USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
In March, 1897, Mr. Peters was married to Miss Lillie B. Lowe, a daughter of J. N. and Susie (Isley) Lowe, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were prominent settlers of Adair county, arriving here in the '60s, and the father has since engaged in farming. At the time of the Civil war he entered the army and served in defense of the Union cause. His wife passed away in May, 1888. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Peters are seven chil- dren: Dorothy E., seventeen years of age; Susie M., aged fifteen; Alice L., twelve; James D., ten; Clarence H., nine; Irene M., seven; and Burnette R., six years of age.
In politics Mr. Peters is a progressive republican. Broad reading keeps him in touch with the leading questions and issues of the day and his support of any measure results from a firm belief in the righteousness of the cause. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, to which he and his wife belong. They are well known in this county, where they have resided for so many years, and they have a large circle of warm friends.
JAY SULLIVAN.
Jay Sullivan, postmaster of Fontanelle, to which position he was appointed by President Wilson in 1914, is one of the native sons of Adair county, his birth having occurred here on the 10th of May, 1856. He is a son of Titus H. and Christina (Lentz) Sullivan, both of whom were natives of Indiana. In the year 1855 they arrived in Iowa and in the spring of 1856 took up their abode upon a traet of land in Adair county, which Mr. Sullivan entered from the government. It was in its primitive condition, being covered with the native prairie grasses, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made. The arduous task of developing a new farm confronted him and he built a log cabin covered with clap- board roof and with a clapboard door with the customary latchstring. There was also a stick chimney and other indications of frontier life. But hospitality reigned in that pioneer home and the latchstring always hung on the outside of the door. Vol. II-5
92
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
As the years passed Mr. Sullivan carefully improved his farm, breaking the prairie and then harrowing and planting the land, so that in time good crops were gathered. The father died in 1872 but the mother survives at the age of eighty-four years, and is yet enjoying good health.
Jay Sullivan is one of a family of eight children, five of whom yet survive. He remained at home until he attained his majority and through attendance at the public schools acquired a good education, completing the high-school course. He started out in the business world as a elerk in a store at Fontanelle and was thus employed for eight years, during which period he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him a sum sufficient to enable him to engage in business on his own account. He then established a grocery store, in which he continued for a number of years and subsequently he worked in a lumberyard for two years. At different times he has been called to publie office, occupying several municipal offices, in which he has made an excellent record by reason of his capability and his loyalty. For seven years he filled the position of town marshal of Fontanelle and in 1914 was appointed to the office of postmaster by President Wilson, being the present incumbent in that position. He has likewise been officially connected with the schools, serving on the board at Fontanelle for several years. His influence in such matters is always on the side of progress and improvement and his labors have been effective and farreaching. His appointment to his present position indicates his political preference, his support always having been given to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.
In 1882 Mr. Sullivan was united in marriage to Miss Emma Vest, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of John and Maria (Smith) Vest, in whose family were three children, all of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan have two children: Guy V., who was graduated from the high school at Fontanelle and is now assistant postmaster ; and Pearl J., who is the wife of F. C. Eaton, of this county. She, too, is a high-school graduate and for some years she successfully engaged in teaching school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan are members of the Christian church, in the work of which they are helpfully and actively interested. Mr. Sullivan owns a residenee in the village and their home partakes of the old-time pioneer hospitality. He is a representative of one of the old families of the county and has been a lifelong resident here. having for fifty-nine years been a witness of the growth of the county and the changes which have occurred, bringing it to its present prosperous condition.
M. A. KLUEVER.
M. A. Kluever, a progressive agriculturist and substantial citizen of Adair county, owning four hundred and eighty aeres of valuable land, resides on section 7. Jackson township, and his farm is one of the best improved in the township. Two hundred and forty aeres thereof lie in Adair county and the remainder aeross the line in Cass county. His birth occurred in Germany on the 26th of September, 1871, his parents being Adolph and Margaret (Hanson) Kluever, who are likewise natives of that country. They emigrated to the United States in 1882 loeating first in Scott county. Iowa, and one year later in Andubon county, where they have resided continuously since.
93
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
M. A. Kluever was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world and he acquired his education in the distriet schools. He was married when twenty-five years of age and subsequently began farming independently, cultivating rented land in Audubon county for two years. On the expiration of that period, in 1898, he purchased a quarter section of land and five years later bought another tract of eighty acres. At the end of five more years he purchased still another eighty-aere tract and two years afterward bought one hundred and twenty acres, so that his holdings embraced four hundred and forty acres. Subsequently he disposed of this farm and in 1914 purchased his present place of four hundred and eighty acres, half of which lies in Adair county and the remainder across the line in Cass county. The success which he now enjoys is all the more ereditable by reason of the fact that it is attributable entirely to his own well directed industry and capable management. He started out in the business world empty-handed and through his own exertions has made himself financially independent, being now numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of his community.
