who was born in College Springs, Iowa, in May, 1857, and died
.September 7, 1891. She was a daughter of Eli Robinson. The children
of that marriage were : NelUe, who died at the age of four years ; SaUie,
who died when a year old; Ada; and Bonnie. For his second wife, whom
he wedded on the 15th of April, 1892, Dr. Reed chose Mrs. Eliza (Case)
McDonald, who was born in Johnson county, Iowa, August 2, 1868, and
was the widow of Daniel AIcDonald and a daughter of T. P. and CaroUne
(Neil) Case. Mrs. Reed had two children by her former marriage, Gertie
Fern McDonald and Daniel McDonald, both of whom are now living with

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 499
Dr. Reed. There have been three children bom of the second marriage :
Elsie L., Nellie Pearl and George Porter.
In his political views Dr. Reed is a republican and has studied the po
litical signs of the times and believes that the best elements of good govern
ment are conserved through the party which he supports by his ballot.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Shambaugh and in its
teachings finds incentive for the upright life which he lives.

WILLIAM L. LITTLE.

William L. Little, one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of
Colfax township, owns and cultivates one hundred acres of exceUent land.
In his business methods he is practical, and the enterprising spirit which he
displays enables him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles which
usually bar the path to success. He has always lived in Iowa, his birth hav
ing occurred in Lee county, October 13, 1S65. His parents were Samuel R.
and Rebecca (Wilson) Little. The father was born near ZanesvUle, Ohio,
in 1833 and when a boy removed to Illinois, residing near Paxton until he
had reached early manhood. He then became a resident of Lee county,
Iowa, and turned his attention to farming. He married there, established
his home and reared his family in that locality and in Page county. His
death occurred in October, 1904, and he is still survived by his wife, who
is a native of Indiana and now makes her home in Colfax township. Page
county. They were the parents of three children : Wilson M., who is
living in Amity township; Martha, the wife of Orin Slough, of Colfax
township, their residence being on the old homestead farm; and WilUam L.
The last named came to Page county with his parents in 1S71. They
settled near Pa.ge Center, where they lived for about tvvo years and then
removed to Colfax township, taking up their abode upon the farm where
Mrs. Little still resides. The father first purchased eighty acres of land,
which at that time was all raw prairie, but with characteristic energy he
began to turn the furrows and in course of time transformed the wild land
into productive fields. He erected all of the buildings upon the place and
later extended the boundaries of his farm by the purchase of an additional
tract of eighty acres. Throughout his entire life he continued actively in
farming, save for the period of his service as a soldier of the Civil war.
In 1864 he enlisted as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-
sixth lUinois Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service for about seven
months, after which he was mustered out owing to the termination of
hostilities. While living in this county he served as school director and
in other local offices and he was a niember of the United Presbyterian
church of College Springs.
AVilliam L. Little remained in Lee county, Iowa, until about seven years
of age, and he started to school there. He then removed to this county
and continued his education in the district schools and at CoUege Springs.

500 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Since putting aside his text-books his undivided attention has been given to
farm work and he is numbered among the progressive agricuUurists oi the
community, having an excellent property oi one hundred acres. He has
brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and uses the latest im
proved machinery to facilitate his labors.
On the 15th of February, 1891, Mr. Little vvas united in marriage to
Miss Alargaret HazeUon, a daughter of Seber B. and Rachel (Keeran)
Hazelton, of Lincoln township. They have one adopted daughter, Bessie.
Airs. Little's parents as living in Shambaugh, Iowa, he having retired from
active connecdon with agricultural interests. He was born in Canada and
his wife in Guernsey county, Ohio, and they came to Page county about
1873, settling in Harlan township. The father was twice married and by his
first union had two children : Melissa, the wife of John Labough, of Kan
sas ; and William, who died in 1893. After losing his first wife Mr.
Hazelton wedded Rachel Keeran and their children are six in number:
Arra, who is living in Amity township ; Mrs. Alargaret Little ; Hattie, the
wdfe of AA' illiam Long, of Soutii Dakota; Florence, who is living in Wy
oming; Sadie, the wife of Milton Pfander, of this county; and Frank, who
is also living in Page county.
Mr. Little gives his poUtical support to the republican party, of which
he has always been a stanch advocate, and in the fall of 1908 he was elected
township trustee, which position he is now filling. He is also a trustee of
the LTnited Presbyterian church of College Springs, to which he and his
wife belong. Their influence is always given on the side of progress, im
provement, reform and upbuilding. He has made a creditable record in
business and is a stockholder in the Coin Luniber Company, while as a
farmer he is conducting successful interests, having a valuable tract of land
which rewards his care and cultivation in abundant harvests.

J. W. SCHWARTZ.

Centuries ago a Greek philosopher said: "Earn thy reward; the gods
give naught to sloth." The truth of this admonition has been verified
throughout all the ages to the present time. It has been through a recog
nition of this adage that J. W. Schwartz won his present creditable posi
tion in connection with the industrial interests of Shenandoah. He is now
conducting business along general contracting and street paving lines.
His birth occurred in Knox county, Illinois, on the 13th of December,
1847, his parents being Daniel and EUzabeth (WUliamson) Schwartz. The
father was born and reared in FrankUn county, Pennsylvania, and as a
young man removed westward to Knox county, Illinois, where he acquired
the ownership of a farm oi three hundred acres, on which he lived ior
sixty years, thus being long known as one of the representative and valued
agriculturists of that district. He died there in June, 1904, at the age of
eighty-four years. The farm wdiich he owned is still in possession of

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 501
the family and is a very valuable property. It was developed by the father
along most scientific lines for as the years passed he kept in touch with the
methods of modern agriculture, practicing- the rotation of crops, fertiliza
tion of the soi! and utilizing every means at hand to make his fields produce
the maximum yield. His political support was given to the democracy but
whUe he upheld the men and -measures of the party at the polls he never
sought or desired office for himself. His wife, who was born in Indiana,
removed to Knox county with her parents during her girlhood days, the
family casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of that part of the
state. They lived there when the wolves howled around their log cabin
and when the various evidences of frontier life were to be seen. Mrs.
Schwartz continued a resident of Knox county up to the time of her de
mise, which occurred in 1873 when she was forty-nine years of age.
J. W. Schwartz was reared at home, early becoming familiar with the
duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farmer boy who divides his
time between the work of the fields and the attainment of an education in
the district schools. In the April following his twenty-first birthday he
began farming on his own account as a renter and for five years followed
agricultural pursuits in Knox county. BeUeving that he would have better
opportunities in becoming the owner of a farm in a district less thickly set
tled he removed to Iowa in 1875, settling in Fremont county. A year later
he purchased a tract of land of eighty acres, on whicii he resided until
1883, when he sold out and came to Shenandoah. Here he engaged in
the restaurant business, with which he was identified for three years, when
he was elected town marshal and served in that position and in the office
of constable for twelve years. On his retirement from official service he
began taking contracts for the construction of concrete sidewalks and since
1904 he has been engaged extensively in street paving and general con
tract work, having been associated with all of the street paving done in
Shenandoah and Clarinda. He has also been connected with paving in vari
ous other cities, his work at aU times being entirely satisfactory, for his
methods are of a most practical and modern character. He is likewise in
terested in the manufacture of cement blocks and his labors in that direc
tion are also contributing in substantial measure to his prosperity.
In 1S69 Mr. Schwartz was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Al. Boat
man, of Knox county, Illinois, her parents removing to that state from
Ohio, where the birth of Mrs. Schwartz occurred. By her marriage she
has become the mother of five children: Alinnie E., now the wife of B. W.
McCurdy, a resident farmer of Fremont county, Iowa; Jennie E., the wife
of H. H. Andrews, of Guthrie, Oklahoma; W. Edward, who is associated
with his father in the contracting business ; Nettie E., the wife of Al. J.
McCurdy, of Alarysville, Missouri ; and WilUam R., who is associated with
the Bell telephone system in Shenandoah.
Air. Schwartz votes with the democracy and, keeping well informed
on the questions and issues of the day, has seen no reason to change his
poUtical views since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is
a member of the Baptist church and is interested in all the movements

502 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
pertaining to the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of his
adopted city. In all of his business career he has followed the maxim that
honesty is the best policy and his success has conie through his indefatigable
energy and his recognition of the opportunities which conditions at the
present day present.
His work is at all tiines thorough and satisfactory and in the line to
which he is now devoting his energies he has met with substantial reward.

THOMAS STEVENSON.
There are very few residents of Page county who can claim as Thomas
Stevenson does to have lived for forty-eight years upon one farm, for in
the spring of iS6i he took up his abode with parents on the place on which
he now resides on section ii, Harlan township. He was then a young man
of twenty-one years and to the development and improvement of the prop
erty he has since bent his energies, his ability and enterprise winning him
classification with the leading agriculturists of southwestern Iowa.
A native of Ohio, his birth occurred in Muskingum county about twelve
miles east of Zanesville, on the 21st of April, 1S40, and his youthful days
were passed in the home of his parents, Samuel and Margaret (AVallace)
Stevenson. The father was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and came
to America with his parents when a lad of ten years. He was married
in Ohio to Miss Margaret Wallace, a native of Pennsylvania, and they be
gan their domestic life in the Buckeye state, where they continued to reside
until i860, when they sought a home in Iowa, settling first in Delaware
county. In the spring of 1861 they came to the farm upon which Thomas
Stevenson now resides and both parents spent their remaining days here,
the father departing this Ufe in 1886 at the age of seventy-six years, while
the mother was called to the home beyond in 1896 when eighty-four years
of age. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church and in
that faith reared their family, inculcating into the minds of their children
the deep and abiding lessons of Christianity. Their sons and daughters
are as follows : Robert, now living in Delaware county, Iowa ; Thomas ;
Margaret, the deceased wife of James Humphreys ; Mary Elizabeth, who
died at the age of eighteen years ; Mrs. Isabell McDowell Tippin, who is
deceased ; Agnes, the wife of Simon McCrory, of Jackson county ; and
Amanda, who is living in Page county.
In taking up the personal history of Thomas Stevenson we present to
our readers the Ufe record of one who is widely and favorably known in
this part of the state, where he has lived for almost a half century. His
education was acquired in the common schools of Ohio and his business
training was received under the direction of his father, who taught him the
value of industry and economy and practical lessons concerning the cul
tivation of the crops. Since the family arrived in Page county in 1861 Mr.
Stevenson has lived continuously upon the farm which is now his home

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 503
and which covers eighty acres of land on section ii, Harlan township. He
also has another tract of eighty-seven acres on sections lo and 1 1 and oper
ates both farms. Neither of these are lacking in the equipments that go to
make up the model farm but on the contrary present a neat and attractive
appearance. The buUdings upon the place are monuments to the thrift and
enterprise of the owner, by whom they were erected. From the time of
early spring planting until crops are harvested in the late autumn Mr.
Stevenson is busily employed in the work of the fields and his diUgent ef
forts constitute the basis of the gratifying success which he has attained.
Mr. Stevenson was married in 1870 to Miss Jane Stevenson, who was
bom in Des Moines county, Iowa, February 27, 1852. Pier parents were
WiUiam and PermeUa (Daughterly) Stevenson, who were natives of Ohio
and Kentucky respectively but were married in Bloomington, Indiana.
Airs. PermeUa Stevenson died in Des Aloines county, Iowa, at the age of
thirt)--eight years, and her husband afterward married again. His death
occurred February i, 1906, when he had attained the age of seventy-eight
years. By his first marriage he had five children : George, who is now Uv
ing at CoUege Springs, Iowa ; Thomas ; Airs. Jane Stevenson, who came to
Page county with her father in 1867 ; Emma, the wife of Champ- Ballard,
of Redfield, Iowa ; and Charles. By his second marriage Mr. Stevenson
had six children and by his third marriage he had three children.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stevenson has been blessed with five
children : PermeUa, now the wife of Elmer Black, of Mount Ayr, Iowa ;
Maggie, who died at the age of thirteen years ; Etta, at home ; James, Uving
in Harlan township ; and Elmer, at home. The family is widely and favor
ably known in every part of the county vvhere they have many friends and
where the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. They are
menibers of the Reforined Presbyterian church of Harlan township and
high principles characterize their Uves and actuate them in all of their re
lations vvith their friends and neighbors. Air. Stevenson can tell many
interesting incidents of the early days when only here and there through
out the county had a settlement been made and when much of the land was
still covered with the native prairie grasses and brush. It was an arduous
task to transform this into cultivated fields, but a rich return was received
by all who diligently and intelligently carried on farm work, and Air.
Stevenson has received the reward of his labor in that he is now one of the
most substantial farmers of Harlan township.

ANDREAV P. SEABLOM.
Andrew P. Seablom, a most successful and highly esteemed citizen of
Page county, devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits, owning
a fine farm on section 27, Pierce township. He was born in Sweden on the
9th of September, 1851, his parents being John P. and Evaline (Israelson)
Seablom, who emigrated to the United States in the year 1S66. They im-

504 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
mediately made their way to Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa, where the
father began farming as a renter. About 1871 he came to Page county
and bought a tract of land of eighty acres in Tarkio township, wdiere he
made his home until the early '90s, when he took up his abode in Essex.
There he lived retired until the time of his death in 1893, when he had at
tained the ripe old age of seventy-two years. He was well known and
highly esteemed throughout the community as a most worthy and respected
citizen and his demise was the occasion of deep regret to his many friends.
His widow still survives at the age of eighty-three years and makes her
home in Essex.
Andrew P. Seablom, wdio acquired his education in the public schools of
his native land, was a lad of fifteen years at the time of the emigration of
the parents to the new world. He was one of nine children, all of whom
were obliged to assist in the support of the family as soon as their age and
strength permitted, for the father was in destitute financial circumstances.
They found the struggle for existence quite a difficult one, as the Civil
war had just been brought to a close and times were very hard. Mr. Sea
blom of this review secured work as a farm hand at a wage of eight dol
lars per month and was thus employed until he had attained his majority, his
earnings contributing to the support of the family. On reaching the age
of twenty-one years he bought his first piece of property, comprising eighty
acres of railroad land on section 5, Tarkio township. He borrowed the
money necessary to make the first payment on this farm from his brother.
A short time afterward, however, he disposed of the property and purchased
another farm of eighty acres in Tarkio township, on which he resided for
six years. On the expiration of that period he sold the place and bought
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pierce township, which he improved
and on which he made his home until he disposed of it in 1S9S. In that
year he went to Butler county, Kansas, vvhere he remained for four years,
living on a section of land which he had purchased. On seUing out there
he removed to Harrison county, Iowa, buying a quarter section of land in
the Missouri river bottoms. He continued to reside on that farm for seven
years, when he disposed of the property and came to his present place on sec
tion 27, Pierce township, Page county, which he had purchased two years
before. His residence is in Essex and forty acres of his farm lies within the
corporate limits of the towm. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he
has met wdth a well merited and gratifying measure of prosperity and he is
widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen.
On the 2d of August, 1877, Air. Seablom was united in marriage to
Miss AUce E. Anderson, a daughter of Andrew J., and Louise C. (Johnson)
Anderson, of Chariton, Lucas county, Iowa. Her parents, both of whom
were natives of Sweden, came to this country at an early day, the father mak
ing the voyage about 1848. He was one of the first to cross the plains at the
time pf the gold excitement in California. He joined a caravan which was
attacked and robbed by Indians and he and his companions traveled for days
wdthout water. They often followed mirages for miles, only to meet with
bitter disappointment when they discovered the illusion. The many hard-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 505
ships and privations which the little company of argonauts suffered before
tliey reached the end of their journey would beggar description. Mr. An
derson was quite successful in his quest for the precious metal and at length
returned home via the Isthmus of Panama. lie was married in the year
1852, at Fairfield, Iowa, and subsequently went to Chariton, Lucas county,
this state, where he entered a tract of land and became one of the first set
tlers. At the time of the gold excitement at Pike's Peak he once more
crossed the plains, returning at the end of three years to his wife and four
children. The remainder of his life was spent amid the peaceful scenes and
environment of rural life and he passed away at the comparatively early
age of forty-six years. Both he and his wife vvere devoted and consistent
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the latter passing away in
that faith when she was sixty-four years of age. LTnto Mr. and Mrs. Sea
blom have been born seven children, namely: Aaron C, a resident of Cedar
Rapids, who is in the railway mail service; Elsie E., the wife of John Carl
son, of Butler county, Kansas; Charlie S., wdio is deceased; Lester D., at
home ; Ruth Alice, a high school student ; John Guy ; and Laura T. A.
Mr. Seablom gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the
repubUcan party but has no desire for the honors and emoluments of office,
preferring to give his undivided attention to his private affairs. By per
severance, determination and honorable effort he has overthrown the obstacles
which barred his path to success and reached the goal of prosperity, while
his genuine personal worth and many sterling traits of character have won
him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

A. F. SWANSON.

A. F. Swanson is a native of Fremont township and within its borders
still resides, his home being on section 19. His natal day was February
28, 1874, and like many of the leading and representative residents of this
part of the county he comes of Swedish ancestry. His parents, Swan S.
and Christina (Johnson) Swanson, came to the United States from Sweden
about 1868 or 1S69 and first settled in Henry county, lUinois, where they
resided until 1874. In January, of that year, they arrived in Page county,
settUng on eighty acres of land in Fremont township, on which A. F. Swan
son is now living. The father purchased this property prior to his re
moval to Page county and some time after locating here he purchased forty
acres adjoining his original tract, making his farm one of one hundred and
twenty acres. With characteristic energy he began to till the soil and fur
ther develop the place, and year by year he harvested good crops as the
reward for the care and cultivation which he bestowed upon the land. He
continued to carry on general farming until his life's labors were ended in
death on the 12th of May, 1906, When he was in his seventy-eighth year.
His widow still survives and now makes her home wdth her son A. F.
Swanson.

506 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
There was nothing unusual nor different in the youthful days of A. F.
Swanson from the experiences which come to most farm lads. He at
tended the public schools and worked in the fields, his responsibilities being
increased as he advanced in years and strength. He found farm life con
genial and determined to engage in agricultural pursuits as a source of live
lihood after he had attained his majority. In 1898 he began farming for
himself and for five years he rented land and cultivated a place now owned
by A. J. Fagerquist, formerly the F. A. P. Johnson farm. He afterward
rented and cultivated his father-in-law's farm for a year, and in 1904 he
returned to the old homestead, his father having grown too old and infirm
to carry on the place. Mr. Swanson took charge of and has since operated
the farm, carefuUy tilling the fields in the production of crops which are
usually large and bountiful. The place is divided into fields of convenient
size by well kept fences, and there are substantial buildings and modern im
provements. Mr. Swanson has made a specialty of raising live stock and
feeds all the grain which he produces to his cattle and hogs. He keeps only
high grade stock and therefore finds a ready sale for it upon the market.
His experiences of life have been largely of a practical character, bringing
him knowledge of the best methods of carrying on his work, and at the
same time he is in close touch with the scientific methods which have
largely revolutionized farming and greatly increased the product of labor.
In 1898 Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Christina John
son, of Fremont township, a daughter of Andrew Johnson, who came to
the United States from Sweden about the same year that S. S. Swanson
crossed the Atlantic. Unto A. F. Swanson and his wife have been born
seven chUdren, six of whom are yet living: Merl A. I., EmU A., Henry
Raymond, Dora L., Helen I. and Ada Lenora. The second child, Alice C,
is now deceased.
In his political views Air. Swanson is an ardent republican and is a
member of the present school board of his district. He keeps well in
formed on the leading questions and issues of the day and his cooperation
is eagerly sought and freely given in behalf of progressive public measures.
Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. They are
highly esteemed in Fremont township, where they are well known and
where Mr. Swanson has spent his entire Ufe.

WILLIAM McLEOD.

Aniong the men who have been most active and prominent in the de
velopment and improvemeiit of Coin is WUliam AlcLeod, now the president
of the Coin Lumber Company. The evidences of his enterprise, his bus
iness sagacity and his skill in building Unes is found in many of the leading
business structures, public buildings and residences of Coin and the sur
rounding district. In all that he does he has been actuated by laudable

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 507
ambition and his efforts have been guided by sound principles which have
neither sought nor required disguise.
A native of Delaware county, Iowa, he was born AprU 19, 1861, of the
marriage of Alexander and Amanda (Warden) McLeod. As the name
indicates the famUy is of Scotch origin. The father was born in Scotland
and when a young man came to the United States, settling in XTew York
in 1854. There he lived for a short time and was married in that locality.
To provide for his support he worked at the stone-mason's trade, which he
had previously learned in Scotland. Removing westward, he resided in
Iowa during pioneer times, taking up his abode in Delaware county,
although he worked in various parts of the state as a stone-mason, being
employed on a number of the prominent buildings, including the state
capitol, the insane asylum and other important public structures. About
1872 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres in Worth
county, Missouri, and resided there for a time, giving his attention to
general agricultural pursuits and also working at his trade to some extent.
He was a prominent member of the Alasonic fraternity and a man who in
business and social relations enjoyed the highest esteem of his contempor
aries and associates. He died about 1899 when seventy-two years of age.
His wife, who was a native of the Empire state, is still living at the age of
seventy years. There were only two children in the family and the elder,
Archie, died when about five years old.
William McLeod, the younger son, spent the first thirteen years of his
life in Delaware county, where he attended the Sand Spring school. Sub
sequently he became a student in Des Moines. It was after that that he
accompanied his parents on their removal to the farm and for a few years
his time and energies were devoted to the tilling of the soil. In 1888, how
ever, he took up his abode in Coin, where he learned the carpenter's trade
under the direction of S. A. Godfre)-. Later he formed a partnership with
S. S. Alitchell in that business and the association continued for about ten
years. At the end of that time the partnership was dissolved and Air.
AlcLeod started alone as a contractor, meeting with excellent success in tht
)-ears which followed. He was a\\-arded the contract of many large build
ings in Coin, including the Alonzinger, J. Prince building, the Turner build
ing and the fine scliool building, which was erected in 1907 and is one of
the best in this part of the state. He was called to various sections of the
county in his capacity as contractor, erecting the Inter State Bank at
Blanchard, the Methodist church at College Springs and other structures of
alrnost equal note. Thoroughness, expert workmanship and reliabiUty were
always characteristics of his business while he continued as a contractor.
On the ISt of January, 1908, Air. AlcLeod in connection with the C.
Hayford Lumber Company of Council Bluffs, organized the Coin Lumber
Company, w'ith which he remained until Alarch i, 1909, when a new com
pany was organized, with Air. AlcLeod and about fift)r-six farmers as stock
holders. They bought out the stock of the Council Bluffs people and in
corporated under the state laws of Iowa, with Air. AlcLeod as the pres
ident ; AA^ C. Jeffries as vice president; J. L. Turner as secretary; and AAT.

508 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
T. Goodman as treasurer. The company was capitalized for twenty-five
thousand dollars, each share selling for fifty dollars. There are two classes
of stock, three hundred shares being held as common stock and two hundred
as preferred stock. In addition to the offlces, AAT. M. Lingo and H. C.
McMillan are on the board of directors. The stock is all held by people of
the surrounding territory and the company conducts a general lumber
business. On the Sth of September, iS8i, Air. AlcLeod was united in marriage at
Platteville, Taylor county, Iowa, to Mrs. Eva I. Hornback, the widow of
Stephen Hornback and a daughter of B. F. AA''hitney. They now have three
children. Frank E., the eldest, is general manager of the Coin Lumber Com
pany and does all the drawing and architectural work for the company.
He was graduated from the high school at Coin and pursued a commercial
course in college at Omaha, Nebraska. He married XTellie Hale, and they
have two children, Don and Darrell. Grace is the wife of C. L. Hatch of
Coin, and they have three children, Lowell, Doris and DarreU. Alyrle is a
graduate of the Coin high school and is at home.
Air. McLeod gives his political aUegiance to the republican party and
has served as assessor for a number of terms. His feUow townsmen, rec
ognizing his worth and ability, reelected him to office. He is prominent
among the business men of Coin and for years has been closely identi
fied wdth the history of the city as a representative of its building operations
and trade interests. A man of keen discrimination and sound judgment,
his executive abUity and exceUent management have brought to the con
cern with which he is connected a large degree of success. The safe con
servative policy whicii he inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of
all and has secured to the company a patronage which makes its volume oi
trade of considerable magnitude. The prosperity of the company is cer
tainly due in a large measure to its president and manager.

PATRICK Ii. MENTZER.
No history of Shenandoah would be complete without extended personal
reference to Patrick H. Alentzer, so active has he been in the affairs of the
city bearing upon its commercial, industrial, intellectual, poUtical and moral
progress. His worth is widely acknowledged and he, therefore, termed one
of Shenandoah's foremost residents.
He was born in Franldin county, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1843, and is
a son of John and Nancy (Foreman) Mentzer, of whom mention is made
at length in connection with the sketch of John Alentzer on another pao-e of
this volume. He was only about ten years of age at the time of the removal
of the family to Iowa. Pie was reared at home, acquiring his education in
the common schools and, after putting aside his text-books, he took up the
task of learning the brick mason's trade, thinking to follow it as a life work.

PATRICK H. MENTZER

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 511
On the 25th of April, 1871, Mr. Mentzer came to Shenandoah, where he
was immediately employed on the erection of a business block, building the
first building used as a grocery store in this city. He bought the lot and
let the contract for building the same day, after which he retumed to his
old home to straighten up his business affairs there. Some three or four
days later he again came to Shenandoah and the building was finished on
the 6th of June and on the same day a stock was opened up there and
Mr. Mentzer began business as the pioneer groceryman of Shenandoah. He
was joined by his younger brother John, who after about three years was
admitted to a partnership. Outgrowing their original quarters in the fall
of 1879 they built their present brick block, where they have since been
located. Throughout the entire period Mr. Mentzer has been connected with
this establishmient. He was for one year alone as proprietor of the store
and for two years was at the head of the firm of Mentzer & Wallace, which
then became Alentzer Brothers and so continued to the present time. They
have enjoyed a liberal share of the public patronage as the years have
passed and the growth of the county has continued and their trade is an ex
tensive and profitable one.
In November, 1872, Patrick Mentzer was married to Miss Odessa S.
Ow-ens, of western Pennsylvania, whose acquaintance he formed while she
was on a visit in this city. They have had no children of their own but
have reared two adopted children, Frederick and Marion, who are yet at
home. Mr. Mentzer and his wife are members of the Baptist church, in which
he is serving as trustee, while in the work of the church they are much
interested. In his political views Mr. Mentzer is now an earnest republican
but gave his support to the democracy until 1896. He did not favor bi-
metahsm or the principles advocated by AV. J. Bryan and therefore changed
his aUegiance. He served as a member of the second town council after
the incorporation of Shenandoah and is a member of the present city coun
cU, acting as chairman of the water and lights committee and of the finance
committee. His interest in pubUc affairs has been manifest in active and
helpful cooperation in many measures for the general good. His opinions
are sound and reliable and his methods practical and, moreover, he carries
forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes so that his labors
are a valued factor whether in the conduct of business affairs or in matters
relative to the city's upbuilding.

ROBERT STEELE FINLEY.
There have been many theories advanced concerning success and the
best method for its attainment but a careful analyzation of the Hfe records
of those men who have achieved prosperity in honorable manner will indicate
that earnest, persistent labor has been the foundation upon which they have
builded. This is again evidenced in the life history of Robert Steele Finley,

512 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
whose close application and undaunted energy have been the salient features
in his business progress. He was born near Monmouth, Illinois, June 27,
1870, and is a son of Samuel Steele and Mary Angeline (Massey) Finley,
who are residing with their son Robert, who is the youngest of three chil
dren. The older brother, Alfred Melancthon, is a resident of College Springs,
and the daughter, Mary Angeline, who is the second of the family, is de
ceased. Robert Steele Finley was only four years of age when he accompanied
his parents to Page county. He located with them upon a farm three miles
east of College Springs, and there resided until the spring of 1904, when
they all removed to a place south of the town, remaining there for two years.
Three years ago they came to College Springs and Robert Steele Finley has
since been engaged in the real estate business here, handling both farm and
city property. Fle buys and sells land in Texas, Missouri and Iowa and
keeps thoroughly informed concerning the value of realty in the different
states where he operates. He owns two dwellings in College Springs and
he has also erected a business house of cement blocks on Main street. This
was built in 1906 and contains both stores and offices. He is likewise the
owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Douglas county, Alissouri,
and he buys and sells extensively for others. He bought and sold about
twenty pieces of property in the past year and in addition to his real estate
operations he looks after his father's farm. In all of his business affairs
he displays sound judgment, and, working diligently along well defined Unes
of labor, he is meeting with the success that ever crowns intelUgent and hon
orable effort. Aside from his business relations his associations are such
as commend him to the good will and trust of his fellowmen. He is a
consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, and his attitude on
the temperance question is indicated in the support which he gives to the pro
hibition party.

ALFRED MELANCTHON FINLEY.
Alany years have come and gone since Alfred Melancthon Finley arrived
in Page county, reaching Clarinda on the 15th of January, 1876. He was
then a youth of fourteen years, his birth having occurred in Alonmouth,
IlUnois, on the ist of January, 1862. Since coming to Iowa he has remained
continuously in Page county and was reared to the occupation of farming,
Uving with his father in Amity township up to the time of his marriage, af
ter which he began farming on his own account. For two years he rented
land from his father but for seven years resided upon the farm which he
owns. Since the expiration of that period he has made his home in College
Springs but still conducts his farming interests, owning and cultivating one
hundred and sixty-five acres of land, which is in three tracts, while in the
village he has four acres. In all of his farm work he is practical and pro
gressive, utilizing his opportunities to the best advantage and as the years
have gone by he has won a creditable measure of prosperity.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 513
On the nth of May, 189S, Mr. Finley was married to Miss Hettie Ers
kine, who was bom in Jefferson county, Ohio, August 27, 1867, a daughter
of John and Fannie Erskine. FoUowing her father's death, she went to
Tarkio, Iowa, with her widowed mother. Mr. and Mrs. Finley have no
children of their own but the kindness of their hearts has prompted them
to give homes to three children whom they are now rearing.
In his political views Mr. Finley was originally a republican but early be
came allied with the prohibition party to vote for St. John. He has served
on the town councU and in all matters of citizenship has stood for im
provement, taking a deep interest in things which are a matter of civic virtue
and civic pride. He is a devoted member of the United Presbyterian church
and served as trustee for six years, after which he resigned.

ANTON HANZON.

Anton Hanzon, who for several years has been closely identified with the
business interests of Essex, is now well known as the junior partner in the
firm of Rotton & Hanzon, lumber merchants. As the name indicates, he is of
foreign birth, born in Sweden on the i6th of February, 1865, and is a son of
Anders and Caroline (Larson) Hanzon, both natives of Sweden, where they
spent their entire lives.
Reared to farm life, Anton Hanzon attended the common schools of his
native country in the acquirement of his education and in due course of time
was graduated from the high school, being thus well equipped for the re
sponsible and practical duties of life. The periods of vacation were devoted
to assisting in the work of the farm and at an early age he became thor
oughly familiar wdth the tasks that fall to the agriculturist. He remained at
home, giving his father the benefit of his services until 1895, in which year
he sailed for the United States. Rumors had reached him concerning
the advantages offered by the new world and he decided to try his fortune
in this country, thinking to find better opportunities for advancement here
than were offered in the old world. Upon his arrival in the United States
he came to Essex, Iowa, where for a year he was identified with the carpen
ter's trade. He then went to Red Oak, where for four years he was simi
larly engaged, at the expiration of which time he returned to Sweden for a
visit, spending almost an entire year in that country. In September, 1900,
he again crossed the Atlantic, and the winter of that year was spent in Red
Oak. The spring of 1901 witnessed his second arrival in Essex, and for the
next six years he was actively and prominently identified with contracting
and building interests in this city. Throughout that period he gained a repu
tation as a man of considerable ability and was awarded many contracts,
while several of the substantial buildings of the community stand as monu
ments to his skill. In August, 1907, he purchased the interest of Emil John
son in the lumber firm of Rotton & Johnson, the firm name being changed

514 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
to that of Rotton & Hanzon, whicii connection still continues. The firm
enjoys an extensive and growing patronage because of the straightforward
business methods which they pursue, and Air. Hanzon is recognized as a
man of unusual business ability, whose well directed efforts have been potent
factors in the growth and progress of the enterprise.
It was in the year 1902 that Mr. Hanzon was united in marriage to Miss
Hilma Anderson, of Essex, and unto this union has been born one child, a
daughter, lielen A., who is the life and light of the household. The wife
and mother passed away in 1904, and three years later Mr. Hanzon was
again married, his second union being with Mrs. Anna Nelson, nee Carlson.
Both are members of the Swedish Mission church, of w-hich Mr. Hanzon is
secretary of the board, and their lives are at all times in harmony with the
teachings of the church. In politics he gives stalwart support to the prohibi
tion party, doing all in his power to further the cause of temperance through
out the community. A man of many sterling characteristics, his loyalty to
honorable principles and high ideals has gained him the respect and esteem
of his fellowmen, and he ranks foremost ainong the valued citizens and suc
cessful and influential business men of Essex.

