USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 18
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FRANK C. HOAKISON.
Frank C. Hoakison, one of the substantial and representative agriculturists of Union township, residing on section 34, owns and cultivates three hundred and seventy acres of Adair county's most fertile land. His birth occurred in Jefferson county, Iowa, on the 8th of October, 1874, his parents being Alfred and Louisa (Larson) Hoakison, the former a native of Des Moines county, Iowa, and the latter of Sweden. They were married in Jefferson county, Iowa, and in 1875 came to Adair county, the father purchasing eighty acres of land on section 31, Union township. Subsequently he bought adjoining property until his farm embraced two hundred and forty acres. Thereon he continued to reside until 1902, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Creston, where he has since lived in honorable retirement. The period of his residence in the
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community now eovers four decades and he has long been widely recognized as a prosperous and esteemed citizen.
Frank C. Hoakison spent the period of his minority under the parental roof and attended the distriet schools in the acquirement of an education. When twenty- two years of age he started out as an agrieulturist on his own account, renting land from his father, and three years later he purchased a tract of ninety aeres in part- nership with his brother William, the property lying on section 31, Union township. The brothers conducted their interests together until the death of William Hoakison in 1905 and the following year our subjeet purchased the latter's portion of the farm. In 1910 he bought another place comprising one hundred and twenty aeres on section 31 and in 1914 came into possession of his present home farm of one hundred and sixty aeres, so that his holdings now embrace three hundred and seventy aeres of valuable land. The work of the fields is conducted along progress- ive lines and the sale of large crops each year brings to him a gratifying income.
In February, 1911, Mr. Hoakison was united in marriage to Miss Mirtelle 1goe, who was born and reared in Creston, Iowa, and by whom he has two children, Edith Eloise and Irene Vaneta. In his political views he is a stanch republican, exereis- ing his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. His wife is a devoted member of the Baptist church. He has spent practically his entire life within the borders of Adair county and enjoys an enviable reputation as one of its sueeessful agriculturists and respected citizens.
E. R. SILVERTHORNE.
E. R. Silverthorne devotes his time and energies to the operation of an excellent farm of two hundred aeres which he owns on seetion 27, Grand River township. His birth oeeurred in Museatine county, Iowa, on the 9th of September. 1860, his parents being Richard and Anna Mary (Clendenning) Silverthorne. both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa in an early day, purchasing a farm in Muscatine county which the father operated until 1870, when he removed to Madison county, this state. Subsequently he came to Adair county, and here both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of eight children, four of whom still survive.
E. R. Silverthorne received his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He was then engaged in railroad work for a year and on the expiration of that period turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, first cultivating rented land. Subsequently he purchased his present farm, which he has developed until it is now a valuable property, erecting splendid buildings and making other necessary improvements. He is busily engaged in the pursuits of farming and stock-raising, and through the wise and careful management of his interests is meeting with well deserved success.
On the 20th of October, 1886, Mr. Silverthorne was united in marriage to Miss Anna Mitehell, a native of Johnson county, Iowa, and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Grover) Mitehell. Her father, who was born in New York, is deceased, but the mother still survives and now makes her home in Greenfield. She is a native of Linn county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Silverthorne have been born four children,
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as follows: Flossie, who is the wife of Herbert Buck; one who died in infancy ; and Hazel and Sylvia, both at home.
Mr. Silverthorne gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. Straightforward, honest and sincere, he has many warm friends who recognize in him those qualities that con- tribute most toward forming a manly character.
JOHN STURDY.
John Sturdy, who passed away in 1908, was long and actively identified with general agricultural pursuits in Adair county. He was a native of Canada but came to Iowa, was here married and devoted his attention throughout the remainder of his life to the operation of an excellent farm of one hundred acres which he owned in Prussia township, this county. His undertakings as an agriculturist were attended with a gratifying measure of success and he was widely recognized as one of the substantial and respected citizens of the community. Following his demise his widow disposed of the farm and has since made her home in an attractive residence which she owns in the city of Greenfield. She also holds title to another property, which she rents.
In 1895 Mr. Sturdy was united in marriage to Miss Celia Tompkins, a native of Boone county, Illinois, and a daughter of Henry and Sarah E. (Bavier) Tomp- kins, both of whom were born in New York. They removed to Illinois in an early day and subsequently came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Adair county on which they spent the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of six children, three of whom survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Sturdy was born a daughter, Clara, who is still at home with her widowed mother. John Sturdy died in 1908 and was laid to rest in the Greenfield cemetery, the community thus losing one of its well known and esteemed citizens. Mrs. Sturdy is a devoted member of the Methodist Epis- copal church and has gained a host of warm friends during the long period of her residence in Adair county.
