USA > Iowa > Mills County > A biographical history of Fremont and Mills Counties, Iowa > Part 61
USA > Iowa > Fremont County > A biographical history of Fremont and Mills Counties, Iowa > Part 61
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Nelson C. Field
THE NEW 1 75 PUBLIC LIP .ARY
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BIOGRAPHIIC.IL HISTORY.
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 lay- ing fast and sure the foundations of an en- lightened commonwealth, to further the ends of justice and to uphold the banner of lowa. In a compilation of this nature then it is clearly incumbent that due recognition be accorded the newspaper press of the state. One of the capable representatives of the press in Mills county is Nelson Cur- tis Field.
A native son of the Hawkeye state, he has always been closely identified with its interests and has labored earnestly for its welfare along many lines. He was born in Pottawattamie county, April 13, 1868, a son of AArminius J. and Aurelia ( Sellers) Field. His boyhood days were spent upon his father's farm, and while he worked in the fields in the summer months, aiding in plowing, planting and harvesting, in the winter season he improved the opportuni- ties for education afforded by the common schools. Desirous of enjoying more ad- vanced privileges, he continued farm work until he had earned money sufficient to en- able him to enter school elsewhere. He matriculated in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in the literary department with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, being the youngest mem- ber of the class of 1890, numbering one hundred and fifty graduates in the literary department. He afterward engaged in school-teaching for a year, and then turned his attention to journalistic work, in 1891 establishing the Mills County Tribune, of which he has since been the editor and pro- prietor, conducting the paper with continu- 29
ous success up to the present time. He be- gan the publication of this journal in coll- nection with N. T. Bradway, Who soon withdrew from the firm, however, being succeeded by F. M. Buffington, who retired from the business in 1895. leaving Mr. Field the sole owner. This journal is cred- itable to the city and county in which it is published, and is an excellent news organ and advertising medium. Its circulation is constantly increasing and its business ai- fairs are in a prosperous condition.
Since the first year in which he attend- ed college Mr. Field has given his political support to the Democracy. Believing firm- ly in its principles, he strongly supports its doctrines and upholds its banners. He was made a candidate for state senator on the Democratic ticket in the senatorial district composed of Mills and Montgomery coun- ties, but was defeated on account of the overwhelming Republican majority in the district. He began business about nine years ago with no capital, but through hi, paper and other judicious investments he has become one of the most substantial citi- zens of the community and to-day owns seven fine farms, aggregating one thousand and fifteen acres, besides a large amount of town property which brings to him a good income. All that he has acquired is the re- ward of his well-directed labors guided by sound business judgment, and his life stands an exemplification of what may be accomplished through determined purpose.
Mr. Field is a member of the Congre- gational church. On the 7th of January, 1890, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Buffington, a member of one of the oldest and most influential families in Mills county, but their happy married life was of
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short duration, for Mrs. Field passed away in the following May. One of Mr. Field's contemporaries in the journalistic field has given us the following pen picture : "Mr. Field is an exceptionally bright and brainy young man, of scrupulously clean and ten- perate habits. He makes a success of what- ever he undertakes. He is universally ac- knowledged to be one of the brightest and ablest newspaper men in the state, and now that he enters the political field, we predict for him a successful career." Another journalist said: "Mr. Field is a man of marked individuality, of strong purpose and remarkable energy."
AUGUSTUS MCCLENAHAN.
Among the prominent and successful farmers of Mills county, Iowa, who enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow citi- zens must be named the subject of the pres- ent review, Augustus McClenahan, who re- sides upon section II. Anderson township. He was born at Trader's Point, Iowa, Au- gust 18, 1848. He was the son of Robert McClenahan, who was born in Kentucky, in 1807, and died at Trader's Point, Iowa. 011 December 10, 1852. While still a very young man Robert McClenahan took up his residence in Stark county, Ohio, teaching school there, also in central Illinois, and after his removal to Iowa. In Ohio he made the acquaintance of, and married. Lucy A. Rich- ards, of Stark county, a daughter of Au- gustus Richards, and his wife, who belonged to the old Doggett family of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. McClenahan came to Iowa in 1846 and were among the very first settlers ot Mills county, where they reared their fam- ily : Mary Ellen, the wife of Daniel Hougas;
Frances Elizabeth, the wife of G. F. Schenck, of Montgomery county; and our subject. The father lived until death at Trader's Point, after which the mother mar- ried Jeremiah Bunker and bore him one daughter, now Mrs. Gifford, a resident of Carson, Iowa. Mr. Bunker died in Ne- braska, and she survived many years, pass- ing away in June, 1897.