J. M. A^AN BUSKIRK, D. M. D.
Thoroughly conversant with the modern processes and methods of dental
practice. Dr. Van Buskirk in his professional labors has won high com
mendation because of the ability and skill that he has displayed. He has
been more or less continuously connected with the profession in Shenandoah
since 1901 and has practiced independently since 1904, during which time
he has made rapid and substantial progress until he is today enjoying the most
extensive dental practice in Page county.
Dr. Van Buskirk is, moreover, entitled to representation in this volume
as one of the native sons of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Fremont
county, vVugust 9, 1879. His parents v/ere Joseph and Martha (Fulton)
A^an Buskirk, natives of Illinois and Indiana, respectively. Following their
marriage they began their domestic life upon a farm near Lacon, Illinois,
where they resided until 1869, in which year Joseph Van Buskirk brought
his family to southwestern Iowa, making the joumey by wagon. He settled
in Fremont county and purchased eighty acres of land in Locust Grove
township, to which he afterward added a quarter section. AVith character
istic energy he gave his time and attention to his farm and resided thereon
until 1 883, when he removed to Shenandoah, where for a number of years
he was extensively engaged in the live-stock business. Later he identified
himself with a milling and elevator enterprise and conducted a growing and
successful business along those lines up to the time of his death, which oc
curred in the spring of 1900. In all of his business affairs he was alert and
progressive, watchful of the details pointing to success, and his close ap
plication and indefatigable energy constituted the safe foundation upon

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 515
which he built his prosperity. In his political views he was an earnest dem
ocrat and while never a politician in the sense of office seeking he served
for two terms as a member of the town council in the early days. His fra
ternal relations were with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and to
these orders and their beneficent teachings he was most loyal. His widow
still survives and is yet a resident of Shenandoah. She is a member of the
Congregational church and is much interested in its work.
Dr. Van Buskirk has always remained a resident of southwestern Iowa
with the exception of a brief period. His father's home sheltered him
through the period of his boyhood and youth, and the Shenandoah grammar
and high schools afforded him his early education. Later he pursued a
commercial course in the Western Normal College and, desiring to enter
upon a professional career, he took up the study of dentistry in 1898, ma
triculating in the dental department of the Washington University at St.
Louis. He was graduated with the class of 1901 and for six months after
ward was associated with Dr. H. M. Richardson in practice in this city. He
then went to Stanberry, Alissouri, where he spent about eight months. At
the end of that time he retumed to Shenandoah and again became Dr. Rich
ardson's associate in practice, so continuing for one and one-half years. In
1904 he opened an office for independent practice and during the succeeding
five years has made rapid advance in his chosen life work. His fellow mem
bers of the dental fraternity as weU as the general public acknowledge his
skill and ability in professional lines.
Dr. Van Buskirk has followed in the poUtical footsteps of his father,
giving his support to the democracy and at all times keeping well informed
on the issues and questions of the day. He belongs to Tricentum Lodge,
No. 300, F. & A. M. ; Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M. ; and to a Greek
letter college fraternity. He is popular socially, having a large circle of
warm friends in Shenandoah and throughout this part of the state.

CHARLES EDWARD VEAK.
Charles Edward Veak, living on section 26, Fremont township, is building
up a fine reputation as the breeder of registered hogs and is no-w conducting
an extensive business as a dealer in Uve stock. He was born in Fremont
township, October 3, 187S, and is a son of John and Christina (Johnson)
Veak, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father came to the United
States about 1874 or 1875 and, like many of his fellow countrymen, went
first to Fienry county, Illinois. He there Uved for two or three years, when
he made his way westward to Page county, Iowa. The lady whom he af
terward made his wife had preceded him to the United States and had lo
cated in this county, where they were married. In course of time John
A^'eak acquired a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he still owns.
For years he carefully tilled the soil and carried on the farm work. His
wife died in 1904 and he continued to reside on the farm until 1909, when

516 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
he removed to a small place in the town of Stanton, Montgomery county,
where he now lives, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly
deserves. He has long been a most active and helpful member of the Luth
eran church and for a quarter of a century was superintendent of the Sun
day school, while for twelve years he has been a deacon in the church. His
efforts in behalf of progress and for the adoption of principles which work
for the upbuilding of high and honorable character have been effective forces
for good.
Charles Edward Veak was reared amid the refining influences of a good
Christian home, where the lessons of industry, integrity and perseverance,
which were early impressed upon his mind, have in later years borne rich
fruit. While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, he at
tended the public schools and also pursued a course of study in the AVestern
Normal College at Shenandoah. His practical training in the fields qualified
him as well for the business cares which have since devolved upon him.
In 1904 he began farming for himself as a renter and in March, 1909, on
his father's removal to Stanton, he took charge of the home place. For the
past four years he has been extensively engaged in the breeding of thorough
bred Duroc Jersey hogs. At the state fair in 1908 he exhibited his stock and
broke all records by receiving a premium every time he drove into the ring.
He made exhibits at the county and state fairs in the year 1909, where he
again won many premiums. He has made a wide reputation as a breeder of
Duroc Jersey hogs and his business success is being continually augmented
as the result of his undaunted enterprise and diligence.
On the 1.5th of June, 1904, Air. Veak was married to Miss Tilda Ander
son of Douglas township and the household now numbers" three children :
Russell C, Goldie E. and Doris. In politics Mr. Veak is a republican of the
progressive type, seeking the best interests of the community through the
support of his party and standing at all times for clean politics and good
government. He and his wife hold membership in the Swedish Lutheran
church and with its government and its activities he has been closely asso
ciated. He is one of the church auditors, is a teacher in the Sunday school
and takes an actve and helpful interest in the church work. His belief is not
a side issue in his life but a permeating and controlling interest and has made
his record one that is creditable to himself and to the citizenship of the com
munity in which he lives.

W. A. PARRETTE, M. D.
W. A. Parrette, a physician and surgeon of Shenandoah, was bom in
Greenfield, Ohio, July 16, 1S65, and is a son of Milton J. and Jane Elliott
(Adams) Parrette, who are likewise natives of Greenfield, Ohio. The
parental grandfather, Joseph F. Parrette, was a native of Staunton, Vir
ginia. The ancestry is traced back to George Parrette, the great-great
grandfather of the Doctor, who was one of six brothers that came to

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 517
America from Geneva, Switzerland, soon after the opening of the seven
teenth century and located at Jamestown, Virginia. The family was well
represented in the Revolutionary war, the Parrettes espousing the cause of
the colonists and doing able service in behalf of the cause of liberty.
The ancestors of Dr. Parrette were forced to leave France during the
persecution of the Huguenots, with which religious body they were iden
tified. There were about two generations between those who suffered for
their religious faith and the representatives who becanie the founders of
the family in the new world. In the maternal line Dr. Parrette comes from
Scotch and Irish ancestry. His parents were farming people of Ohio and
there they reared their family, including Dr. Ernest Parrette, now practic
ing in Columbus, Ohio, and three daughters, Elizabeth, Estelle and Ruth.
The first nained is now a teacher in the public schools of Lima, Ohio, while
Ruth is society editor of the Lima Times-Democrat, and Estella is a teacher
in the schools of Greenfield, Ohio.
Dr. Parrette, whose name introduces this record, was reared in Green
field upon his father's farm, where he remained until twenty-one years of
age. In the meantime he obtained his education as a pupil in the district
schools and in the South Salem Academy. WhUe pursuing his academic
course he took up the profession of teaching at the age of nineteen years
and was thus employed through one winter. Later he resumed his own
studies and after leaving the academy removed westward to Mediapolis,
Iowa, where he engaged in teaching in the district schools for two terms.
He was afterward bookkeeper and clerk in the store of his uncle, I. N. Mc
Clure, for five years but was not thoroughly satisfied with the business in
terests whicii up to this time had claimed his attention and, thinking to find
the practice of medicine a congenial and profitable undertaking, in March,
1891, he began reading in the office of Dr. D. AAT Lunbeck, of Alediapolis.
There he studied until the following Aug'ust, when he went toi New York
city and spent two years in Bellevue Hospital as nurse, this experience prov
ing very valuable to him in his later professional labors. He completed his
course as a nurse in the D. O. Mills Training School and was graduated
in September, 1893. He then entered the medical department of the Uni
versity of New York City, where he completed a four years' course and was
graduated on the 4th of Alay, 1897. For about a year or until September,
189S, he remained in New York city, doing subordinate work for leading
physicians of the eastern metropolis. This brought him valuable and varied
experience and well qualified him for the onerous duties of his profession
when he returned to his native city and opened an office there for general
practice. He continued in Greenfield from the ist of October, 1S98, until
the fall of 1904, after which he spent six months in Columbus. Ohio, and
at the expiration of that period came to Iowa in the suinmer of 1905. He
located for the practice of his profession at AVellman, Washington county,
where he continued until February, 1909, when he located in his present
office in the Bogart block in Shenandoah. AAThile he engages in general
practice he is an expert surgeon, doing special and accurate work in that
line, and is also a specialist on the treatment of the diseases of the eye, ear,

518 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
nose and throat. He has a full Une of apparatus and instruments for the
finest work in the line of his specialties and is giving proof of his abiUty
as his patronage is increasing. He is an extensive reader along the line
of his profession, keeping in touch with the most advanced thought con
cerning medical and surgical practice.
Dr. Parrette was married at Alediapolis, Iowa, on the nth oi October,
1900, to Aliss Martha F. Robinson, who was a native oi that town. Her
iather conducted the woolen mill at Alediapolis for a number of years but
is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He is a veteran
of the Civil war, having g-iven faithful aid to the Union cause during the
darkest hour in his country's history. Dr. and Mrs. Parrette now have
three children : Elizabeth, who is five and a half years of age ; Robert, four
years of age ; and one who died in infancy.
The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Dr. Par
rette is a member of Progress Lodge, A. F. & A. Al., at Mediapolis. His
political support is given to the republican party where questions oi state
and national importance are involved but at local elections he casts an in
dependent ballott, considering the capability of the candidate rather than
his party affiliation. WhUe a more recent addition to the professional circles
of Shenandoah, his ability destines him to success wherever he is located,
and already he has won popularity and professional regard here.

CLAUS .ABRAHAAI.

Ainong the self-made men of Pierce township is Claus Abraham, who has
wrought out his success along well defined lines of labor. He vvas born
in Sweden on the 12th of October, 1871, and is a son of Emanuel and Jo
hanna (Anderson) Abraham, who came to the United States in 1891. After
a short residence in Essex, Iowa, they located in Alontgomery county, this
state, where they are still Uvin.g.
Claus Abraham spent his youthful days under the parental roof, acquir
ing his education in the pubUc schools of Sweden and also in the district
schools of this country. He was fifteen years of age when in 1886 in com
pany wdth his sister, Anna M., he came to the United States, settUng at
Imogene, Fremont county, Iowa. There he and his sister both went to work
for their financial resources were quite limited. For three years Air. Abra
ham was employed on farms and afterward learned the butchering business
in Imogene. He then went to Shenandoah where he worked for a short
time, and for about three years he was connected wdth the butchering busi
ness in Essex.
In 1896 Air. Abraham was united in marriage to Aliss Selma Lind-
berg, of Fremont township, Page county, and soon afterward they estab
Ushed a home in Emerson, AIills county, where Mr. Abrahani continued in
the butchering business for a year. He was afterward employed in a meat
market in Essex for five years, and in 1900 he purchased his present farm

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 519
of one hundred and twenty acres, whereon he resided for two years. He
then retumed to .Essex, where he once more Uved for five years, and in 1907
he again took up his abode upon the farm vvhich is now his place of
residence. In 1906 he purchased eighty acres adjoining from his brother-
in-law, C. J. Hendrickson, making his present place a tract of two hun
dred acres, vvhich is rich and productive land and makes ready and generous
return for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. He also
owms two town lots in Essex and his realty possessions are an indication
of a life of well directed energy and thrift.
Unto Mr. and Airs. Abraham were born two children but only one is
now living, Reuel D. In his political views Mr. Abraham is a democrat and
served as marshal of Essex. He finds his chief source of recreation in the
automobile driving, owning a Jackson car. He started out in life a poor
boy but, with the assistance of his wife, he has made substantial progress
and they are now numbered among the people of affluence in the community.
They belong to the .Swedish Free Alission church and have guided iheir lives
in conformity to its teachings. In all of his business dealings Mr. Abra
ham has made steady progress and with unabating industry and energy that
never flags a successful future seenis assured to him.

F. Al. JONES.

F. M. Jones, who has now made his home within the borders of Page
county for almost four decades, is the owner of a valuable and well improved
farm of two hundred and seventy-nine acres on section 8, Pierce township.
His birth occurred in Logan county, Ohio, on the 25th of March, 1842, his
parents being Allen and .Anna (Armstrong) Jones. The paternal ancestors
of our subject made their way to Ohio from Georgia, while the earliest rep
resentatives of the Armstrong family in the Buckeye state came from Ken
tucky. Allen Jones, the father of F. M. Jones, carried on agricultural pur
suits in early manhood and latgr conducted a general mercantile establish
ment at Quincy, Logan county, Ohio. Both he and his wdfe passed away
in that county.
F. Al. Jones spent his youthful days under the parental roof and obtained
his education in the common schools. On attaining his majority he began
farming for himself by renting a tract of land, having gained a good knowl
edge of the best methods of tiding the soil through the assistance whicii
he rendered his father in the cultivation of the home farm. He belonged
to the Home Guards and in 1864 vvas called into service as a soldier of the
Union army, becoming a member of Company C, One liundred and Thirty-
second Ohio Infantry, with wdiich he served for about four months. On
returning home he resumed his agricultural interests and v/as thus busily
engaged until the fall of 1869, wdien he removed westward to Schuyler
county, Alissouri.

520 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
The following spring Air. Jones came to Page county, Iowa, and pur
chased forty acres of the farm on which he now resides in Pierce town
ship, taking up his abode thereon on the ist of March, 1S70. From time
to time he has extended the boundaries of his place by additional purchase
until it now comprises two hundred and seventy-nine acres of Iowa's most
valuable and productive soil, and in addition he also owns a half section of
land in Sully county. South Dakota. Year after year he has successfully
carried on the work of the tarm and bas now developed a fine property, im
proved with good buildings and equipped with all the modern accessories
and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is today
numbered among the substantial and representative agriculturists of his
community and the prosperity which has attended his efforts is richly merited,
for it has come as the direct result of his own labor and untiring perseverance.
On the ISt of March, 1866, Mr. Jones vvas united in marriage to Miss Fan
nie Starett, of Logan county, Ohio. They had no children of their own but
reared an adopted daughter, May, who is now the wife of Frank E. Wilcox,
of Shenandoah. In his political yiews Air. Jones is a stanch republican, while religiously
he is identified wdth the Christian church, of which his wdfe is also a mem
ber. Their sociabilit)' and their hospitality has made their home the center
of a cultured society circle and they have many friends in the community
where they have now long resided.

HERAIAN AlEYER.

Plerman Aleyer is one of the extensive landowners of the county and
his life record proves what can be accomplished when one is wiUing to dare
and to do. He has had no assistance in his business career but has worked
diligently to attain success and now has valuable farm property, whicii
places him with the men of affluence in this part of the state. He was born
in Braunschweig, Germany, Alay 19, 1853, and was the elder of two chil
dren. His parents were Henry and Alaggie (Brinkhoff) Meyer, who spent
their entire lives as farming people in their native country. Their daughter,
Annie, became the wife of Herman Heidor and also died in the fatherland.
Herman Aleyer reniained a resident of Germany until twenty-eight
years of age and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall
to the lot of the agricuUurist. At length he heard and heeded he call of he
^yestern world, for the reports which he received were favorable and indi
cated to him that he would have better opportunities on this side of the At
lantic than in the older and more thickly settled country of Germany. He
was married ere he left his natiye land and the lady of his choice was Miss
Gebke Siedenburg, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1855 and became
his wife in 1877.
Air. and Mrs. Meyer began their domestic life in the land of their na
tivity and two children were born unto them ere their emigration to America

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 521
in I SSl. Crossing the Atlantic, they located first in Nodaway township. Page
county, Iowa, where Mr. Meyer cultivated a tract of rented land for five
years. During this period he lived economically and worked diligently that
he might earn sufficient money to enable him to purchase property, and in
1886 he saw the fulfillment of his hope for at that time he became the owner
of a farm in East River township, near Shambaugh. He at first had but
fifty acres, to which he added until he was the owner of one hundred and
sixty acres. He then disposed of that property and came to his present
farm in 1895. That he has prospered in his undertakings is indicated in the
fact that he is now the owner of five hundred and fifty acres and has let his
son have one hundred and forty-three acres. There are three sets of build
ings on his farm and these stand as monuments to his indefatigable labor
and enterprise. All were erected by him and the various improvements upon
the land show also that his Ufe has been one of unremitting diligence intelli
gently directed. The fields bring forth rich crops and he also raises high
grades of stock, for which he finds ready sale in the market.
After the family came to the new world four other children were added
to the household, so that Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are now parents of four sons
and two daughters: Plenry H., who is a neighbor of his father; Anna, the
wife of Henry Freudenburg, a resident farnier of Nodaway township;
Herman D., wdio is also following farming near the old home ; John, Fred
and Alinnie. who are still under the parental roof.
Since becoming a naturaUzed American citizen, Air. Meyer has given his
poUtical allegiance to the democracy and has served as a school and road
officer. He belongs to the Lutheran church of Clarinda and its teachings
constitute the guiding force in his life. His example is one well worthy of
emulation for it indicates what can be accomplished by a young man of
strong purpose and resourceful spirit. Mr. Aleyer steadily worked his way
upward and has worthily won the success which he now enjoys.

W. E. WHISLER.

XTo matter in how much fastastic theorizing one may indulge as to the
causation of success, it wUl ever be found that advancement in business
depends primarily upon close application, ready adaptability and a wUling
ness to work and work hard. Possessing these requisites Air. Whisler is
niaking rapid progress in conducting a plumbing and heating business in
Shenandoah and his popularity as a business man and citizen constitutes
his record one of interest to his fellow townsmen.
His birth occurred in Farragut, Fremont county, Iowa, on the 2d of
October, 1S76, his parents being John and Marie (Gunther) Whisler. The
father was a native of Indiana, while the mother was probably born in Ap
panoose county, Iowa. Both the Whisler and Gunther families were among
the pioneer residents of Appanoose county and it was in this state that the
parents of our subject were married. They located on a farm which Mr.

522 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
AA'hisler rented and in 1S75 ^e started with his family on a trip to X'ebraska,
making the journey by wagon. En route he passed through southwestern
Iowa and soon lie returned to this portion of the state, settling near Far
ragut, Fremont county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land. AA'ith characteristic energy he began to till the soil and develop
the crops and as the years passed he has extended the boundaries of his
farm by additional purchases until he now owns five hundred and sixty
acres of valuable land unsurpassed in its richness and fertility by any tract
in this part of the state. In addition to his agricultural interests he is a
stockholder in the First National Bank of Farragut and is one of the most
influential men of that section. He came to the west without funds and
through his capably directed labors has been very successful. Since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given loyal support to
the republican party, for he is a firm believer in its principles, yet has never
sought office as a reward for party fealty. Both he and his wife are mem
bers of the Christian church and are people of the highest respectability,
honored by all wdio know them.
W. E. AVhisler was reared at home and the common schools afforded
him his early educational opportunities, while later he had the advantage
of instruction at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. In early manhood
he was married, wedding Miss Gertrude Morgan, of Hamburg, Iowa, on
the 22d of June, 1898. They established their home upon a farm near
Riverton and for ten years thereafter Mr. Whisler continued to engage in
general agricultural pursuits but in 1908 came to Shenandoah to ally his
interests with the commercial activities of the city. Here he purchased the
plumbing business of O. H. Frink and is now enjoying an extensive patron
age in the conduct of a plumbing and heating business. His personal pop
ularity bas been one factor in his success, while the thoroughness of his
work and his reliability in financial matters are also strong elements in his
prosperity. Both Mr. and Mrs. AVhisler are members of the Christian church and
are greatly esteemed in the community in which they reside. His member
ship relation also extends to Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E. ;
and to Page Camp, No. 1049, M. W. A. He and his wife own and occupy
a modern residence at No. 700 Seventh avenue, it being one of the attrac
tive and hospitable homes of the city.

FRANK HOOKER.

Frank Hooker, provided with liberal educational advantages in prepar
ation for life's practical and responsible duties, has since the beginning of
his business career been connected with farming interests and was one of
the organizers of the First National Bank of Blanchard, with which he has
been continuously and helpfully associated since it first opened its doors

HISTORA" OF PAGE COUNTY 523
to the public on the ist of June, 1893. He was chosen its first cashier and
has so continued to the present time.
Air. Hooker is a native of Portsmouth, England, bom Alay 30, 1S65.
His parents vvere W. S. and Sarah (Humphrey) Hooker, who came to the
United States in 1869. The father was a Alethodist minister and took
charge of a church in Decatur county, Iowa. In connection with the church
work he lived at various points in the southern half of the state, his in
fluence constituting a potent force for good in connection with his different
pastorates. In the spring of 1S73 ^^ took up his abode at College Springs,
having charge of the church there until 1875, when he went to Shenandoah.
A year later he was transferred to the church at ViUisca, subsequently hold
ing a pastorate in Des Aloines and afterward in Clarinda. He then re
turned to Shenandoah as presiding elder of the district, continuing there
for about four years, after vvhich he removed to Indianola, Iowa. He
likewise preached for the Alethodist congregation at Creston, Iowa, and
terminated his services there to become presiding elder of the Council Bluffs
district, which he thus served for six years. He was afterward appointed
presiding elder of the Creston district and lived at Red Oak for about six
years. At the end of that time he was offered the position of financial
agent for the Simpson College at Indianola and continued actively in that
vvork for two years but at the present time is living retired at the age of
seventy-five. His life has been one of great usefulness in the church and
his influence of no restricted order. He long figured as one of the leading
representatives of the Methodist ministry in southern Iowa and vvas never
denied the full harvest nor the aftermath. His wife, who was born in
Devonshire, England, and was long a devoted and faithful companioii and
helpmate to him on Ufe's journey, passed away in 1886. They were the
parents of six children : AVilliam F., a farmer residing in Xorthboro, Iowa ;
Frank ; AValter, who died in childhood ; Rose, the wife of John Joy, living
in Atchison county, Missouri ; Conrad, whose home is in Rochester, New
York; and Nellie, who died at the age of twenty years.
Frank Hooker came to the United States when four years of age, his
parents at that time crossing the Atlantic tO' America with their family.
He first attended school in Decatur county, Iowa, and continued his educa
tion in the schools of Villisca, Des Moines, College Springs and Clarinda.
He was graduated from the high school at the last named placei and later
becaine a student in the Western Normal College at Shenandoah, where he
pursued a commercial and mathematical course, being graduated with the
class of 1882. When he had thus qualified for business life he entered the
employ of the D. S. Lake Nursery Company of Shenandoah, continuing
with them for about tvvo years during vacations from school.
In the succeeding fall Air. Hooker entered the First National Bank of
Shenandoah as errand boy and by successive promotions became assistant
cashier and bookkeeper. He resigned his position there on the ist of Alay,
18S5, to accept the cashiership of the Commercial Bank of Essex and there
continued until Alarch i, 1887, vvhen he returned to the First National
Bank of Shenandoah as cashier. He was thus active in control of the

524 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
banking business at that point until March i, 1S93, when he resigned to
organize the First National Bank of Blanchard, with which he has since
been associated. On the ist oi June, 1893, it opened its doors for business,
its charter. No. 4902, being signed by James H. Eckels, comptroller of cur
rency. There are fifty stockholders and the bank was capitalized at fifty
thousand dollars. At the time of the organization the officers were : Charles
G. Anderson, president ; Isaac Monk, vice president ; Frank Hooker, cashier ;
and S. C. Henn, assistant cashier. The board of directors also included in
addition to the officers, A. W. Hawley. The offlcers at the present writing
are: F. M. Byrkit of Red Oak, president; John H. Walkinshaw, vice pres
ident ; Frank Hooker, cashier ; and F. Meredith, assistant cashier, and they
added to the offlcers as members of the board of directors, F. M. Byrkit,
Robert McKie, Thomas Boyle and Isaac Alonk. The bank is still capital
ized for fifty thousand dollars and has a surplus of twenty-five thousand
dollars. A general banking business is conducted and the institution now
has large deposits and an extensive patronage.
On the Sth of June, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Air. Hooker
and Aliss Sophia Linderholm, a daughter of John and Christina (Hedberg)
Linderholm of Essex. They have one child, AValter, who was born Octo
ber 19, 18S7.
Air. Hooker has been somewhat prominent and influential in community
affairs and is now serving as treasurer of Blanchard. He has also been a
member of the school board and oi the town council, exercising his offlcial
prerogatives in these different positions in support of the best interests of the
community. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while
his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Methodist church.
He has served on its board of trustees, as a teacher in the Sunday school
and was superintendent of the Sunday school for twelve years. His life
has been actuated by high and honorable purposes and conforms at all times
to a high standard of commercial ethics. In him are manifest the character
istics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never
flags.

EDGERLY R. BAILEY.
The history of Clarinda vvould be incomplete and unsatisfactory were
there failure to make prominent reference to Edgerly R. Bailey, whose
business activity and breadth of view concerning public questions have led to
his classification with the leading men of Page county. He is now acting as
mayor of the city and is giving to Clarinda a businesslike administration.
Moreover, he is widely known as the president of the Independent Manu
facturing & Supply Company, extensively engaged in the manufacture oi
cream separators and controlling an industry of much importance to this
city. A native of A^ermont, Mr. Bailey was born in Elmore, December 8, 1870,
and is a son of A. Rudolph and Lucy (Smith) Bailey, the former a farmer

EDGERLY R. BAILEY

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 527
by occupation. The son was tvvelve years of age at the time of the removal
of the family to Baldwin, Kansas, and in the public schools of that state he
continued his education, while later he becanie a student in Baker Uni
versity and was thus well equipped by liberal mental training for the re
sponsible duties of life. After putting aside his text-books he became a
band and music master and teacher, devoting five years of his Ufe to that
art. Mr. Bailey was then called to public service in his appointment in 1S93
to the office of supervisor of the Clarinda State Hospital for the Insane, in
which capacity he rendered valuable service for five years, at the end of
which time he was made steward of the institution. For three years he
acted in that capacity, at the expiration of which time he connected himself
with the Clarinda Poultry, Egg & Creamery Company, establishing the
creamery department. This he conducted as superintendent for three
years, during which time he was giving much thought to conditions con
nected with the dairy interests and the development of kindred business
Unes. He then took up the general agency of a creamery separator and
soon afterward decided that the same could be made in Clarinda as well as
elsewhere. Becoming interested in the separator idea, he completed one and
though the first product of his genius in that direction may have been some
what crude he built another and improved upon the machinery and since that
time he has made various improvements until today after many years of suc
cessful separator building he is well known as the inventor and patentee of
a number of cream separators all over the United States. Perhaps no one
man has done more to improve and make perfect the centrifugal force cream
separators than Air. Bailey. He bas also been successful in placing thou
sands of separators on the market and his name is, therefore, widely knowm
among dairy farmers everywhere. He has perfected the Alonarch and the
Clarinda separators, both of which are manufactured in Clarinda, where
the company now has an extensive and well equipped plant. They also
have a house in Kansas City, Missouri, operating under the name of the
Independent Manufacturing & Supply Company, of which Mr. Bailey is
the president. He is likewise a director of the Lisle Manufacturing Com
pany of Clarinda. He is a man of firm purpose, of undaunted enterprise
and of keen discrimination in business affairs, and these quaUties have
enabled him to win success along well defined lines of labor, while at the
same time his work has been of material benefit and assistance to the dairy
men of the country.
Not alone in business lines have his labors been of far-reaching ben
efit for in other ways as well he has done work whicii has been beneficial
in promoting the best interests of Clarinda. In April, 1909, he was elected
mayor of the city for a term of two years and is, therefore, the present chief
executive, in which connection he is exercising his offi.cial prerogatives for
the best interests of the community, giving his influence to many constructive
and regulative measures. He has also served as councilman from the fourth
ward for the past five years. In politics he is a zealous repubUcan, active in
the party ranks, while his opinions and ideas carry weight in its councils.

528 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Pleasantly situated in his home Ufe, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss
Sadie G. Blair, of Greeley, Kansas, on the 2ist of May, 1891. She is a
daughter of Air. and Airs. Samuel G. Blair, farming people, both now de
ceased. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children : Kath
erine M., Charles V., Ruth C, Theodore S., George L. and Elmore S. Air.
and Airs. Bailey have an extensive circle of friends in the county and the
hospitaUty of Clarinda's best homes is freely accorded them.
Mr. Bailey attained high rank in Masonry, having reached the thirty-
second degree in the consistory. He is a past master of the lodge, a past high
priest of the chapter and belongs to Des Moines Consistory and the Alystic
Shrine of that city. In his life he exempUfied the beneficent spirit of the
craft, being in hearty sympathy with its principles of mutual helpfulness and
brotherly kindness. In all oi the multiplied activities of his fruitful life his
energies, means and influence are thrown upon the side of justice, improve
ment and progress. Advancement might well be termed the watchword of
his life. It is manifest in his business, his social and his public relations. He
has wrought well for his day and for succeeding generations and seems to
have accomplished at any point in his career the possibility for successful ac
complishment at that point.

FRANK G. MILLER.

Frank G. Miller, vvho at the present writing in 1909 is serving as town-
fchip trustee and is well known as a prosperous and progressive farmer of
Tarkio township, his home being on section 17, dates his arrival in Page
county from 1892. He bought a portion of his present property in 1902
and has since given undivided attention to its improvement and cultivation.
He was bom in Henry county, Illinois, July 20, 1869, and is a son of Swan
and Charlotte (Olson) MiUer, both of whom were natives of Sweden. They
came to America after attaining adult age and were married in Illinois. In
the spring of 1870 they removed to Saline county, Kansas, where Mrs. Aliller
passed away a'oout 1879. The father stiU survives and is yet living in Kan
sas at the age of sixty-seven years. He is the owner of eight hundred acres
of valuable land and is now most comfortably situated in a financial way.
Frank G. Miller was only a year old when the family removed to Kansas
and in the common schools of the Sunflower state he mastered the branches
of learning that usually constitute the curriculum. He came to Page
county in 1892, when a young man of twenty-three years, and for ten years
was employed at farm labor by Airs. North. His broad, thorough and prac
tical experience during that period well qualified him to take charge of a
farm of his own, when, in 1902, he bought eighty acres of his present home
place on section 17, Tarkio township. Upon this farm he has since resided
and in the fall of 190S he purchased sixty acres adjoining the original tract,
making his farm one hundred and forty acres in extent. Iowa land is
naturally rich and arable and makes ready response to the care and labor

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 529
bestowed upon it in generous harvests. Mr. Miller annually gathers abun
dant crops and is therefore meeting merited success in his undertakings.
He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank at Essex and is one
of its directors.
On the election of O. W. Freed to the board of county supervisors, Mr.
Miller was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of Mr. Freed as town
ship trustee to continue for a year and a half. On the expiration of that
period he was regularly elected to the office and is now serving for the second
term, capably discharging the duties which are incumbent upon him in this
position. Fiis political endorsement is given to the republican party and
he is in sympathy with the main planks in its platform and with the policy
advocated by the party leaders.
On the 1st of June, 1899, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Kampe, by whom he has had three children, two of whom are now
living, Ina Viola and Agnes Milree. The parents are members of the Luth
eran church and their many good qualities have gained them an enviable so
cial position, while their own home, which is a most hospitable one, is a
favorable resort with their many friends.

JOHN W. BEHAl.

