USA > Iowa > Cedar County > A topical history of Cedar County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 25
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ENOS PARK.
Among the native sons of Cedar county who still continue to reside within its borders is Enos Park, one of the representative agriculturists of Linn town- ship, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres on sec- tion 10. He was born in that township on the 5th of October, 1857, and is a son of G. W. Park, who was born and reared in Tennessee and from that state removed to Indiana, where he married Miss Maria Brouton. She was a native of Pennsylvania but was reared in the Hoosier state. On leaving Indiana the father came to Iowa and settled in Cedar county, being among the pioneers of this region. He entered one hundred and twenty acres of land in Linn town- ship and at once turned his attention to its improvement and cultivation and as he prospered in his farming operations added to his property until he had three hundred and twenty acres. For a time he was engaged in the hotel business in Mechanicsville but later returned to the farm, though he subsequently conducted a restaurant in town. His last years, however, were spent upon his farm, where
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he died about forty years ago. His widow still survives him and has now reached the age of eighty-eight years. In their family were three sons, who are still living, the brothers of our subject being John and George Park, prom- inent farmers of Linn township, who are represented on another page of this volume.
In much the usual manner of farm boys Enos Park was reared and educated and continued with his father until the latter's death when the estate was divided and he inherited one hundred acres. He has since purchased an eighty-acre tract and is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved by the erection of good substantial buildings. His residence is heated by a furnace and is sup- plied with water, being quite modern and up-to-date in all its appointments. Mr. Park has always given considerable attention to the raising of high grade stock, making a specialty of Aberdeen Angus cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, fattening about a carload of the latter for the market annually.
On the 7th of September, 1884, Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Kamerling, and they have become the parents of two children, Harry O. and Edna May. The family attend the Presbyterian church at Mechanicsville and Mr. Park supports the democratic party by his ballot, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He is one of the successful business men of his locality, is progressive and public-spirited, and well merits the high regard in which he is universally held.
MARK H. DAVIDSON.
Mark H. Davidson, one of the active and progressive farmers, stock raisers and feeders of Fremont township, owns and operates a neat and well improved place of four hundred acres on section 33. This farm has remained his home from his birth to the present time, his natal day being December 26, 1866.
His father, James Davidson, a native of County Monahan, Ireland, was born February 10, 1829, and was brought to the new world by his parents, the fam- ily home being established in Connecticut. In that state he grew to manhood and then came west to Cedar county, Iowa, here entering and improving a tract of land. As his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase until it embraced four hundred acres. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Red Oak township and the same amount in Dayton township and also had fifteen acres of timber land, owning at the time of his death seven hundred and thirty-five acres of valuable land in this county. In 1881 he erected on his home farm a commodious and attractive brick residence, three large barns, a granary and in fact all necessary buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He likewise planted fruit, ever- green and shade trees and laid out a nice lawn. In connection with the tilling of the soil he also devoted considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock and met with success in both branches of his business, becoming widely recognized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community.
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After putting aside the active work of the fields James Davidson removed to Stanwood and there spent his remaining days in honorable retirement, pass- ing away in Stanwood, December 23, 1900. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Collins, was likewise born in Ireland, September 22, 1830, and came to the United States as a child. Her father, John Collins, first took up his abode in Connecticut but later settled in this county. Mrs. Davidson still survives her husband and resides in Stanwood. She is the mother of five chil- dren : Elizabeth, who died in 1876; Mary, who died in 1896; Stephen M., who is engaged in merchandising in Stanwood; Mark H., of this review; and Rev. Walter C., a minister of the United Presbyterian church, who is now living in Emporia, Kansas.
Mark H. Davidson was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. After his father's demise he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old family homestead and the property has since remained in his possession. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and is likewise engaged in the live-stock business, raising, feeding and fattening from four to five carloads of Duroc Jersey hogs annually. He ships his own stock and each winter feeds one or two carloads of sheep which he buys in the west. Alert, energetic and enterprising, he has won prosperity in his undertakings and has gained an extensive acquaintance through- out Cedar, Johnson, Jones and adjoining counties. He is a stockholder and director of the Stanwood Bank.
On the 23d of December, 1896, in Stanwood, Mr. Davidson was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Hoyman, who was born, reared and educated in this county and followed the profession of teaching here for a few years. Her father, Henry S. Hoyman, was one of the early settlers of Cedar county. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are the parents of four children: Miriam, William H., Car- oline and James M.
In politics Mr. Davidson is independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never cared for office. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church at Stanwood. Both he and his wife have always lived in this county and are highly esteemed as people of genuine per- sonal worth, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
WILLIAM MATHER.
