USA > Iowa > Keokuk County > A genealogical and biographical history of Keokuk County, Iowa > Part 13
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ceased; John, who like his brother died in California; George, a resi- dent of Colorado; William, who makes his home in New Mexico; Margaret, the widow of David Baughey and a resident of Iowa : Ellen, the wife of A. J. Ramsey, of Richland, Iowa; Samuel, of this review ; and Joseph, who is living in Colorado.
Mr. Yule, whose name introduces this record, was the seventh in order of birth in his father's family and was a youth of eleven sum- mers when he came with his parents to Keokuk county, Iowa, being reared upon the farm which is now his home. He continued to care for his aged parents until they were called to their final rest and throughout the years of his active manhood he has devoted his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits with excellent success. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Sarah Wharton, and after two years of happy married life he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. In 1875 he was again married, his second union being with Sarah M. Wagner, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Abraham and Catherine Wagner, in whose family were eight children, Mrs. Yule being the fourth in order of birth. With her parents she was brought to Keokuk county during her early childhood. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children : Anna B., the wife of Jean Davis, a resident of Richland: Lulu E., the wife of Roy Davis, who is living in Jefferson county, Iowa; Nettie C., the wife of Frank Shelley, whose home is in Jackson township, Keokuk county; and James B., who is assisting his father on the home farm.
Mr. Yule owns an excellent tract of land of two hundred and ten acres, which is well improved. He is a stock farmer and keeps on hand a fine herd of Galloway cattle. In his stock dealings he has pros- percd, his annual sales bringing to him a good financial return. He is
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now recognized as one of the prosperous farmers of Richland township, where he has made his home for forty-eight years, his upright life win- ning for him the confidence and friendship of those with whom he has been brought in contact. He is a leading and active member of the Congregational church and is a stanch Republican, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party, yet he has never sought or desired office. Fraternally he has for some years been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a public- spirited man, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the geenral welfare. In 1892 he made a trip to the west, visiting Glen- wood Springs, Denver and other places of interest in Colorado. He is content, however, to make Keokuk county his home, for here he has found good business opportunities, and as the result of his industry and untiring enterprise he has steadily progressed until he has gained for himself a comfortable competence.
JONATHAN F. RICHARDSON, M. D.
Dr. Jonathan Franklin Richardson is a retired physician living in Keota and is a man whose upright life as well as professional ability have gained for him the respect and confidence of his fellow-men. He was born in Vermilion county, Indiana, July 30, 1836, and is the eldest in a family of thirteen children, whose parents' were Anson and Lyd. (Weller) Richardson. The father was born in Olio on the 2d of Dt cember, 1814, and was a son of Joseph Richardson, whose birth occurred in England. After acquiring his education in the common schools An- son Richardson learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years. In 1836 he came from Indiana to Illinois and in 1845
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came with his family to Keokuk county, Iowa, where he is still living, his home being now in Lancaster township. He married Lydia Weller, whose birth occurred December 2, 1818, and was of German descent. her mother having been born in the fatherland. Mrs. Richardson lived to be about sixty-three years of age.
The Doctor was only about six weeks old when his parents removed to McDonough county, IlInois, where he remained until a youth of nine years, when the family came to Koekuk county, Iowa. Here he was reared and in the district schools he pursued his education, the temple of learning being a log building in which the furnishings were crude and the methods of instruction were also somewhat primitive. Outside of school hours, however, he has greatly broadened his knowledge by reading, experience, observation and study, and is to-day a well in- formed man of scholarly attainments. Wishing to devote his energies to the practice of medicine he began study for the profession under the direction of Doctor Flint, of Ottumwa, Iowa, in whose office he remained for about four years. He then began practice and in 1861 removed to Keokuk, where he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of that city, being graduated there with the class of 1864. He then took up his abode in Keokuk county and in 1872 removed to Harper, this county, where he was continuously in the practice for nineteen years, enjoying a large patronage, which was accorded him by reason of his acknowledged skill and ability as a member of the medical profession. In 1891 he came to Keota, where he remained in active practice until about 1894, when he retired to private life to enjoy the rest which he has surely earned and richly deserves. During the long years of his active connection with the medical profession he kept in touch with the progress of the times through reading and study and thus
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continually broadened his knowledge and promoted his efficiency in the work of alleviating human suffering.
On the 20th of October, 1859. Dr. Richardson was united in mar- riage to Martha Jacobs, who was born in Johnson county, Indiana, on the 14th of June, 1839, a daughter of John C. and Permelia (Craig) Jacobs. Her parents were both born in Kentucky in the year 1811 and became the parents of eight children, of whom Mrs. Richardson is the third in order of birth. She was brought to Keokuk county in 1846 when but seven years of age, the family becoming pioneer settlers of this portion of the state. By her marriage she became the mother of six children : Edward Lee, who died at the age of two years; Adla, at home; Robert Lee, who is engaged in the furniture busines in Keota ; John C., who is a printer by trade; Anson, who died at the age of nine months ; and Austin, who is editor of the Eagle, a paper published at Keota.