John W. Behm, resident manager of the Shenandoah yards of the Green
Bay Lumber Com.pany, was born in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, on the loth of
August, 1877. liis parents, Wdlliam and Sally C. (Hocker) Behm, were also
natives of the Keystone state, bom in Dauphin and in Cumberland counties,
respectively. Soon after their marriage they removed westward to Iowa,
settling in Clarinda, Page county, and in that vicinity the father was long
engaged in farming, converting a tract of land into rich and productive fields,
from which he annually gathered profitable harvests. He is now living
retired, for his former activity and enterprise brought to him a gratifying
competence. His wife passed away many years ago, her death occurring on
the 1 6th of August, 1886.
John W. Behm was brought to Iowa in his infancy and his educa
tional opportunities were those oft'ered in the Clarinda schools. Passing
through consecutive grades as he mastered the branches of learning there
in taught, he was eventually graduated from the high school wdth the class
of 1S96. In the following summer he worked as a farm hand and in the fall
of the same year secured a position as clerk in a grocery store in Clar
inda, where he was employed until June, 1898. Constrained by a spirit of
patriotism, he then offered his services to the government and enlisted as a
soldier in the Spanish-American war, becoming a member of Company AI,
Fifty-first Iowa ATohmteer Infantry, on the 14th of June, 1S9S. He was
sent with his regiment to San Francisco, California, whence he embarked
for the Philippines on the 3d of November. There in those oriental islands
he saw service under Generals Hale, McArthur, Wheaton and King. The

530 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
regiment landed on the 2d day of February, 1899, in time to participate in
the engagements caused by the second outbreak of the Philippinos. Air.
Behm was shot in the battle at Quinga, receiving his wound before he had
had a chance to fire his gun. Because of his injuries he was confined in
the hospital from the 23d of April until the 4th of June. He took part in
nine engagements altogether, w-hile his regiinent participated in six other
battles while he was unfit for field duty because of his wound. On the return
trip they landed at San Francisco, October 22, 1899, and Mr. Behm was
mustered out on the 3d of November following, having done active, faith
ful and valiant duty in defense of American interests.
Returning home on the ist of April, 1900, Mr. Behm accepted a posi
tion with the Green Bay Lumber Company as yard man at Braddyville. There
he continued until the 20th of August, when he was transferred to Shenan
doah as yard man and bookkeeper, wdiile recognition of his abUity won him
promotion to the position of resident manager at Shenandoah on the 1st
of January, 1903. For more than six years he has now continued in this
position and his close attention to business, his energy and stalwart purpose
make him a leading business man of the city and a valued representative of
the company. He is most capable in the management of the affairs of the
company and has succeeded in building up and holding a good trade in
Shenandoah. Air. Behm is a member of Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, A. P. & .A. AI. ;
Sheshbazzar Chapter, Xo. 82, R. A. M. ; Clarinda Lodge, No. 139, K. P.;
and Page Camp, No. 1049, M. W. A. In his political views he is a stalwart
democrat, taking an active and helpful interest in the work of the party,
and at the present writing is serving as a member of the senatorial com
mittee from his district. He belongs to the Shenandoah Commercial Club
and is one of the city's representative business men.

ELAIAS JAMES.

Elmas James is one of the extensive landowmers of the county but is
now practically living retired from the active work of the farm, niaking his
home in College Springs. That he is one of the honored and representa
tive citizens here is indicated in the fact that he is now serving for the third
year as mayor, in which connection he is giving a public-spirited and bus
inesslike administration characteristic of practical reform and improvement.
What he undertakes he accomplishes and this is evident in his official service
as well as in his business life.
Mr. James was born near Zanesville, Aluskingum countv, Ohio, June 10,
1 85 1, and was the eldest of four children, whose parents were Charles F.
and Emily L. (Welch) James, natives of Alaryland and of Muskingum
county, Ohio, respectively. The father removed to the latter state and they
were married in Aluskingum county. On leaving Ohio they went to AIc-
Donough county, IlUnois, about 1858 and subsequently they established

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 531
their home in Xodaway county, Alissouri, where the father died in 1898 at
the age of seventy-one years. He was the owner of three hundred acres
of land in that county and capably and successfully carried on general farm
ing. His widow still survives and now resides in Elmo, Missouri. They
were the parents of four children: Elmas; L. W., who is Uving in Elmo,
Missouri ; Frank and Emma, who are also residents of Elmo.
A youth of seven years at the time of the removal to Illinois, Elmas
James was reared in McDonougli county, early becoming familiar with all
of the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired
his education by attending the common schools and year by year he aided
more and more largely in the work of the farm as his years and strength
increased. At length he determined upon having a home of his own and to this
end he was united in marriage on the ist of July, 1871, to Aliss Sidney
W^heeler,- who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, December 13, 185 1,
and in 1856 was taken to McDonough county, IlUnois, by her parents,
Wesley D. and Mary Ann (Hawkins) Wheeler. Her father was a native
of Virginia and the battle of Bull Run was fought upon the farm which
the Wheeler family formerly occupied. The mother was born near Har
risburg, West Virginia. Removing westward, they took up their abode in
IlUnois, and the father died in that state in 1864, .while the mother passed
away in Page county, Iowa, in the fall of 1S74. They were the parents of
six children. Airs. James being the fourth in order of birth. Her girlhood
days were largely passed in AlcDonough county, where she remained up to
the time of her marriage.
In the same year Mr. and Mrs. Jaines removed westward to Missouri,
settling in XTodaway county. When they reached their destination they had
a cash capital of but five dollars but they possessed determination and energy
and resolved to win success if it could be achieved by honorable methods.
Mr. James then cultivated a rented farm for two years, after which he
erected a house on eighty acres of land belonging to his father in Lincoln
township, Nodaway county, Missouri, near Elmo. As his financial re
sources increased he bought forty acres and with this as a nucleus he has
added to his holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of six
hundred and fifty acres in Lincoln township, being one of the extensive
landowners of this part of the state. His time and energies were devoted
continuously to general agricultural pursuits until 1902, when he left the
farm and removed to College Springs, purchasing his present home, which
stands in the midst of four acres of land, or an entire village block. AAThile
he was tiUing the soil he also made a specialty of stock raising, and both
branches of his business proved profitable. His intelligent direction of all
his labor and his wise and judicious investment constitute sources of suc
cess that have placed him with the men of affluence in the county.
As the years went by three children were added to the James household,
but Cora A., who was born December 24, 1S74, died in 1886. Ola, born
June II, 1879, married Clara Hopper, by whom he has one child, Alyrlin,
and they reside upon one of his father's farms in Lincoln township.

532 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Clarence, born in December, 1884, and also living upon one of his father's
farms, married Blanche Montague and they have one child, Geraldine C.
In his poUtical views Air. James is a stalwart republican and ever keeps
weU informed on the questions and issues of the day. He is now serving
for the third year as mayor of College Springs, to which office he was
called by a vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognized in him a loyal and
progressive citizen, unfaltering in his allegiance to the public welfare. In
his administration he has tangible evidence oi his devotion to the city as
the champion of many measures for the public good. He belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal church and a life of business integrity, of enterprise
and of loyalty in friendship have gained him a high place in the regard of
his fellowmen.

AV. E. KEISTER.

Early realizing that there is no royal road to wealth, W. E. Keister in
his business career has put forth strenuous and consecutive effort for the
attainment of that success which is the goal of all laudable endeavor. He is
now a mem.ber of the firm of Keister, Collins & Company, lumber dealers of
Essex. His Ufe record began on the 2nd of April, 1856, in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, his parents being David and Anna (Lauffer) Keister,
both of whom were natives of Westmoreland county, and were of German
lineage. The father spent his entire life in his native county, where he fol
lowed the occupation of farming. The mother stiU survives and makes her
home with her children.
At the usual age AV. E. Keister was sent to the public schools and sup
plemented his preUminary course by an academic course in the Laird Insti
tute. At twenty years of age he left the parental roof and came to Iowa,
working for one year as a farm hand at Randolph, Fremont county. Pie
then went to Imogene in the same county, where he secured a position as
yard man in connection with the lumber business. He remained there, how
ever, for only one year, after which he came to Essex and found employ
ment in the lumberyard of Air. Poe, with whom he remained for seventeen
years. At that time Air. Poe failed in business and for two years thereafter
Air. Keister was employed by other parties. In company with A. M. Stearns
he then purchased the luniber business of Beach & Sederburg and started out
upon an independent business venture, conducting the enterprise under the
firm name of Keister i*fe Stearns. They remained together for two years, at
the end of which time Mr. Keister purchased Mr. Steam's interest and for
six months conducted the business alone. He then sold a half interest to A.
D. Collins, since which time the firm has been Keister & Collins. They have
a large and well ec[uipped lumberyard, in which they carry all kinds of lum
ber and building supplies. In January, 1909, they purchased the lumber
yards of Frank AVeidman, of Coburg, Iowa, and Mr. Keister's son-in-law,
W. J. Parrott, bought a third interest in the firm at that time. The name

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 533
was then changed to Keister, Collins & Company and they own and control
a business at Essex and at Coburg. Mr. Keister is also the owner of a
quarter section of land in Sully county, South Dakota. The years have
chronicled his success which comes from his ability to correctly judge of life's
contacts and its experiences and to utilize every favoring opportunity.
In 1880 Air. Keister was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Baird of
Essex, and unto them have been born eight children, of whom five are living.
These are: Muriel J., the wife of AV. J. Parrott of Coburg, who is third
partner in the business and has charge of the lumberyards of the firm of
Keister, Collins & Coinpany at Coburg ; Delmont C, of Omaha, Nebraska ;
James D., who is living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Frank D., who is an assis
tant in the Coburg lumberyards ; and Baird \^., at home.
In his political views Mr. Keister is a stalwart republican where national
issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot but his
fellow townsmen's appreciation of his public-spirited citizenship and his de
votion to the general good is indicated in the fact that he was elected to
the office of mayor, in which connection he gave a public-spirited and bene
ficial administration. He belongs to Mountain Lodge, No. 360, A. F. &
A. M., and is a member of the Presbyterian church, in wdiich he is serving as
elder. His sjuccess has followed as the logical sequence of his close appli
cation and business probity and in other relations of life as well he has en
joyed the unqualified esteem and confidence of his associates and colleagues.

JOHN H. WALKINSHAW^
Each community has a certain number of citizens to whom they point
with pride as leaders in the activities which are foremost in the upbuilding
and progress of the locality. In Blanchard John H. Walkinshaw is ac
counted one of the number for he is a man of unfaltering integrity, un
abating industry and energy that never flags. These qualities have gained
him success and leadership in business circles. He is now owner of the
grain elevator and also the vice president of the First National Bank of
Blanchard. His birth occurred in Guernsey county, Ohio, May 9, 1843, his par
ents being John and Margaret (Glasgow) Walkinshaw, who were early
settlers of that county. Fiis father was born in Ireland and when about
three years of age was brought to the United States by his parents, John
and Mary (Henry) Walkinshaw, who settled in Guernsey county, Ohio,
where they resided until the faU of 1857, when they removed to Des Aloines
county, Iowa. Reared in the Buckeye state, John Walkinshaw, the father of
our subject, there acquired his education and learned the miller's trade.
After coming to Iowa he turned his attention to farming, which he con
tinued to follow until caUed to his final rest, his death occurring at Morning
Sun, Iowa, when he was seventy-five years of age. His wife, wdio was
born in Scotland, came to the United States with her parents. Air. and Airs.

534 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY
.Arthur Glasgow and died at the age of forty-two years. By her marriage
she became the mother of the following children: Jaines, deceased; Jane,
who is the widow of Andrew McConaughy and lives in Superior, Nebraska ;
Alaria, the wife of John Kilpatrick, of Des Moines county, Iowa; Hugh
AA'., a resident of Page county ; John H. ; Alargaret, the wife of Thomas
Read, of CaUfornia; Adam, who is Uving in Nebraska; Lemuel, whose
home is in Stockton, California; Alary Ann, the wife of Jaines Baird, of Des
Aloines county, Iowa; Arthur G., who Uves at Santa Anna, California;
and three who died in infancy.
John H. AValkinshaw resided in Guernsey county, Ohio, until about four
teen years of age and during that period mastered the elementary branches
of learning as a pupil in the district schools. Subsequently he accompanied
his parents to Iowa and in 1869 became a resident of Harlan township, Page
county. lie bought raw land there at five dollars per acre, improved it and
built a house thereon, hauling the lumber from Hamburg. He lived there
for about six years and on the expiration of that period sold his property
for thirty dollars per acre. Removing to Atchinson county, Alissouri, he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land at seven dollars and a
half per acre, improved the place and built thereon a house, hauling the lum
ber from Clarinda. There he lived for about twenty-six years and as his
financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm from
time to time until it comprised three hundred and sixty acres. The ex
tent of his possessions was the indication of the success which came to him
and which was the direct result of close application and unabating energy.
Following the death of his wdfe Mr. Walkinshaw removed to Blanchard
and about a year later became owner of a grain elevator. In 1898 he be
came associated with James C. AIcKee in establishing the present business
which they conducted together until 1905 and then admitted Joseph D. Mc
Kee, a brother of James C. AIcKee, to a partnership. They handle grain and
coal under the firm name of the AA'alkinshaw & McKee Brothers Elevator
Company, of Blanchard and Elmo, Alissouri. At the latter place they have
another elevator and are closely and actively associated with the grain in
terests of this part of the country. A man of resourceful business ability.
Air. AA^alkinshaw has extended his efforts into other fields. He is a stock-
ho'cler in the First XTational Bank of Blanchard and is now its vice presi
dent. He never allows ordinary obstacles or difflculties to block his path
but overcomes them by determined effort and perseverance, which ulti-
mat?ly enables him to reach the goal for whicii he is striving.
It was on the 29th of July, 1869, that Mr. Walkinshaw was married to
Aliss Sarah AlcClellan, a daughter of AVilliam and Elizabeth McClellan, of
Page county. They became the parents of the followdng children: Wil
liam A., who is now living on a farm on the lo-wa and Missouri state line,
near Blanchard, is married and has five children. John A., who lives about
a mile south of Blanchard in Alissouri, married Sarah Henning and they
have three children. EUzabeth C. is the wife of Orra Duncan, of Taylor
count)-, Iowa, and they have five children. Jennie is the wife of John Mc
Knight, of Kansas, and they have two children. Hannah is the wife of Wil-

FIISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 535
Uam Henning, a resident of Blanchard, Alissouri. Lois married Thomas
Copeland and they reside in Nodaway county, Missouri. James L. married
Plaltie Cain and is living in Denver, Colorado, and Frank niakes his home
with his father. There were other children of that inarriage who died in
infancy. After losing his first wife Air. AATalkinshaw married again, his
second union being with Alargaret AVatson.
Air. Walkinshaw is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, in
which hc is serving as one of the elders. He was also one of its organizers,
the church being established in 1877. Throughout the intervening years he
bas done good work as one of its faithful advocates, cooperating in every
movement that tends to promote its growth and extend its influence. He has
alwa)'s been a public-spirited citizen and is entitled to wear the Grand Army
button from the fact that he was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in
Des Aloines county, Iowa, on the 29tli of July, 1863, as a member of Com
pany D, Eighth Iowa Cavalry. He joined his regiment at Davenport, where
he was inustered into the United States service. He was in camp there for
about three months and then went to NashviUe, Tennessee. The regiment
was sent into w-inter quarters at Waverly, Tennessee, and did guard duty
on railroads in that vicinity until February, 1864. He was then at Chatta
nooga and joined Sherman's "bummers" at Cleveland, Tennessee, on the At
lantic campaign. The troops remained with that command until Atlanta
was captured and then returned to Waterloo, where they continued until the
1st of April. They afterward did considerable skirmishing and finally
arrived at Alacon, Georgia, where they continued until the ist of August,
after which they were sent back to CUnton, Iowa. There Air. Walkinshaw
was mustered out August 13, 1865. He was never wounded but was injured
at AA^averly, Tennessee, when a team went over an embankment. In days of
peace he has been equally as loyal to his country as when he followed the old
flag on southern battlefields and his cooperation can always be counted upon
to further any movement for the general good. His interests have never been
self-centered but have extended to various movements and measures whicii
have insured the continuous progress and upbuilding of the town and county.

T. E. BURTON.

On the roll of Tarkio's citizens appears the name of no man who more
justly merits the esteem in which he is held than T. E. Burton, for the rules
v^bich govern his conduct and have molded his life history are such as every
where awaken confidence and trust. Iiis business affairs have been so
capably conducted as to wdn substantial success and have been so honorably
managed that his name has become a synonym in the community for busi
ness integrity. His home is on section 34, Tarkio township.
He is one of Ohio's natiye son.s, his birth having occurred in Belmont
county, that state, on the i6th of August, 1851, his parents being George
and Alargaret (Cummins) Burton. The father was a native of Loudoun

536 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
county, Virginia, and when a young man removed to Ohio, where he mar
ried, establishing his home in Belmont county. For many years he was
identified with merchandising at Burton station, where he conducted a suc
cessful 'nusiness, and he was also extensively engaged in the buying and
shipping of tobacco for some years and also in the cultivation of that plant.
He becanie one of the prominent, energetic and forceful business men of
that section, his activity contributing in substantial measure to its growth
and progress. A busy and useful life was terminated when, in 1888, in his
eightieth year he was called to his final rest.
T. E. Burton was reared at home, where he was trained to habits of in
dustry, economy and perseverance. He received instruction in business
methods from his father whom he assisted in his various lines of com
mercial and agricultural activity. He was a youth of fourteen years when,
in 1865, in company wdth a brother, he went to Clark county, lUinois, where
he remained for more than a year. But he was afflicted with ague there and
in the fall of 1866 returned to his Ohio home. In the spring of 1868, how
eyer, he once more went to Illinois and spent a year as a farm hand in Clark
and Putnam counties. In the winter of 1869 and 1S70 he again returned
to his natiye county, w-here he spent five years, during which period he was
engaged in teaching and in farming. During the latter portion of that time
he purchased an interest in his father's mercantile business but after de
voting a year or more to commercial pursuits he found that the business
was uncongenial and sold out.
The spring of 1876 witnessed Mr. Burton's arrival in Iowa, at which time
he made his way to Page county and engaged in farming as a renter. For
five years he cultivated land belonging to others and during that period
carefully saved his earnings until his capital was sufficient to enable him to
purchase land in 1881. This was his first investment in real estate and there
by he became owner of one hundred and sixty acres of his present home place
on section 34. He at once took up his abode thereon and it has since been
his home. He has, however, extended its boundaries until he now has two
hundred and sixty acres in one body, constituting one of the more valuable
farms of Page county. It is equipped with all inodern conveniences and
accessories and is devoted to general agricultural pursuits and stock raising.
In this work he has been quite successful, the sale of his crops bringing him
a substantial income which is also materially increased by his sale of live
stock. On the nth of November, 1873, Mr. Burton was married to Miss Eliza
Coffland, of Muskingum county, Ohio, who was born, however, in BeP
mont county, that state. The children of this marriage are as follows : Clif
ford Edgar, who is superintendent of schools at Odebolt, Sac county, Iowa ;
Lillian, who is a teacher in the Shenandoah public schools and lives at home ;
Estella, the wife of Herbert Dutton, of Lincoln township ; Elsie May, who
is a teacher in the district schools ; and Milton George, who is attending
the Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana.
In his political views Mr. Burton is a democrat but has never been an
office seeker. He has been a liberal contributor to churches and charitable

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 537
work and a cooperant factor in many measures for the public good, desiring
to see the progress of the community in material, intellectual, social and
moral lines. He early came to a realization of the fact that success is not a
matter of genius as held by some but is rather the outcome of clear judg
ment, experience and indefatigable labor. He has sought to cultivate these
qualities and in their employment has gained a place among the men of
affluence in Tarkio township.

SAMUEL STEELE FINLEY.
Among Page county's citizens who have passed the Psalmist's allotted
span of three score years and ten is. Samuel Steele Finley, who, living in
College Springs, is one of the respected and honored residents of the town.
In the intervening years since his arrival he has taken an active and helpful
part in the work of general improvement and progress, and his labor has
been of signal service to the community and thus made it imperative that
mention be made of him in this volume.
Air. Finley was born at Cherry Fork in Adams county, Ohio, April 12,
1836, and in the paternal line comes of an old southern family, while on the
distaff side he is of Pennsylvania ancestry. His parents were Robert and
Mary (Barr) Finley, the former born in Augusta county, A'^irginia, Feb
ruary 14, 1790, and the latter on the ist of March, 1800, in AA'ashington
county, Pennsylvania. They were married in Clermont county, Ohio, and
their last days were spent in the vicinity of Monmouth county, Illinois,
where the father died in August, 1864, and the mother in 1S74. Mr. Fin
ley was a farmer throughout his entire life and bought a thousand acres of
land in P'eoria county, Illinois, which he divided among his chUdren. In
connection with the tilUng of the soil he also engaged largely in raising
stock and was one of the leading representatives of agricultural interests
in the state of his adoption. Both he and his wife were active lifelong
members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Finley had nine children
by a former marriage, while Airs. Finley had eight children by her first
husband. By their marriage three children were born : Samuel Steele, of
this review ; Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Miller, now living in Los Angeles, Cal
ifornia ; and William Washington, who became a member of the Eighty-
third Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war and was killed near Fort
Donelson, Tennessee, in August, 1864.
Samuel Steele Finley spent the first ten years of his life in the place of
his nativity and in the fall of 1846 accompanied his parents on their re
moval to Peoria county, IlUnois. There the family lived until 1853, wdien
they went to Fulton county and in 1856 established their home near Alon
mouth in AVarren county, Illinois. Mr. Finley, of this review, resided in
the last mentioned county until January, 1876, when he came to Pa^e county
and settled in xAmity township. Plis entire life has been devoted to general
farming and at one time he w-as the owner of two hundred acres of valuable

538 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
land two and a half iniles east of College Springs. He improved one hun
dred and twenty acres of this from a wild state and later he disposed of the
entire tract except eighty acres. Since March, 1905, he has resided in
College Springs, where he owns a fine old home, which was formerly oc
cupied by J. B. Laughlin, a nurseryman, who set out many beautiful trees,
including many fine varieties not only on this place but also along the entire
street and through the town. Mr. Finley, appreciative of the beauty of the
place, made the purchase of the property which covers three blocks.
On the 29th of March, 1861, occurred the marriage of Mr. Finley and
Miss M. Angehne Massey, who was born near Princeton, Indiana, June
17, 1840, and removed to Warren county, Illinois, with her parents in 1846.
She was a daughter of Alfred and Esther Jane (Paul) Alassey, who were
natives of Lincoln county, Tennessee. After crossing the Mason & Dixon
line to becoine residents of the north, they lived for a short time in Indiana
and then went to Monmouth, IlUnois, where the father conducted a wagon-
shop. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Finley have been born two sons and a daughter :
Alfred M., living in College Springs; Dr. Alary Angeline Finley, who for
ten years engaged in teaching and then attended the Still Osteopathic Col
lege at Des Moines, from which she was graduated in 1900, after which
she practiced until her death whicii occurred August 15, 1907, when she
was in her forty-second year ; and Robert Steele. Both sons are mentioned
elsewhere in this volume.
Air. Finley has been a lifelong member of the United Presbyterian
church and has continuously served as an elder since in the thirties. He
came from a family identified with the same denomination since its organ
ization. Always opposed to oppression and favoring reform, he was a
stanch advocate of the abolition cause in antebellum days and has always
been a stalwart supporter of the temperance movement. He held various
township offices during his residence in IlUnois but since coming to Iowa
has never sought nor desired political preferment. He is a man of many
sterling traits of character, loyal to every trust reposed in him, and at aU
times manifesting business integrity that has won him the good will of his
associates.

AV. B. BOYD.

AA' B. Boyd, a representative business man, imbued with the alert and
enterprising spirit characteristic of the middle west, is conducting a success
ful mercantile enterprise in Shenandoah as a member of the firm of Boyd &
Ouist, dealers in clothing and men's furnishings. He was born in Alenard
county, Illinois, on the 13th of Alarch, 1857, and is a son of John AA^ and
Alary (Harrover) Boyd. The father was a mechanic, who spent his active
hfe in Athens, Illinois, devoting his energies to mechanical pursuits. He
died in 1872 at the age of fifty-six years, while his wdfe passed away in
Shenandoah in 1891, the family having removed to this city soon after the
deatli of the husband and father.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 539
W. B. Boyd spent the first fifteen years of his life in the county of his
nativity and then accompanied his mother to Iowa. He had previously ac
quired his education in the common schools and following his arrival in
Shenandoah he began herding cattle on the prairies here. In this way he
was employed for several years, interspersed with work on the farm. From
1S79 until 1882 he was employed in surveying on the Wabash railroad, the
Kansas City Railroad and the Iowa Central Railroad and in the latter year
he secured a position in the grocery store of Trotter & Lancy, of Shenan
doah, by w-lioni he was employed for four years. Subsequently he spent one
year in a general store in northwestern Kansas, after which he returned to
.Shenandoah and secured a position with R. B. & C. F. Crose, general mer
chants. He there reniained until 1892, in which year he went to Hamburg
to accept a position in the shoe department of the store of S. Goldberg &
Son. For eleven years he continued in that establishment as one of the
most trusted and capable representatives of the house. Severing his con
nection with the firm in 1903, he once more came to Shenandoah, where he
organized the present well known business firm of Boyd & Quist, opening
the store on the loth of October, 1903. The firm handles an up-to-date stock
of clothing, men's furnishings, trunks and valises and does an extensive busi
ness. The trade of the house is large and is constantly increasing as the
result of the capabilities, business management and spirit of enterprise dis
played by these partners.
In 1891 occurred the marriage of Mr. Boyd and Miss Rose Swift, of
Grant towmship, Page county, Iowa. Unto them have been bom two chil
dren ; Bernard F.. who is attending high school ; and Kenneth E. Air, and
Mrs. Boyd are prominently and favorably known throughout Shenandoah,
occupying an enviable position in the best social circles of the city. In his
poUtical views Mr. Boyd is an earnest republican, although never an aspirant
for public preferment. His fraternal relations connect him with Page Camp,
No. 1049, M. W. A., and he is a member of the Commercial Club and active
in support of all interests relating to the public welfare or giving promise
of substantial worth in connection with general progress and improvement.
His ready recognition and utilization of opportunity has been one of the
chief sources of his success. Gradually he has worked his way upward,
placing his dependence upon close application, persistency of purpose and
unfaltering commercial integrity, and his probity as well as his enterprise
stands as an unc|uestioned fact in his career.

AV. B. AIILLER.

The agricultural interests of Tarkio township find a worthy representa
tive in AA''. B. MUler, who is living on section 29. It was in this township
that he was born May 30, 1855, his parents being George and Aletha (HiU)
Miller, both of whom were natives of Tennessee, where they were reared
and married. Further mention of the family is made in connection with

540 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the sketch of J. X. Aliller, a banker of Clarinda, who is mentioned else
where ill this volume.
W. B. Aliller lost his father when ten years of age and he was reared
at home by his brothers Isaac and John. He was stUl comparatively young
when he and his junior brother, M. H. MUler, with two sisters to keep
house for them, purchased and located upon the northwest quarter of sec
tion 32, Tarkio township. Later the sisters were married and the brothers
kept bachelor hall for a time. Subsequently, however, Mr. MiUer com
pleted arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the
4th of October, 1877, and not long afterward he purchased his brothers'
interest in the farm. He continued its cultivation and made his home
thereon until March, 1903, but in the meantime had purchased his present
property of two hundred and six acres, cornering on his previous place.
In 1903 he took up his abode upon the tract which he now occupies, situated
on section 29, Tarkio township. He stiU retains his former farm, however,
so that his present holdings include three hundred and sixty-six acres. This
land is now valuable and productive, the fields responding to his care and
cultivation in generous harvests which find ready sale on the market. He
practices the rotation of crops and carries on his work along the Unes of
scientific farming, having made a close study of the nature of the soil and
the plant food which is necessary in the raising of good crops. He also
raises white-faced Hereford cattle and has produced some fine stock.
As previously stated Mr. Miller was married in 1877, the lady of his
choice being Miss Elizabeth Dutton, of Tarkio township, Page county.
Their children are six in number: Vera A., who was educated in the Clar
inda high school; Alva D., who- was educated in the state normal school at
Cedar Falls, Iowa, and now cultivates and occupies his father's farm on
section 32, Tarkio township ; Oren, who supplemented his high-school course
in Clarinda by a commercial course at Lincoln, Nebraska, and is now
located at Fruita, Colorado ; Fred I., who pursued a commercial course in
the Western X^ormal College and is at home; Harley AAT., ^ student in
Simpson College, at Indianola, Iowa ; and Irma M., who is now a senior
in the Clarinda high school.
The cause of education finds in Mr. AliUer a stalwart champion. He
has provided his children with excellent advantages in that direction and
has done much to further public progress along educational lines, acting
for some time as president of the school board. He is also clerk of Tarkio
township, which position he has filled for ten years, his long incumbency
indicating clearly his fidelity in office and the confidence and trust reposed
in him by his fellow townsmen. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party, while fraternally, he is connected with Columbia Camp,
No. 1896, of Yorktown.
In 1894 Air. AliUer was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who
passed away on the 6th of August of that year, in the faith of the Methodist
Episcopal church, of which she was a member. Mr. Aliller also belongs to
that church and has found in its teachings the incentive of a righteous,
upright life, while in his membership relations he has gained warm friends,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 541
whose lives are permeated with the same belief that has stimulated and
upheld him. His sterling worth and capability have made him an influential
citizen and an analyzation into his career shows as its salient features those
qualities which in every land and clime awaken confidence and high regard.

HUGH O'NEILL.

After a life of continuous and well directed energy and activity, in which
has been accorded due recognition of honest labor, Hugh O'Xeill is now
living retired in Shenandoah, enjoying in merited rest the fruits of his for
mer years of toil. A native of Ireland, he was born in County Derry on the
22d of April, 1S33, a son of Barney and Catherine (Flannegan) O'NeUl,
also natives of the Emerald isle. The mother passed away when the sub
ject of this review was but four years of age, and in 1847 the father brought
his family oi two daughters and iour sons to the United States, landing
in New York city on the 23d of AprU, after a voyage of six weeks and
three days. Continuing his journey southward he settled in Memphis, Ten
nessee, where he was employed on the levee, loading and unloading boats.
Fle remained in this city up to the time of his death, which occurred dur
ing the period of the Civil war.
Hugh O'Neill was fourteen years of age when he accompanied his
father to the United States, and his education, begun in Ireland, was con
tinued in the common schools of Memphis. He resided at home until
twenty years of age when he left Memphis and went to Scranton, Pennsyl
vania, where he was employed in the mines. For a period of thirty years
he was engaged in mining in Pennsylvania, Alissouri and Illinois, remain
ing in La Salle of the latter state for nineteen years. The year 1876 wit
nessed his arrival in Iowa, locating in Nodaway township, Adams county,
where he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres upon which
he located. He at once directed his energies toward the cultivation and
further improvement of this property and was so successful in his under
taking that three years later he was able to purchase two hundred acres
more adjoining his original tract. Subsequently he acquired eighty acres
in Taylor county and later added forty acres, so that eventuaUy he became
the owner of four hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. Although
he had divided a portion of this property among his children, he stills holds
two hundred and forty acres in Adams county, which return to him a
substantial annual income. Energetic and persevering in his labors and
progressive in his methods, he brought his fields under a high state oi cul
tivation and the success which crowned his efforts gained ior him a place
among the substantial and representative agriculturists oi his section oi the
county. In 1854, on the 28th oi October, Air. O'Neill was united in marriage to
Miss Alargaret CoUins, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, who passed away in
1897, and they became the parents of eleven children. Ten of this number

542 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
lived to maturity, while seven are still Uving, namely : Patrick, a farmer of
North Dakota ; John, the editor of the Miners Magazine of Denver, Colo
rado ; Michael, a barber residing in St. Paul, Alinnesota; Charles, em
ployed on Senator Warner's ranch in AVyoming ; Hugh; Mary, the wife of
Frank Al. Sayer, of Seneca comity, New A'ork; and Alargaret, who is
holding down a claim in Glasgow, Alontana.
Mr. O'NeiU enjoyed only the meager educational privileges offered by
the common schools, and, recognizing- the value of thorough education as
a preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life, has supplied
bis children with liberal educational advantages, the success to which he at
tained in his business interests making this possible. He is a member of
the Catholic church, wdiile in politics he is independent, voting for the men
and measures which in his opinion v/ill best subserve the general welfare
and prosperity of the country. He belongs to that class of men who achieve
success through untiring energy and constant application, and his former
labor now enables him to retire from active life. He is public-spirited in
his citizenship, lending his influence to all matters which tend toward the
substantial and permanent growth and prosperity of the community, while
in private Ufe his salient characteristics are in accord with the principles
of true and upright manhood. He enjoys to the full the esteem and re
spect of his fellowmen.

