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 59

Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar
Number of Pages: 946

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 59

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Probably no professional man in Page County has more friends or stands higher in the estimation of the public than does Dr. Whiting. The partnership existing be- tween him and Dr. Sutton dates from 1887, and in Dr. Sutton he has found an agreeable associate, a safe counsellor, a warm friend and an earnest supporter. The Doctor is a member of the State Medical Association and has a favorable and extended reputation among the profession. He is a lover of liis home, where he is surrounded by his valuable library and enjoys the society of his estim- able wife and daughter. He was inarried Jan- uary 22, 1871, at St. Joe, Missouri, to Miss Lucy J., a daughter of Payton Seamands, Esq., who was born April 7, 1801. One danghter, Essie Lnella, was born to them, November 14, 1871.

Politically the Doctor is identified with the Democratic party, and is an able and earnest supporter of Democratic principles. He is a genial companion, and his social traits are displayed to advantage in his connection with

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

the Masonic brethren; he is a member of Bruce Commandery of Red Oak, and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias.

OBERT SUTTON, M. D .- The char- acter of any community is largely the result of the influence exerted upon the public mind by the personality of the pro- fessional men. No man possesses in a more eminent degree the capacity of making last- ing impressions upon the public than Dr. Robert Sutton. With strong individuality and natural ability, enforced by a thorough education, he carries an influence for good in his every word and action. He was born at Wingate Grange, Durhamshire, England, Marclı 26, 1842, and is the son of Robert and Martha (Reay) Sutton, natives of the same county. His father was a minister in the Primitive Church, now Methodist Prot- estant, and began to preach at the early age of sixteen years. Two years after Robert's birth they came to America and settled in Wisconsin, where they remained two years, returning at the end of that time to England. Being dissatisfied with their old home they again came to the United States, stopping at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. While there the father was engaged in preaching, and in 1856 he was sent to Chicago as an evangelist. After a few years' active ministerial work he located at La Harpe, Illinois. While there he suffered the loss of his eyesight, which was afterward restored to him. In 1860 he re- moved to Pittsburg, and thence to Waynes- burgh, where he and his wife are passing their declining years. They are the parents of eight children, four of whom are living.

When the family removed to Pennsylvania in 1860, Robert remained behind and en- gaged in teaching school. When a boy ten

years old he had been placed in a school at Fair- mont, West Virginia, where he enjoyed su- perior advantages for three years. When his father removed to Illinois he entered the Northern Illinois University, and acquired a thorough literary education in that institution. While teaching at La Harpe, Illinois, he was a member of the family of Dr. Kirkpatrick, and there became interested in the study of medicine. He decided to make the profession his own, and accordingly entered the medical department of Lind University, Chicago; there he took one course of lectures, and the following year he matriculated in the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, grad- nating in the class of 1863. He at once be- came associated witlı Dr. Kirkpatrick, witlı whom he remained till 1885. While a resi- dent of La Harpe Dr. Sutton was intimately connected with various educational institu- tions. His health becoming impaired from overwork he sought a change of climate and abandoned his profession for a time. He came to Page County, Iowa, and purchased a farm three and a half miles south of Shenan- doah, where he was extensively engaged in the breeding of Jersey cattle, early taking the lead in this industry. He now has a herd of thirty thorough-breds of excellent stock.

Having regained his health Dr. Sutton was earnestly solicited to re-engage in the practice of his profession, and finally formed a partner- ship with Dr. Whiting in December, 1887, since wlien he has devoted his time to the demands of his profession.

Dr. Sutton was united in marriage May 5, 1863, at La Harpe, Illinois, to Miss Sue Gochenour. Her death occurred May 21, 1871, leaving a son, David C., who has the present management of the farm. October 26, 1876, the Doctor was again united in marriage, to Miss Orplia E. Chandler, at Ab-

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

ingdon, Illinois. Four sons are the result of this union: Mark, Jesse, Reay and Ward.

The Doctor is a man of pronounced but liberal views and takes advanced ground on all questions of an educational and religious nature. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, and he fraternizes with the Masonic brethren, having passed the chairs of the blue lodge and chapter. Po- litically he is a straight Democrat, standing squarely with his party on all questions.

