USA > Iowa > Clay County > History of Clay County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1909 > Part 60
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 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
607
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
years, threshing over several townships and also in adjoining counties, and this branch of his business has made him well known and also contributed to his success. About 1905 his son William went to South Dakota and located a homestead in Lyman county. He spent one year and ten months on that place in order to perfect his title and later sold the claim. Our subject is now a stock- holder in both the Fostoria and Spencer elevators and likewise in the Northern Rural Telephone Company and in the Farmers' Telephone Company. His life has been one of untiring industry and his sound judgment has guided his labors and won for him the measure of success which he now enjoys.
Mr. and Mrs. Lauck have a family of two children: William A., who follows farming, was married on the 4th of March, 1908, to Miss Ruby M. Thomas, who was born and reared in Wisconsin and thence came to Iowa. William Lauck is now associated with his father in farming operations and is a young man of marked business enterprise and ability. The daughter, Maud J., is the wife of J. L. Russel, a telegraph operator of Spencer.
In his political views Mr. Lauck is a democrat. He has supported the party since attaining his majority and has been elected on its ticket to several local offices. He was first appointed to the position of township trustee and later was elected and reelected. He has also been officially connected with the schools and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is a Master Mason, belonging to Spencer Lodge, and he likewise holds membership relations with the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of the Globe, while his wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors, of the Woman's Relief Corps and the Ladies' Home Society, and the Knights of the Globe. They are both highly esteemed in the community and have an extensive circle of warm friends, who entertain for them the kindliest regard and to them extend the hospitality of their homes. Since coming to this county Mr. Lauck has taken an active and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and his co- operation can always be counted upon to further any movement for the public good.
CHARLES R. HOWE.
Charles R. Howe, who is in high standing in the financial circles of Spencer, as assistant cashier of the First National Bank, to which responsible position he has been promoted on the strength of his merits as a business man, was born in Buena Vista county, near Marathon, Iowa, January 16, 1879, a son of John R. and Mary E. (Shutt) Howe, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respec- tively, and who reared the following children: Minnie, wife of Enoch Erickson, of Marathon : Charles R .; William Martin, of Terril: Susie, who wedded Dr. Rust, of Webb, Iowa: Rush, who died when sixteen years of age; Pearl, who wedded Bert Warwick, of Webb; and Cassius, of Marathon.
John R. Howe, who has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. went to Fayette county, Iowa, when a boy, in company with his parents. There he grew to manhood and in 1869 removed to Buena Vista county, where he homesteaded .
608
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
a tract of land embracing one hundred and seventy-six acres, which he improved and still owns. He and his wife attend divine services at the Methodist Epis- copal church. The paternal grandfather was a native of England and, having attained a great age, passed away near Marathon, this state. His wife died in Fayette county, Iowa. They reared a family of eight children.
In Buena Vista county Charles R. Howe was reared on his father's farm and acquired his preliminary education in the district schools. After he had completed the course in the Marathon high school, he attended the Iowa State College at Ames during the years 1897 and 1898, and then completed a business course at the Capital City Commercial College, of Des Moines. In 1900 he came to Spencer, where he was employed as a stenographer and bookkeeper in the First National Bank. He manifested business qualifications which merited him promotion from one position of trust to another until 1904. when he was made cashier of the People's Saving Bank, which position he still holds, and has also been assistant cashier of the First National since 1907.
On September 6, 1905, Mr. Howe was united in marriage to Miss Emma M. Anderson, a native of Spencer and daughter of Andrew Anderson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Howe have one child, Dorothy. Politically Mr. Howe is affiliated with the republican party. He is a man of exceptional business tact, judgment and energy, and his industry and perseverance have not only enabled him to gradually rise to the responsible position he now holds, but they also commanded for him the respect of the entire community in which he is numbered among the substantial and representative citizens.
ARTHUR L. BRANDON.