ORANGE B. STEVENS.
Orange B. Stevens has long been a resident of Page county and since
1896 has conducted a profitable and growing business as proprietor of the
Shenandoah Greenhouses. His time and energies are given to the upbuild
ing of the business and he recognizes the fact that to do this he must keep
abreast with the modern ideas of trade and carry stock of a most attractive
quality. His greenhouses, therefore, present much of beauty, his flowers
being noted for size and color, a result of careful propagation.
Mr. Stevens is a native of the middle west and the spirit of enter
prise wdiich has been the dominating influence in the rapid upbuilding of the
Mississippi vaUey finds expression in his business career. He was born in
Knox county, IlUnois, January 15, 1855, and is a son of Samuel O. and Ma
rinda (Burge) Stevens, natives of the state of New^ York and Ohio re
spectively. They were married, however, in Knox county, lUinois, to which
place they had removed in chUdhood days. The father acquired a farm
through the purchase of a land patent given by the government to a Mr.
Kilpatrick, who was a soldier of the Alexican war. Coming into possession
of that property he devoted his remaining days to its cultivation and im
provement, transforming it into a valuable and productive farm, on which
he lived until his death, on the 23rd of August, 1899. In 1886 he went to
Sherman county, Kansas, where he hom.esteaded a quarter section of land
and also took up a timber claim across the boundary line in Colorado. Both

HISTpRY OF PAGE COUNTY 543
tracts are now owned by Orange B. Stevens. The wife and mother passed
away about four years prior to her h^sband's death, her demise occurring
January 25, 1895.
On the home farm in the county of his nativity Orange B. Stevens was
reared and largely acquired his education under his mother's instruction, at
tending the district school for only a limited period. However, his mental
discipline and training were thorough and cpmprehensive and at the early
age of fifteen years he secured a school, which he taught for one term.
While he was quite young he had studied higher algebra and was well ad
vanced in that and in other branches of learning. Desiring, however, to
enjoy still better educational privileges, in the fall of 1873 he entered Whea
ton College, in which he completed a classical course in 1878, at which
time the Bachelor of Arts degree was conferred upon him. During his
senior year in college he also taught in the west side schools of South Elgin,
Illinois. Three years after his graduation from college that institution con
ferred upon him the Master of .Arts degree. He continued his educational
work for some time and in the summer of 1S78 accepted a school below Mary
ville, Missouri, where he taught until the following spring. He then came
to Shenandoah and for six years followed the profession of teaching in
Page and Fremont counties, spending two years of that time as principal
of the Blanchard school.
He then resigned his position on account of his health and thinking that
outdoor life and exercise would be beneficial he turned his attention to
fanning in Page county, first renting land seven miles southeast of Shen
andoah. He thus carried on general agricultural pursuits for seven years
and during the last three years of that time also followed gardening to some
extent. In 1892 he took up his abode in Shenandoah and concentrated his
energies upon gardening, in which line of business he continued for four
years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present place
and gave his attention to horticultural pursuits. In connection with his
greenhouse business he continues gardening to some extent but gives most
of his attention to the cultivation of flowers and shrubs, having well equipped
greenhouses in which are found the finest .varieties of plants suitable for
outdoor and house cultivation. He now enjoys a large trade in surround
ing towns as well as Shenandoah, his business having reached very grati
fying proportions.
It was on the 28th of June, 1883, that Mr. Stevens completed his ar
rangements for having a home pi his own by his marriage to Miss Amanda
J. Stake, a resident of Page county, Iowa, but a native of Franklin county,
Pennsylvania. She came to this state in 1873 with her parents, Eli and
SavUla Ann (Rea) Stake. Unto Mr. and Airs. Stevens have been born
four children: Blanche lona, who is principal of the schools of Castleton,
North Dakota; Elmer .Orange, who is a certified expert accountant, of New
York state; Josiah Avery and Verna May, both deceased.
Air. Stevens is an independent voter with republican sympathies. He
does not feel himself bound by party ties, however, but supports the meas
ures which he deems for the best interests of the community at large. He

544 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
belongs to the Commercial Club and both he and his wife are members of
the Congregational church, in which for the past twelve years he has served
as deacon. His wife is also greatly interested in the temperance move
ment and belongs to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and to the
Political EquaUty Club. Mr. Stevens is a self-made man who, starting out
in life empty-handed, has worked his way steadily upward. He early rea
lized the fact that in the individual and not in his environment is success to
be found and, working along well defined lines of labor, he has made steady
progress in his agricultural and commercial interests and is now conducting
a constantly increasing and prosperous business. He gives his wife great
credit for the success he has achieved as she has always aided and encour
aged him in his work and at present she designs most of the floral pieces
at the greenhouses.

F. O. PETERSON.

Ainong those who have come from foreign lands and become identified
with commercial interests in Page county, is numbered F. O. Peterson, who
is conducting a general mercantile establishment in Essex. He was born
in Sweden, July 23, 1864, a son of P. J. and Anna C. Peterson, who were
likewise natives of Sweden, where they were married ere their emigration
to the United States in 1873. Upon their arrival in the new world, the
father made his way with his family to- Page county, Iowa, and purchased
forty acres of land in Fremont township, to which he later added a tract
of forty acres. He was there engaged in general farming until the time
of his death in December, 1896, when he was eighty years of age. On com
ing to America, Mr, Peterson found there were so many people of the same
name here, he changed his name to Skarstrom, which was the name of
the place on which he made his home in the old country, and during his
residence in Page county he was known by the latter name. He was sur
vived by his widow for several years, her death occurring in March, 1908,
when she had reached the age of eighty-three years.
F. O. Peterson V\fas reared on the home farm in Page county, being a
lad of nine years at the time the family emigrated to the United States.
He acquired his education in the district schools near his home and therein
mastered the common branches of EngUsh learning. In 1887 he went to
Colorado and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in PhiUips
county. He Uved on his land there untU the faU of 1888, when he returned
to his home in Page county and remained until 1890. In that year, having
decided upon commercial pursuits as a Ufe work, he entered the Western
Normal College at Shenandoah, where he pursued a business course. He
then secured a position as clerk in the establishment of A. Nieustedt, of
Clarinda, remaining with him six years. During this time he made a close
study of business conditions and methods and also carefully saved his earn
ings in the hope of some day engaging in business on his own account.

HISTORA'' OF PAGE COUNTY 545
In 1897 he came to Essex and opened a general mercantile establishment,
which he has conducted to the present time. He now owns the leading
store in this thriving little city and his success may be attributed to his
modern methods, push and square dealing. He also has other financial in
terests, being a stockholder and a director of the First National Bank of
Essex. Mr. Peterson was married in 1902 to Miss Carrie Anderson, of Essex,
and their marriage has been blessed with a Uttle daughter, Clara Viola.
Mr. Peterson is a repubUcan in his political views and at the present time
is serving as city treasurer. He belongs to Essex Camp, Al. W. A., while
both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. His enter
prising and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every
sense of the word. By constant exertion and good judgnient, he has raised
himself to the prominent position which he now occupies, having the friend
ship of many and the respect of all who know him either in business or
social circles.

SAAIUEL BENGTSON.

Samuel Bengtson is one of the worthy citizens that Sweden has furnished
to Page county and he dates his residence here from 18S5, during which time
he has been closely identified with agricultural labors. He is now the owner
of three hundred and forty-three and a half acres in Pierce township, his
home farm being a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 10.
His birth occurred in Sweden on the 29tli of May, 1850, his parents
being Bengt and Mary (Johnson) Bengtson, both of whom spent their
entire lives in that country. Mr. Bengtson of this review obtained his edu
cation in the public schools of his native land and on reaching manhood
secured a position as coachman for a wealthy family, thus serving for about
fifteen years, during which period he had the honor of driving the king
a couple of tinies. The year 1885 witnessed his emigration to the United
States and after landing on the shores of the new world he made his way at
once to Pierce township. Page county, Iowa, where he has since resided.
For three years he worked as a farm hand by the month and then started
out as an agriculturist on his own account, being successfully engaged in the
cultivation of a rented tract of land for eight years. On the expiration of
that period, by dint of unremitting labor and capable management, he had
accumulated capital sufficient to enable him to purchase property of his own,
and in 1896 he came into possession of a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres on section 10, on which he has since made his home. In 1905 he bought
a farm of one hundred and eighty-three and a half acres across the rOad
from his home place, so that his landed holdings now embrace three hundred
and forty-three and a half acres. He well merits the proud American title
of a self-made man, having worked his way steadily upward from a humble
position until he is novv numbered among the substantial, progressive and
representative citizens of the community.

546 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Mr. Bengtson has been married twice. About the year 1873, in
Sweden, he wedded Aliss Clara Alagnerson, by wdio-m he had six children,
as follows : Beda, the wife of Frank Sederburg, of Essex ; Charlie, who fol
lows farming in Pierce township ; Annie, who is deceased ; Ellen, the wife of
Bert McClintock, of Pierce township, Page county; Erick, at home; and
Mary, the wife of Flay Jackson, of Fremont county, Iowa. The wife and
mother passed away on the 19th of June, 1906, and in 1907 Mr. Bengtson
was again married, his second union being with the widow of Gust Burg,
who in her maidenhood was Miss Selma Ring. To this union w^as born
one child, Emanuel, August 16, 1909.
At the polls Air. Bengtson casts his ballot in support of the men and
measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are
most conducive to good government. He is a member of the board of trus
tees and also treasurer of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife
is also a devoted member. They are both highly esteemed in the com
munity and have an extensive circle of warm friends, who entertain for
them the kindUest regard and to them extend the hospitality of their homes.

PORT H. KIXG.

Four decades have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Port H.
King came to Page county with his parents. He has here lived since the
fall of 1869 and from pioneer times to the present has been an interested
witness of the changes that have been wrought and the work that has trans
formed the wild prairie of the western frontier into one of the leading coun
ties of a great country. He was but six years of age at the time of the
arrival of the family in Iowa, for his birth occurred in Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, August 2, 1863. He is a son of James K. King, of whom ex
tended mention is made elsewhere in this volume.
His youthful days were spent under the parental roof and he was trained
to the work of the fields, assisting in their cultivation from the time of
early spring planting untU crops were harvested in the late autumn. He
attended the district schools in Parkfield township, profiting by the instruc
tion there received and finding his recreation in such games and sports as
claimed the attention of most farm boys oi the period. On reaching his
majority he began farming on his own account, renting and cultivating his
father's place for three years. It was his purpose during that time to
become the owner of a farm and with this end in view he carefully saved
his eamings. In 1887, therefore, he invested the capital he had saved in
ninety acres of land, which he purchased from his father and which has since
been his home with the exception of five years which he spent in Shenandoah
in order that his daughter niight complete her education in the schools of
that city. His farm work has been diligently pursued and intelligently di
rected and has brought to him substantial and financial returns.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 547
On the 13th of September, 1883, Mr. King was united in marriage to
Miss Katie Al. Homan, of Yorktown, this county. Their only child is Lulu
J., a graduate of the Shenandoah high school and now the wife of Dr. Frank
Bartley, of Neligh, Nebraska.
Mr. King is identified with several fraternal societies, holding member
ship in Shenandoah Camp, W. O. W. ; Coin Lodge, M. W. A. ; Shenandoah
Homestead of the Yeomen of America, and Coin Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is
loyal to the teachings of these organizations for he is in sympathy with the
spirit of universal brotherhood upon whicii they are founded. His study
of the political issues and questions of the day has led him to give his alle
giance to the republican party. He is particularly a product of the western
frontier of Iowa and if all citizens were of his class Page county might in
deed be proud to claim her sons. He has made good use of his time and
opportunities and has so planned and guided his life that its chief features
stand out as characteristics worthy of high commendation.

JOHN H. MURPHY, JR.
John Ii. Murphy is busily engaged in farming in Colfax township, de
voting his time and energies to the cultivation and improvement of a farm
of eighty acres which presents a neat and attractive appearance. He was
born in this township, June 5, 1883, his parents being John J. and EUzabeth
(Hile) Alurphy, early settlers of this locality. The father, was born in
Ireland and when only twelve years of age left the Emerald Isle and sailed
for the United States, landing in Xew York. He afterward went to Illinois,
where he worked as a farm hand until 1879, when he came to Page county
and invested in eighty acres of land, which he improved and cultivated. As
he prospered in his undertakings he added eighty acres to the original tract
and became the owner of an excellent farm. His wife is a native of Ohio
and like ber husband is widely and favorably known in their part of the
county. They had a family of ten children: Thomas and X'ellie, who are
still upon the old home farm ; Fred, a resident farnier of Colfax town
ship ; James, living in Nebraska; Jennie and Lillie, both at home; John H.,
of this review; Albert C, a twin brother of our subject; and Gertrude and
William, who complete tbe family.
John H. Alurphy has always lived in Colfax township and attended the
district schools. Through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields
and after he had attained his majority he determined to make his life work
the occupation to which he had been reared. In 1908 he prirchased from
Ed PI. Alitchell the farm on which he now resides and has since made a
number of improvements here. The place is well developed and his care
fully cultivated fields return to him generous harvests each year. On the
6th of December, 1904, Air. Murphy was united in marriage to Aliss Mabel
J. Vawter, a daughter of Grant G. and Nancy (BeeU) Vawter, of Colfax
township, who were early settlers of Page county. Her father is now de-

548 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ceased, while her mother is living in California. They were the parents of
nine children: Mabel, Melvin, Floyd, Cora, Edna, Lewis, Ruth, Dorlin
and Blestin.
Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Methodist church
at Coin and are weU known in that village and throughout this part of the
county, where their many excellent traits of character have won for them
warm friends. Air. Alurphy is recognized as one of the enterprising young
farmers of this part of the state and in his work is meeting with gratifying
success.

ELBERT A. READ.

Honored and respected by all, Elbert A. Read occupies an enviable posi
tion in financial and business circles and is widely recognized as a young man
of marked ability to whom the future seems to promise success as his salient
qualities are intelligently directed industry and ready appreciation of op
portunity. He is now the cashier and one of the directors of the First
National Bank of Shenandoah, the vice president of the First National Bank
of Coin, cashier of the First National Bank of Imogene, and director of
the First National Bank of Farragut.
Air. Read is one of Page county's native sons, his birth having occurred
in Clarinda, Iowa, on the 17th of July, 1874. He is a son of T. H. Read,
mentioned elsewhere in this volume. In the acquirement of his education
he passed through the consecutive grades in the public schools until he be
came a high-school student and later he entered the Western Normal CoUege,
while subsequently he spent two years as a student in the Michigan Univer
sity. He left that institution in 1894 a.nd entered at once upon the duties of
an active business career as assistant in his father's bank in Shenandoah.
In the intervening fifteen years he has been closely identified with the bank
ing interests of Page county and is thoroughly familiar with every depart
ment of the business, with the moneyed market, with safe investments and
reliable securities. In 1894 he was made assistant cashier of the Shenandoah
Bank and five years later was elected its cashier, since which time he has
been closely associated with his father in the banking business and in the ex-
tention of their interests along that line. He has assisted in the organization
and conduct of three other banks and is widely known among- the financiers
of southwestern Iowa. He has been one of the most active, helpful and bene
ficial factors in the upbuilding of the business sections of Shenandoah.
There has been nothing of a constructive nature in this city in which his
hand has not been seen and at all times his judgment is reliable and his
methods practical.
It is not alone in business lines that Air. Read has figured prominently.
He is a member of the Congregational church and its board of trustees.
He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Chautauqua Association
and is identified in an official way with the Shenandoah Fair Association.
Whatever tends to promote the welfare and progress of Shenandoah elicits

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 549
his interest and receives his cooperation. He is also regarded as a valued
and popular representative of various fraternities here. He belongs to
Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E., is acting on its board of trustees
and is a member of the building committee, having in charge the erection of
the new Elks' building here. He also belongs to Juniata Lodge, K. P., of
which he is trea.surer ; and to Page Camp, No. 1049, M. W. A.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Read was married in 1900 to
Miss Josabel London, a daughter of David S. and Mary C. (Elder) London,
of Shenandoah. They are the parents of three daughters : Eleanor, Alarian
and Winifred. Mr. Read and his family occupy a handsome residence at
the intersection of Crescent and Ann streets and v/hile pleasing in its archi
tecture and its furnishings its warm-hearted hospitality is one of its most
attractive features.

JAMES C. BLACK

On the Ust of Page county's honored dead appears the name of James C.
Black, whose sterling character was manifested in his business integrity,
his championship of measures for the public good and his loyalty to the best
interests of society. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, Novem
ber 2, 1 83 1, a son of Mathew and Eliza (Currey) Black. The family, of
Irish lineage, was founded in America by his grandfather, who was born on
the Emerald Isle. The birth of Mathew Black occurred in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, in 1799 and he passed away in Butler county, same state, in
1850. His wife was born in Ireland about the year 1801 and died in Butler
county, Pennsylvania, in 1833.
Mathewr Black was reared to general agricultural pursuits, in which he
continued throughout his life. Both he and his wife held membership in
the United Presbyterian church, whicii was then known as the Associated
Reformed church. He was twice married, the children of his first union
being John A., Jane C. and Mathew I., all now deceased. Having lost his
first wife, he was married again and had six children : Uriah J. and Jarvis
T., both now deceased ; Abigail, the wife of WilUam MaxweU ; Robert W. ;
Silas T., who has passed away ; and Joshua T.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life
for Joseph C. Black, who spent his boyhood and youth on the old home
stead in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and is indebted to the common schools
of that locality for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He re
mained in the east until 1S52, when he sought the business opportunities of
the growing west, and for seven years was employed by the month as a
farm hand in Hancock county, Illinois. In the meantime he carefully saved
his earnings until he had the sum of six hundred dollars, which he invested in
forty acres of land.
When he had thus made preparations for having a home of his own, he
felt justified in taking unto himself a wife, and on the 27th of April, 1858,

550 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Air. Black was united in marriage to Aliss Martha J. Graham, a daughter of
William and Rachel (Glascow) Graham, the former a native of Ireland and
the latter of Ohio. Her mother died in the Buckeye state in 1848, while the
father passed away in Illinois in 1867. They were both consistent Christian
people, holding membership in the Reformed Presbyterian church. Their
family numbered fourteen children: William M. and Nancy A., both now
deceased: Rhoda G., the wife of James Montgomery; Calvin C. ; Hugh J.;
Martha J., who becanie Mrs. Black; Louisa R., Hadassa N., Robert R. and
Amanda S., who have all passed away; Joseph C. ; M. G. ; John C, deceased;
and Alary S., the wife of William Nelson. Of this number, Mrs. Black
was born in Adams county, Ohio, April 3, 1830.
After his marriage Air. Black settled with his bride on his little farm in
Hancock county, Illinois, and continued to cultivate it until April, 1867,
during which time he erected good buildings thereon and brought the fields
under a high state of improvement, but he was desirous of obtaining more
land and, realizing that farm property could be purchased at a lower figure
in Iowa, he came to Page county and invested in one hundred and twenty
acres. Only about twenty acres of that tract had been broken and the im
provements upon it consisted of a log cabin, in vvhich the family lived for
a year and a half. In 1880 the pioneer building was converted into a kitchen
and in front of it a nice frame residence was constructed. Other modern and
valuable improvements were made upon the farm from time to time, includ
ing tbe planting of an orchard of tw^o acres, and as his financial resources in
creased Air. Black added to his original purchases another tract of one hun
dred and twenty acres. The pioneer farm was brought under cultivation
through his industry and energy, and his possessions were the visible evidence
of his untiring labor, for when he came to Iowa he had little capital. As
the years passed, however, he accumulated a comfortable competence and
in all that he did was ably assisted by his wife.
Air. Black's business record was interrupted by his service in the Civil
w^ar for, in the fall of 1864, he offered his aid to the country, enlisting in
Company E, Forty-second Illinois A'olunteer Infantry, remaining at the
front for a year, after which he returned to his home in Illinois. His
political allegiance was given to the republican party from the time of its
organization and his fellow townsmen, recognizing the worth of his citizen
ship, called him to several local offlces. He served for six years as township
trustee, was assessor for three years and was also a member of the school
board, discharging the duties of these various positions in a most capable
and efflcient manner.
L'nto Air. and Airs. Black were born six children : William M., now
a well known and leading farmer of Harlan township ; Robert G., who is
living in Anderson county, Kansas ; Elmer E., whose home is in Mount Ayr,
Ringgold county, Iowa : James P., who died January 14, 1868 ; ArneUas
E., who died in January, 1875; and a daughter who died in infancy.
The death of the father occurred on the old homestead on section 35,
Harlan towmship, November 10, 1899, and the mother died at the home of
her son Robert in southern Kansas, August 17, 1909, and her remains were

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 551
brought back to College Springs, being interred beside her husband in the
cemetery there. Both were members of the United Presbyterian church.
Air. Black contributed generousl)- of his means to the support of the church
and for ten years served as one of its deacons. He was a man whom to
know was to esteem because in every relation of life he manifested a spirit
of honor and was ever straightforward in his dealings whether of a business
or a social nature.

CPIRISTIAN W. FISPIBAUGH.
Christian W. Fislibaug-h, a banker and land proprietor, who until recent
years was the largest landowner of southwestern Iowa, has in Ufe record
proved the efficiency of indefatigable and intelligently directed industry
in winning success. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, on the 20th
of February, 1847, l^is parents being Christian and Alary (Gross) Fish-
baugh. The father was a native of Bavaria, Germany, while the mother's
birth occurred in Columbiana county, Ohio. Having spent the first fifteen
years of his life in his native country. Christian Fishbaugh, Sr., then accom
panied his parents to the United States and after his marriage located upon a
farm in Crawford county, Ohio. His remaining days were devoted to gen
eral agricultural pursuits in that county, where he passed away at the com
paratively early age of forty-five years. After the father's death the family
removed to Tiffin, Ohio, where the mother died at the age of sixty-one
years. Christian W. Fishbaugh was reared at home, acquiring his education
in the district schools of Crawford county. lie was fourteen years of age
at the removal to Tiffin, at wdiich time he began work in his brother's wagon
manufacturing- plant, being there employed until his twenty-first year. On
obtaining his majority he was admitted to a partnership under the firm name
of Fishbaugh Brothers, the firm owning and controlling the patent wagon
hound, the best wagon hound ever producted. This brought to their busi
ness a world-wide acc[uaintance and insured their success. C. W. Fish
baugh was identified with this manufacturing interest until 1885 but in the
meantime, in 18S2, he had removed west to Shenandoah. He retained his
financial interest in the Ohio business for three years and it is still in opera
tion in Tiffin under the name of the Fishbaugh Bent AVorks.
After arriving in Shenandoah, Christian AA'. Fishbaugh turned his atten
tion to the live-stock business and to farming, in which line he was actively
engaged until 1903, when he withdrew from active connection with
agricultural pursuits and becaine one of the heaviest stockholders in the
Commercial Savings Bank, now the Commercial National Bank of Shenan
doah. He was elected vice president of the institution, in which capacity
he was identified with the bank for three years. In 1906, however, he sold
his bank stock and for two years thereafter gave his undivided attention
to his landed interests. In the fall of 1908 he was instrumental in the organi-

552 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
zation of the Security Trust & Savings Bank of Shenandoah,, his associate
in this venture being his son, Earl C. Fishbaugh. On the 6th of January,
1909, they opened their doors for business and in the management of the
bank have shown themselves familiar wdth the demands of the financial
world. Already the institution has secured many patrons and its business
is constantly growing. In all of his operations Air. Fishbaugh has been
very successful and at one time was the owner of over nineteen hundred
acres of the most valuable farming land in Iowa, located in Fremont and
Page counties.
In October, 1873, Air. Fishbaugh was married to Aliss Melinda Angene,
of Broken Sword, Crawford county, Ohio. Unto them were born two
sons, Warren P., a stockman, who is looking after the interests of his farms ;
and Earl C, cashier of the Security Trust 81 Savings Bank.
In his poUtical views Mr. Fishbaugh is an eamest republican and served
for nine years as a member of the town council of Shenandoah, during
which time he labored effectively and earnestly to introduce many needed
reforms and improvements. For three years he was a member of the school
board and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion.
He likewise belongs to the Congregational church and is greatly inter
ested in the m.aterial, intellectual, social and moral progress of the com
munity. Starting out in life at the age of fourteen years without any special
advantages he has made steady progress in the business world nor has his
path ever been strewn \vith the wreck of other men's fortunes. He has
sought his success in the legitimate lines of trade and commerce, and at all
times his commercial probity has stood as an unquestioned fact in his career.

WILLIAM C. JEFFREY.
William C. Jeffrey, one of the enterprising and successful agriculturists
of Page county, is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres,
one hundred and sixty acres of which lies in Lincoln township, while the
remaining eighty-acre tract is in Colfax township. His birth occurred in
Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the Sth of September, 1861, his parents
being WilUam and Anna (Duncan) Jeff'rey, who were born and married in
Ireland. The father's natal year was 1827, and the mother first opened
her eyes to the light of day on the 15th of Alay, 1828. In the year 1869,
WilUam. Jeffrey, in company with his wife and children, made the journey
from Pennsylvania to this state, going by rail as far as Flamburg, Iowa,
and thence by wagon to Page county. The family first located on the farm
whicii is now the home of our subj ect, renting the property for a year. The
first night of their arrival here they slept in an old frame house made of
natiye oak and walnut. The pioneer structure still remains on the farm
but has been moved from its original location. At the end of a year the
family took up their abode near Clarinda, Iowa, where the father engaged
in the operation of a rented farm for about twelve months. On the expira-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 553
tion of that period he removed to Taylor county, this state, where his demise
occurred in 1872. After a residence of two years in that county the family
home was established in Page county, where Mr. Jeffrey of this review has
since made his home. Mrs. Anna Jeffrey, who survived her husband for
two decades, was called to her final rest on the I4tli of January, 1S92. She
was the mother of six children, namely : Mary, who is the widow of A. A.
Staples and niakes .her home at BurUngton Junction, Missouri ; Fannie,
the wife of Charles N. ColUns, of Fort Morgan, Colorado; John, a resident
of Oklahoma; Maggie, the wife of William Boyle, of Blanchard, Iowa;
Henry, also living in Oklahoma; and William C, of this review. AU of
these children are natives of the Keystone state.
Willianl C. Jeffrey was about six years of age when he accompanied hl.-<
parents on their removal from Chester county, Pennsylvania, to this state.
He obtained his education in the schools of Taylor county and when not busy
with his text-books assisted in the work of the home farm, thus early becom
ing famiUar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agricul
turist. It was in March, 1906. that he came into possession of his present
farm, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres from James Beggs, eighty
in Lincoln and eighty in Colfax, and eighty acres in Lincoln township from
the James AIcKee estate. He has made extensive improvements on the
property, erecting a commodious and substantial residence, good barns and
all necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He has fenced
the land and has made it cultivatable through the rotation of crops, his
harvests each year being such as to reward him for the care and labor which
he bestows upon the fields. He also devotes considerable attention to the
feeding of stock and this branch of his business adds materially to his
annual income. His farm was first entered from the government by Rob
ert B. Bratton, who built the old house which is stiU standing on the prop
erty — a mute reminder of pioneer days and experiences.
On the 6th of December, 1886, Mr. Jeffrey was united in marriage to
Miss -Anna Hensleigh, who was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, her
parents being John and Nancy (Lydic) Hensleigh, of Colfax township.
The father, an native of England, was brought to this country by his par
ents when a little lad of six years. His demise occurred in 1899 when he had
attained the age of sixty-nine years. His wife, a native of Pennsylvania,
passed away in 1879, when forty-three years of age. Unto them were born
fourteen children, as follows : EUzabeth, who is now deceased ; George E. ;
John H. ; Frank V. ; E. W. ; Anna ; Katie ; Walter ; Fred ; L. M. ; A. G. ;
and three who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey became the parents
of five children, namely: Clemmie, who is the wife of John Christenson of
Colfax township and has two children, NeweU J. and John F. ; Edith and
Lynn, who are at home ; Lester, who died at the age of ten months ; and
Lyle, also under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Jeffrey is a stanch republican and has capably
served in the positions of township trustee and school director, holding
the former offlce for six years. Fraternally he is identified with the Alodern
Woodmen of America at Blanchard, while his religious faith is indicated

554 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
by his membership in the Methodist church at Coin. In whatever sphere of
life he is found he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman
and enjoys in unlimited degree the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.

G. J. LILJEDAHL.

G. J. Liljedahl is closely identified with the financial interests of Pierce
township as cashier of the First National Bank of Essex and in this capacity
has gained a reputation throughout the community for keen business discern
ment and strict integrity. He was born in Rock Island county, lUinois, on
the 25th of August, 1871, and belongs to a family that, like many another
that has come from across the water, sought the opportunities of the new
world that advancement might be made in business lines and better advan
tages given to the members of the household.
His father, John Liljedahl, came to the United States in 1869 and was
followed a year later by his family, which at that time consisted of his wdfe
and three children. He first located in Rock Island county, lUinois, where
for about three years he was identified with coal mining, and then he re
moved to Fremont township. Page county, Iowa, where in connection with
two brothers, Frank and Gustaf, he purchased a farm of eighty acres. Later
he withdrew from the partnership and removed to Pierce township, where
he passed away in 1901, at the age of sixty-four years. He had been very
successful in his business dealings, securing a most gratifying competency,
and he was the owner of about five hundred and sixty acres of land, mostly
situated in Pierce township. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Mary
Peterson, passed away in 1892 when fifty-two years old.
Reared under the parental roof, G. J. Liljedahl acquired his early educa
tion in the common schools, while later for a short period he attended
Luther Academy at Wahoo, Nebraska. He remained at home until twenty-
three years of age, assisting his father in the operation of the home farm,
and then in 1894, starting out in business on his own account, he engaged
in the grocery business at Page Center for only one year. In 1S95 he and
his brother Frank purchased the Essex Roller Alills, whicii they continued
to operate for seven years, and throughout this period G. J. Liljedahl super
intended the management of the business. During his connection therewith
he manifested excellent executive ability, his good judgment and his keen
business sagacity proving potent elements in the success of the enterprise.
In 1902 the brothers sold the mill and in August of that year Mr. LUjedahl
of this review was offered the position of cashier of the First National Bank
of Essex, which position he accepted and which he has since occupied. He
makes an excellent offlcial and is very popula,r with the patrons of the bank,
whom he seeks to serve to the best of his ability, at all times performing
his duties promptly and efflciently, while he is widely known throughout
the community for his integrity and honesty. He has the unqualified confi-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 555
dence not only of the other offlcials of the institution but also of the pubhc,
at large and his loyalty to the interests of the bank is unquestioned.
It was on the 6th of October 1897, that Mr. Liljedahl was united in mar
riage to Miss Josephine Sar, or Essex, and to this union have been born
three children, namely: E. Bernard, Clarence J. and Hilfred M. Mr. and
Mrs. Liljedahl are members of the Lutheran church of which the former is
treasurer, while fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of
America. He is stanch in his support of the republican party and is now
serving his third term as a member of the town council. He has also served
as school treasurer and has ever been deeply interested in the cause of edu
cation. A man of resourceful ability, constantly watchful of opportunities,
he has seized legitimate advantages as they have arisen and has never
hesitated to take a forward step when the way was open. Fortunate in pos
sessing ability and character that inspire confidence, the simple weight of
his character and ability has brought him into positions of trust and respon
sibility and he ranks high among the well known and valued citizens of
Pierce township.

EARL C. FISHBAUGH.
Banking institutions are the heart of the commercial body and indicate
the healthfulness of trade. The bank that follows a safe, conservative policy
does more to establish public confidence in times of widespread financial de
pression than any other one thing and the men who control its affairs are
looked upon at such times as the promoters of stability and the guardians
of trade interests. Well qualified by his experience and his training for
the conduct of banking interests, Earl C. Fishbaugh is now serving as cashier
oi the Security Trust & Savings Bank of Shenandoah. He is yet a young
man but has given manifestation of many sterling business qualities. He
was born in Tiffin, Ohio, on the 7th of March, 1880, and is a son of Chris
tian AAT. and Malinda (Angene) Fishbaugh, of whom mention is made else
where in this volume.
Earl C. Fishbaugh was only two years old at the time of his parents'
removal to Iowa and it was in Shenandoah that he was reared to manhood,
acquiring his education in the public schools. He passed through consecu
tive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of
189S, at whicii time he turned his attention to farming and was identified
with agricultural interests through five summers. In November, 1902, he
became connected with the banking business, securing a position as book
keeper in the Commercial Savings Bank, now the Commercial National
Bank of Shenandoah. He had acted in that capacity for ten months, when
he was made assistant cashier of the institution, so continuing until January,
1906, when he resigned his position to become assistant cashier of the First
National Bank of Shenandoah. His time was thus occupied until April
1908, and in the fall of that year the organization of the Security Trust &

556 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Savings Bank was effected, Air. Fishbaugh being connected with the work.
On the 7th of January, 1909, the doors of the new institution were thrown
open to the public, with Earl C. Fishbaugh as cashier, and already the busi
ness has made rapid strides, the possibilities and indications of future suc
cess being most favorable.
Mr. Fishbaugh is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and also of
Juniata Lodge, K. P. ; of Page Camp, No. 1049, AI. AAT. A. ; the AVoodmen
of the AA'orld ; the Ancient Order of LTnited Workmen ; the Royal Neighbors ;
and Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E. He likewise belongs to the
Congregational church and is interested in those movements which tend to
promote humanitarianism and uphold the moral standard. His political
aUegiance is given to the republican party where state and national questions
are involved but at local elections he casts an independent ballot, voting for
the candidate irrespective of party ties if he believes that the best interests
of the community will be conserved thereby. In the spring of 1909 he was
nominated and elected on the labor ticket to the offlce of city treasurer and
his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him were indicated in
the fact that he received the highest vote of any candidate at the election
and is the youngest treasurer that has ever filled the offlce.
On the 15th of December, 1908, Air. Fishbaugh was united in marriage
to Miss Irene Fender, a daughter of Martin Fender, a farmer of Page
county, novv residing in Shenandoah. Like her husband Mrs. Fishbaugh
is a member of the Congregational church and they are prominent socially.
He is a young man of strong personality and of marked individuality and
is classed with the able young financiers of southwestern Iowa. Everywhere
he is held in high regard and his friends are legion.

