USA > Iowa > Webster County > Fort Dodge > History of Fort Dodge and Webster County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 23
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
AMBROSE R. WRIGHT.
Ambrose R. Wright is a retired farmer, living at the corner of Fourth avenue and Fifteenth street in Fort Dodge. The eighty- three years of his life record present many admirable and substan- tial qualities of manhood and of citizenship and he has ever enjoyed the high regard and confidence of those with whom he associated. He was born in Sullivan, Sullivan county, New York, Septem- ber 30, 1829. His grandfather, Samuel Wright, served his country as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and in days of peace fol- lowed farming for many years in Sullivan county, New York. He had three sons, Samuel, Daniel and John. The first named was reared in Sullivan county and became a farmer, hunter and trapper. He was sent for by farmers miles distant from his place of abode to catch wolves that were killing sheep and he received thirty dollars bounty per head. He always kept two guns and was a remarkably accurate shot. He had several encounters with wild animals, as thrilling as any tale of fiction. At one time his clothing was all torn from his body by a bear, which he killed with a club after an exciting battle, managing to escape with his own life. He had wounded the bear with squirrel shot, and this only angered the animal, which then attacked him. He was well ad- vanced in years when he went to Indiana to visit two sisters who were living there. That winter he proceeded to Wisconsin on a hunting and trapping expedition and had exciting times with the Indians, who would steal his game from the traps. Later he returned to New York, where he died about 1852, when sixty-
268
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
two years of age. In early manhood he married Frances Curry, also a native of the Empire state and a daughter of Stephen and Anna Curry, who were likewise born in New York, where her father followed the occupation of farming. He lived to the very remarkable old age of one hundred and two years. In his family were seven children, Thomas, Frances, John, William, Stephen, James and another daughter. Of these Frances became Mrs. Wright and, surviving her husband for a number of years, she passed away in 1865, at the age of seventy-three. Both were con- sistent Christian people, holding membership in the Methodist church. Their children were eight in number, six of whom reached years of maturity: Thomas; Stephen; Anna, who mar- ried Henry Denman: Daniel; Ambrose R .; and Tamar, who became the wife of Morgan Hornbeck.
. Ambrose R. Wright was reared in Sullivan county, New York, early becoming familiar with all the experiences that fall to the lot of the farm lad. His education was largely acquired in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, furnished with slab seats, which were supposed to have been planed off but an occasional hem- lock sliver would make the small boy realize that he was not sitting on a polished board. The farmers in the neighborhood contributed the fuel, taking turns in hauling wood for the fires. and the school boys would have to chop it. Some times the children would take the benches outside and put them along in a row in order to make a slide, which furnished amusement during the recess period.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Ambrose Wright in his boyhood and youth. On the 2d of January. 1850, however, he made arrangements for having a home of his own through his marriage to Miss Diana Bowers, a daughter of Palmer Bowers. In July. 1907, when in her seventy-sixth year she passed away in the faith of the Presby- terian church, of which she was a devoted member. She was born in Sullivan county. New York, in 1832 and her parents were also natives of that state. while her paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright were born eleven children : Frances : Silas : Edgar : Alice : Viola : Leone: Annie: Dr. Oscar Wright, who resides in Dakota; Dr. Clark, deceased, formerly of El Paso, Texas : Earl ; and one, who died in infancy. There are also over thirty grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.
269
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
Following his marriage Mr. Wright continued to reside in the Empire state until 1877, when he came to Iowa and settled on a homestead about ten miles west of Fort Dodge, securing a claim of eighty acres. He afterward bought and sold land and at one time was the owner of four hundred acres. After carrying on farming for twenty-eight years in Webster county he took up his abode in Fort Dodge, where he has since lived, and here he built three houses, which he still owns and which bring him a good income. Although past eighty-three years of age, he is well preserved, possessing all of his faculties, and is quite active for one of his years. He began life a poor boy, without assistance, and has since made his own way in the world. He and his esti- mable wife experienced and endured the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life but met all uncomplainingly, traveling life's journey happily together and sharing each other's joys and sor- rows. It was their aim to set before their children a good example, to live peaceably with all men and to do unto others as they would be done by. The noble qualities of his nature have won for Mr. Wright the high regard and friendship of all with whom he has come into contact. He is one of the worthy old settlers of the county and it is with pleasure that we present his record to our readers.
