USA > Iowa > Mills County > A biographical history of Fremont and Mills Counties, Iowa > Part 67
USA > Iowa > Fremont County > A biographical history of Fremont and Mills Counties, Iowa > Part 67
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for her grace and beauty of person and char- acter, and the DeSelm home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality. In his fraternal relations Mr. DeSelm is a Master Mason and a Knight of Pythias. In politics he is a Democrat and in religious belief is a Cum- berland Presbyterian, holding membership in one of the churches of that denomination. His labors in educational circles have been attended with gratifying success. Many men of broad knowledge and strong men- tality do not make competent teachers, but he has the ability to impart clearly and con- cisely to others the knowledge he has ac- quired. He is also an excellent disciplinarian and under his guidance the schools of Per- cival and vicinity have made marked ad- vancement and are a credit to the community.
FRED H. MARTIN.
Fred H. Martin, a prominent and enter- prising young farmer who is meeting with creditable success in his agricultural labors, represents one of the pioneer families of Fremont county, his parents having come to this section of the state at a very early period in its development. He was born in Sidney township, Fremont county, in the year. 1872, a son of A. S. and Harriet (Phipps) Martin. The father is a native of Ohio, born in Athens county, on the 2d of November, 1833. He was only four years of age when, in 1837, he was taken to Illi- nois, the family locating in Coles county. In 1853, near Carmago, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Phipps, a native of Putnam county, Indiana, whence her fa- ther removed with his family to Carmago. In 1860 A. S. Martin and his wife came to Fremont county, casting in their lot with
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the carly settlers who were engaged in opening up this region to civilization. They rearel a family of thirteen children and are now residing in Colorado.
On the old family homestead Mr. Martin of this review spent the days of his child- hood and youth. As soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and his labors proved an important factor in the cultivation and development of the land. . The public schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges and he remained with his parents until his mar- riage, which was celebrated in 1893. Miss Eva Lena Young becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Robert S. and Emma ( Rob- bins) Young, the latter now deceased. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war, par- ticipating in many engagements, and pass- ing through many thrilling experiences. On three different occasions he was taken pris- oner, and at one time he aided a fellow pris- oner to escape by giving him his three days' rations, and thus he was forced to go with- out food for that length of time. Two of his brothers, James and John Young, to- gether with a cousin, Colonel Palmer, were also in the army. The latter was'a gallant officer and is now a railroad commissioner. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin is bright- ened and blessed by the presence of two little sons, Lyle and Lyman.
Mr. Martin owns and operates a farm of eighty acres. His land is under a high state of cultivation and the place is improved with all modern accessories and conven- iences, including the best machinery, good fences, substantial buildings and high grades of stock. Careful consideration of the po- litical issues before the country has led Mr. Martin to give his support to the men and
measures of the Democracy, for he believes the principles of that party contain the best elements of good government. He and his wife enjoy the esteem and good will of the entire community and well deserve mention in this volume.
JAMES J. WILSON.
James J. Wilson, the well-known and popular cashier of the First National Bank of Malvern, lowa, was born in Monmouth, Illinois, on the 17th of November. 1856, his parents being John G. and Melvina ( Skin- ner ) Wilson, natives of Ohio. The father died at Monmouth, Illinois, in 1885, at the age of fifty-nine. The mother is still living in Monmouth with her daughter. Mrs. Car- rie Ritchey.
After completing his education in the school of his native city Mr. Wilson was employed as a bookkeeper for about ten years, and was also engaged in farming upon his own land for a time. In 1888 he came to Malvern and accepted the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank. In 1893 he was promoted to cashier, which re- sponsible position he has since efficiently filled. He has gained a wide reputation as a most capable financier, and to his business ability and sound judgment the bank owes much of its success.
On the 29th of November, 1884. Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Berigan, a daughter of Abraham and Bridget Berigan. By this union have been born two children, Robert 11. and Carrie. the birth of both having occurred in Mal- vern. The family are communicants of the Catholic church and are quite prominent socially.
