USA > Iowa > Clay County > History of Clay County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1909 > Part 27
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In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Brooker, of Livingston county, Illinois, by whom he has had three children, namely: Frank, who is engaged in agriculture north of Spencer, in Meadow township; Harley A., deceased ; and Alta, wife of C. L. West, a real estate operator of St. Cloud, Minne- sota. Mr. McDowell is a republican in politics but has not found time to actively engage in public affairs, as his business interests demand his undivided atten- tion. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a mem- ber. He is a man well known throughout the county not only as one of its fore- most stockmen, but also as a straightforward and upright character. He merits the confidence and respect of all who know him, and is numbered among the most substantial citizens of the county.
HENRY NYMAN SMITH.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in financial circles than Henry Nyman Smith, not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the fact that his business methods have been straightforward and honorable. He is a dependable man under all
H. N. SMITH
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR LENOX TILDEN FOUNDAT ONS
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circumstances and the simple weight of his character and ability have carried him into important business relations. He has ever utilized his opportunities to the best advantage and, making steady progress in the business world, has today reached a position of prominence and influence, being president of the People's Savings Bank and vice president of the First National Bank of Spencer.
Mr. Smith is a native of Maryland, his birth having occurred in Boonsboro, on the 2d of September, 1844. He is a son of Samuel H. and Elizabeth (Nyman) Smith, who were natives of Maryland. The former was a son of John Smith, who was of German descent, and a shoemaker by trade. Leaving Maryland, he removed westward with his family and became a resident of Boonsboro, Maryland, where his death was occasioned by an accident, being thrown from a horse. His widow survived him and lived to an advanced age. They had a large family, including David. Jacob, John, William. Samuel and Sarah. The maternal grandfather of H. N. Smith was Henry Nyman, who was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, in 1782, his death occurring in 1876, when he was 94 years old. He, too, was of German lineage and followed the blacksmith's trade in early manhood but spent the later years of his life retired. He married Miss Susana Brantner, who was born in Boonsboro in 1788, entering into rest in 1836. Their family included the following children: Daniel, Henry, George, Lewis, Joseph, Elizabeth, Sarah, Maria, Susan, Mary, Michael and Rebecca.
Samuel H. Smith, in his youthful days, learned the shoemaker's trade and later became a shoe merchant of Boonsboro, Maryland, where he carried on business for a number of years, becoming well known in the commercial circles of the city. He also served as postmaster for one term. Both lie and his wife were members of the Lutheran church and were loyal to its teachings and their faith. His death occurred in 1876, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years, while Mrs. Smith lived until 1896 and passed away at the advanced age of eighty-three years. They were the parents of ten children but only two are now living : Henry N., of this review ; and J. Harland Smith, who is a resident of Hagerstown, Maryland.
Henry N. Smith was reared in Boonsboro and acquired his education in the schools of that city. Later he became a resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, where he remained for two years and afterward removed to Hancock, Maryland, where he resided until January, 1883. At that date he came to Spencer, where he has since made his home. When a boy he learned the jeweler's trade but gave up work in that line and turned his attention to clerking, being thus employed until coming west. On arriving at Spencer he entered the Clay County Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper and since that time has been continuously connected with financial interests of the county. After three years' service as bookkeeper he was promoted in January. 1886, to the position of cashier and so continued until July, 1901, when the Clay County Bank was consolidated with the First National Bank and the People's Savings Bank. At that date he became president of the latter and vice president of the former and in those business relations still continues. The First National Bank is capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and has a surplus of twenty thousand dollars, while the People's Savings Bank is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars and has a surplus of five thousand dollars, making a combined capital and surplus of one hundred
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and fifty thousand dollars. These are two of the substantial money concerns of the county, capably controlled along conservative lines, every means being employed to protect the depositors and at the same time give them the benefit of a progressive business policy.