OHN H. W. BENNETT .--- Probably to this inan more is dne than to any other in the building up and sustaining of the most important enterprise of Page County. Being a inan of broad views and liberal culture he recognized the great value and influence of a college in any community, and he was one of the first to step to the front and offer assistance when it was needed. In 1883-'84 he expended large sums of money in the erection of suitable dormitories for the convenience and accommodation of students in attendance. His capital thus invested, will not fall short of $12,000, but he was an ardent believer in the future prosperity of the institution, and that his judgment was correct the present success of tlie college amply testifies. By this investment he be- came equal owner with Mr. Wilson, who had become heavily involved and soon found a purchaser for his interest in Prof. Croan, a widely known educator, who infused new life into the sluggish veins of the school. The highest expectations have been realized; the attendance of students numbers nearly 1,000, and it has become one of the largest ednca tional institutions west of the Mississippi River. The value of Mr. Bennett's stability and persistence cannot be too much appre-

ciated, nor can too much consideration be accorded him by the citizens of Shenandoah and vicinity. With him " nothing succeeds like success," and he can pass down the re- mainder of life's pathway feeling a great satisfaction in having done his work so well. He has not abandoned the college to other hands entirely, but retains his boarding halls and gives these his individual attention. More than ordinary interest attaches to thie life of such a man, and it is with no little pleasure that we are able to record the prin- cipal events of his career.

John Henry Winemiller Bennett was born February 26, 1830, near the junction of the Potomac River with Chesapeake Bay, and is the son of William and Harriet (Winemiller) Bennett, natives of Maryland but of Scotch- English ancestry. The grandfather of Will- iam Bennett emigrated from England and settled on the farin, on which Jolin H. W. Bennett was born. When our subject was two years old his father died and his mother was afterwards married to John Bennett, a brother of her first husband, who died in 1852; the mother is now a resident of Balti- more, aged eighty years. John is the oldest of a family of three children of the first mar- riage, and four children were born of the second union. He remained at home nntil he was of age and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked in various towns in West Virginia until 1855. He then came west and stopped at Dixon, Illinois, where he continued to reside for a quarter of a century, when he removed to Shenandoah. He en- listed August 12, 1862, in the Miami Artil- lery, and was stationed at Roanoke Island, doing patrol and guard duty for six months; he was mustered ont January 25, 1863, but immediately re-enlisted at Newbern, N. C., in the Quartermaster's Department, in which he remained nntil the close of hostili-

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

ties. He had been united in marriage the day before enlisting, August 11, 1862, to Miss Mary E. Ulil, a native of Pennsylvania, and during all those years of struggle he did not once see his wife.

When lie first located in Shenandoalı, Mr. Bennett was engaged in the lumber business, which he continued five years; since then lie lias devoted liis entire time and attention to the interests of the college. He erected one of the most commodious resideuces in the place near the Presbyterian church on Cla- rinda Avenue, and there enjoys the society of luis amiable wife and daughter, Grace E.

ILLIAM MELVILLE CROAN, superintendent and owner of the Western Normal College, Shenan- doah, has rapidly advanced to an enviable po- sition in the educational work of Iowa and the Northwest. The Western Normal Col- lege is in some respects Iowa's greatest edu- cational factor, and its unparalleled success is the result of the untiring efforts of Mr. Croan, assisted by an able and experienced corps of teachers. Its curriculum is adapted to those young men and women whose finances will not allow them to pursue a classical course, but who are desirous of receiving as muchi practical benefit as possible. The history of the college will be found in its appropriate chapter, and is well worth the attention of every reader; yet it is impossible in writing a review of the life of Mr. Croan to separate them, the history of one being to a great ex- tent that of the other.

William M. Croan was born in Madison County, Indiana, July 23, 1853, and is the eldest of five children, now living, of a family of eleven. The Croan ancestry is traced to the German Croghan, that family being early

settlers of Pennsylvania. His father, Hon. David E. Croan, was an influential member of the Indiana Legislature during the Rebel- lion and served continuously for a number of terms. He liad come to Indiana from Penn- sylvania when a young man with his father, John S. Croan. He chose an agricultural life and became one of the most extensive farmers and traders in that section of the state. His death occurred January 31, 1885, at the age of sixty-two years. He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Van Pelt, a danghi- ter of Judge Uriah Van Pelt, also a pioneer of Indiana. His widow still survives lim and resides at Anderson, Indiana.

