USA > Iowa > Mills County > A biographical history of Fremont and Mills Counties, Iowa > Part 51
USA > Iowa > Fremont County > A biographical history of Fremont and Mills Counties, Iowa > Part 51
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James W. Carter has spent his entire life in Mills county. In his youth he was
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acorded excellent educational privileges, attending the graded and high schools in Glenwood, the normal school at Peru, Ne- braska, and the Omaha Commercial College. After putting aside his text-books he en1 gaged in teaching school at Weeping Water, Nebraska, and his scholarship is indicated by the fact that he holds a state certificate. He was successful as an educator, but abandoned that work in order to engage in commercial interests in Glenwood. There he engaged in business until 1897, when he removed to liis present farm, which is pleasantly located near Hillsdale. It is one of the most at- tractive and desirable country seats in the state. The residence is a large, spacious and costly one, with fine interior and exterior finishings, for the furnishings are modern and tasteful. There is a telephone connec- tion with the city and numerous other mod- ern conveniences and requisites equal to any city home. The farm comprises three hun- dred and seventy acres of rich, arable land, much of which is under a high state of cul- tivation, and Mr. Carter is extensively en- gaged in the breeding of fine stock. He feeds all of his grain and in his meadows are found some splendid specimens of cattle. horses and hogs.
He married Miss Emma Buffington, a daughter of B. F. Buffington, an old and honored citizen of the county, who came to Iowa from Ohio. Her mother bore the maid- en name of Nancy Ayers and her ancestors were residents of New Jersey. The families which Mrs. Carter represents were loyal to the colonies during the war of the Revolu- tion and furnished some of their members to aid in establishing the independence of the nation. Mr. and Mrs. Buffington were mar- ried in Ohio and they became the parents of
four children : Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Lizzie Bo. gard, who is living in Glenwood : Mrs. Mary Craven, who resides in Seattle, Washington; and Charles, who makes his home in Glen- wood. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with two interesting little sons, Clarence B. and Edwin Ayers, aged respectively six and three years.
Since casting his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield, Mr. Carter has sup- ported the men and measures of the Republi- can party. For four years he filled the office of city recorder of Glenwood and for one term was alderman from the first ward there. He is at present a township trustee of Cen- ter township, and his public service has won for him high commendation, as he is a ca- pable and reliable officer. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist church and take an active interest in its work and upbuilding. Their home is noted for its gracious hospitality, which is enjoyed by a very large circle of friends. Mr. Carter is an enterprising business man whose dili+ gence, keen discrimination and capable man- agement have enabled him to advance stead- ily on the high road to prosperity.
JAMES McGEE.
Those who have never been called upon to face the necessity of making a home in a new country can scarcely understand the trials and privations which the early pioneers encountered in their struggles with wild na- ture. The history of the subject of our sketch and a description of his present pro- ductive farm would be incomplete without reference to his parents, William and Jane ( Harper ) McGee, who were among the pio-
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meers of Indiana. They possessed the stal- wart frames and sturdy will that made ot their children the first pioneers of a land still farther west.
James McGee was born in West Vir- ginia, June 28, 1825, his father, William, having been born in Kentucky, in 1792 and his mother in Virginia, where their marriage took place. in 1820. In 1830 they emigrat- ed to Indiana, settling in the dense woods on the Wabash river. Here Mr. McGee took up and cleared one hundred and twenty acres of government land, laboring as only a man of stalwart frame and perfect health could do, being ably assisted by a faithful and de- voted wife. She was noted for her capable management of her household, not only car- ing for it and her family, in the wilderness, but proving in every way a real and true helpmate for her husband, and her descend- ants honor her memory. Six sons and. four daughters came to them, six of the family still living, all in lowa, with the exception of one son, who is in California. William McGee died in Fountain county, Indiana, in 1850, the mother of our subject surviv. ing until 1891. dying in Shenandoah, Fre- mont county, Iowa.
James McGee. the subject of this memoir, had very little chance for schooling, but has proven that success does not always depend upon education. He has accumulated prop- erty, is one of the solid men of his neighbor- hood, and has gained the respect of all by those sterling qualities which enabled him to overcome the disadvantages of early life. When twenty-one years of age he was a flat- boatman on the Wabash river, living at home. In 1850, when twenty-five years of age, he removed to lowa, where he has lived ever since. The next year after his removal
to Iowa, he wished to obtain a horse and some money that he had left in Indiana, and started on the long tramp of six hundred miles, making it in twelve anyl one-half days! Buying another horse and wagon, he returned to Iowa, where he had built a house of logs, and had at that time fifteen dollars with which to begin housekeeping.