On the 18th of December, 1873, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Lillie Brosius, a daughter of Daniel and Eleanor (Johnson) Brosius, and a native of Washington county, Maryland. Two children have been born to them. The elder, Bessie L., became the wife of G. Ralph Free and died May 19, 1906, leaving one daughter, Margaret. Sue Meta is the wife of Dr. A. W. Leard, of Spencer. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are prominent socially and members of the Episcopal church. His membership relations extend also to Evening Shade Lodge. No. 312, A. F. & A. M., and Spencer Lodge, No. 247, I. O. O. F. In both of these he is now treasurer and he became one of the charter members of the Rebekah Lodge of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a democrat, his study of the questions and issues of the day leading him to the opinion that the principles of that party are best calculated to conserve the general good. He has served two terms as school trustee and was mayor of Spencer for one term, giving to the city a business-like and progressive administration. He is a dignified, courteous gentleman, of kindly spirit and strongly marked principles, who through his marked individuality has left the impress for good upon his community.
SAMUEL FISK.
Samuel Fisk, carrying on general farming, on section 26. Summit township, was born in Lee county, Illinois, October 24. 1869. His father. John M. Fisk, was a native of Canada, but when a young man crossed the border into the United States, desiring to enjoy the advantages of a country where competition is greater but where advancement is more quickly secured. Making his way to Illinois, he took up his abode in Lee county and there met and married Miss Mary E. Abell, a native of Pennsylvania. He followed farming in Lee county for a number of years or until after eight children were born unto him and his wife in that locality. In 1876 he removed with his family to Iowa, settling first near Ames, in Story county, while subsequently he became a resident of Palo Alto county and made his home at Curlew. He was a noted inventor and among the works of his inventive genius was a car-mover, which is now patented. He also secured patents on other valuable devices, which were the result of his ' mechanical skill and ability. His last years were spent at Curlew, where his widow still resides.
Samuel Fisk was a lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from Illinois to Iowa. He largely acquired his education in the schools of Story county and when a young man came to Clay county, where he secured work as a farm hand. Here he was employed for several years in that capacity, during which time he saved his earnings and was thus enabled to make a start in business life.
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On the 16th of December, 1891, in this county, Mr. Fisk was united in mar- riage to Miss Augusta Muetzel, a daughter of Fred Muetzel, who, arriving in Clay county during the pioneer epoch in its history, was enabled to secure a homestead claim here. Mrs. Fisk was born in Wisconsin but was reared in this county. After their marriage Mr. Fisk rented a tract of land and thus carried on farming for a number of years or until 1899, when his savings justified him in becoming owner of a farm. He therefore invested in eighty acres in Lincoln township. This was an improved farm, which he cultivated for two years, while later he traded that property for his present farm, on which he took up his abode in 1900. He has here a tract of one hundred and sixty-five acres on section 26, Summit township. With characteristic energy he began to develop and improve the property and his labors are today seen in its excellent and attractive appear- ance. He erected a new house and barn, two corn cribs, a granary and a hog house. He has divided his place into fields of convenient size, with woven wire and barbed wire fence, has put out a grove and has set out much fruit. In fact he has made the farm what it is today and the work of development is being carried farther forward year by year. He annually harvests good crops and he also raises, feeds and fattens hogs and cattle. His live-stock interests constitute an important source of revenue to him. He is one of the stockholders in the Farmers' Elevator at Fostoria and also in the Farmers' Elevator at Spencer.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fisk have been born five children, two sons and three daughters : Merril Leo, Esther Anna, Lester Floyd, Helen Mary and Mabel Irene. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death and all are still under the parental roof. Politically Mr. Fisk is a stanch republican with firm faith in the principles of the party. He is now serving as township trustee, filling the position for two years and he has also acted as a school officer and by his efforts has promoted the interests of education in this locality. He is frequently chosen as a delegate to the county conventions of his party and is known as an earnest local worker in its ranks. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church and both are highly esteemed socially. Mr. Fisk started out in life for himself a poor young man and worked by the month as a farm hand for several years. He then rented for some time until he could save from his earn- ings a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase land. Through his own labor, enterprise and good management, he has become the owner of a valuable prop- erty and is widely and favorably known in this part of the county for his many sterling traits of character and his business progressiveness.
