USA > Iowa > Decatur County > History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 22
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10.1.
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JOHN F. CREES
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survive, namely: Michael, a farmer of Grand River township; Mrs. Rebecca Davidson, a widow living in Grand River; John R .; Mrs. Maria Eller, a widow living in California; Mrs. Catherine Koger, a widow who resides in Grand River; Sallie, the wife of T. T. Beck, of Grand River; and Joseph, who resides upon the homestead in Decatur township. The following have passed away: Ann, who was a school teacher and died when twenty years of age; Cyrus; Mary; and one who died in infancy.
John F. Crees was reared in Decatur township and early in life became familiar with approved agricultural methods. In his early manhood he traveled to a considerable extent and made two trips across the plains to California, returning the first time by way of the Isthmus of Panama. In 1867 he turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuits and for many years was actively engaged in farming in this county. In addition to growing the usual crops he bought, fed, raised and sold stock, handling many head annually. At one time he operated about six hundred acres of land in the northwestern part of Decatur township and he now owns about one thousand acres which is comprised in three farms of respectively one hundred and sixty, five hundred and forty and three hundred and fifty acres. His land is now farmed by his sons and it is situated in Long Creek, Decatur, Grand River and Richland townships. He received eighty acres from his father's estate but has acquired title to all of the rest by his own well planned and unremitting labor.
In 1867 Mr. Crees married Miss Margaret A. Koger, who was born and reared in Harrison county, Missouri, but was residing in this county at the time of her marriage. She passed away about nine years ago, when fifty-three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Crees became the parents of fourteen children, seven of whom survive, namely: Cyrus, who is farming the home place; Jordan, who is operating what is known as the Varga place, which is now owned by our sub- ject; Cedothia, the wife of Harry Weldon, of Grand River; Fred and Grover, both of whom are cultivating land belonging to our sub- ject; Kline, at home; and Henry, who resides in Nebraska. Those deceased were: Mrs. Etta Buell, who died leaving two children; Lizzie, who married Amos Bell and became the mother of three chil- dren; one who died in infancy unnamed; Lena, who died when about four years old; Hayward, who died at the age of two years; and Granville, the first born, who died at the age of six months.
Mr. Crees is a democrat and for several years served as supervisor of his township. During the Civil war he enlisted from this county in Company I, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served
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for a year, after which he was honorably discharged. He at one time belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Decatur but has now allowed his membership to lapse. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Grand River town- ship and take a leading part in the furtherance of its work. He has not only gained an unusual measure of material prosperity but he has also won the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens to a marked degree and is recognized as one of the most valued residents of Grand River, where he has lived in honorable retirement for the past nine years.
IRVIN L. BATHE.
Irvin L. Bathe, of Bloomington township, is one of the extensive landowners of Decatur county and is successfully engaged in gen- eral farming and stock-raising. His birth occurred at Tuskeega, that township, on the 10th of December, 1876, and he is a son of George R. Bathe, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Irvin L. Bathe was reared in this county until he was a lad of about thirteen years, when the family removed to Kansas, whence they subsequently went to Oklahoma. He received a good common- school education and learned much concerning farming and stock- raising from his father, an expert in those lines. When eighteen years of age he began work for himself and so continued for five years. He received eighty acres of land from his grandfather's estate and this gave him a good start in life. For a number of years he has resided in Bloomington township and operates about seven hundred and forty acres individally besides operating two hundred and eighty acres in partnership with his brother-in-law, T. J. Hill. They own two hundred acres of that tract and rent eighty acres and Mr. Bathe owns five hundred and forty acres of the seven hundred and forty which he operates individually. He resides on section 27, Blooming- ton township, and his home farm is one of the best improved prop- erties of his locality. He is also interested in connection with Mr. Hill in a butcher shop at Lamoni. He has displayed marked indus- try and enterprise and has also managed his affairs well, so it is but natural that he is today ranked among the men of affluence in Bloom- ington township.