T. P. REED.
T. P. Reed, who is engaged in farming one hundred and sixty acres of land in Richland township, was born in Taylor county, Iowa, October 22, 1869, a son of James and Demaris (Bliss) Reed, natives respectively of Ohio and of Maine, but early residents of Union county, Iowa. Subsequently they removed to Taylor county, where the father passed away. The mother's demise occurred in Creston. They were the parents of thirteen children, four of whom are deceased.
T. P. Reed attended the public schools in his boyhood and youth and also assisted his father with the work of the home farm. When he was twenty-one years of age he assumed charge of the operation of part of the homestead but after four years
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removed to this county, purchasing the farm which he still owns. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres on seetion 11, Richland township, and sinee taking up his residence thereon he has made many improvements. He follows general farming and his energy and progressiveness are rewarded by a large measure of success.
In 1892 Mr. Reed married Miss Elizabeth MeFee, a native of Canada and a daughter of Alexander and Christina (Comery) MeFee. Her father was born in Scotland, but when a child removed to Canada, where he remained until 1865. In that year he came to the States and located in Union county, Iowa. He died in Canada while there on business. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have beeome the parents of eight children: Grace ; James, who is now living in Orient; Lloyd; Thomas ; Greta, deceased ; Thelma ; Clara and Etha.
Mr. Reed gives his politieal support to the republican party and has served effi- ciently as school director and as road superintendent. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Greenfield, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. When Mr. Reed came to this county he was with- out capital. but he possessed a great deal of energy and determination and as the years have passed his resources have increased and he is now one of the well-to-do farmers of Richland township.
O. A. SILVERTHORN.
O. A. Silverthorn, owning and operating a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 9. Grand River township, has been a resident of Adair county for more than four decades and has long been numbered among its substan- tial and esteemed eitizens. His birth oceurred in Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 29th of August, 1816, his parents being Richard and Anna Mary (Clendenning) Silverthorn, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketeh of E. R. Silverthorn, brother of our subject.
O. A. Silverthorn attended the common sehools in pursuit of an education and remained with his parents until twenty years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. Following that important event in his life he operated a rented farm in Museatinc county for two years and on the expiration of that period took up his abode in Madison county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm and resided for six years. At the end of that time he disposed of the property and came to Adair county, subsequently purchasing a tract of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 9, Grand River township, the further cultivation and improvement of which has elaimed his attention continuously since. He carries on his work in accord with the most practical and progressive methods of agriculture and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor bestowed upon them.
On April 10, 1866, Mr. Silverthorn was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Silverthorn, who is not a near relative, their grandfathers being cousins. She is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Oliver P. and Anna (Cashbaugh) Silverthorn, both of whom were born in New Jersey. They removed to Pennsylvania in an early day and in 1855 located on a farm in Wisconsin, while in 1862 they took up their abode on a farm in Johnson county, Iowa. Later they came to Adair
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O. A. SILVERTHORN AND FAMILY
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county and here the mother passed away, but the death of the father occurred in Canada. To them were born fourteen children, five of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Silverthorn became the parents of four children, namely: Alvin D., who is now engaged in the implement business at Villisca, Iowa; Mabel C., who is the wife of W. S. Jones of Fontanelle; Olive G., who married Ernest G. Nichols of Bridgewater; and Ernest W., who died when thirty-three years of age.
Politically Mr. Silverthorn is a democrat and he has done able service in the capacity of school director. His wife is a devoted member of the Congregational church. They are genial and hospitable people and are held in high esteem by a large circle of friends in this section.
F. J. BREZO.
F. J. Brezo, of Richland township, who is gaining gratifying success as a farmer, was born in Bohemia, Austria, January 17, 1870. His parents, Joseph and Orshuler (Brezo) Brezo, were also natives of that country, where they resided until 1885. In that year they emigrated to the United States with their family and located in Johnson county, Iowa, where they continued to live until called by death.
F. J. Brezo was educated in the district schools and on reaching mature years began working as a farm hand. He carefully saved his money and in 1895, when he removed to Adair county, he had seven hundred dollars capital. The first land which he owned was an eighty-acre tract on section 33, Richland township, this county, which he purchased in 1896. His practical knowledge of agriculture and his energy and sound judgment enabled him to add to his resources from year to year and he gradually acquired more land. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres in Richland township, this county, and a quarter section in Adams county, four hundred and eighty acres in all, and is financially independent. All that he has he has made himself and his ability is generally recognized.
In 1896 Mr. Brezo was married to Miss Mary Krisinger, who is also a native of Bohemia and who came to this country about ten months prior to her marriage. They have seven children, Libby, William, Adolph, Elsie. Mary, George and Wealthy. Mr. Brezo casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party and he and his family are identified with the Roman Catholic church. He is a valued citizen of his township and has gained the sincere friend- ship of many.