ERNEST PARKER FLINT.
Ernest Parker Flint, cashier of the Exchange Bank at Dickens, was born at Stoughton, Dane county, Wisconsin, July 23. 1869, and is a son of Angelo A. and Emma (Parker) Flint, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Flint lived in Stoughton, Wisconsin, until ten years of age and began his educa- tion in the public schools there. Later he removed to northern Michigan and subsequently became a resident of Spencer as his parents established their home
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in these different localities. He was graduated from the high school at Florence, Wisconsin, and later from the Beloit College Academy, where he completed his course in 1892. He then took a position as assistant cashier in the Exchange Bank of Dickens and since 1899 has been the cashier. He is now thoroughly conversant with the banking business in principle and detail and his capable control of the Exchange Bank is manifested in its growing success. It is one of the reliable financial institutions of this part of the state and conducts all kinds of banking business.
`On the 15th of November, 1894. Mr. Flint was united in marriage to Miss Lorena Varney, a daughter of James O. and Jennie ( Ilolt ) Varney. Mrs. Flint was born in this county, near Spencer, and by her marriage has become the mother of one daughter, Mariam. Mr. Flint exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served as school treasurer for a number of years. Hle belongs to Dickens Lodge, No. 583. I. O. O. F., and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. They are well known in the community and their home is the center of a cultured society circle. Mr. Flint always gives his influence and aid to progressive public measures and stands as a stalwart defender of justice, truth and right, in public as well as private relations.
H. E. JONES. 1
H. E. Jones needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for he is well known in the western part of the county where his numerous friends call him Ed. He is one of the active business men and public-spirited citizens of Lone Tree township, making his home in Everly, where for the past seven years, he has been engaged in business. He was a little lad of less than four years when brought to Clay county and has since remained within its borders. His birth occurred near Stoughton. Wisconsin, on the 18th of December. 1863. his father being Evan Jones while his brother is A. T. Jones, mentioned elsewhere in this work. On the old home farm in this county H. E. Jones was reared and in the common schools pursued his education. He herded cattle on the open prairie when a lad, for at that time the prairie had not been converted into farms and was still in possession of the government, and the settlers could turn their cattle and stock loose upon it that they might graze on the native grasses. With all of the farm work H. E. Jones early became familiar, as his father believed in practical training for his boys, that they might have experience to aid them when they reached manhood. He continued with his father until twenty-two years of age when, thinking that other fields would prove more congenial and profitable than agricultural life, he turned his attention to railroad construction and for three years was employed on various roads in six different states. In 1888, however, he returned to Clay county with the capital he had saved through his earnings and purchased land, becoming the owner of two hundred and forty acres in Waterford township. Here he began the arduous task of cultivating land that was still in its primitive condition. It is no sinecure to open up a new farm.
H. E. JONES
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. L' NOX TILDEN FOUNDA IONS
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Years had made the ground hard and it was therefore difficult to break the sod and prepare the soil for planting. But with persistent energy Mr. Jones pursued his task and made a good start in the farm work. Later he bought another tract of three hundred and twenty acres which was partially improved. He continued its further development and thus engaged in farming. for twelve years, after which he rented his land and removed to Everly, where he turned his attention to the live-stock business, also selling farm machinery. He continued in live-stock business three or four years and then withdrew from that field of industry but continued to engage in the implement business until January, 1909. At that date he purchased the stock of A. W. Sleepers in the First National Bank and suc- ceeded him as president of this strong financial institution of Everly. He is at the head of the business and is giving close attention to its control and manage- ment. He is, moreover, a stockholder in the Everly Grain & Lumber Company and in all of his commercial as well as agricultural relations he has shown himself to be a man of good business ability, of strong and determined purpose and undaunted energy. He forms his plans readily and is determined in their execu- tion. His business judgment is rarely, if ever, at fault.
