USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 14
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Charles Beed, whose name introduces this review, remained at home with his parents in London until eight years of age, when he was sent to school, there pursuing his studies until he reached the age of fourteen. He was a lad of twelve when his parents started for America and two years later, on the 4th of July, 1857, he left London for the new world. While going down the Thames river they passed the Great Eastern, then the largest ship ever built. It took from the ist of November, 1857, until the 30th of January, 1858, to launch it. It was launched broadside instead of stern first. The vessel on which Charles Beed sailed was fifty days in making the voyage, during which time they encountered some heavy storms and also some calms, which greatly delayed the progress of the sail- ing vessel. It was on the 20th of August, 1857, that anchor was dropped in the harbor of New York. Charles Beed expected some- one to meet him and remained alone on shipboard for three days and nights, but as no one came for him he started alone for Hamp- ton, Iowa, the address on his trunk reading "Hampton, near Mays- ville, Franklin county, Iowa, United States of America." He reached his parents' home in September, 1857, having completed the trip by stage from a point just a little this side of Dubuque. The family residence was a log cabin about sixteen by twenty feet. There was one story, all in one room, and a garret. There was a window at each end of the room, consisting of six pains of glass, eight by ten inches, which had been brought from Dubuque. The garret con- stituted the bedroom of the family, nine in all, and a piece of calico served as a curtain to divide the room, the father, mother and sister sleeping in one end, while the boys occupied the other. There was a bedstead for the parents, but the children all slept upon the floor. The house was not plastered, the logs being bare, while the roof was of split oak timber. In the winter there was plenty of covering, some times four inches of it being nice white snow, for the roof was so open that the snow would sift in through the crevices.
When spring came Charles Beed had to go to work putting in crops and soon he made a full hand in improving the farm which had been purchased. He remained at home with his parents until December 29, 1866, when he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Haecker. They took up their abode upon a quarter section of land a mile east of the old homestead, and for a number of years Mr. Beed continued its cultivation and improvement. He still owns that property and also some adjoining land. In 1878 he formed a partnership with Charles Pease in the hardware business, in which he continued until a few years ago, when he suffered an accident
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that permanently disabled him for further business, although for the last few years he has worked to some extent around his farm of sixty-three acres lying within the town limits of Hampton.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beed were born ten children, of whom two died in infancy, while eight are yet living. Charles Lockwood, the eldest, is conducting the hardware business established by his father. Mersey, the eldest daughter, was born in Hampton, where she has always made her home, being now the wife of Bert Page. Frank, the third child, is living on the old home farm in Ingham township, on which his parents began their domestic life. Louis occupies a farm adjoining the old homestead. Roy is working at the plumber's trade in Waterloo. Victor follows the same in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ruth T. and Harry are still at home with their parents.
The farming interests of Mr. Beed comprise more than seven hundred acres of the rich and productive soil of Iowa. He occupies a fine home at No. 620 South Reeve street, and has reached a finan- cial position that enables him to enjoy the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but is without political ambition or aspiration. He belongs to the Congregational church and is interested in all that pertains to the moral as well as the mate- rial welfare of the city in which he lives. He has now compassed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but is a vigorous, well preserved man and many more years should yet be accorded him. His life has been one of activity and usefulness, crowned with suc- cess, and because of the fact that he has never taken advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in business transactions but has always been straightforward and honorable he is accorded the con- fidence and friendly regard of those with whom he has been asso- ciated.
JOSEPH HENRY ROBERTS.
Joseph Henry Roberts, engaged in general farming upon the Roberts homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on section 7, Reeve township, was born in Franklin county, October 8, 1881. He is a son of Joseph R. and Josephine (Lyne) Roberts, natives of England and now residents of Hampton. In their family are three children : Joseph Henry, of this review; Ethel, at home; and Nellie, the wife of Dr. C. O. Brewster, of Britt, Iowa.