On the 24th of December, 1903, Mr. Bathe was married to Miss Marshia H. Hill, who was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, but
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was taken when small to Harrison county, that state, where she grew to womanhood. She was educated at the Stanberry Normal School and taught for eight years. Her parents, Maurice H. and Lucy M. Hill, both passed away many years ago. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Bathe are as follows: John and L. D., of Andover; T. J., of Lamoni; Mrs. Fred Jones, who is living in Andover; and Mrs. Riley Hurst, of Lamoni. Mr. and Mrs. Bathe have two children: Irvin Lee, eight years of age, who is attending school; and G. R., who will be five years of age in June, 1915.
Mr. Bathe is a republican and is serving efficiently as trustee of Bloomington township and as president of the local school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, to whose teachings he is loyal. His wife holds membership in the Christian church and takes a commendable interest in the furtherance of its work. Mr. Bathe is progressive in all that he does and has contributed to the advancement of general farming and stock-raising interests in Decatur county as well as gained marked success for himself.
WILLIAM C. COZAD.
William C. Cozad, who served acceptably as county treasurer, on the expiration of his term in December, 1914, returned to his farm in Morgan township, Decatur county, and is now engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. His birth occurred in Warren county, Indiana, on the 19th of December, 1849, and his parents were A. and Emeline (Swank) Cozad. For several years the father farmed in the Hoosier state but in 1854 he removed to Decatur county, Iowa, where he homesteaded land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his remain- ing years. He held several township offices and supported the demo- cratic party. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were highly esteemed in their locality. He passed away in 1868 but she survived until 1902. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Jacob A .; John S .; Aaron A .; James H .; William C .; Rosa A., who married William Woods; Lucinda I., who died in 1888; Mary E., who is the wife of R. F. Dunham; Josie E .; and Joseph, who died in infancy.
William C. Cozad attended the country schools during the win- ters, when his assistance was not needed upon the farm, and remained with his parents until he reached mature years. Upon starting out for himself he continued to farm, although he taught school for a
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few years through the winter months. From the beginning he was successful in his chosen occupation, as he had received thorough train- ing in agricultural work as a youth. He has held every elective office in his township and in 1910 was elected county treasurer on the democratic ticket and in 1912 was reelected to that office. He was not only scrupulous in the discharge of his duties, safeguarding at every turn the funds of the county, but he was also systematic and efficient and proved an excellent treasurer. Following the expira- tion of his second term he returned to his farm in Morgan township, the operation of which he supervised during his tenure of office, and he is now giving his time and attention to farming and stock-raising.
In 1873 Mr. Cozad married Miss Nancy J. Bright, a daughter of Jacob Bright, of Decatur county. Mr. and Mrs. Cozad have four children: Herbert E., who married Miss Anna Cartwright and has three children, David W., Edith and Winston C .; Lottie M .; Floyd H., who married Lois Stewart; and Angie H. Mr. Cozad stands well in his community and well merits the confidence placed in him, for in all the relations of life he has conformed his conduct to high moral standards. As an agriculturist he is progressive and en- ergetic and he finds farming not only highly profitable but also congenial.
O. L. WELD.
O. L. Weld, who owns an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 19 and 20, Fayette township, has resided in Decatur county since the spring of 1899 and is well known and highly esteemed here. His birth occurred in Miller township, La Salle county, Illinois, January 18, 1866, and he is a son of G. W. and Mary (Olsen) Weld, now residents of Lamoni, Iowa. The father is now past eighty-one years of age, while the mother is seventy- eight. To their union were born four children, those besides our sub- ject being: F. M., of Lamoni; Mrs. Phoebe Allen, a widow living in that city; and Mrs. Carrie J. Danielson, of Holden, Missouri.
Mr. Weld was reared and educated in La Salle county, Illinois, and early in life became familiar with agricultural pursuits. He has never desired to follow any other occupation and has been very suc- cessful as a farmer and stock-raiser. In 1899 he removed to Decatur county, Iowa, and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of pro- ductive land on sections 19 and 20, Fayette township, which he has
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recently leased, so that he is now enjoying a period of well earned rest.
