USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 7
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John B. Mathers attended the parochial schools of Middleton, Ireland, for five years and then studied under the Christian Brothers of the same place until seventeen. After completing his education he entered the employ of the Cork Distillery Company, remaining with that concern for one year. He then crossed to Polmont, Scotland, where he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for six years. His next move brought him to the new world, when he sailed from Glasgow on the steamer Caledonia and landed in New York in March, 1906. His present partner, Thomas Addison, accompanied him to the eastern Vol. 11-4
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metropolis and they worked in New York for five months and subsequently in Newark, New Jersey, for five months. Mr. Mathers then came to Boone, accept- ing a position with Frank Henry, a contractor, with whom he remained for three years, Mr. Addison being in the same employ. At the end of that time both returned to Scotland but after five months came back to Boone and founded the firm of Mathers & Addison. They have since been very successful as contractors and have been entrusted with the building of numerous homes in the city and vicinity. Mr. Mathers is a reliable workman of no mean business ability and enjoys in his community a reputation which places him among the substantial business men of Boone.
He was married here June 21, 1912, to Miss Mary Chalmers, a native of Boone and a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Gillespie) Chalmers, and to this union was born a son, James. They reside at No. 1015 West Fourth street, in a comfortable home, where they often entertain their friends.
Fraternally Mr. Mathers is a member of the Masons and the Odd Fellows, having joined the former by becoming affiliated with the St. John Lodge of Polmont, Scotland. His membership with the Odd Fellows is in Boone Lodge. No. 79. Politically he is a republican, believing in the policies of that party and supporting its measures and candidates at the polls. He is a progressive man of new ideas and can always be found in the front ranks of those who inaugurate new movements in order to develop the city and contribute to its betterment and growth.
S. PARKER CLARK.
S. Parker Clark, a popular and esteemed young citizen of Ogden. has for the past six years been identified with the Ogden State Bank in the capacity of cashier. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Boone county, his birth having occurred in Ogden in November. 1881. His parents. Dr. Orson and Lucy Emma (Sylvester) Clark, took up their abode among the pioneer residents of Boone county in 1869. A sketch of the father appears on another page of this work.
S. Parker Clark was reared and educated in the place of his nativity and following his graduation from the public schools entered Drake University at Des Moines, where he completed the pharmaceutical course in 1902. Return- ing to Ogden, he there worked in a drug store for six years, on the expiration of which period he purchased the business and continued its conduct until 1908. In that year he disposed of the store and accepted the position of cashier in the Ogden State Bank, in which capacity he has remained continuously since, mak- ing a highly creditable and commendable record and enjoying an enviable repu- tation in financial circles. He is likewise a stockholder in the institution.
In March, 1904, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Grace Upton, a daughter of Harley and Ruth (Bamun) Upton, who were pioneer settlers of Boone county and have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have one daughter, Ruth Louise, who is six years of age.
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Politically Mr. Clark is a republican, while his religious faith is that of the Congregational church. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In the community where practically his entire life has been spent he has a circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
THOMAS ADDISON.
Thomas Addison is a worthy representative of that sturdy race of Scotch people who have contributed so much toward the development and prosperity of this country. He is a member of the firm of Mathers & Addison, carpenters and contractors of Boone, Iowa, and is widely recognized as a shrewd and able business man and an expert in his line of work. He was born in the town of Linlithgow, Linlithgowshire, Scotland, September 22, 1882, and is a son of Abram and Margaret ( Bryce) Addison, while his paternal grandparents were William and Margaret Addison. The grandfather, who was a farmer by occu- pation, respected and esteemed in his neighborhood, died in Linlithgow about 1890, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife passed away a year later, being then eighty-two. Both were members of the Presbyterian church and devout in their religious professions. Their children were: Abram, the father of our subject ; John, a resident of Scotland, who follows farming and auctioneering and who has been twice married; William, who is married and follows agricul- tural pursuits in his native land; George, a banker of Dalmellington, Scotland, who is married; Annie, deceased, and Thomas, who is engaged in the insurance business in Edinburgh.
