USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51
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IVO (Louisia Springer
HISTORY
OF
LOUISA COUNTY
IOWA
From Its Earliest Settlement to 191I
By ARTHUR SPRINGER
ILLUSTRATED
With Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County
VOLUME II
CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1911
ICE5
99263B
PUBLIC TO DRY
ASTOR, LENIK AND TILDEN POU IDATIONS
L
E.Frank Brachway
BIOGRAPHICAL
HION. E. FRANK BROCKWAY.
No compendium such as this volume defines in its essential limitations will serve to offer a fitting memorial to the life and record of Hon. E. Frank Brock- way, a man whose sterling worth in many relations of life made him a valued citizen, whose memory is enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him, while his name is honored by all who know aught of his active career.
He was born in Brockwayville, Harrison county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, his parents being James M. and Lydia ( Goff ) Brockway. They were also na- tives of the Keystone state and there they were married and spent the early years of their domestic life. Prior to his marriage James MI. Brockway had been engaged in the lumber business in Pennsylvania and had also operated a sawmill, but after locating in lowa he followed farming only. In 1840 he built a raft with a cabin on it, a sort of a crude house-boat, and placing all of his household goods within, together with his wife and eight children, started down the Ohio river for Iowa. When they reached the Mississippi they came north to Muscatine, where they landed, having been en route six weeks. Mr. Brock- way filed upon some government land in Orono township, Muscatine county, in the cultivation of which he engaged until his death in 1874. Of the eight chil- dren born unto Mr. and Mrs. Brockway only two survive: Emmet, who is living in Marshalltown, Iowa; and Albina, who is the widow of James R. Letts, of Grand View township. Those deceased are: Lafayette, Elmira, Judson, E. Frank, Emmet and George. The mother of these children only survived about sixteen years after they located in Iowa, her demise occuring in 1856.
E. Frank Brockway was the fourth child born unto his parents. He was a lad of eight years when the family settled in Muscatine county, in whose dis- trict schools he acquired the greater portion of his preliminary education, this being later supplemented by a collegiate course. Having decided to become an agriculturist after leaving college he engaged in farming and stock-raising, which vocation continued to occupy his attention during the remainder of his life. He commenced his agricultural career on a farm which he had entered from the government in Orono township, Muscatine county. This he operated until 1866, when he sold and moved to Washington county, Iowa, where he acquired by purchase from time to time six hundred and forty acres of fine land. He ope- rated this until 1902, then sold and came to Louisa county. where he bought eight hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated until the time of his de-
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HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
mise. This property is located on sections 20 and 21 of Grand View township and is one of the most attractive places in the county. The land is all in a high state of cultivation, the buildings substantially constructed and modern, while the grounds are tastefully arranged and carefully kept up. Possessing intelligence, good business ability and keen judgment, Mr. Brockway directed his affairs with the sagacity which invariably brings success in any undertaking, and at the time of his demise owned one of the most valuable farms in this section of the state.
For his wife and helpmate he chose Miss Rowena B. Letts, their union being solemnized on the IIth of September, 1860. Mrs. Brockway is a native of Peru, La Salle county, Illinois, and a daughter of N. M. and Elizabeth ( Grove ) Letts. natives of Licking county, Ohio. Mr. Letts and. Miss Grove were married in Ottawa, Illinois, where they first met, and soon thereafter located on a farm in the vicinity of Peru, where the mother passed away on the 17th of February. 1851. Two children were born of this union, a son and a daughter : Rowena B., now Mrs. Brockway; and David G., who is deceased. Two years after the demise of his first wife Mr. Letts was again married, his choice this time being Miss Jane Holderman, who was born in Ohio. Six children were born of this marriage, one of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: Willis II., who passed away at the age of forty-eight years; James H., who is residing in Louisa county : Hilton M., who was fifty-four at the time of his demise ; Emma, the wife of J. W. Waters, of Santa Cruz. California; and Noah R., who is living in Letts.
