USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 10
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MR. AND MRS. JAMES A. HERRICK
230249
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of Curtis, Nebraska, December 9, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Herrick have two grand- children, Letha Crist and Warren Stinman.
In politics Mr. Herrick is a stanch republican and he has ably served in the capacity of school director. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. From his youth upward he has been a worker, and the success he has attained is attributable to his own efforts. By concentration of his energies he early developed that strength of will which is so important in the battle with the world and which when wisely directed leads to the attainment of every laudable ambition.
R. L. JOHNSON.
R. L. Johnson became one of the pioneer residents of Adair county and for many years was actively identified with agricultural pursuits. Even after he put aside the work of cultivating the land he engaged in the stock business for a time but at the present writing is living retired, enjoying a well earned rest. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, December 16, 1844, a son of Ashley and Mary (Hciston) Johnson, who were also natives of the Buckeye state. The year 1848 witnessed their arrival in Iowa, at which time they took up their abode in Van Buren county, where they lived in a log cabin. After six years spent in that locality they became residents of Warren county, Iowa, where the father purchased a farm and with characteristic energy began its further development and improvement. He lived thereon until October, 18844, when his wife died, after which he returned to Ohio, where he passed away in December, 1885.
R. L. Johnson is one of the six survivors of a family of nine children. His youthful days were passed upon the home place, he being but four years of age when the family came to Iowa. His time was divided between the work of the school room and the labors of the farm until the Civil war, when he enlisted for service in the Union army, becoming a member of Company C, Forty-eighth Iowa Infantry. He went to the front in response to one of the later calls for troops and served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Davenport in 1865.
When military operations in the south had ceased Mr. Johnson returned to his home in Warren county, Iowa, where he resided until 1868, when he removed to Adair county, purchasing a farm in Orient township. It was then a tract of raw prairie but he soon turned the first furrows upon the place and converted it into richly productive fields. He hauled his lumber from Des Moines in order to build his house and year after year he carefully tilled the soil and continued to improve his place until 1894, when he retired from active farm life and removed to Orient. He remained in business, however, as a buyer and shipper of stock until a recent date but at the present time he is living retired, the fruits of his former toil supply- ing all his needs and also bringing him many of the comforts of life.
On October 6, 1870, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ada Dillow, a native of Dayton, Ohio, and a daughter of Reuben and Mary (Rife) Dillow, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. They were married in the former state and the mother died there in May, 1855. The father removed with his family to Adair county in 1860, settling on a farm in Orient township. He was the
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first settler in that township and lived there for six years before any other resident had penetrated within its borders. Deer were very numerous when he first came and other kinds of game were to be found in abundance. There were many wild animals and all of the conditions of pioneer life were prevalent. He at once began to develop and improve his land and lived to convert it from a raw prairie tract into highly cultivated fields, from which he annually gathered good crops. L'pon that place he lived until his death, which occurred in 1898. By his first marriage he had five children, but Mrs. Johnson is the only one who survives. After the death of her mother the father married again, his second union being with Miss Eliza Welsh, by whom he had six sons, four of whom are living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born nine children: Clara M., who is a graduate of Drake University at Des Moines and is now the wife of Dr. Eugene Tinnsman: Stella E., the wife of Charles Myers, of Creston. Iowa; Albert E., a resident farmer of Adair county; Rella P., who died at the age of one year and nine months: Reason E., who is now engaged in the banking business at Colorado Springs, Colorado; William E., who is also a banker of Colorado Springs ; Bessic M., the wife of G. W. McCracken, of Orient township; Walter W., also living in Colorado Springs; and Florence A., the wife of H. L. Augustine, who is engaged in the lumber business at Maloy, Iowa.
Mr. Johnson gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has served as school director and as justice of the peace but has never cared to hold public office, as he feels that the pursuits of private life are in themselves abundantly worthy his best efforts. His wife is a member of the Congregational church and both are representatives of old pioncer families of this state and have long been wit- nesses of the growth and progress of Iowa.
J. C. JENSEN.
J. C. Jensen, a representative and successful agriculturist of Adair county, owns and operates a farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 8 and 9, Grand River township. His birth occurred in Denmark on the 18th of January, 1861, his parents being J. P. and Annic (Gregerson) Jensen, who spent their entire lives in that country. They had three children, two of whom survive and one of whom is living in Denmark.