Fortunately for Mr. McGee, he had mar- ried a heroic woman who cheerfully endured the privations of their life, assisted him in every way by her advice and example. and still lives to tell of those days. For eight years she cooked the family meals without a stove, sometimes out of doors, and for two years after building their cabin they had no brick chimney. The first summer a child was born, adding to the cares of Mrs. McGee, and when the daughter was but about two years old the twins came, making her duties heavy indeed. as she was obliged to do all of her own work, the near- est neighbor being two miles away. Wild animals wandered even to the door of their cabin, but through it all she preserved the patience and sweet disposition which have made her beloved by all those who come within her acquaintance. The name of this admirable woman was Lydia A. Davis, born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania. April 10, 1827. She was the daughter of John and Mary ( Reed) Davis, who had moved from Kentucky in 1836 to Missouri, and thence to Hancock county, Illinois, where the mother died in 1844. Then Mr. Davis moved to Pottawattamie county. Iowa, at which place James McGee first met this lady who became his wife, they being mar- ried in Council Bluffs, in 1852. She had been bereft of her mother at the age of sev- enteen years and upon her shoulders was
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thrown the care of twin boys five years oldl. and an infant. Her father later removed to Wisconsin, where he died at the age of eighty-four years.
When Mr. and Mrs. McGee started out in life he was often obliged to work for fifty cents a day to provide for the necessi- ties of his growing family: but labor brought its own reward and a proud day it was when they became the possessors of the first one hundred acres of land. They have now four hundred and thirty acres of well stocked and finely cultivated land and three pairs of horses, while for the past twenty. eight years they have resided in their com- fortable residence in section 1, in Ander- son township.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. McGee was a large one, consisting of fourteen men. bers, twelve of whom are still living : Mary. the wife of Charles Russell, a farmer of Hall county, Nebraska, has six children; Luther and Lucy, twins, the former of whom is a farmer in Monroe county, Iowa. and has five children, and the latter died. a young mother, leaving an infant: William and Henry, twins, the former deceased at the age of nineteen and the latter a farmer of Monona county, with seven children : Almira, the widow of Edgar Helm, of Page county, lowa, has three children : Jane, the widow of Julian Parmly, living at home with her parents; Addie, the wife of Rob- ert Harding, has seven children: John, a farmer in Nebraska county, Nebraska, has four children: Charles, a tenant farmer at his parental home, has one son: Maggie. the widow of John Royal: Andrew, a farm- er in Pottawattamie county, has one daugh- ter: Bertha, the wife of Frank Sliter, of Woodbury county, Iowa, has two sons : and
Della, the wife of Asa Williamson, lives near Emerson, but they have no children. There are two great-grandchildren in ile family, and a pleasant sight it must be to see this aged couple with all of their de- scendants about them.
Mr. McGee is a stanch Republican, and. remembering how he has borne his part through life, one may judge that he has firm convictions.
II. E. SAAR.
H. E. Saar is a western man by birth, training and preference, and possesses the true western spirit of progress and indomi- table energy. To-day he stands among the successful self-made men whose lives illu -- trate what may be accomplished through determined purpose and honorable effort in a land that offers excellent possibilities to energetic and ambitious men.
Mr. Saar was born in Oak township, Mills county, March 20. 1866. His father, Henry Saar, followed the occupation of a baker in Germany-his native land-and in 18440 came to America, believing that he might bentfit his financial condition in the new world. During the first winter after his arrival he remained in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then removed to Jefferson county, Missouri, where he followed agricultural pursuits. In April, 1845. he was united in marriage to Sophia Plumer, and the subject of this review is the youngest of their eight chil- dren, six of whom are now living, and, hav- ing married. are settled near the old home- stead.