W. A. NEESE.
W. A. Neese, a successful general merchant of Zion, owns and resides on a farm of eighty acres on section 2, Union township, which he operates in connec- tion with the conduct of his mercantile interests. His birth occurred in Hamilton county, Iowa, on the 27th of March, 1872, his parents being Washington C. and Mary (Royster) Neese, natives of Indiana. Their marriage took place in Hamil- ton county, this state, where they had accompanied their respective parents in child-
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hood. Washington C. Neese is now a retired agriculturist of Hamilton county, making his home in Stratford.
W. A. Neese acquired his early education in the publie schools and also pursued a course in the collegiate institute at Fort Dodge, Iowa. Subsequently he taught sehool in Hamilton county for two years and then engaged in farming, while later he embarked in the mercantile business at Stratford, there condueting a store for about four years. In 1909 he removed to Hebron, Adair county, where he was engaged in merchandising for six years. On the 1st of January, 1915, he disposed of the enterprise and took up his abode on his farm of eighty aeres on section 2, Union township, where he is now residing. In May, 1915, he purchased the mer- cantile establishment of E. V. Masters at Zion, in Union township, which he has sinee successfully conducted, being accorded a liberal and gratifying patronage. He also cultivates his fields and is a very busy man, daily covering the distance from farm to store in his automobile. He likewise owns a quarter section of land in Burleigh county, North Dakota, and is widely recognized as a substantial and enterprising citizen of the community.
On the 18th of March, 1896, Mr. Neese was united in marriage to Miss Luella Linn, of Hamilton county, by whom he has five children, namely: Virgie, Roy, Melvin, Henrietta and Van, all at home. Mr. Neese belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, while his wife is a devoted member of the Christian ehureh. They enjoy an enviable position in social eireles and their home is attractive by reason of its warm-hearted hospitality.
J. E. WILSON.
J. E. Wilson is suecessfully engaged in business as a general merehant of Hebron, having built up an extensive and profitable patronage. His birth occurred in this eounty on the 23d of January. 1875, his parents being William and Sophro- nia (Silverthorn) Wilson, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Wiseon- sin. They came to Adair county, Iowa. in early life and were married here, the mother also passing away in this eounty. The father still survives, however, and now makes his home in Creston. They had three children, namely: Bertha C., who gave her hand in marriage to J. M. Folk; William, who is deceased; and J. E., of this review.
The last named was reared by his grandparents from the time he was ten days old and received his education in the common schools. After attaining his majority he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for six years and then purchased a tract of land on section 2, Union township, which he cultivated for eleven years. On the expiration of that period he traded the property for a store at Hebron and has conducted the enterprise continuously to the present time, handling all kinds of merchandise and being accorded an exeellent patronage. He carries a well selected stoek of goods, which he sells at reasonable prices, and enjoys an enviable reputation as an enterprising, reliable and progressive merchant.
In 1896 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Rosenbaugh, a native of Jasper eounty. Iowa, and a daughter of Philip and Wilhelmina (Metz) Rosenbaugh, both of whom were born in Germany. They emigrated to the United
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States in 1863 and made their home in Jasper county, Iowa, until 1879, when. they came to Adair county, here spending the remainder of their lives. To them were born ten children, four of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson arc the parents of three children, namely: Gail T., Pluma M. and John C. M.
Mr. Wilson is a stanch republican in politics and has ably served as school director and road supervisor, acting in the latter capacity for nine years. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Lutheran church. He has always been a resident of this county and is a man whose upright and honorable life has won him the warm regard and esteem of his associates.
AARON S. LYNN.
Aaron S. Lynn, engaged in farming on section 9, Union township, is regarded as one of the representative citizens of Adair county. He was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1848, a son of William J. and Caroline (Schrock) Lynn, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. In 1869 they came to Iowa, settling in Clarke county, where they lived until called to their final rest. The father followed the occupation of farming.