Brought up on a farm and accustomed to agriculture, our subject has made a suc- cess of his life work. His educational ad- vantages, like those of many others of his day, were limited, but native good sense and a sterling character have supplied all de- ficiencies. It was on the 23d of October, 1872, that he was married to Miss Mary I. Schenck, a native of Indiana, who was born in 1850 and was a daughter of James M. and Alzina (Fisher) Schenck, both of whom are deceased.
Our subject remained on the farm where his mother had settled in 1855. also becoming the possessor of a land warrant of eighty acres from his grandfather Richards, who had been a soldier of the war of IS12. He now has a finely stocked and well cultivated farm of three hundred and twenty-six acres with eight acres of timber land additional. He raises corn, wheat, oats, but principally corn, some years harvesting from six to eight thousand bushels in all. He also raises Poland China hogs and breeds colts, and owns some twenty horses.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. McClena- han have grown up around their hearth to be the comfort of their declining years. The oldest child was an infant that died when but five months old: Maud is the wife of R. E. Stone and has a little son, Sylvan ; Pearl May is a teacher and lives at home;
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Robert Vernon and Lucy Edna, twins, are eighteen years old and live at home ; Edna is a graduate of the Henderson high school: Ralph W. : and Inez. a bright little ten-year old school girl. Pearl May was graduated at Shenandoah College and taught her first term of school in the Henderson high school, remaining a year. She is accomplished in music, and the musical talent seems to have been given to the whole family.
As a Republican Mr. McClenahan has always done his whole political duty, and his neighbors have honored him with their confidence, appointing him school director for twenty-five years. He was made treas- urer before he was twenty-one years old.
Few homes are more happily placed than that of our genial subject and his excellent wife. Generous and liberal-minded. Mr. McClenahan makes friends in every direc- tion, and is much interested in making his children happy by providing them with edu- cational advantages. A new library is being added to the other comforts of the home.
ALEXANDER C. GASTON.
Alexander C. Gaston, a well-known rep- resentative of commercial interests in Tabor. was born in Oberlin, Ohio, on the 16th of February, 1838. He represented one of the old families of Massachusetts. As the name indicates the family is of French lineage three brothers having been driven from France during the time of the Huguenor massacre. One became a resident of North Carolina, a second of Connecticut and the third. a bachelor, died in Ireland, leaving a fine estate, but the fortune was claimed by the crown. Alexander Gaston, the grand- father of our subject, removed from the old
Bay state to Ithaca, New York, at an early day, and his death occurred when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Lydia Belcher, and died in 1850, at the age of fifty-five years. They were farming people and were well known for their sterling worth. George B. Gaston the father of our subject, was born near Ithaca. New York. Ile was one of the founders of the Tabor College, and died in Tabor, in 1873.
Mr. Gaston, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the common district schools and also studied geometry for one term. In addition to this he devoted some time to the mastery of the Greek language. When twenty-one years of age he started out to make his own way in the world, his destination being Pike's Peak. which was then the scene of mining excite- ment. He and his companions traveled for three days and got as far as Salt creek, when the party formed a new decision and proced- ed to Fort Laramie, where they divided. Mr. Gaston and one of his companions. however, returned to lowa, taking up their abode in Fremont county. Becoming iden- tified with its farming interests, he was for a long time engaged in the tilling of the soil, transforming the wild land into pro- ductive fields which brought to him a good financial return for his labor. Through a long period Mr. Gaston continued farming. but in February. 1900, he established a gro- cery store in Tabor, and is there engaged in business at the present time. He has already secured a large patronage and is finding in the new venture a profitable source of in- come.
On the 27th of March, 1862. Mr. Gaston was united in marriage to Miss Mary F.
