USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 1
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IVO PONESHIER CO
PARKER
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY IOWA
A RECORD OF SETTLEMENT, ORGANIZATION, PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT
By PROF. L. F. PARKER
Local history is the ultimate substance of national history -- Wilson
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO: THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO. IQII 7
CHR
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 536369 ASTOR. LENOX AND TILDEN ... INDATIONS. R 1912 L
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
HON. HENRY W. SPAULDING.
Hon. Henry W. Spaulding, one of the most prominent and leading citizens of Poweshiek county, is at the head of the Spaulding Manufacturing Company, mak- ers of carriages and automobiles at Grinnell and one of the largest manufacturing firms in the west. In the fall of 1910 he was honored by election to the state senate, now representing the twelfth district in that body.
His birth occurred in the northern part of Vermont on the 29th of June, 1846. When still but a boy he removed with his parents to a farm in Orange county, that state, continuing to reside thereon until nineteen years of age, when he bought his time from his mother and started out in business life on his own account. After working at various occupations for two years he built a shop in Chelsea, Vermont, hired a good blacksmith and began to learn the blacksmith's trade, oc- casionally building a buggy. In the course of a year or more, having two or three finished buggies on hand and creditors pressing him for money which was due them for stock, he took two buggies, hitching one behind the other, and started out to sell them. Having made the sales, he returned and settled his most press- ing debts. This was the origin of the trailing system, which has been followed by the Spaulding Manufacturing Company for the past thirty-five years with success. After carrying on business in Chelsea for about two years, H. W. Spaulding sold out and went to work as a journeyman smith in different shops. About two years later he entered the service of Jacob Estey & Company, organ manufacturers of Brattleboro, Vermont, and at the end of about three months was put in charge of their blacksmithing department. He remained with the firm of Jacob Estey & Company for about three years and then went on the road for the Wiley & Russell Manufacturing Company of Greenfield, Massachusetts, manu- facturers of screw cutting machines, selling machinery for about four years and traveling as far west as lowa and also into Canada.
This state impressed him favorably and on the 11th of April, 1876, he took up his abode in Grinnell, here beginning business as a blacksmith and carriage manufacturer on a small scale. The first year he turned out about fifteen new vehicles, annually increasing the number until on the Ist of January, 1883, he was manufacturing about three hundred and fifty carriages a year. On the 17th of June, 1882, owing to a disastrous cyclone, Mr. Spaulding sustained a heavy loss financially and also suffered severe physical injuries. On the Ist of January, 1883, he sold a half interest in the business to A. P. Phillips & Son, the name of the firm becoming Spaulding, Phillips & Company. Their business gradually in- creased until on the Ist of January, 1887, they were taking care of eight hundred
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
jobs a year. At that time Phillips & Son withdrew and M. Snyder held their interest for one year, the name of the concern being Spaulding & Snyder. Their annual output was nine hundred vehicles. On the ist of January, 1888, Craver, Steele & Austin purchased the half interest of Mr. Snyder, who retired. The firm then continued business under the style of Spaulding & Company and in 1888 manufactured two thousand vehicles. Wishing to push their Headers, Craver, Steele & Austin withdrew from the company and Mr. Spaulding conducted busi- ness independently for one year. On the Ist of January, 1890. M. Snyder and William Miles each bought a fourth interest in the concern, the name of which was changed to the Spaulding Manufacturing Company. At the end of a year Mr. Spaulding purchased Mr. Snyder's interest, then owning three-fourths of the busi- ness. In the decade between 1890 and 1900 the output of the company was in- creased from two thousand to four thousand vehicles annually. On the 8th of March, 1893. the Spaulding Manufacturing Company sustained a loss by fire of from fifty-five to sixty thousand dollars, and the insurance paid thereon was eighteen thousand five hundred dollars. On the ist of January, 1900, F. E. and E. H. Spaulding, sons of H. W. Spaulding, bought out William Miles and have since remained partners of their father, holding a third interest each. In 1903 the concern manufactured and sold six thousand and one vehicles, while at the pres- ent time their annual output numbers ten thousand vehicles and employment is furnished to three hundred people. Their vehicles are sold direct to the consum- ers and find a ready sale in all the southern, western and northwestern states. For the past two years they have also manufactured automobiles. The plant of the company covers almost an entire block and a part of another. The house from the beginning has sustained a reputation for undoubted integrity and reliability in its methods that has made the name of Spaulding a synonym for commercial honor in Grinnell.
Mr. Spaulding is now and for about fourteen years past has been a trustee of Grinnell College, manifesting a deep and helpful interest in the institution. Ile is likewise a prominent factor in financial circles as the president of the Citi- zens National Bank of Grinnell and is a director in many other institutions. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, since his prosperity is entirely due to his own labor, his utilization of opportunity and his persistency of purpose.