Immediately following their marriage, which occurred in Louisa county, Iowa, Mr. Brockway and his bride settled on his farm in Muscatine county. They became the parents of three children: Elizabeth B., a graduate of the Eastern Iowa Normal School, now residing with her mother; Alice R., who is a graduate of the Iowa State University, still at home ; and James M. As both Mr. and Mrs. Brockway were college bred and realized the value and advantage of education they gave their children excellent opportunities in that direction.
The political allegiance of Mr. Brockway was always given to the republican party. He studied closely the questions and issues of the day and his support was the result of intelligent understanding of the essential features of every question. He took an active and prominent part in all public affairs and, while residing in Washington county, filled the office of supervisor and was also rep- resentative in the state legislature for two years. Being possessed of more than average executive ability, he was elected president of the state fair association, which position he filled for several years, and was also a member of the agricul- tural board. A strong advocate of prohibition, he ever gave his indorsement and support to every movement which would in any way tend to advance the cause of temperance. His religious affiliation, as is that of his wife and family, was with the Methodist Episcopal church. He passed away on the 20th of April. 1908, at which time Louisa county suffered the loss of one of her most capable agriculturists, competent business men and public-spirited and progres- sive citizens.
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HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
EDWARD LOGAN MCCLURKIN.
One of the pioneer families of Louisa county and Morning Sun is repre- sented in the banking circles of this town in the person of Edward Logan Mc- Clurkin, whose birth occurred on the 20th of August, 1857. He is the son of the late Henry and Nancy J. ( Logan ) Mcclurkin, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana. The father, who was a stock buyer and shipper lo- cated in Morning Sun in 1855, where for several years he was engaged in the mercantile business, and during which time he also acted as postmaster. Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. McClurkin: Margaret, the wife of M. Ochiltree, of this city; Kate, who married R. M. Pomeroy, of Shelby, Iowa ; E. L., our subject ; William H., of Morning Sun; Martin L. and Norah, both of whom are deceased; and one who died in infancy.
The preliminary education of Edward Logan Mcclurkin was acquired in the public schools of his native city, the course of which he completed in 1876, being one of the first graduates from the high school. Subsequently he attended the State University at Iowa City for a year and a half. Returning home he as- sisted his father in the store and postoffice, where he remained until 1886. He then joined his brother-in-law, William Beck, in establishing the Exchange Bank, of which institution he is now the cashier.
Mr. Mcclurkin was united in marriage on the 10th of November, 1881, to Miss Cassie A. Beck, a daughter of Conrad and Sophia Beck, natives of Ger- many but for many years residents of Des Moines county, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McClurkin have been born the following children : Oak B., a resident of Morning Sun; Elizabeth Jane, the wife of F. C. Selzer, of Detroit, Michigan ; Clifford H., who is attend- ing college at Monmouth, Illinois ; and Justus Logan, who is at home.
Mr. and Mrs. McClurkin hold membership in the United Presbyterian church, and his political support he grants to the candidates of the republican party. He has always been quite prominently identified with the political activities of the community and has several times served as mayor, while he has three times rep- resented, his district in the state legislature. A public-spirited, progressive citi- zen and capable business man Mr. Mcclurkin stands high in the esteem of the general community, where he has spent practically the entire period of his life and where the comrades of his youth are the friends of his manhood.
EWALD M. WERNER.
A large portion of the citizens of Iowa are either of German birth or descent. and among those who were born in the fatherland is numbered Ewald M. Werner. His birth occurred on the 9th of September, 1864, his parents being Adam and Eva (Rank) Werner, also natives of that country. They never left their native land, the mother there passing away in 1871. The father still sur-
HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
vives, however, and is a weaver by trade. In their family were five children. as follows: Christ. of Louisa county ; David, still residing in Germany ; Henri- etta, who is married and also lives in Germany : Louisa, the wife of George Dil- chert. of Muscatine, Iowa : and Ewald MI., of this review.