Under the parental roof II. E. Saar was reared, and in the public schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education,
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
while in the fields he received practical train- ing at farm work. He began life for him- self at the age of twenty-six and has since been extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, his efforts being attended with a high degree of success. Close at -. tention to business, unfaltering diligence and strong determination have enabled him to conquer all the difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily up- ward. To-day he is the owner of twelve hundred and eighty acres of rich farming land and is largely engaged in raising and feeding stock. He has recently built near the old home a modern residence, contain- ing ten rooms, heated by a furnace and supplied with all the latest improved con- veniences which add to the comforts and joys of life.
On the 20th of December, 1893. Mr. Saar was united in marriage to Miss Min- nie, a daughter of John and Angelina Fei- fer, residents of Oak township, Mills coun- ty, and natives of Iowa. They now have three children, Lester, Edna and Clifford. Their pleasant home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality, which is enjoyed by their many friends. Although a very en- ergetic business man, Mr. Saar possesses a liberal and generous nature and contributes of his means to the support of many move- ments for the public good. He votes with the Democracy, but has never sought or de, sired office, preferring to give his time and attention to the work of the farm.
CHARLES C. OAKS.
The reputation of Mills county, Iowa, for the possession of fine farms, can not be successfully disputed. Among these is
that of Charles C. Oaks, the subject of this sketch, who is located on section 35, in An- derson township. He owns large tracts. upon which he employs tenants, as farmers. giving the most of his attention to the breeding of horses, mules, cattle and Poland China hogs, which he ships and sells in great numbers.
Charles C. Oaks was born in Warren county, Illinois, April 19, 1847. He was the son of Seth Oaks, of Vermont, who was born in 1815 and died in Warren county, Illinois, in 1875. Our subject lost his mother when he was but twelve years of age and his father married a second time, ad- ding five more children to the five already gathered around the hearth. Four children of the immediate family of our subject are still living: A. D. Oaks: S. M. Oaks, Ada L., the wife of G. W. Tinkane; while a sister, Fanny E., married John Bell and died in this county, at the age of twenty- seven, leaving one son, C. W. Bell. Of the second family of children all are living, and are these: W. E. Oaks, of California; J. M. Oaks, of Kirkwood ; W. E. Oaks: F. M. Oaks; and Lydia B., the wife of Alvin Creamer.
Our subject was reared on the farm of his father, although not to the drudgery, as his parent was the owner of some two thousand acres and engaged in stock-breed- ing and dealing in stock to an extensive de- gree. He had reached Illinois when settlers were few and at that time was without means, but energy and thrift had enabled him to accumulate a large acreage of val- uable land and much stock. Mr. Oaks, the senior, died in 1875, and Charles C. re- mained at home to assist in the settling up of the large estate, valued at $150,000. He had received a good education and had come
6. b. Oaks anna M Cake
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
to Towa in March, 1876, settling on a farm of eighteen hundred and forty-six acres which his father had bought in 1874. for which he had paid twenty-seven dollars and fifty cents per acre. Here he has resided ever since and has engaged extensively in the feeding of stock. His farms supply the corn used in feeding, and the reputation of his cattle and hogs for excellence in every point is known throughout the state, es- pecially at the yards where he disposes of them.
Mr. Oaks was married March 20, 1878, to Miss Anna M. Fox, of Biggsville, Illi- nois, born in 1855. in Pickaway county. Ohio, and an interesting family have been added: David Ear !: Gale Estelle. a very talented young lady who is an accomplished pianist and vocalist : and Charles Walter, a lad of nine years. In his political views Mr. Oaks holds with the Republican party, and has never desired any office, his vast business employing his attention sufficiently. but has consented for the past three years to act as township trustee. The comfort and beauty of the surroundings of Mr. and Mrs. Oakes and their prominence in the county make them and their home repre- sentative.
GEORGE T. HATTEN.
George T. Hatten was born in Missouri in 1852 and is a representative of one of the old families of Virginia. His grandfather. William D. Hatten, was born in that state and died in Fremont county, Iowa, at the age of ninety-five years. His son, Charles Spottswood Hatten, was also a native of the Old Dominion and spent his last days in Sidney, Iowa. On leaving the place of
his nativity he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Dudding, who was born in the same state and died in Sidney. Three of the uncles of our subject. Benjamin, John and Thad Hatten, were Confederate soldiers at the time of the Civil war.
