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 66
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Mr. King was married New Year's day, 1874, to Miss Letitia Sparrow, a native of Burlington, Iowa. Their family consists of Walter C., Clyde Harry., Martha Ada and Laura Letitia. Mary Esther, next to the youngest, was called from earth, saddening her home and friends. Her death occurred January 7, 1890, aged three years and a few months. The parents are inembers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and do not hesitate to respond to charity's calls, or to give aid to a weary and burdened heart.
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ENRY GOULD WEECH was born at Somerton, Somersetshire, England, Sep- tember 15, 1838. His parents, Sam- uel and Elizabeth (Gould) Weech, were na- tives of Somersetshire and descendants of ancestors who were of importance in the days of the Commonwealth, some of them fight- ing with Cromwell's Ironsides.
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In 1848 the family, having embraced the Mormon faith, emigrated to the United States, coming first to New Orleans. Tlie father was much dissatisfied with the scanty provision made on ship-board and elsewhere for the comfort and safety of the company; be therefore decided to abandon the church, whose agents were at fault, and after remain- ing one winter at New Orleans he came up the Mississippi River to Alton, Illinois, where he found employment; he resided there until his death, which occurred in 1853. His wife and eight children remained in Alton for some time. There Henry learned the trade of carpentry, and after serving his appren- ticeship, he worked four years as a journey- ınan. His mother still clinging to the Mor- mon faith, the family decided to go to Salt Lake. When they had reached Florence, just above Omaha, Henry concluded to return, not liking the appearance of things. He and his wife retraced their steps, coming through Fremont and Page counties. They were so inuch pleased with this section of country that, after one winter in Alton, they came to Page County and bought a tract of land, which they began to improve. Mr. Weech in the meantime worked at his trade as there was demand. They resided on this farın until 1869, when they sold it and secured another tract of 200 acres, two miles north of Shenandoah; there they lived for five years. In 1874 Mr. Weech purchased, one-half of section 6, Grant Township, and moved to thie place, where he carried on grain-growing ex- tensively for eight years. At the end of that time he retired to Shenandoah, in order to allow his children an opportunity to acquire a better education. He still owns the two farms, from which he receives a satisfactory rental. He also owns a residence in Shenan- doah, in one of tlie choicest portions of the town.
Mr. Weech became interested in the canning factory, as one of the original stockholders, and was made the second president of the company. He is also a stockholder in the Creamery Association. At present he is not engaged in active business but is enjoying a well-earned rest.
Henry G. Weech was married in Alton, Illinois, in 1854, to Miss Harriet Allen, who was also of English origin, her birthplace being Herefordshire. Five children were born of this union: Albert, Clara, Frank, Della and Elsie. The four older children are making their own way in the world, three of them being teachers. Frank is a stock- man in Colorado, and Elsie is a member of the senior class of the Shenandoah High School.
Mrs. Weech passed to the " silent realm," July 26, 1889, aged fifty-six years, She was a woman of many noble traits of character, and is sincerely mourned by her family and friends.
Mr. Weech is a Republican in politics, and is deeply interested in educational matters.
AMES L. COLE, who is now serving a third term as Township Trustee, has the confidence of the community to a most satisfactory degree. Besides attending to the duties of trustee he has served three terms as a member of the Board of Aldermen. To the administration of both offices lie brings a peculiar fitness and business ability. In him the public has a servant who not only has great capability, but who does not despise the small details of business.
Mr. Cole and his brother Orson P. settled in Walnut Township, Fremont County, six miles from Shenandoalı, in the spring of 1866. He at once began to build up a home, and
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having twelve hundred dollars capital lie in- vested it judicionsly, and by strict application to the requirements of his chosen business he has succeeded admirably. His home has been in Shenandoalı for nine years, and he has a desirable residence in a most attractive part of the city in convenient reach of the busi- ness center. However, he gives his personal attention to the operations of his farm, and feeds large numbers of cattle for Eastern mar- kets. He has contributed largely to advance the growth and breeds of stock in this vicin- ity, having himself secured a herd of ten thoroughbred sliort-horns of the Golden Drop family. He has endeavored to make his farm valuable and attractive, and besides a fine farmi residence he has erected commodious barns conveniently arranged for stock, with wind-mills and watering-tanks.