Abram Addison attended the public schools in Scotland and after completing his education assisted his father with the work on the home farm. He remained there until married, when he took up agricultural pursuits on his own account. Both he and his wife still live in Linlithgow and the former is active in the affairs of his native city. They are devoted members of the Presbyterian church and stanch supporters of that denomination. Their children were: William, a farmer of Linlithgow, Scotland; John, who follows the same occupation in his native country : Abram, a butcher of Linlithgow : James, who is engaged in farm- ing in his native country : Thomas, of this review; George, who follows farm- ing in Scotland : Margaret, Agnes and Sarah, all at home: Manuel, who is now studying draughtsmanship in Nobel's Explosive Works in Scotland ; Minnie and Stevenson Heather, both at home; Tina, who died at the age of seventeen ; and twins who died in infancy.
Thomas Addison passed his boyhood and youth on the home farm, attending public school until seventeen years of age. He then apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade in Polmont, Scotland, serving for five years with William Walker, for whom he afterward worked as journeyman for four years. He then joined John B. Mathers, his present partner, in coming to America and they landed in New York from the ship Caledonia. Mr. Addison found employment in that city and in Newark, New Jersey, remaining there for ten months, but in 1907 came to Boone, Iowa, and accepted a position with Frank Henry, a con-
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tractor, with whom he remained for three years. At the end of that time he paid a five months' visit to his home in Scotland and upon his return to Boone entered into partnership with Mr. Mathers, establishing the firm of Mathers & Addison, which has flourished ever since. Not only is Mr. Addison an expert workman but he is a thoroughly up-to-date business man. He is careful in executing con- tracts entrusted to him and has been given a number of important contracts on account of the high reputation which he enjoys. His honorable principles have become the foundation of the business policy which he pursues and he enjoys in full measure the confidence of the public.
On August 17, 1912, Mr. Addison was married in Boston, Massachusetts, to Miss Jean C. Brown, who was born in Linlithgow, Scotland, a daughter of James and Jean (Craig) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Addison have one child, Jean C. They are members of the Presbyterian church and fraternally Mr. Addison belongs to Boone Lodge, No. 79, I. O. O. F. He is also a member of the Masonic order, having joined one of the oldest lodges in Scotland, the Ancient Brazen Lodge, No. 17, F. & A. M. Politically he is a republican, fully conversant with the issues of the day and thoroughly in accord with the aims of his party. How- ever, he is not an active politician although he is ever ready to give his support to public enterprises which have for their purpose the material, moral and intel- lectual growth of the city. He has become a useful and valuable American citizen and by his activities has contributed toward the prosperity of Boone and Boone county.
ORSON CLARK, M. D.
Dr. Orson Clark, the period of whose residence in Ogden covers forty-five years, was long an active and successful representative of the medical fraternity here but is now spending the evening of life in well earned retirement. His birth occurred in Wyoming county, New York, on the 21st of April, 1844, his parents being Samuel and Anna (Bryant) Clark, both of whom were natives of Ver- mont. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, devoted his attention to the operation of a farm in New York during his active business career and passed away in the spring of 1870.
Orson Clark was reared and educated in the Empire state and on completing his public-school work entered a medical university of Buffalo, winning the degree of M. D. in 1866. He located for practice in Wisconsin and followed his profession in that state for three years, on the expiration of which period he came to Ogden, Boone County, Iowa, where he has remained continuously to the pres- ent time. The house in which he now resides was erected by him in 1870. As a physician and surgeon he enjoyed a large and lucrative practice that was accorded him in recognition of his professional skill and ability. He has retired from active practice, however, and is now enjoying a well merited rest. In financial circles he still remains a prominent factor as vice president of the Ogden State Bank.
In 1868 Dr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Emma Sylvester, a daughter of Caleb and Johanna (Whitney) Sylvester, both of whom were born
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in Maine. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Clark were born six children, as follows: Herbert S., an agriculturist of Boone county ; Dr. C. B. Clark, who serves as postmaster at Ogden; Dr. O. W. Clark, a banker of Ogden; Louise, whose demise occurred in February, 1902; Anna B., the wife of W. D. Miller, of Ogden; and S. Parker, who acts as cashier of the Ogden State Bank.
