USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 41
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The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Beaman gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has never been active as a politician, however, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business affairs. In addition to his home farm he has twenty acres of timber and his holdings make him one of the substantial farmers of Harrison township. Industry has ever been one of his salient characteristics and sound judgment has guided him in all of his business transactions.
BAILEY BROTHERS.
William J. and Frank M. Bailey constitute the firm of Bailey Brothers, owners of a farm on section 26, Lincoln township, which they are cultivating according to modern scientific methods. their labors being attended with good results. William J. was born January 26, 1850, in Boston, Massachusetts, while Frank M. Bailey was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, November 6, 1865. Their parents were George and Bridget (MeMenany) Bailey the former a native of London, England, and the latter of Ireland. They came to this country at about the ages of sixteen and fifteen years respectively and were married in Boston. The year 1856 witnessed their arrival in lowa, at which time they took up their abode in Muscatine county, and ten years later they removed to Adair county, where they purchased four hundred and eighty'acres of land in Lincoln township, two hundred and eighty acres of which now constitute the home farm of the Bailey brothers, the father having previously sold two hundred acres of his original purchase. He died in this county August 7, 1881, while his wife passed away on the 2d of January, 1901.
The two brothers, William J. and Frank M., were reared at home and the district schools afforded them their educational privileges. They became active assistants of their father in the operation of the home farm and as the father was in poor health, the responsibility of developing and cultivating the place rested more and more largely upon them. Following the father's death they continued the management of . the farm and in 1894 purchased the interests of the other heirs in the home place
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and have since been associated in its ownership and conduet. Neither brother is married and together they keep bachelor's hall.
In their political views they are republicans, stanehly supporting the party. William J. Bailey served for five years as a member of the board of township trustees and for some years Frank M. Bailey has been school treasurer in his district. He is a member of Stuart Lodge, No. 214, I. O. O. F. Both brothers are substantial citizens and efficient farmers-men of sterling worth, who enjoy the warm regard and friendship of many with whom they have come in contact. Almost their entire lives have been passed in this county and among their fellow citizens they enjoy an enviable reputation as representative business men and agriculturists.
CHARLES D. KNAPP, M. D.
Dr. Charles D. Knapp, who is now living retired in Greenfield, for a number of years actively engaged in the practice of medicine but during the later years of his active life conducted a drug store in this city. He was born in Connecticut, December 26, 1832, a son of Salmon and Anna (Platt) Knapp, both natives of Danbury. On removing westward they located in Michigan, where they resided for a short time, after which they settled in western New York, and in 1842 they became residents of Henry county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farming. Both died in that state. They were the parents of four children: Sarah P., who is now living in Chicago, Illinois ; Charles D .; Thomas, deceased; and one who died in infancy.
Charles D. Knapp remained at home until he was of age and then began farming on his own account, so continuing until he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war, remaining at the front for three years. He was shot through the left hip and thigh at the battle of Kelly's Ford, Tennessee, and was left in the enemy's territory. He remained with a family within the rebel lines for four months but as soon as he was well enough he made his escape by way of the French Broad river in a canoe, passing through the rebel lines successfully. After rejoining the Union forces he was on duty in a hospital until he was discharged at Quincy, Illinois. He then returned home and took up the study of medicine. He became a student at Rush Medical College of Chicago, and following his graduation from that institution located in Mason county, Illinois, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for about eight years. At the end of that period he went to Colorado, but remained there for only a short time. He next located in western Kansas but after living there for two vears removed to Chicago, where he practiced for a similar period of time. In 1880 he came to Adair county, Iowa, and has since resided here. He turned his attention to the drug business and for ten years conducted a drug store in Greenfield but since 1890 has lived retired. He has excellent business judgment and has made profitable investments. He owns the homestead of several hundred aeres in Henry county, Illinois, and also holds title to seven hundred and sixty-eight acres of land in this county.
Dr. Knapp was married in 1877 to Miss Ella C. McKelvey and they have had two children: Myrtle, who is now the wife of S. W. Neal; and one who is deceased.
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Dr. Knapp has supported the republican party since its organization and has served on the city council of Greenfield. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the subordinate lodge. He is a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic and values highly the opportunity of associating with his old comrades in arms. Although he has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years he still manages his business affairs and takes the keenest interest in the events of the day. He is well known throughout the county and is held in high esteem.
WILLIAM HENRY MCCLURE.