James L. Cole was born in Oswego County, New York, July 2, 1834, and is a son of William R. and Susan (Lamb) Cole. David Lamb, the maternal great-grandfather of James L., was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, surviving most of his comrades in arms, and dying at the ripe old age of ninety-four years. The family has been a long time residents of Vermont, and William Cole has made his home with this old hero for sixteen years.
Our subject is the oldest of three sous who grew to maturity; Charles died in 1879, and Orson P. died in Shenandoah, December 25, 1877. The parents died on the old New York homestead, where they had settled when the country was new.
When young Cole was of age he yielded to the impulse to go West, and soon found himself in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he met and married Miss Ann Hill, daughter of A. H. and Catherine (Chandlee) Hill. She was born in Cayuga County, New York, August 27, 1831, but from the age of eight
years she was reared in the State of Michigan. They were married June 25, 1856, and the same day started for Wisconsin and secured a home in Fond du Lac County, near Ripon. After living there three years they returned to Michigan and remained there until 1864; they then went to New York and lived with Mr. Cole's parents until his father's death, after which he determined to go to Iowa. .
Though Mr. and Mrs. Cole find much pleas- ure in life, their greatest hope was taken from them when their only child, Frank El- mer, died in infancy. They have recer.tly adopted a little boy of nine years, Bertie V. Cole. They are faithful members of the Congregational Church. In political affairs Mr. Cole is identified with the Republican party.
OHN ERICSSON, born in Sweden, June 5, 1828, his parents being Eric and An- nie (Peterson) Anderson. It will be at once noticed by the American reader that the son's name is not the same as the father's. The custom of some foreign countries is somewhat peculiar, the ordinary manner being for the son to take as a surname tlie given name of his father, as in the present case: others take the name of their native village or district: the sons of military men and officials retain the same name as their fathers.
John Ericsson served an apprenticeship of three years at the cabinet-maker's trade, but soon after transferred his attention to general carpentry and building. He went to Stock- holm and for five years he followed his trade. After living a fairly successful life in Sweden until 1868, he decided to follow the example of many of liis countrymen and emigrate to America. He sailed on the steamer Hiber-
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nia bound for Quebec, Galesburg, Illinois, being his destination; but instead of going there he came to Des Moines, Iowa, and was employed there, and at Newton and Grinnell until 1870, when he went to Vicksburg, Mis- sissippi. He soon went to Waverly, Louisi- ana, and was employed on a large plantation remodeling the planter's buildings, including cotton gin, saw-mill and tenements. He was retained there more than three years, when he came back to Newton, Jasper County. He had been joined by his family meanwhile, and now located at Newton, expecting to make it his permanent residence. However, in February, 1883, he came to Shenandoah and purchased lots on which he erected a roomy, comfortable residence one block north- west of the college.
Much of Mr. Ericsson's contracting lias been of churches, in which particular line he has an extended reputation. He has two beautiful mementos presented by congrega- tions for whom he had erected churches; one is a gold-headed cane of much beauty, and the other is a valuable gold watch.
Mr. Ericsson was married in November, 1852, to Miss Annie Louise Peterson. Sev- en children have been born to them, two dy- ing in infancy. Carl Frederic, the eldest, was graduated from the medical department of the State University in the class of 1881, and began the practice of medicine at Des Moines; he was a young man of uncommon promise, and his death, just when life's pros- pects were brightest, was a great blow to his family and friends. The medical fraternity of Iowa's capital held him in high estimation, and passed resolutions of condolence and sympathy. Eric T., the second son, resides at San Bernardino, California, and follows his father's trade; Gus B. is a druggist at Essex ; Jennie is at home, and Selma, who has the honor of being the first pupil attending the
Western Normal College from Jasper Coun- ty, married the Rev. Daniel Renstrom, who was called from earth Angust 14, 1888.
Mr. Ericsson is a man of solid tendencies, and has a mind well stored with substantial information secured by a course of reading of standard historical and scientific works. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he is thoroughly informed upon all questions of public interest.
