USA > Iowa > Clay County > History of Clay County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1909 > Part 56
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J. W. Lemaster acquired his education in a select school of Kentucky and remained at home until twenty-one years of age. He then took up the profession of teaching, which he followed until his removal to Iowa. He made his way to Cedar Rapids and was engaged in farming in that locality until 1870, when he came to Clay county and homesteaded a claim of eighty acres on section No. 30, Clay township. Here he has since resided and his life of well directed activity is manifest in the present fine appearance of his farm. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon it when he took possession, but his arduous labor year by year has converted it into rich fields that yield substantial harvests.
In 1877 Mr. Lemaster was united in marriage to Miss Sarah French, a native of Jones county, Iowa, and unto them have been born two sons: Allan J., who is principal of the commercial department of a business college in Sheldon, Iowa ; and Eldin R., who resides with his parents. Mr. Lemaster gives his political alle- giance to the republican party and keeps well informed concerning the vital ques- tions and issues of the day. His fellow townsmen have called him to a number of local offices and he has manifested his loyal citizenship in the faithful discharge of his duties. He is numbered among the valued citizens of Clay county, having for almost forty years contributed to its agricultural development, while at all times his influence and aid are given on the side of general progress and improvement.
MICHAEL FELL.
Dominated by a spirit of energy and determination that permits him to brook no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent effort, Michael Fell has won for himself a creditable place in business circles and is now identified with the grain trade and other commercial interests of Everly. He dates his residence in the county since March, 1886. while since 1867 he has made his home in Iowa, locating first in Keokuk county.
MICHAEL FELL
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LENOX TILDEN FOUNDA " In".9
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Mr. Fell is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Prussia, January 18, 1860. His father, Mathias Fell, was also a native of the same province and there passed his boyhood and youth. He was married in Prussia to Miss Margaret Fritz, and came to the new world in 1867, being one of many who left Germany after the overthrow of the constitutional party in 1866. Making his way into the interior of the country, he settled first in Keokuk county, Iowa, where he purchased a tract of land and developed a farm upon which he reared his family. His last days were passed there and his death occurred August 13, 1897. He had for almost twenty years survived his wife, who died in November, 1878.
Michael Fell, whose name introduces this review, was a little lad of seven summers when the family emigrated to the new world, so that he was largely reared in Keokuk county. He had but limited educational privileges but his training at farm labor was not meager, for from an early age he assisted in the development of the home place, giving his father valuable aid as his years and experience increased. After attaining his majority he followed farming in Keokuk county on his own account for three years. Wishing to establish a home of his own, on the 4th of November, 1885, he secured a companion and helpmate for life's journey in his marriage to Miss Clara Fowler, a native of Harper, Iowa. She was well educated and became a teacher, in which connection she did excellent work, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that she had acquired. In 1886 they removed to Clay county and Mr. Fell purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Lone Tree township. It was entirely destitute of improvements but he possessed determination and energy and reso- lutely undertook the task of converting the raw prairie into productive fields. Turning the first furrows, he soon planted his crops and in course of time gathered abundant harvests. For nine years he lived upon that place and in connection with the tilling of the soil he also successfully engaged in raising stock. In the spring of 1895 he rented his farm and removed to Everly, where he began dealing in live stock, continuing the business for two years. He also engaged in the farm insurance business and in 1904 he entered the grain trade, carrying on his operations in that line in connection with the writing of farm insurance. Here he has erected a good residence and also an office building on Main street, which is also occupied at the present time by the town council, being used as a town hall. Since coming to Everly he has figured as one of its enterprising citizens, his labors constituting a valuable element in the growth and development of this part of the county.