There were no brilliant or dazzling chapters in the life record of William Henry McClure, but his history is that of substantial worth, of wisely directed energy, of hon- orable purpose and of successful accomplishment. In a word, he was of that class of citizens who constitute the real strength of the nation, men who are active in public affairs, who are cognizant of their duties and obligations to their fellowmen and to the community at large and who in every phase of life maintain that even balance of character that produces public stability. Mr. McClure was born in Dundee, Illinois, on the 15th of November, 1859, and was a son of William and Maria (Wesson) Mc- Clure. The family was of Seoteh-Irish deseent. the grandfather, General George Me- Clure, being a native of Ireland. Coming to the new world, he served as a soldier in the War of 1812.
William H. McClure attended the public schools although he was largely a self- educated man, continually promoting his knowledge through reading, experience and observation. During his boyhood he worked alternately as a printer and painter, but at length concentrated his efforts along the former line and in 1886 purchased a half interest in the Audubon (Ia.) Republican, being connected with that paper until 1894. when he sold out. He was then employed for four months on the Creston Advertiser and in July, 1894. became editor and proprietor of the Fontanelle Observer, so con- tinuing until his demise. He made this one of the leading country papers of the state, its large circulation indicating that it was highly satisfactory to the publie in its methods of treating matters of general and local interest, while in mechanical construc- tion the Observer showed the results of the speedy adoption of the latest improved equipments of the newspaper office. In addition to his business as a newspaper editor and owner Mr. McClure was a stockholder in the First National Bank of Fontanelle, of which he served as a director for several years.
On the 16th of October. 1879. at Maquoketa, Iowa, Mr. McClure was united in marriage to Miss Kate Pratt Holmes, a daughter of W. H. and Electa D. Holmes. The father, who served as state treasurer of Iowa from 1860 until 1865, is now deceased, while the mother lives in Sioux City. Mr. and Mrs. McClure became the parents of three sons and a daughter: Scott H., who married Bertha A. Warner and is living in Pomeroy, Iowa; Mary W., the widow of Otto J. Kaemmerer, of Fontanelle; and Don D. and Edgar R., who are now owners and publishers of the Fontanelle Observer. The last named married Lena M. Talcott. There are also six grandchildren. The family cirele was broken by the hand of death when on the 13th of August, 1915, Mr.
WILLIAM H. MCCLURE
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McClure passed away at his home in Fontanelle, after a three years' illness, with a complication of organic troubles.
For many years Mr. McClure was connected with the Knights of Pythias, but had demitted several years before his death. He belonged to the Presbyterian church while at Wyoming and at Audubon. In politics he was a strong and active republican and was largely instrumental in molding public thought and action in Adair county. In 1897 he was called to the office of postmaster, which position he filled until 1914. Within that period he served for two years, in 1902-03, as state representative from Adair county. Throughout his entire public life he was faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, and Adair county numbered him as one of its most valued citizens.
DAVID E. BANCROFT.
In the death of David E. Bancroft Adair county lost a worthy and highly respected citizen. He was born in New York, near Saratoga Springs, on the 24th day of April, 1830, and was a son of Gamalial and Matilda Bancroft, the former born May 7, 1786, and the latter on the 22d of December, 1794. The father was a shoemaker by trade and always resided in New York, where he passed away February 6, 1847. His widow survived him for a number of years and died in March, 1875.
David E. Bancroft was reared and educated in New York and there learned the trades of a carpenter and cooper. He afterward worked as a cooper, becoming pro- prietor of a shop in the east. After conducting the business for two years he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company B, One Hundred and Tenth New York Infantry, with which he served for three years and one month, making a most creditable record during his connection with the army. About 1867 Mr. Bancroft came to Adair county and purchased land in Jackson township, after which he engaged in general farming for six years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of his farm and took up his abode in Adair, at which time there was but one store in the town. The remainder of his life was largely devoted to carpentering but he also conducted an undertaking business in Adair for several years. His life's labors were ended by death on the 18th of July, 1888.
It was on the 14th of July, 1854, that Mr. Bancroft was united in marriage to Miss Amy K. Claflin, a daughter of Winslow and Amy (Purdy) Claflin, who were natives of New York and Vermont respectively. The father was a lumberman and followed that business in the Empire state throughout his entire life. He was born October 25, 1801, and had therefore attained the age of almost sixty-eight years when he passed away August 20, 1869. His wife, who was born January 9, 1801, died on the 16th of March, 1871. To Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft were born eight children : Eva A., the wife of Joseph Flora, a resident of Michigan; Cora, the widow of G. W. Cox and a resident of Adair; Clara B., the wife of John Hopkins, living in this county ; Edward E., who resides in Texas; Martha A., who died April 29, 1888; Archie B., who passed away September 13, 1874; Willie, who died July 4, 1876; and
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Mary V., who became the wife of Franklin Kilpatrick and died on the 27th of January, 1912.