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Politically Mr. Wilson has been identi- fied with the Democratic party since cast- ing his first presidential vote for General Hancock, and socially he has affiliated with the Knights of Pythias for several years. He is one of the most prominent and pro- gressive business men of Malvern, and well merits the high regard in which he is uni- formly held.
DAVID SANDILAND.
Upon a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, located on section 4, Indian Creek township, Mills county, resides David Sandiland, a well-known and enterprising farmer, who was born in Franklin county, New York, October 5. 1847, and is of Scotch lineage. His father, James Sandiland, was born in Scotland, December 19, 1813, and was the son of David and Catherine ( Bailey ) Sandiland, who came from the country of hills and heather to America in 1837. They located in lower Canada and there spent their remaining days, the father passing away when sixty-eight years of age, while the mother died at the age of ninety. James Sandiland left home in 1834, traveled over Upper Canada, and in 1836 came to the United States, taking up his abode in New York, where he remained until his removal to the west, arriving in Detroit on the day after Van Buren's election. In 1838 he became a resident of Illinois, where he en- gaged in the manufacture of brick.
Subsequently, however, he returned to the old home, where he remained until 1843, and he was married there to Miss Janette Pringle, who was also born in Scotland, a daughter of John and Janette Harriatt Prin- gle. Her parents came to the United States
with their family about the time the Sandi- land family crossed the Atlantic and they, too, located in Canada, where the maternal grandparents of our subject died at a very advanced age. Mrs. James Sandiland de- parted this life while living near the present home of our subject, when sixty-eight years of age. She was the mother of seven chil- dren, four of whom are yet living. After his marriage James Sandiland took up his abode in Franklin county, New York, and in 1857 came to Blackhawk county, Iowa. He developed fine farms in both counties and is now spending the evening of life in the enjoyment of honored retirement from labor in Emerson.
In taking up the personal history of David Sandiland we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Mills county. On his father's farm he was reared, and as soon as old enough to handle a plow he took his place in the fields, turning the furrows in many an acre. When the summer's sun had ripened the grain he harvested the crops and in the winter season he pursued his educa- tion in the neighboring schools. In August, 1880, he chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Emma Greiner. They lost one daughter. Ina, who died at the age of eleven years, and now have four living children: Libbie M., G. Earle, Florence and Clarence. Mrs. Sandiland is a daugh- ter of John J. and Henrietta (Lieber) Greiner, both of whom were natives of Ger- many and came to the United States in early life, locating in New York, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father dying at the age of eighty-one and the mother when seventy-four years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Sandiland began their do-
A Sandiland
Y
ARY
UNY TONS" TILDIN FOUNDATIONE
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mestic life upon their present farm, com- prising two hundred and forty acres of the rich land of Mills county. He had purchased the land the year previously and it was par- tially improved, but with characteristic en- ergy he has continued its cultivation and de- velopment, and now the rich fields bring to him an excellent return. He has also been engaged in the stock business for many years. Ile sustained an enviable reputation in busi- ness circles by reason of his fair dealing and none dispute that his success is well merited. He takes an active interest in local politics and has been a Republican since casting his first presidential vote for Gen- eral Grant. He has filled several local of- fices in the township and has been the sec- retary of the school board for nearly thirty years. The family are members of the Pres- byterian church, and the cause of educa- tion finds in him a warm friend. He with- holds his aid and co-operation from 10 movement or measure calculated to prove of public benefit.
WINFIELD S. LEWIS.
The profession of the law when clothed with its true dignity and purity and strength must rank first among the callings of men, for law rules the universe. The work of the legal profession is to formulate, to har- monize, to regulate, to adjust, to administer those rules and principles that underlie and permeate all government and society and control the various relations of men. As thus viewed there attaches to the legal pro- fession a nobleness that cannot but be re- flected in the life of the true lawyer, who, rising to the responsibilities of his profes- sion, and honest in the pursuit of his pur- 32
pose, embraces the richness of learning, the profoundness of wisdom, the firmness of in- tegrity and the purity of morals, together with the graces of modesty, courtesy and the general amenities of life. Of such a type Judge Winfield Scott Lewis is a representa- tive. " For sixteen years he has practiced law in Mills county, having throughout this period been a member of the Glenwood bar.