Arthur L. Brandon has been a resident of Greenville ten years, and during this time has firmly established himself in the confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen, who recognize in him the characteristics of a progressive merchant and honorable business man-one who knows that the secret of success is not found in any unusual combination of circumstances or in any peculiar environment, but lies in the individual-in his ability and willingness to plan and to perform. Mr. Brandon is now a member of the firm of Brandon Brothers Lumber Company, conducting a well appointed lumberyard at Greenville, where they are also owners of a hardware business. A native of Kansas, he was born in the city of Burlington, March 30, 1867, and is a son of Peter and Matilda (Rooney ) Brandon, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Their family num- bered four children: Arthur L. and Frank, who are partners in business ; Murl ; and Nora. The father was reared in the Hoosier state. His father was a native of Ohio and made the occupation of farming his life vocation. Unto him and his wife, Mrs. Sarah Brandon, there were born twelve children, and it was not until they had reached old age that their life's labors were ended in death. The maternal grandfather of Arthur L. Brandon was a native of Indiana, and he, too, tilled the soil as a source of livelihood in support of his large family.
609
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Peter Brandon was reared to farm work, early becoming familiar with the best methods of planting and caring for his crops and gathering the harvests. It was in 1859 that he removed to Kansas, settling in Coffey county, where he took up a tract of land and began the development of a farm. He was busily engaged in the work of the fields until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the Union, and for three years did active duty at the front in defense of the old flag and the cause it represented. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, while his wife is a member of the Methodist church, and they are still well known and highly esteemed residents of Burlington.
The home farm of the father was the training school for Arthur L. Brandon in his boyhood and youth. It was there that lessons of industry and enterprise were impressed upon his mind and he was also taught the value of unremitting perseverance and unfaltering integrity. His mental training was received in the district schools and in the University of Kansas, and when his education was completed he began bookkeeping in the People's National Bank of Burlington, Kansas, where he remained one year. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the lumber business at Gridley, Kansas, where he was employed for a year, and afterward went to Republic county, Kansas, where for nine years he engaged in the lumber business on his own account, having his yard at Narka. Later he removed to Kansas City, Missouri, and engaged in the grain business. Hiawatha, Kansas, and Falls City, Nebraska, were his next stopping places. In the fall of 1899 he arrived in Spencer, Iowa. and son afterward opened a lumberyard at Greenville and also a hardware store. In these interests he is associated with his brother Frank, the labors of one ably supplementing the labors and ability of the other in the conduct of interests which are now proving profitable and which are enjoying continuous growth.
In 1888 Mr. Brandon was married to Miss Laura Reed, a daughter of M. A. Reed, and a native of Miami county, Kansas. Four children were born unto them, Mable, Matie, Arthur L. and Perry, but the two sons are now deceased. Mr. Brandon, in his study of the political conditions of the country and of the issues and questions of the day, has come to the conclusion that the best interests of the nation are conserved through the republican party, and therefore supports that party at the polls. Both he and his wife are Congregationalists in religious faith, and in social circles they occupy an enviable position as the result of the possession of qualities which win kindly regard and sincere friendship.
JAMES S. ADY.
James S. Ady is now living retired in Spencer. It is fitting that he should enjoy this period of rest in the evening of life, for through many years he was closely associated with agricultural interests and at all times has been a patriotic and progressive citizen, who gave ample proof of his devotion to his country in the dark days of the Civil war. He has made his home in Spencer since 1896, and enjoys to the full the respect and good will of his fellow towns-
610
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
men. His birth occurred near McConnelsville, in Morgan county, Ohio, March 7. 1839, his parents being Joshua and Hannah (Spencer ) Ady, the former a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and the latter of Belmont county, Ohio. The Ady family is of English origin, and James Ady, grandfather of James S. Ady, was born in England, whence he came to the new world. settling in Maryland, near Baltimore. This was at a period when the country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain. His sympathy was with the colonists when they attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression, and in 1777 he enlisted for active service in the Revolutionary war. For many years he lived to enjoy the fruits of liberty. He was a cooper by trade, but became a pioneer farmer of Morgan county, Ohio, where he died in 1847, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Hill, and they reared several children. The maternal grandfather of James S. Ady was William Spencer, a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, whence he removed to Belmont county, Ohio, when it was still a frontier district, his death occurring there a little more than a half century ago. He devoted much of his life to farm- ing. but in Ohio also conducted a tavern between Morristown and St. Clairs- ville. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Spencer, belonged to a pioneer family of Hatchers Run, Virginia, which was named in their honor. Mrs. Spencer lived to be more than ninety years of age, but was blind for more than twenty-five years before her demise.