In his political views Dr. Clark is independent, always considering the capa- bility and fitness of a candidate rather than his party affiliation. He has served as county coroner and was a member of the first council of Ogden. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church. He enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance in both professional and social circles of Boone county and is highly esteemed as one of its representative citizens.
H. D. LUCAS.
H. D. Lucas, a native son of Boone county who has spent his entire life within its borders, is actively and successfully identified with business interests of Madrid as the junior member of the firm of Hutton & Lucas, dealers in shelf and heavy hardware and also proprietors of a plumbing and heating establish- ment. His birth occurred at Belle Point, Douglas township, Boone county, Iowa, on the 15th of October, 1872, his parents being Corydon L. and Nancy (Sturdi- vant) Lucas. An extended sketch of the father appears on another page of this work.
In the acquirement of an education H. D. Lucas attended the common schools, completing his studies in the public schools of Madrid. The family home had been established in that town in 1883. Our subject there conducted a meat market for a period of four years, from 1902 until 1906, and in the latter year embarked in the hardware business, being now a member of the firm of Hutton & Lucas, who are dealers in shelf and heavy hardware and also conduct a plumb- ing and heating establishment. In this connection he has won a gratifying meas- ure of success, being accorded a liberal patronage and enjoying an enviable repu- tation as a business man of ability, enterprise and sound judgment. He owns a half interest in the firm and has an attractive and well appointed home in Madrid, while his wife is the owner of a tract of fifty-four acres of land in Douglas town- ship, comprising a portion of the old Luther homestead.
On the 17th of May, 1899, in Madrid, Iowa, Mr. Lucas was united in mar- riage to Miss Carrie Luther, who was born in Douglas township. Boone county, Iowa, on the 23d of May. 1878, her parents being Milden and Mary (Hull) Luther. The father's birth occurred in Clay county, Indiana, on the 22d of March, 1840, while the mother was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on the 25th of December, 1841. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Lucas took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Iowa, locating in Jefferson county in 1842. Her parents came overland to Boone county in 1849 and were among the carly residents here. They remained on a farm until 1908 but during the past six years have lived retired at Madrid in a commodious and comfortable home. They became the parents of seven children, four of whom still survive, as fol- lows: Mrs. Lillie L. Williams, who was born on the 10th of December, 1862,
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and is now a resident of Madrid; Mrs. Ella Farr, born January 28, 1866, and living in Madrid; Mrs. Zylpha A. Hutton, also of Madrid, who was born on the 15th of March, 1868; and Mrs. Carrie Lucas. All the above named were born and reared in Douglas township, this county. Mrs. Lucas, who has spent her entire life within the borders of Boone county, acquired her education in the common schools and completed her studies in the public schools of Madrid. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, namely: Dott, who was born in Madrid on the 8th of April, 1900, and is now attending school there ; and Vaughn, whose birth occurred in Madrid on the 29th of October, 1908.
Mr. Lucas gives his political allegiance to the democracy, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church of Madrid. Fra- ternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Star Lodge, No. 115, of Madrid, and he is likewise connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, being at present venerable consul of Mizpah Camp in Madrid. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lucas enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the com- munity and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
SWAYNE A. BENGTSON.
Swayne A. Bengtson, who now lives in well earned retirement in Madrid after . a successful career as a farmer and an implement dealer and also in connection with the milling business, still owns important interests in this city and is vice president of the Farmers Savings Bank. Many public honors have come to Mr. Bengtson from his city and county; for five years he served as the county treasurer, while for seven terms he was city clerk of Madrid, for three terms an alderman and for two terms the mayor. Swayne A. Bengtson was born in Sweden, May 1, 1861, and when about nine years of age came with his parents to America in 1870, the family locating in Madrid on August ist of that year. He has ever since been a resident of this community. Mr. Bengtson is a son of S. G. and Carolina Bengtson, natives of Sweden, both of whom died in Madrid, the for- mer on November 8, 1904, and the latter October 1, 1897. They had the fol- lowing children: Mrs. Christina C. Swanson, of Madrid; J. G., who died in this city ; Swayne A., of this review ; Mrs. Hulda Larson, who also passed away in Madrid; Anna Lovisa, who passed away in Oakland, Nebraska, the wife of Rev. J. M. Olson; and Mrs. Linda Otto, an adopted daughter who died in Garden township. The four elder children were born in Sweden and the two younger ones in Boone county.
