USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 39
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H. U. HAINLINE.
H. U. Hainline, a prosperous and representative agriculturist of Orient township, where he owns and operates an excellent farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 23, is known throughout the country as a breeder of Percheron horses. His birth occurred in Tazewell county, Illinois, on the 2d of February, 1867, his parents being Henry and Polly (Camp) Hainline, who were born, reared and married in that state. The father, who followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, is now living retired in Tazewell county.
H. U. Hainline was reared in the county of his nativity and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. When a youth of eighteen he began working as a farm hand and following his marriage, which was celebrated when he had attained the age of twenty-two years, he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating rented land in McLean county, Illinois, for two years. In the fall of 1891 he came to Iowa, purchasing a farm in Union county on which he took up his abode in the spring of 1892. The operation of that property claimed his attention until 1902, when he left the farm on account of his wife's impaired health and during the following two years engaged in the real-estate business at Creston. In 1904 he purchased and located on a farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Orient township, Adair county, which he has operated continuously and suc- cessfully since. For several years he was widely known as a breeder of hogs, owning at one time the finest herd of Berkshire hogs in the state of Iowa. In the year 1907 he won fifty-six premiums, taking first champion and grand champion on an aged sow and first champion on a boar as well as many premiums on young hogs. In years past he has also devoted considerable attention to the breeding of Shetland ponies, while at the present time he is prominently known as a breeder of Percheron horses. He owns one of the finest Percheron stallions in this section of the state and eleven registered Percheron mares. Mr. Hainline belongs to the Percheron Society of America and is one of the well known breeders of the country.
In November, 1889, Mr. Hainline was united in marriage to Miss Anna Bozarth, of McLean county, Illinois, by whom he had six children, four of whom survive, as follows: Ella Leta, who is the wife of Fred Butler, of Orient, Iowa; Loren J.,
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who operates a portion of the home farm; Rachel Berniee, who is attending school in Orient ; and Henry Harold.
In his political views Mr. Hainline is a stanch republican but he has never sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. The high principles of manhood which have ever governed his dealings with his fellowmen have won for him the unqualified respect, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has come in contaet.
JOHN MCDERMOTT.
In the enterprising little eity of Bridgewater, John MeDermott is known as a representative eitizen. His business interests are extensive and are most carefully and wisely managed, for his judgment is sound, his diserimination keen and his energy unfaltering. He conduets a growing lumber business in the town, deals in coal and also buys grain. In addition he is the owner of a farm of seven hundred and seventeen aeres in Washington township and is extensively engaged in stoek- raising. He was born in Riehland county, Ohio, February 17, 1857, and in the same year his parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) MeDermott, who were also natives of that state, brought their family to Iowa, taking up their abode upon a farm in Cass county, where they continued to reside until ealled to their final rest. In their family were eight children, of whom six are yet living.
John MeDermott was reared on the Cass county farm with the usual experi- enees that fall to the lot of the farm-bred boy. He performed such work as he could do in accordance with his age and strength and his work in the fields was alternated by attendance at the district sehools. After reaching adult age he began farming on his own account in Cass county, Iowa, and in 1892 he removed to Adair county. Iowa, settling in Bridgewater. Since that time he has been engaged in the lumber business, in connection with which he handles all kinds of building materials and eoal and also buys grain. His business has assumed extensive and gratifying proportions and his well managed interests have brought to him splendid financial return. He has likewise made judicious investment in farm lands and is now the owner of seven hundred and seventeen aeres in Washington township, whereon he handles Percheron horses and high-grade cattle and hogs, his stoek-raising interests being one of the important features of his business. It is characteristic of him that whatever he undertakes he carries forward to sueeessful completion and obstaeles and difficulties are not allowed to bar his path but serve rather as an impetus for renewed effort. He also owns one hundred and sixty aeres of land at Kimball, South Dakota, and another farm of a quarter seetion adjoining the village of Bridge- water.
In 1884 Mr. MeDermott was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Marsh, who was born near Colorado Springs, Colorado, her parents being Charles and Elizabeth (Millhollin) Marsh, natives of Pennsylvania and Iowa respectively. They removed to Colorado in an early day but at the end of about four years returned to Iowa. Charles Marsh and Henry MeDermott were bosom friends of about the same age
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and lived as neighbors for a half century. Both died when eighty-seven years of age and were buried at the same time. Mrs. McDermott was one of a family of seven children, five of whom survive. By her marriage she has become the mother of eight children. as follows: Ethel E., who is the wife of Samuel Love; Burt B., at home; Verna, who is now a student in Drake University; D. D., at home; Ella, who is attending school; Kenton; Clayton; and Ellis, who is deceased.