Mr. Bancroft was a member of the Grand Army post and thus maintained pleasant relations with the boys in blue. Politically he was a republican and held closely to the principles of the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has ever been the party of reform and progress. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church and to its teachings he was ever loyal. In all the relations of life he manifested sterling qualities and enjoyed in the fullest measure the confidence and goodwill of all who knew him. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Bancroft has continued to reside in Adair and she owns a nice residence two blocks from Main street.
THOMAS P. NEVILLE.
.Thomas P. Neville owns a well improved and valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 34, Lincoln township, which he has operated continuously during the past forty-five years. His birth occurred in Henry county, Illinois, on the Ist of May, 1842, his parents being Patrick and Jane (Pounds) Neville, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. Patrick Neville came to the United States when but a boy and in 1833 took up his abode in Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his life. The demise of his wife occurred in Henry county, that state, in 1897. To them were born four children, three of whom survive.
Thomas P. Neville acquired his education in the common schools and spent the period of his minority under the parental roof. In May, 1870, he came to Adair county, Iowa, and purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Lincoln township, the operation of which has claimed his time and energies continuously since. He erected excellent buildings and also planted an orchard, which adds much to the attractiveness of the place. In the work of general farming he has utilized the most practical and progressive methods of agriculture and his efforts have been rewarded by bounteous harvests annually. The prosperity which he now enjoys has come as the direct result of his industry and able management and he is widely recognized as a self-made and honorable, representative citizen.
In 1883 Mr. Neville was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Elliott, a native of Indiana and a daughter of L. C. and Mary Jane ( Beeknell) Elliott, who were also born in that state. In 1855 they came to Adair county, Iowa, and here the father passed away in 1897. The mother, who has now attained the age of eighty- six years, makes her home in Stuart, this state. They became the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Neville have been born six children, as follows: Jennie, who is deceased; Mrs. Sarah C. Armstrong, of Des Moines, Iowa; Thomas, Jr., who has also passed away; Elliott C .; Chase; and Richard.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Neville has supported the men and measures of the republican party and he has held the offices of county supervisor and trustee, while for a number of years he served on the school board. ever making a most commendable record as a public official. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter at Stuart. and
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his wife is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has now passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey and his career has ever been such as to command thie esteem and regard of all with whom he has come in contact in business or social relations.
FRED G. HOLCOMB.
Fred G. Holcomb, one of the enterprising young men of Greenfield, has been engaged in the automobile business since 1914, is also dealing to some extent in real- estate and is interested in the loan business. He was born in Lorain county, Ohio, March 1, 1864, a son of Moses and Hannah (Tenant) Holcumb, who were natives of Ohio and New York respectively. The father farmed in Ohio and there lived until the 4th of June, 1881, when he arrived in Cass county, Iowa. He purchased land there at twenty dollars per acre and improved and operated his place until his death, which occurred April 25, 1897. The mother survived for a decade and passed away at the home of her son Fred on the 1st of August, 1907.
Fred G. Holcomb was a youth of seventeen years when the family removed from the Buckeye state to Cass county, Iowa, where he completed his education, which had been begun in the schools of Ohio. For two years he studied at Oberlin, that state. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty- three years, when he began life on his own account by farming rented land in Cass county. He there remained until 1899, when he came to Adair county and cultivated rented land for seven years, at the end of which time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Grove township. This place he improved and operated until his wife's demise, which occurred on the 27th of August, 1913, when he sold his land and took up his abode in Greenfield. In September, 1914, he engaged in the automobile business, handling the Studebaker and Maxwell cars, and in this con- nection he is meeting with success here. He has a splendid location, being situated one block from the public square, has a well equipped establishment and is able to meet the demands of the people. He likewise handles real estate and loans money and in this connection is also successful, for he keeps himself informed as to land values, knows what property is upon the market and always gives his clients a fair deal.
Mr. Holcomb was married on the 17th of October, 1888, to Miss Emma Stark, a danghter of Jacob and Barbara (Hedrick) Stark, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Tennessee. The father farmed in his native state until 1883, when he made a removal to Cass county, where he was similarly engaged until 1900, when he disposed of his property there and located in Adair county. He purchased land north of Greenfield and operated the same until on account of ill health he was forced to retire from active business life. He passed away March 1, 1915. His widow survives and is making her home with a daughter in Sheridan, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb was born one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Holcomb departed this life August 27, 1913, having been an invalid for three years prior to her demisc.
In politics Mr. Holcomb is a republican, while in religious faith he is a Methodist and fraternally is an Odd Fellow and a Woodman. For six years he served as trustee of Grove township and in this relation was faithful in the discharge of his official
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duties. He is one of those representative men who quickly discern and take advantage of opportunities and who brook no obstacles that can be overcome by honorable and determined effort and he is favorably known in business eireles because of his eapability and laudable ambition.