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Joseph Henry Roberts acquired his education in the public and high schools of Hampton and following the completion of his studies assumed the management of the homestead, which he has since suc- cessfully operated, engaging in general farming. He owns also eighty acres of choice land on section 6, Reeve township, and by his intelligent management and careful supervision has made this a pro- ductive and valuable farm.
On the 11th of January, 1905, Mr. Roberts was united in mar- riage to Miss Amy Bertha Staley, a daughter of James K. and Susan (Lacey) Staley, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Marshall county, lowa. The father has passed away and the mother makes her home in Hampton. In their family were five children: Nettie, the wife of W. S. Hevermann; Solomon, of Des Moines, Iowa; Amy Bertha, wife of the subject of this review ; James D., of Des Moines ; and Edmund, of Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts became the par- ents of five children : Harry R., who was born November 15, 1905; Amy Grace, deceased; Gladys MI., born April 30, 1909; Lester L., who has passed away; and Dewitt C., who was born June 11, 1912.
Mr. Roberts is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a devout member of the Baptist church. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving with credit and ability as secretary of the school board. He is a young man of force, ambition and enterprise and, he stands high in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.
H. G. SCHAEFER.
H. G. Schaefer, who has been successfully identified with mer- cantile interests in Sheffield for a number of years, is the owner of a handsome brick block and conducts the largest store in the town, the main building being utilized in the sale of ladies' apparel, dry goods and groceries, while there is another department devoted to clothing and men's furnishings. The period of his residence in Franklin county covers thirty-six years. His birth occurred in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on the 15th of October, 1858, his parents being William and Caroline (Zimmerman) Schaefer, the former a native of Hanover and the latter of Berlin, Germany. Throughout his active business career William Schaefer devoted his attention to gen- eral agricultural pursuits in Dodge county, Wisconsin. Both he and his wife have passed away.
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H. G. Schaefer began working in a store when a youth of thir- teen and at the age of nineteen came to Franklin county, Iowa, here being employed as a farm hand for a number of years. Subsequently he was engaged in the mercantile business in Sheffield as a partner of L. P. Holden for seven years and afterward spent a similar period in association with I. N. Reynolds. In 1900 he purchased the inter- est of his partner and during the intervening thirteen years has been in business alone. He owns a substantial brick block, the main build- ing of which is occupied by dry goods, ladies' apparel and groceries, while another department is given over to clothing and men's furnish- ings. Mr. Schaefer employs five clerks and enjoys an extensive trade, for he carries a large and well selected stock of goods at reasonable prices and is at all times in a position to meet the demands and wishes of his patrons.
In Franklin county Mr. Schaefer wedded Miss Minnie Bolk, a native of Germany, by whom he has five children, as follows: Alvin C., who is married and assists his father in the mercantile business ; William H., who is married and is also in his father's store; Rose L., the wife of C. W. Schmidt, of Sheffield; and Harvey C. and Lucile, both at home.
In his political views Mr. Schaefer is a republican, considering the principles of that party most conducive to good government. He has done able service on the city council and also as a member of the school board. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and acts as superintendent of its Sunday school. Mr. Schaefer is popular among his friends, having the attractive social qualities which gain high regard. He is ambitious, resolute and energetic, and whatever he undertakes, whether in business or other connections, is carried forward to successful completion.
SAMUEL A. DAVIS.
Samuel A. Davis, a veteran of the Civil war living retired in Hampton after many years of close connection with agricultural interests of Franklin county, was born in Fayette county, Pennsyl- vania, March 8, 1834. He is a son of David and Mary (Woodle) Davis, also natives of the Keystone state. The parents went to Wis- consin in 1838, and there the father engaged in general farming. He and his wife have passed away. Eleven children were born to their union: Thomas, deceased; James, of Brodhead, Wisconsin;
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David and Joel, deceased; Samuel A., of this review; William, deceased; Doctor E., a farmer of Green county, Wisconsin; Zacha- riah, who was killed at the battle of Resaca, Georgia; Joseph, killed in the war; and Quincy and Levi, both of whom have passed away.