George T. Hatten, whose name forms the caption of this review, was born in Holt county, Missouri, and when he was a year old was taken by his parents to Fillmore, Missouri. The father was a carpenter and cooper by trade. The family resided in Fill- more until 1865. when they removed to Sidney, in Fremont county, our subject be- ing then thirteen years of age. In this place he learned the printer's trade and worked on the old Sidney Union and on the Fremont County Herald. He also learned painting and paper-hanging, which pursuits he followed at various intervals for twenty years. During that time he served for about thirty days as nurse to the noted outlaw. Polk Wells, who was shot for robbing the bank at Riverton, and whose restoration to health was due to the care of Mr. Hatten. In 1893 Mr. Hatten became the proprietor of the Crozier Hotel in Sidney, and under his direction it became the leading hotel of Fre- mont county. He successfully conducted it until June. 1900. since which time he has been the proprietor and manager of the Man- hattan restaurant in Sidney, which has al- ready become famous as a first-class dining place. The enterprise is indeed proving a success, being conducted after the most modern and approved methods, and his pat- ronage is steadily and constantly increas- ing
Mr. Hatten was united in marriage in 1885 to Miss Margaret Linn, a daughter of James R. and Sarah ( Chillcoate ) Linn, who
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
removed from Pennsylvania to Shelby coun- ty, and then to Sidney, Iowa, where Mr. Linn was born. His wife was a native of Baltimore, and her family own land on which a part of that city is built. Her fa- ther. Mr. Chillcoate, was an Englishman, and Mrs. Hatten's paternal grandfather, James Linn, was of English descent. Her uncle. Jacob Linn, was a Union soldier in the Civil war, belonging to the Eighth Penn- sylvania Infantry, a man of strong religious convictions who lived up. to Christian prin- ciples under all the adverse influences of army life. Another uncle, the Rev. Hugh Linn, was an eminent minister of the Meth- edist church, long connected with the Penn- sylvania conference, and his death was wide- ly and deeply mourned throughout that por- tion of the country. Both of these uncles reared families whose members are respect- ed representatives of society, successful busi- ness people and earnest Christians.
A few years after the arrival of James R. and Sarah Linn in Sidney, Iowa, they removed to Pierce City. Missouri, where the father is still living, although the mother has passed away. Theirs, too, was a Chris- tian family, and its representatives were found to be earnest Christian workers ; do- ing all in their power to uplift their fellow men and to bring to those with whom they were associated a cognizance of the needs of the human soul. Reared amid the refin- ing influences of a good Christian home, Mrs. Hatten is widely known as a lady of intelligence and culture, and many excellent characteristics. By her marriage she has become the mother of one son, Charles Mearl, an exceptionally bright. interesting and well educated youth of fourteen years.
He will undoubtedly make his mark in the world.
The Hatten family is one widely and favorably known in this locality. In his po- litical views Mr. Hatten is a Democrat. and in March, 1896, he entered upon the duties of the office of mayor of Sidney, to which he had been elected, filling that position in a most creditable manner for one year. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias frater- nity and is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his wife is a member of the Methodist church. In man- ner Mr. Hatten is pleasant and genial, in his business dealings reliable, and in all the re- lations of life true to duty, and these quali- ties have made him very popular, so that he enjoys the highest regard of the major- ity of the citizens of Sidney.
CRIS PLUMER.
Among the foreign nations that have furnished citizens to the new world. Ger- many stands prominent, by reason of the industrious and thrifty class which she has sent to American shores. Practical, peace- able, contented and energetic, the sons of Germany have made the best of their op+ portunities, have readily adapted them - selves to new customs and surroundings and have made marked advancement in the business life. The western cities have been settled by many of the best and most en- terprising representatives of the Father- land, who, on coming to the arena of larger opportunities where there is fertile soil and congenial climate, have developed a pro- gressive spirit and unfaltering energy that is peculiarly western. Among the number
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is Cris Plumer, who was born in Drephols, Germany, October 7, 1838.