Reared in the place of his nativity. Joshua Ady learned the cooper's trade in Baltimore, and afterward removed to Morgan county, Ohio, casting in his lot among the early settlers who were reclaiming that district for the purposes of civilization. There, in the midst of the forest, he cleared and developed a farm. and also followed the cooper's trade. Subsequently he removed with his wife to Wisconsin, and in their later years they lived with their children at Viroqua. The death of Mr. Ady there occurred when he was eighty-two years of age, while his wife reached the age of eighty-four. For a long period he was minister of the Methodist church and he belonged to the Ohio militia while living in that state. There were only three weeks between the time of the death of the parents. and both were laid to rest in Viroqua cemetery. Their family numbered eight children, five daughters and three sons, of whom four are now living: Mary E., the widow of A. W. Green, and a resident of Viroqua, Wisconsin ; James S., of this review; Matilda Ann, the wife of Samuel Williams, of Trenton, Missouri : and Joshua T., a resident of Bowbells, North Dakota.
James S. Ady was reared on the home farm in Morgan county, Ohio, work- ing in the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. He was busily employed at farm work when the Civil war broke out, but had watched with interest the progress of events in the south, had noted the growing spirit of rebellion, and resolved that if a blow was struck to overthrow the Union he would stand loyally in its defense. He therefore enlisted at the first call for seventy-five thousand men, but the regiment being full before his name was called, he did not see active service with that command. Again he offered his services on the Ist of September, 1861, and was assigned to duty with the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for almost four years, or until the 20th of July, 1865. He held the rank or ser-
611
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
geant and was three times slightly wounded. He was in the first battle that was fought in the west, that at Wild Cat, Kentucky, and he contributed to the victory that finally crowned the Union arms. Among the battles in which he took part were those of Mill Springs; Pittsburg Landing, Siege of Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, the Tallahoma campaign, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain. He was also in many skirmishes, in the siege of Atlanta, on the celebrated march with Sherman to the sea, and in the battle of Jonesboro. The last engagement in which he participated was at Ben- tonville, North Carolina, and later he marched through the streets of the capital city in the Grand Review-the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere. The streets at Washington were lined with cheering thousands, while across Pennsylvania avenue stretched a banner bearing the words, "the only debt which the country cannot pay is the debt which she owes her soldiers." He and his regiment marched over six thousand miles, aside from all drills, and also traveled nearly six thousand miles by railroad and steamboat. Mr. Ady was never absent from his command and never in the hospital, but was always found at his post of duty, faithfully doing every task that was assigned him, being prompted at all times by a patriotic devotion to his country and her welfare.
When the war was over Mr. Ady returned to the north, was married and began farming on his own account in Ohio. In the fall of 1866 he removed to Viroqua county, Wisconsin, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits and also operated a gristmill; but the mill was destroyed by fire and he lost everything he had. He then faced the difficult task of starting anew, but with resolute spirit he faced the situation, and in March, 1883, removed to Odebolt, Sac county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. For four years he resided at Ocoboji Lake, and in 1896 came to Clay county, since which time he has been a resident of Spencer. He was, however, identified with farming interests in Iowa for thirteen years, and during that time his careful management and well directed industry brought him a creditable and gratifying success, so that with a comfortable competence he is now living retired, his possessions being suffi- cient to supply him with all of the necessities and some of the luxuries of life.