J. C. Jensen acquired his education in his native land and at the carly age of fourteen years began carning his own livelihood. In 1882, after attaining his majority, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode in Shelby county, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm hand for five years. Sub- sequently he spent five years in Kansas and then resided in Illinois for one year, on the expiration of which period he returned to Shelby county. Iowa, and was there engaged in well digging for three years. He next cultivated a rented farm for two years and at the end of that time bought a tract of eighty acres in Shelby county, making his home thercon for thirteen years. After disposing of the property he bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 8 and 9, Grand River township, Adair county, which he improved and which he has operated to the present time. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also makes a
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specialty of raising and feeding stock, both branches of his business proving profitable.
In 1897 Mr. Jensen was united in marriage to Miss Laura D. Wright, a native of Shelby county, Iowa, and a daughter of N. A. and Myra Wright, who were also born in this state and now make their home in Adair county. Our subject and his wife have five children, namely: Arthur A., Annie, Peter, Ernest and Margaret.
.In politics Mr. Jensen is a stalwart democrat and he has ably served as school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. Coming to the new world as a young man in limited financial circumstances, he has since won grati- fying success by dint of untiring industry and well directed effort and justly bears the proud American title of a self-made man.
GEORGE C. HAVENS.
Success is the sure reward of intelligently directed effort. It came to George C. Havens because of the energy and enterprise which he displayed in carrying on agricultural pursuits, with which he was identified in Adair county from 1875 until his demise. He was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, on the 30th of May, 1810, a son of Thomas Havens. The mother died during his childhood and in 1849 his father removed with the family to Ohio, where they lived until 1854, the year of their arrival in Iowa. They took up their abode in Henry county and in 1862 George C. Havens, then a young man of twenty-two years, enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company B, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years. taking part in the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Lookout Mountain and many other engagements of lesser importance. He was always found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the old flag and the cause it represented and at length he was honorably discharged on account of a wound which disabled him for further service. He continued with his command, however, until just before the close of the war in 1865, when, because of his injuries he returned home.
On the 23d of June, 1867, Mr. Havens was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Mallams, who was born in Schenectady, New York, a daughter of Matthew Mallams, who came to Henry county about 1857. Following their marriage the young couple began their domestic life in Henry county, where they lived for eight years and in 1875 they came to Adair county, taking up their abode upon a rented farm in Lee township, where they resided for twelve years. In 1887 George C. Havens pur- chased the present home farm consisting of the southwest quarter of section 33, Lee township, and the family removed to this place, whereon he continued to reside until his death. In 1896 he met with an accident caused by a runaway team, sustaining injuries which made him an invalid throughout the remainder of his life. He passed away September 16, 1909, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret among the many friends who had learned to esteem and value him because of his sterling worth of character and his many estimable qualities.
To Mr. and Mrs. Havens were born five children, four of whom are yet living: William E .. a farmer of Summerset township; Charles C., who makes his home in
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Grand Island, Nebraska; John H., of Greenfield; and Orley . P., who operates the home farm. Mrs. Havens also survives and yet occupies the old home farm left her by her husband.
In his political views Mr. Havens was an earnest republican, taking an active part in bringing about the success of the party. He served for some years as assessor of his township and for several years was a member of the school board. At one time he was the nominee for sheriff of the county but withdrew before the election. His displayed many sterling traits of character, high regard being enter- tained for him because of his fidelity to principle and his integrity and honor. His life measured up to high standards both in manhood and citizenship and Iowa was proud to number him among her representative eitizens. He was a brave and loyal soldier during the Civil war and the same spirit of faithful allegiance marked his course in every connection in which he pledged his loyalty and support.
ROBERT M. WILSON.
On the roster of county officials in Adair county appears the name of Robert M. Wilson, of Greenfield, who is acceptably filling the position of county treasurer and who is regarded as one of the representative and highly honored residents of this part of the state. He was born in Henry county, Ohio, on the 16th of Sep- tember, 1865, a son of Samuel and Mary W. (Hawley) Wilson. The father was a native of New York and the mother of Connecticut, while their marriage was celebrated in Ohio, to which state they had removed with their respective parents in childhood. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers, Asa Wilson and Kent Hawley, were millers by trade and were prominently identified with the pioneer milling interests of the Buckeye state. Samuel Wilson was trained to the same business and following his marriage was for many years actively identified with the operation of a saw and grist mill in Lorain county, Ohio, being thus engaged in the days of the old water-wheel mill. Subsequently he retired from that business and removed to Henry county, where he carried on farming, to which occupation he devoted his energies throughout his remaining days. In 1871 he came west to Iowa, settling in Grove township, Adair county, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, at which time Greenfield was a small village with a population of only one or two hundred. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and resided upon the home farm until his death, which occurred in 1899, when he was in the seventieth year of his age. His wife survived him for about two years and was also in her seventieth year when called to her final rest. In his political views Mr. Wilson was an earnest republican and while never an office seeker he served for many years in various township positions, to which he was called by his fellow citizens, who recognized his ability and sought his aid in carrying on public affairs.