EREMIAH TYLER has been a resident of Page County for the past six years, removing from Fremont County to his present place. In 1880 he settled seven miles from Shenandoah on the connty line. He was born in Ontario, Wayne County, New York, July 10, 1829, and is a son of Jeremiah and Lois (Stowell) Tyler, natives of Vermont and New York respectively. The Tyler family are of English descent and were early settlers in Vermont. Jeremiah Tyler, Sr., was a soldier in the war of 1812; he was a black- smith and edge-tool inaker, and his son Jere- miah learned the trade and followed it for fifteen years. There were seven children in the family, of whom our subject was the fourth. In 1852 he came to Lee County, Illinois, and improved a farm, having a shop on his farm a part of the time; he also had a shop at Rochelle. His parents settled there about 1860 and his father died five years later. The mother died in Michigan, where some of her children were living.
When there was a call for men to defend the Union, Jeremiah Tyler, Jr., offered his services, but was rejected on account of a slight physical defect. He resided in Illinois until 1877, doing quite an extensive business. He finally bought 240 acres in Fremont Coun- ty, Iowa, where he has since been engaged in
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
the live-stock business. He has now in his home place forty acres of land, which being convenient to the town makes it a desirable home. It is well improved, having an excel- lent house and barn.
Mr. Tyler was married in Fremont County, November, 1880, to Miss Jennie Haynes, who is his third wife; they have two children: Freddie, aged six years, and Lois, aged three years. His first marriage was in New York, when at the age twenty-two years he was united to Miss Nancy Risley, who died in 1860, leaving two children, Oscar and Charles, who reside in Fremont County. The second marriage was in Illinois, where he was wedded to Miss Sophia Wright, who left one child, Willie.
Mr. Tyler has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for thirty-six years. Politically he has been identified with the Republican party, but he has recently taken a more liberal view of the question and votes for the man whom he considers best qualified to fill the position. He is a man of wide acquaintance and is well read upon general topics.
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EHEMIAH WOODRUFF was born in Knox County, Ohio, November 3, 1833, and is the son of Joseph and Rhoda (Yonng) Woodruff, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, The father came to Pennsylvania when quite young and was there reared to the occupation of a farmer. After his marriage he removed to Ohio. He and his wife had born to them ten children: Mary Ann, wife of H. Carpenter; Esthier, wife of Deming Carpenter, deceased; Jane, wife of G. W. Jones; Clarissa, wife of Jacob Ganse, deceased; Catherine, wife of Charles Bills; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel McKeen; Martha, wife of Lemuel Poston; Eliza, wife of George
Fox; Meeker, deceased, and Nehemialı, the subject of this biography.
Delaware County, Ohio, was where he spent his childhood and youth; at the age of seven- teen he removed to Ogle County, Illinois. He had been trained in agricultural pursuits and had received his education in the pioneer log school-house in Ohio. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. In February, 1854, Mr. Woodruff was married to Miss Emma Jones, daughter of Samuel and Maria (Cochral) Jones, who was born in the State of Ohio, May 1, 1839.
After his marriage Mr. Woodruff settled on a farm in Ogle County, Illinois, and re- mained there for two years, when he went to Franklin Grove, Lee County, Illinois, and en- gaged in the butcher's trade; he followed this occupation till 1859, when he went to Southi English, Keokuk County, Iowa, and embarked in the grocery business, which he carried on successfully until the breaking out of the war in 1861; he enlisted in the Fifth Iowa Vol- unteer Infantry, Company F, and had served almost two years when he was discharged on account of disability at Corinth, Mississippi. He was wounded at the Osage railroad bridge eight miles from Jefferson City, Missouri, while on guard duty; he was the first man of the Fifth lowa to be wounded. The mnost noted battles in which he took part were New Madrid and Island No. 10. He returned to his home in Ogle Connty and spent two years in trying to regain his health. He then came to Iowa, locating at Toledo, Tama County; there he purchased a home and for five years was employed as a clerk. At the end of this time he disposed of his property and removed to Poweshiek County, Iowa, and for one year was engaged in farming. In April, 1870, he came to Page county and bought forty acres of wild land in East River Township, which he has placed
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
under good cultivation; he has added to the first purchase thirty-five and a half acres and has erected a substantial story-and-a-half res- idence; he has planted a fine orchard of 180 trees and has set out a large assortment of small fruits. He also owns property in Sham- baugh, and spent about ten years in Sham- baugh Mills as assistant.