On the 30th of August, 1865, Mr. Ady was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Tracy, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, March 22, 1840, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Gaston) Tracy. Her father, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, died at the age of eighty-three years, while her mother passed away at the age of forty-five. Their family numbered five sons and three daughters, but only two are now living, the sister of Mrs. Ady being Rachel, now the widow of R. G. Browning, of Zanesville, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Andrew Tracy, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, wedded Rachel Vaughn, and devoted his life to farming. The maternal grandfather was Ephraim Gaston, a native of England, who sought a home in the new world and devoted his life to the practice of medicine. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ady have been born six children : Ida May is the wife of William Wells, and they make their home in Payette, Idaho. They have two daughters, Wenona Leona and Birdie Leota. Adolphus W. follows farming near Milford, in Dickinson county, Iowa. He wedded Emma Draper, by whom he has four children, Roy, Marie, Clarence
612
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
and Mary E. William H. follows farming near Odebolt, Sac county. Iowa. He wedded Anna U. Long, and their family numbers three children, Lelah, Fern and Wayne. James F. is a blacksmith in Schaller, Iowa. He wedded Miss Lucy Peck, and they have four children. Ellsworth, Esther, Elta and Ruth. Thomas O. owns a fruit ranch near Payette, Idaho. He wedded Hattie Serber, and they have a daughter and son, Virginia and James S. Lucy R. is the wife of Louis Rasmussen, of Spencer, by whom she has three children, Orson Ray, Neva Ione and Millard.
Mr. Ady owns several good city properties, including his own home, and is now comfortably situated in life. His political allegiance is given to the repub- lican party and he is a member of Annett Post, No. 124, G. A. R., thus maintain- ing pleasant relations with his old army comrades as they recall the scenes and events of military experience in the south and on the battlefields. One by one they are responding to the last roll call, but as long as the American people study the history of their country, the loyal and patriotic citizens will thrill with the story of the defense of the Union by the brave boys in blue.
EDGAR S. RANDALL.
The value of the local newspapers in the upbuilding of the best interests of any community is universally conceded. The rule is that good papers are found in good towns, inferior journals in towns of stunted growth and uncertain future. It is not so much a matter of size as of excellence and of adaptability to the needs of its locality. The conditions given, in an appreciative and pro- gressive community, the size of the paper will take care of itself in a way mutually satisfactory to publishers and patrons. This truth Edgar S. Randall recognizes, and in his publication of the Spencer Reporter has made it a paper of value to the town and county, and naturally has been accorded a liberal patronage that makes his paper as well an excellent advertising medium.
Born in Washington county, Iowa, on the 29th of July, 1870, he is a son of William S. and Mary C. ( Boden ) Randall, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The former was a son of Amos R. Randall, whose birth occurred in Virginia. He followed the occupation of farming as a life work, and removed to Ohio, where for many years he engaged in tilling the soil. He wedded Mary Gallaher, and both were about eighty-five years of age when called to the home beyond. Their family numbered eight children. The maternal grandfather of Edgar S. Randall was William Boden, a native of West Virginia, who carried on both farming and blacksmithing. He married Elizabeth Geddes and lived to be seventy-one years of age, while his wife reached the age of eighty-six years. They were the parents of three children, including Mary C. Boden, who gave her hand in marriage to William S. Randall. In early manhood William S. Randall devoted his time and energies to the tilling of the soil. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he joined the army as a private and served from August, 1861. until April, 1866, giving proof of his loyalty and valor by his faithful services on many hotly contested battlefields. After the war he removed to Washington county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until 1873, and then went to Clay
613
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
county, Nebraska, where he resided for twenty years, passing away in April, 1893, when only fifty-three years of age. His wife still survives him and is now living in Spencer. Both were members of the Methodist church and were earnest, consistent Christian people. Mr. Randall was prominent in community affairs and was recognized as a public-spirited citizen. For two terms he served as treasurer of Clay county, Nebraska, and was also called to represent his district for two terms in the Nebraska legislature. He was equally eminent in Grand Army circles, serving as senior vice commander of the department of Nebraska, while throughout that state he organized posts. His life was one of usefulness and activity, characterized by unfaltering devotion to the general good. His family numbered two sons and two daughters: May L., the wife of J. R. McKee, of Spencer ; Edgar S. ; Frank W., also of Spencer ; and Pearl, the wife of Harry Karr, of Clinton, Illinois.
