USA > Iowa > Page County > Biographical history of Page County, Iowa, containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens of Page County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families; and a concise history of the county, the cities, and the townships > Part 28
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SHENANDOAH ATTORNEYS.
W. P. Ferguson came to this place from Hamberg, in 1870, having been admitted to
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the bar at Sidney, Fremont County, the same year. He is still practicing, and very suc cessfully, too, at Shenandoah.
James McCabe came to Shenandoah from Kansas, in 1871. He was a preacher and teacher at that time; he also edited the Re- porter in 1873, and practiced law some. He soon gave his whole time and talent to the legal profession. He is still claimed as a resident of Shenandoah, but is a member of the law firm of Harroll, Smith & McCabe, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
W. M. Brown located in 1872-'73, com- ing to Shenandoah from Clarinda. He re- mained about three years and " skipped the country." He was not inuch of an ornament to his profession-became degraded by drink and finally embezzled money.
George W. Gunnison came in 1871-'72. He was also a minister of some note. He finally removed to Erie, Pennsylvania, and died about 1880.
C. S. Keenan, who was reared in Page County, worked his way np from an humble, poor boy, to be admitted to the bar about 1875. He is now one of the successful " legal lights" of Shenandoah. He was a partner of Judge T. R. Stockton for a year-1884-'85.
Wilson & Wilson was the style of a law firm, who came from Fremont County in 1875, and practiced less than a year. M. A. Wilson went to Atwood, Kansas, while his brother is still in Iowa, at another point.
G. W. Makepiece came to Shenandoah in 1879, and remained one year, then removed to Harrison County. He was not particularly successful-" probably missed his calling!"
George H. Castle was admitted to the Page County bar in 1879, and continued to practice four or five years, and in 1887 with- drew from the bar and turned his attention to agricultural life.
F. C. Mariner came in 1881, remained a
year. He came from Bushnell, Illinois, and went from Shenandoah to Northville, where he still practices law.
K. A. Pence came from Iowa City in 1881 and practiced until 1887, wlien he moved to Blakeman, Kansas.
Benjamin Todd came from Peoria, Illinois, in 1882, and is still on the list of practicing attorneys at Shenandoah.
ESSEX ATTORNEYS.
L. S. Hanna came in 1875 or 1876. He was a graduate of the literary and law de- partments of the State University at Iowa City. He had been in the cavalry service during the civil war. From college he went to Red Oak, Iowa, and there practiced for a time with his brother. He then moved to Essex, and in connection with law he edited the Essex Index, until July, 1878, when he went to Hastings, Nebraska. After another year he went to Clarinda, Iowa, and finally founded the Herald. He died some years later in Florida.
O. G. Sexton was a graduate of Tabor Col- lege, Fremont County, Iowa, in 1875, ad- mitted to the bar in June, 1876, at Clarinda, and soon commenced business at Essex. He soon removed to Riverton; he is now cashier of a bank at Imogene, Iowa.
John O. Lyon came from Keokuk, in the spring of 1877. He remained one year and went to Missouri: he was not a success at Essex.
Albert Hale came to Essex from Bedford, Iowa, in the winter of 1877-'78, and prac- ticed in a small way, until 1880. He was unfortunate, in that he had been mnade a wreck, in mind and body, by reason of a sun- stroke received while a soldier in au Iowa command, during the civil war. He had a bright mind at one time, and was well schooled.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
William H. Wilson, a graduate of Simp- son College (law department), of the class of 1876-'77, came to Shenandoalı in 1877, and to Essex in 1878. He remained until 1881, when he moved to Imogene, Iowa.
Gouverneur B. Jennings graduated at Bow- ling Green, in September, 1876. The fol- lowing February he located at Essex, Iowa, where lie still continues to practice. His business extends to various parts of the coun- try, practicing in all the State and Federal courts. He has made a success of his calling, and is indeed an honest, upright attorney who stands high in this part of Iowa. (See sketch elsewhere.)
THE BAR OF 1890.
Shenandoah: W. P. Ferguson, James McCabe, C. S. Keenan, Benjamin Todd.
Essex: G. B. Jennings.
Clarinda: T. E. Clark, Joseph Hill, Ra- mond Loranz, Thos. Stockton, John R. Good, J. L. Bachelor, H. E. Parslow, Herb Scott.
EARLY COURTS AND JUDGES.