His father, John Henry Plumer, was a farmer by occupation and came to America in 1840, locating first in Jefferson City, Mis- souri. There he took out naturalization papers in order to become a citizen of his recently adopted land. After spending about eleven years in Jefferson City he came to Mills county, lowa, in 1851, locating in Oak township, where he purchased and im- proved a government claim, for which he paid one dollar and a quarter per acre. His attention was then given to farming and stock-raising, in which he was very success- ful. In his family were five children : Hen- ry, the eklest. resides in Pottawattamie county, as does also William Plumer, both residents of Lewis township. One of the daughters of the family is Mrs. Henry E. Saar, of Oak township. Frederick Wil- helm died August 4, 1899: and Margaret Caroline died at the time of the terrible epidemic of cholera at St Louis, Missouri. Her daughter, Julia Bower, was reared by Mr. Plumer, of this review, and is now the wife of Carl Green, a resident of Lewis township. Pottawattamie county, Iowa.
Cris Plumer, whose name begins this sketch, was only two years old when brought by his parents to the new world. On at- taining his majority he started out in life on his own account, and is strictly a self- made man, for all that he has acquired is the merited reward of his own effort. His possessions indicate his success-the re- sult of an industrious and well-ordered life. He is now the owner of five hundred acres of rich farming land, divided into highly cultivated fields, meadows, pastures and , to others who are forced to begin life as he timber tracts. He is largely engaged in did, without financial aid.
raising and feeding stock, and finds that a profitable source of income.
In the year 1860 Mr. Plumer was unital in marriage to Miss Anna Schoning, a daughter of Henry Frederick Schoning, a resident of Oak township, Mills county. Nine children were born unto them, of whom five are yet living: Mary Louise, Gustoph Christian, Charley Christoph. Ella Sophia Caroline and Ferdinand. The mother died in 1879, and Mr. Plummer was again mar- ried on the 2d of March, 1882, to Mrs. Sarah Teressa Askwig, a daughter of P. G. Dunn, a resident of Mills county. Mr. Plu- mer's youngest son, Charley, resides at home and is actively engaged in managing the farm work. He seems to have inherite 1 the sterling qualities and business ability of his father, who has long been numbered among the leading and progressive agricul- turists of the community. The son is now serving his third term as township clerk. lle was first appointed to the office and has since been twice elected. Practical and en- ergetic, he is a young man who undoubted- ly has before him a successful future.
Mr. Plumer, of this review, is one of the leading Democrats of his township and is influential in all matters of church and so- ciety. He and his family hold membership in the German Lutheran church. Their home is pleasantly located seven miles from Glen- wood and eleven miles from Council Bluffs, and is celebrated for its gracious hospitali- ty. A resolute purpose, a laudable ambi- tion and unflagging industry have been the salient features in the career of Mr. Plu- mer, and his example should well serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
JOHN HONEYMAN.
John Honeyman, who for many years was identified with the agricultural inter- ests of Mills county, was of Scotch birth. He was born in the county of Fite, Scot- land, in the year 1842, his parents being John and Margaret (Blythe) Honeyman. The father was born in the county of Fife, in 1797, and spent his entire life in his native land, passing away on the 29th of December, 1864, in the house which had been built by his great-grandfather. He was a mason by trade and became a con- tractor and builder along that line. His wife, who was born in Scotland, March 20, 1804. also died in the land of hills and heather. Their marriage was celebrated June 7, 1830.
John Honeyman, whose name intro- duces this record, was educated in the high schools of his native country and when fifteen years of age entered the service of the Commercial Bank, of Scotland, remain- ing with that institution until 1872, when, believing that he might better his financial condition in the new world, he sailed for America. Landing in New York, he did not tarry long in the eastern metropolis but journeyed westward to Detroit and thence to Chicago, remaining a short time in that city. In June, 1873, he came to Mills coun- ty and located on the farm which he made his home until his death, with the exception of brief intervals spent in other lines of business elsewhere.
Mr. Honeyman was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Gregg Miles, a native of Scotland, who died June 8, 1874. He then returned to his native country, but after a short time again came to America, and in
September, 1874. took charge of a bank, im- plement house and grain elevator in Emer- son, where he remained for one year. He then went to Ashkum, Illinois, where he had charge of a grain business for a year, when he again came to Mills county. In 1876 he had charge of an elevator in Emer- son and at one time in the period of eight days raised twenty-six thousand nine hun- dred and sixteen bushels of corn measured as shelled, and at the same time there were two other firms in Emerson engaged in buying corn. On leaving Emerson he re- turned to his farm, which comprised two hundred and thirteen acres of rich land in Indian Creek township, and throughout his remaining days he gave his attention to the cultivation and development of his land, winning thereby creditable success.
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