Edgar S. Randall was reared in Clay county, Nebraska, and attended the public schools of Sutton and Fairfield prior to pursuing a more advanced literary course in Fairfield College. In early manhood he learned the printer's trade, which he followed most of the time for a number of years. He also did rail- road surveying for a short time, and during the latter years of his father's life worked with him in his newspaper office. In 1896 he removed to Sidney, Iowa. where, in company with J. R. McKee, he conducted a paper for eight years, cr until 1904, when they came to Spencer and purchased the Reporter, a weekly republican paper. Here they have a well equipped office and also do job and book work, the various branches of their business now bringing them merited success. The paper has a large circulation and also an excellent advertising patronage.
On the 19th of October, 1904, Mr. Randall was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Wilson, a daughter of Nathaniel C. and Elizabeth (Sproule ) Wilson. She was born in Scott county. Iowa, while her father was a native of Ireland and her mother of Illinois. Mr. Wilson died in November, 1904, at the age of sixty-three years, and Mrs. Wilson is now living in Sidney, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Randall hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and have many friends in Spencer and other parts of the state. Mr. Randall belongs to Fairfield Lodge. No. 84. A. F. & A. M., to Clay Chapter No. 112, R. A. M., and to Spencer Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. Ile is also a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp. He is recognized as a prominent factor in republican politics, and for five years was chairman of the central committee of Fremont county, while for some time he was a member of the eighth district congressional committee. He does all in his power to further the interests of his party, and is equally loyal in local matters of progress and improvement.
ANGELO A. FLINT.
For twenty-two years Angelo A. Flint has been a resident of Clay county and throughout the entire period has been closely associated with the grain trade in Clay county, being now well known as a grain dealer of Dickens. His busi- ness probity and enterprise have placed him in an unassailable position in the
614
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
regard of his fellow townsmen, and his diligence and perseverance have brought him gratifying success. A native of the Empire state. Angelo A. Flint was born in Montgomery county, January 19. 1836. The family is of Holland Dutch origin and was founded in America at an early day, and William Flint, the grandfather of our subject. was born in New York. He followed the occupation of farming in support of his family and both he and his wife lived to an advanced age. Mrs. Flint bore the maiden name of Jennie MeFee and by her marriage became the mother of one son and four daughters. To this family belonged John Flint, who was born in New York, and having arrived at years of maturity. wedded Effa Flint, a daughter of Jacob Harvey Flint, who was likewise a native of New York, while his ancestors also came from Holland. He carried on agricultural pursuits as a life work, and both he and his wife, Mrs. Mary ( Bartlett) Flint, reached an advanced age ere they were called to their final rest.
Jolm Flint, father of Angelo A. Flint, made farming his life work, and at an early period in the development of the middle west removed to Wisconsin, locating in Walworth county, near Whitewater. A few years afterward he removed to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where he died when about fifty-five years of age. His wife had passed away just eighteen days before, when fifty- three years of age, and thus they were separated by death for only a very brief period. Their earnest Christian lives were in harmony with their professions as members of the Methodist church and their good qualities endeared them to all who knew them. They were the parents of six children, one son and five daughters: Esther, the deceased wife of C. E. Page ; Angelo .\., of this review ; Nancy, the deceased wife of R. M. Cleveland : Mary, the wife of George Forbush, of Neillsville, Wisconsin ; Frances, the widow of Wilson Pool; and Emily, the deceased wife of Abijah White.
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.