Mr. Weld is independent. politically as he believes that the interests of good government are best served by refusing to obey the dictates of party bosses. He has done well the work that has come to his hand, and his industry, integrity and public spirit have gained him the esteem of many.
JOHN NISH.
John Nish, who was an efficient and well known farmer of Frank- lin township, was born on the 1st of December, 1834, in Scotland, a son of William and Grace (McGeoch) Nish, both natives of that country. When sixteen years of age our subject accompanied his father to the United States and they located in Auburn, New York, where they were joined a year later by the mother and the other chil- dren. After a few years the family removed to McHenry county, Illinois, and there they continued to reside until all of the children reached maturity. Subsequently the parents became residents of Lake county, Illinois, where both passed away, the demise of the mother occurring in 1890, when she was seventy-five years of age, and that of the father in 1900. They were the parents of twelve children.
In 1878 John Nish came to Decatur county and purchased one hundred acres of excellent land on section 1, Franklin township. He was characterized by unremitting industry and excellent judg- ment and his farm became one of the best improved properties of his locality. He erected fine buildings and secured the latest ma- chinery to facilitate the work of the fields. In all that he did he was progressive and also practical and he received a gratifying income from his land.
Mr. Nish was married on the 21st of March, 1878, to Mrs. Mary (Hamilton) McDowell, a daughter of Thomas Hamilton and a native of Scotland. She was brought to the United States by her parents when but five years of age and the family home was estab- lished in Chicago, where both her father and mother passed away. They were the parents of five children, of whom three daughters sur- vive. Mrs. Nish had three children by her first husband and by her marriage to our subject became the mother of seven children, namely: John Hamilton, who was born January 1, 1879, and who is operating
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the homestead in partnership with his brother, Eugene David; Charles Edgar, who died in infancy; Eugene David, who was born October 5, 1883; William Thomas, of Des Moines, born January 20, 1886, who is with the Great Western Railroad Company and who is married and has one child; Mary Grace, who was born July 23, 1888; May Marguerite, who was born August 20, 1891, and is teach- ing in this county; and Jessie Florence, who was born May 1, 1894, and who is also a teacher.
Mr. Nish was a republican and took a keen interest in everything relating to the public welfare although he never sought official pre- ferment. He was well educated, was an omnivorous reader and was especially concerned for the advancement of the public schools. He served as a member of the school board for a number of years and was also president of that body, doing much in an official capacity to secure improvements in the local schools. He attended the Methodist Episcopal church and his family are still active in the work of that organization. He was a man of unswerving integrity and of much force of character and all who came in contact with him esteemed him highly. His demise, which occurred on the 8th of August, 1910, was the occasion of sincere regret and his many friends still cherish his memory.
WILLIAM MELVIN YOUNG.
William Melvin Young, a well known farmer and stock-raiser, owning and operating a fine farm on section 16, Garden Grove town- ship, was born near Lake Erie, in the province of Ottawa, Canada, on the 20th of February, 1853. His father, William M. Young, was born in Onondaga county, New York, and the mother, whose maiden name was Miss Amelia Coon, was born in Connecticut. Both accom- panied their respective parents to Canada in their youth and their marriage was celebrated in the Dominion. In the fall of 1865 they removed with their family to Livingston county, Illinois, where they farmed for a year, after which the family removed to Decatur county, Iowa. The father purchased a quarter section of unimproved land on section 16, Garden Grove township, from Retus Shaw, whose family had entered it at five dollars per acre. Mr. Young devoted his ener- gies to improving his farm for many years and at the time of his death also owned land in Kansas and in the state of Washington. He passed away in Humeston, Iowa, at the home of a daughter, in
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December, 1898, when eighty-two years of age. In 1847, while living in Canada, he served as a lieutenant in the Ninth Battalion of the Leeds Militia and aided in putting down the Fenian raid. His polit- ical belief was that of the republican party and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. His wife, who was also a communicant of that church, died on the home farm in Garden Grove township, November 24, 1893, when nearly seventy- three years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. William M. Young were the parents of eight chil- dren, of whom four survive, those besides our subject being: Abra- ham C., who was born in 1849 and who is now a lumberman of Tacoma, Washington; James D., born in 1857, who resides at Wallace, Idaho, and is a mine operator in the Cœur d'Alene district; and Mrs. Susan Mallette, twin of James D., who is the widow of Isaac Mallette and resides at Humeston, Iowa. Those deceased are Philip, Justin, John and David, the last named of whom died in infancy.