The first term of district court was held at the residence of Philip Boulware, at what is now Shambaugh's mill, September 22, 1851. Judge Sloane, a Mormon lawyer of Council Bluffs, presided. Page County then constituted a part of the sixth district. Judge Sloan was an Irishman with but little knowl- edge of the law and none of the code whichi took effect in July, 1851. He was a hot headed, peppery fellow, disliked by the peo- ple so much that he held office but a short time, resigning before the next term of court. He had great admiration for com- mon law and a great contempt for codes and code practice. While presiding at conrt in Fremont County an attorney called his atten- tion to some portion of the code. The Judge, with an indescribable facial movement and
in his Irish brogue, blurted out, " To hell with your code! I have the law in my head."
Judge H. H. Bradford, of Fremont Coun- ty, succeeded Sloan, being appointed by Gov- ernor Stephen E. Hemstead. He held his first term of court at Boulware's mill, in July, 1852, as did he the July term, but the September term was mostly held at the new county seat, Clarinda, in a frame build- ing, 12 x 14 feet, on the west side of the square, where the opera house now stands. Tradition says this building was erected by Isaiah Hurlbert, a mile south of the court house; it was removed to town as a store building. Bradford was a man of much good sense, a fair attorney and made a good judge. He was a good citizen, as remarked by a mem- ber of the bar, because he adjourned the April term of court in 1854 for ten days on account of election. After the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, he became interested in some property in Nebraska City, and dnr- ing a contest there was struck with a club on the head, nearly causing death. It af- fected his mind so, he was compelled to re- sign. With a naturally good constitution, he, after a few years, regained his health, and finally wended his way westward with the "Star of Empire" and became a judge and delegate to Congress from Colorado, where it is believed he is still living.
Upon the resignation of Judge Bradford, Governor Hemstead appointed Hon. E. H. Sears, of Fremont County, to succeed him. He was a man of more than ordinary culture, well read in the law, had courage to enforce liis deep convictions, thus became a terror to evil doers. He was appointed January, 1855, and held his first court at Clarinda, in an old log school-house standing where the South Public School building now stands. Jolin Griffy, then a citizen of the county, had a barrel of whisky on some boards on the run-
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
ning gears of a wagon and on the sunny side of the school and court-house, and was dealing out whisky by the tin-cupful, in full view of the judge, who sat upon an upturned nail keg. The records do not show it, but it was doubtless true (from all accounts) that the first order made by the good judge to the grand jury, on their retirement to "consider on the indictments," was for a bucket of whisky and two tin cups-one not being deemed sufficient to quench the thirst of fif- teen good and lawful jurors. The result was that the judge had to wait for the jury to sober up (some, not all of them, indulged) so they could make their report. The record shows that no indictments were found, and this goes to prove that the above is more than mere tradition!
Judge Sears held his place from 1855 to December, 1862, when he was followed by Hon. James G. Day, who served until Sep- tember, 1870, when he went to the Supreme Bench. He was a native of Ohio, had a good academic education, and was a graduate of Cincinnati Law School. He never had a
very large practice, but was well read in the principles of law and a diligent student. On the bench he always did what to him seemed duty, regardless of consequences, and made one of Iowa's best judges. He was succeeded on the district bench by Hon. Joseph W. McDill, of Union County, a ripe scholar and well-read lawyer. He was cool and calculat- ing, but affable and polite, both at bar and
on the bench. He came to the district judgeship in September, 1870, and discharged his duties with satisfaction to all the bar and the people at large until the fall of 1872, when he left the bench for a seat in Congress.
Judge J. R. Reed, of Council Bluffs, was appointed to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of Mr. McDill. He held only one term in Page County.
Hon. Samuel Forrey, of Decatur County, was the first judge elected under the reor- ganized judiciary, serving until 1879, when he was succeeded by Hon. R. C. Henry, of Ringgold County. He was an eminent judge and was taken from this district by the crea- ation of other judicial districts, in 1886.
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
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MEDICAL PROFESSION.
CHAPTER XIV.
N health we care but little for doctors and their formulas or prescriptions, but there is almost certain to come a time in our earthly pilgrimage when the organs of our body will refuse to do their office-work-a time when life's frail thread seems almost broken in two. At such a time we seek out the best medical man the profession affords. We want the "good doctor" to remain by our bedside. This strange feeling, as we rest in suspense between life and deatlı, is uni- versal; it applies to the red inan who seeks out the " big medicine man," as well as to all the various grades of society, even to the most cultured classes. We do not prize health until stricken down in our sick cham- ber, and then we appreciate it, and send for a physician.