WALTER POWERS.
One of the most attractive properties of Douglas township is the two hundred acre farm of Walter Powers, whose capably di- rected energies have ranked him among the representative agri- culturists of Webster county. AAlthough the greater part of his life has been passed in the west, he is a son of New England, his birth having occurred in Maine in July, 1842. His father, Steven Powers, was a native of the same state, while the mother, whose maiden name was Mary Colwell, was born in Pennsylvania. Their family numbered three sons and two daughters, all of whom lived to attain maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Powers made their home in Maine until the spring of 1856, when they removed to Iowa with their family, locating in Webster county. Here the father, whose energies were always devoted to farming, bought three hundred and twenty acres of land. It was entirely without
270
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
improvements and had never been even broken, but with the persistent diligence characteristic of the New Englander he soon had erected the necessary buildings for the comfort of himself and family and then applied himself to the plowing of his fields. He later increased his holdings by the purchase of an adjoining tract of two hundred acres, all of which had been placed under cultivation and had been converted into a well improved farm before he passed away in 1880. He was survived by the mother, whose death occurred in 1900.
The life of Walter Powers has not been unusual in any respect, but is that of the average man whose years are passed in the country. When old enough to begin his education he entered the district schools of his native state, which he attended until he came to Iowa with his parents. As he was only fourteen years of age when the family located in Webster county, he here resumed his studies, continuing to attend school until he had mastered the common branches. He was early brought to realize the re- sponsibilities and duties of life, and can hardly remember when he had not some definitely assigned tasks which had to be per- formed regularly. When still a school boy he worked in the fields and before attaining his maturity was familiar with the practical methods of agriculture. He lived on the home farm until after the death of the parents when he and his brothers bought the interest of their sisters in the homestead, which they subsequently divided. Mr. Powers received as his portion his present holding, which was entirely unimproved. During the intervening years a comfortable residence and substantial barns and sheds have been erected. while as his circumstances have warranted he has added many minor improvements and modern inventions. Thus he has not only increased the productiveness of his farm, but he has added greatly to its attractiveness as a place of residence, both of which have contributed to its value. Diversified farming and stock-raising have always been Mr. Powers' main source of revenue, and under his systematic and capable direction both have proven very remunerative.
In June, 1877, Mr. Powers was married to Miss Katie McIntyre. and to them have been born six children: Steven, William and John, who are deceased : Mary Ann ; Aileen ; and Leon W., who is a student at the Chicago University.
The church connection of the family is that of the Roman Cath- olic, and politically Mr. Powers stanchly supports the demo-
271
1
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
cratic party. He takes an interest in all township affairs and has served for several years as trustee. He is a man who is always ready to serve in any public capacity and after the Spirit Lake massacre joined one of the regiments organized to protect the settlers from the Indians. Mr. Powers has prospered in his under- takings, but it is the success which invariably rewards the man, who energetically applies himself to acquiring a thorough mastery of the business he is engaged in and utilizes the knowledge thus gained in an intelligent manner.
PETER A. HOUGE.
On July 24, 1908, occurred an event which was the occasion of genuine sorrow in the village of Badger as well as in the sur- rounding districts, for on that date Peter A. Houge, who had been an honored and respected citizen of the county for forty years, passed away. Mr. Houge had for many years been engaged in farming and in various business activities in the section and was mayor of Badger when he died. He was, therefore, widely and favorably known and had a wide circle of friends. He was a na- tive of Wisconsin, having been born in this state on June 26, 1860, and was a son of John and Carrie (Dahl) Houge, natives of Nor- way. His parents came to America at an early date and located in Wisconsin, where the father farmed for a number of years finally coming to Iowa where he settled in Webster county. In 1868 he took up land in Badger township which he improved and operated until his death which occurred on November 1I, 1892, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His wife survived him until 1905, dying in .August of that year.