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Jones, a daughter of Solomon and Esther (Eslerbrook) Jones. They became the par- ents of eight children, six of whom are liv- ing, as follows : Ozroc, who is a stenographer for Judge Thornell and resides in Tabor ; Cora Ellen, now the wife of Waldo G. Rice, a resident of Cedar county, Nebraska; Etta Marla, at home ; Abbie Marie, wife of Henry O. Sheldon, who is living in Laurel, Ne- braska; Myron Clinton, who is also under the parental roof; and Alonzo A., who is now attending school. Mr. Gaston has served as county trustee for three terms, dis- charging his duties in a manner to promote the best interests of the community. He is a trustee of Tabor College and is a mem- ber of the Congregational church. Public progress and local improvement are causes both dear to his heart, and he withholds his support from no measure or movement that is calculated to advance the general welfare. His history is that of one who has demonstrated the truth of the old ad- age that success is not a matter of genius but results from earnest labor, and his in- dustry and unflagging determination have enabled him to win a creditable standing among the substantial citizens of his adopted county.
L. P. DEAN.
L. P. Dean, who is the station agent at Hamburg for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, has filled the position for nine years and is a most capable and courte- ous representative of the company, with which he has been identified for seventeen years. His life record began in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1865, and he belongs to one of the old, well known and promi-
nent families of that portion of his native state. His father, W. H. R. Dean, is an honored citizen of Hamburg, where he is now engaged in the real-estate business. A native of Maryland, he was reared and edu- cated there and in the year 1869 emigrated westward with his family, taking up his abode near St. Joseph, Missouri, where he resided for a number of years.
L. P. Dean, of this review, was reared in northwestern Missouri, and to the public - school system of the state is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He has also added to his fund of practical knowl- edge through experience in the business world and in reading in leisure hours. Learning telegraphy, he entered the railroad service and has been stationed at various places, between St. Joseph and Kansas City. He was at Barnard, Missouri, in charge of the station there for some time, and in 1891 was promoted to the position which he yer occupies. His connection with the railroad service covers almost two decades, a fact which indicates unmistakably that he has been loyal to the trusts reposed in him and prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, for extensive corporations do not re- tain in their employ men who are unworthy or incompetent. For nine years he has been in Hamburg, and is accounted a most popu- lar representative of the road, being always accommodating, courteous and obliging.
In October, 1900, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Bogan, a daugh- ter of Dr. Bogan, a prominent and well- known physician of Hamburg. Their pleas- ant home is celebrated for its hospitality, and to them a cordial welcome is extended in many of the best homes in the city. In his political views Mr. Dean is a Republican,
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but seeks not the honors or emoluments of public office. He was made a Mason in White Will Lodge. No. 302, F. & A. M., at Barnard, Missouri, and has since taken the degrees of the chapter and council. He also belongs to Bruce Commandery. No. 34. K. T., of Red Oak, lowa, and to Moilah Temple of the Mystic Shrine, in St. Joseph, Mis souri. He is classed among the intelligent and enterprising citizens of Hamburg, and his genial disposition and friendly tempera ment have won him the warm regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
RUFUS S. TATE.
Rufus S. Tate, formerly the sheriff of Fremont county, Iowa, and a prominent resi- dent of Sidney, is a recognized leader of the Democratic party in this section, his large acquaintance and unbounded popularity giv. ing him an influential following, while his shrewd judgment of men and affairs makes his counsel of value in all important move- ments.
A native of Iowa, Mr. Tate was born in Monroe county, on the 7th of February. 1856, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Elswick) Tate, both natives of Indiana. His paternal grandfather was James Tate. while his maternal grandparents were .In- drew and Elizabeth Elswick. The former lived in Kentucky for a time, then moved to Indiana, and from there to Iowa, in 1851. They were of Scotch descent. Throughout life the father of our subject followed ag- ricultural pursuits, and died in Monroe coun . ty. this state, in 1873. at the age of forty- nine years, and his wife passed away at the same place in 1859. at the age of twenty- five. To them were born two children, but
Rufus is the only representative of the fam- ily now living.