Swayne A. Bengtson began his education in his native country and com- pleted his school work in Madrid. He located with his parents on a farm two miles northwest of Madrid in 1870, but in 1873 they moved into the town. The father was a tailor by trade and was successful in this occupation. Swayne A. Bengtson, his brother and a sister, for thirteen years operated a farm, being so engaged until 1887, their efforts being rewarded with most gratifying results. In that year he and his brother turned their attention to the implement business when the firm of Johnson, Bengtson & Company came into being. Mr. Johnson continued as senior member for about two years, at the end of which time the
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SWAYNE A. BENGTSON AND FAMILY
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brothers purchased his interest in the business. The business was continued under the name of Bengtson Brothers, but in the fall of 1892 Mr. Bengtson's brother died. S. A. Bengtson continued the business under the name of S. A. Bengtson & Company, his father being the company, until the fall of 1899, when he sold out, interesting himself in the Madrid Milling Company, of which he served as secretary, treasurer and general manager until November 1, 1901. In his business transactions Mr. Bengtson showed rare executive ability, and by reason of this quality and his fair methods he attained prosperity. He still owns a fourth interest in the Madrid Milling Company. In 1901 he was elected treasurer of Boone county and on January 1, 1902, assumed the duties of the office. He continued in this position for five years, serving an extra year on account of the biennial election law going into force during his term. Mr. Bengtson made an excellent record as treasurer of Boone county. He administrated the affairs of his office with the greatest care and gave the best that was in him to the public's affairs. He earned the highest commendation for his efficient work and well merited all the praise given him, for Boone county's financial affairs prospered under his administration.
On July 2, 1896, Mr. Bengtson married, in Madrid, Miss Ida F. Carlson, who was born in Sweden on April 8, 1863. She came to America in 1887 after having received a thorough education in her native land. Her first home was in Omaha, Nebraska. Her parents, Carl Johann and Sarah Maria (Vikstrom ) Nilsson, were born in Sweden, the former March 14, 1824, and the latter Decem- ber 8, 1821. They died in their native land, the father March 8, 1891, and the mother November 8, 1905. In their family were four daughters and two sons: Rev. Carl Vilhelm, born June 11, 1850, who resides at Taraboda, Sweden ; Augusta Carolina, born January 14, 1853, who also remained in her native land; Hannah Sofia, born April 13, 1855, of Seattle, Washington; Lars Gustav, born March 9, 1857, one of the earlier merchants of Madrid; Mrs. Sarah Ulrika Sundberg, born July 27, 1859, and residing in Sweden; and Mrs. Bengtson, the youngest of the family and the wife of our subject. All the children were reared and edu- cated in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Bengtson had the following children : Vladimir Gustav Gideon, born in Madrid, August 17, 1897, who is attending high school in this city ; Olga Vendela Maria, born at Madrid, March 6, 1901, who died in Boone, lowa, May 14, 1902; and Linnia Hortense, born in Boone, December 7, 1904, who is attending public school in Madrid.