J. J. DUNNEGAN.

J. J. Dunnegan, one of the leading contractors of southwestern Iowa,
making his home in Shenandoah, was bom in North Carolina on the loth
of May, 1861. He is the son of Joseph and Pauline (Ireland) Dunnegan,
both of whom were also natives of Xorth Carolina and representatives of
old southern families. The father was reared in the south and, like his
father before him, was a slave-holding planter, being the owner of fifteen
slaves at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. He enlisted for service
in the Confederate army and died from the effects of poison administered
by a northern spy at Alanassas Junction. His widow' died soon after the
war at the early age of thirty-three years.
J. J. Dunnegan was but two years old at the time of his mother's
death. He was bound out to a man by the name of Hoskins at six years
of age and because of the treatment he received ran away at the age of
twelve years and found a home with a Mr. Mendenhall, with whom he re
mained untU his eighteenth year. He then started out in life on his own ac
count and for two years was employed at four dollars a month. He then
secured a contract to furnish wood for the Southern Railway and at this

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 557
made as high as one hundred and fifty dollars per month, but when wood
was supplanted by coal he no longer had a business. Coming to Iowa, he
secured a position as a section hand on the AA'abash RaUroad at Center-
vUle, where he continued for nine months, and subsequently he went to
Alilford, Nebraska, where he fed cattle for four years in the employ- of a
well known ranchman of that section of the country. Later he removed to
Perkins county, Xebraska, where he secured a homestead, but in that ven
ture lost his savings of the past years. Returning to Alilford, he again en
gaged in feeding cattle for his former employer and was also busily en
gaged in other work. Again he carefully saved his earnings untU his
economical expenditures and unfaltering industry had enabled him to ac
quire a sum of money sufflcient to purchase a livery stable at Alilford. But
his luck as yet had not changed, for one year later the livery stable burned
and he was again left without funds. This was in 1891.
The same year Mr. Dunnegan came to Shenandoah, where he sought
employment in a plumbing shop and four months later he purchased a
half interest in the business, while in the spring of 1902 he became sole
proprietor of the enterprise, whicii he conducted until 1903. He then
sold out to the firm of Frink & Hamilton and in 1893 he began contracting
in connection with his plumbing business. His first contract was the build
ing of the Shenandoah AVater Works, in 1893. Since that time he has
been prominently identified with the construction of water works, sewer
systems and street pavings, and his business has carried him into various
sections of the west as he has executed co-ntracts all over the states of Iowa,
Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alissouri, Kansas, Xebraska, Colorado, South Dakota,
Wisconsin and Alichigan. His business has grown to extensive and profitable
proportions and he is today one of the prominent contractors of southwest
ern Iowa. In addition to his interests in that line he is a director in thie
Shenandoah National Bank and is largely identified with the Electric Light,
Heating & Power Company, of Shenandoah.
On the Sth of October, 1890, occurred the marriage of Air. Dunnegan
and Miss Ella Stream, of Alilford, Nebraska, and unto them was born a
daughter, Jennie E., who is now attending high school. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Dunnegan are prominent and faithful members and active workers
in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Dunnegan is serving on the
church board of trustees and acted as a niember of the finance committee
in the raising of fifty thousand doUars for the buUding of a new church.
His wdfe is a member of the Ladies' Aid and Missionary Societies and is
also a member of the public library board and of its book-purchasing com
mittee. Fraternally, Air. Dunnegan is associated with Shenandoah Lodge, No.
1 122, B. P. O. E. ; Tricentum Lodge, X^o. 300, F. & A. AI. ; and Page Camp,
XTo. 1049, AI. AA'. A. In politics he is a stalwart democrat, believing the
interests of the country are best conserved through the advancement of
democratic principles. He has been an influential factor in local councils
of the party for a number of years, served for two years as a member of
the city councU of Shenandoah, and in 190S was a delegate to the democratic

558 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
national convention at Denver, which nominated W. J. Bryan. He ranks
as one of Shenandoah's most prominent business men, possessing the alert,
enterprising spirit that enables him to accomplish whatever he undertakes.
In his former years he seemed to suffer defeat and failure, but patience
is the price of power and Mr. Dunnegan was persistent and earnest, never
giving up his intention of eventually engaging in business for himself. He
therefore used his opportunities to the best advantage, overcame all diffi
culties and obstacles in his path and has made substantial progress until
he is now at the head of a prosperous and growing business.

HENRY E. DEATER.

Henry E. Deater, who since January, 1906, has capably served as the
postmaster of Shenandoah, is the secretary, assistant editor and assistant
manager of the Sentinel Post Company. His birth occurred in Lagrange,
Indiana, on the 18th of AprU, 1862, his parents being John and Xancy J.
(Leighter) Deater, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They
were married in Indiana, to wdiich state they had removed in early man
hood and womanhood. The father, who established his home in Lagrange,
was an agriculturist by occupation and filled the office of county judge for
some years. He passed away at the comparatively early age of forty years,
his demise occurring in 1S62. The mother of our subject afterward mar
ried again, her second union being with Thomas Bean, vvho died in the
year 1870. Airs. Bean still survives, however, and is a resident of Abing
don, Illinois.
Fienry E. Deater was but eleven years of age at the time his stepfather
died, leaving a widow and four children in straitened circumstances, and
it became necessary for him to aid in the support of the family as best he
could. He manfully shouldered the responsibility and assisted in the main
tenance of his widowed mother and her children until he had attained his
twentieth year. His stepfather had established the family home in Ap
panoose county, Iowa, but subsequently Henry E. Deater removed to
Warren county, Illinois, with the mother and her four children, there con
tinuing to reside until 1S82. In that year he started westward with the
intention of reading law under the direction of Judge E. G. Godfrey, of
Minden, XTebraska, who had been his last school teacher. He had a sister
living at Shenandoah, Iowa, and, stopping here on a visit, determined to
remain for a time in order to attend coUege during a term of ten weeks.
He had thirty dollars on his arrival, which he gave for tuition and worked
in the dining room to pay for his board. On the expiration of his term the
president of the college, William M. Crone, insisted that he continue his
studies there and when Mr. Deater told him that he had rio money the
president said he would personally furnish the necessary funds to complete
the four years' course even if it required a thousand dollars. Through his
influence Air. Deater obtained a position in the college which enabled him

HISTORA" OF PAGE COUNTY 559
to pay for his board during his student days and he remained at the insti
tution until the time of his graduation with the class of iSS6, while subse
quently he continued his studies there for two more years. FoUowing
his graduation he procured a position as a school teacher and in this manner
finally discharged an indebtedness of between six and seven hundred dol
lars, which he had incurred in order that he might have a college educa
tion. On taking up his duties as an instructor Air. Deater first had charge
of the "Sunny Slope School," which, though so unruly that two former
teachers had been compelled to abandon their work, he succeeded in sub
duing. Having proven that he was a man of firm purpose, who knew how
to enforce discipUne and obedience, his services were sought as teacher in
another school of this character, the Imogene, the principal of which had
resigned. Subsequently he was employed by the college for a year, travel
ing through Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri and giving lectures on the
work being done by the institution. During the fall of 1888 he taught in
the Alount Hope school and in December of that year secured a position on
a newspaper — the Shenandoah Sentinel, with which he remained until March,
1889, He then bought a half interest in the Blanchard Sentinel and on his
return to Shenandoah in 1890 sold out the publication, of which he had
become sole proprietor by the purchase of his partner's interest.
On his return to Shenandoah, through the solicitation of Air. Marvin,
he was made assistant editor of the Sentinel, acting in that capacity until
the fall of 1895, when he was elected county superintendent of schools.
He remained the incumbent in that position for six years or through three
successive terms and on severing his connection with educational interests
was made assistant editor and assistant manager of the Sentinel Publishing
Conipany, which had just been organized and of which firm he became a
member. About a year later, however, he withdrew from the concern,
selling his stock to Air. Marvin in November, 1902. He then bought the
old Shenandoah Post and organized the Post Publishing Conipany, with a
capital stock of ten thousand dollars. This paper, though the oldest in the
town had been allowed to run down and Mr. Deater determined to devote
his efforts and energies to its upbuilding. A new .printing plant was bought
and the paper was soon established on a paying basis, the first issue being
sent forth on the nth of December, 1902. Air. Deater was made president,
editor and manager of the company, thus serving until the ist of AprU,
1905, when the Sentinel and the Post were consolidated under the name of
the Sentinel Post. Pie has since been the secretary, assistant editor and assist
ant manager of this paper and is widely recognized as a most prominent
and successful representative of journalistic interest in the county. On
the i6th of December, 1905, he was appointed postmaster of Shenandoah and
entered upon the duties of that office on the 5th of January, 1905, having
filled the position to the present time in a highly satisfactory and efficient
manner. On the 25th of November, 18S6, Mr. Deater was united in marriage to
Miss Lizzie B. Spencer, of Creston, Iowa, by whom he has three children:

560 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Earl J., a resident of Xew York city; Pearl O., who is employed as book
keeper in the office of the Sentinel Post ; and Eton R., who is attending the
Shenandoah schools.
Air. Deater is a stalwart advocate of republican principles and is a
prominent and influential factor in the local ranks of the party. He served
as repubUcan committeeman from 1903 until 1905, when he resigned to
accept the postmastership and was secretary of the county committee for
a number of years. Fraternally he is identified with Tricentum Lodge,
No. 300, F. & A. AI. ; Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M:. ; Shenan
doah Lodge, X'o. 1 122, B. P. O. E. ; the Modern Woodmen of America;
the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and the Degree of Honor. He
also belongs to the Eastern Star, his wife acting as worthy matron of the
lodge. Socially he is connected with the Shenandoah Commercial Club and
the Boosters Club, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership
in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a steward. He
has the largest private library in the county and is a member of a law
class in Shenandoah. Handicapped in youth by difficulties and obstacles
which would have disheartened many a man of less resolute spirit, Air.
Deater deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. By sheer
force of character, strong purpose and laudable ambition he has forged
ahead and commands the respect and admiration which is ever accorded
those whose success has been honorably won.

J. A. WOODS.

J. A. Woods, a prominent and well known citizen now living retired in
Clarinda, was for many years city superintendent of schools. His birth
occurred near Greenville, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of February, 1835, and
his parents were of Irish and Scotch descent. He obtained his preliminary
education at Kingsville Academy in northern Ohio and subsequently at
tended college at Alarietta, Ohio. For a number of years he acted as city
superintendent of schools at Clarinda and thus remained a prominent rep
resentative of educational interests in Page county until the summer of 1895.
The seven succeeding years he was city superintendent of the schools of
Keithsburg, Illinois. He is now living retired in Clarinda, where he owns
a pleasant and commodious residence, and his landed holdings include a
valuable and weU improved farm of ninety acres in East River town
ship. On the 4th of July, 1864, at Marietta, Ohio, Mr. Woods was, joined in
wedlock to Aliss Esther I. Hill. Their union was blessed with a son and
daughter, the former being now a resident of Spokane, Washington, while
the latter makes her home in Grandview, that state. Mr. Woods is now
one of the elders in the First Presbyterian church at Clarinda, in which he
served as Sunday-school superintendent for a number of years and for a
few years acted as deacon. Fraternally he is identified with Clarinda

HISTORA" OF PAGE COUNTY 561
Lodge, No. 109, I. O. O. F. He has now passed the seventy-fourth mile
stone on life's joumey and receives the respect and veneration whicii should
ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage
and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.

ISAAC H. TAGGART.

Isaac Hazlett Taggart is a resident of Amity township, living near
Braddyville, and is closely connected with the agricultural interests of
the county, while at the same time he figures prominently in public affairs
as a member of the county board of supervisors, of which he is now chair
man. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 22d of January, 1870.
his parents being William C. and Annie (Cameron) Taggart.
Isaac H. Taggart was but four years of age when his parents removed
from Ohio to Iowa, the family settling in Clarinda, where they remained for
five years. The father engaged in the purchase and sale of land and in
loaning money 'and became weU known in real-estate and financial circles
in this part of Iowa. In 1879 he removed his family to Amity township,
where he owned five hundred acres of rich and valuable land. He made
judicious investments, his judgment being rarely if ever at fault in deter
mining the value of property or of the opportunity for profitable invest
ment. In community affairs he was also locally prominent and served
as township trustee for a number of years, whUe his influence was no
inessential feature in molding public opinion. The county lost a valued
and representative citizen when in 1897 he was caUed to his final rest. His
widow still survives and yet resides upon the home farm, which is one of
the valuable properties of the county.
Mr. Taggart, whose name introduces this review, was but a young lad
when the family came to Page county, where he has since made his home.
He was educated in the public and district schools and afterward had the
benefit of instruction in Amity College at CoUege Springs, where he com
pleted a course by graduation with the class of 1890. He then went on
the farm with his father and they were associated in its management until
the latter's death. Since then our subject and his brother WiUiam C. have
had control of the farming interests of the estate. They are thoroughly
famUiar with the best methods of tilUng the fields ; know what crops are
best adapted to the soil and climate ; and by their rotation keep the land in
good condition. They have an interest in and handle together six hundred
and thirty acres of land, all in Page county.
Mr. Taggart is a recognized leader in political circles and his course is
one which reflects credit and honor upon the party and the community.
He votes with the repubUcan party and for five years filled the office of
township trustee. In iqo2 he was elected a member of the county board of
supervisors and later, in 1906, was again chosen to that office and once
more, in 1908, so that when his term expires he wiU have filled the position

562 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
for nine years. He has been chairman of the board for the past two years
and in this position his executive ability and keen discernment are made
to play an important part for the benefit of the county at large.

GEORGE W. HOLLIS.

A well developed and highly improved farm of one hundred and eighty-
six acres lying in A'alley township, nine miles from Clarinda, is the prop
erty of George AV. Hollis, who has spent almost his entire Ufe in Page
county. He was born in Illinois on the 2Stli of January, 1853, a son of
Edward and Elizabeth Hollis, the former born in Delaware, while the
latter was a native of the Keystone state. Removing westward in an early
day they made a location in Illinois but later lived in Indiana for a time,
and eventually they made a permanent location in Page county, Iowa,
the year 1855 witnessing their arrival here. The father entered land on
wdiich be built a log house, the roof being made of clapboards. The family
made their home in that crude dwelling- sixteen years and at the end of
that time it was replaced by a more modern frame structure, while many
other substantial improvements in the way of buildings were made on the
farm and the fields were brought under a high state of cultivation. Mr.
and Mrs. Edward Hollis reared a family of eight children but two of the
number are now deceased and both the parents have also departed this
life. They were numbered among the most prominent and highly re
spected pioneer settlers of Page county.
George W. Hollis was an infant when he was taken by his parents
from his native state of Illinois to Indiana and was only two years of
age at the time they located in Page county, Iowa. He remained on the
home farm until he was twenty-one and during that time became thoroughly
familiar with the various duties and tasks of the home place, so that when
he started out to carry on farming on his own account he was well qual
ified for the responsibilities which he then assumed. He first operated a
tract of land which he rented one year and at the end of that time, feeling
justified in making purchase, he becanie the owner of forty acres in Valley
township. Later he made an additional purchase of eighty acres, while at
his father's death he inherited a tract of sixty-si.x acres, so that his landed
possessions now aggregate one hundred and ei.glity-six acres, situated in
A^alley township. He formerly made quite a specialty of raising stock but
at the present time is giving his attention more particularly to general
farming. He -is also engaged in bee culture, having seventy-four hives of
bees at the present time.
Mr. Hollis established a home of his own in February, 1873, by his
marriage to Miss Tabitha Pluiiter, who -vvas born in Tennessee, a daughter
of G. C. and EUza Hunter. Her father is now deceased but her mother stil!
survives and makes her home in Page county. Airs. Hollis is one of a
family of eight children. Seven children have been born to Air. and Airs.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 563
Hollis, namely: DoUie H., the wife of Orton Gray, of Page count)-; Charles,
deceased ; Albert, who makes his home in Kansas ; X'ora, the wife of Charles
Richards, of Adams county, Iowa ; Orra, also residing in Kansas ; Ethel,
the wife of Air. Shum, a resident of Illinois ; and Estella, the wife of Wil
Uam Coy, a resident of A'ilUsca, Iowa.
Mr. Hollis gives his political support to the men and measures of the
republican party but has never sought nor desired public office. His wife
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are highly esteemed
in the community in which they live, and as Air. Hollis has practically
spent his entire life here he is well known in business circles as a reliable
and straight-forward citizen. He is also one of the most up-to-date farmers
of the county and is the owner of a nice automobile, but he well remeiiv
bers when oxen were used instead of automobiles. lie has seen almost the
entire development of this county for Indians were still sometimes seen
after he located here and wolves and rattlesnakes were quite numerous.
The early home of the family was a Uttle one room log house and theyj
lived in true pioneer style, breaking the prairie with oxen and cradling
their grain by hand. In 1874 Air. Hollis removed to his present farm and
he has made all of the improvements thereon.

S. AI. HART.

S. AI. Hart, vvho follows farming in Lincoln township, where one hun
dred and sixty acres of arable land pays tribute to the care and labor which
he bestows upon it, was born in Adams county, Ohio, July 9, 1839, and has
therefore reached the seventieth milestone on life's journey. His parents
were George and Alartha Slessnian Hart, the former a native of AA'arren
county, Ohio, whUe the latter was born in Illinois. Both are now deceased,
the mother having passed away in the state of her nativity, while the
father died at College Springs, Iowa. They were the parents of ten chil
dren : Elizabeth, who married Erastus Finley, both now deceased ; James
and Christopher, both of whom have passed away ; Alar)-, the deceased
wife of Burr Urton; Martha, who ->vas a twin sister of Alary and is the
deceased wife of Edgar Dryden ; Sarah, the deceased wife of James Pat
ton ; Kathryn, who married H. W. Monroe, of College Springs, Iowa ; John
H., who has departed this life ; George A., wdio enlisted at Peoria, Illinois,
August, 1862, as a member of Company C, Seventy-ssventU IlUnois A'olun
teer Infantry and died of typhoid fever in the fall of that year ; and S. AI.,
of this review.
In the county of his nativity S. M. Hart remained until about seven years
of age, when his parents removed to Peoria county, Illinois. There he
lived until 1869 and during that period attended the district schools, ac
quiring a fair English education. After putting aside his text-books he
gave his attention to general farming but through the period of the Civil
war he was at the front. He enlisted with his brother at Peoria, lUinois,

564 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
in August, 1862, becoming a member of Company C, Seventy-seventh Ill
inois Volunteer Infantry and spent two weeks in camp at Peoria. The
regiment was then ordered to LouisviUe and traveled all over Kentucky,
being engaged in various skirmishes. Later the troops proceeded by road
to Vicksburg and Mr. Hart participated in the battie at that place— the
first in which General Sherman was defeated. The troops afterward went
to Arkansas Post and he took part in the engagement there. General John
A. AlcClernand had command there and from that point the troops went
down the river to MiUiken's Bend and skirmished in that neighborhood untU
Grant took command. Mr. Hart was afterward in the second battle of
Vicksburg and was there wounded by a minie ball in the leg and was
sent to the hospital at Alemphis, where he remained until able to go home.
He was then granted a furlough and remained at home until January,
after which he rejoined his regiment in Texas. With the command he
proceeded to Xew Orleans and thence up the Red river with General Banks.
On that campaign he was again wounded in a skirmish, being shod in the
heel, and for some time was in the hospital at New Orleans, the regiment
doing provost duty there throughout the winter. Later Mr. Hart par
ticipated in the battles of Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan and the battle
of Mobile and was mustered out in 1864 after three years of faithful and
valorous service in defense of the Union. He at once returned to IlUnois,
where he continued to make his home for some years.
It was in that state on the loth of December, 1868, that Mr. Hart wedded
Miss IsabeUe Dunbar, a daughter of James and Martha (Cameron) Dun
bar, of Peoria county, Illinois. About a year later they removed to Page
county, Iowa, traveling by rail to Villisca and by wagon from that point to
their destination. They brought with them a little child who had been born
unto them in Illinois. Mr. Plart at once rented land near College Springs,
where he lived for a year, after which he purchased eighty acres of his pres
ent farm. The greater part of it was raw land and upon it was a smaU shanty
in which they began housekeeping. As he prospered in his undertakings,
however, he added many modern improvements, including a fine residence
whicii he erected together wdtli substantial barns and outbuildings, furnish
ing ample shelter for grain and stock.
In iSSS Mr. Hart was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, with
whom he had traveled life's journey happily for about twenty years. She
was born in Scotland and died at the age of thirty-seven. By her mar
riage she had become the mother of six children : Anna, the wife of Howard
Coman of Lincoln tqjvnship and the njother of two children, Vernon and
Kathryn ; Lawrence T., who is living in this county ; G. P., a resident of
Nebraska, who wedded Mary Glasgow and has four children, Helen,
Howard, Mary IsabeUe and Mildred M. ; J. F., of this county, who married
Lucy Prnwn and has one child, Esther ; A'iola Gertrude, who died at the
age of two years ; and Margaret, who is living in Page county.
Mr. Hart has always foUowed farming in order to provide for his
family and through his indefatigable energy and unfaltering perseverance
has accumulated a handsome competence. His farm is a valuable property

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 565
of one hundred and sixty acres, one-half of which Ues in Lincoln town
ship, while the other half is across the boundary line of Colfax township.
In community affairs he has been very active and influential and has served
as township trustee and a member of the school board. His poUtical allegi
ance is given to the republican party and his reUgious faith is indicated in
his membership in the United Presbyterian church of College Springs. In
all matters of citizenship he is as loyal to the general good as he was to
the Union cause when he followed the stars and stripes on the battlefields
of the south.

WILSON REED.

For a long period the deeds of loyalty and bravery which were recited
were those which concerned service in the Civil war but in recent years
there has come a manifestation of equal fidelity and courage on the part
of the younger generation and WUson Reed is among the number who
volunteered his services in the Spanish-American war. Although the regi
ment did not go to the front there was not a man in all the Fiftieth Iowa
Volunteer Infantry who would not have gladly exchanged places with those
-who had the opportunity of standing on the firing line.
Air. Reed is now conducting the Linderman Hotel at Clarinda, which
he leased in 1903 and which during the intervening years he has made a
popular and well patronized hostelry. He was born in Fairfield, Jefferson
county, Iowa, October 13, 1873, ^"d after acquiring his preliminary educa
tion in the public schools he entered Parsons College at Fairfield, finishing
his course there in 1895. Soon after the completion of his education he
entered public service in the capacity of deputy sheriff of Jefferson county
and continued in that position for six years. He was also city assessor at
Fairfield for a short time but resigned preparatory to removing to Clarinda.
Mr. Reed was a member of the Iowa National Guard, being second
lieutenant of Company M, Second Regiment, which was mustered into the
United .States service as the Fiftieth Iowa A^olunteer Infantry, on the
26th of April, 189S. He remained with his regiment throughout the period
of hostilities but did not go to tbe front and was mustered out XTovember
30, 1898. Mr. Reed came to Clarinda in January, 1903, and leased the
Linderman Hotel, which he has since conducted. He follows the most
modern and progressive lines in the conduct of his work, embracing every
opportunity to promote the comfort and convenience of his guests. His
liberal business policy wins him success and his hostelry is now well pat
ronized. On the 13th of June, 1900, Air. Reed was united in marriage to Aliss
Flora B. Bradley, of Fairfield, Iowa, a daughter of Joseph Bradley, a mer
chant of that city. They became the parents of two children : Joseph
Bradley and Allen Wilson. Both Air. and Airs. Reed are members of the
Presbyterian church and its work and purposes are objects of interest and

566 HISTORA' OF PAGE COUNTY
cooperation to them. Air. Reed belongs to the Alasonic Fraternity, to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Pythias lodge and
in all these organizations is popular with his brethren, who find him ever
loyal to the teachings which underlie them.

EDAVARD B. WESTCOTT.
Edward B. AVestcott, conducting a profitable and growing business as
an abstractor of titles in Clarinda, is also well known through his active
and helpful connection with public interests. He was at one time mayor
of the city, in which connection he gave tangible proof of his loyalty to the
public good by his support of various progressive movements instituted dur
ing his administration. A native of Aladison, WTisconsin, Air. Westcott
was born February ii, 1867, of the marriage of Robert R. and Nancy E.
(Beatty) Westcott. The father, whose birth occurred near Cedarville,
New Jersey, was of English lineage. His ancestors, who settled near
Cedarville, were ship owners of England and carried on the business in
this country after emigrating to the new world. At the time of the Civil
war they espoused the cause of the colonies and gave loyal aid to the
American army in the struggle for independence. Robert R. Westcott was
liberally educated, completing a course in Princeton CoUege, at New Jer-
se)', after which he became a ininister of the Presbyterian church and de
voted his life to that holy caUing. He passed away in 1897 and is still
survived by his wife who is now living in Los Angeles, California, at the
age of sixty-eight years. She was born near Greenfield, Ohio, and is of
Scotch-Irish descent. She, too, is of the Presbyterian faith and was of
great assistance to her husband in his church work.
Edward B. Westcott is the eldest of a family of five children and was
educated in the public schools of Clarinda and in the Shenandoah Academy.
He afterward entered the abstract business in connection with his father and
has been so engaged up to the present time with the exception of a few
brief intervals. He has also done an extensive business in negotiating
loans and in liandling real estate and now buys and sells for himself. In
addition to property which he owns in Clarinda and in this part of the
state, he is likewise the owner of a flat building in Kansas City. He has
closely watched the real-estate market and his understanding of property
values and his sagacity in foreseeing possible rise or diminution in prices
has brought him a substantial and gratifying measure of success.
In 1894 Mr. Westcott was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Butler,
a daughter of Jacob and Martha Butler. Mrs. Westcott was born in Clar
inda and by her marriage has become the mother of one daughter, Martha,
who was born ih 1897 and is now attending school. Mr. Westcott holds
membership in the Episcopal church, while his wife belongs to the Presby
terian church. His political views are in accord with the platform of the
republican party, to which he gives stalwart support, being recognized as

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 567
one of the local leaders of the organization in Clarinda. He has served
as a member of the city council and that body appointed him mayor of the
city, in which position he afterward served for one term by election from
1907 until 1909. His course was characterized by unfaltering devotion to
all that he believed to be best for the municipaUty and he accomplished
much good work for the city. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic
lodge and its various auxiliary bodies, having attained the thirty-second de
gree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows so
ciety and other fraternities. His record has at all tinies been that of a
progressive citizen and representative business man, while his social qualities
have rnade him widely and favorably known in this part of the state.

PROFESSOR H. E. V/HEELER.
Professor H. E. Wheeler, city superintendent of schools of Shenandoah,
widely recognized as a prominent representative of public education in
the state, was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on the 2d of March, 1863,
and is a son of Thomas J. and Antoinette (Proctor) Wheeler, both of whom
were natives of eastern Massachusetts, and representatives of old New Eng
land families. The father was reared to manhood in his native state where
he learned the trade of machinist and stationary engineer, being thus em
ployed in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, until 1856 when he sought a
home in Iowa, settling first in Mitchell county. He secured land at what
was known as the land sale held at the county seat, Osage. Three years
later he returned to the east where he remained untU 1863 when he again
came west and made a permanent location in Mitchell county, Iowa, where
he yet makes his home. His time and energies were for many years given
to general agricultural pursuits but now at the age of seventy-four years he
is living a retired life, his son-in-law operating the farm. He was twice
married, his first union being with Miss Augusta A. Proctor, by whom he
had one chUd,- Lizzie A., now the wife of S. H. Crittenden, who is operat
ing her father's farm. After the death of his first wdfe Air. AATfieeler wedded
her sister. Miss Antoinette Proctor, and unto them were born three children,
of whom the eldest died in infancy, the others being Professor H. E. Wheeler,
of this review, and Inez, now the wife of Edgar Chamberlain, a farmer of
MitcheU county, Iowa.
Professor AATheeler was reared under the parental roof and is indebted
to the district schools for his early educational opportunities. At eighteen
years of age he entered the Decorah Institute at Decorah, Iowa, and in
the winter of 1882-3 and of 1S83-4 he taught in the institute, whUe during
the succeeding winter he taught in the schools at Concord, the county seat
of Hancock county, Iowa. During the succeeding three years he attended
the State Normal School, now the State Teachers College at Cedar Falls,
Iowa, and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1888. In the faU of
1888 he began teaching at Cambridge, Iowa, as principal of the schools
there and remained in this position for two years. He was then called to

568 HISTORA' OF PAGE COUNTY
Logan, the county seat of Harrison county, where he served as principal
of the schools for six years, after which he was offered and accepted the
principalship of the Sidney, (la.) schools, remaining at that place for
four years. He was next located at Clarinda, where he engaged as prin
cipal for three years and then came to Shenandoah in June, 1903, to take
charge of the schools in this city. Here he has since remained and his eam
est and effective labors have brought the Shenandoah schools up to a stand
ard second to none in the state. Plis educational work covers a period of
twenty- four years and he is one of Iowa's best known educators connected
with the work of public instruction. During these years he also taught in
thirty-five county institutions and he served as president of the Southwest
ern Iowa Teachers Association in 1903.
In August, 1890, Professor Wheeler was married to Miss Jennie Hughey,
of Bellevue, Iowa, and they have one child, Hughey H. They are promin
ent in school circles where inteUigence is regarded as a necessary attri
bute to congeniality and agreeableness and the hospitality of their own
home is cordially extended to their many friends. Professor Wheeler is
also well known in fraternal relations, holding membership with the local
lodges of the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood
men of America. He is in hearty sympathy with the beneficent spirit which
underlies these organizations and at all times he stands for progressive and
public-spirited citizenship. His life has been given to study, research and
to educational work and tbe augmenting of his own intellectual strength
constantly promotes his efficiency in his chosen profession.

SAMUEL J. AIcCORD.

Samuel J. AlcCord, who is identified with the trade interests of Clarinda
as a painter and decorator, has also been active in the public affairs of
the community. Bom in Xew York city, he came to Page county, Iowa, in
1877, and was reared in Essex, acquiring his education in the pubUc schools
of that town. After laying aside his text-books, he was identified with
farming interests for five years and then, thinking that other pursuits might
prove more congenial and profitable, he learned the painter's and decor
ator's trade, which he continued to follow in Essex until 1904. In that
year he was elected sheriff of Page county and took up his residence in
Clarinda, where he has since resided. In the meantime he was reelected
sheriff in 1906 and again in 1908, and was carried over one year, making
his term of service cover seven years. During his residence in Essex he
served as constable of that town for ten or twelve years and also acted in
the capacity of mail carrier on a rural route for a year and a half, being
compelled to give up active work at his trade on account of ill health.
He has at all times performed his duties with promptness and faithfulness
and his public service has been of the highest order, reflecting credit not
only upon himtelf but upon his constituents as well.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 569
On the 13th of January, 1886, Mr. McCord was united in marriage to
Miss Mary E. Jones, of Essex, Iowa, a daughter of G. R. Jones, a retired
farmer of Waitsburg, Washington. Unto this union have been bom five
children : J. Lloyd, a plumber of Clarinda, Iowa ; Glenn, Goldie Fern, Clar
ence and Samuel Robert, all at home. The eldest son was educated in the
schools of Essex, while Glenn and Goldie Fern are pupils of the Clarinda
schools. Mr. McCord is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the
Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the
Modern Woodmen of America. In business dealings he has always been
honorable and upright in his relations to his feUowmen, whUe in his pub
lic life he has made an excellent official, and he has ever shown himself
fully worthy the confidence and trust which are uniformly given him.

MORTIMER CULVER.

General agricultural pursuits claim the attention of Mortimer Culver,
who is now the owner of a productive and well improved farm of eighty
acres on section 11, Amity township. He was bom in Chemung county.
New York, on the 12th of June, 1867, his parents being Samuel N. and
Mary (Ross) Culver, both of whom were natives of Schuyler county.
New York. In 1880 the father took up his abode in Pawnee county, Kan
sas, there purchasing a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which he
subsequently traded for a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Amity
township. Page county, Iowa. He disposed of that farm, however, after
coming to this county in 1900 and purchased city property in Braddyville.
Twelve years ago, while working in the field, he was stricken with paraly
sis, suffered a second stroke two years later and is now a confirmed in
vaUd. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the republican party,
in the work of which he is most deeply interested. It was in 1863 that
he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ross, a daughter of James and
Cynthia (Baskins) Ross, of Schuyler county. New York. Both Air. and
Mrs. Culver still survive and have now traveled life's journey together for
almost a half century, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the
years have passed by. They make their home in Braddyville and are well
known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genu
ine personal worth and many steriing traits of character. Mortimer Cul
ver of this review has a twin sister, Mrs. Maude Case, who is now a
resident of Grant City, Missouri.
In his youthful days Mortimer Culver gave his father the benefit of his
services in the cultivation of the home farm and also attended the district
schools until seventeen years of age. He then entered the Larned College
at Larned, Kansas, and was graduated from that institution in 1886 when
he had completed the commercial course. Subsequently he spent two years
at home and then went to Great Bend, Kansas, where he secured a posi-

570 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
tion as clerk in a large retaU store. In 1889 he came with his parents to
Page county, Iowa, locating on a farm east of College Springs, where he
remained until the time of his marriage in August, 1893. He was after
ward engaged in the operation of a rented farm for one year and then
bought forty acres of land on section 12, Amity township, this county,
successfully continuing its cultivation until the spring of 1900. At that
time he disposed of the property and purchased his present farm of eighty
acres on section 11, Amity township, to the development and improvement
of whicii he has since devoted his time and energies. The well tUled fields
annually yield golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor that is
bestowed upon them, and Mr. Culver has gained favorable recognition as
a progressive and enterprising agriculturist of the community.
On the 24th of August, 1893, Mr. Culver was united in marriage to
Miss Effie R. White, whose birth occurred in Guernsey county, Ohio, in
1866, her parents being Samuel and Harriet (LueUen) White, who are
likewise natives of that county. In 1871 they came to Page county, Iowa,
locating on a farm south of Shambaugh, where they continued to reside
until about 1903, since which time they have made their home at College
Springs. Mrs. Culver was a little child of five years when she was brought
to this county by her parents.
Air. Culver is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the republican
party and is now serving for the sixth term as the capable incumbent in
the office of constable of Amity township. Both he and his wife are
prominent and helpful members oi the United Presbyterian church at
College Springs, doing everything in their power to promote its growth and
extend its influence. They are widely and favorably known throughout
the county in which they have now long resided, occupying an enviable
position in social circles as the result of the possession of qualities which
win kindly regard and sincere friendship.