The home life of Mr. Jones had its beginning in his marriage in Spencer in March, 1887, to Miss Iva McCabe, who was born in New York. They are now the parents of three children, Edith, Ella and Ruth. The eldest daughter is now. attending school in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Politically Mr. Jones is independent. He was elected county supervisor by a large majority in 1908, and is now filling the office in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He belongs to Everly Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and also to the Odd Fellows Lodge of this place. There are few citizens of the county more widely and more favorably known than H. E. Jones, whose business enterprise has carried him into important commercial and financial relations, while his genial manner, his unfailing courtesy and his spirit of friendliness have gained him the warm and lasting regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
JULIUS AUGUSTUS SMITH.
Deeds of battle have been the theme of story and song since the earliest ages and will continue to awaken interest and patriotism through all the coming years. No one is more deserving of representation in the history of a country than a soldier who went forth to its defense in the hour of peril; no one more deserves mention in the record of a community than he who risked his life for the cause of freedom. Julius Augustus Smith, as a veteran of the Civil war, is entitled to that gratitude which the country owes to those who defended the Union during the darkest hours in our country's history. Moreover, he comes of a patriotic family, for his grandfather in the paternal line was a valiant soldier of the Revolutionary war, and was killed in the battle of Lundy's Lane.
The parents of Mr. Smith were Julius and Elenore (Wendler ) Smith, natives of Kentucky and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, respectively. They were married, however, in Ohio, and soon afterward removed westward to Indiana, CLAY 15.
4
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where they remained for a short time and then went to Stephenson county, Illinois, settling in the town of Freeport. There the father worked at his trade of carpentering and was long associated with the building interests of the locality. He died there in June, 1878, at the age of eighty-five years, while the mother passed away in 1850, at the age of forty-six years, her death being occasioned by cholera. There were eleven children in the family, only three of whom are now living. Nearly all of the others died of the same disease during the terrible cholera epidemic of that year.
Julius A. Smith was born in Stark county, Ohio, November 24, 1833, and was but a young child when his parents removed to Illinois. He was only six- teen years of age at the time of his mother's death and afterward he started out in life on his own account, for the family was largely broken up, as death had claimed most of its members. To provide for his own maintenance he began breaking prairie in the vicinity of Freeport, Illinois, and after being employed in that way for a time started for California in 1853. Gold had been discovered about five years before and interesting reports were still received of new "finds" in the rich mining districts of the Pacific coast. Going by way of the isthmus, he followed mining in California until 1858 and then returned to Freeport, Illi- nois, where he again resided until after the outbreak of the Civil war.
In 1862, imbued with the spirit of patriotism, Mr. Smith offered his services to the government and was placed in Company E, Seventy-fourth Regiment of Illinois Infantry, which was assigned to the Second Division of the First Brigade, Fourth Army Corps. He was mustered in at Rockford and was immediately sent to the front, his first engagement being the battle of Perryville. Bragg was . drawing his army there but, after some fighting, withdrew to Nashville and was driven thence to Murfreesboro and Stone River. The Union troops followed Bragg's army, fighting all the way to Atlanta. Mr. Smith likewise participated in the battles of Atlanta and Jonesboro and, in fact. took part in all of the Atlanta campaign. After the fall of the city of Atlanta the division to which he belonged was ordered back to Nashville and he participated in the severe engagement at Franklin, which he regards as one of the most hotly contested battles of all the Civil war. He was there wounded in the right leg and when the regiment left for Nashville, an officer tendered him the use of his horse. The distance between the two points was eighteen miles and this was the only ride Mr. Smith had during his service while under marching orders. He was in the hospital at Nashville from the last of November until the 15th of December and then rejoined his regiment, after which he engaged in the battle of Nashville, which was waged for two days. This battle practically broke up the rebel army, the Confederates retreating to Tennessee, followed by the Union troops. Later they were ordered back to Nashville and there, on the 30th of June, 1865, the war having closed, Mr. Smith was mustered out. He saw much arduous duty, experiencing all the hardships of war. In the twenty-seven days' fighting in front of Atlanta, his regiment lost four captains, one lieutenant colonel and sixty-five men. Mr. Smith was wounded twice, the first time being shot in the elbow joint, at Missionary Ridge. From these wounds he has suffered greatly and although several opera- tions have been performed on his leg, the old wound will probably never heal and will occasion him trouble throughout his entire life. The younger generation
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cannot understand what were the hardships experienced by the old soldiers-such men as Mr. Smith-who really sacrificed the best strength and energies of their lives for their country's cause. Their suffering extended not only through the time of their service on southern battlefields but through the years that have followed, and the country owes to them a debt of gratitude which can never be paid. But the tale of their bravery will remain a theme of song and story through all ages, while this country exists as an indivisible Union.