In the fatherland the latter spent the early years of his life, and was but sev- enteen years of age when, in 1881. he came to the United States, determining to seek a new home and fortune in the new world. He at once made his way to Iowa, settling in Louisa county, where he worked as a farm hand by the month for ten years. Desirous, however, that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he started out for himself at the end of that period, renting a farm for about a year. He then purchased a small farm which he sold seven years later, at which time he invested in the farm which he now owns and occupies, a tract of one hundred and ninety acres, located on section 35. in Grand View town- ship. He has since added to this purchase until his property today includes two hundred and thirty acres of good land, of which about two hundred acres are tinder a very high state of cultivation. He engages in general farming and stock- raising and in all of his work he is progressive, employing the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, while his close study has given him thorough and accurate knowledge concerning the best methods of raising stock. He makes a specialty of Chester White hogs and Hereford cattle, and has some very fine animals on his place.
Mr. Werner was married, on the 4th of March, 1801, to Miss Vada Hunter. who was born in Port Louisa, May 10, 1865. Her parents, John and Matilda ( Wagner ) Hunter, were both born in Pennsylvania, from which state they re- moved to Wisconsin at an early day. After residing in the latter state for a short time they came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1860, locating in Port Louisa. The father, a tailor by trade, was engaged in that occupation until his death, which occurred in 1807. The mother survived him for two years, passing away in 1890. In their family were three children, of whom Mrs. Werner is the youngest. The others are: Marcelluis, of Wapello: and Lillie, who has taught school for many years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Werner have been born seven chil- dren, one of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: Carl D., born January 9, 1892, a high school graduate; Helen, born March 22, 1894, who has received a good musical education : Wayne, born March 13. 1896: Ernst, born February 13. 1901 : Fay, born January 15, 1904: and Mabel, born March 23. 1008.
The family attend the Congregational church and are well known and prom- inent in the community in which they reside. Mr. Werner gives his political support to the republican party, deeming the principles of that organization best adapted to conserve public welfare. He has never held office, however, other than that of member of the school board, preferring that his service as a citizen should be done in a private rather than public capacity. He has concentrated his entire energies upon the conduct of his private business, and this close atten- tion has been one of the salient factors in his present prosperity. Throughout his career he has exemplified many of the sturdy traits of character for which
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HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
the people of the German race and lineage have ever been noted, to which he has added the enterprising American spirit which has constituted the foundation of the country's commercial greatness.
J. C. SMITH.
Louisa county has been signally favored in the class of men who have filled her public offices, for on the whole they are those to whom the word citizenship is no mere idle term. They have been faithful to the duties and obligations de- volving upon them and of this class J. C. Smith is a representative, fearlessly discharging the duties of the office of sheriff for the third term. He was born in this county on the 3d of April, 1856, his parents being William S. and Caro- line ( Smith ) Smith, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1838, Mr. Smith soon after entering a tract of land. His demise here occurred February 9. 1873, while his wife was called to her final rest April 19, 1903, the community thus losing two of its re- spected pioneer residents. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are yet living.
J. C. Smith obtained his education in the common schools and when a youth of eighteen began earning his own livelihood, working as a farm hand for two years. He then devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm for two years or until the time of his marriage. Following that important event in his life he purchased a tract of land in Wapello township, Louisa county, residing thereon for eight years. On the expiration of that period he traded the prop- erty for a farm in Oakland township, this county, being successfully engaged in its further cultivation and improvement for ten years. At the end of that time he traded the place for a farm in Concord township, where he resided for six years before disposing of his land. Subsequently he spent eighteen months in Columbus Junction and then purchased another farm in Oakland township, mak- ing his home thereon for four years. Since disposing of that property he has resided in Wapello. He now owns city residence property in Des Moines and has long been numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of the community.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Smith chose Miss Elmira Frizell, a native of Louisa county and a daughter of J. O. and Eliza (Webster) Frizell, who were born in Ohio and came to this county about 1836, locating on what is now known as the Lambert farm. Mr. Frizell here passed away January 24, 1908, but his widow still survives him and makes her home in Louisa county, having now attained the age of seventy-four years. Unto them were born nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Eliza Berdella, who is the wife of R. L. Singleton, an agriculturist of Louisa county, by whom she has two children, Alma and Ray.