Mr. Houge has been a resident of Badger township since he was eight years of age. His education was received in the public schools of this section and he remained at home until he had attained his majority. When he was twenty-one years of age he began active life for himself, renting one of his father's farms and operated the same for several years with gratifying success. He purchased this property and carried on general agriculture until 1890, when he moved to the village of Badger and established himself in the merchandise business, conducting a store and farm- ing at the same time for about one year. He later disposed of
272
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
his general mercantile business and conducted a hardware store which he operated successfully and along the most progressive and modern lines until his death which occurred in July, 1908.
In January, 1882, Mr. Houge was united in marriage to Miss Elinor E. Lindberg, a daughter of John and Christine Lindberg, natives of Sweden. Her father came to America at an early date, settling in Illinois where he farmed for a number of years coming later to Webster county where he purchased land in Harden town- ship which he operated and developed until September, 1893. Both parents were making their home with Mrs. Houge when they passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Houge had four children: Irene E., the wife of Frederick Dorheim, of Badger; Arnold E., who is a hardware merchant in the same village; Clifford K., who is a successful furniture dealer ; and Pearl L., who passed away in January, 1911.
In his political affiliations Mr. Houge was a firm republican and always actively interested in the welfare and progress of his section. He held many township offices and was mayor of Badger at the time of his death. He was a member of the Modern Wood- men of America and well known in the affairs of that organiza- tion. He was an active and industrious man, of a good business and political ability, being systematic and efficient in the conduct of his mercantile business, and upright, conscientious and public spirited in his official life. His prosperity was of the solid kind which is the outgrowth of merit and his business was kept sub- servient to his duties of citizenship. His death caused widespread regret which was a genuine tribute of sorrow for the close of a worthy life.
REV. JAMES J. DOLLIVER.
The term "Father Dolliver," by which he was everywhere known, indicated how high was the position which the Rev. James Jones Dolli- ver held in the regard and love of his fellowmen. It is a name that transcends that of any title, indicating the closest possible relationship in all that is beautiful and sacred in life. In his later years, as the result of his far-reaching efforts in the ministry and the noble life which he led, he became known as Father Dolliver throughout the entire country, and especially in Washington, where his last days were
REV. JAMES J. DOLLIVER
THE DRO PUBLIC VICARI
AS, I X AND
TI . N FOUNDA IONS.
273
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
passed in the home of his distinguished son, J. P. Dolliver. A native of Saratoga county, New York, he was born in 1816, a son of Captain Henry and Mary (Van Vorhees) Dolliver. The former was captain of a ship running between New York and Liverpool and served in the War of 1812. Captured by the British, he was sent to Dartmoor prison in England, being released at the cessation of hostilities, after which he returned to America.
James J. Dolliver acquired his education in the public schools of New Jersey, where he spent his early boyhood and afterward engaged in teaching school. He was truly a self-made man so far as regards college education, but in the school of experience he learned many valuable lessons. He learned to know and interpret human nature, to understand and sympathize with human weaknesses and to encourage and promote the better qualities. Taking up the profession of teaching, he was throughout his life an educator, not in the limited sense of giving instruction in the rudimentary branches or even in the classics and sciences, but a teacher in the broader sense of preparing the individual for life's responsible duties. On leaving the east he removed to Ohio and engaged in merchandising in Columbus. While there living he was converted and, resolving to devote his life to the cause of Christianity, became a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. For more than a half century he was thus in active connection with the church, preaching in Virginia and in West Virginia, where he was particularly interested in the educational affairs of the church. He was ever proud of the fact that he had been a circuit rider in Vir- ginia, carrying the gospel into isolated homes and districts where there was much need of the cheering word and message of religion.