In 1886 Mr. Woodruff removed with his fainily to his present liome in Shambaugh, where he keeps the only hotel in the place; he also keeps a feed stable for the general public. During a two years' residence in Frontier County, Nebraska, he took up a homestead, which he traded for Page County property.
Politically he affiliates with the Republican party; he is a member of Warren Post, No. 11, G. A. R.
A family of ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff: Josephi, married to Amy Freel; Rosella J., wife of Homer Colvin; Edward, married to Belle Hamm; David, married to Eva F. Brown, who died May 16, 1889; Charlotte B., wife of Charles Hammı; Walter B., Martha E., infant son Charles R., Fredrick H.
VAN ARSDOL, proprietor of the Bank of Coin, is a native of the " Hoosier " State, born in Delaware County, June 22, 1849, and is the third of a family of six children, his parents being Isaac and Mar- garet Van Arsdol. When he was four years of age the family removed to Iowa and located for the winter in Polk County; in the spring of 1854 they came to Page County, making the trip overland by teain. His yonth was passed amidst the wild scenes of frontier life; his education was obtained in the cominon schools, and after he had attained his majority
he attend a commercial college in Iowa City, where he took a thorough course. Returning home he engaged in farming for two sum- mers and taught school in the winter-time.
Agricultural life not being exactly suited to his taste, in 1872 he entered a clothing store as clerk, and in one year he was em- ployed in the bank of Reed, Farnham & Co., at Clarinda, as book-keeper and cashier. When this firm made a change in their busi- ness and located at Shenandoah he went with them and continued as cashler for two years. His next commercial venture was in the grain business at Clarinda, and then he became interested in the construction of the Wabash Railroad. In the spring of 1881 he assisted in the organization of the bank at Clarinda, known as the Valley Bank, and filled the position of cashier until 1882, when he pur- chased the Bank of Coin, where he continues to conduct the business. In connection with the banking operations he also does a general mortgage, loan, and real-estate busi- ness, and has the agency of several leading fire insurance companies.
Mr. Van Arsdol owns his residence in Coin and his business building; he has a good lot on the north side of the public square in Cla- rinda. In 1886 he opened a cattle ranch in Cheyenne County, Kansas, known as the Cleveland Run Cattle Company, where he has 2,000 acres well stocked witlı cattle, horses, and hogs; a portion is under cultivation. Politically our subject is identified with the Republican party and takes an active interest in the issues of the day. He is a member of Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M .; of Clarinda Chapter, No. 29, R. A. M., and of Pilgrim Commandery, No. 20, K. T .; he is also identified with Coin Lodge, No. 455, I. O. O. F.
Mrs. Van Arsdol was married August 30, 1876, to Cynthia Conner, a daughter of
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
Richard and Elizabeth J. Conner, born in Clarinda, February 26, 1856. They are the parents of three children: an unnamed son died in infancy; Grace and West. Mrs. Van Arsdol is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.
EV. T. C. SMITH .- The Story of a Sim- ple Life. In 1842 Tom Corwin, the " Wagoner Boy," was candidate for Governor of Ohio for his second term, and was defeated. On a Sabbath day, the 27th of the month of November of the same year, near Amelia, Clermont County, Ohio, a son was born to Enos and Hannah Smith. Being ardent Whigs and admirers of Mr. Corwin, they named this boy Thomas Corwin. The fatlier was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, a zealous, godly man; and it was his boast that on this particular day he rode five miles for a physician, had a son born in his house, and preached a sermon be- fore dinner. At three years of age Corwin suffered the partial loss of the use of a limb, which has ever since compelled him to imi- tate Jacob as he limped from Peniel. He counts this, however, one of the blessings of his life, although it came in sad disguise. He was placed in school very early, and some of his pleasantest recollections, as well as some of his most painful ones, are due to his varied experiences in the schools of Lucy's Run, Amelia, Edenton and Five Mile. Then, men kept school; now, women teach. He " ciphered " through Ray's arithmetic, sang geography and grammar, and was counted a good speller in Webster and Mc Guffey. He went from the common school to the academy, from the academy to the college, from which he was graduated in 1866, standing No. 1 in his class. In 1868 he was elected Profes-
sor of Mathematics in U. C. College, Indiana, his alma mater; but he resigned his profess- orship in 1871 to accept the principalship of the Hagerstown public schools. In 1873 he was elected superintendent of schools of Wayne County; in 1875 president of U. C. College; and at the expiration of his term in 1881 he was re-elected. The last four years at U. C. College he organized and conducted a Berean Class composed of young men and women who wishied to obtain a knowledge of Christianity, its doctrines, facts and history. This led hin to examine and compare care- fully the various systems of theology and church polity, and finally led to a thorough revolution in his own convictions. By the accident of birth and training he became identified with the Christian Connexion (Newlights), of which his mother is a mem- ber; by deliberate choice le beame a Presby- terian.