JOSEPH C. JOURNEY.
Joseph C. Journey, of Shambaugh, is an honored veteran of the Civil
war and one of the old-time residents of Page County, where he has lived
continuously for forty years. Through much of this period he was closely,
actively and successfuUy associated with agricultural interests but is now
Uving retired, having divided his land among his children. He has passed
the seventy-sixth mUestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in
Perry county, Ohio, September 21, 1833. His parents were John A. and
Anna (Harkins) Journey, the former a native of Virginia and the latter
of Pennsylvania. Both had been previously married and Mrs. Journey
had one son by her first husband — Benoni Brown, while Air. Journey had
two sons by his first wife. The children of John A. and Anna (Harkins)
Journey numbered five sons and two daughters.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 571
Joseph C. Journey spent the first sixteen years of his life in tlie county
of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Jay
county, Indiana, in 1849. There the family lived untU 1854, during which
period Joseph C. Journey learned the plasterer's trade. He also learned
the trade of shoemaking during the winter months, after which he traveled
around and worked in different places as a journeyman, devoting his
time largely to plastering. Going to Mercer county, Ohio, he was there
married, after vvhich he returned to Portland, Indiana, where he worked
at his trades until 1861. After that year he removed to SterUng, White
side county, Illinois, and there resided during the early period of the Civil
war but on the 7th of August, 1862, feeUng that his first duty was to his
country he enlisted as a member of Company D, Seventy-fifth lUinois Vol
unteer Infantry under command of Captain McMoore. He thus served for
three years and was honorably discharged on the 12th of June, 1865, at
Nashville, Tennessee. While at the front he was attacked by a disease of
the hip joint and was sent to the rear. After being treated in the hos
pital for a time he did guard duty but was permanently disabled by his
military experiences. He took part in the battles of Perryville, Stone
River, Lancaster and other engagements and when the war was over re
turned to Mercer county, Ohio. There he resided until 1869, which year
witnessed his arrival in Page county, Iowa, where he has since made his
home. He had one hundred and forty acres of land in Buchanan and
East River townships and for almost forty years successfully carried on
general farming, during which time his well directed labors, careful ex
penditure and business ability brought to him a comfortable competence.
On the expiration of that period he disposed of his farm in October, 1908,
dividing the land among his children. He now Uves retired in Sham
baugh and is pleasantly situated, his income being sufficient to supply him
vvith all of the necessities and many of the comforts of life.
In 1S54 Mr. Journey was married to Miss Samara Keyser, who was born
in Miami county, Ohio, but was reared in Mercer county, that state, spend
ing her girlhood days in the home of her father, Jesse Keyser. In 1869
she accompanied her husband on the removal to this county, where she
died October 22, 1S78. The children of that marriage were five in number :
Alartha Ann, now the wdfe of John D. Couch, of Phillipsburg, Kansas ;
Benoni B., a farmer residing in Shambaugh ; Viola, the wife of A. W.
Good, of Curtis, XTebraska ; Pearl, the wife of James Stewart, of Clarinda ;
and Jesse P., who was drowned.
Politically Air. Joumey has long been a stanch republican, joining the
party on its organization and never faltering in his allegiance thereto. He
has filled some minor positions but has always preferred to leave office
holding to others. He has been a AIason since 1868, at which time he was
initiated into the order in Salina, Ohio, and he is now a member of Noda
way Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. AP, of Clarinda. AA'hile not identified
with any church, he has been a close student of the Bible for forty years
and his life has been in strict conformity to its moral teachings. He has
alwavs endeavored to do unto others as he would have them do unto him.

572 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
is just and fair in business, kindly and considerate in manner. Those who
know him esteem him for his genuine worth and he has a wide acquain
tance in the county where he has now lived for four decades.

MRS. ANNA TAYLOR.
Mrs. Anna Taylor, now well known as the proprietor of the Henshaw
House of Clarinda, was bom in Erie county. New York, January 7, 1853,
her parents being Oscar F! and Clara M. (Brown) Henshaw, natives of St.
Lawrence county, Xew York, and Erie county, New York, respectively.
The ancestry of the family is traced back to a very early day. In the year
1S44 a member of the family obtained from the Herald's College at London
a pedigree of the famxily and progenitors. It was signed by G. W. CoUen,
Pursuivant at arms of the Herald's CoUege, London, and commences with
Henry III, king of England, whose son Edward I succeeded him to the
throne. Then followed Edward II and Edward III, whose fourth son,
John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, had a daughter who married the earl
of AVestmoreland, Ralph Neville. Their son Richard XTeville married the
countess of .Salisbury and took her title. Their daughter Elanor Neville,
sister of the great earl of Warwick, the king maker so called, married Sir
Thomas Stanley, afterward created earl of Derby. His second wife was
Alargaret of Lancaster, duchess of Richmond and mother of Henry VII,
king of England. Thomas Stanley's son was held hostage for the fidelity
of his father by Richard III who was killed in the battle of Bosworth and
Henry of Richmond was proclaimed, on the battlefield by his father-in-law,
Sir Thomas Stanley, as Henry VII. George Stanley died before his father.
He left two sons : Thomas, who succeeded his grandfather as second earl
of Derby ; and Jaines who was created a baronet and lived at Crosshall,
county of Lancashire, England. He had four sons but the three eldest died
without issue. Henry, the youngest, succeeded to and inherited the large
estate of his father. He married Margaret, daughter of Peter Stanley, of
Rickerstaff. Henry Stanley had seven sons and daughters. His daughter
Alargaret .Stanley was married in 1595 to Richard Houghton of AA'avertree
Hall near Liverpool. They had an only son and seven daughters. His son,
Evan Houghton, was his heir and married Ellen Parker of Bridge Hall,
in the county of Lancashire. They had a daughter, an only child named
Catherine, who becam.e the wife of William Henshaw, son of Thomas
Henshaw of Paxteth Park, near Liverpool and they lived wdth her father
at AATavertree Hall. AA^illiam Henshaw and his father-in-law Evan Hough
ton were both killed June 20. 1644, at the storming of Liverpool by Prince
Rupert. They were fighting on the side of parliament and against King
Charies I. AATilUam Henshaw died leaving two sons, Joshua, aged about
nine years and David, about eighteen months old. In 1653 the executor of
the estate pretended to send these boys to London to attend school and re
ported afterward that they both died of plague. In reality he had sent them

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 573
to New England and placed them in the family of Rev. Richard Mather, an
eminent divine of Dorchester, who educated them with money forwarded
for that purpose. Their property to a large amount was appropriated by
the executor to his own use or rather that part which came from the Hough
ton family. That part which came from Henry Stanley by marriage settle
ment upon his daughter Margaret probably went back into the family of
Stanley. The executor of William Henshaw's estate was Peter Ambrose, a man
much employed by the parliamentary sequestrating committee, from 1644
until 1650. The youngest of the abducted boys died without issue. The
elder, Joshua, married Elizabeth Sumner of Massachusetts, daughter of
William Sumner of Dorchester. After arriving at the age of forty years
or more he returned to England and prosecuted his claim for the recovery
of his property for many years and finally died in London in 1719.
His son, Joshua, born about 1670, was a distiller and merchant of Bos
ton and had seven sons. He died in 1747 and his wife Mary (Webster)
Henshaw died the same year. His sons were Daniel, born in 1701 ; Joshua,
born in 1703 ; Samuel ; James ; William ; John ; and Thomas. Of this family
Daniel Henshaw was a distiller and lived in Boston where all of his children
were born. The year after his father died he removed to Leicester, of which
place his father had been one of the four original proprietors. Joshua Hen
shaw was a very wealthy merchant of Boston and died in 1776. He was
for many years the first magistrate of the city, a member of the governor's
council and an intimate associate and coworker with Otis Hancock and
Samuel and John Adams in promoting the resolution which led to the out
break of the Revolutionary war.
Daniel Henshaw, before spoken of, died at Leicester in 1781. He left
children as foUows : Daniel, unmarried ; Joseph, who married a daughter of
Joshua Henshaw, who died in Shrewsbury, Wooster county, in 1795; Ben
jamin, who settled in Middletown, Connecticut, and died about 1788; Joshua,
who settled at Middletown, Connecticut; William, a colonel of the Revolu
tionary war, who was at the battle of Long Island and commanded the regi
ment under Washington at the battle of Princeton. He died at Leicester
in 1820 at the age of eighty-five years.
David Henshaw, the younger son of Daniel Henshaw, died at Leicester
in 1808, aged sixty-four years. He was captain of a company of artillery
in the Army of the Revolution and was in the service about three years.
Daniel Henshaw also left three daughters : Elizabeth, wife of Colonel
.Samuel Deering; Alary Belcher, wdfe of Amos Wheeler; and Hannah,
wife of John Jap. Ehzabeth and Mary Belcher settled at Leicester where
lived many of their descendants, while Hannah Henshaw removed to west
ern New York and left a family of sons and daughters.
The coat-of-arms of the Henshaw family consisted of a hen with a brood
of chickens in a grain field, probably representing a numerous family with
surroundings of plenty.
The Henshaw family have made creditable records in connection with
various wars of the country. William Henshaw, whose commission as an

574 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
officer of the American army is still in existence, lived in New Alilford,
Litchfield county, Connecticut, and there stiU exists a receipt for the pay
ment of money made in William Henshaw's hand writing and dated New
Milford, Connecticut, December 28, 1781. WiUiam Henshaw was a lieu
tenant in the Second Connecticut Regiment as stated in the original com
mission. The commission reads :
"United States of America, in Congress Assembled.
"To William Henshaw,
"Gentleman — We, reposing a special trust and confidence in your pa
triotism, valor, conduct and fidelity, do by these presents, constitute and
appoint you to a lieutenant in the Second Connecticut Regiment in the Army
of the United States, to take rank as such from the 20th day of July, 17S0.
You are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a lieu
tenant, by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging
and we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your
command to be obedient to your orders as lieutenant, and you are to ob
serve and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall
receive from this or a future congress of the United States or committee
of congress for that purpose appointed, a committee of the states or com
mander-in-chief for the time of the Army of the United States or any other
of your superior officers according to the rules and discipline of war, in
pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This commission to continue in
force until revoked by this or a future congress, a committee of congress
before mentioned or a committee of the states."
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Taylor was John Brace Henshaw,
who was born September 2, 1803. He conducted a wagon-making shop
in AVest Falls, New A'ork, for a number of years. His wife, Cynthia Hen
shaw, was born January 7, 1807. Their children were : Oscar P., vvho was
born April 24, 1S26; WilUam, who was born July 30, 1828, and died June 11,
i860; Abigail, who was bom December 25, 1830, and died April 17, 1835;
Laura Ann, who was born June 13, 1S33 ; Theodore, who was born July 15,
1S35, and died June 11, i860; Benjamin, who was born November 26, 1838,
and died February 2, 1S54; Edwin, born February 26, 1840; Henry, who was
born September 3, 1842, and died January 4, 1885 ; George, who was born
March 28, 1845, and died July 3, 1S70; and Cordelia C, born August
16, 1847.
Of this family Oscar F. Henshaw, the eldest, was the father of Mrs.
Taylor. He succeeded his father as the owner of the wagonmaking
enterprise at West Falls, New York, where he conducted business
for a number of years. He there made his home until after his mar
riage but when his eldest chUd, Mrs. Taylor, was but three years of age,
removed with his fam.ily from the Empire state to Adams county, Iowa,
the journey being made from Buffalo to Chicago on the lakes and by rail
from the latter point to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and thence by wagon to
Adams county. Oscar F. Henshaw purchased land in Taylor county, becom
ing owner of an unimproved tract of two hundred acres which he at once
began to cultivate and develop. He lived there for ten years. The family

HISTORA' OF PAGE COUNTY 575
were first domiciled in the home of a neighbor until the house could be made
ready for their occupancy. They also used their neighbor's stove and both
boiled potatoes in the same pot, one family cutting the ends off the tubers
to distinguish them from the potatoes of the other family. At length Mr.
Henshaw sold his farm and removed to Bedford, the county seat of Taylor
county, where he engaged in the wagon-making business. He had lived
there for three years when he sold out and in February, 1866, first came to
Clarinda. He was afterward employed by D. C. Chamberlain as
wood-worker and wagon-maker, with whom he continued for about nine
years. Before entering Mr. Chamberlain's employ, however, he would at
the beginning of each week walk twenty-two mUes to his work, returning
in the same way at the week's end, and he walked seventy-five miles to
Council Bluffs to pay his taxes. After leaving the employ of Air. Cham
berlain he engaged in carriage and interior fine painting. Much of his
work still stands as evidence of his skill. He continued in that line until
he tumed his attention to the hotel business, establishing the Henshaw
House in 1881. It at first had but six boarders but the patronage continually
increased and the Henshaw House is today one of the leading hostelries
of .Page county. The death of Oscar F. Henshaw occurred November 9, 1907,
when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-one years and his
wife, Mrs. Clarissa M. Henshaw, who was born January 20, 1831, passed
away in Septeniber, 1901. They were the parents of the following named:
Anna M. ; Hattie E., who was born November 15, 1855, and died Septem
ber 24, 1859; Beattie J., who was bom January 10, 1857, and died on the
17th of Septeniber of the same year ; Horace S., bom July 13, 1859 ; Hoyt B.,
who was born September i, 1861, and died December 6, 1866; Henry C,
who was born March 2, 1864, and died on the 27th of August, foUowing;
Annetta, born XTovember 2, 1866; Eva M., who was born April 27, 1870,
and died April 5, 1871 ; Effie L., the twin sister of Eva, who died March 5,
1871 ; and Edwin M., who was born May i, 1872, and died January 21, 1872.
As previously stated Mrs. Taylor was only three years of age when the
family came to Iowa and in the district schools of Taylor county she pur
sued her education, 'while later she continued her studies in the pubhc schools
of Clarinda. She has been married twice. On Christinas day of 1869 she
became the wife of Emery Dunn, of Clarinda, a native of Indiana, and
unto them were born three children: Ada, who was born October 12, 1870,
and died October 30, 1S72; Della, who was born December 20, 1873,
and is the wife of Gilbert A. Boyer, then of Falls City, Nebraska, but
now a business man of Clarinda; and Mabel, who was born August 23,
1875, and died August 11, 1876. After the death of Mr. Phmn his widow
became the wife of G. W. Taylor, a native of Ohio, who is engaged in
evangelistic work for the Methodist church. This marriage was celebrated
in 1890. Mrs. Taylor also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and
both are earnest advocates of the cause of temperance, Mr. Taylor giving
his political support to the prohibition party. After the death of Mrs. Tay
lor's mother the Henshaw Hotel was sold to G. W. Koons who conducted
it until Mrs. Taylor assumed charge in 1905, since which time she has been

576 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the proprietor. It is located on Lincoln avenue between Fifteenth and Six
teenth streets in Clarinda, has fifty-four guest chambers and two dining
rooms accommodating altogether about one hundred and thirty guests. The
hotel is a popular resort with the traveUng public and the patronage enjoyed
is very extensive.

WILLIAM ANNAN.

William Annan is leading a busy and useful life in the cuUivation and
improvement of three hundred and seventy-two acres of land in Harlan
towmship. His home is situated on section 22 and his place is a well im
proved property. Here he is extensively engaged in the breeding and raising
of stock and the success which he has achieved in this business enables him
to speak authoritatively concerning the best methods to be followed in stock-
raising ventures.
Mr. Annan is one of Page county's native sons, his birth having occurred
in Nodaway township on the 23d of April, 1869. His parents, John and
Sophia (Myers) Annan, are now residents of Clarinda. They have a family
of four children : Lewis and Henry, both of whom are mentioned else
where in this volume ; George, who is living in Nodaway township ; and
WiUiam. Upon the old homestead farm in Nodaway township WilUam Annan re
mained up to the time of his marriage and his boyhood days were spent in
the usual manner of farm lads who divide their time between the duties of
the fields, the work of the schoolroom, and in such sports as farm boys
usually indulge. With a sense of increasing responsibiUty as he advanced
in years he looked over the field of business but no Hne of activity proved
more attractive to him than that to which he had been reared and at the
time of his marriage he rented his grandfather's farm near the home place
and continued its cultivation for nine years. He then came to his present
home and is now successfully conducting three hundred and thirty-two
acres belonging to his father and forty acres belonging to himself. This
property is located on section 22, Harlan township, and is well improved
with good buildings which were erected by Mr. Annan. He has large barns
and outbuildings for the shelter of stock and grain and farm machinery,
and he makes a specialty of breeding and raising full-blooded, English Shire
horses and shorthorn cattle. In the winter of 1908-09 he sold a pair of
mares for one thousand dollars. He now has upon his place twenty head
of horses and fourteen head of thoroughbred cows, and in addition he is
feeding twenty-three head of cattle. His is particularly a stock-farm and
all the grain he raises is fed to his stock while in addition he has expended
six thousand dollars in a single winter for feed for his live stock. He be
longs to the American-EngUsh Shire Horse Association and has thoroughly
informed himself concerning- the best methods of raising and caring for stock,
so that his opinions are largely received as authority in this community.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 577
On the loth of December, 1888, Mr. Annan was married to Miss Flor
ence AI. Edmonds, who was born in Nodaway township, December 23, 1868,
and is a daughter of Thomas A. and Sarah (Wallace) Edmonds. The father
now resides in Nodaway township but the mother died at the age of thirty-
eight years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Annan have been born two children : Eva
May, the wife of J. P. Blair, who resides on a neighboring farm ; and Boyd,
fourteen years of age. Mr. Annan gives his poUtical allegiance to the de
mocracy and in his fraternal relations he is connected with the Odd Fellows
and the Yeomen of Clarinda. Having always lived in this county he has
a wide acquaintance and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are
those who have knowm him from his boyhood to the present time is an
indication of an honorable, upright life and of weU directed business ac
tivity.

GEORGE LEANDER DUNN.
George Leander Dunn, who owns and operates a farm of two hundred
and twenty acres on section 25, Valley township, is one of the progressive
and prosperous farmers of this vicinity. He was born in Knox county,
Ohio, May 20, 1845, a son of Nathan and Lidy (Orme) Dunn, natives of
Belmont county, Ohio, and Maryland, respectively. The father arrived
in Page county, Iowa, in the year i860 and here purchased land, upon which
he resided until his death. In the family of Air. and Mrs. Nathan Dunn
were six children who are yet living, namely : Samuel, residing in Mont
gomery county, Iowa; Mary, the wife of Jesse SwaUow, of Valley town
ship; J. W., making his home in Taylor county; H. M., a resident of Kan
sas ; Nathan, of Colorado ; and George Leander of this review. Jesse O.,
Charles and Oscar are deceased.
George Leander Dunn attended the common schools of his native state
in the acquirement of a good education and when about fifteen years of
age accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa and he has since
continued to make his home in Page county with the exception of a short
time. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty-
one years of age when he entered business on his own account. Wisely
choosing as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared he
obtained em.ploymient as a farm hand, in which capacity he remained for two
years. In the meantime he was ambitious to own a farm and consequently
carefully saved his earnings unutil he had accumulated sufficient money
with which to purchase eighty acres. This tract formed the nucleus of his
present farm. He at once bent his energies toward the further improvement
and development of the place. He brought his fields under a high state of
cultivation and as he gathered good harvests, for which he found a ready
sale on the market and his financial resources were thus increased, he added
to his farm from time to time until he now owms two hundred and twenty
acres, all situated on section 25, Valley township. He is up-to-date and

578 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
progressive in his methods and through his close application and untiring
industry he is making fine progress on the highway to success and prosperity.
On the iSth of December, 1867, Air. Dunn was united in marriage to
Aliss Sarah J. Gillett, who was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, and
is a daughter of Richard and Catherine (Freeland) Gillett, both of whom are
now dead. Her father came to Page county in 1S64 and she arrived here
the following year. She was one of a family of five children, the others
being: Charles M., who vvas a soldier in the Civil war and died in Libby
prison ; Eunice, also deceased ; Alvin, who was a member of the Sixty-
fourth New York regiment and died in the service ; and Alelvin, who be
longed to the One Plundred and Eighty-fourth X'ew York Infantry and came
west with his sister, Airs. Dunn, his death occurring here. The children
bom to Air. and Airs. Dunn are : Elma, formerly the wife of WilUam Cas
tell, residing in Osceola, Iowa ; George A. ; Frederick, who is deceased ;
Charles Al., at home ; and Jeanette and James, who have both passed away.
It was in the spring of 1S68 that Air. Dunn located upon his present farm
which he had purchased the previous year. At that time this was all wild
prairie and his first home was a small, one-room house in which the family
Uved in true pioneer style. In breaking his land he used four yoke of cattle
and he underwent many of the hardships of life on the frontier. There
were a great many rattlesnakes in this region w-hen he located here and
some deer, while prairie chickens were to be seen by the thousand. He
has made all of the improvements upon his place. Mr. Dunn and his wife
are both members of the Alethodist Episcopal church, while he affiliates
with the republican party. He has served as justice of the peace and was
also a member of the school board for several years. He is interested in
all matters pertaining to the general welfare and does all in his power to
further the growth and upbuilding of the community. Since his arrival in
Page county he has gained a large circle of friends, who entertain for him
high regard and esteem.

L. D. STEPHENS.

L. D. Stephens, who is engaged in the plumbing business in Shenandoah
as the junior partner of the firm of Cardwell & Stephens, owning a half
interest in the business, was born in Blackford, Kentucky, October 15, 1888,
and is a son of Richard and Nancy (Brown) Stephens, who were also na
tives of Kentucky. The father is engaged in the real-eState business while
the mother now resides with her son in Shenandoah.
Mr. Stephens of this review was reared in Blackford to the age of ten
years and during that period attended the public schools. He then went to
St. Louis with his mother but after a inonth spent there they went to Evans
vUle, Indiana, where they continued for fifteen months. On the expiration
of that period they came to Shenandoah and Mr. Stephens here had the
benefit of instruction in the grammar and high schools of this city. He left

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 579
school in 1905 and became assistant to J. J. Cardwell, a plumber, in whose
service he had previously been employed during the periods of vacation.
He had thus learned the trade and after putting aside his text-books he
turned his attention to plumbing as an employe of Mr. Cardwell. He spent
the summer of 1907 at his old home in Kentucky but in the fall returned to
Shenandoah and again entered the employ of Mr. Cardwell as a journeyman.
On the 17th of February, 1909, he was admitted to a partnership under the
firm style of Cardwell & Stephens and this relation is now maintained.
They are enjoying a good business and their trade is constantly increasing
because of their excellent workmanship and their earnest desire to please
their patrons.
Mr. Stephens is an excellent young business man, progressive and en
terprising, wdio readily adapts himself to every situation and makes the best
use of his opportunities. His poUtical allegiance is given to the republican
party and, while he does not seek nor desire office, he yet keeps well informed
on the questions and issues of the day.

CHARLES S. HOBSON.
Cbarles S. Hobson, one of the forceful men in business circles in Clar
inda, controlling important financial, real-estate and agricultural interests,
was born in. Henry county, Iowa, on the 19th of January, 1S67, and is a
son of Calvin and Lydia (Brown) Hobson. The father was a merchant,
who in the spring of 1881 removed with his family from Henry county to
Clarinda and here opened a confectionery store, which he conducted for
some time, becoming one of the representative merchants of the city.
In the public schools of Hamburg, Iowa, Charles S. Hobson began his
education, which he continued after the removal to Clarinda, being at that
time fourteen years of age. He made his initial step in the business world
by acting as a clerk in his father's confectionery store and there gained prac
tical, broad and valuable knowledge of business methods. In 1899 he
opened a store on his own account but in the meantime had traveled for two
years as a salesman, and from this experience had learned valuable lessons.
It is characteristic of Air. Hobson that he makes each experience in his
life count as a gain, broadening his knowledge and bringing him a clearer
vision of the opportunities for success and the demands which are made on
him who would attain prosperity. For seven years he conducted his store,
enjoying during that period a constantly growing and gratifying trade, but
in 1906 he sold out and began buying and selUng land. He has since dealt
quite extensively in real estate and also handles merchandise stocks. In both
branches of his business he displays keen discernment and unfaltering en
terprise and he is also identified with agricultural interests as a farmer and
stock raiser, owning valuable farm property in this county, which is well
stocked. He has residence properties and business houses in Clarinda and
from their rental derives a substantial annual income.

580 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Air. Hobson was married to Miss Nora Hudson, of Clarinda, a native
of Indiana, who was formerly a teacher in the public schools and is a lady
of liberal education and broad culture. She is a daughter of J. E. Hudson,
a painter and decorator of Clarinda. The marriage was celebrated May
iS, 1893, and has been blessed wdth four children : lola M., Lucile Katherine,
Sarah Maramac and Joetta, all of whom are in school. The family is promi
nent socially in the community, having many friends in Clarinda, where
Air. Hobson has now made his home for twenty-eight years. Fraternally
he is a AIason, connected with the blue lodge and the Eastern Star, and he
also holds membership with the Knights of Pythias. In April, 1909, he
was elected to the office of city councilman from the first ward. He has
always been an earnest and effective worker for a better and greater Clar
inda, and is identified with that movement tow^ard higher poUtics, which is
common to both parties and which constitutes the most hopeful political
sign of the period. His own party fealty is not grounded on partisan preju
dice but is the result of his close study of the great issues which divide the
two political organizations. He has ever felt a hearty concern for the
public welfare and belongs to that public-spirited, useful and helpful type
of men whose ambitions and desires are centered and directed in those
channels through which fiows the greatest good to the greatest number.

GEORGE W. MOORE.

It is seldom that the news of death causes such uniform regret as was felt
in .Pierce township when it was announced that the life record of George W.
Moore was ended, iliis could only be said of a man whose many good
qualities and sterling worth, whose genial manner and kindly disposition
had made him popular. He was for a number of years closely identified
with the agricultural interests of the community and his salient traits con
stituted a most commendable feature in his successful career. He is also
deserving of special mention in this volume from the fact that he was num
bered among the honored veterans of the Civil war, serving throughout
the entire period of hostilities and by his bravery and courage he won a
most enviable military record.
One of Ireland's native sons, he was born in County Monaghan, Novem
ber 12, 1S36, a son of John and Jane (Ross) Moore, who were also born
in that country. The parents came to the United States in 1S46, the family
residence being established in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where the father
became identified with agricultural interests. In their family were eight
sons, five of whom took part in the Civil war, one of them, Josiah, passing
aw^ay at Springfield from the effects of typhoid fever during his term of
service. The other sons, WilUam, Robert, Charles, Samuel, Thomas,
George W. and James, lived to a ripe old age, aU of them still surviving
when the youngest had reached his sixtieth year.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 581
On the Illinois homestead George AA'. Aloore was reared to manhood,
receiving his education in the common schools and at Westminster Col
lege, Westminster, Pennsylvania. After leaving school he took up the
occupation of teaching and was thus engaged at the time of the outbreak
of the Civil war. Putting aside all personal matters, at the first call for
troops he organized a company in Jo Daviess county and entered service
as a private in this compan)', which became Company I, Ninety-sixth Illi
nois Volunteer Infantry. Shortly afterward, however, he was commis
sioned second lieutenant and later made first lieutenant of his company,
while still later he was appointed quartermaster sergeant of his regiment,
in which capacity he served until the close of the war. In the meantime he
saw much active service and participated in many hotly contested battles,
and at the battle of Lookout Mountain he was wounded. After his re
covery he was sent home as recruiting officer and when hostiUties ceased
received an honorable discharge, returning home with an exceUent record
for valor and bravery.
Air. Aloore was then engaged as a traveling salesman for a woolen mill
at Hanover for some time and in 1867 he came to Page county, Iowa, where he
purchased a farm near Nyman in Fremont township, upon which he resided
for about seven years. At the expiration of that period he sold the place
and purchased the farm upon whicii his wddow now resides, located in
section 15, Pierce township. At the time of the purchase it consisted of
two hundred and forty acres, while later he added another tract of one
hundred and twenty acres, the farm now comprising three hundred and
eighty acres. Upon this place he resided up to the time of his death, which
occurred on the 27th of May, 1901. During the intervening years he had
directed his efl'orts to general farming, had brought his fields under a high
state of cultivation, and today the place is one of the valuable and attractive
farming properties of that part of the county. In his business he combined
industry, thrift and enterprise with good management and close application,
with the result that at the time of his demise he was ranked among the
foremost agriculturists of Page county, his well directed efforts having
brought to him a most g-ratifying measure of prosperity.
Mr. Moore was married on the 25th of November, 1875, to Aliss Har
riet J. Price, a daughter of WilUam F and Lydia A. (Smith) Price. Her
father, Williain F Price, a minister of the Alethodist Protestant church,
came to Iowa from AVest Virginia, locating in Newton, where he resided
for a few years. Later he went to Red Oak, being one of the ministers
who organized the Methodist Protestant conference in Iowa and built
the first church in Montgomery county. He was a man of broad and pro
gressive ideas, active and earnest in his Christian work, and for forty-four
years filled a pulpit in the Methodist Protestant church, during which period
his efforts were potent factors for good in the community in which he
resided. He passed away in Montgomery county, March 27, 1894. His
father, Argelon Price, was originally a slaveholder in Maryland but later
becaine an aboUtionist and freed all of his bondsmen. He thereby incurred
the iU wUl of many of his neighbors and his relatives, being the only one

582 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
of the Price family who espoused the cause of the negro. .Subsequently
he removed to West Virginia where he passed away just at the beginning
of the Civil war.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Aloore was blessed with six children, namely:
Samuel R., deceased; William P., operating the home farm; Jaines C,
working the nortii farm ; Thomas H., residing at home ; Georgia, who mar
ried Charles J. Bengtson, of Pierce township ; and Alice J., who is also under
the parental roof. Airs. Moore is a member of the United Presbyterian
church and is a lady of culture and refinement, who is held in high esteem
and regard throughout the community. She also possesses excellent
executive ability, having capably and successfuUy managed the estate since
the death of her husband.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Moore was a member of the Masonic
order and passed through the degrees of the chapter. In politics he gave stal
wart allegiance to the republican party and was an active and influential figure
in the party councils. He served for about twenty years in the office of
township trustee and for some seventeen years was a member of the school
board. He was also appointed to fill an unexpired term on the board of
county supervisors and was later twice regularly elected to that office,
serving altogether about seven and a half years. Although born across the
waters. Air. Moore was ever loyal to the interests of his adopted country
and 'at all times remained in matters of citizenship as faithful to the Stars
and Stripes as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. He
had become widely known during his residence in Page county and the
news of his death brought with it a feeling of sadness and regret to a large
circle of friends, with whom he had been very popular and by whom his
memory is still cherished.

NELS CHRISTIANSON.
Nels Christianson, who is operating a farm of four hundred acres on
shares, the place being located in Washington township. Page county, is
numbered among the thrifty and enterprising farmers which Norway has
sent to the LTnited States. His birth occurred in Norway, on the 22d of
July, 1S78, and he is a son of Olson and Kuren Christianson. The father
was twice married, his first union being with Miss Ingeberg Christianson,
and to this union were bom two childrn, Ole and Andrew, while by his
second wife he had five sons, Nels, Olaf, Karl, Anton and Isaac.
In the common schools of Norway Nels Christianson acquired his edu
cation, and he remained under the parental roof until fifteen years of age,
when he started out as a sailor, and during the three years he spent upon
the sea he was on several different ships and visited many foreign countries.
He did not like the Ufe of a sailor, however, well enough to follow it.
Heeding the call of the new world, he came alone to the United States at
the age of twenty, thinking to find in this country better business oppor-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 583
tunities than could be offered in his native land. He first settled at Fairfax,
Missouri, and later went to Tarkio, that state, while the year 1904 wit
nessed his arrival in Page county, Iowa, locating upon the farm in the op
eration of which he is now engaged. It consists of four hundred acres
of rich farming land owned by W. A. Rankin and W. F. Durham, while
Mr. Christianson is working it on shares. He is progressive and up-to-date
in his methods, studies modem v/ays of cultivating the cereals best adapted
to the soil and climate, and is meeting w-ith most gratifying success in his
business venture. He gives special attention to the feeding- of cattle and the
raising of hogs, feeding all of the grain raised upon the farm to his stock.
On the 24th of August, 1905, Mr. Christianson was united in marriage
to Miss Martha Hipsley, a daughter of John and Ella (Caldwell) Hipsley,
the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Ohio. Her parents came
to Iowa about 1S74, where both are still residing, and they have become
the parents of the followdng children: Lewis G. ; Cora May, the wife of
W. A. Priest; Mrs. Christianson; Dollie Effie, who married Ray Alexander;
Edward E. ; Alexander ; and William J., who passed away in early life.
In his religious faith Mr. Christianson is a Lutheran, while his wife
holds membership in the Christian church. They have one daughter, Verna
Louella, a little maiden who was born September 18, 1907, and is the Ught
and life of the household. Since becoming a naturaUzed American citizen
Mr. Christianson has given his poUtical support to the republican party,
the principles of which, in his opinion, are best adapted to conserve the
public welfare. He is public spirited in his citizenship, and although born
across the waters is as loyal to the country of his adoption as any American
born citizen. Industry, energy, thrift and economy have been the salient
characteristics of his career and are winning for him a most gratifying
degree of prosperity.