Yonng Croan, after attending the country schools until he was fifteen years old, en tered the graded and normal school at An- derson, where he received a fair preparation as a teacher, and at the age of seventeen years he taught his first term. He also at- tended a part of two years at the Northwest- ern Christian University (now Butler Uni- versity), at Irvington, Indiana, and at Indian- apolis, where he took a special literary course under President Burgess. He now accepted the principalship of the public schools at Summitville, where he taught successfully the years 1874-'75. The two years following he was principal at Alexandria. During the summer of 1876 he visited the Centennial Exposition and contributed a number of ed- ucational articles to various home periodicals. He had been attracted to editorial work, and upon closing his two years' school work at Alexandria lie decided to embark upon an editorial venture. He accordingly purchased a half interest in the Anderson Democrat, of which he was business manager for eighteen months; he then became sole proprietor aud editor. After a few months he sold an in- terest in the concern, but retained his position as editor. To Mr. Croan belongs thie credit

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

and honor of bringing before the public James Whitcomb Riley, " the Hoosier Poet;" knowing him when he was an obscure sign painter, he recognized in him the native humor and wit which have made him noted, and rendered such encouragement by the pub- lication of immature articles that he soon be- came to attract attention.

The summer of 1879 Mr. Croan and wife spent in the South, at Huntsville, Alabama; it was about the time of the celebrated exodus of the colored population, of which Mr. Croan made reports for the Associated Press. In the spring of 1881 he was elected superin- tendent of the Madison County schools, and soon after disposed of his newspaper interests; here he found ample opportunity to display all his ability and generalship; he succeeded after much effort in establishing a uniform course of study for all the schools in the county. The principles of the new education as set forth by Pestalozzi and Froebel found an ardent admirer in hin, and he has en- deavored to apply them in his work whenever possible.

Mr. Croan was united in marriage October 16, 1878, to Miss Jessie Fremont Myers, who was born at Anderson, Indiana, July 17, 1857; she is a daughter of Samuel and Eliza- betli (Catlier) Myers, a prominent pioneer family of Indiana. One of the sons, William R. Myers, was for a number of years Secre- tary of State, as well as Member of Congress.

After serving one term as superintendent Mr. Croan was nnanimously re-elected, and was actively engaged in the discharge of his duties when the turn, that is always in the long road, came, and it came through Isaac E. Wilson, an old and valued friend. By re- quest he met him at Valparaiso, Indiana, Thanksgiving day, 1883, where he was in- formed of the scheme of the Western Normal College. In January, 1884. Mr. Croan came

to Shenandoah and purchased a half interest in the institution; one month later he secured the remainder of the stock, becoming sole proprietor. He resigned his superintendency of the Madison County schools, and came to Shenandoah to take charge of the college here; this was in the winter of 1884. His father's health was failing rapidly, and he leased the school and spent most of the fol- lowing winter in Indiana.

On his return to Shenandoah he found the school going down so rapidly that he believed that it could exist but a few short months, under the management who had control of it, and as this lease included privilege of second year, he paid them $1,500 to give up their lease.

In August, 1885, he assumed the manage- ment of the entire institution, when there was an attendance of sixty-five students. He made radical changes in the faculty and cur- riculum, and it was soon apparent that a general was in command; from that day to the present time one success has followed another, and the work has reached a magni- tude that may be appreciated by a glance at the following facts: in 1885 there was an attendance of sixty five pupils, with property valued at $7,000; in 1889 there is in attend- ance approximating 1,000 students with prop- erty valued at $50,000.

In every effort Prof. Croan has been ably assisted by his estimable wife, whose counsel and untiring devotion have contributed no small share to the success of the college. They have been blessed with three children: David M., Margaret and Katharine. Their hearts were saddened by the death of little Margaret, who passed from earth May 16, 1888, aged four years. Prof. Croan is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He affiliates with the Odd Fellow and Ma-

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

sonic brotherhoods, and belongs to tlie Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum.

