USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 24
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On the 25th of December, 1895, Mr. Underwood was united in marriage to Miss Eva Pierce, a daughter of James and Nancy (Ford) Pierce, who were natives of Ohio and Cedar county, Iowa, respectively. The father. an agriculturist by occupa- tion. took up his abode in Dallas county, Iowa. at a very early day and subsequently came to Adair county, purchasing land in Jackson township which he cultivated for a short time. After disposing of the property he bought a farm in Eureka township which he operated during the remainder of his life, passing away in January, 1908, while his wife was called to her final rest in January. 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Under- wood have three children, Bernice L., Rex E. and Claire J., who are eighteen, five and two years of age respectively.
Mr. Underwood exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- ures of the democracy, believing firmly in its principles. He is not an active member of any religious denomination, feeling friendly toward them all. As a citizen of
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Adair county he has assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing its interests and may be depended upon to give his support to every measure that will promote the public good.
CHARLESWORTH POWEL.
Charlesworth Powel is now living retired at Adair, but his life record covers many years of intense and well directed activity, including valiant service for his country at the time of the Civil war and prominent connection with industrial and commercial pursuits in this county. He was born in Philadelphia, September 5, 1835, and has therefore passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, his being an honored old age in which he is accorded a large measure of respect and venera- tion. His parents were Richard and Sarah A. (Firth) Powel, also natives of Phila- delphia. The father was a cabinetmaker by trade and served a five years' appren- ticeship ere entering upon an active life devoted to that business. In 1840 he went to Parkersburg, Virginia, where he followed cabinetmaking for a considerable period and then removed to Taylorville, Illinois, where he worked at his trade until his death, which occurred in 1872. His wife has also passed away.
Charlesworth Powel was reared and educated in Virginia and spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his father's home. He made his initial step in business as clerk in a store in Springfield, Illinois, and was there employed until 1861. In the meantime the family had removed to Illinois and at twenty-six years of age, in response to the country's call for troops, he joined Company H of the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, with which he served for three years or during the Civil war as first lieutenant and adjutant. He then returned to Taylorville, Illinois, and pur- chased an interest in a general store, but after six months the partnership was dissolved. He then secured employment with a milling concern, acting as book- keeper and salesman, and that he was a most loyal and trusted representative of the house is indicated in the fact that he remained with the firm for twenty years, enjoying the entire confidence of his employers, which confidence was never betrayed in the slightest degree. At the end of two decades he went to Tennessee, where he invested in five hundred acres of land which, he owned and cultivated for ten years. He then traded that property for a stock of drugs and a residence property in Adair, Iowa, and admitted his son to a partnership in the business, which they conducted together for several years. Mr. Powel then sold his interest to his son and has since lived retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.
On the 5th of April, 1865, Mr. Powel was united in marriage to Miss Rachael E. Milligan, a daughter of William and Eliza (Pollock) Milligan, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. The father was a tanner by trade and operated both a tannery and farm in Ohio, in which state he took up his abode in an early day. His demise occurred in 1854, while his wife was called to her final rest in the year 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Powel became the parents of seven children, as follows: Preston, a druggist and physician of Adair, Iowa; Mary, who died in 1870, when one year old; Florence, who gave her hand in marriage to G. O. Reavis and resides in Los Angeles, California; Edith, who passed away in 1911 and was
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the wife of David C. Kemmer, of Tennessee; Reuben, living in Tennessee ; Richard, who makes his home in Alabama; and Mabel, who died in 1883, at the age of but one year.
In his political views Mr. Powel has been an earnest republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. Those who know him esteem him highly and he is most honored where best known, showing that his entire life has commanded the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated.
FRANK H. EDWARDS.
Frank H. Edwards, who is successfully following agricultural pursuits on sec- tion 19, Richland township, is a native of that township, born January 3, 1871, and is a son of David and Emily (Maxwell) Edwards. An extended sketch of the father's life with his portrait appears elsewhere in this work.
Frank H. Edwards was reared under the parental roof and at the usual age entered the district schools, where he acquired his education. After reaching mature years he continued to reside at home and assisted his father in the latter's extensive farming operations. Following his marriage in 1902 our subject removed to his present farm which was deeded to him by his father the year before. He continued to reside upon that place until 1912, when he removed to Saskatchewan, Canada, where he had previously purchased a half section of land eighteen miles from Moose- jaw. However, he remained upon his Canada farm for but one year, after which he returned to Adair county, where he has since resided. He is one of the representa- tive farmers of Richland township and his labors return him a gratifying annual income.