Mr. McDermott exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and has served as township trustee and as a mem- ber of the school board. He cooperates heartily in all plans and projects for the public good. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as one of the trustees, and they guide their lives according to its teachings. Both Mr. and Mrs. McDermott are held in high esteem and richly merit the warm regard given them, for they display many admirable traits of heart and mind.
MISS MINNIE E. BARNETT.
Miss Minnie E. Barnett, acceptably filling the office of county recorder, is well known in Adair county, where she has spent her entire life. She is a daughter of J. W. Barnett, who was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1849. His father was Joseph Barnett, who followed blacksmithing in Pittsburgh. The family removed westward when J. W. Barnett was a small boy and arrived in Adair county in the '60s, before the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad was built. Joseph Barnett purchased land in Lincoln township and followed blacksmithing in connec- tion with farming. He died upon his farm where he had long resided, enjoying the respect and goodwill of his fellow citizens. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Price, was a native of Belfast, Ireland, but was brought to the new world during her infancy and she, too, spent her last days in Iowa.
J. W. Barnett followed farming throughout his entire active life but removed to Greenfield in 1915 and is now living retired. He carefully conducted his farming interests according to progressive, modern methods and he has always taken a deep and helpful interest in everything relating to the public welfare. He has served as a member of the school board in his home district, acting as president of the board and also as treasurer. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, entertain for him warm and enduring regard. In 1877 he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Belden, who was born near Galesburg, Illinois, May 22, 1857. Her father, Joel W. Belden, was a native of Saratoga, New York, and removed to Knox county, Illinois, whence he came to Adair county in 1876. Here he followed farming in Lincoln town- ship. He married Augusta Glyde who was born in England and was thirteen years of age when she came to America. Mr. and Mrs. Belden passed away in the same year. This family came to Iowa in 1876 and the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Barnett was celebrated the following year, the young couple beginning their domestic life upon a farm in Summit township. Later they removed to Lincoln township and Mr. Barnett there carried on the work of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops until 1915, when he put aside business cares and took up his abode in Greenfield.
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To Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Barnett were born nine children: Minnie E., who is the present efficient county recorder; Mary Augusta, the wife of George W. Eversull, who operates a farm in Lincoln township; Bert J., who wedded Miss Nina Moore and resides on the home farm; Nellie Sarah, who gave her hand in marriage to John H. Booher. a postoffice attache at Nebraska City, Nebraska; J. R., who makes his home near Billings, Montana : Bessie, who is engaged in teaching in Montana and is now proving up on a claim near Billings; Myrtle, who is also a teacher by profession and resides at home: William M., who is engaged in farming; and Aurel D., who is now a senior in the high school and will become her sister's deputy in the recorder's office.
Miss Minnie E. Barnett attended the public schools of the county and following her graduation from the high school at Greenfield took up the profession of teaching. which she followed for six years in the rural schools. In 1910 she pursued a eommer- cial course in the Gem City Business College at Quiney, Illinois. Later she served as bookkeeper in the office of the seeretary of the State University of North Dakota and subsequently she engaged in teaching for a year. She then became the candidate for the office of county recorder on the republican tieket and was elected in 1914 for a two years' term. She is now acting in that capacity and is giving general satisfae- tion by the prompt. capable and systematic manner in which she is discharging her duties. She holds membership in Columbia Lodge, No. 6, Daughters of Rebekah, at Stuart. Iowa. The Barnetts are members of the Methodist church and have long occupied an enviable social position in those eireles where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society. Their influence has been a potent element along lines of material, social, intellectual and moral development.
WILLIAM DWIGANS.
William Dwigans is the owner of three hundred and ninety acres of valuable land on sections 18 and 19, Grove township. and devotes his attention to the pursuits of farming and stoek-raising with excellent suecess. His birth occurred in Benton county, Iowa, on the 19th of January. 1862. his parents being James and Sarah (Root) Dwigans, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In 1851 they came to Iowa, locating first on a farm in Benton county and subsequently removing to Cedar county, where they remained for two years. On the expiration of that period they came to Adair county. settling in Grove township, where James Dwigans passed away in 1898 and where his widow is still living. They became the parents of twelve chil- dren, ten of whom yet survive.
William Dwigans attended the common sehools in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age. He then herded cattle for one season and afterward cultivated a rented farm for one year. at the end of which time he purchased a tract of land. Subsequently he bought the place upon which he now resides. his present holdings embracing three hundred and ninety aeres of rich and productive land on sections 18 and 19, Grove township. He has brought the farm to a high state of enltivation and improvement and in connection with the production of cereals makes a specialty of raising and feeding stoek, both branches of his business proving very remunerative.