Notwithstanding it is true that no pro- fession affords a greater opportunity for those thus engaged to practice deception and lium- bug than does the medical profession, yet the world is blessed with the learned and skillful, the true and honest practitioner. Nearly all communities have one or more doctors who are ornaments to their chosen calling, as well as great benefactors to the
people. Through their skill many of us may trace out our life and robust health to- day, for had they not been summoned we had long ago been numbered among the dead.
During the past forty years Page County has liad a great number of Galen's followers, some unworthy the title of physician, and many others have been quite celebrated for their honesty and skillfulness in the healing art
Dr. Alexander H. Farrens, one of Page County's very earliest settlers, first located in Buchanan Township, then moved farther north, along the ridge between the two Nodaway rivers, and in 1856 came to Cla- rinda, where he died in March, 1858. The chances for a doctor were not then what they now are. Money was scarce and appliances hard to obtain, yet, though young, Dr. Far- rens was naturally a physician and surgeon, and was a successful practitioner of his day. Many of the early pioneer men and women here recall his visits, and the relief and good cheer his coming brought to their sick ones.
Dr. James L. Barrett, the first thoroughly schooled medical practitioner in Page County, came to Clarinda in 1855, and was the first
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
physician and surgeon at this place. He was born in Kentucky, and reared in Indiana. He commenced the study of medicine in 1838. He was a man whom to meet is to re- spect and become attached to for his noble, generous impulses, as well as for his wonder- ful fund of general and classical knowledge of the great world in which he has labored, not in vain, for over three-score years. No better physician ever practiced in Page County, or no more polite and genial com- panion ever graced the good society of Cla- rinda, than Dr. Barrett, who is known far and near. On account of age and failing health he is not in active practice at this writing. He is one of Nature's own noble- men. (See sketch.)
Dr. J. H. Conine came to Clarinda at an early day, but only remained in active prac- tice for a short time. He soon engaged in the drug business, in which he built up a very large trade and made a handsome for- tune. He was a man of elegant personal ad- dress. As a physician he was able and learned; although he entered mercantile life, yet he treated many families for years after. He sold out to Loy & Van Sandt, and spent much time in traveling; and wlien at Dallas, Texas, he was smitten witli a fever and tliere died. His remains were brought to Clarinda, and now lie buried in the cemetery, lamented by a legion of professional and social friends.
Dr. H. C. Brandt came to Clarinda in the summer of 1855, to look after some land he was improving. He was enticed by the roll- ing and splendid land, and finally concluded to remain here, and he was soon known as a most thorough gentleman and well-schooled physician, who possessed the valuable knowl- edge gained from the best medical schools of Europe. His knowledge was not alone in medicine, but he had gleaned much from the literary world. His time was divided be-
tween his old liome in Indiana and Clarinda. He finally, having gained a competency, re- moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he enjoyed the fruits of an industrious and use- ful life.
Dr. Albert Heald came to Page County in 1858, and located in Valley Township. He came to Clarinda in 1859, and notwithstand- ing he was already a victim of consumption himself, he still practiced on. He was an able man, and made many friends, and few, if any, enemies. He died in 1863. He was a brother of Mrs. Dr. N. L. Van Sandt, and when his death occurred the entire commnu- nity were numbered as mourners.
Dr. A. H. East came to Hawleyville in 1851, before that village had yet been platted. He had been reared in Indiana, learned the carpenter's trade, and finally studied medicine. His schooling in boyhood was included in two weeks. But by nature he was a physician; lie was a remarkable man in that respect, and he had much suc- cess both as a physician and expert surgeon. He-was also somewhat of a lawyer as well as a physician; he was at one time a member of the law firm of John R. Morledge & Co., at Clarinda. In the latter days of Dr. East's life he was associated with Dr. Lewellen, which co-partnership continued until East's death, about 1873.
Dr. Samuel H. Kridelbaugh, a native of Ohio but reared in Indiana, came to Iowa in April, 1855, locating at Clarinda in September of that year. He first learned the printer's trade, next entered the legal profession and grad- uated from the Ohio Medical College in March, 1855. Until 1874 he practiced at Clarinda, with marked success, but at that date his healthi gave way and he was incapaci- tated for further professional duty, until July, 1880, when he again resumed the practice of medicine. The Doctor early in life was an
·
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
editor of considerable note, having edited the Indiana Globe, the Hoosier, and Column- bns (Ohio) Weekly Ledger. In Page County he was conspicnous in organizing the Sonth- western Iowa Medical Association and in the establishment of the Page County Fair As- sociation. The last years of his life misfor- tune overtook him-he removed to Dakota and died there in 1883. Through the gen- erous and noble impulses of Dr. N. L. Van Sandt, his remains were brought to Clarinda and buried midst his friends of other days.