Samuel A. Davis was reared upon his father's farm and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company K, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war. He was taken prisoner during the battle of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and was sent to Libby prison, where he was confined for three weeks. Following his discharge from the army he returned to Wisconsin and there remained until 1874, when he came to Iowa, locating on a farm near Hampton, in Mott township, which he still owns. Throughout the years which followed he steadily carried forward the work of improving and developing this property and became in time one of the leading agriculturists of the township. Mr. Davis still owns one hundred and twenty acres, but in October, 1906, retired from active life, moving into Hampton, where he now resides.
On the 25th of January, 1866, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Casandra Taylor, a native of Pennsylvania, and both are well known in social circles of Hampton. Mr. Davis is a member of the Christian church, is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and gives his political support to the republican party. His has been a creditable record as a soldier, as a citizen and as a business man, and he is highly esteemed in Hampton, where he is enjoying a period of we'll earned rest.
EDWARD L. CLOCK.
Edward L. Clock, one of the honored and valued residents of Geneva, is living retired after many years of close connection with mercantile interests of Maysville and agricultural interests of Frank- lin county. He is one of the pioneers in this part of Iowa, his res- idence here dating from 1856, since which time he has witnessed a great deal of the development and growth of the country, bearing an active and honorable part in the work of advancement. He was born on Long Island, New York, January 23, 1831, a son of Ebene- zer and Lucinda (Jarvis) Clock, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
In early childhood Edward L. Clock began contributing to his own support, riding a horse for plowing at ten cents per day. He
MRS. EDWARD L. CLOCK
EDWARD L. CLOCK
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also cut cord wood and grafted fruit trees and engaged in various other similar occupations. In 1856 he came to Iowa, locating in Maysville, Franklin county, where he engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Wheeler until the latter's death. In 1865 Mr. Clock formed a partnership with his brother, H. C. Clock, which continued until the entire stock was purchased by H. C. Clock, Edward Clock turning his attention to farming. He followed this occupation successfully until 1902, when he moved to Geneva and erected a comfortable home, in which he has since lived in retirement.
On the 21st of January, 1857, Mr. Clock was united in marriage to Miss Fannie E. Wheeler, who was born in Ohio, December 24, 1833. They became the parents of seven children: Harry E., who has passed away; Dewitt, of Franklin county; Edith M. and Rogene, who have also passed away; Jean H., of Geneva township; Julian, deceased; and Ned L., who died in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while in the army during the Spanish-American war.
Mr. Clock is a member of the Methodist church, is connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge and chapter and gives his political support to the republican party. He served as enrolling officer during the Civil war and has been three times county super- visor. He is a man whose high moral character, public spirit and industry have placed him in high standing in the community, and he is acknowledged to be a substantial and representative citizen.
DUNCAN J. McMILLAN.
Duncan J. McMillan, formerly engaged in general farming upon two hundred and forty acres of excellent land in Geneva township, but now living retired, was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, November 5, 1854. He is a son of John and Christiana (Gunn) McMillan, natives of Scotland. The father moved to Nova Scotia when he was three years of age and in 1844 went to Wisconsin, where he resided until 1872. In that year he moved to Franklin county, Iowa, and located on section 21, Geneva township, where his death occurred. He and his wife became the parents of eleven children: William, of South Dakota; Ella, the wife of William E. Jones, of Geneva; John, deceased; Isabel, the wife of Jacob Sellers, of South Dakota; Alfred, of California; Jessie, deceased; Duncan J., of this Vol. IT-10
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review; and Daniel, Jennie, Samuel and Maggie, who have passed away.
Duncan J. McMillan accompanied his parents to Franklin county in 1872 and assisted for some time thereafter with the operation of the homestead. This has since come into his possession, and he has developed it along practical and modern lines, making it one of the finest properties in this locality. He engaged in general farming and was likewise extensively interested in stock-raising. In January, 1910, Mr. McMillan retired from active farming and now lives in a beautiful home in Geneva.