Robert M. Wilson was educated in the district schools and in the Greenfield high school. He subsequently taught two terms of school of three months each and when his desire for educational work was satisfied he returned to the farm, becoming associated with his brother Wallace and with their father in the operation of the home place. In 1892 he was married and at that time purchased a farm
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of one hundred and twenty acres in Grove township, to which he removed, and began farming independently. His agricultural pursuits were carefully and sys- tematically conducted and he brought his fields to a high state of cultivation so that gratifying crops were annually garnered. In 1898 he acquired an interest in a creamery at Prescott, Iowa, and for two years devoted his attention to butter making. In the fall of 1899, following his father's death, he returned to the home farm and assumed its management. Two years later, on the death of his mother, he acquired eighty acres of the old homestead and three years afterward purchased another tract of eighty acres lying across the road, making his place one of one hundred and sixty acres. This constitutes one of the most valuable farms in Adair county. The soil is naturally rich and arable and its productive qualities are enhanced by the progressive methods which he utilizes in tilling and fertilizing his fields. His business has ever been most carefully and systematically conducted and his indefatigable industry has been the basis of his growing success.
During the many years of his residence in Grove township Mr. Wilson, while not an aspirant for public office, was gradually led to take part in local politics and was called upon to fill a number of public positions. Recognizing the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship, he consented and for four years filled the office of township clerk, while for four years he was township assessor. He was also a member of the school board and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion. In November, 1911, he was nominated on the republican ticket for the office of county treasurer and was elected by a handsome majority. He made such an excellent record in the office that in 1914 he was returned and is now serving his second term, being one of the most efficient and capable officers of Adair county.
Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Diantha, "Pet," McCall, of Wash- ington township, this county, and to them have been born three children. but only one is now living, Nina May, who is attending the Greenfield high school.
Mr. Wilson is a member of Greenfield Lodge, No. 375, I. O. O. F. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen and both he and his wife hold membership in the Presby- terian church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. Mrs. Wilson is a stockholder in the Greenfield Savings Bank. Mr. Wilson is known as a genial and obliging man and his friends are legion. He has the goodwill and confidence of all, not only in his private business affairs but in office, and even those who oppose him politically never question his integrity or capability.
T. A. ROBINSON.
T. A. Robinson, who is serving on the board of supervisors of Adair county and has filled many other public offices of trust and responsibility, also ranks among the leading farmers and stockmen of the county, owning valuable farm property on sections 10 and 11, Summerset township. He was born in Virginia, December 15, 1868. He was left an orphan during his infancy and was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Sarah C. Jones, his mother's sister. In the spring of 1875 the Jones family removed to Adair county, our subject being then a lad of seven years. He acquired his edu- cation in the district schools and during the vacation periods assisted with the work
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on the farm, so that when he started ont upon an independent career he was familiar with agricultural methods.
It was in 1893 that Mr. Robinson married Miss Sophia E. Bakerink, of Sum- merset township and in the years that have come and gone she has proved a true helpmeet. During the first season after his marriage he farmed rented land but in the following fall purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 10, Summerset town- ship, on which he took up his abode. From time to time he has added to his hold- ings until he now owns two hundred acres, on which are found a comfortable resi- dence and substantial farm buildings to shelter his grain and stoek. In addition to cultivating his own land he also rents the Walter Scholes farm comprising three hundred and twenty aeres. so that he is farming on a large seale. He is likewise extensively engaged in feeding stock, keeping high grade animals and commanding the highest market price for his shipments.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have been born five children, Floyd T., Orville R., Iva V .. Jay M. and Velma C., all of whom are under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives are in harmony with their profession. Mr. Robinson is a republican in his political belief and affiliation and he has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill many positions of a public nature. For eight years he served as township assessor and for six years was township trustee, while for a number of years he has efficiently served as a member of the school board. In the fall of 1913 he was elected as a member of the board of county supervisors, which position he has since capably and accept- ably filled. His fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is leading a busy, active and useful life as a farmer and stock-raiser and yet he has ever manifested a willingness to devote a portion of his time to those things which are of moment to the public welfare and it is to sueh men as Mr. Robinson that Adair county owes her development and prosperity.
JOHN U. GITZY.