Politically Mr. Fell was for sixteen years identified with the republican party and then severing his connection therewith, he joined the ranks of the democracy. While on the farm he was elected justice of the peace and has now filled that position for twenty years, his decisions winning him golden opinions from all sorts of people. His judgments are strictly fair and impartial and in many cases over which he has presided his decisions have almost uniformly been upheld and an appeal was never taken. He has also been called upon to perform many marriage ceremonies in his official capacity. As a member of the town council he has done much to further the interests of Everly along lines of sub- stantial development and for the past twelve years he has likewise served on the
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school board. He is now secretary of the school board and is serving as mayor of Everly, in which connection he is giving a business-like administration, stand- ing loyally for needed reform and progress.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fell was blessed with four children: Jennie, who was formerly a teacher in Everly and is now a student in the State Normal School at Cedar Falls; Annie, who is attending the same school; Sylva; and Fred W. They also lost four children: Maggie, who died when about five months old; Eva, who died at the age of four and a half years; Alberta, who passed away at the age of six months; and one who died unnamed. Mrs. Fell and the children are members of the Christian church and are much interested in its work. Mr. Fell is a member of Everly Lodge of Masons and the Royal Arch chapter of Spencer. He is also connected with the Odd Fellows at Everly, has filled all of the chairs in the organization here and is a past grand. Mr. Fell likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp and at all times is in harmony with the principles of these societies, which are based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. As a business man he has an unassailable record, for throughout his entire life he has made steady and substantial progress, never taking advantage of the necessities of another in a business transaction, while at all times he has borne an unsullied reputation for commercial probity. He belongs to that class of representative American men who in promoting individual success have also contributed to the general prosperity. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county and his qualities well fit Mim for leadership in political, business and social life.
GEORGE W. WRIGHT.
George W. Wright, widely and favorably known in Spencer, where he has lived for twenty-eight years, has retired from active business cares, although for a long period he was the owner of farming property in Clay county, which he leased, deriving therefrom a good rental. A native of Massachusetts, his birth occurred in the city of Lowell, November 30, 1845, his parents being Warren and Sarah (Farwell) Wright, who were likewise natives of Massachusetts. Their family numbered two sons and a daughter, George W., Susan A., the wife of John Gobel, and Frank. The father was a farmer by occupation and in 1852 came to the west, settling in De Kalb county, Illinois, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits. In 1881 he removed to Iowa and purchased railroad land in Clay county, becoming the owner of a quarter section in Riverton and a half section in Freeman township. He employed men to break and cultivate the land while he made his home in Spencer, his death occurring in this city in 1883, when he was seventy-two years of age. His wife survived him for some years and passed away at the age of eighty-one years, in the faith of the Baptist church of which she was long a devoted and consistent member.
George W. Wright was only six years of age when brought by his family to the Mississippi valley, and upon the home farm in De Kalb county, Illinois, he was reared, while the district schools afforded him his educational privileges. In
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the months of summer he worked in the fields and thus gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He was eighteen years of age when, in May, 1864, he responded to the country's call for troops and with the boys in blue went to the front as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served as a private for about a year, being mustered out in May, 1865.
Some time after the war was over Mr. Wright removed to Kansas, securing a homestead claim in Cherokee county, where he resided for about fourteen months, until the fall of 1879, when he came to Clay county, Iowa. Being pleased with this district and its future prospects, he returned here and resided perma- nently in 1880 and invested in one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land in Riverton township which he broke, and then rented the farm, continuing to lease it until 1907, when he sold that property. He has made his home in Spencer for twenty-eight years and throughout this period has enjoyed the warm regard of those who know him, for he has proven himself a public spirited citizen and one whose efforts in behalf of the general good have been far-reaching and effective. He served as city marshal for five and a half years and was also constable for five years. He filled the office of deputy sheriff for two years under P. W. Madden, and in these different positions has been loyal to the trust reposed in him and to the best interests of the community at large.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Wright was married May 29, 1869, to Miss Rose Price, a daughter of Avery and Mary Price. Their only child, Cora E. Wright, became the wife of J. W. Melville, and died November 29, 1907, leav- ing three children, George, Lee and Jesse. Mr. Wright has been a member of the Odd Fellows society for thirty-six years and his membership is now in Spencer Lodge. He also belongs to Annett Post, G. A. R., and has been a loyal adherent of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. With substantial investments to relieve him of the necessity of labor, he is now living retired in Spencer and in the community enjoys the warm regard and sincere friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.