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HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
Mr. Smith gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has been three times honored by election to the office of sheriff-in 1906, 1908 and 1910. As the county usually has a republican majority of about one thousand his election plainly indicates his popularity and the confidence reposed in him by the general public. It requires a man of courage, strength of character and good judgment to fill the position of sheriff in such a way as to meet the approval of the tax- payers of a county. Mr. Smith has so conducted the office as to merit the com- mendation of all law-abiding citizens, also promoting a wholesome regard for law throughout the county. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Louisa county and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders.
S. E. GATES.
One of the prominent and affluent citizens of Oakville is S. E. Gates, who is now living retired. He was born in Mercer county, Illinois, on the 9th of May, 1850, a son of Seth and Lydia (Andrews) Gates. The father was a native of the state of New York, and the mother of Massachusetts. They were among the pioneer settlers of western Illinois, having located in Mercer county in 1846. There the father passed away in 1876 and in 1878 the mother removed to Mis- souri, where she continues to reside at the age of eighty-six years. Of the nine children born to them six are still living.
Educated in the public schools and reared in the country, S. E. Gates re- mained a member of the paternal household and assisted in the work of the farm until he was married. Subsequent to this event he came to Iowa, settling in Louisa county in 1871 when his earthly possessions consisted of seventy-five dollars, and here he continued to reside for five years. At the expiration of that period he returned to Mercer county, where he remained until 1888, when he re- moved to Des Moines county. Here he continued to be identified with agricul- tural pursuits, in which he met with most gratifying success, acquiring one thou- sand acres of land. He continued to reside upon his farm in Des Moines county until 1896, when he retired and removed to Oakville, where he has continuously resided with the exception of six months which he spent in Des Moines. Mr. Gates has been extensively engaged in the real-estate business and has large land interests, owning two hundred and twenty acres of land in Des Moines county, a similar amount in Indiana, three hundred and twenty acres in Minne- sota and four thousand and twenty acres in Texas, in addition to which he has a brick business building and two residences in Oakville and is one of the stock- holders and directors of the Oakville State Savings Bank. He has made twenty- six trips to Texas and in September, 1908, chartered a whole train for the pur- pose of taking land seekers to that state. The Oakville band accompanied the excursion, which cost Mr. Gates and those associated with him over five thousand dollars, but they sold seventeen thousand and two hundred acres of land and one hundred and ninety-six town lots.
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HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
Mr. Gates has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Mary E. Ogle, of Keithsburg, Illinois, their wedding being celebrated in June, 1871. They were the parents of five daughters: Zoie E., who married Allen Russell, of Louisa county ; Estella, the wife of William Williams, of Missouri ; Cordie, who married James O. Waterhouse, of Oakville; Bessie, the wife of Edward C. Waterhouse, also of Oakville; and Fernie, who is deceased. Mrs. Gates passed away on the 16th of January, 1898, and on the 22d of July, 1903, Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Mrs. Edith ( Wycoff) Cowan, a native of Adair county, Iowa. By this union has been born two daughters : Lillian C. and Everetta Uvista.
Mr. Gates always casts his ballot for the men and measures of the democratic party and has held several township offices. Both he and Mrs. Gates are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church, and fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows, being affiliated with Keithsburg ( Illinois) Lodge, No. 182, I. O. O. F. A man possessing more than average business acumen, Mr. Gates has by his judi- cious direction and keen judgment been able to not only avail himself of oppor- tunities but to create them, and by this means has attained the position he holds today in the community where he is residing.
J. S. McCHESNEY.
It is doubtful whether any citizen of Wapello stands higher in the respect of the people than J. S. McChesney. For thirty years he has been identified with the coal business in this city and he ranks as one of its most reliable and successful business men. He was born in Mercer county, Illinois, May 11, 1856, a son of J. T. S. and Rebecca (Clark) McChesney, the former of whom was born in Pennslyvania and the latter in Ireland. The father learned the cooper's trade but changed his vocation after arriving in Illinois and engaged for sev- eral years in farming in that state. In 1860 he came with his family to Louisa county, Iowa, and purchased a farm of one thousand acres, upon which he es- tablished his homestead. He died December 12, 1869, but the mother lived al- most forty years longer, being called away in January, 1008. There were five children in their family, namely : John T., who now makes his home in Wapello ; Nathan C., who resides in the state of Washington; Ruth, who is the wife of David Stephens, of Louisa county ; Margaret J., who married Dr. W. W. Nye, of Hiawatha, Kansas ; and J. S.