John U. Gitzy, owner and editor of the Independent. published at Orient, has throughout his entire life been engaged in the printing business. He was born at Arena, Wisconsin, on the 16th of Angust. 1866. a son of Ulrich and Julia (Weival) Gitzy. natives of Switzerland and Germany respectively. The family removed to Jowa during the boyhood of John U. Gitzy, who attended the country schools of Chiekasaw county. Iowa. He afterward began learning the printer's trade and has since worked along that line. He first published a paper in Minnesota and then returned to Iowa and published the Manilla Journal. He afterward removed to Minburn. Iowa, where for eleven years he published the Star. At the end of that time he went to St. Charles, where he engaged in the publication of the Hawkeye for two years and later he came to Orient. this county, where in April, 1915, he purchased the Independent. of which he is now editor and proprietor.
On the 3d of March. 1894, in Manilla, Iowa, Mr. Gitzy was united in marriage to Miss Arza Brown. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. Brown, of Des Moines. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Gitzy successfully engaged in teaching school. They have two children. La Verne B. and Fay E., both at home. The parents hold member-
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ship in the Methodist Episcopal church and guide their lives according to its teaeh- ings. Mr. Gitzy is a republican in his political views but publishes his paper in the interests of no one party. He is making the Independent a most readable and attractive journal and its circulation is growing, while its advertising patronage is also inereasing.
WILLIAM A. FOSTER.
William A. Foster is a resident farmer of Lee township, living on seetion 30. He was born in Bureau county, Illinois. August 15. 1872, a son of William and Matilda (Savage) Foster, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married. In the fall of 1871 they came to the United States and estab- lished their home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they remained for a short time. They then removed westward, taking up their abode in Bureau county, Illi- nois, after passing through Chieago where the ruins of the great fire were still smouldering. They lived in Bureau county until March, 1879, when they made their way to Adair county, Iowa, settling in Richmond township, where Mr. Foster purchased eighty aeres of land. Two years later he removed to Lee township and bought eighty aeres on section 27. At a still later date he purchased an adjoining farm of eighty aeres and in 1892 he removed to Greenfield, where his death occurred on the 16th of December, 1914. The success he achieved was the merited reward of his well direeted labors. His widow survives and vet makes her home in Green- field.
William A. Foster supplemented a distriet-school education by a business course in the Capital City Commercial College at Des Moines and when his textbooks were put aside he returned home. His father after removing to' Greenfield engaged in the livery business and William A. Foster being an only child remained at home and assisted his father in the conduct of the enterprise.
In 1900 Mr. Foster was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Patterson, a daughter of Jacob A. Patterson, one of the pioneer settlers of Greenfield township who sur- vives and makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Foster who, after their marriage, removed to a farm in Lee township owned by his father. There they lived for one year and then took up their abode upon their present farm. The place comprises two hundred and sixteen aeres of excellent land lying one and a half miles south of the corporation limits of Greenfield and constituting one of the valuable farms of Lee township. It is equipped with the latest accessories and conveniences of the model farm and he uses the best improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. He leads a busy life from the time of early spring planting until erops are harvested in the late autumn and that his methods are at once praetieal and progressive is shown by the exeellent results that are attending his efforts. He not only sends large erops to market each year but has also become interested in other business affairs, being now a stoekholder in the First National Bank of Green- field and in the Greenfield Creamery Company.
To Mr. and Mrs. Foster have been born three children, William A., Donald A. and Esther M. Mrs. Foster is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Foster has membership in Greenfield Lodge, No. 386, A. F. & A. M. He votes
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with the republican party where national issues are involved but otherwise casts an independent ballot if his judgment dietates this to be the proper course. He is a member of the present board of trustees. serving his third term in that position and he is also a member of the school board. It is easy to seeure his cooperation in any plan or project for the general good. His watehword is advancement and he applies it to his connection with public affairs as well as to his private interests. Year by year he has advaneed not only in the attainment of success but in his outlook of life and he is regarded as a broad-minded, publie-spirited eitizen.
EDWIN JOHN SIDEY.
The name of Edwin John Sidey is well known in newspaper and political circles throughout Iowa. He is now owner and editor of the Free Press of Greenfield, which he has been publishing for a quarter of a century. Throughout this period he has made his paper a potent force in molding public opinion and his efforts have constituted an important element in winning democratie suecesses in this part of the county, for he is one of the political leaders of his seetion of the state. A native of Canada, he was born at Coldsprings, Ontario, November 21, 1862. His father, John S. Sidey, was a native of Dundee, Scotland, and in childhood became a resident of Ontario, Canada, where he wedded Eliza Jane Kelley, a native of the north of Ireland. Following their marriage they remained for some time in Canada and then came with their family to Greenfield, Iowa.
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