On the 15th of July, 1891, Mr. McMillan was united in mar- riage to Miss Hattie M. Crider, a native of Pennsylvania, and they have become the parents of four children : Clinton, who is connected with the Fine Arts Academy in Chicago; and Annie Laurie, Esmer- elda and Bert, at home.
Mr. McMillan attends the Methodist Episcopal church while his wife is a member thereof. He is a republican in his political views and is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. During the period of his residence in Franklin county he has proven himself thoroughly reliable in all business dealings and in matters of citizenship helpful and progressive, giving his aid and influence to many measures for the public good.
WILLIAM A. HUMKE.
Through well directed business activity and enterprise William A. Humke has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of Franklin county. He owns one hundred and eighty acres of fine land on section 25, Osceola township, and since 1902 has made his home upon this property, which is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and energy. He was born in Dubuque county, this state, April 23, 1875, and is a son of Charles F. and Eva (Rath) Humke, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
William A. Humke was reared at home and assisted in the oper- ation of his father's farm until he was twenty-seven years of age. The property was then divided and Mr. Humke of this review received one hundred and twenty acres on section 25, Osceola town- ship. To this he has since added sixty acres, and he still makes his home upon the property, which under his able management has become productive and valuable. Upon it he has erected a num-
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ber of substantial buildings, including fine barns and outhouses and an eighty ton silo. Nothing is ever neglected which will add to the appearance or value of the place.
On the 8th of February, 1905, Mr. Humke married Miss Sarah Blake, a daughter of Richard T. and Sarah (Pickney) Blake, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. Humke is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Order of the Eastern Star. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now doing able and con- scientious work in the office of township clerk. In all the relations of life his actions have conformed to the highest standards, and he justly deserves the full measure of confidence and respect now enter- tained for him by all who know him.
G. A. MAYER.
G. A. Mayer, who has been numbered among the citizens of Franklin county for the past quarter of a century, operates one of the most highly improved farms in Ross township, on section 32, his hold- ings embracing one hundred and thirty-four acres of land in Ross and Mott townships. He is likewise the vice president of the Chapin Savings Bank, which institution as assisted in organizing. His birth occurred in Washington county, Iowa, on the 26th of November, 1860, his father being John Mayer, a native of Germany. The lat- ter crossed the Atlantic to the United States as a young man and in Burlington, Iowa, wedded Miss Catherine Neff, who was born in Pennsylvania. John Mayer purchased an unimproved farm of one hundred and sixty-nine acres in Washington county, Iowa, and gave his attention to its development and cultivation throughout the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife passed away in that county.
G. A. Mayer spent his boyhood in his native county and acquired only a limited education, his assistance being necessary in the work of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age and subsequently worked as a farm hand for others until 1888. In that year he was married and came to Franklin county, Iowa, locating on a tract of eighty acres in Mott township, which his wife had inherited. Mr. Mayer improved the property and was busily engaged in its operation until 1896, when he took up his abode on his present farm on section 32, Ross township. The place was
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devoid of improvements with the exception of a barn, but during the years which have since elapsed our subject has enhanced its value in various ways until it is now one of the most highly improved farms in Ross township. His holdings embrace one hundred and thirty- four acres of land in Ross and Mott townships, and he devotes his attention to general farming with excellent results, enjoying an envi- able reputation as one of the prosperous and representative citizens of the community. His is a beautiful home, and an evergreen grove adds much to the attractive appearance of the place. Mr. Mayer was one of the organizers of the Chapin Savings Bank and has since served as a member of its board of directors, likewise holding the office of vice president at the present time.