In 1896 Mr. Klnever was united in marriage to Miss Helena Zellmer, of Cass county, Iowa, a daughter of William and Louisa Zellmer, natives of Germany, the former of whom died January 19, 1913, while the latter is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Kluever have seven children, namely: Frederick William, William Adolph, Minnie L. M., Paul E., Hilda L. H., Raymond E., and Leona B. D., all of whom are still under the parental roof. Mr. Kluever gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. Both he and his wife are highly regarded in their community and have many friends to whom they extend the hospitality of their home.
J. M. BRUNER.
J. M. Bruner, who owns and operates an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on seetion 28, Lee township. is a native of Audubon county, Iowa, born February 3, 1878. His parents, Perry and Mary M. (Swearangen) Bruner, were born respectively in Indiana and in Champaign county, Illinois. In the '60s they removed to Audubon county, Iowa, where they are still living. In their family were twelve children, five of whom survive.
J. M. Bruner remained with his parents until he became of age and then worked as a farm hand, so continuing for five years. At the end of that time he rented land which he cultivated for a similar period. In the meantime he carefully saved his money and as soon as his capital was sufficient he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty aeres in Lee township where he now resides. His place is well improved and he is meeting with gratifying success as a stoek- raiser.
In 1904 Mr. Bruner married Miss Katie Stark, who was born in Iowa. a daughter of J. A. and Barbara Stark. Her father, who was a native of Indiana. became an early settler of Iowa and passed away in this state. Her mother is
94
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
still living and resides in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Bruner have three children, Bertha M., Leland C. and John Milton.
Mr. Bruner is a democrat and is stalwart in his support of the candidates and principles of that organization. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church and no good cause appeals to them in vain. He has gained a fair measure of material prosperity and has also won the sincere respect and the goodwill of those who have been brought in contact with him.
H. G. LYNCH.
H. G. Lynch, who is editor and proprietor of the Greenfield Transcript, the leading republiean paper of Adair county, understands well the demands of the public, while an enterprising spirit has kept him in touch with the progress which is as pronounced in matters of journalism as in any other walk of life. Mr. Lynch is a native of Franklin county, Ohio. He was born June 9, 1857, a son of John L. and Eliza J. (Timmons) Lynch, the former a native of Vermont, while the latter was born in central Ohio. They were married in 1851, in Columbus, Ohio, to which place the father had removed in young manhood, having, however, in the meantime accompanied his parents on their removal from Vermont to Rochester, New York, when he was a lad of nine years, and subsequently to Ravenna, Ohio, while some years afterward he became a resident of Franklin county. Following the marriage of Mr. Lyneh and Eliza J. Timmons there they established their home and continued to reside near Columbus until ealled to their final rest, their home place being a farm ten miles south of the city. The father passed away at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. while the mother reached the age of seventy-six.
H. G. Lynch was reared under the parental roof and attended the district schools and the Westerville school, for the father removed to Westerville in order to educate his children. He was graduated from the high school in 1874 and the same year entered Otterbein University, in which he continued his studies for two years. He turned from the regular collegiate course in order to take up the study of medicine at the age of eighteen years and in 1876 he entered the Columbus Medical College, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1878, which numbered fifty members. Mr. Lynch was the youngest of his class, having not yet attained his majority.
Following his graduation Dr. Lynch located in Columbus, where he practiced for two years, and in 1880 he came to Iowa, settling in Prescott, Adams county, where he successfully engaged in the practice of medieine for five years. In 1886 he came to Adair county, taking up his abode at Arbor Hill, where he remained for a decade in active practice, becoming one of the well known physicians of the county. In 1896 he was elected on the republican ticket to the office of elerk of the district court and made such a creditable record through his prompt and capable discharge of duty that in 1898 and again in 1900 he was reelected, each time with a largely inereased majority, a faet which is indicative of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. In January, 1903, following the expiration of his third term in office as elerk of the courts, he returned to Columbus
95
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
and pursued a post-graduate course in medicine at the Ohio Medical University, after which he established himself in practice at Greenfield. In 1906 he joined R. B. Oldham in the purchase from H. P. Gow of the printing plant of the Green- field Transcript, and Dr. Lynch assumed the editorship of the paper, while his partner, Mr. Oldham, entered upon the duties of postmaster, to which office he was appointed. The postoffice and the printing plant being located in the same building, the partnership between Dr. Lynch and Mr. Oldham extended over a period of seven years, but on the Ist of November. 1913, Dr. Lynch purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor of the paper, which is republican in its political complexion. It is a well edited sheet and is gaining steadily in popularity, while its large circulation makes it an excellent advertising medium.