JOHN B. LEWIS.
John B. Lewis is now successfully conducting business as a dealer in pop- corn at Spencer. He is well known in Clay county, where he has filled several official positions, serving for ten years as county sheriff, his reelection being an indication of his fearlessness and efficiency in the discharge of his duties. His birth occurred in the little rock-ribbed country of Wales, on the 12th of May, 1847, his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Annett) Lewis, being also natives of that country. The paternal grandfather always remained a resident of Wales, but the maternal grandfather, John Annett, came to America and settled at Newton, Massachusetts, where he died well advanced in years.
Thomas Lewis became a miner in his native country and was killed there in a mine in 1852. His wife survived him, and soon after her husband's death brought her family of children to the new world, settling at Galena, Illinois.
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where they were living when William and Henry Lewis enlisted for service in the Civil war. The latter died in 1862. while the former was killed in the battle of Atlanta in 1864. In September, 1864, the mother, accompanied by the sub- ject of this review started for Iowa with an ox team. They made a location near Waverly, Bremer county, where they resided upon a rented farm until 1877. In that county the mother married again, becoming the wife of Thomas Brown. She died April 5, 1881, at the age of seventy-four years, in the faith of the Methodist church, to which both of her husbands also belonged. There were only three sons by her first marriage and, as stated, the first two gave their lives in defense of their country at the time of the Civil war.
John B. Lewis was but five years of age at the time of his father's death, and the same year witnessed the emigration of the family to America. He remained in Galena, Illinois, until 1864, when, at the age of seventeen years, he accompanied his mother to Bremer county, Iowa, and there cultivated a rented farm until 1877. The latter year witnessed his removal to Clay county, at which time he took up a homestead of eighty acres in what was then Spencer town- ship. but is now Sioux township. The farm was located about six miles east of the city of Spencer, and there he carried on general agricultural pursuits for two years, after which he took up his abode in the county seat, and was there appointed night watchman, acting in that capacity for two years. He next received appointment to the position of city marshal and served for two years. In 1883 he was made baggageman at the Milwaukee depot, where he served for five years, and on the expiration of that period was appointed deputy sheriff under P. W. Madden, thus serving until April, 1892, or for a period of four years. In the following November he was elected to the office of sheriff, and on the 15th of that month entered upon the duties of the position, in which lie was continued by reelection until January, 1902. He discharged his duties with- out fear or favor, his course awakening the commendation of all law-abiding citizens and creating fear in the hearts of those who did not hold themselves amenable to law. After his retirement from the office of sheriff he was appointed chief dcor-keeper of the house of representatives of the twenty-ninth general assembly, and served during three sessions. He afterward established a real estate office in Spencer, continuing in the business until 1907, when he bought a pop-corn engine and stand and is now enjoying a good sale.
On the 30th of November, 1872, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Chloe A. Kinyon, a daughter of Sylvester and Lucy (Sturtevant) Kinyon. The family now numbers three sons and two daughters. George O., the eldest, is a farmer and also conducts a dairy business in Spencer. He married Kate Schorb, and they have three children, Charles, Ruth and Blanche. William H. Lewis, the second son, is a printer, now acting as foreman of the Campbell & Russell office in DesMoines. He married Iva Hardin and they have two children, Madge and Franklin. Cora M. is the wife of A. F. Miner, of Spencer, and they have six sons, Howard, John P., Claude C., Earl W., Donald E. and Kennith M. Frank E. Lewis married Elva Ruthven, and they have one child. Hattie E .. who completes the family, is the wife of John M. Freeburg. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he belongs to the Odd Fellows society and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He has always
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given earnest support to the republican party and does all in his power to pro- mote its growth and insure its success. From an early age he has been depend- ent upon his own resources and whatever success and whatever prosperity he has attained is attributable to his persistent and honorable effort. He made a most excellent record as a county official, no incumbent in the office of sheriff having done better work as a custodian of the public peace.
WILLIAM H. SIMINGTON.