The Doctor gave his political support to the Democracy until 1896, when his views concerning the monetary question and other important issues before the people led him to ally his forces with the Republican party. His fellow-townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him to the office of mayor of Keota, but he resigned before the expira- tion of his term. He has served as pension examiner for twenty years and for many years he was a valued member of the County Medical So- ciety. He is the oldest physician of the county to-day. having been here for nearly sixty years. In the early days he traveled far and wide to administer needed aid to the sick and suffering, and he won the love and gratitude of many a household. Few men in the county are more widely known than the Doctor and none more deserve the high regard extended to them than does this honored member of the medical pro- fession.
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JAMES R. SPEIRS.
Among the well known and highly respected citizens of Keokuk county, who for half a century has played an important part in the development of this section of the state, is James R. Speirs of Martins- burg, at the present time the honored president of that staunch financial institution, the Martinsburg Bank. There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect that is universally accorded Mr. Speirs, and through long connection with this portion of the state his has been an unblemished character. With him success in life was reached by sterling qualities of mind and heart, true to every manly principle. He has never deviated from what his judgment indicated to be right and honorable between his fellow-men and himself. He has never swerved from the path of duty, and along many substantial lines of progress he has labored for the welfare of the people among whom he has resided. No citizen of the county is more deserving of representation in a volume which purports, as does this one, to set forth the more honorable families which have been connected with the develop- ment and growth of Keokuk county.
James R. Speirs is a Buckeye by birth, born in Butler county, Sep- tember 20, 1828. His father. Robert Speirs, was a Scotchman by birthi, born in Glasgow about 1793. He remained in the old country until he was twenty-eight years of age and as a single man came to America and located in New Jersey, where he began his married life. He later removed his family to Butler county, Ohio, where he worked at his trade, for a few years, that of a weaver. He married in New Jersey, Miss Mary Burk, and in 1864 removed to Steady Run township, Keokuk county, where he passed the remainder of his life in the cultivation
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of the farm, on which he died at the age of eighty-six years. The mother of our subject was a native of New Jersey, the Burks being of Irish extraction. They were also weavers by occupation. Their family consisted of twelve children, eleven of whom they reared to maturity.
The subject of this sketch is the fifth son and the fifth child of the family. He removed with the family to Indiana at the age of three years, in which state he was reared to manhood. His education was of a rather primitive and limited kind, he being able to go to school but three months in the year. He remained dutifully at home until his marriage, engaged in helping his parents in the battle of life. October 9, 1852, marks the date of his marriage with Katherine Stenger, who was a native of Preble county, Ohio, where she was reared to woman- hood. To this marriage were born three children, Mary E., deceased ; Sara A., also deceased; and Anna, wife of John McCreary, a prominent farmer of Jackson township, Keokuk county. Mr. Speirs married his present wife in the year 1860, the exact date being January 26th. Mrs. Speirs' maiden name was Phyllis Flint, and she is a native of Franklin county. Indiana. In the year 1854 Mr. Speirs removed with his family to Keokuk county, where he settled in Jackson township, and where for thirty-six years he continued to reside engaged actively in the cultiva- tion of his farm. In 1890 he located in Martinsburg and bought an interest in the Martinsburg Bank, of which he became vice president. On the 6th of February, 1899. this bank was reorganized and Mr. Speirs was chosen as its president. This is one of the most solid financial institutions of the county, its officers being men of the very highest stand- ing and character. They are as follows: Our subject is the honored president : Mr. I. N. Ogden, vice president ; Earl Young, cashier ; John Speirs, nephew of subject, is assitant cashier ; while W. R. Speirs,
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another nephew, is a stockholder. The capital stock of the bank is $600,000. Besides his banking interests Mr. Speirs is very largely inter- ested in real estate in the city, and also has interest in farming prop- erty in Keokuk county.
Ever since the organization of the party Mr. Speirs has been a staunch and earnest supporter of Republican principles He has served in different positions of trust, having been a trustee of the town- ship for a considerable period. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for fifty years has been promi- nently identified with the Presbyterian church, in which he is an hon- ored elder. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Speirs was found a loyal citizen, who valiantly espoused the cause of the Union and went forth to do battle for the stars and stripes. In 1862 he enlisted as sergeant in company F, Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and his period of service covered three years. His command became part of the army of the West and saw service in many of the hard fought battles, and in many smaller skirmishes with Indians and guerillas. At the battle of Helena he was unfortunate enough to receive a wound in the arm by a minie ball, but was not incapacitated for service. He received an honorable discharge from the service at New Orleans in August of 1865. Mr. Speirs takes active interest in the affairs of Keokuk county, being particularly interested in the pioneers who came to the county in the early day, and who are responsible for its marvelous growth and progress. He was instrumental in the formation of the Old Settlers' Organization and takes great delight in its yearly meetings at Sigour- ney.