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Mr. Dwigans has been married twice. In 1885 he wedded Miss Hattie Knouf, a native of Benton county, Iowa, and a daughter of R. E. and Sarah (Riley) Knouf, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa in an early day and in this state spent the remainder of their lives. To William and Hattie Dwigans were born seven children, as follows: Bessie, who is the wife of Clarence E. Hulbert : Winfield ; Edna, who gave her hand in marriage to Roy Woodson ; Hazel, the wife of F. E. Messenger; Bernice, who is the wife of George Porter; Rex, at home; and Naomi. the wife of E. L. Richards. The mother of these children died in 1899 and was laid to rest in the Greenfield cemetery. For his second wife Mr. Dwigans chose Mrs. Frances (Holmes) Cunningham, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Clark and Elizabeth (Dwigans) Holmes, who were also born in the Buckeye state. In an early day they removed to Missouri, where they continued to reside until their demise.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Dwigans has supported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in its principles. He has served as school director and also in the capacity of road supervisor, ever discharging his official duties in a prompt and capable manner. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, his word is considered as good as his bond, and he has the entire confidence and respect of those with whom he comes in contact either in business or social affairs.
ARTHUR B. RICE.
Arthur B. Rice owns and operates a farm of two hundred acres on section 31, Harrison township, and is widely recognized as one of the progressive and substan- tial agriculturists of the community. His birth occurred in Nodaway county, Missouri, on the 10th of June, 1868, his parents being Gabriel and Mary (Butler) Rice, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. Their marriage was cele- brated in Missouri. to which state they had removed with their respective parents. In 1880 they came to Adair county, Iowa, locating on a farm north of Fontanelle which the father operated continuously and successfully until 1906. During the past nine years, however, he has lived retired in Fontanelle, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having loyally defended the interests of the Union as a member of the Ninth Missouri Cavalry. The period of his residence in this county now covers more than a third of a century and he is well known and highly esteemed within its borders.
Arthur B. Rice was twelve years of age when he came to Adair county with his parents and in his youth attended the district schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion. On attaining his majority he started out as an agriculturist on his own account and he successfully cultivated rented land for about seventeen years. On the expira- tion of that period, in 1906, he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Grove township but two years later disposed of the property and in March, 1908, bought one hundred and sixty acres of his present home farm in Harrison township. A year later he purchased an adjoining tract of forty acres, so that his place now comprises two hundred acres of valuable land. The property is well improved in every particular and yields its energetic owner a gratifying annual income.
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In 1889 Mr. Rice was united in marriage to Miss Maud Aspinwall, of Fontanelle, this county. by whom he has two sons: Rex, who cultivates a part of the home farm; and Ray, who is also engaged in agricultural pursuits in Harrison township. Politically Mr. Riee is a stalwart advocate of republiean principles and in 1914 was a candidate for nomination to the office of county sheriff. His religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Congregational church, to which his wife also belongs. A man of high standards and principles, he enjoys the respect and esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens, many of whom he has known from boyhood.
W. B. HOSKINS.
Nature seems to have intended that man shall enjoy a period of rest in later life. Youth and energy fit him to undertake the more serious duties which come in early manhood and mature judgment enables him to so direct his labors as to win substantial results. If he follows a sagacions course the result is certain and the evening of life will find him well prepared to meet its obligations without recourse to the arduous labors of carlier years. Mr. Hoskins is among those who, formerly actively identified with farming interests, is now living retired, making his home in Greenfield. He was born in Marshall county, Illinois, and the date of his nativity was October 12, 1844. so that he has now reached the Psalmist's allotted span of three seore years and ten. His parents, John S. and Eliza (Bonham) Hoskins, were both natives of Ohio, where they were reared and married. Directly afterward they settled in Marshall county, Illinois, which was then a frontier distriet and had but few inhabitants. Much of the land was still in possession of the government and the father entered a elaim, upon which he resided to the time of his demise in 1879. His widow survived him for a quarter of a century and passed away at the home of a son in Nebraska in 1904.
W. B. Hoskins spent his youthful days with his parents and the publie schools afforded him his educational opportunities, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He began farming for himself when twenty-one years of age, renting land from his father for two years. In 1867 he was married, after which he continued to engage in farm- ing in Marshall county, Illinois, until 1873. which year witnessed his arrival in Adair county. Iowa. Two years before he had purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Richland township and on coming to this county he settled upon his farm. upon which he lived for forty-one years. As time passed the results of his labors were scen in splendid improvements and highly cultivated fields, and his farm became a pro- ductive place, yielding him good profits. In 1911, however, he put aside the work of the plow and removed to Greenfield. where he has sinee lived retired, enjoying a well carned rest. After coming to this county he bought other land from time to time until he was the owner of six hundred acres, still retaining possession of four hundred and eighty acres. This supplies him with a most substantial annual income. He is a stock- holder in the Fontanelle Lumber Company and is president of the Nevinville Savings Bank. having been one of the dominant factors in its organization.