The Judge is numbered among the na- tive sons of this county, his birth having here occurred on the 8th of November. 1853. His father, Daniel J. Lewis, was a native of Kentucky, and married Harriet Holston, who was born in Virginia. They were farm- ing people and came to Iowa during its ter- ritorial days, arriving here in 1844. They settled near Burlington at a place known as Flint Hill, and in August, 1850, came to Mills county, where they were among the honored pioneers. They cast in their lot with the early settlers, and the father under- took the task of transforming a tract of the wild prairie into a finely developed farm. He vigorously and successfully prosecuted his work, becoming one of the substantial citizens of the community. Their home was about eight miles east of Glenwood, and there they resided throughout their remaining days, the father dying at the advanced age of ninety-two years, while the mother passed away at the age of eighty-one. They had eight children, five of whom are now living.
Amid the wild scenes of frontier life in Mills county Judge Lewis was reared, and in the work of the farm he assisted. per- forming his share in the labors of field and meadow. He attended the district schools until seventeen years of age and then en- tered Tabor College, where he was a student for two years. Subsequently he matriculated
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
in the law department of lowa College, among his classmates being several who have later attained fame in connection with juris- prudence. He was a member of the class of 1874 and immediately after his graduation he returned to his native county and began practice in Malvern, where he remained un- til 1890, when he came to Glenwood, the county seat. Here he has since enjoyed a distinctively representative clientage. He throws himself easily and naturally into the argument with marked self possession and deliberation. There is no straining after ef- fect. but a precision and clearness in his statement, and acuteness and strength in his argument which exhibit a mind trained in the severest school of investigation and to which the closest reasoning has become habit- ual. He has a large practice and is retained as counsel or advocate on nearly every im- portant case tried in the courts of his district.
About the time he began practice Judge Lewis was united in marriage to one of his schoolmates of early days,-Miss Mary L. Witt, who was born in Colorado, a daugh- ter of Enoch Witt. Four children have been born unto them: Ulysses G., who is now managing his father's farm; Roy, Laura and Walter. at home. The eldest son married Tillie Green and they have a son and daugh- ter, Edwin M. and Wilma. The children have been provided with good educational privileges and theirs is a bright and happy family, the members of the household oc- cupying an enviable position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are re- ceived as the passports into good society.
The Judge has long been recognized as a leader in political circles and is a prom- inent Republican whose views carry weight in the councils of his party. From 1879 un-
til 18SI he represented his district in the state legislature of Iowa and served as speaker pro tem. He was a valued member of the house, giving an earnest support to many worthy measures, and among those whose passage he secured and which have had far-reaching influence of a beneficial nature is the insurance law. In May, 1894. he was appointed judge of the nine counties of this district and served until January, 1895, as the successor of H. E. Deemer, who resigned to take a place upon the su- preme bench of the state. The decisions of Judge Lewis were models of judicial sound- ness, perspicuity and force, and won the ap- proval of the members of the bar. He is one of the charter members of the Benev- olent & Protective Order of Elks, of Coun- cil Bluffs, and his wife is a member of the Baptist church. The life of the Judge has been one of unusual activity and has not been without its desirable results. By ca- pable business management, indefatigable energy and perseverance he has won a hand- some competence, and now enjoys an en- viable reputation at the bar and in the field of politics.
LUTHER A. SCHAFER.
Of the farming and stock-dealing inter- ests of Fremont county Luther A. Schafer is a widely known representative. He owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. His home, an attractive resi- dence, stands in the midst of well-tilled fields and is surrounded by a beautiful grove of trees. A large barn and substantial out- buildings add to the value and attractive ap- pearance of the place, and an orchard and
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all modern accessories and conveniences are numbered among the improvements which constitute the Schafer farm, one of the most desirable in this portion of the state.