In all life's relations James R. Speirs has followed a course at once honorable and upright, and his life demonstrates the worth of
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integrity and enterprise in the busy affairs of the world. His life has been honorably associated with the history of Keokuk county, and i11 business he sustains an unassailable reputation. He and his family receive and merit the encomiums of a very large circle of friends.
JAMES MORRISON.
In every community are found quiet and retiring men who seek no public honors or public notice, yet exert a strong influence on the com- munity by reason of their upright lives, their fidelity to principles and their devotion to the good of their community. Such a man is James Morrison, who was for long years an honored representative of the agri- cultural interests of Benton township, and his life in many respects is worthy of emulation. He is at the present time residing in the town of Hedrick, where he is living a retired life on the competence which his well directed efforts in earlier manhood have brought to him.
James Morrison is of Scottish descent, having been born in Scot- land. August 27, 1836. He is the second child of John and Katherine (Marnoch) Morrison. For further mention of his parental history see the personal sketch of John Morrison, of Hedrick, who is his brother. James Morrison was a mere lad when he came to America with his parents, who remained six years in the state of Ohio and came in 1854 to Keokuk county, where they settled on wikl land in Benton township. Here James was reared to manhood and was taught the habits of indus- try and perseverance, which have ever been traits of his character. In 1862 he enlisted in company F, Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, as a private soldier. In this organization he served until the close of the war, mostly in the west. In all his service he passed not a single day
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off duty and was always found at his post. He received an honorable discharge at New Orleans in 1865, on account of the close of war, hav- ing served well the country of his adoption. On the 16th of April, 1868, he was joined to Rachel Hudson, daughter of Joseph and Rachei Hud- son. Mrs. Morrison is a native of Virginia, where she was born in Wash- ington county in 1843. When she was ten years old her parents re- moved to Jefferson county, Iowa. Her father was a native of England, and her mother was a native of Virginia ; they had four sons and four daughters, all of whom are living but one daughter, and all are mar- ried and have families of their own. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison there were born six children: Mary, wife of Jos. Davis, of Eddyville: James, residing in Hedrick ; Margaret resides at home : Hugh is a farmer in Benton township; Walter is a son at home; Katy, who died in girlhood. After their marriage Mr. Morrison located at the old homestead in Benton township, where they resided for the next thirteen years engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1881 Mr. Mor- rison bought a farm in another part of the township, upon which they lived until they retired from active work and removed to the town of Hedrick. He still retains this farm of one hundred sixty acres. Mr. Morrison is one of the old pioneers of the county, and his life has been such as to secure him the friendship of a numerous acquaintance.
In political affairs he has always been a staunch Republican, and is proud of the fact that he was one of the early supporters of that party. He has been honored with some of the minor offices of his township. having served as trustee for a period of years. Fraternally he is affiliatedl' with the Masonic order, having his membership in Garfield Lodge, No. 485. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, J. M. Hed- rick, Post No. 424. Mr. Morrison has been very successful in the pursuit
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of agriculture, due largely to his untiring industry and excellent business judgment, steadily pursuing his way undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path. Steady application, careful study of business methods to be followed, close attention to details, combined with untir- ing energy-these are the traits of character which have brought to him success. He is passing his life in easy retirement among an extensive circle of friends.
ROBERT S. BRICE, M. D.
Dr. Robert Stockton Brice is one of the oldest resident physicians in Keokuk county and has easily maintained a position in the front rank of the medical fraternity in this part of the state throughout the years of his residence here. He now makes his home in Kenta, where he has resided almost continuously from the establishment of the town. His practice extends over a wide territory, and in a calling where suc- cess and advancement depend upon individual merit, upon comprehensive learning and marked ability, he has won distinction, gaining a very envi- able reputation, yet he is not less esteemed for his personal worth than for his professional ability.
The Doctor was born in Belmont county, Ohio, July 7, 1838, and comes of a family of Scotch lineage. His grandfather, the Rev. James Brice, was a native of Virginia and was a minister of the Presbyterian church. His son, John Brice, the father of our subject, was also born in the Old Dominion and was a farmer by occupation. He married Agness Byers, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Andrew Byers, whose birth occurred in the Keystone state and who was of German descent. He, too, carried on agricultural pur- suits to support his family.