William H. Simington, who is proprietor of a restaurant and grocery busi- ness in Dickens, Freeman township, was born in Canada, near Hamilton, Ontario, on June 21, 1851, a son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Worthington) Simington, natives of Ireland. Upon coming to the new world they located in Canada, but came to Genesee county, New York, in 1865, leaving that place in the year 1870 and settling in Freeman township, this county, three miles northeast of Dickens, on a tract of eighty acres. Here they lived for a number of years, and then removed to Spencer, where Mrs. Simington passed away in 1890, her husband still living there at the advanced age of ninety years. The couple were parents of the following children: James; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Moses McClennel; Letitia, who wedded James Robinson, of Severin Bridge, Canada ; Kate, wife of H. B. Page, of Spencer, Iowa: John, of Hill City, Minnesota ; Samuel, Jr., of Spencer ; and William H., of Dickens. The maternal and paternal grandfathers were both natives of Ireland, the latter having departed this life in Canada at the age of one hundred and seven years, his wife also having attained a great age, the mother of a large family, while the former, a farmer, passed away in his native land in middle age.
In Richfield, now Pembroke, Genesee county, New York, William H. Sim- ington was reared and acquired his education, and then learned the jewelry business, which he followed for a number of years, later working as a telegraph operator. In the year 1870 he came to Howard county, Iowa, remaining for two years, when he returned to New York, but came back to Iowa in 1893 and settled in Dickens, Clay county, being employed for three years by a railroad company, at the expiration of which time he established himself in the restaurant and grocery business, and has since met with splendid success.
On April 12, 1870, he wedded Miss Emma Edith Van Buren, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Harmon) Van Buren, and they are parents of five children, namely: Charles Wesley, deceased ; Mertie E., wife of John J. Lawler, their children being Louise, Gladys. Celia and Mildred; Carrie B., who died in March, 1907, leaving her husband, James M. Storey, and two children, Naomi and Delbert D., to mourn her loss ; Elsie M., wife of Edwin N. Culver, their children being Bessie, Vernon, Roy and Ena : and Adah O., who wedded Lawrence Jones, by whom she had two daughters, Almeda and a baby. Mrs. W. H. Simington was born in Clarendon, Genesee county, New York, also the birthplace of her father, Henry Van Buren, of Holland Dutch descent, her mother having been born in Vermont. To Henry and Sarah Van Buren were born three children, namely : Emma, the wife of W. W. Simington; Ada, the wife of Elias G. Post,
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of Buffalo, New York: and Horace, of Crittenden. Erie county, New York. At an early day Mr. Van Buren settled in Conway, Livingston county, Michigan, where he died in 1859. being only thirty-five years old. His wife survived him and later wedded James Peachy, and departed this life in 1886 at the age of sixty-four years. Mrs. Simington's family are noted for longevity. Her paternal grandfather was Rudolphus Van Buren, a native of Holland, who, with his wife, lived to an advanced age and passed away in Michigan, leaving a family of six children. Her maternal grandfather was Isaac Harmon, a native of Vermont, a carpenter by trade, who died in middle life, being survived by his wife, who lived to a great age and had been the mother of a number of children.
Mr. and Mrs. Simington are members of the Congregational church, in which they are active workers. Politically he gives his allegiance to the repub- lican party, the principles of which he believes best adapted to the highest finan- cial interests of the country, and consequently during campaigns he uses his vote and influence toward securing the election of its candidates. He is a con- - servative and industrious business man and through patience and perseverance, honesty and integrity, he is very successful in his business and is accounted one of the substantial and respected men of the community.
ALBERT W. MILLER.