At Kingwood, Preston county, Virginia, Mr. Dolliver was mar- ried to Eliza Jane Brown, a daughter of Robert Brown of that place. The family to which she belonged was one of the oldest and most distinguished in the state, her uncle, William G. Brown, being a mem- ber of congress when the state of West Virginia was formed. The children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Dolliver were the Rev. Robert H. Dolliver, who married Mary Ella Barrett, of Ohio; the Hon. Jonathan P. Dolliver, who married Louise Pearsons, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Victor Brown, who wedded Augusta Larrabee; Mary, the wife of Ed- win R. Graham, of Ohio; and Margaret Gay Dolliver, who now occu- pies the position of dean of women at Morningside College.
The Rev. James J. Dolliver gave his political allegiance to the republican party and with him politics meant one of the departments
274
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
of citizenship, which term always carries with it a sense of obligation and responsibility as well as of privilege. He was concerned with the vital sociological, economical and political questions of the day as well as with the great moral problems, and his influence was ever a permeat- ing force on the side of progress, reform, justice and truth. He lived with his son, the Hon. Jonathan P. Dolliver, during the latter's public career in Washington and was honored and beloved by all who knew him. He died in the capital city at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years and was laid to rest in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Thus ended the earthly career of "Father Dolliver" but his memory is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him and his influence is felt in the lives of all who came under his teaching.
LUTHER HERBERT PRATT.
Luther Herbert Pratt, who lives upon his farm on section 22, Otho Township, was born in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, on the 11th of February, 1843. His parents were Luther M. and Chloe D. (Moore) Pratt, both of whom were natives of Gran- ville. The father, a wagon maker by trade, worked at that occupation in Granville for a number of years. Subsequently he followed farming in the Buckeye state until the spring of 1866, when he came to Webster county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of land on section 28, Otho Township. Later he bought additional tracts of land until he owned a farm of two hundred and twenty-two and one-half acres. Here his wife died Novem- ber 8, 1878. He married again, in 1880, his second wife being Jane M. (Kennedy) Madden. After this he spent part of his time on the farm and part in Gowrie, Iowa. His demise, however, oc- curred in South Dakota, October 21, 1890, while he was in that state on business. His second wife died in Rockford, Washing- ton, July 29, 1900.
The subject of this sketch was reared in the state of his nativity and worked at home for his father until 1862. Then came the call of President Lincoln for volunteers, and August 15, 1862, Mr. Pratt enlisted as a private in Company A, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained with that command until he was mustered out, July 3. 1865. After the war he came to Webster county, Iowa, and lived with his parents for several years. In 1875 he rented a farm in Otho township, devoting his attention to its opera-
MR. AND MRS. L. H. PRATT
90
-
i
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AC X AND TI D N FOUNDA IDNS.
277
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
tion for three years. Then, in 1878, he went to Clinton county, Iowa, where for one year he owned and conducted a drug store. Later, in 1879, he was appointed postmaster of Charlotte, and acted in that capacity for six years. With the change of administration, when Cleveland became president, he was relieved of the office. Soon after, in April, 1886, he returned to Webster county, Iowa, and cultivated rented land for eight years. Subsequently in 1894, he purchased sixty- five acres of his present farm, on section 22, Otho township, and began the improvement of the place. The farm house is situated on the bluffs overlooking the Des Moines River valley, and is surrounded by native timber, making a pleasant and attractive property. This with some additional land, afterward purchased, still remains the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pratt.
On the 29th of August, 1875, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Miss Vergenia L. Markham, a daughter of Elijah and Zurviah Mary (Shaw) Markham, both of whom were natives of New York, and where she herself was born March 22, 1854. The father, a carpenter by trade, worked at that occupation in the Empire state until April, 1855, when he came to Iowa, locating at Charlotte, Clinton county. There he continued the work of his trade and spent the remainder of his life, passing away on the 4th of November, 1904. His wife had previously died on the 8th of January, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have one son, Harlow M., who is an attorney of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and the editor of this history.
In politics Mr. Pratt is a stanch republican. He has served as trustee of Otho township and has also filled the offices of as- sessor and school director at different times. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church, while his wife is a Methodist.
HIRAM H. BALDWIN, M. D.