Our subject was left an orphan at an early age, and since eighteen years old has made his own way in the world unaided. He is practically self-educated, and has ob- tained a good fund of general information, which has well fitted him for life's respon - sible duties. In 1883 he removed to Fre- mont county, where he made his home for some time.
On the 12th of January. 1892. Mr. Tate was united in marriage with Miss AAnna Belle Argyle, a native of lowa and a daugh- ter of Archibald and Harriet ( Bowman) Argyle. Her father, who was a merchant I by occupation, was born in Virginia, in 1804, and died in Sidney, Iowa, in 1866. After his marriage Mr. Tate located in Sidney, where two children have been born in his family, namely: Stewart .A. and Harriet J. The family have a pleasant home erected by our subject in 1900. and are people of prominence in social circles. Religiously Mrs. Tate is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Since locating in Sidney, Mr. Tate has taken a very important part in public affairs, and is one of the most influential men in the Democratic party, for whose interests he has worked untiringly. Since casting his first presidential vote for General Hancock he has never failed in his allegiance to that party and has never failed to support its candidates each election day. For four years he served as deputy sheriff of the county, and was then elected sheriff for a term of two years, in the fall of 1892. In 1896 he was re .. elected to the same office, his second term expiring on the Ist of January, 1899. Ilis official duties were discharged with a
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promptness and fidelity worthy of the high- est commendation. He is now serving as councilman of Sidney, having been elected to that office in 1900. Mr. Tate is emphat- ically a man of enterprise, positive charac. ter, indomitable energy and liberal views, and is thoroughly identified with the growth and prosperity of his city and county. Fra- ternally he is an honored member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood- men of America.
JOHN J. KELLY.
John J. Kelly, a well and favorably known resident of Mills county, was born in Ohio, in 1853, and represents one of the old families of the state. His grandfather. Elisha Kelly, was also a native of Ohio and had seven children, namely: Isaac; Elisha, deceased; Mrs. Hannah Fitzwilliams, who also passed away ; Mrs. Mary Dill, deceased : Mrs. Vashti Drake, who makes her home in Bainbridge, Ohio; and Mrs. Emma Cheno- with and Mrs. Maggie Cook, both of whom are deceased.
The first named, the Rev. Isaac Kelly, is the father of our subject. He was born in Ohio, in 1816, and is still living, his home being in Pomona, California, where he and his wife have resided for several years. Hc married Ruth Smith, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of John J. Smith, who served in the war of 1812 and died in Mis- souri. Rev. Mr. Kelly is a Methodist preacher, having for many years been a member of the ministry of that church. He was one of the old-time circuit-riders both in Ohio and Iowa and is recognized as one of the leading divines of the west. He is es-
pecially well known in this state, where he is widely remembered as a patriarchial preacher of eloquence and strength and ot exceptional purity of character. He removed from Ohio to Mills county, Iowa, with his family, arriving at his destination on the 3d of March 1853. Here he secured ex- tensive landed possessions and the large body of fine farming land adjoining Hillsdale on the north, the major part of which is still in his possession, the other being now owned by his son, John J. Kelly and other mem- bers of the family. All the children were reared upon the farm, although the father devoted the most of his time and attention to proclaiming the gospel among the pioneers of Iowa. Lewis Edward, the eldest son in the family, is now a physician, engaged in practice in Oakland. California. At the time of the Civil war he joined the "boys in blue," enlisting from Mills county in the Fifteenth Regiment of Iowa Volunteers. He saw very hard service and was severely wounded on several occasions. At Pittsburg Land- ing he was laid out for dead, with his knap- sack upon his breast. Although only six- teen years of age at the time of his enlist .. ment, he was absolutely without fear and displayed a valor equal to that of many veterans more than twice his years. The other members of the family of Rev. Isaac Kelly are : Mrs. Demaris E. Lewis, who re- sides in Bartlett, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Pitzer, of Pomona, California; James Quinn, a farmer of Mills county; Willis M., who is living in Los Angeles; Elmer Ellsworth, a practicing physician located at San Francis- co: Effie May, who is living with her parents in Pomona, California, and is successfully engaged in teaching; Winfield Scott, a Methodist minister, now acting as the pastor
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48 1
of a church of his denomination in Cali- fornia; and Pearl, who is now Mrs. Dr. Schutz. of Long Beach, California.