Mr. McChesney of this review attended the district schools and as he grew to manhood assisted in work upon the home farm, thus becoming thoroughly familiar with the details of agriculture and stock-raising. At the age of twenty- one he began farming upon one hundred and forty acres which he owned, but four years later he sold his place and engaged in the grocery business in Wayne county, Iowa. After another period of four years he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Louisa county, but later disposed of it and set- tled at Wapello, engaging in the coal business with which he has since been iden-
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HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
tified. He has for years been known as the principal coal dealer of the state. He keeps in close touch with the markets and as he knows where to purchase and understands the needs of his patrons he rarely fails to give satisfaction.
On the 15th of October. 1877. Mr. McChesney was married to Miss Emily Mallory, a daughter of Willard and Jane ( Hook) Mallory. There were eight children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Mallory, of whom the following are now living, namely : John B., who makes his home at Los Angeles, California ; Mary, who became the wife of Edwin Joy, of San Francisco: Edward. of Lakeside, California ; Charles, also of San Francisco; Frank G., of Los Angeles ; Emily, who is now Mrs. J. S. McChesney ; and William, also of Los Angeles. Two children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. McChesney : Mary, who mar- ried J. B. Cecil, of Wapello: and Gladys, who is living at home.
Mr. McChesney has been a supporter of the democratic party ever since he cast his first ballot and has taken an active part in local politics. He served as mayor of Wapello for four years, his last term expiring in the fall of 1910. In religious faith he adheres to the Presbyterian church. He has been prominent in fraternal circles for a number of years and is a valued member of the Ma- sonic order, the Odd Fellows, the Woodmen and the Rebekahs. As a public officer he discharged his duties fairly and impartially and as a private citizen he has ever attempted to merit the good-will of his associates and the entire com- munity.
WILLIAM D. STORKS.
William D. Storks, who was called to his final rest April 6, 1911, was suc- cessfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and lived in honorable retirement at Oakville for a number of years prior to his demise. His birth occurred in Ohio on the 30th of August, 1835, his par- ents being David and Eliza (Davis) Storks, both of whom were natives of Dela- ware and are now deceased. Unto them were born four children, namely : Hes- ter. Ann, and Susan, all of whom have passed away ; and William D., of this re- view.
The last named began earning his own livelihood when a youth of sixteen, securing employment as a farm hand. He came to Iowa in 1856 and was em- ployed at farm labor until he had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase some land of his own, coming into possession of a tract of one hundred and seventy acres. The cultivation and improvement of that farm claimed his attention from 1866 until 1883, when he put aside the active work of the fields, disposed of the property and removed to Oakville, where he built a residence and made his home throughout the remainder of his life. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company K, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, remaining with the command for three years. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, was taken prisoner there and remained captive for three months. In November, 1865. he was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa.
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HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
On the 18th of December, 1862, Mr. Storks was united in marriage to Miss Sarah P. Anderson, a daughter of Thomas and Ann ( Prouse) Anderson, both of whom are deceased. They were the parents of ten children, as follows : John, who died in the Civil war ; Mrs. Storks ; George W., who is a resident of New Mexico; Margaret, the wife of John Lett, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Eliza J., the deceased wife of Enoch Hayden, of Wapello: William, deceased ; Mar- tha R., the deceased wife of Rastus Wilson, of Kingstou, Iowa; Lloyd, who has also passed away; Charles A., living in New Boston, Illinois ; and one who died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Storks were born six children : Theodore M., who is a resident of Oakville ; David W., of Wapello; one who died in infancy ; Anna E., the wife of W. H. Miller, of Quenemo, Kansas; Eliza V., who is the wife of A. J. McCannon and resides in Denver, Colorado; and Cora Lilly, the wife of Lawrence Kurtz, of Knoxville, Iowa.
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