JAMES L. HAYNES.

James L. Haynes is numbered among the men to whom success has
come as the reward of earnest, persistent labor. As the years have gone by
he has conducted a large business as a breeder of horses and has owned
some of the finest stock to be found in this part of a state noted for its
extended stock-raising interests. Industry and perseverance have even been
numbered among his salient characteristics and they have been essential fac
tors in bringing him to the place that he now occupies. AVith a hand
some competence he has put aside business cares and is Uving retired, en
joying the weU earned fruits of his former toU. He was born in Ross
county, Ohio, January 29, 1854, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Wilson)
Haynes, the former a native of Ross county, Ohio, and the latter of Elk
hart, Indiana. The parental grandparents of our subject were among
the first settlers of Ross county, removing into that section from the Key
stone state. They were of Pennsylvania Dutch stock and were numbered

584 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
ainong the substantial citizens of the community in which they established
their home. There Jacob Haynes was reared and spent his remaining days,
living to the age of seventy-two years. At the time of the Civil war he was
in hearty sympathy with the Union cause and enlisted for three months'
service. Throughout his business life he gave his time and energies to
general agricultural pursuits. Plis widow still survives him in her seventy-
ninth year and is now a resident of Shenandoah.
James L. Haynes was reared in the shelter of the family home and
obtained his education in the public schools. At the age of nineteen years
he left his father's roof and went to Macomb, Illinois. Soon afterward he
rented a farm in that locaUty, continuing its cultivation for a year and in
February, 1S74, he continued his westward joumey to Shenandoah, Iowa.
The following summer he worked as a farm hand in Page county and in
October of the same year he returned to Ohio where through the succeed
ing summer he again worked for his father and upon neighboring farms.
He had heard the caU of the west, however, and it proved to be an irre
sistible one. In 1875 h^ returned to Illinois but again went back to Ohio,
where he remained until 1876. That year he went to Plattsmouth, XTebraska,
and from there came to Page county, Iowa, in the fall of that year, making
his home here continuously since. Here he began farming on his own
account and was closely associated with general agricultural pursuits untU
the spring of 1883, when he removed to Shenandoah and engaged in the
buying, selling and breeding of thoroughbred draft and roadster horses.
In 1905 he built a feed barn which he conducted in connection with his
breeding stables, carr) ing .on both lines of business until April, 1908, when
he disposed of his barns. He continued to own his stallions, however, until
February, 1909, when he held a public sale and disposed of them. For
twenty-six years he had been extensively identified with the breeding of
horses and the records show tbat in that time he bred more mares than any
other one man in the United States, having a record of over eleven thousand
mares. Through the capable management of his business he won gratify
ing success and at the present time is living retired, having acquired a
handsome competence, sufficient to supply him with the necessities and
comforts of life and to bring him many of its luxuries as well.
On the Sth of December, 1885, Mr. Haynes was united in marriage to
Miss Margaret D. Binkley, a native of Ross county, Ohio, and a daughter
of Henry and Rachel (Heddinger) Binkley, the former a native of Hagers
town, Maryland, while the latter was of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, mem
bers of the famil)' removing from Pennsylvania to Ross county, Oliio.
Mr. Haynes is identified with various fraternal and insurance societies.
He belongs to Shenandoah Lodge, No. 261, I. O. O. F. ; Shenandoah Lodge,
No. 249, A. O. U. W. ; the Bankers Union of Chicago ; the Page County
Benevolent Association of Clarinda, Iowa ; and the Knights & Ladies of
Security. His wife is identified with some of the ladies' auxiliaries of the
lodges with which Air. Haynes is affiliated. In his political views he is an
earnest republican, thoroughly conversant with the chief political topics of
the day yet without ambition for office. Mrs. Haynes belongs to the Con-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 585
gregational church and to its Ladies' Aid Society. She was reared by her
grandparents in a home of plenty and was much pampered and petted. At
the time of her marriage she had never known anything of work but had
been under the influence of a wise, far-sighted woman who entertained
rational views of Ufe, its purposes and duties. Mrs. Haynes, therefore,
at the time of her marriage felt that the duty devolved upon her as well
as her husband and determined to assist him on the journey of life. She
therefore took up dressmaking. Because of her ignorance and her inex
perience she charged only fifty cents for the first dress and it was not a
model in fit or workmanship. Realizing this she determined that she would
make improvement and, therefore, purchased charts and worked early and
late to master the business with the result that she became in time the most
competent and successful dressmaker in Shenandoah, her services being
always in demand, the finest gowns in the town being the work of her
needle. Mrs. Haynes is a pleasant home woman who has a host of warm
friends and Uke her husband is popular with those who know them.

D. N. SHAW.

D. N. Shaw is one of the best known farmers and live-stock dealers of
Grant township, making a specialty of the raising of registered shire draft
horses. He lives on section 34, Grant township, in one of the attractive
farm residences of the county standing in the midst of highly improved
fields. He was born in Page county, December 19, 1863, his parents be
ing Joseph and Catherine (Loy) Shaw, the former a native of Ireland and
the latter of Tennessee. When a young man the father came to the United
States and spent some years in Ohio, after which he went to Canada. He
lived there for a time when eventually, recrossing the border into this
country, he made his way to Page county and settled in Lincoln township.
Here he invested in farm land, to which he added from time to time until
his holdings were extensive, embracing more than five hundred acres. He
also owned a quarter section. in Morton township, gave his time and ener
gies to general farming and was quite successful, for he seemed to know
just how and when and where to utUize his time and opportunities. He
died ill 1902 at the advanced age of eighty-five years, having long survived
his wife who passed away in 1866. He was a republican in his political
views and a citizen whose devotion to the general good was manifest on
many occasions but in a quiet and unostentatious manner.
D. N. Shavv spent his youthful days in his parents' home and profited
by the mental training received in the public schools. Through the periods
of vacation he assisted in the work of the fields and began farming for
himself in his twenty-first year. Locating on the farm in Morton town
ship owned by his father he there carefully tilled the soil until after his
father's death in 1902 when he purchased the Espey Bute place in Grant
township. To this he removed and has since resided thereon. He realizes

586 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
the forcefulness and value of persistent, earnest labor and seeks his success
through diligence and perseverance, never waiting for advantageous circum
stances to aid him. He is now making a specialty of the raising of regis
tered shire draft horses and has been the owner of some very fine stock.
On the 4th of February, 1886, Mr. Shaw was married to Miss Zettie
King, a daughter of James K. King, of whom mention is made elsewhere
in this volume. They now have one child, Boyd Leslie. The parents are
both held in high esteem and the hospitality of the best homes of the com
munity is freely accorded them. Mr. Shaw is never neglectful in his duties
of citizenship and exercises his right of franchise in support of the men
and measures of thf republican party. He does not seek office, however, as
a reward for party fealty, preferring to do his public services as a private
citizen. He finds that his private business affairs make full demand upon
his time and attention and in all of his dealings he has ever been reUable,
realizing that only the success that is honorably won is worth while.

J. ALBERT PETERSON.
J. Albert Peterson, who since 1S93 has resided upon a good farm on
section 26, Fremont township, was born in Hamilton county, Iowa, on the
i6th of January, 1S67, his parents being Olaf P. and Sarah (Nelson) Peter
son. Further mention of that family history is given in connection with
the sketch of G. W. Peterson on another page of this volume.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for
J. Albert Peterson in his youthful days. His time was largely devoted to
the acquirement of an education which he obtained as a pupU in the public
schools and in St. Albans CoUege at KnoxviUe, lUinois. When twenty-
one years of age he started upon an independent business career as a farnier,
renting the John Stromberg place which he cultivated for three years.
During that time he carefuUy saved his earnings until his earnest labor and
economical expenditure brought him sufficient capital to enable him to
purchase the east half of the northeast quarter of section 26, in Fremont
township. On this he located in the spring of 1893 and has since been
busily engaged in the care and cultivation of his fields which present a
neat and attractive appearance. The entire place is well kept and the farm
is to him a profitable source of revenue for his labors are practical and his
energy has brought him substantial return.
On the 3d of November, 1892, Mr. Peterson was married to Miss
Augusta M. Huttman, a daughter of Carl P. Huffman, of Fremont town
ship. Their children are eight in number: Nora, Alice, Florence, Ruth,
George and Raymond, twins, Irene and Harold. All are yet at home and
the family circle remains unbroken by the hand of death.
Politically Mr. Peterson is a democrat where state and national issues
are involved but cast an independent local ballot. In 1903 he was made
the nominee on the democratic ticket for the office of county recorder but

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 587
was defeated as only one democrat has ever been elected to a county office
in Page county for over forty years. He and his wife are members of the
Swedish Mission church and are people whose good qualities have gained
them favorable regard in Fremont township and throughout the portion of
the county in which they are best known. Mr. Peterson is a western man by
birth, training and preference and possesses the spirit of enterprise which
has been a dominant feature in the substantial and steady growth of the
middle west.

FRANK V. HENSLEIGH.
Frank V. Hensleigh is one of Clarinda's well known citizens because of
the activity which he has put forth in relation to its business and public
interests. He bas occupied various positions of pubhc trust, while in bank
ing circles he is well known as the assistant cashier of the Page County
Bank. One of Pennsylvania's native sons, he was born in Indiana county,
August 22, 1865, his parents being John and Nancy (Lydick) Hensleigh.
The father was a farmer by occupation and in 1869 came to Page county,
settling first in Colfax township. He had previously visited the county in
1867 and in that year had purchased a farm but subsequently returned to
Pennsylvania, where he remained through the succeeding two years. He
then made permanent location in this county and took up his abode upon
the tract of land of which he had become owner. His interest in affairs of
importance was deep, sincere and helpful. He was especially a champion
of the cause of public education and for many years was a member of the
school board. During the later years of his life, because of his strong
temperance principles, he gave his political allegiance to the prohibition
party. He died in January, 1899, having long survived his wdfe, who
passed away July i, 1879.
Frank V. Hensleigh pursued his education in the public schools and
at Amity CoUege at College Springs, Iowa. He then took up the profes
sion of teaching, which he followed for five years in Missouri and three
years in Page county, his labors in this direction being satisfactory to the
communities in which he was employed, for his instruction was clear and
impressive and he also possessed the further necessary attribute of being
a good disciplinarian. In 1S96 he was elected county auditor and that he
proved most capable and loyal in that position is indicated by the faqt
that he vvas three times reelected, the period of his incumbency covering eight
years. On his retirement from office he reentered business life in con
nection with banking interests. He was one of the organizers and direc
tors of the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank and in 1907 he was elected a
director and the assistant cashier of the Page County Bank, which position
he now holds. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with the banking
business and his labors in this direction are an element in the success of
the institution which he represents.

588 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
At the same time Mr. Hensleigh has continued to figure prominently
in public life and his fellow citizens, appreciating his worth and abUity,
have honored him with various places of trust. In 1906 he was elected a
member of the board of supervisors, entering upon the office in 1908 for
a three years' term. He was at one time president of the school board of
the city, is a director and was formerly secretary of the Clarinda Chautau
qua Assembly and is president of the public library board, which is en
gaged on the building of a fine library in this city. His political allegiance
has ever been given to the republican party and he is one of its active rep
resentatives in Page county, being recognized as a prominent local leader
whose opinions carry weight in the councils of the party in this portion of
the state. He has acted as central committeeman and has many times been
a delegate to state conventions. He is likewise an active member of the
First United Presbyterian church, in which he is now serving as treasurer.
On the 6th of November, 1S90, Mr. Hensleigh was married to Miss
Nancy McMiUan, of Des Moines county, Iowa, a daughter of William and
Alargaret (Jackson) AIcAlillan, both of whom are now deceased. Her father
was a farmer by occupation. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hensleigh have been
bom two daughters. Lulu Margaret and Martha Isabelle, the former now
a student in the Clarinda high school. The family are prominent socially,
having a wide and favorable acquaintance not only in Clarinda but also in
this part of the state.

STEPHEN AlANN.

It is fitting that men in the evening of life should enjoy a season of rest.
Nature seems to have intended that this should be so, for in youth he is
full of energy and hope and in later years these quaUties are directed by
mature judgment and keen discrimination, resulting in the attainment of
success. Such has been the record of Stephen Mann, w^hose years of ac
tivity are now crowned with an age of ease. He has lived in the county
since 1859 and during this period has been identified with its agricultural
and stock-raising pursuits. Moreover, he is entitled to mention in this
volume from the fact that he was one of the first settlers in Page county
and during his residence here has seen the county developed from compara
tively unimproved prairie land into rich fields, while in the work of im
provement he has taken his full share.
Mr. Mann was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, March 3,
1830, a son of John and Elizabeth (Rich) Mann, natives of Holland, who
located in Pennsylvania at an early date and were among the pioneer
settlers of that state. The father was a farmer by occupation, and among
the scenes and environments of rural life Stephen Mann passed the first
fifteen years of his life, attending the district schools during the winter
months, while he assisted his father in the work of the fields during the
summer seasons. In 1845 h^ accompanied his parents on their removal to

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 589
Michigan, where they resided upon a farm in St. Joseph county for three
years. At the expiration of that period, thinking to start out in life on his
own account, Mr. Mann left his parents' home and went to Green county,
Wisconsin, where for eleven years he was employed as a farm hand by the
month. Being ambitious to some day own a farm of his own, during the
intervening years he labored earnestly and diligently and carefully saved
his earnings until he had accumulated sufficient means with which to ac
complish his desire. The year 1859 witnessed his arrival in Page county,
Iowa, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres on the
line between Buchanan and Amity townships. A few years later he bought
an additional tract of one hundred acres adjoining his original purchase,
and on this farm of two hundred and forty acres he continued to reside
throughout his active connection with business interests. He engaged for
many years in general farming, bringing his fields under a high state of cul
tivation and becoming recognized as one of the progressive and successful
agriculturists of the community. For several years he engaged exten
sively in the live-stock business, shipping hogs and cattle and making a
specialty of raising horses. He had the reputation of being one of the
best known stockmen of Page county and this branch of his business in
terests proved a most gratifying source of revenue to him. Three years be
fore settUng permanently in Page county, Mr. Mann had visited Iowa for
the purpose of selecting a suitable location, and he has never found occa
sion to regret his decision to take up his abode in Page county for here
he has been very prosperous, attaining a measure of success that now
enables him to live retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his
former toil. He now makes his home with his son, Samuel John, a resi
dent of Braddyville. Aside from his valuable farming land he also owns
considerable town property in Braddyville.
It was on the 22d of January, 1852, that Mr. Mann was united in mar
riage to Miss Rebecca Blackford, a daughter of William and Rachel (John)
Blackford, pioneer residents of Green county, Wisconsin. The ceremony
was performed by Rev. Patton, of the Baptist church. This union was
blessed with the following children : Mrs. Levina Alice Nicholas, residing
in BraddyviUe ; Mrs. Rachel Celelia Yaples, also of that city ; Samuel John ;
Enoch Alvah, who resides upon and operates the old homestead situated
north of the town of Braddyville ; Anna Melissa, who passed away in in
fancy, her death occurring December 14, 1868 ; Mrs. Amy RosiUa McKee,
a resident of Hopkins, Missouri ; and Loretta BeUe, who died October 4,
1S96. On the 22d of September, 1902, Mr. Mann was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife, whose death was a matter of regret to an exten
sive circle of friends who held her in high esteem.
In poUtics Mr. Mann is a Jeffersonian democrat and has always taken
an active interest in the affairs of his party. He served as township trustee
for several years and for over twenty years was a member of the township
board and of the town school board, holding those offices until compeUed
to resign on account of old age and general disability. Fraternally he was
a member of BraddyvUle Lodge, I. O. O. P., and also of the Sons of Tem-

590 HISTORA'- OF PAGE COUNTY
perance of Green county, AA'isconsin, continuing his membership therewith
until unable to attend the meetings on account of old age. His associa
tion with these organizations, however, indicate somewhat the principles
that govern his conduct. A man of unquestioned integrity, of unfailing
courtesy and of unswerving honor, he stands as a splendid type of honor
able manhood, of earnest effort and of high principle. During the last
few years he has spent a portion of each year traveling throughout the
United States and Canada, having visited practically all of the points of in
terest in these two countries.

REV. WILLIAM THOMAS FISHER.
Rev. William Thomas Fisher, who since February, 1901, has been pas
tor of the Christian church at Clarinda, his work proving a strong factor
in the moral progress of the community, was born in Alarshall county, In
diana, March 17, 1S67. His parents were Rezin P. and ATirginia P. (Fogg)
Fisher. The father was a puddler and in 1884 removed westward, settling
in Kansas, where he turned his attention to farming, which he followed
until his deatli in 1907. His widow still survives and is yet a resident of
Nortonville, Kansas.
Rev. Fisher of this review w^as educated in the common schools of Steu
benville, Ohio, and at seventeen years of age accompanied his parents on
their removal to Atchinson, Kansas, living on a farm near that city. He
was busily employed in the work of the fields from the time of early spring
planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn and during the winter
months he attended night schools. There he continued until September,
1S90, -when he went to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he continued his educa
tion as a student in Cotner University, completing his course in 1896, when
he won the Bachelor of Arts degree. He had completed both the classical
course and a course in theology in preparation for the ministry, for he had
-determined to devote his life to this holy calling.
Rev. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Aleltha Miller, a native of
Fremont county, low^a, who had been a student in the same classes at col
lege with her husband. They were married on the nth of March, 1897,
and have since traveled life's journey most happily together. Their union
has been blessed wdth three children: Doris Maud, Helen May and James
Willard. It was in i8g6 — the year previous to his marriage — that the Rev. Fisher
accepted his first ministerial charge, going to Tabor, Iowa, where he became
the first pastor of the Christian church. He there remained for two years,
when he accepted a call to the church at Delta in Keokuk county, where
he also continued for two years. In February, 1901, he was given charge
of the Christian church at Clarinda, where he has since remained. His
church has a membership of about five hundred, being one of the strongest
religious organizations in the county. All the different branches of the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 591
church work are well organized and as a force for good in moral develop
ment it is most potent. Rev. Fisher is a most earnest and active worker and
moreover is an entertaining and instructive speaker, whose discourses not
only disclose his broad, comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the Bible
and its teachings but also his wide reading in the realms of general literature.
He is interested in all of those influences and agencies which work for good
in the world. From the organization of the pubUc Ubrary he has been a
member of its board, has acted as its secretary and also as chairman of the
book committee. He is now president of the Clarinda Chautauqua As
sembly, an organization whose educative and social value is widely acknowl
edged. Pie was also its secretary for some time and beUeves much in its
efficiency as a promoter of intellectual progress and a stimulus for mental
activity. He is untiring in his efforts to advance all those movements which
work for the good of the church and the city in all the Unes of general im
provement and public advancement. He is a member of the board of Iowa
Christian conventions, which brings him into close touch with the mis
sionary part of the work. He now has general supervision of the southern
division of this society, consisting of sixteen counties. The board has
charge of the money which has come to them and which must be invested
judiciously in order that it may increase and the opportunities for church
work may be thus extended. The men who thus serve are elected to the
positions. It would be tautological in this connection to enter into any
series of statements as showing Rev. Fisher to be a man of broad public
spirit and of consecrated devotion to his work, for these have been shad
owed forth between the lines of this review. It is but just to add, how
ever, that he is a man of quick and ready sympathy and of abiding charity,
slow in condemnation but ready in encouragement and assistance.

ELMER H. FINLEY.

Elmer H. Finley, carrying on general farming on section 13, Harlan
township, his success being that which ultimately and logically follows close
apolication, unremitting industry and perseverance, w-as born in Peoria
county. Illinois. April 23, 1S61. He there lesided until twenty-one years of
age. AVhen two years old he lost his mother. Airs. Elizabeth Finley, and
his father, Robert AlcCuUen Finley, afterward married again. The father
was a native of Ohio and spent his last days in Page county, where for
many years he had followed farming. He was also well known as a horse
man, always raising and dealing in high bred horses. He died near Clar
inda in October, 1900, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. By his
first marriage he had seven children and by the second marriage there were
three children.
Elmer H. Finley is indebted to the public-school system of his native
county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed, and he received
thorough training in business under the direction of his father, whom he

592 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
assisted in his farming and stock raising interests. Coming to Page county
when a young man of twenty-seven years, he has resided here continuously
since. His first home was three miles northeast of College Springs where
he purchased eighty acres of land upon whicii he resided for six years, care
fully cultivating the fields during that period. He then sold out and bought
one hundred and twenty acres near his present place south of Clarinda.
Later he purchased his present farm and now has the two properties of
eighty acres each, both of which are well improved. In 1902 he erected
his present fine residence which is built in modern style of architecture,
supplied with all conveniences and contains eleven rooms. It is one of
the finest farm homes in the county, and upon his place is also found sub
stantial and commodious outbuildings, including a fine barn which he erected.
His place is known as the Olive Branch Stock Farm and he owns a Belgian
stallion whicii was imported from Belgium. His farm occupies a pleasant lo
cation and the soil is very rich and productive. As the place is only two miles
from Clarinda, the advantages and opportunities of city life are easily ob
tained and at the same time he is unhampered in his efforts to gain a com
fortable Uving through general farming and the breeding of horses. Both
branches of his business are proving profitable and he is numbered among
the enterprising business men oi this part oi the county.
Mr. Finley married Miss Minnie B. Keller, who was born in Pennsyl
vania, and is a daughter of Amos and Kate Keller, who are now residents of
AA''asliington county, Iowa. Air. and Airs. Finley have two children, Arthur
M. and Gertrude Al. The parents hold membership in the First United
Presbyterian church of Clarinda and their lives are guided by its teach
ings, while in its work they take an active part. Mr. Finley votes wdth the
republican party and has served as one of the local committee and is deeply
interested in his party, its growth and its success. He is never remiss in
the duties of citizenship and is numbered among those men who can always
be counted upon to further every movement for the general good.

C. J. HENDRICKSON.

C. J. Hendrickson, who now owns and operates an excellent farm in
West township, Alontgomery county, Iowa, was formerly actively and suc
cessively identified with the agricultural interests of Page county for a
nuraber of years. He w-as bom in Sweden on the 31st of July, 1864, a
son of John P. and Johanna L. Hendrickson. It was in the year 1867
that the parents came to the United States, locating in Indiana, where they
resided for four years. On the expiration of that period they made their
way to Red Oak, Iowa, where the father established brickyards and con
tinued to reside for eight years. In 1879 he came to Essex, Page county,
where he likewise established brickyards and was successfully engaged
in their conduct until about 1887, when he took up his abode on a farm
of eighty acres two and a half miles northwest of Essex in Pierce town-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 593
ship. This farm has remained his place of residence to the present time
and he is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as
a most substantial, respected and representative citizen.
C. J. Hendrickson, who was but three years of age when brought by
his father and mother to the new world, spent his youthful days under the
parental roof, attending the pubhc schools in the acquirement of an edu
cation. He remained at home until i8S6, assisting his father as a brick-
maker and later as an agriculturist. In the year mentioned he started
out in life on his own account, first renting a tract of land from
Airs. North. For eight years he was thus busily engaged in the work
of the fields and at the end of that time purchased a farm of eighty
acres in Pierce township from Charles Fallen. After having devoted his
time and energies to its cultivation and improvement for a period of eleven
years he sold the property and bought a farm in West township, Mont
gomery county, on the Page county line, where he has since resided. In ad
dition to cultivating the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate he
also makes a specialty of raising Duroc Jersey hogs and in both his agricul
tural and stock raising interests has won a most gratifying and com
mendable degree of prosperity. The success whicii he now enjoys is attribu
table directly to his own well directed industry and diligence, for he had
no outside assistance at the beginning of his career. He has made good use
of his opportunities and through his persistency of purpose, actuated by a
laudable ambition, has become one of the prosperous farmers and substan
tial citizens of this part of the state.
In 1891 Mr. Hendrickson was joined in wedlock to Miss Anna Abraham,
of Shenandoah, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with four children:
Emma, Elmer, Ida and Mabel, all at home.
Politically Air. Hendrickson is a stanch republican and at the present
time is doing effective service for the cause of education as a niember of the
school board. Both he and his wife belong to the Swedish Lutheran church,
in the work of which they are deeply and helpfuUy interested. Mr. Hen
drickson is an automobile enthusiast, owning a Jackson car. His life has at
all times been such as to merit the respect and confidence of his fellowmen
and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his
acquaintances.

WILLIAAI WARD.

AAilliam Ward, who is owner of the bus line of Clarinda, in which
connection he is conducting a substantial business, came to this city in
1S81 and has since made it his home. He removed to Clarinda from Coun
cil Bluff's, Iowa, where he had previously been connected with the same
line of business. He is, however, a native oi Indiana, his birth having oc
curred in Miami county, that state, on the I2tli of April, 1851. Plis par
ents were Hiram and Rebecca (Evans) Ward, both of whom were natives

594 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
of Ohio. In the year 1855 the father left Indiana and removed wdth his
family to Iowa, so that his son William is indebted to the public-school
system of this state for the educational privileges he enjoyed. No event
of special importance occurred to vary the routine of Ufe for him in his
youthful days, which were devoted to the acquirement of an education, to
the enjoyment of the pleasures of the playground and to the discharge
of such tasks as parental authority assigned him. Pie remained for some
time in Council Bluffs, Iowa, wdiere he was connected with the bus line,
but in I SSt removed to Clarinda, becoming associated wdth the same busi
ness in this city. He was in the einploy of another until June, 1S90, when
he bought the line and has since conducted it, his earnest desire and effort
to please his patrons, his obliging manner and uniform courtesy having
been valuable elements in his success and he now has a liberal patronage
which makes his business a profitable one.
On the 24th of December, 1882, William Ward was united in mar
riage to Aliss Etta May Shelenberger of Clarinda, a daughter of Abraham
and Louisa Shelenberger, the former proprietor of a hotel at this place.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward have many friends in Clarinda and enjoy the confidence
and good wdll of those who know them. They are members of the Pres
byterian church and Air. Ward belongs to the Knights of Pythias. That
his fellow townsmen have faith in his public-spirited citizenship is indi
cated in the fact that they elected him councilman in 1909 but he resigned,
caring little for political preferment. He is, however, never remiss in the
duties of citizenship but prefers to give his support to measures for the
general good in the capacity of a private citizen rather than as an official.

J. F. COZAD.

An excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Grant
township, annually pays tribute in bounteous harvests to the care and labor
which is bestowed upon it by J. F. Cozad. He was born in Montgomery
county, Iowa, on the 2d of May, 1868, his parents being Plezekiah and
Sarah A. (Dukeshier) Cozad, both of whom were natives of Jackson
county, Ohio. They were reared in that county and in 1856 came to Page
county, Iowa, and vvere here married. Hezekiah Cozad, who is now de
ceased, made his home in Page and Montgomery counties during his life
time and about 1890 took up his abode in Essex, this county. His demise
occurred on the 17th of March, 1908, wdien he had attained the age of sev
enty-three years. His w-idow stiU survives at the age of sixty-eight years
and resides in Essex.
J. F. Cozad attended the public scliools in the acquirement of an educa
tion and remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage.
It was on the i8th of October, 1S88, that he was joined in wedlock to Miss
Grace Tyner, of Fremont county, Iowa. The following spring he started
out as an agriculturist on his own account by renting a tract of land to the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 595
operation of which he gave his attention for about fourteen years. On the
expiration of that period, in 1903, he purchased the Jim ¦ Stewart farm
of one hundred and sixty acres in Grant township and has continued to
operate it most successfully since. He follows modern ideas and methods
of agriculture and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors,
so that he is meeting wdth excellent results. He is likewise a director in the
Security Trust & Savings Bank of Shenandoah and is widely recognized
as a most substantial, enterprising and representative citizen of the county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cozad have been born seven children, namely :
Jennie, now the wife of Ernest McNew, of Shenandoah; Jonas, at home;
Wilbur, who is attending the Shenandoah high school; Gilbert and Sadie,
who are likewise still under the parental roof; Fern, who has passed away;
and-Eugene, also at home.
Politically Mr. Cozad is a republican and has served for several years
as a school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart
champion. At the present time he is capably discharging the duties devolv
ing upon him as a member of the board of township trustees, having been
elected to that office in the fall of 1908. Fraternally he is identified with
Shenandoah Camp, No. 1049, 1^- W. A., and with Three Oak Lodge, No.
56, Royal Neighbors. His religious faith is indicated by his membership
in the Alethodist Episcopal church, wdth which his wife is also identified.
In social relations they are held in the highest regard, the circle of their
friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

C. A. PETERSON.

C. A. Peterson is the owner of two hundred and fifty-three acres of
land located on section 13, Pierce township, this being the property which
was purchased by his father on his emigration from Sweden to the new
world. Air. Peterson of this review was born in Sweden, November 25,
1872, a son of Swan and Anna (Jacobson) Peterson, who, on their emigra
tion to the United States in 1874, made their way to Page county, where
the father purchased land and engaged in farming until 1898, when he
took up his abode in Essex, where he is now living in honorable retirement,
enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He and his wdfe are devoted mem
bers of the Swedish Lutheran church and are people of the highest re
spectability in the community in which they have so long made their home.
C. A. Peterson was but two years oi age when he was brought by his
parents to Page county, so that practically his entire life has here been spent.
He pursued his studies in the public schools and remained with his father
until the latter's retirement in 1S9S. The son then rented the land for
three years but in 1901 he purchased the land of his fathr and is now the
owner of two hundred and fifty-three acres, on section 13, Pierce town
ship. He raises various kinds of grain which he feeds to his cattle and
hogs, raising a large amount of stock each year. This has proved a profitable

596 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
source of revenue to him and Air. Peterson is numbered among the sub
stantial farmers of southwestern Iowa.
In 1898 at the time Mr. Peterson took possession of the home farm,
he further established a home of his own by his marriage on the nth of
October of that year, the lady of his choice being Miss Cora Fredericks,
of Fremont township. This union has been blessed with five chUdren, three
sons and two daughters. Earl E., Paul C, Inez Leonore Louise, Luther A.
and Alildred Irene.
Air. Peterson's study of the political questions and issues of the day
have led him to give stalwart support to the republican platform, and he
and his wife are consistent members oi the Swedish Lutheran church.
They are worthy young people and are popular among their many iriends.
Mr. Peterson is equally prominent in business circles. He is very methodi
cal and systematic in his work, keeps in touch with modern methods of
farming and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors and
he is numbered among the progressive and enterprising Swedish-American
citizens of this section of Iowa.

PHILLIP PETERSEN.

Phillip Petersen follows general farming on section 25, Nodaway town
ship. He was born in Schleswig, Germany, October 3, 1861, and is a son
of Thies and Petrea Petersen, who spent their entire lives in their native
land. In their family were five children : Adolph, who died in Rock Island,
Illinois ; Lorenz, living in Hamburg, Germany ; Mrs. Ida Hansen, de
ceased ; Alary, who died in Chicago ; and Phillip.
The last nained was reared in the fatherland and pursued his education
in the public schools. He arrived in Davenport, Iowa, when twenty years
of age, having crossed the Atlantic alone to the new world. He had pre
viously learned the baker's trade but, not finding work at his trade on
reaching Davenport, he earned his living for a year by playing in the Union
band of that city, for he possesses much musical ability. On the expiration
of that period he came to Page county and worked for his uncle in Clar
inda for a time. He was afterward employed as a baker in Omaha and in
St. Josepli and upon the deatli of his uncle he returned to Clarinda and
took charge of his uncle's ice business. After a few years he purchased a
farm w-hich he conducted for a time and on selling that property he worked
as a laborer for one year. On the expiration of that period he purchased
his present farm of seventy-one acres on section 25, Nodaway township,
pleasantly and conveniently situated about two miles north of the public
square of Clarinda. It is now a well developed property, the fields being
carefuUy tilled while everything about the place is indicative of the careful
supervision and unfaltering enterprise of the owner.
In 1886 Air. Petersen was united in marriage to Miss Lena Peterson,
also a native of Schleswdg, Germany. Immediately after his marriage he

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 597
went to Syracuse, Nebraska, and opened a bakery which they conducted
for about four years, returning to Clarinda on the death of his uncle as
previously stated. In his political views Mr. Petersen is a stalwart republi
can and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He is
a member of the Christian church and his life is in harmony with his pro
fessions, being characterized by all the sterling quaUties of honorable,
upright manhood.