Dr. Lynch was married on the 10th of September, 1878, to Miss Anna M. Stall, of Columbus, Ohio, and to this union were born two sons: J. Le Roy, who is a farmer of Clark county, Iowa; and Eldon R., who is a fireman in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. The wife and mother departed this life February 5, 1887, and on the 21st of November, 1888, Dr. Lynch was again married, Miss Rhue M. Busby, of Spaulding, Iowa, becoming his wife. Of the second marriage there are also two sons: Donald F., who is advertising and job manager of the Transcript; and Edgar H., a high-school student.
Fraternally Dr. Lynch is connected with Crusade Lodge, No. 386, A. F. & A. . M .; St. John's Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M., and Greenfield Chapter, No. 91, O. E. S., with which his wife is also affiliated. He is likewise a member of Greenfield Lodge, No. 375, I. O. O. F., Greenfield Encampment, No. 110, and Martha Lodge, No. 37, of the Rebekahis. Both Dr. and Mrs. Lynch are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in all the relations of life have stood for those things which count as most worth while, working not only for the material upbuilding of the city but also for the advancement of its political, intellectual and moral standards.
CLAY EVANS.
Clay Evans, a representative and successful agriculturist of Adair county, is the owner of a well improved farm embracing one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Washington township. His birth occurred in Highland county, Ohio, on the 5th of July, 1872, his parents being John and Catherine (Conard) Evans, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The father still makes his home in Highland county, Ohio, but the mother passed away in that state in 1899. To them were born six sons, all of whom survive.
In his youth Clay Evans attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and when eighteen years of age left the parental roof and made his way to Indiana, in that state being employed as a machinist in a furniture factory for seven years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ohio but a year later came to Adair county, Iowa, arriving here in 1898. Later he entered the army as a private of Company H, Seventh Iowa Infantry, and was sent to the Philippines, where he served for eighteen months. After returning to this county he worked for Mr. McDermott for some years and then purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Washington township, which he now owns
96
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
and operates. The property is excellently improved and in connection with the production of cereals Mr. Evans makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs, finding both branches of his business remunerative.
On the 15th of February, 1905, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude V. Clark, a native of Kansas and a daughter of G. F. and Matilda (Dins- moor) Clark, who were born in New Hampshire and Ohio respectively. In 1884 they came to Adair county, Iowa, and took up their abode on the farm now in the possession of our subject. G. F. Clark represented his distriet in the Iowa legisla- ture and for a good many years was surveyor of Adair county. In the fall of 1905 he and his wife went to North Dakota and lived there four years, after which they went to West Plains, Missouri, where they have a lovely home among the Ozark mountains. To them have been born five children, four of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are the parents of two children, Mildred Irene and George K.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Evans has supported the men and measures of the demoeraey, believing firmly in its principles. At present he is serving as assessor of Washington township, making a ereditable record in that capacity. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are people of the highest respectability and their genuine personal worth has attracted to them many warm friends.
ROBERT R. CHAPMAN, M. D.
Dr. Robert R. Chapman, a leading physician and surgeon of Bridgewater, where he has followed his profession for the past twenty-one years, is widely recognized as one of the able medical practitioners of the state. His birth occurred in El Paso, Illinois, on the 24th of September, 1869, his father being Dr. R. U. Chapman, now one of the foremost representatives of the medieal fraternity in Des Moines, Iowa. The latter, who was born and reared in Leesburg, Ohio, served throughout the period of the Civil war as a member of Company K, Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Having determined upon the practice of medieine as a life work, he began reading under the direction of his brother, R. C. Chapman, of Bakersville, Ohio, and subsequently attended Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, while later he entered the Chicago Medical College. He is a graduate of both the Chicago Medieal College and the Iowa College of Physicians & Surgeons. He practiced his profession in Bakersville. Ohio, from 1865 until 1869 and in the latter year opened an office at El Paso, Illinois, where he remained until 1885, while during the past three decades he has resided in Des Moines. Dr. R. U. Chapman has been president of the United States pension board for the past twenty-five years and in 1903 was nominated by the demoeratie party for the office of state treasurer but withdrew from the raee. He has been a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity for more than a half century and has been an extensive traveler in this and other countries, touring Europe in 1900. As above stated, he is one of the leading medical practitioners of Des Moines and the enviable reputation which he enjoys is well merited.