William Mather has been a resident of Cedar county for fifty-nine years and has not only witnessed the remarkable changes which have here occurred but has been a factor in the events which have marked the development and upbuilding of the county. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, November II, 1844, but since June, 1851, has been a resident of Cedar county whither he came with his parents, Samuel and Lydia E. (Evans) Mather. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1805, while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio
WILLIAM MATHER
MRS. WILLIAM MATHER
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in 1808. Samuel Mather devoted his life to farming and died in Kansas in 1888, while his wife passed away in Cedar county in 1877. They had removed westward from Ohio in 1851 and settled a mile east of the village of Spring- dale, where for many years the father carried on general farming. In their family were thirteen children, eleven of whom came to Iowa in 1851, while two of the number died in infancy. Of the others Hannah and Rebecca are now deceased; John resides a half mile east of Springdale, where he carries on gen- eral farming; Philip died in 1868; Mrs. Anna M. Simonds is a resident of Gower township; Mrs. Rachel E. Negus is living two and one-half miles north of West Branch; Mrs. Lydia E. Witter died in West Branch in 1871; William is the next of the family; Samuel is living one mile east of Springdale; Daniel makes his home in Indianapolis, Indiana; and Charles E. is a resident of Spring- dale.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for William Mather in the days of his boyhood and youth save his advent in Iowa. He was six years of age when he arrived here and upon the old home farm east of Springdale he spent his youth, remaining with his parents until he had at- tained his majority. He supplemented his early education, acquired in the dis- trict schools, by two terms in a select Friends school. His education was pur- sued through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked on the farm, thus gaining a practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the fields and caring for the crops. In early manhood he engaged in teaching school for five or six winter terms and for one term was teacher of the high school of Springdale.
Much of his time and attention, however, have been given to farming and from early manhood he has been the owner of property. He has today one hundred and sixty-one acres in the home farm, a part of which lies within the village limits of Springdale. He also owns a half interest in two hundred acres of land in connection with his brother Charles, situated half a mile north of the village. His agricultural interests have ever been carefully conducted, and his sound business judgment and sagacity, combined with unfaltering industry, have been strong elements in his prosperity. Moreover, in 1874 he was elected secretary of the Springdale Mutual Fire Insurance Company and has since occupied that position. In 1876 he and his brother Charles established a general mercantile store in Springdale under the firm name of Mather Brothers and con- tinued the business with success until 1896, when they disposed of their stock of general merchandise but have since conducted a drug business under the old firm name. Since 1884 William Mather has been one of the directors of the Peoples Bank of West Liberty and in all of these different connections has dis- played an aptitude for successful management together with a determined pur- pose that has enabled him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in his path.
Mr. Mather was married in 1871 to Miss Elma Negus, who was born in 1851 in Iowa township, this county, and is a daughter of Elisha and Elvira (Faw- cett) Negus, both of whom were natives of Ohio, where they were reared and married. They arrived here in 1849 and spent their remaining days in Cedar county. The father, who was born in January, 1825, passed away in 1884, and
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the mother, who was born in 1822, now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Mather at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. They were the parents of five children : Mrs. Mather; Mary, the wife of J. T. Rood of the Isle of Pines ; Rachel, the wife of Ebenezer Fogg, living one and one-half miles southeast of Springdale; Henry, who married Alice Heppenstall and lives in Iowa City ; Esther, the wife of William B. Ellison, living a mile east of Springdale.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mather have been born two children, Mary and Carl H. The former is now the wife of the Rev. Sylvester Jones, who is doing missionary work at Gibara, Cuba, where they have represented the Society of Friends since 1900. Both are graduates of Penn College of the class of 1900 and in that year were married. Unto them have been born three sons: Robert C., Wilfred V. and Louis Edward. Carl H. Mather is a graduate of Penn College, Oskaloosa, of the class of 1900 and of the law department of the State University at Iowa City of the class of 1903. He practiced for a time at Clarence and for the past two years has practiced both in Tipton and Clarence but makes his home in the former city. He is a member of the law firm of Hamiel & Mather. In 1903 he married Miss Jennie H. Hamiel, and they have one daughter, Maurine Elma.
As far back as is known the family have been connected with the Society of Friends. They hold membership in the church at Springdale and Mr. Mather has held official positions in the church and has also been a director of Penn College at Oskaloosa, Iowa, for the past twelve years, this school being con- ducted under the auspices of the Society of Friends. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for twenty-two consecutive years he has served as township clerk, while for two terms he has filled the office of assessor. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree, and he is equally loyal to the ties of home and friendship. He is a dependable man under all circumstances and those with whom he has been longest asso- ciated and who have had the best opportunity to judge of his life speak of him only in terms of praise.