In July, 1882, after his resignation as president of U. C. College, he was chosen president of Antioch (Ohio) College; but as his mind was fully made up to change his ecclesiastical relations he respectfully de- clined. In September, 1882, with his family he removed to Princeton, New Jersey, and spent a year in the studies of Hebrew, the- ology and philosophy, and in April, 1883, he was admitted into the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and licensed to preach. June 10, of that year, by invitation of the church at Shenandoah, Iowa, he began his work with them; and there he spent four very happy, and he trusts, useful years. May 1, 1887, he became pastor of the church at Clarinda, and still abides there. His work has been abun- dantly blessed of the Lord, and the calls for his services in pulpit and on platform are more than he can fill.
He was married to Miss Nannie McCon- mell, of Cynthiana, Indiana, March 24, 1867.
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They have four children: Zua, Austin, Karl and Hugh. But Austin is fallen asleep.
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YRON WARNER was born in the State of Michigan, January 22, 1842, and has been a resident of Page County since the year 1879. His parents, Lewis and Lodemia M. (Wicks) Warner, were natives of the State of New York. When he was four years of age they returned to New York and remained there for ten years. My- ron then again returned to the West, locating in Noble County, Indiana, where he spent six years.
When the dark war cloud arose and spread its awful pall over this nation, he did not hesitate to go to the defense of the " old flag." He enlisted July 6, 1862, in Company D, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He was slightly wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, but partici. pated in a number of hard-fought battles without further injury. Among the more noted engagements were Chickamauga, Mis- sion Ridge and Resaca.
After the close of the war he returned to Noble County, Indiana, and entered the em- ploy of the G. R. & I. Railway Company, and remained seven years. In 1879 he came to Page County and assisted in the con- struction of the O. &. St. L. Branch of the Wabash Railroad. and ever since that time he has been in the employ of the same company. He is now section boss at Coin, where he has six iniles of track to look after and keep in repair. He has been in the employ of this branch of the Wabash longer than any other foreman, which is strong proof of his faith- fulness and ability.
Politically Mr. Warner casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He is a member
of Coin Lodge, No. 455, I. O. O. F., and is the present secretary of the order; he also belongs to Emmanuel Lodge, No. 405, A. F. & A. M., at Blanchard, Iowa.
Mr. Warner was married in 1871 to Miss Matilda Jarrett, a native of Ohio; she died August 16, 1876, and was the mother of four children: Hallie P., died July 18, 1876; Myr- tle M., died February 14, 1855; Claud N., born June 9, 1876, died September 5, 1876, and Ward. Mr. Warner was again married to Miss Anna Tylor, a native of Noble County, Indiana. Three children have been born of this marriage: John, died February 14, 1885; William F. and Macie L. Mrs. Warner is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
H. KING, M. D .- The medical frater- nity is ably represented at Coin by the above-named physician. He did not choose Iowa as a home, but had the good fortune to be born within her borders in Appanoose County, November 21, 1850, his parents being Isaac and Mary (Hankins) King. From his fifth year he was reared in Taylor County, Iowa, and passed through about the same experiences as every other fariner's son in a comparatively new country. During the winter season he attended the common schools and in the summer devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. Having aspirations to attain some position and make for himself a name in the profession of medicine, he en- tered the office of his brother, I. King, M. D., at Plattsville, Iowa, and afterward was in the office of another brother, V. R. King, M. D. He then became a student at the Keokuk Medical College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was graduated from this insti- tution in the spring of 1879. He immedi-
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