Mr. Schafer was born in Fulton county, Illinois, February 12, 1851, and the common schools afforded him his educational priv- ileges. Ilis boyhood days were spent under the parental roof, his parents being Jacob and Margaret ( Linkenfelter) Schafer, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in Pennsylvania, in which state they were married. Jacob Schafer was reared in the fatherland, and after attain- ing to man's estate accompanied his parents and their family to the new world, a settle- ment being made in the Keystone state, where they resided for many years. Subse- quently, however, they removed to Illinois, locating in Fulton county. In early life Jacob Schafer learned the tailor's trade. which he followed in Pennsylvania, but after coming to the Mississippi valley he pur- chased an Illinois farm and to it devoted his energies, making it a very valuable and de- sirable tract. He was not only a progres- sive and energetic business man but was also an earnest and faithful worker in the Lu- theran church, in which he held membership. In 1852, three years after taking up his abode in Illinois, he was called to his final rest, and at his death he left a wife and four children.
The mother kept her family together and after a time was again married, becoming the wife of William Newlon, who took a deep interest in rearing the children, prov- ing a good father to them. In 1873 Mrs. Newlon sold her farm in Illinois and the family came to Iowa, settling in Fremont county, where a farm was purchased.
Thereon Mr. and Mrs. Newlon resided for many years, but in the evening of life re- moved to Sidney, where they spent their last days in retirement. They were separated but a short time in death, Mrs. Newton pass- ing away in February, 1897, while her hus- band died in March of the same year. They were faithful and devoted members of the Methodist church, and their fidelity to duty in all life's relations won them the respect and confidence of those with whom they were associated. In the Schafer family were four children: L. D., who is now engaged in merchandising in Sidney: Henry E., an insurance agent of Chicago, in which city he died in 1898: Luther .A., of this review ; and Louisa, the deceased wife of D. Moor- house. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Newlon were born three children : Mary, the wife of Con- rad Magel: Edward, of Nebraska; and Charles, who is living in Sidney.
Luther A. Schafer spent the first twenty years of his life in the state of his nativity and then came to Fremont county, where he purchased a tract of unimproved land. He then returned to Illinois, remaining in that state until he came with his mother and her family to Iowa. After he had spent two years in this state he again went to Illinois to claim his bride. his marriage being cele- brated in 1877 and Miss Lavina J. Mitchell becoming his wife. The young couple took up their abode on the land which he had purchased and on which he had built a small house. He continued the work of improv- ing and developing his farm and he is to- day the owner of a very fine property. the quarter-section being under a high state of cultivation. He remodeled and enlarged the first house, planted an orchard and grove around his home and has a place whose neat
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and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision and gives evidence of his prac- tical handiwork. The farm is pleasantly located three and a half miles northwest of Farragut, so that it is comparatively easy for him to enjoy the advantages of town life. He also owns an interest in a plat of land containing a number of acres adjoining the city of Omaha and which will soon be made into an addition. Farming, however, lias commanded the greater part of his at- tention and at one time he fed considerable cattle, but now raises only stock enough for use upon the home place.
Mrs. Schafer was born in Illinois March 19, 1854, and is a lady of intelligence and culture. Her parents, Joseph and Janet (Pogsley) Mitchell, were both natives of Ohio, but were married in Illinois and set- tled in Clinton county, where they still re- side on the old homestead, at a ripe old age. Her father is a successful farmer, widely and favorably known as a man of sterling integrity and honor. He and his wife now enjoy the evening of a well-spent life and are recognized as people of the highest respectability, Mrs. Mitchell being 110w a member of the Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were the parents of eleven children : Albert. a farmer of Fremont conn- ty; Nancy, the wife of William May; La- vina J., the honored wife of our subject ; Thirza. now Mrs. Haskins: Charles and George W., who are farmers of Fremont county: Mrs. Bessie Keefanver, Mrs. Luly Ellis, Mrs. Adda Skinner and Mrs. Adell Spenny.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell has been blessed with three children: An- drew, who was born October 13, 1878: Edna, who was born October 29, 1882, and is a
competent and well-qualified school-teacher ; and Berga, born August 11, 1885. Tire parents hold membership in the Christian church, take an active part in its work and do all in their power to promote its progress. Mr. Schafer is also a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, belonging to Farragut Lodge, No. 379. Although his life has not been filled with exciting incidents, he has ever been found true to duty and his fidelity to the right has won him the good will of all with whom he has been associated.