D. W. McCROSKEY.
D. W. McCroskey, one of the substantial agriculturists and representative citizens of Cedar county, is a native of Ohio, born November 6, 1839, in Clark county, five miles southwest of Springfield. His parents were Joseph and Christiana (Anderson) McCroskey, both of whom were born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, the former on the 7th of June, 1806, and the latter March 10, 1810. They were reared and educated in their native state, remaining there until after their marriage, and in 1830 they removed to Ohio, where they made their home for seventeen years. It was on the 27th of September, 1847, that they arrived in Cedar county, Iowa, which continued to be their home through- out the remainder of their lives. Here the father purchased land for six dollars an acre and from time to time added to his property as his financial resources increased until he owned five hundred and ten acres of very valuable land. He
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was a hard-working and energetic man and to his own unaided efforts was at- tributed his success. He died on the old homestead, September II, 1865, and his wife passed away on the 28th of January, 1880. Unto this worthy couple were born the following children: Mary, the wife of Harvey Leach; Martha, the wife of William Kyle; Robert; Joseph, who died in childhood in Ohio; Es- terline; Aaron, who was killed at the age of sixteen years; D. W., of this re- view, who is the only one of the family now living; William, who died at the age of sixteen years; Harvey, who died at the age of four years, and John, deceased. Three of the sons and two of the daughters lived to maturity and were married. During the Civil war Robert enlisted from Cedar county in the Twenty-fourth Iowa Regiment and was taken ill at Memphis after two years' service and died in the hospital at St. Louis, leaving a widow but no children.
D. W. McCroskey spent the first eight years of his life in his native state and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Cedar county, Iowa. They traveled across the country and were three weeks in making the trip. Arriving in this state, they located on the farm where our subject now resides and here he has made his home continuously since. When old enough to be of any as- sistance he began to aid in the work of the farm and as time passed he became thoroughly familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He eventually came into possession of the old homestead, comprising five hun- dred and ten acres, but has since disposed of some of this and now owns two hundred and twelve and one-half acres on section 21, Center township. He still occupies the residence erected by his father but has made many improve- ments on the place, which is today known as the "Blue Grass Stock Farm." In connection with general farming he devotes considerable attention to the raising of roan shorthorn cattle and Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs. He, also raises peacocks and pea hens, of which he has a large flock, and at one time gave considerable attention to the raising of fine horses but at present is not interested in that business.
On the Ist of November, 1859, Mr. McCroskey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Gay, who was born in Virginia, December 14, 1835, and came with her parents, George and Susan Gay, to this state in early life. She died on the 13th of May, 1888. Of the five children born of this union: William is now ã resident of Center township; Eva L. died at the age of three years; Andrew H., who was born February 8, 1868, died at the age of one year ; Lucy C. is the wife of Charles Wright, of Atalissa, Iowa, and George W. is a resident of Rochester township, this county.
Mr. McCroskey was again married October 25, 1888, his second union being with Hattie L. McQuillen, whose birth occurred in Inland township, this county, October 20, 1864, her parents being Cyrus and Susan (Pentico) McQuillen who were early settlers of this locality, coming here from Pennsylvania. Her father, who was born October 8, 1832, died April 17, 1875, but her mother is still living and resides on the old home farm. Mr. McCroskey's second marriage has been blessed by two children, namely; Pyra Ethellinn and Harry E., both at home.
By his ballot Mr. McCroskey supports the men and measures of the demo- cratic party, which has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles. .
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He has been called upon to fill various township and school offices, the duties of which he has most faithfully and conscientiously performed. He is one of the leading citizens of his community and is a man honored and esteemed wherever known.
A. E. KELLY.
A. E. Kelly, living on section 19, Dayton township, is the owner of four hundred and ninety acres of valuable land, known as the Linn Grove Stock Farm. This place is pleasantly and conveniently situated within two miles of Clarence, affording him excellent shipping facilities. The name of his place indicates the chief feature of his business and in its careful conduct he is meet- ing with well merited success.
A native of Clinton county, Iowa, he was born September 1, 1872, and is a son of Robert Kelly, whose birth occurred in Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1839. To the age of eleven years Robert Kelly remained a resident of the Keystone state and then came to Iowa with his father, Adam Kelly, who was one of the first settlers of Clinton county. Amid pioneer surroundings and environment there Robert Kelly was reared to manhood. He returned to Penn- sylvania, however, for his bride, being married in the Keystone state to Miss Kate Billhammer. His time and energies were devoted to farming in Clinton county and upon the land which he there owned, in the vicinity of the town of Clinton, he reared his family. For many years he continued to carry on gen- eral farming and in that way acquired a competence that enabled him at length to put aside further business cares. Removing to Clinton, he there resided throughout the last seven years of his life in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. His wife passed away in 1900.