It is an important public duty and honor to perpetuate as far as possible the memory of an eminent citizen-one who by his blameless and honorable life and distinguished career reflected credit upon his city and state. Through such memorials as this at hand the individual and the character of his services are kept in remembrance and the importance of those services acknowledged. His example therefore becomes an object lesson to those who follow him. The history of Albert W. Miller is indeed one worthy of record, for he stood as a high type of American manhood and chivalry, and always regarded his word given or an en- gagement made as a sacred obligation. He felt that a man should always use his advantages to the best of his ability, and the years gave substantial proof of his worth in every relation where he was found. He was loyal in his friendships and family duties were to him most sacred. In the paternal line Albert W. Miller is of German lineage. His grandparents were Martin and Susan (Snook) Mil- ler. The former was born in Frederick City, Maryland, and came of a family of German origin. Both he and his wife were well advanced in years when called to their final rest, Mrs. Miller, who survived her husband for some time, being about ninety years of age at her demise. They had a large family, namely: Char- lotte, William, George. Martin, Ezra, Louis, Nathan, Simon, Adam, Elizabeth, Susan and Sophia.
Of this family William Miller, the eldest son, was born in Maryland, and after acquiring his education began learning. the miller's trade at Eakles Mills, Maryland. Subsequently he conducted a mill of his own at Rohrersville, and continued a resident of his native state until about 1880, when he removed west- ward to Iowa and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres three miles
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east of Spencer. A few years later he left the farm and removed to Spencer, where he died in August, 1906, at the age of eighty-six years. His wife passed away in 1902 at the age of seventy-four years. She bore the maiden name of Rebecca. Clapper, and was also a native of Maryland. Her father, the Rev. John Clapper, was born in that state and became a minister of the United Brethren church. He married a Miss Longman and they had several children, Elizabeth, Leah, Simeon, William, John and George. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William Miller were born a daughter and seven sons: Celia, the wife of Aaron Dovenberger ; Albert W., of this review ; John ; Henry, of Denver, Colorado; Hilrey J., of Lex- ington, Kentucky ; Charles, of Hagerstown, Maryland; Otho, who died at Leeds City, South Dakota ; and Louis S., who was killed in a railroad wreck at Everly, Iowa.
There was much in the life record of Albert W. Miller which commended him to the confidence and good will and high regard of those with whom he came in contact, and at his death he left a record that is well worthy of emulation. He was born at Keedysville, Maryland, March 2, 1847, and was there reared to man- hood and in its schools acquired his early education, although he afterward had the benefit of instruction in Eastman's Business College of New York, from which he was graduated in due course of time. In seeking a home in the middle west he located at Sioux City, Iowa, but soon afterward removed to Peterson, in Clay county, where he operated a saw mill and flour mill for about a year. In 1870 he removed to Spencer and became interested with Mr. Marcellus in the ownership of a flour mill, being connected with the enterprise until 1873. He then established a private bank in Spencer, which was the first institution of this character in Clay county. He continued as its president until he sold out and started the First National Bank, when he became president of the latter and so continued until his demise. He was a man of strong business qualifications, mani- festing keen sagacity in the solution of intricate business problems, and at all times carefully utilizing his opportunities so that no advantages were neglected. He was, moreover, a man of unquestioned business probity, ever mindful of his obligations and in no way overreaching another in a business transaction. Justice and truth were always characteristics of his business life and made his name an honored one.
On the 29th of October, 1872, Mr. Miller wedded Miss Emma LaMar, who was born in Burkittsville, Maryland, a daughter of Captain William B. and Eliza- beth ( Harley) LaMar, who were also natives of Maryland .. Her father con- ducted a steam tannery at Burkittsville, devoting much of his life to that pursuit. He was a son of Thomas and Mary (Willard) LaMar, who were likewise born in Maryland and in that state Thomas LaMar owned and conducted a large plan- tation. His wife died when past middle life, while he lived to the remarkable old age of more than ninety years. Their children were John, Benoni, William, Mary, Elizabeth, Laura, Ellen and Rebecca. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Miller were Joshua and Elizabeth (Whiteneck) Harley. The former, a native of England, became a merchant and in addition to conducting a store he also owned a large plantation at Burkittsville, Maryland. Both he and his wife reached old age and they reared a family of five sons and four daughters, William, Otho. Thomas, Joshua, Mahlon, Elizabeth, Matilda, Sophia and Eliza.
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