On the Ist of January, 1902, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Clara McKee, a daughter of William McKee, one of the well known residents of Massena. Cass county. To this union have been born three children, two of whom survive, namely, Glenn M. and Lawrence E.
Mr. Edwards is a republican in his political belief and takes the interest of a good citizen in everything relating to the public welfare. He has made many friends in this county, where he has lived for the greater part of his life, and he is a valued resident of his township.
JOHN B. TIMMONS.
John B. Timmons is the owner of two hundred acres of rich and productive land on sections 9 and 10, Eureka township, and in the conduct of his farming interests is meeting with excellent success. His birth occurred in Linn county, Iowa, on the 10th of August, 1872, his parents being Andrew J. and Annie M. (McCreary ) Tim- mons, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. Andrew J. Tim- mons, an agriculturist by occupation, took up his abode among the early settlers of Linn county, Iowa, and there purchased land which he cultivated until 1878. In
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that year he came to Adair county, purchasing a farm in Jackson township which he improved and operated continuously and successfully until 1910. He has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well carned ease and resides with his wife in Bridgewater, having attained the venerable age of eighty-three years, while his wife is sixty-eight years old. The period of their residence in this county covers thirty- seven years and their circle of friends has steadily grown as the circle of their acquaintance has widened.
John B. Timmons, a lad of six years when brought to Adair county by his par- ents, was here reared and educated and remained at home until he had attained his majority. He then purchased and improved a tract of land in Jackson township and cultivated the same for five years, on the expiration of which period he disposed of the property and removed to Cass county, Iowa, where he also operated a farm for five years. At the end of that time he traded the latter place for a farm in Eureka township, this county, which he afterward sold, returning to Cass county and thence removing to Guthrie county, Iowa. In the spring of 1915 he again came to Eureka township, Adair county, and purchased two hundred acres of land on sections 9 and 10, which he is now cultivating.
In March, 1898, Mr. Timmons was united in marriage to Miss Lena Ahnen, a daughter of Henry and Dora Ahnen, both of whom were natives of Germany and became pioneer settlers of Adair county. The father followed farming in Summer- set and Washington townships until he passed away in March, 1912, while the mother died in the year 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. Timmons have been born five chil- dren, namely: Blanche, Marie, Estella, Leona and Woodrow.
Politically Mr. Timmons is a stanch democrat, while his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church. He is also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic frater- nity, belonging to the blue lodge at Anita, Iowa. He enjoys a wide acquaintance in this part of the state and his many good qualities have won him the esteem and high regard of many friends.
PAUL T. BROWN.
Paul T. Brown was but three years of age when brought to Adair county, where he has since lived. He now makes his home on section 18, Eureka township, adjoin- ing Berea, and he is identified with both mercantile and agricultural pursuits. He was born in Grundy county, Illinois, August 19, 1882, a son of Samuel and Almira (Tabler) Brown, both of whom were natives of Grundy county. The father was a farmer and cultivated a tract of land in Grundy county until 1885, when he removed with his family to Adair county and purchased four hundred acres of land in Eureka township, of which two hundred acres is now owned by Isaac Brown, while Paul T. Brown has ten acres and his brother one hundred and ninety acres. The father improved this place and operated it until 1903, when he sold the property and went to Atlantic, Cass county, there retiring from active business life. Indolence and idleness, however, are utterly foreign to his nature and he could not bear to be with- out some occupation. He therefore purchased land in Cass county and is now again actively engaged in farming. His wife died October 28, 1894.
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Being but three years of age when his parents removed to this county, Paul T. Brown was accordingly reared and educated here and to his father he gave the benefit of his services until he reached the age of twenty years, when he went to Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a year. He then returned home and for six years cultivated a rented farm, at the end of which time he purchased a general store in Berea and has since conducted a successful business along that line. He also buys cream and produce and he enjoys a large patronage. In addition he owns a fine home and ten acres of land and he is actively engaged in raising hogs. Both branches of his business are proving profitable and bring to him a substantial financial return.
On the 18th of October, 1903, Mr. Brown was joined in wedlock to Miss Etta Smith. a daughter of Thomas T. and Paulina (Brown) Smith, the former a native of Highland county, Ohio, and the latter of Kentucky. The parents eame to Adair county, Iowa, in 1879 and Mr. Smith purchased land in Jackson township, where he carried on general farming until 1901, when he retired from active life and removed to Ohio, where he and his wife are now living at the ages of seventy-three and sixty-seven years, respectively. Throughout the period of the Civil war Mr. Smith served as a loyal defender of the Union, going to the front with the boys in blue of Company A, Forty-eighth Ohio Infantry. There were ten children in the Smith family, all of whom are living, and the youngest is now twenty-two years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown are well known in Adair county and enjoy the warm friendship and kindly regard of many with whom they have come in contact. He exereises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek offiee. In business he is making steady progress and is meeting with well deserved success.