Mr. Spaulding has been twice married. In October, 1872, he wedded Miss Miriam J. Lull, by whom he had three sons, namely : Harry E., who died at the age of twelve years; F. E .; and E. H. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1888 and in 1903 Mr. Spaulding was again married, his second union being with Miss Aimee M. Haight, whose birth occurred near Aurora, Kane county, Illinois, January 4, 1870. They are the parents of two daughters, Alice C. and Henryetta W .. both of whom were born in Grinnell.
In politics Mr. Spaulding is a stanch republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. For one term he served as councilman and for a similar period discharged the responsible duties devolving upon him as mayor of Grinnell. In the fall of 1910 he was elected to the state senate from the twelfth district, comprising Keokuk and Poweshiek counties. In that body he is now ably and creditably serving, taking an active part in the business that is transacted in council cham-
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
bers of the state. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Con- gregational church, to which his wife also belongs and of which he is a trustee. In all of his business relations Mr. Spaulding has been thoroughly reliable and in his treatment of employes is just and considerate. Without the aid of influence or wealth he has risen to a position among the most prominent men of lowa and his native genius and acquired ability are the stepping stones on which he has mounted.
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DAVID SUTHERLAND MORRISON.
David Sutherland Morrison, one of Grinnell's foremost citizens, is at the head of the Morrison & Ricker Manufacturing Company, his associates being B. J. Ricker and Frederic Morrison. His birth occurred in Bath, New Hampshire. on the 23d of October, 1851, his parents being Frederick W. and Anna ( Suther- land) Morrison, extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work. He was but four years of age when brought by his father and mother to Grinnell and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. Following his graduation from the Grinnell high school he took up the study of civil engineering in Iowa College and during his three years' attendance at that institution spent each summer in the field with an engineering corps.
An older brother, Leon, died about the end of that time and the growth of his father's business called for his assistance in its conduct. When about ready to enter the factory he received information to the effect that the civil engineer under whom he had spent his summers as transit man had been awarded the contract for the extension of the Burlington & Missouri from Plattsmouth, Nebraska, to Denver, and would give him charge of a division if he would accompany him. The offer meant one hundred and fifty dollars per month, an attractive salary to a young man of twenty-one years, but his father told him that the business needed him more and so the die was cast and he entered manufacturing circles. From that time to the present his efforts have been an important factor in the successful control of one of the principal industrial enterprises of Iowa. Prior to 1872 all the gloves in the Grinnell factory had been cut by hand but in that year Mr. Morrison went to Gloversville, New York, to purchase dies for cutting and also instituted other modern methods to keep pace with the increasing business. In 1876 Frederick W. Morrison died and our subject succeeded him as the head of the concern. In the intervening years various changes have been made in the style of the firm, Mr. Morrison first having as partner Andrew McIntosh, then E. C. Wadsworth and next E. A. Wadsworth, the son of his previous associate. In 1903 the interest of Mr. Wadsworth was purchased by B. J. Ricker and Frederic Morrison, a son of David S. Morrison. However, the business was conducted under the name of Morrison & McIntosh until 1907. when Mr. McIntosh withdrew and the present firm style was adopted. In connection with his duties as the head of an extensive and important manufacturing concern Mr. Morrison also acts as vice president of the Grinnell Savings Bank.
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is today his. It is true that he became interested in a business already established but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of even con- siderable resolute purpose, courage and industry would have failed, and he has demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius but the outcome of clear judgment and experience.
On the 15th of April. 1876, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Ricker. Her father, Edward Ricker, made his way from Kewanee, Illinois, to Scott county, Iowa, at an early day and subsequently took up his abode among the pioneer residents of Grinnell. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have been born six children, the record of whom is as follows: Nellie, who graduated from Grinnell College with the class of 1899. is now the wife of Dr. P. E. Somers, of Grinnell. Frederic, who completed the course in Grinnell College in 1911, is a partner of his father in the Morrison & Ricker Manu- facturing Company. Addie, a Grinnell College graduate of 1902, is the wife of Charles F. Chase, of Mason City, Iowa. Frank H. is at present employed by his father but has decided to embark in the lumber business in Idaho in the near future. Julian and Donald are both high school students.
Mr. Morrison is a stanch supporter of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He has served on the town council for three terms and for a similar period has been a member of the board of education in Grinnell. He is a valued member and a trustee of the Congregational church, to which his wife and children also belong. His life has been well spent and in all his career he has been sincere and upright in his purposes, honorable principles guiding him in all of his relations with his fellowmen.
ERASTUS SNOW.
Although nearly a decade has elapsed since the demise of Erastus Snow his personality was too strongly impressed upon the community where he had resided for so many years for him to be readily forgotten. A man of rare ability and possessing a high sense of public duty he is remembered as an agriculturist, finan- cier and legislator, but probably best as the citizen who was always willing to con- tribute both his time and money to forward any movement for the general good of the community. Of Puritan extraction, the early principles fostered in a New England home remained with him throughout life.