Dr. E. T. Farrens, another practicing physician, whose birth-place was in Page County, is worthy attention in this con- nection. He played under the trees of Clar- inda in his childhood, attended the public schools and grew to manhood under the in- fluences which now surround him. He read medicine with Dr. Enfield and graduated at the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis, after which he took up the practice of inedi- cine in his home town. In his practice he is very attentive and studious. (See sketch.)
Dr. J. K. Rickey caine to Clarinda a few years ago, from Keokuk, Iowa. He has been in medical practice over fifty years, and by reason of his wide range of observation and careful study, he is looked up to by many of his brethren in the profession. He is the in- ventor of an operating table which makes him a blessing to thousands of physicians and surgeons in the land.
Dr. H. L. Cokenower removed from Pleas- ant Plains, Illinois, to Clarinda, in 1880, and he at once commenced to have a large prac- tice and has to-day one of the best-paying ones in his county. All his life he has been a student and will be till the latest hours of his life. He has a just pride in his profes- sion and spares neither pains nor expense in providing himself with the best appliances known in his art.
Dr. A. G. Wall was one of the physicians who came to Clarinda subsequent to the war. He was a learned and scientific physician. When he began the study of medicine he possessed a thorough classical education- an advantage that will always place one in advance of one not thus schooled. All who knew him admired his elegant manners and high culture. He was a great favorite with other physicians in Page County. The last known of him he was practicing in his native State-Pennsylvania.
Dr. P. W. Lewellen came to Page County in May, 1865. He did not come for the pur- pose of entering the fraternity of medical men, but was impressed with the " goodly land " and finally commenced his practice at Clarinda. He is known far and near, as a physician far above the average, indeed quite eminent and very reliable. He is a close student and philosophical reasoner in medi- cal science-never satisfied with surface knowledge, but to him the depths must be probed and seen in the clearly defined light of scientific reason. Not alone is he promi- nent in medicine, but in politics as well. In 1878, the people of Page and Fremont coun- ties elected him to the State Senate, serving four years with unusual value and credit to his constituents. For several years he has been a member of the State Board of Health, and a trustee of the Mt. Pleasant Insane Hospital. When the Hospital for the In- sane was established at Clarinda (partly through his executive ability) he was chosen its superintendent, which position he is still holding; he is fast gaining a reputation as an expert and adept at caring for and curing the insane. (See sketch elsewhere.)
Dr. N. L. Van Sandt first made his home in Clarinda in May, 1858. He came from Ohio, and soon established a practice which has continually increased. He has come to
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
be looked upon along with Dr. Barrett as pioneer doctors, and both are respected by the great mass of the people in Page County. Countless thousands are the miles he has driven over this county attending to those languishing on sick-beds. He has been an active man in all enterprises and also a man of political history. He served as a Repre- sentative in the Iowa Legislature. He still practices at Clarinda. (See sketch.)
Dr. W. C. Stillians came to Clarinda at quite an early date; attended the commou schools. He was a modest, unassuming man. He was a graduate, finally, from one of the colleges of Chicago. He did not live to practice long; had Providence been kinder, he would to-day have been foremost among the physicians of this county.
Dr. W. H. Vance practiced at Clarinda a number of years. He was a graduate of the Indiana Medical College, at Indianapolis.
Dr. W. H. Pittman came to Clarinda in February, 1886. He attended the Cincinnati Medical College in 1872, and the medical department of the University of Tennessee in 1879, and also the Medical College of New York in 1882. He has succeeded well here, having the reputation of being a careful, pains-taking physician. (See sketch.)
Dr. M. Enfield came to Clarinda in 18 -. He is a graduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he came in 1873. He is connted as among the best physicians of this section, and has traveled many thou- sand miles over the hills and dales of Page County, during all sorts of weather and roads. His mind is richly stored with usefnl infor- mation concerning his chosen profession and is always possessed with courage to speak and do his true convictions. (See sketch.)