William M. Young was about thirteen years of age when the family located in Garden Grove township, this county, and continued his education in the public schools here, studying under Professor Harkness and others. During his boyhood and youth he learned much concerning practical methods of agriculture and since reaching man's estate has farmed independently. He owns the homestead on section 16, Garden Grove township, and gives considerable attention to the raising of stock in addition to growing the usual crops.
Mr. Young was married at Hopkins, Missouri, in 1881 to Miss Jane Alice Goodwin, who was born in Clinton county, Missouri, on the 13th of March, 1866, of the marriage of Tobias and Cordelia (Breckenridge) Goodwin. The latter was a niece of the Hon. John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, and her grandfather was in his day one of the largest slave owners in Clay county, Missouri. Her birth occurred in Missouri, where her people had settled on removing from Kentucky. The family came originally from England. Tobias Goodwin was a native of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Young have become the parents of five children: Grace D., who died at the age of eighteen years and who was a successful teacher; Dora, who died when seventeen years old; Bertha, who is assistant principal of the schools at Washta, Iowa; William M., who was sixteen years of age in March, 1915, and who is of the fourth generation of the family to bear the name of William; and Jessie Elizabeth, thirteen years old.
Mr. Young is a republican and has served in a number of local offices. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church of Le Roy and work for the moral betterment of their community.
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He has resided in Decatur county for many years and was the second man to ride on a train in the county, John Arnold being the first and the train being one used in the construction of the railroad. He also helped to put up the first telegraph line into Garden Grove and has many interesting reminiscences of the early days. The success that he has gained is well deserved and all those who have been associated with him hold him in high esteem.
ELDER JOHN SMITH.
For fourteen years Elder John Smith has been president of the Lamoni branch and of the Lamoni stake of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints and pastor of the local congregation. He was born in Stockport, Lancashire, England, February 8, 1844, a son of Henry and Mary Smith, the latter of whom died when our subject was but three months old. He was but a boy of about twelve years when his father died and in his early youth began to provide for his own support. The father was a weaver by trade and was quite well known in his community. He was active in politics and kept well informed as to public affairs. To him and his wife were born four children and our subject has a sister, Mrs. Edward Smith, who is living in England at the age of seventy-six years. The grand- father served under Wellington at Waterloo and received a pension from the British government.
When but eight years of age John Smith was placed in a mill to learn weaving and before that had been employed at running errands. However, he was able to spend some time in school while a boy and by close application and the habit of reading during his spare moments, he gained quite a good education. In 1862, when eighteen years of age, he emigrated to the United States and in the following year enlisted in the United States naval service as a lands- man, and served for over a year, being then honorably discharged. He is now receiving a pension from the federal government. Upon returning to civil life he again took up his residence at Fall River, Massachusetts, where he had settled on first emigrating to this coun- try. In 1865 he became connected with the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints and the following year began preaching in the east. He was especially active in the ministry at Fall River and New Bedford, Massachusetts, and in addition to his work as a preacher found time to serve as justice of the peace, which office he
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held for fourteen years, or from 1886 to 1900. He was appointed for two seven year terms, his efficiency and honesty being attested by the fact that he was appointed by both a republican and a demo- cratic governor. While in New Bedford he was for several years engaged in grocery business and also devoted considerable attention to real estate and insurance. Shortly before the expiration of his second term as justice of the peace Mr. Smith emigrated westward and located in Lamoni, Iowa. From the time of his arrival in Lamoni, on the 31st of March, 1900, to the present, he has been active in church work here and since May, 1901, has been pastor of the local congregation of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints. He is also president of the Lamoni branch and of the Lamoni stake and from April, 1900, until April, 1902, was business manager and treas- urer of the Herald Publishing House. His enthusiasm, ability and moral stamina have done much to further the interests of his denom- ination in Lamoni and Decatur county and he is unsparing of his time and energy in promoting the further growth of the church.