His birth occurred in Winchester. New Hampshire, on the 19th of September, 1819. He was reared in the paternal home to the age of twelve years, acquiring his education in the common schools of his native town. One evening after he had passed his thirteenth birthday he was reading the paper by the firelight when his eye was caught by an advertisement which read, "Wanted, a boy in a printing office. Apply here." Being an ambitious lad, he was most anxious to begin his business career and so applied to his father for permission to take the position.
Erastus Snow.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
Ten minutes later Mr. Snow placed within his pocket a note for fifty dollars, bearing the signature of little Erastus, remarking as he did so that he would always have something coming to him. The mother, however, thought better of her son than that and replied, "That note will be paid." It was to this early confidence reposed in him by his mother that Erastus Snow attributed much of his success in after life. At times when everything looked hopeless and he was ready to give up or was sorely tempted to compromise with right he would remem- ber his mother, and her belief in him gave him renewed courage and enabled him to conquer conditions rather than to permit them to conquer him.
The note, which he had given his father, was to compensate the parent for the lad's time and services up to the time he had attained his majority, which at that period was deemed to be the right of every parent. At the expiration of three years it was cancelled, in confirmation of his mother's trust, although the lad had only received fifty dollars for his first year's service, which sum was doubled the second and tripled the third year. Before he had attained his majority he had lifted the mortgage from the old homestead, thus relieving from anxiety the latter days of his parents. Mr. Snow did not follow his trade for many years, simply using it as a stepping stone to something higher. Returning to his old home he worked in the bank for a while but believing that the west afforded better op- portunities for men of limited means he removed to Iowa. Upon his arrival here he first located in Davenport, where he resided for two years, and then removed to Poweshiek county, buying some land east of Grinnell, in the cultivation of which he was engaged when elected president of the First National Bank, following which he came to town to live. He served most efficiently in various public capaci- ties during the long period of his, residence here, having been elected to both branches of the legislature as well as to the board of supervisors. The latter office he held at the time when the matter of railroad bonds was being so strongly .gitated in the county, but probably his most notable service was in assisting the chool district to cancel its early indebtedness. After leaving the First National Bank, of which he was the first president, he became connected with the Grinnell Savings Bank, subsequently assuming the management of the Granger store for a number of years, while he was also identified with the Farmers Mutual Insur- ance Company. During the latter years of his life he withdrew from all public activities and returned to his farm, where he resided until December, 1893, al- though he rented the land. He then removed to Grinnell, where he was living at the time of his demise on the Ist of March, 1902.
On the 17th of October, 1887, Mr. Snow was united in marriage in Boston, Massachusetts, to Mrs. Harriett E. (Haskell) Waterhouse, whose husband had been killed in the first battle of Bull Run. He was a member of Company C, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Waterhouse were living in Minnesota when the war opened but after the death of her husband she returned to the east, settling in Boston. She was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (John- son) Haskell, natives of Maine, in which state the father, who was a strong abolitionist, engaged in agricultural pursuits until his demise in 1852. His wife survived until 1872. Three children were born unto Mr. Snow by a former mar- riage but the daughter passed away when she was twenty-four years of age, and the two sons are also deceased.
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
His political allegiance Mr. Snow ever accorded the men and measures of the republican party, believing its principles were best adapted to protect the inter- ests of the general public, but he favored free silver. He early adopted for his motto the old adage "Be sure you are right then go ahead," which became the governing principle of his life.
JOHN E. DEMPSTER.
John E. Dempster, who owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres of good land in Chester township, Poweshiek county, and is now living retired, has made his home in Iowa for fifty-two years and is well acquainted with the resources of the state and the history of its development since the Civil War.
Hle is a native of Morgan county, Ohio, born January 3. 1837, and is a son of Thomas and Phebe (Lane) Dempster, the former born on the eastern shore of Maryland and the latter in Dutchess county, New York. The ancestors upon both sides of the house fought in the Revolutionary war, the Crafts, who belonged to the maternal branch, being driven from the ground where the battle of White Plains, New York, was fought. The paternal grandfather moved with his family in the early part of the nineteenth century to Morgan county, and there passed the remainder of his days. Thomas Dempster came to lowa with his family early in the '6os and settled in Scott county, near Daven- port, on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He was successful in his business and acquired two hundred and eighty acres. He died in this state and is buried at Vail in Crawford county.