John J. Kelly, whose name introduces this sketch, was brought to Mills county, lowa, during his early infancy and has here spent his entire life. He was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier and was early trained to the work of the home farm, as- sisting in the cultivation of the fields from the time of early spring-planting until the crops were harvested in the autumn. He still lives upon a portion of the old homestead, his residence being pleasantly located only a quarter of a mile north of the town of IHillsdale. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Miss Laura Alice Sawyer, their marriage being celebrated in 1885. The lady is a daughter of Nicholas Sawyer, who was born in Tennessee, his people having removed to the north on ac- count of their Union sentiments, and all of his brothers served as soldiers with the northern army in the Civil war. One of the brothers was captured by Rebels, drawn into a creek and there shot down! Nicholas Sawyer was prevented from enlisting by physical disability. At an early period in the development of Mills county he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers and is still living here, his home adjoining Hillsdale ou the northwest. He has now reached the ripe old age of seventy-nine years and is one of the honored early settlers of the com- munity. He married Miss Minerva Jane Skaggs, who also was born in Tennessee and is still traveling life's journey by his side as a devoted wife and companion. Unto Mr .. and Mrs. Sawyer were born the follow- ing named: Laura Alice, now the honored wife of our subject: Alonzo S .; Eli M .:
John; Mrs. Stella McConaha ; William and James.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly has been blessed with three children : Clifford Nicholas, Bernice May and Ethel Laura. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kelly hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Hills- dale and are earnest Christian people, doing all in their power to promote the welfare of the church. Socially Mr. Kelly is an Odd Fellow. He is now serving as a township school director and for ten years has filled the office of school treasurer. He is one of the most prominent Prohibitionists in lowa. Believing firmly in the cause of temperance, he labors untiringly to secure the adoption of its principles. He is a man who esteems character above all else, and his life is a typical example of those whose ideals embrace uprightness, integrity and moral courage. He has clear, strong and decided views on all public questions and the religious fervor of his nature is ma. ifest in a career over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.
RUFUS L. MERRITT.
Among the progressive and prom- inent farmers of Mills county, Iowa, is Ru- fus L. Merritt, the subject of this biographic- al sketch. He was born in North Caro- lina, February 15. 1835, and was a son of Benjamin Franklin and Edna (Combs) Merritt, both natives of North Carolina. The Merritt family is a long-lived race, the paternal grandfather attaining a great age. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and held the rank of captain in the war of 1812. In 1842 the family removed to Ken- tucky, where they remained until 1849. when
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the surviving members came to Lyons town- ship, Mills county, Iowa, where the father died at the age of forty-nine. The vener- ated and beloved mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-four. She is the most honored member of her son's family. and although somewhat of a cripple from an accident which occurred sixteen years ago, she enjoys a quiet life, in her favored corner, surrounded with all the care and comfort that loving hands can bestow. It will be a sad day when she is missed from the rocking chair where she has passed so many years, and the old Bible will be treasured because she has read its pages so long. Mrs. Merritt was the fourth in order of birth, in a family of eight children, and is now the only living member. Her father died when she was but six years old, and when she came to Mills county in 1849. in company with her hus- band, there was not a single house on the whole Missouri bottom. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Merritt have all passed away with the exception of our subject.
Rufus L. Merritt was married June 15. 1854. to Miss Nancy Grizzle, a daughter of William and Rachel ( Berger) Grizzle, natives of Tennessee, and they have had four children .- Edna B., now Mrs. Sheldon Hub- bard, of Sarpy county, Nebraska; Mary Elizabeth. now Mrs. William Snuffin, of Glenwood, Iowa; John L. and George A., residents of Lyons township.
Mr. Merritt is a large land owner, his farm of two hundred and forty acres being well situated and very productive. He has introduced many progressive methods of farming which have displayed his good judgment and have served to make his land still more valuable. Personally he is pop-
ular in his community and possesses the es- teem of all with whom business or social life throws him into contact.
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