Dr. Hiram H. Baldwin is one of the well known members of the medical fraternity of Webster county, having been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of this profession in Clare for twenty years. He was born in De Kalb, Illinois, on the 12th of September, 1849, and is a son of Smith D. and Sarah D. (Hopkins) Baldwin, natives of Ohio and Salem, New York, re- Vol. II-16
278
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
spectively. At the age of twenty-one years, the father enlisted as second lieutenant under Captain John Chapman of the Third Ohio Infantry and went to the front in the Mexican war. He enlisted at Tiffin, Ohio, on the 3d of June, 1846, and remained in the service for thirteen months. A blacksmith by trade, when mustered out of the army he went to DeKalb, Illinois, and es- tablished a wagon and blacksmith shop, which he conducted for many years. He also entered a hundred and sixty acres of land and engaged to a limited degree in agricultural pursuits in con- nection with working at his trade. In 1869, he removed with his family to Calhoun county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of land in the vicinity of Lake City. The development of his farm engaged his entire time and attention during the remainder of his life, his death here occurring in August, 1872, at the age of forty-seven years. He was long survived by the mother, who had nearly reached the eighty-seventh anniversary of her birth before passing away on January 6, 1912.
Dr. Baldwin was reared and educated in his native town, where he passed the first twenty years of his life. After leaving the public school he learned the printer's trade, which he followed in DeKalb for four years. He accompanied his family on their 1emoval to Iowa and assisted his father with the cultivation of the home place until 1871. During that time he also assisted in establishing and operating the first newspaper in Calhoun county. In the fall of '71, he returned to DeKalb and began the study of medicine under the direction of his uncle, Dr. Robert Hopkins. The next year he matriculated in the medical department of the Northwestern University and there continued his professional studies for a year. Having exhausted his funds at the expiration of that period he was compelled to go to work in order to acquire the means to continue his education. The next four years he was employed at various vocations, resuming his studies in the fall of 1878. He remained in college during the succeeding two years. being graduated with the class of 1880. Upon receiving his degree he returned to Lake City, where he established an office and en- gaged in the practice of his profession until the 25th of August, 1892, when he disposed of his interests at that point and came to Clare. Here he has ever since been located and has met with a good measure of success in building up a practice. He owns a nice residence and business building on Main street, and is held in high regard in the community both as a representative of his
279
HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY
profession and as a private citizen. In addition to his private practice Dr. Baldwin is the local examiner for several of the old line insurance companies.
In March, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Baldwin and Miss Margaret A. Hines, of Janesville, Wisconsin. She is a daughter of Patrick and Johana Hines, natives of Ireland, whence they emigrated to the United States in early life.
Dr. Baldwin is not identified with any church but Mrs. Baldwin is a Roman Catholic. He votes the democratic ticket, and while living in Calhoun county took an active interest in politics, having been the first mayor of Lake City, where he also held the office of postmaster from 1886 to 1890. He is a member of the County and State Medical Societies, through the medium of which organiza- tions he maintains relations with his fellow practitioners. A residence in Clare covering a period of more than twenty years has enabled Dr. Baldwin to prove himself to be not only a skilful physician and surgeon but a man of many estimable qualities and . traits of character, which have served to win him the stanch loyalty of a large circle of friends.
PATRICK T. BURKE.
Patrick T. Burke has been engaged in the general merchandise business in Barnum, Iowa, for many years, having a record of almost twenty-five years of continuously successful activity in one location. By being always upright and straightforward in his methods and standards of operation and by keeping his stock of the highest quality he has become known as the most trust- worthy tradesman in the village and has gained well deserved prosperity. He was born in Johnson township, February 1, 1865, and is a son of Philip and Bridget (Connors) Burke, natives of Ireland. The father came to America in 1852, settling first in Illinois, where he worked at railroading. In 1857 he came to Webster county and entered land near Clare, Johnson township. After proving his title he moved upon the property, which he operated and developed until 1870, when he disposed of his hold- ings and went to Calhoun county. Here he again purchased land and farmed along progressive lines until his death, which oc- curred in September, 1877. He was killed in a runaway accident. His wife survived him until December, 1907.
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.