CAPTAIN HENRY BOWEN.
Among the brave defenders of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war was Captain Henry Bowen, who is now living a retired life in Sidney, Iowa. He was born in Pennsylvania May 25, 1834, a son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Price) Bowen, na- tives of Wales, where their marriage was celebrated. The Bowen family was orig- inally from old Brittany. At an early day the parents of our subject and also the ma- ternal grandparents, Rees and Anna Price, emigrated from Wales to America and took up their residence in Pennsylvania, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Be- fore the railroads were built Mr. Price en- gaged in teaming, and also exchanged gro- ceries for farm produce, which he sold to the city markets. He accumulated consid- erable property and was living retired as far back as our subject can remember. He clied in 1857. The Captain's father, who v'as a contractor in railroad and canal work, and also engaged in mining. died in Pennsyl- vania, in 1845, at the age of forty-five years, and the mother passed away in the same state. in 1862, at the age of fifty-seven. Of
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their eight children three are still living. Our subject's brother, J. P. Bowen, has been superintendent of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal Company for many years, and William is also interested in coal mining in Pennsylvania. Three of the sons were among "the boys in blue" during the Re- bellion, and J. P. would have entered the service, but the coal company, deeming his services as superintendent too valuable, sent a substitute for him. Members of this family are noted for their honesty and in- dustry.
Captain Bowen was reared in a village and was educated in its public schools. Leaving his old home in Pennsylvania he came to Fremont county, Iowa, in 1858. and worked at the carpenter's trade here for about four years, though his first labor was the inside finishing of a building across the line in Missouri. In the fall of 1860 he was elected sheriff of the county, but soon after- ward entered the army as the captain of Company E. Twenty-ninth lowa Volunteer Infantry, which company he organized. While in camp at Council Bluffs the regi- ment was re-organized, and then ordered to St. Louis, Missouri, and later to Helena, Arkansas. They joined Gorman's expedi- tion up White river, and while on that trip Captain Bowen was taken ill. He returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, but in AAu- gust. 1863, rejoined his command, it being the order of the war department that those on sick leave should report for duty at the end of sixty days or be discharged if unfit for active service. He assisted in the cap- ture of Little Rock, and then went to Hot Springs, but was forced to return to Little Rock, where he was discharged December 15. 1863. His colonel had advised him not
to enter the campaign, but he thought he could stand it, though he soon found that his strength was not sufficient to engage in active service. His company and regiment won a prize for the best drilling.
For a year after his return north Captain Bowen did really nothing but rest, and then engaged in the furniture business at Sidney for three years. The following year he en- gaged in farming on rented land, and for two years again engaged in business. He was successfully engaged in the grocery business at Sidney from February, 1873. un- til July, 1899. when he sold out and has since lived a retired life, enjoying a well- earned rest.
The Captain has ever taken an active and influential part in public affairs, and has been honored with important official po- sitions. In 1872 he was elected supervisor and filled that office for three years, and has also served as township trustee, coun- cilman, treasurer, and as a member of the school board for a quarter of a century, dis- charging his duties with promptness and fidelity. For thirty years he has been one of the leading members of the Presbyterian church of Sidney, of which he has been a trustee and elder for a number of years. He is a Royal Arch Mason and has been a mem- ber of the blue lodge at Sidney since 1864. He is also a charter member of Joe Ross Post, No. 209. G. A. R., of that place. The Captain taught the gentleman for whom this post was named to read and write. As a citizen he has always been true and faith- ful to every trust reposed in him. so that his loyalty is above question, being manifest in days of peace as well as when he followed the old flag to victory on southern battle- fields.
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