Aaron S. Lynn was reared upon the old homestead farm in Pennsylvania and acquired his education there in the public schools and under private tutors. He came with his parents to Iowa and on attaining his majority began farming on his own account, renting land in Clarke county. His marriage was celebrated in that county in 1871, when Miss Mary E. Young became his wife. She is a daughter of John S. Young, who removed from Indiana to Iowa during the pioneer epoch in the history of this state. Two years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lynn removed to Adair county, where he purchased eighty acres of his present home farm. He took up his abode upon this place and has made it his home for forty- two consecutive years, adding to his first modest purchase from time to time until his holdings aggregated seven hundred and twenty acres. In later years, how- ever, he has deeded a portion of this land to his children. His farming interests have been carried on along progressive lines. He has studied the condition of the soil, the needs of various cereals, and has made a close study as well of questions relative to stock-raising. While he has been primarily a farmer, he has also been a railroad builder and in that way has contributed much to the material develop- ment of the part of the state in which he lives. He has always been a prominent factor in the support of higher education and the foremost man in church work in his district. In every sense he has been a constructive citizen, working for develop- ment and improvement, and his labors have been far-reaching and beneficial. He was the prime factor in the building of the Creston, Winterset & Des Moines Rail- road, extending from Creston to Macksburg, Iowa. It was he who organized the company, sold the majority of the stock and when the active work of construc- tion began he was the man at the helm with less than one hundred dollars in the treasury when they had expected collections of one hundred thousand dollars or more. Eleven subcontractors with eleven camps on the twenty-two miles of road were put to work to rush construction and it was Mr. Lynn who furnished the finances to complete the building of the road. Many of the financial problems solved by him would have taxed the ability of some of the ablest financiers of the country,
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but the project was successfully carried through and the completed road has been of untold value to the district. It was he who organized the Mutual Telephone Company in his township and brought about the building of the telephone system. It was Mr. Lynn who made possible the building of the handsome Christian church at Zion and for the past twenty years he has been a member of the board of regents of Palmer College at Albany, Missouri, a sectarian college conducted under the auspices of the Christian church. Some time since, when the college was in need of more funds, Mr. Lynn was chosen to go to New York to relieve the situation, and he returned with an endowment of fifty thousand dollars. He was a member of the National Board of Church Missions for four years and he has been not only a most generous contributor but a most helpful factor in all lines of church work. In his political views he is a republican, thoroughly informed concerning the ques- tions and issues of the day, but has never been an aspirant for public office.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lynn have been born six children: C. Victoria : Harlan H., who is engaged in the lumber business in Delta, Iowa; Flora L., the wife of I. J. Dalbey, of Kellerton, Iowa, who is owner of a number of lumberyards at different points along the railroad; Corda M., the wife of J. E. Bowen, a farmer of Union township; Ethel, the wife of H. H. Linton, superintendent of the schools at Newell, Iowa; and Lloyd L., who is a farmer of Union township. The eldest daughter, C. Victoria, is a graduate of Highland Park College and has pursued post-graduate work in New York and Boston. She began teaching when but sixteen years of age and subsequently was associated with normal and college work. Later she took up chautauqua work and is today recognized as one of the foremost readers on the circuit. She has also read before many prominent women's clubs of the country and has given the highest satisfaction wherever she has been heard. She has an attractive personality, a pleasing voice and, more than that, she has been a close student of the best literature, giving to her audiences that which is most worth while. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn have reason to be proud of the success which the dif- ferent members of their family have made in their chosen vocations. Moreover, they have been proud to follow in the footsteps of their father, who has set them an excellent example of time and talent well used. From a humble financial posi- tion he has steadily worked his way upward and his strongly marked character- istics have brought to him the success which is now his. It is not his material gains, however, which have placed him so high in public regard, but the spirit which he has manifested in his relations to those things which are vital to the community, the state and the nation.
SAMUEL E. GORDON.
Samuel E. Gordon, who owns and operates a well improved farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres on section 8. Union township, has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career with excellent results. His birth occurred in Madison county, Iowa, on the 10th of October, 1862, his parents being Samuel A. and Nancy J. (Gowin) Gordon, both of whom were natives of Indiana. In 1853 they came to Iowa. settling on a farm in Madison county which the father entered from the government. He erected thercon a log
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cabin of primitive construction, the little dwelling having a clapboard roof, puncheon floor and the old-time string latch. Subsequently he established his home on a farm in Adair county and here spent the remainder of his life. His wife died June 9, 1915, at the age of eighty-one years and was buried at Greenfield. Both were well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. They became the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are yet living.
Samuel E. Gordon attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age. Sub- sequently he spent two years as a farm hand and then rented a tract of land which he cultivated for four years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm in Grand River township but four years later disposed of the property and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 8, Union township, where he has carried on agricultural pursuits continuously and successfully since. He has improved the property and greatly enhanced its value by erecting commodious and substantial buildings. His activities as a raiser and feeder of stock materially augment his income and in all of his undertakings he has met with gratifying and well deserved success.
In 1883 Mr. Gordon was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. Neville, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Thomas W. and Ellen (McWhinney) Neville, the former born in England and the latter in Ohio. They came to Iowa about 1870, taking up their abode on a farm in Adair county. The father has attained the ripe old age of seventy-seven years, but the mother is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have been born six children, as follows: Blanche C. and Ersie L., both of whom have passed away; Ray U .; Thomas S .; Hazel E .; and Alda L.
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