John E. Dempster, of this review, was the second in a family of seven sons. He attended the district schools and worked on his father's farm, com- ing to Scott county, lowa, March 5, 1859, his eldest brother having preceded him to this state. He applied himself industriously to agriculture and stock- raising and became one of the well known and popular citizens of Scott county. He was commissioned captain of the militia September 17, 1864, and served in that office until the close of the war. He taught school several terms in his carly manhood and also purchased an interest in a threshing outfit, with which he was connected for several years. In June, 1868, he bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and as the years advanced his prosperity increased until he became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of good land in Scott county. Since 1900 he has lived in Poweshiek county, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres, which are cultivated by his sons, as he retired from active work several years ago.
In 1868 Mr. Dempster was married to Miss Esther E. Burch, a daughter of Ira and Catherine (Deyo) Burch, and to this union three children were born. two daughters and one son: Emma E., who married E. W. Fisher, a farmer of Chester township, and has three daughters, Esther E., Ruth M. and Dorothy E. ; Mary J., the wife of W. W. Sherman, of Ottertail county, Minnesota, and the mother of three children, Harold W., Edith M. and Bernice ; and John J .. now living upon his own farm, who is married and has two sons, J. Gaylord
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
and Keith G. The mother of these children died December 24, 1873. and Mr. Dempster was again married in 1875, his second union being with Miss Josephine Fitzsimmons, a daughter of Felix Fitzsimmons, a contractor of New York state. Three children were born of this union, two sons and one daughter : Alden H., who married Oral J. Neely and has two children, Gertrude J. and Mildred L. : Edna A., who lives at home; and Roscoe, also living at home.
In politics Mr. Dempster gives his allegiance to the republican party and for many years was one of the active workers for its success. He served as secretary of the independent school district of Linn Grove from 1868 to 1809, a record which probably has never been surpassed in lowa. He also filled the office of township clerk for three terms. In 1897 he was elected a member of the state legislature from Scott county, filling the position with an ability that reflected upon him the highest credit. He also served in charge of the United States census of 1890 for Scott county. He displayed an interest and efficiency in all his official duties which met the hearty approval of the people, his con- stant aim being to promote the public good. Successful as a business man and farmer he now enjoys a rest, which he richly earned, and also possesses the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
WILLIAM F. VOGT.
Starting out for himself as a young man with the laudable ambition to win for himself an honorable place in the world, William F. Vogt has succeeded. perhaps, even beyond the brightest expectations of his earliest years, and today he is living retired on a beautiful farm in Poweshiek county, while his sons are carrying forward the work which he began. He is a native of Scott county, Iowa, and was born June 9, 1848, a son of John C. and Catherine (Graff ) Vogt, both of whom were born in Holstein, Germany. They were married in the old country and came to America in 1847, locating on a farm in Scott county, Jowa, where Mr. Vogt established his home.
Educated in the district schools William F. Vogt grew up under the friendly shelter of the parental home and was early made acquainted with the many details of agriculture and stock-raising. Even as a boy he showed special adaptability to agricultural pursuits, and as he grew to manhood it became evident that he was destined to become a successful farmer. He continued at home until after he had reached the age of manhood and then began farming on his own account in his native county. In 1883 he came to Poweshiek county and for twenty-two years applied himself to farming and stockraising with most gratifying results. In 1905 he moved to Grinnell, and after living for three years in the city returned to the country and took up his residence on a farm which he had acquired adjoining his old homestead. Here, surrounded by every comfort that can be desired, he is enjoying the fruits of many years of labor. He is an extensive landowner, being the possessor of one thousand and nine acres in Poweshiek county, and also of land in Jasper county and three hundred and twenty acres in Minnesota. In addition to his agricultural interests
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
he is vice president of the Citizens Bank of Grinnell, of which he was one of the founders. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Brick & Tile Company of Grinnell, and is a man whose judgment in business affairs is greatly respected wherever he is known.
On the 13th day of March, 1875, Mr. Vogt was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Brockman, a daughter of C. H. and Anna (Sindt) Brockman. both of whom were born in Germany. The family came to America and located in Scott county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming. He passed away in 1898, but the mother is still living on the old homestead with her son. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vogt, namely: C. J., who married Sadie Evans, of Grinnell township and now lives on the home farm ; Harry C., also on the home farm; Walter E. and Otis B., both of whom are on the home farm; Clarence, who is now a student in the common schools : Grover Cleveland, who is living with his parents; William McKinley ; Anna C .: Julia A., who received a high school education and is now teaching at Mon- tezuma ; and Mildred C., at home.
Mr. Vogt and his estimable wife are sincere members of the German Luth- eran church and active workers in its behalf. By his ballot he supports the principles and candidates of the republican party, being allied with the progres- sive element, which believes that the party has within itself the resources and ability to correct the evils of government as they arise. He has always been enterprising and public-spirited and few men have contributed more materially to the welfare of the community. As a result he has a host of friends in Poweshiek county who do not hesitate to declare that William F. Vogt is a model citizen.
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