HARRISON R. BEVINGTON.
Harrison R. Bevington, numbered among the enterprising and successful young agrieulturists of Adair county, is the owner of an excellent farm embracing two hundred acres on section 34, Grand River township. His birth occurred in Madison county, Iowa, on the 16th of January, 1889, his parents being Peter A. and Sarah C. (Maekey) Bevington, both of whom are natives of Ohio. In an early day they settled on a farm in Madison county, Iowa, and subsequently eame to Adair county, being now well known and esteemed residents of Greenfield. To them have been born seven children, all of whom survive.
Harrison R. Bevington attended the common sehools in the aequirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he cultivated rented land for two years and on the expiration of that period purchased a farm of two hundred aeres on seetion 34, Grand River township. which he has operated to the present time with good sueeess. In connection with the production of eereals he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock of all kinds, both branches of his business bringing him a gratifying annual ineome. His sueeess has come as the direct reward of his own efforts and he is a self-made man whose record may be a source of just pride to him and an inspiration to others.
In 1910 Mr. Bevington was united in marriage to Miss Edith Givan, a native of Madison county, Iowa. and a daughter of Robert and Ada L. (MeFarland) Givan, the former born in Ireland and the latter in Iowa. Both are yet living and make their home on a farm in Madison county, this state. Their children are ten in number. To Mr. and Mrs. Bevington have been born three children, namely: Elmo H., Robert A. and Mac.
In his political views Mr. Bevington is a republican but the honors and emolu- ments of office have never had any attraetion for him. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is held in favorable regard by his neighbors and fellow townsmen, who have found him to be strictly honest and honorable in his transactions and accord him their respect and confidence.
EUGENE F. JONES.
Eugene F. Jones is a well known and successful farmer of Harrison township, owning one hundred and sixty acres of productive land on seetion 11. His birth occurred in Penn township, Madison county, Iowa, on the 3d of February, 1869, his parents being Francis and Barbara (Siegel) Jones, the former a native of Maine and the latter of Germany. Barbara Siegel came to America with her parents when still but a child, the family home being first established in New York and later in
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Wisconsin, in which state she gave her hand in marriage to Francis Jones. Soon afterward, late in the '60s, they came to Iowa and at the end of a year spent in Polk county removed to Madison county, where they continued to reside until 1894. They then took up their abode in Harrison township, Adair county, and the following fourteen years were divided between this and Madison counties. About 1908 they established their home in Dexter, Dallas county, where Mr. Jones passed away on the 13th of March, 1912. His widow still resides there and the home farm in Harri- son township, this county, is yet in her possession.
Eugene F. Jones attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. He was married on attaining his majority and the same spring started out as an agriculturist on his own account, renting and operating his father's farm in Harri- son township for one year. He then operated the farm of his father-in-law for one year and continued the cultivation of rented land in Harrison and Lincoln townships until 1910, when he removed to South Dakota and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Minnehaha county, where he resided until the spring of 1914. At that time he disposed of the property and returned to Adair county, here buying his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Harrison township. His labors as an agriculturist have been attended with gratifying success and he is numbered among the representative and substantial citizens of the community.
On the 21st of February, 1890, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Belle Smith, of Harrison township, this county, her father being Clifford Smith, who is deceased. To them have been born four children, namely: Mary, Mildred, Harry and Hazel.
Mr. Jones is a republican in politics and is now serving as a member of the school board, the cause of education having ever found in him a stanch champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. Earnest effort and intelligently directed labor have ever con- stituted the salient features of his business career, while his life has been governed by high principles that have gained him the respect and good will of his fellowmen.
FRANK M. EVERSULL.
Farming interests in Lincoln township find a worthy representative in Frank M. Eversull, who is living on section 35. It was in that township that he was born, his natal day being October 14, 1881. His parents were Roland C. and Mary Eusebia (Rigg) Eversull. The father was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, September 3, 1843, and was a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Ogden) Eversull, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state, where they spent their entire lives. Their family num- bered seven children, of whom but two are now living. Roland C. Eversull remained at home until he enlisted in 1862 for service in the Civil war as a member of Com- pany D, Seventieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of hostilities. He participated in the battle of Atlanta, in the engagement at Missionary Ridge, in the siege of Vicksburg, was with Sherman on the celebrated march from Atlanta to the sea and in the meantime had taken part in various engagements throughout the Atlanta campaign. In a word, he participated in many hotly contested engagements which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms. On several occasions he
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