Robert R. Chapman acquired his early education in the town of his nativity, being graduated from the high school there with the class of 1885. Subsequently
97
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
he spent two years as a student in Drake University of Des Moines and then began reading medicine under the preceptorship of his father, later continuing his studies in Drake University for one year. In 1892 he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1894. In the fall of that year he located for practice in Bridgewater, Iowa, where he has remained throughout the intervening twenty-one years. In 1896 and 1897 he pursued post-graduate work in Tulane University of Louisiana, and continued reading and research have kept him in close touch with the constant progress of the profession. He is a valued member of the Adair County Medical Society and also belongs to the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Dr. Chapman is accounted one of the able practitioners of Iowa and one who might easily win recognition among the leading physicians of any metropolis, but he has been loath to sever old ties and thus it is that the town of Bridgewater has always remained the scene of his professional labors. His services as an expert surgeon have been especially in demand.
In 1898 Dr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Cora M. Pote, a daughter of Jacob Pote, one of the well known retired agriculturists of Bridgewater. To them have been born three children, two of whom survive, Hazel and Malcolm R. Ronald died in 1915 when three years old. The Doctor gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and fraternally is identified with the Masons, belonging to Fontanelle Lodge, No. 138, A. F. & A. M .; St. John's Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M., of Greenfield; Bethany Commandery, No. 29, K. T., and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Des Moines. He holds to high ideals not only in his profession but in citizenship and in social relations, thus commanding the warm esteem and genuine admiration of all with whom he comes in contact.
WILLIAM H. BROWN.
William H. Brown, who passed away on the 7th of April, 1914, was for a number of years actively and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits in Adair county, owning an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, Summerset township, which is now the possession of his widow. His birth occurred in Wisconsin on the 15th of October, 1860, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. John Brown, both of whom were natives of Germany. They crossed the Atlantic to America in an early day, settling in Wisconsin, in which state they continued to reside until called to their final rest. To them were born six children, five of whom survive.
William H. Brown was reared and educated in the state of his nativity but on attaining his majority removed to Crawford county, Iowa. This was in 1881. Two years later he removed to South Dakota, making his home in that state for eleven years. On the expiration of that period, however, he came to Adair county, Iowa, purchasing the farm which is now the possession of his widow and which he operated during the remainder of his life. The place comprises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on section 9, Summerset township, in the cultivation of which he won a gratifying and well merited measure of success.
1
98
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
In 1884, in Carroll county, Iowa, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Anna Brockmann, a native of Germany and a daughter of John and Maria (Bartels) Brockmann, who were likewise born in that country. They emigrated to the new world in 1874, when their daughter Anna was nine years of age, first taking up their abode in Scott county, Iowa. A year later, however, they removed to Carroll county, Iowa, there settling on a farm on which they spent the remainder of their lives. Their family numbered seven children, six of whom are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born five children, namely: Dora M., who is the wife of Henry Rohner; William G., who operates the old home farm; Emma A., Otto W. and Clara W., all at home.
Mr. Brown died on the 7th of April, 1914, and his remains were interred in the Fontanelle cemetery. In his passing the community sustained the loss of a sub- stantial agriculturist and highly esteemed citizen. His life was ever in accord with the teachings of the German Lutheran church, to which his widow also belongs. Mrs. Brown has become widely and favorably known throughout the community during the period of her residence here, the circle of her friends being almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances.
JAMES A. HERRICK.
James A. Herrick has long been identified with agricultural interests in Adair county as the owner of a farm of eighty acres on section 19, Richland township, to the operation of which he devotes his time and energies with good success. His birth occurred in Wisconsin on the 10th of May, 1863, his parents being James D. and Martha J. (O'Conner) Herrick, both of whom were natives of New York. They removed to Wisconsin in an early day and in 1866 came to Iowa, the father passing away in Madison county, this state. The mother afterward took up her abode in Adair county and is still living here.
James A. Herrick attended the common schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion and began providing for his own support at the early age of fourteen years by working on a farm. Ou attaining his majority he started out as an agriculturist on his own account and subsequently bought a farm of eighty acres on section 19, Richland township, Adair county, where he has since carried on the work of the fields in a most energetic and resultant manner. He has improved the property until it is now valuable and productive and yields him a gratifying annual income.
On the 1st of July, 1883, Mr. Herrick was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Gilliland, a native of Illinois and a daughter of William and Anna (DeWolfe) Gilli- land, who were born in Scotland and Pennsylvania respectively. William Gilliland crossed the Atlantic to the United States when but ten years of age and located in Illinois, in which state he was married. To him and his wife were born twelve children, six of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Herrick have become the parents of four children, as follows: Tina, who is deceased; Martha, who married Carl I. Stinman, September 2, 1909; Clara May, who gave her hand in marriage to Winford Crist. of Adams county, Iowa, March 22, 1911; and Jay Lec, who assists his father in the operation of the home farm and who married Mae Abell,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.