On the 25th of September, 1867. Mr. Hoskins married Miss Melissa J. Nigh- swonger. of Marshall county. Illinois, and to them were born seven children. six of whom are yet living: Wilson D., who now makes his home in Portland; Charles M., a
MR. AND MRS. W. B. HOSKINS
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resident farmer of Richland township ; Olin R., who follows farming in the same town- ship; John R., who is cultivating his father's farm ; Stella M., the wife of Guy O. Ray, a farmer of Richland township; and Mary C., the wife of C. A. Bonar, of Long Beach, California.
For years Mr. Hoskins was a dominant factor in the local ranks of the republican party and is still a stalwart advocate of its principles. He served for a long time in the offices of township clerk and township trustee and was also justice of the peace. For six years from 1888 he was a member of the county board of supervisors. His duties were discharged with promptness and fidelity and his course in public offiee won him high esteem. He also did effective service in behalf of the cause of public education as a member of the school board. The military chapter in his life record is one of equal interest, he being a veteran of the Civil war. When but nineteen years of age he enlisted for service on the 16th of May, 1864, joining the boys in blue of Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for six months, being mustered out in October of that year. His regiment served on detached duty, aiding in guarding government stores in Illinois, Kentucky and Mis- souri. He now holds membership in Meyers Post, No. 39, G. A. R., and proudly wears the little bronze button that indicates his membership in the organization. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as one of the stewards. He contributes generously to the support of the church and does all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence.
CONWAY BROTHERS.
Frank and Ernest D. Conway, farmers and stoekmen, are well known in Walnut township, where their progressive business methods have won them substantial sueeess. They are sons of William and Emma (Gabbert) Conway. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, is of Scotch lineage. He took up the occupation of farming and at the elose of the Civil war removed to eastern Iowa, but afterward became a resident of Turner county, South Dakota, where he secured a claim, upon which he resided until he removed to Madison county, Iowa. The year 1894 witnessed his arrival in Adair county, at which time he purchased land in Walnut township, where he has since made his home, being identified with agricultural pursuits through all the interim to the present time. He wedded Emma Gabbert, a native of eastern Iowa. who in her childhood days accompanied her parents on their removal to Madison county, this state, where she grew to womanhood. She died in Walnut township in 1902 and her death was the occasion of deep regret to many friends. Since coming to Adair county Mr. Conway has retired from active farm life, turning over the care of his fields to his sons. He is numbered among the highly respected residents of Walnut township, enjoying the warm regard of the great majority of those with whom he has been brought in contaet. His family numbered four children, of whom the eldest, Mary, died at the age of thirteen years. The youngest, Fay Vivian, is at home with her father.
Frank Conway, the senior partner in the firm of Conway Brothers, was born in Turner county, South Dakota, on the 29th of June, 1876, and attended school in Madison and Adair counties. In the periods of vacation he had ample training in
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farm work, so that he was qualified to assume responsibilities of that character when he attained his majority. He and his brother remained at home and managed the home farm, which they rented for five years. On the expiration of that period Frank Conway, in partnership with his brother Ernest, purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 25, Walnut township, and that tract they also cultivated for five years. In 1908 they traded it for one hundred and sixty acres, upon which they took up their abode, and they have since lived upon this place, which is situated on seetion 29, Walnut township.
Ernest D. Conway was born in Madison county, Iowa. September 7. 1879, attended the district sehools of that locality and has spent the greater part of his life upon the home farm with his father. He has been an equal partner with his brother in all of their dealings and the Conway brothers are today known throughout Adair county as successful breeders of Shire horses. They began the breeding business in 1910 and for this purpose purchased the English imported Shire stallion, Moulton Bell Ringer, No. 11794 (27981). This animal is still in stud at the Conway Brothers farm. In the fall of 1914 they bought the Shire stallion, Dansby Friar, No. 10682 (26148). The Conway brothers also breed high grade shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and are numbered among the foremost breeders and stock feeders of this part of the state. Frank Conway has made a study of scientific breeding and each year he pursues a course in the Graham Scientific Breeding College of Kansas City, Missouri. Following progressive methods, he has secured excellent results and the business is now a very satisfactory and profitable one.
On the 30th of November, 1913, Frank Conway was married to Miss Virginia M. Handley, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hanna) Handley. The father, a native of Breenbrier county, Virginia, was a farmer by occupation and when about twelve years of age became a resident of Cedar county, Iowa, where he followed farming until 1891. He then removed to Adair county, where he engaged in general agricul- tural pursuits, residing upon a farm in Walnut township until his death, which oceurred December 1, 1902. His widow now makes her home with her children. In the Handley household were three daughters and a son: Clara, now the wife of Walter Nolan; Nora Blanche, the wife of Sidney Woodson; Virginia Marietta, now Mrs. Conway ; and Herbert McClelland, living in Greenfield.
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