In Washington county, Iowa, Mr. Mayer was united in marriage to Miss Ella V. Brenton, a native of that county and a daughter of 1 Jonathan and Mary (Dillon) Brenton, both of whom are deceased. Our subject and his wife have three children: Ethel, Everett and Vera, all at home. Mr. Mayer gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as a trustee for three terms, while for six- teen years he has been a member of the school board. He is a stalwart friend of the cause of education and, in fact, is known throughout the entire community as a representative agriculturist and a citizen whose support can be counted upon to further any measure or move- ment that will promote the welfare and prosperity of the county.
FRANK L. HAMILTON.
Frank L. Hamilton, a prominent stock-raiser of Franklin county, owning and operating two hundred and forty acres of excellent land on section 3, Lee township, was born in Hamilton township, this county, April 27, 1868. He is a son of Andrew and Jane (Stockdale) Hamilton, after whom Hamilton township of this county was named. More extended mention of the parents is found elsewhere in this work.
Frank L. Hamilton acquired his education in the public schools of Franklin county and at the age of twenty-one began working on a farm belonging to his uncle, Charles Stockdale. He afterward farmed one of his father's properties in Franklin county for one year and then enrolled as a student in Ellsworth College, remaining there for a year and a half. At the end of that time he resumed his farm- ing operations in Franklin county and in 1893 bought two hundred
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acres of land in Lee township, and to this he has since added forty acres and upon this property makes a specialty of raising and feed- ing stock. He does an extensive business along this line, his animals commanding a high price and a ready sale on the market.
On the 29th of November, 1899, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Reynolds, a native of Hardin county, and they have become the parents of four children: Millard, who was born September 3, 1901 ; Phyllis, born August 16, 1904; Hazel, born March 27, 1907; and Kenneth, born March 7, 1910. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Methodist church and is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Mystic Workers and the Fraternal Bankers. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he has rendered his township excellent service in the office of school director. He is a man of high character, indus- trious, progressive and enterprising, and his many sterling qualities have gained him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.
N. A. INGLIS.
N. A. Inglis, holding a prominent position in financial circles of Hampton as cashier of the Franklin County State Bank, was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, March 7, 1869, a son of David D. and Matilda (Weed) Inglis, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of New York. When the father was nineteen years of age he went to London, England, and there engaged in the mercantile business for a number of years. He afterward was sent to Japan, where he had charge of the business controlled by a New York tea and silk importing house, and he remained in this connection until 1876. After spending one year in Scotland he crossed the Atlantic to America and made his way to Wisconsin, settling in Delavan, whence in the following year he came to Hampton, Iowa, turning his attention to the mortgage and loan business in partnership with J. F. Latimer. In 1881 the partners organized the First National Bank with Mr. Latimer as president and Mr. Inglis as cashier. Seven years later the concern was reorganized as a private bank and it was so conducted until 1898, when both partners retired from active life, selling their interests to H. L. Harrison and N. A. Inglis of this review. David D. Inglis continued to live in retire- ment until November 4, 1910, when his death occurred. His wife
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survives him. To their union were born three children: N. A., of this review; Charles A., and Ruth V.
N. A. Inglis was educated in the public schools of Hampton and in those of Davenport, Iowa, after which he attended the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames and later the State University of Wisconsin at Madison. He bought his father's interest in Inglis & Latimer's Bank in 1898 and in partnership with Mr. Harrison conducted this as a private concern until August, 1905, when they consolidated with the Franklin County Bank, organizing the Frank- lin County State Bank. Mr. Inglis is cashier of this concern and fulfills the duties of this responsible position in a farsighted and able way, winning recognition as a capable and discriminating financier.
On the 5th of October, 1893, Mr. Inglis married Miss May Clemmer and they have become the parents of four children, David Donaldson, Winnifred, Norma Ruth and John Charles. Mrs. Inglis is a native of Minnesota and acquired her preliminary edu- cation in the public schools of that state, later graduating from the Wisconsin State Normal School at Platteville. Previous to her marriage she engaged in teaching at Hampton.
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