Dr. T. E. Powers, another one of Clarinda's young physicians, was born in Page County, educated in her public schools and attended
the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, graduating from the same about 1881. He then commenced the practice of medicine at the hoine of his boyhood and now enjoys a successful practice.
A. M. Stearns, M. D., a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College, of the class of 1877, commenced the practice of medicine in Kan- sas, and came to Essex, Page County, Iowa, in 1878, where he still practices his profession.
Dr. W. T. West, a graduate of Keokuk Medical College, February 24, 1884, prac- ticed at Clayton, Illinois, nntil July, 1887, when he removed to Shenandoah, Page County, Iowa, where he became pastor of the Christian Church. In January, 1890, he moved to Essex, Iowa, and resumed the prac- tice of medicine.
W. H. C. Moore, M. D., after a five years' literary course at Monmouth College, Illi- nois, and Union College, New York, he took a medical course at the Michigan University, also at Rush Medical College, Chicago, gradu- ating at the latter January 25, 1867. He at once entered the practice at Savanna and Canton, Illinois, continued four years and then removed to Essex and vicinity, where he lived and practiced ever since. He is a man of much intelligence and a skilled physician.
" Dr." G. W. Wright is known in and around Essex as a physician of considerable note. He can be consulted on his general rounds and is ever ready to furnish his great- est boon to his suffering friends. He is not a thorough graduate, but has some native ability and a hankering both for relieving suffering humanity and the revenue attached thereto!
Dr. O. M. Burhans (irregular) began prac- tice at Essex in 1871. He was a graduate of Rush Medical College in 1878. He con- tinued practice at Essex until 1883, when he removed to Hazelhnrst, Nebraska.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
Dr. J. N. Page (irregular) practiced at Es- sex from 1873 to 1877.
Dr. Dunlap practiced from 1875 to 1877.
Dr. Goodrich (homeopathic) practiced at Essex 1876-'77.
Dr. E. Eckerson came to Essex in 1878, following the regular practice until 1889, and then removed to Denver, Colorado. He was a graduate of Buffalo (New York) Medical College.
The pioneer physician to locate at Shenan- doah was Dr. B. M. Webster, who moved from Manti, Freinont County, Iowa, in 1870. He was a graduate from Rush College, Chi- cago. He remained at Shenandoah until 1875, when he saw a better field at the new village of Essex, and there engaged in the banking business in a small way. He was a great money-maker and soon made a fortune. In 1888 lie moved to Council Bluffs, where he still resides, engaged in the loaning busi- ness.
The next mau to establish himself in the practice of medicine at Shenandoah was Dr. H. P. Duffield, a Rush College graduate of inuch ability. He now practices there and also owns a fine drug business.
Dr. G. J. Ross, now of Sioux City, came next. He was from a Cincinnati Eclectic school, and soon became a partner of Dr. Whiting, at Shenandoah.
Dr. Whiting, one of Shenandoah's present physicians, of a Cincinnati Eclectic school, is a successful practitioner.
Dr. J. W. Humphrey came to Shenandoah next. He is of the new school and quite suc- cessful.
Dr. E. K. Bailey, who now enjoys a lucra- tive practice at Shenandoalı, graduated from the Chicago Medical College in 1877, and first commenced to practice at Hepburn, Page County, Iowa, but soon removed to Shenandoalı, where lie has built up a good
practice by virtue of his ability and general manliness. Both he and his wife are greatly respected in Page County. Mrs. Bailey is a well-known worker in the temperance cause in Iowa, both as lecturer and writer.
Dr. D. L. Allen, a good physician and sur- geon, came to Shenandoah in 1881. He was a graduate of Long Island, New York. He was very skillful and admired by all. He died of consumption when thirty-six years of age, January 24, 1884, at Princeton, Kansas, leaving an estimable wife and one child.
Dr. F. E. Stevens (homeopathic) was the next to enter the role of physicians at this point, where he still practices his chosen profession. He graduated at Iowa City, Iowa.
Dr. Hester located at Shenandoalı in 1884. He was from a St. Louis medical school, and counted a good doctor. He later removed to Glenwood, Iowa.
Dr. Bolton (homeopathic), who came from Canton, Illinois, practiced a short time at Shenandoah, and then went west.
Dr. Wright came from Canton, Illinois, in 1880; he was a well-read student in medi- cine, and was a very successful practitioner. He had been in the army during the rebel- lion, and had become a wreck through army life, and finally ended his career by suicidiug with a revolver.
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