ORLEY HOLMES.
Orley Holmes, who has been actively identified with agricultural pursuits in Adair county for more than a quarter of a century, enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the substantial farmers of Jefferson township, owning one hundred and sixty aeres of rich and productive land on section 24. His birth occurred in Peoria county. Illinois, on the 2d of July, 1853, his parents being Walter and Ann (Twitchell) Holmes, who were born, reared and married in Oswego, New York. The mother of our subject was the second wife of Walter Holmes. Leaving the Empire state, they took up their abode in Peoria county, Illinois, and there spent the remainder of their lives.
Orley Holmes was reared to manhood under the parental roof and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. After attaining his majority he started out as an agriculturist on his own account and for several years cultivated rented land in his native county. Subsequently he bought a farm of eighty acres in Livingston county, Illinois, but after three wet seasons sought a more favorable location and in 1889 came to Adair county. Iowa. having here purchased a traet of one hundred and twenty acres two years previously. On this place he has made
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his home continuously since and has extended its boundaries by additional purchase until it now embraces one hundred and sixty acres on section 24, Jefferson township. During the past several years, however, the property has been operated by a tenant, as Mr. Holmes has devoted his attention to ditching and tiling, having tiled many of the farms in this and adjoining counties. His undertakings have been attended with well merited success and he has long been numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of the community.
In his political views Mr. Holmes is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Stuart Lodge No. 214, and Stuart Encampment No. 81. His life has been well spent and in every relation he has been honorable and upright, winning for himself the warm regard of his fellow citizens.
JULIUS B. SMITH.
Julius B. Smith carries on general agricultural pursuits on section 20, Eureka township. He is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Boone county, January 21, 1850. His parents were James H. and Julia A. (Linderman) Smith, natives of Michigan and of New York respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and after leaving Michigan made his way to Boone county, Illinois, where he established his home at a very early day. He went to that state with his parents and his father there entered land from the government, while later James H. Smith purchased a tract of eighty acres. He at once began the tilling of the soil and continued to engage actively in farming there until 1860, when he removed to Tama county, Iowa, where he purchased land, which he operated throughout his remaining days, death terminating his labors in August, 1905. His wife passed away in May, 1908.
Julius B. Smith was reared and educated in Boone county, Illinois, and in Tama county, Iowa. He divided his time during his youthful days between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the task of tilling the soil. He remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age and then rented land and engaged in farming for about three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Adair county, where he arrived in the fall of 1875, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, Eureka township. With characteristic energy he began to further develop that place, clearing it of the timber and brush upon it. At a later period he bought more land until he is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, constituting a splendidly improved farm, of which one hundred and sixty acres is on section 19, Eureka township. He sold a small portion of the remainder for the town site of Berea, but still holds title to the rest of his property. He has since operated his farm, with the exception of nine years which he spent in Anita, Iowa. Practically throughout his entire life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits and the evidence of his labors is seen in the generous harvests which are gathered upon his placc. He studies progressive methods and accomplishes what he undertakes by reason of persistency, determination and skill.
In October, 1878, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ida Eby, a daughter of William and Rachel (Stevenson) Eby, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The
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parents went to Illinois at an early day and about 1852 the father established a blacksmith shop at Polo and continued to engage in business along that line through- out his remaining days. For some time he conducted a smithy at Berea and made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. His death occurred in April, 1905, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-seven years. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1863. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Smith were five children: Dawn, the wife of E. O. Patterson. a lawyer living at Dallas, South Dakota ; Tillie, the wife of Seott Gearhart, a resident of Alliance. Nebraska; Clyde, who is farming part of his father's land; Marie, who died in November. 1911 ; and Eby, at home.
Mr. Smith gives his political support to the democratic party and has served as assessor of his township. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He subordinates publie activities to private business, however, and is leading a busy, useful and honorable life as a farmer of Adair county, where he feeds about two carloads of cattle annually, making that one important feature of his business. In his life there are few idle hours. He concentrates his energies upon the work at hand and knows that persisteney of purpose and honorable dealing are salient and indispensable elements in the attainment of success.
JAMES P. JENSEN.