Mr. Bengtson is a most public-spirited man, thoroughly conversant with political and public issues of the day and particularly interested in local govern- mental affairs. He is ever ready to give support to valuable enterprises of a public nature, and his community and county have benefited by his activity. He served for seven terms as city clerk of Madrid and for three terms as alderman of the city and in these offices made such excellent records that the people chose him as mayor of the city. For two terms Mr. Bengtson served as the executive and under his stimulating influence many important improvements were made- improvements which have been of the greatest benefit to Madrid Mr. Bengtson is still interested in the Madrid Milling Company and also stands high in the financial world of Boone county, having been a director and vice president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Madrid for a number of years. He has other property interests and is considered one of the most substantial citizens of his
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community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bengtson are members of the Swedish Free Mis- sion church and in this connection it may be mentioned that his father was one of the founders of this organization. Mr. Bengston has held all the offices in his church and has always been sincerely devoted to its work. He has many friends in Madrid who hold him in the highest regard not only for what he has achieved in life but for those qualities of mind and character which have made it possible for him to reach the position which he now holds in the community.
ARTHUR FINNEGAN.
Arthur Finnegan, who now lives retired in Boone, is one of the city's most venerated residents, having been for many years connected with the railroad sery- ice. He now lives retired at No. 1310 Seventh street, passing his declining years in comfortable surroundings and in the enjoyment of a competency to which he is entitled by reason of long years of arduous, faithful and trustworthy labor. He selected Boone as his residence forty-eight years ago, coming here in 1866, and is therefore to be considered one of the pioneers of the city, for there were but the beginnings of a village when he arrived. Not only has he watched the onward march of civilization in his district, but he has been a factor in its growth and has made many valuable contributions toward its development in the many years in which he has made his home here.
Mr. Finnegan is a native son of the Emerald isle, his birth having occurred in County Monaghan, August 15, 1838. his parents being James and Rose ( Halligan) Finnegan. The father was a miller by trade and also a millwright. He died in Ireland when his son Arthur was about five years of age. After her husband's death the widow brought her seven children to America, her mother later joining her and passing away in Fairfield, New York, at the most extraor- dinary age of one hundred and fourteen years. Mother and children landed in Toronto in 1843, and there the former remained for the rest of her life, passing away in that city from the effects of a fall at the age of ninety-six. She bore her husband the following children: Margaret, the wife of John Ellward: Mrs. Mary Baxter, deceased: Phillip, deceased: Catherine" and Arthur, twins, the former living in Rochester, New York : Alice, of Rochester ; and Bridget, who is also a resident of that city.
Arthur Finnegan was about five years of age when his father died and early was indentured to the latter's trade. In Toronto he learned carriage painting and subsequently was connected with the Toronto Iron Works for four years. This was in his early boyhood, and when but seventeen he went to Buffalo, New York, where he worked as machinist for nine months. He then made his way to New Orleans, where he continued along the same line, his sojourn in that city being shortly before the Civil war broke ont. Leaving there. he returned to Toronto, where he accepted work on the Grand Trunk Railway as a machinist foreman at Port Sarnia on the St. Clair river. However, illness overtook him and after recovering he became a fireman on the Grand Trunk Railway, con- tinuing in that occupation for eighteen months. He then received a run as an engineer on the same line. Relinquishing this position, he made his way to
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Chicago, Illinois, where he arrived in 1864, finding employment in the Northwest- ern railway shops for one year. During that time he was setting up engines for the lowa division. On April 16th, 1866, he was given charge of an engine and located in Boone, which place was the beginning of his run for forty-five years. Tried and true and trustworthy in the discharge of his duties, he stood high in the estimation of the officials of the road and was often commissioned to under- take confidential trusts. Prominent men of the world would particularly request that he should be put in charge of shipments of large sums of money, as it was generally known that he was most cautious and would willingly sacrifice life in order to protect the interests of those who had confidence in him. During his long period as an engineer he never had an accident-a record which is most remarkable and earned him the highest commendation. When he came to Boone it was a village of a few straggling houses, but he recognized its opportunities and foresaw its future and as his means permitted bought lots, gradually acquir- ing much property and building on many of them. He also owns valuable farm land in lowa.
On April 24, 1865, at Mount Clemens, Michigan, Mr. Finnegan married Miss Mary McCaffery, of Mount Clemens, a daughter of Dennis McCaffery. To this union six children have been born: Edward D., Arthur J. and Robert L., of Boone: Mary E., deceased ; George Marion, deceased : and Phillip Adelbert. of Peoria, Illinois.
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