EORGE EDWARD TROTTER, the senior member of the grocery firm of Trotter Bros., Slienandoah, was born near Monticello, Lewis County, Missouri, April 2, 1846. His parents were George W. and Nancy (Dale) Trotter, natives of Ken- tucky and pioneers of the northwest part of Missouri. . The father was an extensive farmer and stock-dealer; in 1873 he removed to Kirksville, Missouri, where his death oc- curred ten years later, and where the family still resides. George E. remained on the farm until he was eigliteen years of age, and then entered Jones Commercial College, St. Louis, Missouri, where he took a course of study ; after leaving school he entered a dry goods store at Canton, where he was a clerk until 1871; he then went to Bement, Illinois, where he found employment for nearly two years, after which he went to Chicago, and was in the service of the Grand Central Cloth- ing House until 1875. He then went into business for himself at Macomb, Illinois, forming a partnership with A. E. Major, and conducting the business successfully for two years; he then sold his interest in the store, but remained with the purchasers two years longer.

In June, 1879, Mr. Trotter decided to go farther west, and in company of E. I. Lancey he came to Shenandoah, Iowa, and soon eu- gaged in business. The firm of Trotter & Lancey continued to do a profitable business until 1885, when Mr. Trotter assumed entire control of the concern; in June, 1889, he formed a partnership with his brother, John W. Trotter.

Mr. Trotter was married July 31. 1873, at

Bement, Illinois, to Miss Malinda Augusta Peairs. She was born in Greene County. Illinois, May 7, 1851, and is a daughter of James S. and Malinda (Godwin) Peairs. Her parents are now residents of Shenandoah. He is a refined, cultured gentleman of the " old school," and is now nearing four-score years of age. For twenty-five years he unade teach- ing his profession, and many prominent inen of the last quarter of a century owe much to the training and instruction they received in the primitive, log school-house where this venerable schoolmaster wielded the birch. He was born in Alleghany County, Pennsyl- vania, May 5, 1813, and is the son of Elisha and Mary (Watt) Peairs. The Peairs family settled in Pennsylvania in 1765, on land which has never passed from their possession. Elisha Peairs was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died at Lundy's Lane, aged thirty- eight years. The golden wedding of James S. Peairs and wife was celebrated December, 1889.

John Wesley Trotter, the junior member of the firm of Trotter Bros., was born on a farm in Lewis County, Missouri, February 11, 1853, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained nian's estate. He re- ceived such educational advantages as were afforded by common schools. Desiring to fit himself to participate in an active business life he entered the Gein City Business Col- lege, Quincy, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1872. After teaching one term of school he became a student in the Missouri State Normal School at Kirksville, from which institution he was graduated. in the two-years class in 1875. He taught for a time in Saline County, Missouri, and in March, 1876, he was offered a position as book-keeper in the Kirksville Savings Bank, which situation he hield for seven and a half years. When the Kirksville Mercantile Col-

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

lege was established he was offered the prin- cipalship in the book-keeping department, which he accepted, and tanght for two years withi eminent success. Desiring a change of climate he left this institution and removed Bentonville, Arkansas, where he engaged in the manufacture of smoking and chewing tobacco; he conducted this business for four years, at the end of which time he became a resident of Shenandoah and a partner in the firm of Trotter Bros.

Mr. Trotter was united in marriage, Au- gust 15, 1878, to Miss Ada Gregg, of Jeffer- son City, Missouri. She is a daughter of Benjamin S. and Mary (Whitinghamn) Gregg, and was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, March 30, 1854. Three children are the fruits of this union: Panl, Frank and Bascom. Mr. and Mrs. Trotter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Clurch. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, and in poli- tics he is strongly imbned with Democratic principles.

IMON FREUNDLICH, proprietor of the Chicago Clothing Company, located in the Opera House Block, Shenandoah, is a native of Germany, having first seen the light of day in the village of Lachen, Janu- ary 6, 1854. His father is Martin Freund- lich, now a retired merchant of Lachen, and his mother's maiden name was Barbara Loeb. Simon received a classical education in the College of Nierstadt, and upon leaving this institution he at once entered into active mercantile life; he was clerking until he de- cided to come to America, which lie did soon after the Franco-Prussian war, in 1873. His native town was near the scene of the first battle fought.