JAMES HUGPIES.

James Hughes, a retired agriculturist residing in Clarinda, is one of
the oldest settlers of Iowa, having come to this state in 1846. He was born
in Johnson county, Indiana, on the 5th of August, 1844, his parents being
David and Delaine (Smith) Hughes, the former a native of Tennessee and
the latter of Wabash county, Indiana. The paternal grandfather of our
subject, Jesse Hughes, whose birth occurred in Wales, came to America
with three brothers and eventually took up his abode in Indiana, his broth
ers, however, remaining in Tennessee. As a companion and helpmate on
the journey of life he chose Miss Nancy Melton. David Hughes, the father
of Jaines Hughes, followed farming in Johnson county, Indiana, and there
also engaged in the manufacture of brick. In 1846 he brought his wife
and children to Iowa, the family home being established in Keokuk county,
where he successfully conducted a grist and sawmill. His children were
three in number, namely: Jesse, who wedded Miss Harriet Burch and
now makes his home near New Market, Taylor county, Iowa ; James, of
this review; and Martha, who passed away in childhood. David Hughes
was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for at the end of two years'
residence in Keokuk county he was caUed to his final rest. His widow then
removed to Appanoose county, Iowa, where she lived for a time with
James Hughes, a brother of her deceased husband, and later joined her
father in Indiana. In that state she was again married, her second union
being with Simpson Messersmith, with whom she came to Iowa in 1854,
locating at Pleasantgrove in Des Aloines county. After two years they
went to Putnam county, Missouri, subsequently resided for two years in
Page county, Iowa, and then returned to Missouri. Later they took up
their abode in Audubon county, Iowa, where Mr. Messersmith passed away.
The wddow then went to Colorado and afterward to Nebraska, vvhere she
made her home with a daughter, Mrs. George Osborn, until the time of
her demise in 1905, when she had attained the age of eighty-three years.
The children of her second marriage are as follows : Elizabeth Caroline, the
eldest, is now deceased. Mary M. first wedded Joseph AIoody and unto them
was born a daughter. By her second husband, Milo Dailey, who has
also passed away, she had one son, Milo, now a resident of South Dakota.
William Alfred, who resides near Spaulding in Greeley county, Nebraska,

598 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
wedded Miss Alary Clarewatter. Louise AdaUne gave her hand in marriage
to Nat Hupp and they reside on the boundary hne between Nebraska and
South Dakota. Their union has been blessed with two sons. Colman
B., a resident of Greeley county, Nebraska, married Miss Delaney, by
whom he has a son and daughter. Mrs. George Osborn, living in Nebraska,
has a family of two sons and three daughters.
James Hughes was largely reared in Iowa, though in early boyhood
he spent some time in Missouri and in Johnson county, Indiana, there at
tending the subscription schools. When a lad of fourteen or fifteen years
he worked on farms in Missouri and Iowa and in 1862 made his way to
Colorado with a team of oxen, there laboring in the gold mines for one
summer. Returning to Putnam county, Missouri, he there attended school
for a time and subsequently went on a three months' visit to Indiana. He
next took up his abode in Wayne county, Iowa, where he was employed at
farm labor until 1864, when he came to Page county and here also de
voted his attention to the work of the fields and the feeding of cattle.
In 1867 he purchased a tract of forty acres of raw prairie land in East
River township, this county, and resolutely set to work to improve the
property, planting ten acres the first year. He hauled the material neces
sary for tbe construction of his first dwelling from St. Joseph, Missouri,
and experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to the estab
Ushment of a home in a pioneer region. By the second spring the entire
tract of forty acres w^as cleared and he successfuUy carried on his farming
operations there for ten years, extending the boundaries of the place by
additional purchase until it comprised ninety acres. On disposing of that
property he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Nebraska township,
where for ten years he was engaged in general farming and the raising of
cattle. Subsequently he traded that tract for a farm of two hundred and
forty acres belonging to John Hadfield in East River township and con
tinued his agricultural interests on the latter place until 1908. The farm
is still in his possession and now comprises three hundred and eighty acres.
In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also
bought, fed and shipped cattle on an extensive scale, meeting with excellent
success in both branches of his business. Since retiring from the active
work of the fields he has made his home in his handsome residence at No.
22 Eighteenth street in Clarinda, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of
his former toil. Iiis landed holdings include a tract of forty acres east of
Clarinda and he is a stockholder in the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank.
He certainly deserves much credit for his success, as he started out in life
empty-handed. Earnest toil has been his lot but this has been guided by
sound business judgment and supplemented by keen sagacity until he is now
numbered among the substantial citizens of the county, and his life record
proves what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.
In 1868, in Clarinda, Mr. Hughes was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
J. Farrens, who was born and reared in that city, her parents being Henry
and Levina (Stafford) Farrens, both natives of Tennessee. Henry Far
rens, who was one of the pioneer settlers of this part of the state, coming to

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 599
Page county about 1S38, assisted in laying out the town of Clarinda. His
demise occurred when he had attained the venerable age of ninety-two
years and his wife has also been called to her final rest. Robert Stafford,
the maternal grandfather of Airs. Hughes, made his way to Iowa when the
entire state was still covered with tall prairie grasses. Robert Farrens, a
brother of Airs. Plughes, was the second white child born in Page county.
Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have reared a family of eight children, the record
of whom is as follows. Bertie Henry, who married Miss Effie Edmonds,
resides near Clarinda and has three children: Paul, Harold and Beulah.
Albert A., living in East River township, wedded Miss Nellie Crosby and
has three children : Milo, Vera and Dale. Ada, likewise living in East River
township, is the wife of A. H. McFarland, by whom she has two children,
Pearl and Alvin. Daisy, residing in Nodaway township, Page county, is
the wife of Rome Brooks and has three children: Sylvia, Walter and Ne-
vella. Charles, who makes his home in East River township, wedded Miss
Belle Farrensworth and has three children : Noia, Loraine and Floyd.
Clyde, Uving near Clarinda, was united in marriage to Miss Alinnie Young,
by whom he has one son, Ivan. Ferman, who is a resident of Harlan town
ship. Page county, wedded Aliss Ethel Ellison and has a son, Lowell. Jesse,
of East River township, was joined in wedlock to Aliss Lillie McNeece and
has two children, Wilma and Alildred.
PoUtically Mr. Hughes is a stalwart democrat and his fellow towns
men, recognizing- his worth and ability, have called him to various po
sitions of public trust and responsibility. Fraternally he is identified with
the Royal Arch Masons and also belongs to the Eastern Star. Brought
to this state by his parents when it was still a wild and unsettled region,
his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the
progressive present and he has not only been a witness of the changes
which time and man have wrought but has borne his part in the work of
upbuilding as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. Both he and his
wife are highly esteemed throughout the community and their own home is
justly noted for its gracious and warm-hearted hospitality.

JOHN EDAVARD HULLAIAN.
Among the enterprising and thrifty farmers of AVashington township
who are meeting with success in their undertakings is John Edward Hull-
man, who owns and operates a fine farm of eighty acres. He was born in
Fulton, Illinois, on the 15th of October, 1877, a son of Andrew and Ingred
(Jonasson) Hullman, both natives of Sweden. The former came to the
United States in 1872, while the latter arrived in this country about two
years previous, and they were united in marriage in the state of Illinois
in 1875. In their family were six children, as follows : .Sophia, the wife
of Fred Gell, resicUng in Colfax township ; John Edward, of this review ;

600 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Alabel, who married Mark Scotton and resides in Washington township ;
Eva, who is stiU under the parental roof; Charles Grant; and Grace, who
also lives at home. The father, who has devoted his entire Ufe to the occu
pation of farming, expects soon to give up the active duties of agricultural
Ufe and remove to Coin, where he will live retired in the enjoyment of weU
earned rest. He is a Alethodist in reUgious faith, gives his support to the
republican party and is an honorable, upright gentleman who occupies a
high place in the community in which he resides.
No event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of life
for John Edward Hullman in his boyhood and youth, which were spent
amid the scenes and environments of rural life, and he attended the com
mon schools of Colfax township untU fourteen years of age, when, laying
aside his text-books, he devoted his entire time and attention to assisting his
fatiier in the cultivation of the fields. He lived at home until his inarriage,
when his father deeded him forty acres of land, it being agreed that if he
remained at home until the home farm was entirely free from debt forty
acres thereof should be his. He commenced his independent business career
upon tliis farm and later added to it another forty acres, whicii he purchased
from Airs. Chambers for one hundred and fifty dollars per acre, so that his
farm now consists of eiglity acres, which he has brought under a high state
of cultivation, the place being one of the well improved farming properties
of the township. He carries on general farming and also raises stock, both
branches of his business proving sources of gratifying profit to him.
Mr. Hullman was united in marriage on the 17th of September, 1908, to
Aliss Jennie Boyer, a daughter of John and Mary (Gillihan) Boyer. Her
mother passed away in November, 1885, and was laid to rest in Elm Wood
cemetery at Coin.
Mr. and Mrs. PluUman are members of the Methodist church of Coin,
the teachings of which form the guiding influence of their lives, w^hile fra
ternally Mr. PluUman is connected with Coin Lodge, No. 455, I. O. O. P.,
and also with Coin Lodge, No. 2410, M. W. A. He gives his poUtical sup
port to the republican party, upon v/hich ticket he has been elected road
supervisor and also as school director, the cause of education finding in
him a warm champion. His influence and activity are always upon the
side of progress, reform, improvement and advancement, and these quali
ties constitute him a citizen of worth in the community in which he resides.

DANIEL H. KILLINGSWORTH, M. D.
Daniel H. KilUngsworth, who is proprietor of the Clarinda Hospital
and is also engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery in this
city, came to Clarinda on the 30th of November, 189S, from Tingley, Iowa,
where he had previously engaged in general practice. He is a native of
Fayetteville, West Virginia, and a son of William and Sarah (Stone)
KilUngsworth, who removed from West Virginia to Centerview, Johnson

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 601
county, Alissouri. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed
that pursuit in Alissouri until his son Daniel was thirteen years of age,
when he removed to Lorimor, Iowa. The Doctor continued in that place
until he had attained his majority and in the meantime pursued his educa
tion m the public and normal schools. He then began the study of medicine
and v/as graduated in i8S8 from the medical department of Drake Univer
sity at Des Aloines. He then began practice in Tingley and in 1895 and 1896
he pursued a post graduate course at the New York Post Graduate CoUege,
thus augmenting his knowledge and promoting his efficiency. Returning
to Tingley, he there remained until 189S, when he came to Clarinda and
entered upon the general practice of medicine in this city. Again in 1901
and also in 1906 he pursued further post graduate courses in the New
York Post Graduate College. In the year in which he came to Clarinda
he established a hospital for the treatment of general diseases under the
name of the Clarinda Hospital. It contains twelve beds and is a valuable
addition to the institutions of this character in southwestern Iowa, being
well equipped with every accessory necessary to the care of the sick.
Dr. KilUngsworth was united in marriage to Miss Clara Stranahan, of
Mount Ayr, Iowa, and their children are ZeU G., Virginia and Blanche,
the last named now a student of niusic in Chicago. Dr. KilUngsworth is a
member of the Modern Woodmen camp at Clarinda and his religious faith
is evidenced in his membership in the United Presbyterian church, of which
he is chairman. In more strictly professional lines he is connected with
the Iowa State Medical Society and the Northwestern Medical Association.

JOSEPH C. BECK.

The agricultural interests of Buchanan township find a worthy repre
sentative in Joseph C. Beck, who owns and operates a valuable farm of
eighty acres and who, through his industry, energy and perseverance, has
attained a creditable place among the farmers of that township. He was
born in Rock county, AVisconsin, April i, 1S49, a son of Jacob and Catharine
(Clausett) Beck. The parents, who were both of German descent, came
from Wittenburg, Germany, to America in 1S40, locating in AVisconsin,
where the father engaged in the occupation of farming.
Amid the scenes and environments of rural life Joseph C. Beck spent
the years of his boyhood and youth. He attended the district school when
his parents could spare him but his educational advantages were somewhat
limited owing to the fact that he was unable to attend school more than
three months each year. His early training in farm labor, however, was of
no limited order, for he soon became familiar with the tasks that fall to the
lot of the country lad. He remained at home, assisting his parents, until
twenty-two years of age, when he came to Page county, Iowa, where his
brother, John Beck, then owned the farm of eighty acres, upon which
our subject now resides. Here he engaged in .general farming until 1883,

602 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
when he purchased the place from his brother and has since continued to
make it his home. The farm is a well improved property, containing a com
fortable, attractive residence, good substantial barns and outbuildings, and
the fields are all under a state of high cultivation wdth the exception of
about ten acres of bottom land which overflows. Mr. Beck engages in
general agricultural pursuits, is progressive and up-to-date in his methods,
and his close application, his good business ability and his untiring industry
and perseverance are gaining for him a most gratifying measure of pros
perity. It was in 1881 that Air. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Mattie
Bevington, a daughter of John Bevington, of Buchanan township. Mrs.
Beck was born in Ohio and came west with her parents in 1S62, the family
first locating in AVarren county, Illinois, and later in Page county, Iowa.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beck have been born two children, namely : Airs.
Lanta AA'Aay, of Clarinda, Page county, Iowa ; and Mrs. Adelia Beery, who
makes her home with her parents.
Air. Beck and his family are all members of the Church of God at
Shambaugh, Iowa, and take active and helpful interest in the work thereof.
He votes with the republican party and is public spirited in his citizen
ship, taking a deep interest in the work of his party and in the public af
fairs of the community. He served for three years as township trustee
and also as township supervisor, and any measure which has for its object
the substantial upbuilding and improvement of the community finds in him
a stanch champion. Fraternally he was formerly a member of College
Springs Lodge, No. 228, I. O. O. F., of Braddyville, and was one of the
men who were instrumental in moving the lodge from College Springs to
BraddyviUe. His influence and activity are always upon the side of progress,
reform, improvement and advancement, and these qualities constitute him a
citizen of worth, while he is recognized as one of the substantial farmers of
Buchanan township. In this county, where he has resided for so many
years, he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends who hold him in
the highest esteem and regard because of his unfailing honor, courtesy and
chivalry — ^elements which have been the salient characteristics of his entire
Ufe.

ISAAC AVHITE.

Isaac White, proprietor of a breeding and sales stable in Shenandoah,
Iowa, was born in Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois, October 11, 1856, and
belongs to a family that traces its ancestry back to Peregrine AVhite, who
was born on the Mayflower. Both his father and mother, Egbert and Mary
A. (Wright) White, were born in Duchess county, Xew A^ork, where they
were reared and married. Shortly after their union the couple removed
west to Plenry county, Illinois, where the father becaine one of the exten
sive landowners of the county. In the summer of 1868 he came to Iowa,
where he acquired fourteen hundred and twenty acres of land in Fremont

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 603
county. Here he resided until his death, whicii occurred in 1902, at the
age of eighty-two. His wife still survives him and is now in her eighty-
second year. Air. White was ever a heavy speculator in land and at the
time of the opening of the Indian reservation at Beatrice, XTebraska, he
acquired some sixteen hundred of acres there, adding to this extensive
possessions in other parts of the country. In politics he was an ardent
republican, but though he was always considered a factor in the coimcils
of his party he never sought pubhc preferment.
Isaac White was reared at home but received his formal education in
the public schools, going from these to Tabor College. At the age of
nineteen he entered the arena of life to fight for himself, choosing the
occupation of a farmer. His father gave him a tract of one hundred and
sixty acres, on which he made his home until 1903. In the meantime, how
ever, he had added to the original grant some eighty acres, so that at the
time he re!inc[uislied his care of it, it had one of the finest tracts of land
of the county. In 1903 Mr. White rented his farm and moved to Shenan
doah, where he has since given all his time and attention to the breeding
of horses, mules and shorthorn cattle.
On the 1st of January, 1880, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss
NeUie Hyall, of Fremont county, Iowa. Six children have been born to
them: NelUe G., the oldest, is now a bookkeeper in a wholesale house in
Spokane, Washington, and is the owner of a valuable fruit farm in that
part of the country; Dr. Egbert S. White is a dentist of Shenandoah, Iowa;
Grace Allyce is a teacher in the public schools here ; Alable F. is taking
a course in niusic at Oberlin, Ohio; and Mary M. and Half red H. are both
attending the public schools. The four older children are all graduates of
the Shenandoah high school, and Miss Nellie, after finishing her course
here, attended the Lincoln Business College, where she later taught for a
time. AAThen called upon to exercise his right as a citizen of this country. Air.
White casts his vote for the candidates of the republican party. He is a
man sincerely interested in the welfare and progress of Shenandoah. His
efforts to this end are appreciated by those who are accustomed to see him one
of the prominent members of the Booster Club and who loolc to him as one
of the board of directors of the Shenandoah Fair, for part of the success of
this enterprise. For the past two years he lias been secretary of the speed
department in connection with the fair. Air. AA'hite is a thoroughly rep
resentative citizen of Shenandoah, and his residence at 313 Crescent street,
is one of this city's handsome homes.

WILLIAAI DARIUS ASEURA' JAAIIESOX.
In the production and conservation of advancement in all the norma'
Unes of human progress and civilization there is no factor which has exer
cised a more potent influence than the press, which is both the director and
the mirror of public opinion. Iowa, both as a territory and state, has been

604 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
signally favored -vvith the character of its newspapers, which have been vital,
enthusiastic and progressive, ever aiming to advance the interests of this
favored section -of the Union, to aid in laying fast and sure the foundations
of an enlightened commonwealth and further the ends of justice. WiUiam
D. A. Jamieson is numbered among those whose earnest labors produce a
splendid type of modern journalism. He is now editor of the World and
since thc age of seventeen years has been continuously connected with the
newspaper field. He was born on a farm three miles soutii of Wapello, in
Louisa county, Iowa, November 9, 1873. His father, O. Ira Jamieson, is
a native of Franklin county, Ohio, born on the 12th of January, 1845. He
came of Scotch-Irish ancestry and of Revolutionary stock. In the early '50s
he arrived in Iowa, settling in Louisa county, where his father, W. D.
Jamieson, purchased land. O. Ira Jamieson thus turned his attention to
farming and stock raising. He had partially pursued a collegiate course and
was a man of scholarly attainments and strong mental force. He read in
cessantly, thus constantly broadening his knowledge, and after leaving the
farm he was elected superintendent of schools at Wapello, holding the
position for several years. Subsequently he purchased the Wapello Times
and it was in his office that his son William learned the art preservative. The
father afterward removed the Times to Columbus Junction in 1883 and con
ducted the paper for a number of years, changing its name to the Columbus
Gazette. He was an earnest and active democrat and took an important part
in the campaigns as a speaker, advocating in logical, entertaining and con
vincing manner the principles in w-hich he believed. He served as postmaster
of Columbus Junction under President Cleveland's second administration
and died in that city on Easter Sunday of 1908. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Mary Jane GiUis, was born in Pennsylvania, October 25,
1 8/14. Following her husband's death she conducted the paper for more than
a year and was quite successful in its management. She is now living wdth
her son AVilliam. She is of Scotch lineage and belongs to a family that
v/as represented in the American army during the war for independence.
She has long been a member of the Presbyterian church and her life is that
of a most earnest and Christian woman.
William D. A. Jamieson, an only child, began his education in a coun
try school, which w^as taught by his mother, a lady of college education
and of superior intellectual qualifications. Later he entered the public
schools of AA^apello and also continued his studies in Columbus Junction.
He pursued his education at intervals of a year and spent the alternate
year in the printing office. He afterward pursued a year's course in the
University of Iowa at Iowa City, but discontinued his studies to devote his
entire attention to the printing business and went upon the road as a
journeyman, spending four years in that w^ay. At the age of nineteen he
located at Idagrove, Iowa, where he entered the office of the Pioneer, a
democratic paper. At that time he even had some political aspirations and
becam.e chairman of the democratic committee the first year of his residence
at Idagrove and was elected to congress from that district. He remained
there for a year and a half, after which he returned to Columbus Junction

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 605
and conducted the Gazette for three or four years, buying the paper during
that period. At the end of that time he turned it over to his father and in
1 901 came to Shenandoah, where he purchased the World, a democratic pa
per, immediately changing its name to the Shenandoah World. He had
practically no capital when he arrived here, but he possessed courage, resolu
tion, energy and mental resources and, moreover, he had a host of friends
in his home town.
After being in Shenandoah for a year Mr. Jamieson was married on the
22d of November, 1902, to Miss Matie Vass, who lived in the vicinity of
AVaukesha, Wisconsin. He then took a wedding trip and on his return
home found a new paper in the field, making the third in Shenandoah. It
was difficult for three to find remunerative support here, but on the whole
Mr. Jamieson has prospered and has continued the publication of his paper
to the present time. In 1906 he purchased the Democrat, a weekly of Ham
burg, but disposed of it a year later.
Mr. Jamieson is perhaps equally widely known in connection with the
public service which has been of an important character and in many ways
has given tangible proof of his devotion to the general good. In 1906 he
was elected to represent the seventh senatorial district, composed of Page and
Fremont counties. In the upper house of the general assembly he was the
first democrat ever chosen to the position in the district and in his election
overcame a normal public majority of thirty-two hundred, his vote exceed
ing that of his opponent by three hundred. At the June primaries of 1908
he received his party's nomination for congress and had as his political op
ponent one of the strongest republicans of the district — the stalwart Wil
liam P. Hepburn. Something of Mr. Jamieson's personal popularity and the
confidence reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen is indicated in the fact
that he won the election by a majority of three hundred and ten. This was
surprising when it is considered that William FI. Taft, the republican can
didate for president, carried the district, comprised of eleven counties, by
nearly nine thousand, the greatest political victory in any congressional
district in the United States. He has served creditably during his first ses
sion in congress, active on a number of important committees including tiiat
of Indian affairs. Mr. Jamieson is not only the first democrat to represent
his district in the state senate but also the first niember of his party chosen
from the eighth congressional district. He resigned from his former posi
tion to accept the latter and in the halls of national legislation has proved
himself in active working member. In Shenandoah, before going to con
gress, he acted as a member of the school board and also is a member of
the Commercial Club. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, the
Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the
Modern Woodmen of America. He has an attractive residence in Shenan
doah and his home life is a happy one. He is a man of charming per
sonality and his unfeigned cordiality and sincere interest in his fellowmen
have won for him a high measure of regard, while his upright life bas won
him confidence that has been expressed in his election to office.

INDEX

Abraham, Claus  518
Aldrich, Charles  2Ai
Aldrich, ]. F  137
Alexander, Knox  255
Anderson, R E  262
Andre-svs, E. J  369
Annan, H. F  86
Annan, Lewis  215
Annan, 'William  576
Anshutz, Frank  321
Armstrong, J. B  177
Ashmore, S. E  272
Auracher, loseph  483
Bailey, E. R  524
Baker, Levi  488
Barr, F. P  366
Baumgarten, Fred  14S
Beal, A. F  36
Beam, Iohn  284
Beauchamp, Charles  368
Beck, J. C  601
Beck, Michael  316
Beery, Amos  468
Behm, J. AV  529
Benedict,' E. L  245
Bengtson, Samuel  545
Berry, George  320
Birkhimer, Edward  297
Black, J. C  549
Black, AV. M  125
Blair, C. E  378
Boles, Fred  444
Boyd, AV. B  538
Brokatv, Frank  67
Bro-wn, J. L  341
Bro-wn, J. P  302
Burton, T. E  535
Burwell, loseph  35
Butler, 'William  232
Byrnes, P. O  326
Caskey, R. G  309
Christensen, Mrs. A. K  285
Christianson, Nels  582
Clark, A. B  286-
Clark, F. H  251
Clark, S. ]  100
Clayton, G. E  155
Clement, A. T  225
Cline, N. AV  209
Cokenower, H. L  296
Cole. B. V  374
Collier, A. M  90
Cook, H. S  77
Cotrill, G. F  449
Coulter, I. F  390
Co-wger, L. F  395
Cozad, J- F  594
Cozad, J. AV  222
Crain, C. N  9

Cramer, James  239
Cramer, AV. C  293
Creal, D. M  334
Culver, ^Mortimer  569
Dame-wood, N. P  27
Davison, Allen  420
Davison, Pleasant  64
Day, E. G  57
Deater, H. E  558
De Long, D. J  118
Doty, J. J  481
Douthit, Anson  268
Douthit, Stacy  130
Dow, J. C  208
Dow, W. C  282
Duncan, Omar  347
Dunlap, J. H  132
Dunn, G. L  577
Dunnegan, J. J  SS6
Eaton, H. E  422
Edmonds, Alphonso  259
Edmonds, S. AV  295
Eischeid, J. H  188
Ekeroth, J. A  419
Ellison, C. E  448
Elrich, S. M., Jr  29
Engster, J. A  457
Falk, Alfred  432
Falk, L. T  487
Ferguson, E. R  24
Ferguson, AV. P  20
Field, Jessie  49
Finley, A. M  512
Finley, E. H  591
Finley, R. S  511
Finley, S. S  537
Fischer, Frederick  381
Fishbaugh, C. W  551
Fishbaugh, E. C  555
Fisher, F. L  301
Fisher, G. F  353
Fisher, W. T  590
Fleenor, E. M  39
Fleming, C. AI  377
Flynn, W. C  409
Foster, C. S  173
Foster, C. AV  16
F'oster, J. C  46
Freed, O. AV  391
I'riedman, David  426
Frink, O. H  43
Galloway, A. F  58
Gamble, lames  356
Ghean, AV. T  189
Gibson, J. B  351
Gillespie, S. D  123
Goecker, Henry  275
Goldberg, A. W  227
Goodman, D. B  423

INDEX

Graff, Valentine  68
Green, Alonzo .....;  163
Greene, A. 'W  314
Greene, C. P  96
Greene, O. C  311
Greene, S. M  313
Guenther, Henry  192
Guthrie. J. C  439
Hagglund, Lenus  :....;  485
Hakes, Ed  416
Hamilton, C. A  495
Hanzon, Anton  513
Hardee, E. P  141
Harlan, J. K  116
Fiarris, Alexander  384
Harris, T. P  492
Harrison, E. R  355
Hart, Axel  174
Hart, Charles  110
Hart, S. M  563
Hawley, J. D  161
Hawley, J. M  160
Haynes, J. L  583
Heffner, Augusta  428
Henderson, W. A  376
Hendrickson, C. J  592
Hennemann, Frederick  149
Hensleigh, F. V  587
Hepburn, AV. P  195
Hilgerson, J. M  491
Fiill, J. E  184
Hill, AV. R  328
Hiser, AViUiam  263
Hobson, C, S  579
Hollis, G. AV  562
Hooker, Frank  522
Hughes, James  597
Hullman, J. E  599
Hunt, A. V  440
Huseman, J. H  287
Irwin, A. T  213
Jackson, T. C  337
Jamieson, AV. D. A  603
James, Elmas  530
Jeffrey, AV. C  552
Jennings, G. B  75
Johnson, C. G  274
Johnson, Frank  454
Johnson, J. A  453
Johnson, S. A  480
Johnson, W. G  165
Johnston, Thomas  323
Jonasson, Nellie  476
Jones, C. L  407
Jones, F. M  519
Journey, J. C  570
Kampe, C. A  33
Keenan, T. P  496
Keenan, T. AV  396
Keister, AV. E  532
Kellogg, C. E  152
Ketcham, D. M  247
Kidwell, Juletta  349
KilUngsworth, D. H  600
Kimball, O. A  30
King, J. K  168
King, P. H  546
King, S. A  336
Knox, AV. J  394
Lagerquist, John  474

Lake, D. S  472
Lane, E. C  7
Larson, Fred  270
Lawson, J. A  427
Lee, J. R  220
Lee, R. E  410
Liljedahl, C. H  443
Liljedahl, G. J  554
Lindburg, Arthur  434
Linderman, C. E  10
Lisle, C. A  330
List, Martin  162
Little, AV. L  499
Long, G. G  469
Loranz, .\. B  78
Loranz, Henry  107
Lovitt, Alonzo  442
Luke, Edward  411
Lundy, AV. L  212
AlcCalla, James  401
McCalla, D. B  398
McCloy, J. Al  250
McCord, S. J  568
AlcCorkle, O. C  269
McCowen, H. F  191
McCow-en, John  240
AlcCowen, Noah  201
AlcCulloch, \V. I  361
AlcCuUough, G. A  171
AlcCurdy, J. E  84
AIcGlone, J. A[  343
AJcKee, Dayid  203
AlcLeod, William  506
AlcVa}', AI. C  261
Mann, Stephen  588
Mariner, J. B  87
Alartin, G. E  80
Alartin, J. F  187
Martindale, J. AV  363
Martindale, T. E  360
AI arvin, C. N  380
Mascher, AA^ F  167
A'laxwell, George  176
Alaxwell, AVilliam  60
Alentzer, John  156
Alentzer, P. H  508
Meyer, Herman  520
Aliddaugh, John   281
Mier, J. F  365
Aliller, F. G  528
Miller, G. 1  129
AliUer, W. B  539
Mitchell, A. H  354
Mitchell, C. W  304
Mitchell, G. F  55
Aloore, G. W  580
Moore, J. L  467
Alorhain, Joseph  280
Morris, Alont  IS
Alorris, R. AV  246
AJorse, G. R  489
Alurphy, A. W  458
Alurphy, H. H  264
Alurphy, P H., Jr  547
AIyers, J. W  392
Nelson, Alvin  99
Nelson, L. E  79
Newson, G. AV  344
Oates, C. H  221
Okerlin, O. W  464

INDEX

O'Neill. Hugh  541
Orme. J. AV  471
Orr, William  138
Orth, J. G  339
Orth, J. Q. A  335
Osborn, H. E  300
Palmer, Martha  460
Parks, John  153
Parrette, W. A  516
Parslow, H. E  26
Parslow, J. G  -.303
Peterman, J. P  69
Peters, Earl  166
Petersen, Phillip  596
Peterson, C. A  595
Peterson, C. G  415
Peterson, F. O  544
Peterson, G. W  438
Peterson, J. A  586
Phillips, W. C  117
Polly, C. C  288
Porter, J. F. M  276
Porter, T. G. H  412
Powers, J. H  5
Powers, T. E  50
Putman, T. L  114
Read, E. A  548
Read, T. H  47
Reed, G. W  497
Reed, Wilson  565
Reininger, U. G  199
Richardson, G. W  350
Richardson, W. W  34
Robinson, G. W  70
Rose, E. F  19
Rucker, J. B  211
Rumbaugh, J. Al  150
Ryerson, AV. R  329
Sanderson, R. A  451
SawhiU, J. E  40
Scales, H. W  370
Scholes, G. W  17
Schwartz, J. W  500
Scott, H. H  120
Seablom, A. P  503
Sellards, J. W  124
Shambaugh, I. W  327
Shambaugh, James  324
Shaw, D. N  585
Shaw, J. H  456
Shaw, T. R  180
Shoberg, John  435
Shum, Alexander  252
Shum, Peter, Jr  348
Simons, A. C  364
SmUey, W. S  185
Spangenberg, William  342
Sperry, S. E  249
Spry, H. R  85
Steeve, F. J  190
Steeve, L. P  236
Sleeve, M. H  198
Stephens, L. D  578
Stevens, O. B  542

Stevenson, Thomas  502
Stipe, W. F  299
Stotler, W. F  128
Stuart, C. W  147
Stuart, J. T  2/3
Sullivan, P. D  63
Sunderman, Fred  74
Sunderman, Henry  142
Sunderman, H. J  294
Sundermann, L. J  98
Sutton, J. B  379
Swanson, A. F  SOS
Swanson, H. S  437
Swanson, J. A  425
Swanson, J. E  473
Swanson, O. F  105
Taggart, I. H  561
Taylor, Anna  572
Tomhnson, F. N  406
Tomlinson, Thomas  404
Trimble, G. N  312
Tunnicliff, J. S  383
Tunnicliffe, Charles .  109
Turner, C. W  484
Turner, Sarah AI  216
Van Arsdol, Isaac  237
Van Buskirk, J. AI  514
Van Gundy, Austin  402
V^an Sweringen, Thomas  403
Vardaman, F. M  307
A^eak, C. E  515
Wagener, John  375
Walker, M. B  140
Walkinshaw, J. H  533
Wall. Erick  225
Ward, WiUiam  593
WehmiUer, William  89
Welch, B. B  136
AVelch, B. L  66
Welch, E. S  -  465
Welch, W. W  .228
Westcott, E. B  566
Wheeler, H. E  567
Whisler, W. E  521
White, Isaac  602
Whitehill, J. H  289
Whiting, E. W  204
Whittaker, W. E  175
Wilkey, David  315
Williams, C. A  388
Williams, J. C  475
Wilhams, J. G  38
Williams, John  144
WUhams, W. J  290
WiUis, T. F  126
Wingert, David  340
Winter, E. D  151
Witte, M. E  104
AVoodmansee, Thomas  54
Woodruff, Nehemiah  223
Woods, J. A  560
Wubker, George  257
Yearous, Jerome  338
Youngberg, S. A  25

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