When the war was over Mr. Smith returned to his family in Illinois. He had been married on the 23d of December, 1858, to Miss Emeline Schonmaker, a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Lowen) Schonmaker, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, whence they had removed westward at an early day and located near Rockford, Illinois. Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith : David, at home; Ella Frances, who married Oscar Hill and resides at Freeport, Illinois ; and Henry, who wedded Luda Cook and is living in Mason City, Iowa.
Following the war Mr. Smith lived for about fifteen years in Illinois, resid- ing in Freeport until 1880, when he removed to Little Rock, Lyon county, Iowa. He retained his residence there for about eight years and then came to Clay county, where he has since resided. At that time he purchased his present farm for twenty-three dollars per acre. Today it is a valuable tract of land, worth more than four-fold the original price which he paid. He brought his fields to a high state of cultivation, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and adding to the farm many modern equipments and improvements. At the present time, however, he is renting his land, while he is living, in honorable retirement from labor, his previous success being sufficient to supply him with the comforts of life. He has voted the republican ticket since the organization of the party, being a loyal defender of that political organization which stood as the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. His life record has at all times been a creditable one and, in matters of citizenship, he has displayed the same patriotic spirit which he manifested as a soldier on the battlefields of the south.
E. F. TURNER.
E. F. Turner, the oldest railroad station agent in Clay county, now perform- ing the duties of that office for the North-Western Railroad Company, at Peter- son, was born in Buffalo, New York, November 13, 1842, a son of Orin A. and Thuda (Frary) Turner, both of whom were natives of Chattanooga county, that state. The father, who was reared there, went to Illinois in 1852, locating in Geneseo, Henry county, where he resided until the year 1866. During that year he repaired to Ottawa, La Salle county, where he took charge of a glass- ware establishment, continuing its management five years, at the expiration of which time he went to Chicago and began to work for the North-Western Rail- road, remaining in the general offices of that company until September 21, 1897. when he departed this life in his eighty-seventh year, his remains being interred
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in that city. The mother, who was born in the year 1816, was united in marriage at her home in her native state and passed away in Chicago in the year 1889. In the family were two children, namely: Fanny, wife of Isaac. Esmay, who is living, a retired life in Chicago, Illinois ; and E. F.
At the usual age E. F. Turner was enrolled as a pupil in the common schools of Geneseo, Illinois, and subsequently completed a course of study in the high school and also pursued a business course in the Eastman Commercial College, of Chicago, Illinois, from which institution he was graduated in the year 1861. He then went to Geneseo, that state, where he secured employment as a clerk in a drug store, which position he held until April of the year 1862, when he enlisted in Company K. One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, and served with his regiment until he received his discharge, which was granted him, after he had served two years and eight months, on account of injuries received by an explosion while in the ranks. He participated in many battles and skirmishes and was sent to Cairo, Illinois, on guard duty, thence to St. Louis and then to Jefferson City, Missouri, where his regiment met General Price and a hot engagement ensued, and, upon returning to St. Louis, was con- fined in a hospital for four months. Joining his regiment again at Paducah, Kentucky, he took part in a number of skirmishes within the southern lines and was finally, owing to his disability, detailed as a member of the brigade band, in which he remained until the close of the war.
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