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The Doctor was the sixth child and fourth son in a family of eiglit children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity. He was reared in his native place, pursued his early educa- tion in the public schools and continued his studies in the West Alex- andria Academy, where he was graduated. Turning his attention to educational work, he successfully engaged in teaching for many years and for two years was the principal of the Powhattan school. Wherever he was employed his services were highly satisfactory, for he was a capable instructor, imparting with clearness to others the knowledge he had acquired. At length he determined to enter the medical profession and therefore began studying, with Dr. R. M. Bain, of Powhattan, Ohio, as his preceptor. He continued to read under his direction for two years, when he offered his services to his country and became an assistant surgeon, remaining with the army for two years. He was stationed at Brown Hospital, at Louisville, Kentucky, and at Float- ing Hospital, at New Albany, Indiana. In 1864 he resumed his studies in the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and the following years he came to Iowa.
Dr. Brice made his way direct to Keokuk county and located for practice in Talleyrand, where he remained until 1872, when on the estab- lishment of the town of Keota, he came to this place, where he has remained continuously since with the exception of a period of three years, from 1890 until 1893, when he was in Denver, for his health. During that time he also engaged in practice. He was the first physician of Keota and from the time he located here he has enjoyed a good patronage. In 1882 he pursued a course in medicine at Louisville, Ken- tucky, and he has continually added to his knowledge concerning the healing art by reading, research and investigation so that his under-
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standing of medical principles is broad and comprehensive, and he lias always been quick to adopt any new methods of treatment that he be- lieved would prove beneficial. He has been a member of the Keokuk county medical society, the Washington county medical society, the state medical association and the National medical association and he is special examining physician for many insurance companies.
In 1871 Dr. Brice was united in marriage to Mrs. Minerva Smith, nee Butler, and they now have one daughter, Nellie, who possesses excel- lent musical talent and is now acting as organist in the Presbyterian church. The Doctor is now the only charter member of Enterprise Lodge, No. 159, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; lie was at one time very active in its work and has been honored with all of the offices within the gift of the fraters of the lodge. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, is active in its work and has for a number of years served as one of its elders. He was also chairman of the building committee at the time of the reconstruction of the house of worship. Local advancement and national progress have ever been causes dear to his heart and Dr. Brice has co-operated in many move- ments for the welfare and advancement of Keota and Keokuk county. His sterling worth has gained for him friends in all walks of life and he is held in the highest esteem by young and old, rich and poor, while in his profession he has long maintained a leading position as a medical practitioner of Keokuk county.
C. M. BROWN.
C. M. Brown is a native of Knox county, Ohio. He was born No- vember 9, 1845, and is the son of Garretson and Ann (Holland) 23
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Brown. The father was of Welsh descent. His early ancestors settled in Maryland and there, in Montgomery county, Garretson was born in 1802. His wife was of German descent, one of a family of twelve chil- dren who all grew to maturity. She was born in Monongalia county, West Virginia, and for a short time after her marriage to Mr. Brown continued to live in her native state. Later they moved to Knox county, Ohio, where Mr. Brown engaged in farming for many years. In 1872 they settled in Keokuk county, this state, still interested in farming. The wife died in 1874 at the age of seventy, and the husband remained on his farm until the time of his death in 1889. Three of their nine children died in infancy, four are now living ; two sons and one daughter in Keo- kuk county and one son in Muscatine county.
C. M. Brown was reared on the farm in Ohio and his education was begun in the district schools of the county. Later he entered the high school at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and subsequently spent a year at Ken- yon College in Gambier, Ohio. He taught school for two terms in his native state and in 1868 came west and taught for two years in the schools of Muscatine county, Iowa. Before leaving Ohio he had already begun the study of law and in 1871 he graduated from the law depart- ment of the state university at Iowa City. He at once located in Si- gourney, where he has continued ever since with the exception of about five years spent at Whatcheer, Iowa. He is actively concerned with the political affairs of his state. In 1881 his party, the Republican, nomi- nated him for state senator. He was elected and held the office for four years. In 1874 he married Miss Flora Sampson, daughter of Judge E. S. Sampson. They are the parents of four children, namely : Anna, wife of Ernst E. Brackin of Coal Creek, Iowa; Roy C., an attorney-at-law associated with the father and having charge of a law office in What-
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cheer, the firm being Brown & Brown; Millie E. and Helen, who are both at home. The son saw active service during the late Spanishi- American war. He was a member of the Fifty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry and spent one year in the Philippines. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are both members of the Presbyterian church. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is prominent in Grand Army of the Republic circles. In 1863 he enlisted with the national guard in Ohio, and on May 2, 1864, entered Company \ of the One Hun- dred Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He ranked as a private. and at the expiration of his term of service he was discharged, in Sep- tember, 1864. He is a member of the Robert F. Lowe post and has been commander for two years. He has served for one year on the staff of the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, an in- dex of Mr. Brown's popularity and executive ability.
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