A. E. Kelly spent his youthful days in Clinton county and the common schools afforded him his early educational privileges, which were supplemented by a two years' course in the Clinton high school and two years' study in Mon- mouth College at Monmouth, Illinois. After putting aside his text-books he returned to the home farm, of which he took charge, conducting it for ten years, his labors being attended with a gratifying measure of success. His early training was of a practical character and brought him the knowledge and ex- perience that enabled him to profitably carry on his labors as the years passed.
On the 15th of March, 1893, Mr. Kelly was married in Elvira, Clinton county, to Miss Kate Mahon, who was born, reared and educated in that county and was a daughter of George Mahon. Ten years later Mr. Kelly purchased his present farm, becoming the owner of four hundred and ten acres on section 10, Day- ton township. He has since repaired and remodeled his residence and has also built a good tenant house on the place. There are also three or four large barns and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain, stock and farm machin- ery, and altogether the place is a splendidly improved property, the boundaries of which he has extended by an additional purchase of eighty acres. He makes a business of buying and feeding cattle and hogs and annually fattens for the
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market about twenty-five carloads of cattle, hogs and sheep. He is one of the most extensive feeders in Dayton township. He was also one of the promoters and stockholders of the First National Bank of Clarence and in business affairs displays keen discrimination and sound judgment so that his labors have been uniformly successful.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have been born three sons, Robert G., Glen L. and Lester D. The parents are members of the Clarence Presbyterian church, in the work of which they are actively interested. Politically Mr. Kelly is a repub- lican but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is a worker- one of Dayton township's most industrious citizens. Moreover, he is public- spirited and cooperates in all measures for the general good. He has widely utilized his time and talents and as the years have passed his close application and perseverance in business matters have won him a place among the men of affluence in his adopted county.
GEORGE H. BURROUGHS.
The agricultural interests of Cedar county find a worthy and successful rep- resentative in George H. Burroughs, who is actively engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 14, Pioneer township. His place comprises almost one hundred acres of rich and productive land and is situated within one mile of the corporation limits of Mechanicsville. His birth occurred in Jones county, Iowa, on the 5th of December, 1874, his father being Andrew Burroughs, a native of Ohio. The latter is a son of Thomas Burroughs, who took up his abode among the earliest settlers of Jones county, Iowa. Andrew Burroughs grew to manhood in that county and there married Miss Anna Miller, who was born and reared in Jones county. Her father, Elias Miller, came to Iowa from Pennsylvania at an early day. Andrew Burroughs still survives and is one of the well known agriculturists and respected citizens of Jones county.
George H. Burroughs was reared and educated in his native county and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He was married when a young man of twenty-seven and began his domestic life on a farm in Cedar county, which he had purchased a short time prior to his mar- riage and which has remained his place of abode continuously since. The prop- erty comprises ninety-two acres of land on section 14, Pioneer township. Mr. Burroughs has erected thereon a commodious, attractive and modern residence, heated by furnace and equipped with all the conveniences of a model city home. The house is surrounded by a well kept lawn and a grove of evergreen trees further enhances the attractiveness of the place. His farm is one of the most highly improved in the township and is divided into fields of convenient size by woven-wire fences. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged in the raising and feeding of stock, making a spe- cialty of registered and high grade shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. A'
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man of excellent business ability, strict integrity and genuine personal worth, he is uniformly respected and esteemed and enjoys a wide acquaintance in Cedar, Jones and Linn counties.
On the 25th of February, 1902, in Pioneer township, Cedar county, Mr. Bur- roughs was united in marriage to Miss Clara Bell Andre, who was born, reared and educated here and is a graduate of the Lisbon high school. Her father, L. H. Andre, is now living retired in Mechanicsville but was actively identified with general agricultural pursuits in Pioneer township for a number of years. He acted as a member of the board of county supervisors for some years and also served as township trustee and in other positions of public trust and responsibil- ity. Unto our subject and his wife has been born a daughter, Alwilda Ione Bur- roughs.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Burroughs has supported the men and measures of the democracy but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. His religious faith is indicated by his member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church at Mechanicsville. His wife is also one of its valued members and active workers and teaches a class in the Sunday school. Their home is the abode of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality, which is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
J. R. CLANEY.
J. R. Claney needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he has a wide acquaintance in Dayton township and Cedar county, having lived in this section of the state since 1869. Forty-one years have wrought many changes here and during that period Mr. Claney has borne his full share in the work of general progress and improvement, while specializing along agricultural lines his efforts have been most effective. He is busily engaged in the cultivation of a farm of two hundred and twenty acres on section 8, which he owns.
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