In the record of the agricultural activity of Adair county mention should be made of James P. Jensen, who is successfully engaged in the cultivation of grain and the raising of high grade stock. He is also identified with other business inter- ests of importance to the community. He is among those of foreign birth who, recog- nizing the opportunities offered in the new world, have come here to win advanee- ment without the elose and strenuous competition which they would encounter in their native lands.
James P. Jensen was born in Denmark, January 19, 1864, a son of James and Bertha M. Jensen, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of Christian Jensen on another page of this work. His youthful days were spent in his native country and his education was obtained in the publie schools. He served one year in the Danish army before he was twenty-one years old. Starting out to earn his own living, he was employed as a farm hand in Denmark until he reached the age of twenty-six years, when the favorable reports which he had heard concerning the new world led him to cross the Atlantic with the hope of bettering his financial con- dition. He traveled across this country to Fontanelle. Adair county, Iowa, and sought employment as a farm hand, spending three years in that way. He carefully saved his earnings and after three years was able to purchase eighty acres, becoming owner of a tract of that size on section 22, Eureka township. He then operated his farm until 1906, when he purchased eighty acres more adjoining on the same seetion. With characteristic energy he began the further development of that property and today has one of the finest farms in his part of the county. He has operated it for twenty-two years and it shows the result of careful, systematic cultivation. He practices rotation of erops and seientific methods that bring about substantial and gratifying results. He also raises high grade stock and makes this a profitable
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MR. AND MRS. JAMES P. JENSEN
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feature of his business. He is likewise treasurer of the Eureka Telephone Company and is a stockholder in the Farmers Lumber Company of Fontanelle.
In April, 1885, Mr. Jensen was united in marriage to Miss A. Christina Jensen, a daughter of Nels and Ane Marie (Christinsen) Jensen, natives of Denmark, in which country the father worked as a farm hand, but after coming to the new world he retired from active life and now makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. James P. Jensen. The mother died in the year 1878. Mr. and Mrs. James P. Jensen have become the parents of eight children: James; Niels; Marie; Sophie; Carl; Maude; and Katherine and Clara Matilda, both deceased.
Mr. Jensen is one of the trustees of Eureka township, in which position he has served for two years. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, gives his political indorsement to the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. In these connections are seen the rules which govern his eonduet and shape his relations to public affairs. Those who know him find that he is faithful in all the relations of life and give him well merited praise for what he has accomplished. Coming to the new world empty handed, he has advanced steadily through his own efforts, working persistently and earnestly to gain a start and later to enhance his holdings. His life record shows what may be accomplished when energy and determination lead the way, and should well serve as a source of inspira- tion and encouragement to others who, like him, are forced to start out in life empty handed.
CHARLES VARLEY, JR. '
Charles Varley, Jr., one of the well known, successful and representative agriculturists of Adair county, within the borders of which he has spent practically his entire life, now owns three hundred and twenty aeres of valuable land in Jefferson township. His birth occurred in Leeds, England, on the 11th of October, 1868, his parents being Charles and Anna (Thorpe) Varley, natives of Yorkshire, England. In 1861 the father, leaving his family in England, took a trip to South America and toured that country. Thence he came north and spent about five years in mining ventures in California, Oregon and British Columbia. After returning to England he remained there for about three years and in 1869 emigrated with his family to the United States, making his way into the interior of the country and stopping at Des Moines, Iowa, which was then but a village. There he left his wife and children and came on west to Adair county, at that time purchasing eighty aeres of the present home farm in Jefferson township. After building a home on his newly acquired property he brought his family from Des Moines and the remainder of his life was here spent. As time passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed industry and careful management of his agricultural interests, he augmented his landed holdings by additional purchase until they embraced about two hundred and ninety acres in Jefferson township. He passed away in April. 1914, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret throughout the community which had been his home for a period covering forty-five years. His widow, who still lives on the old home farm. has attained the age of seventy-nine years and enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance here.
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Charles Varley, Jr., was an infant of nine months when brought to this country, and in Adair county he was reared to manhood. In the acquirement of an education he attended the district schools and Indiana College and also pursued a musical course in the Dexter Normal School. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-eight years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own, locating on his present place in Jefferson township. Here he had purchased eighty acres in association with his father and he has since extended the boundaries of the farm by additional purchase from time to time until it now comprises three hundred and twenty acres. He not only feeds all his grain but also buys more, raising and feeding Polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. His undertakings in this connection have been attended with most gratifying success and he has long been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of his community.
In 1897 Mr. Varley was united in marriage to Miss Belle Peters, her father being James Peters, one of the prominent early settlers of Jefferson township. To them have been born five children, four of whom survive, namely: Everett, Mary, Preston and Isabelle.
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