On the Ist of July, 1865, Mr. Smith married Miss Mary A. Gilbert, a native of England, who passed away in 1898 at New Bed- ford, Massachusetts, leaving two children. Mrs. Lewis E. Bentley, the daughter, is the wife of the superintendent of a large cotton mill of New Bedford, but they reside at Fairhaven, Massachusetts. They have a son and daughter. Hiram, who is employed in the New Bed- ford postoffice, is married and also has a son and daughter. On the 14th of January, 1900, Mr. Smith married Mrs. Kate E. (Donohue) Blood, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1847, a daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Donohue, likewise natives of the Bay state. The family is of Irish descent and was established in Boston when there were no street cars and omnibuses were the means of transporta- tion. Jeremiah Donohue was a ship carpenter and met with a fair measure of success in that occupation. He was a good citizen and a loving husband and father. Mrs. Smith was reared in the Catholic faith but in 1873 was converted to the belief of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints. She was then a consumptive and was considered incurable, but after becoming a member of that church she was completely cured and for the past forty years has enjoyed excellent health. While living in the east she was very active in the church and in the Sunday school and since removing to Lamoni she has been a factor in the growth of the local church and is the teacher of a class of young women in the Sunday school. She is much inter- ested in the cause of Christian education and is a charter member of the Patronesses of Graceland College, a church school.
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Elder Smith is a republican and has always taken much interest in the affairs of government. While living in Massachusetts he was a candidate for the state legislature and, as before mentioned, was for fourteen years justice of the peace. He continues his relations with his comrades in arms as a member of Jolin R. Andrews Post, No. 487, G. A. R., of which he is commander. He has many friends and all who have been closely associated with him hold him in sincere respect.
EDWARD WERNITCH.
Edward Wernitch, deceased, was for a number of years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in New Buda township and was , highly esteemed by those who knew him. His birth occurred in Marion county, Iowa, February 25, 1856, and he was a son of John and Katherine (Hohn) Wernitch, natives of Germany, who settled in Marion county, Iowa, at an early day in the history of this state. Subsequently they removed just over the line into Missouri. The father worked at the cabinetmaker's trade in Germany and after arriving in this country he followed cabinet and carpenter work and also gave some attention to farming. He passed away February 28, 1906, and his wife died in November, 1909.
Edward Wernitch grew to manhood in Missouri and there re- ceived a common-school education. He remained with his parents until he became of age and after his marriage, came to Decatur county, Iowa, buying eighty acres on section 16, New Buda township. He operated that tract for many years, or until ill health compelled him to abandon farm work. He was an invalid for two years before his demise, which occurred on the 14th of November, 1890. He was energetic and planned his work carefully and met with a gratifying measure of success as an agriculturist.
On the 23d of October, 1877, Mr. Wernitch married Miss Clara R. Gasaway, a daughter of Marion and Margaret (Lawrence) Gasa- way, natives of Indiana. Mrs. Wernitch was born in the Hoosier state, September 23, 1855, and in the following year was taken by her parents to southern Missouri, where the father engaged in farm- ing. During the Civil war he sold out and went to Kansas, thence to Illinois and still later back to Indiana, where he passed away in October, 1865. He had survived his wife for a number of years, as she died in January, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Wernitch became the par-
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ents of four children : Lulu M., the wife of Ed E. Graham, a farmer of this county; Margaret J., who is teaching school at Hanover, Kansas; John F., who died in April, 1884, when thirteen months old; and Laura E., the wife of Quintin B. Wright, who is principal of schools at Mineral, Washington. Mrs. Wernitch has seven grand- children, including the two daughters and three sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ed E. Graham, and a son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Quintin B. Wright.
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