An elder brother had been in Oswego, New

York, for several years, and he at once joined him after a pleasant voyage from Bremen to New York. He entered his brother's store, where he clerked for two years, and then de- siring a change of climate he went South and for eight years was employed at Okolona, Mississippi. In 1881 he returned to the North, and for five years resided in New Hampton, Iowa; thence in 1886 he removed to Bloomfield where he opened business on his own account. He did a successful busi- ness at Bloomfield for three years, when he became desirons of making a change; he took a hasty look at Slienandoah and observ- ing the activity and prosperity of the place lost no time in making arrangements for re- moval to this place. September 23, 1889, he opened an elegant line of clothing, hats, caps, trunks, and valises, and carries a stock that will not fall short of $18,000. His many years of experience enable him to display these goods in a most effective way, and liis honorable and fair dealings will win for him many customers which he will readily hold by a continuance of the same principles. He is ably assisted by the well-known and popu- lar salesman, Frank W. Hathaway, whose friends are legion.

Mr. Freundlich has already attained a popularity in the business circles of Shenan- doah. ] He is unmarried and is a member of the Masonic brotherhood, having passed the blue lodge and chapter, and is a prominent Knight of P'ytlias.

RANK ANSHUTZ, jeweler and music dealer, was born in Moundsville, Mar- shall County, West Virginia, February 23, 1852. His parents were Chirist and Re- becca (Woodwell) Anshutz, the father being a native of Germany; he came to the United

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

States at the age of sixteen years and was married in the city of Pittsburg; he was a miller and cabinet-inaker by trade, and owned and operated a grist-mill at Moundsville, where he died when Frank was but two years old. He left four children by a former marriage, and there were nine children by the second marriage. Frank remained with his mother until he was sixteen years old, when he came to Des Moines, Iowa, where he had a sister living; he attended the high school for some time and then entered the jewelry establish- ment of Plumb Brothers and learned the silversmith's trade. He remained with this firm over two years and then engaged with the firm of H. C. Shepard & Co., of Phila- delphia, with whom he continued one year. After spending nearly a year in Allegheny City he returned to Des Moines and after one month he started into business at Mitchell- ville, Iowa. He staid there five years and then for three years he did business at Glen- wood, Iowa; thence he came to Shenandoah in 1883.

In the beginning of his business career in Shenandoah the stock required was compara- tively small; but as the demands increased he met them with an excellent supply of the best goods in his line; he now carries a choice lot of jewelry, watches, clocks, silverware and musical instruments. This stock is dis- played to fine advantage in one of the best store-rooms in the town and presents as at- tractive an appearance as any stock in the county.

Mr. Anshutz was united in marriage Au- gust 13, 1881, to Miss Sarah Blake, a dauglı- ter of John and Miranda (Parker) Blake. She was born in Pecatonica, Illinois, August 3, 1859. They have a cheerful home on University avenue, where they take much pleasure in entertaining their friends.

Mr. Anshutz is a Republican, politically,

and has firm convictions upon all public questions, but being of a retiring disposition he has never sought public office; he is thoroughly fitted for such duties and lias fre- quently been urged to allow his name to be used.

OSIAH NEEDHAM, the senior mem- ber of the progressive and popular clothing house of Needham & Mell, Shenandoah. The present firm has existed for eight years, having been established April 1, 1882. The location could not be improved, being the central and most popular corner in town. The store building is owned by the firm and is a spacious edifice 20 x 70 feet. In the beginning of their business they car- ried about one-third of the stock demanded by their present trade; as business increased they have added to their stock until it would require $10,000 to cover the amount of goods on hand. The amount of business done by this firm is remarkable considering the fact that other towns have sprung up in the territory formerly tributary to Shenan- doah.

Josialı Needham, whose history is under review, was born in Clinton County, Indi- ana, November 3, 1851, and is the third of a family of eight children of John and Mary (Winslow) Needham. His grandfather, Isaac Needham, was a pioneer of Indiana. His oldest brother, Marion E., lives at Carson, Iowa; the oldest sister, Susan, is the wife of David Wiles ; Jerome is a photographer at Chariton; Robert is in the B. & L. department store at Des Moines; Oliver is a merchant at St. Joe, Missouri; Maggie is a tailoress at Shenan- doah, and Etta remains at home in Indianola, Iowa. The family came to Iowa when Josiah was a child and settled in Union County,

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Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar Number of Pages: 946

Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar
Number of Pages: 946