USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 48
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On the 23d of September, 1871, Mr. Beck wedded Miss Elizabeth Beck, who, although bearing the same name, is no relative, but like her husband is a native of Germany. Seven children have been born unto the couple: Mary, who is the wife of William Weets, of Maquoketa township; Elizabeth, the wife of John Wurster, of the same township; John, at home; Christ, who married
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Fannie Whitmore and lives in Maquoketa township; William, who wedded Christina Peterson and lives in the same township; Gottlieb, who married Meta Peterson and is living in Maquoketa township; and Henry, at home. When he was admitted to citizenship in this republic, Mr. Beck looked to the demo- cratic party for guidance in political matters and has since given to it his un- qualified support. He has not, however, taken an active part in the public life of his locality, although he has ever exhibited an intelligent interest in questions of importance to the country of his adoption.
THOMAS SWEENEY.
Thomas Sweeney, junior partner of the firm of Glade & Sweeney, promi- nent and well known stock dealers of Bellevue, was born in Washington township, this county, on the 14th of September, 1867, a son of John and Julia (McGovern) Sweeney, natives of County Mayo, Ireland. The father was a young man of twenty-one years when he came to the United States, while the mother was a little maiden of six summers when her parents emigrated to the new world. They were married in Jackson county and have since continued to make their home on a farm in Washington township, consisting of two hundred acres. In their family were nine children, as follows: Mary, the wife of Dave Harring- ton. of Bellevue township; Thomas, of this review; Frank, who was killed in Montana in a plunge bath when twenty-eight years of age; John, who was killed by a runaway team when fourteen years old; Edward, of Wyoming; Sarah, the wife of Ben McCarty, of Fairfield township; Delia, at home; David, also under the parental roof ; and Maggie, the wife of M. P. O'Conner, of Bellevue.
No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for Thomas Sweeney during the period of his boyhood and youth, which were spent on his father's farm in Washington county. He acquired a good education in the common schools, and by work in his father's fields laid the foundation for all future success. He remained under the parental roof, giving his father the benefit of his assistance, until twenty-four years of age, when he went to Montana and for three years was engaged as a laborer, during which time he saw much of the western territory. At the expiration of that period he returned to Washington township, Jackson county, and was there married. He was then identified with agricultural pursuits for three years as a renter, and with the capital which he had carefully saved, he purchased a farm of five hundred and fifty-three acres in Bellevue township, in connection with F. E. Glade and Sam Campbell, with whom he engaged in the stock business under the name of Campbell, Glade & Sweeney. This relation continued for three years, at the expiration of which period the partnership was dissolved, each member taking his share of the prop- erty. For a time each continued to carry on business on his own account, and then Mr. Glade and Mr. Sweeney formed a partnership under the firm style of Glade & Sweeney, which connection continues to exist. About five years ago they came to Bellevue and have since engaged in the sock business in this city. They have been most successful in their chosen field of labor, building up an
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extensive business and shipping about one hundred and fifty car loads of stock annually. Possessing good business ability and keen discrimination, Mr. Sweeney keeps in close touch with the condition of the market and is therefore able to buy and sell his stock to the best advantage. He recently sold his farm of one hundred and eighty acres, adjoining the corporation limits of Bellevue and pur- chased the Harrington farm of three hundred and thirty-three acres located three miles south of the town, which he has leased to a tenant and from which he derives a good substantial rental.
In 1898 Mr. Sweeney was united in marriage to Miss Belle Harrington, a native of Bellevue township and a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Cowden) Harrington, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively. Her father, born in 1818, came to Iowa with his parents in 1841, while her mother, whose birth occurred April 29, 1832, accompanied her parents to this state in 1853. They were here married in 1855 and continued to reside on their farm, about three miles south of Bellevue, until their deaths, the father passing away in 1908 and the mother in 1902. Their family consisted of eleven children, five sons and six daughters. The present handsome residence which is occupied by the family, located at the corner of State and Sixth streets, was purchased by Mr. Sweeney upon his arrival in Bellevue about five years ago.
Interested, as all American citizens should be, in the political situation of the country, Mr. Sweeney has thoroughly informed himself concerning the ques- tions and issues of the day and gives stalwart support to the democratic party. He has served on the city council for the past three years and was candidate for county supervisor but was defeated for that office by his partner, Mr. Glade. Public-spirited in his citizenship, he is thoroughly identified with the interests of Bellevue and cooperates in all those measures which have for their object the welfare and progress of the community. Although numbered among the more recent arrivals in Bellevue, he has, nevertheless, during the brief period of his residence here gained a large circle of friends with whom he is very pop- ular, and by reason of his business integrity and his many excellent traits of character has gained the respect, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has come in contact. .
HAROLD J. GIDDINGS.
A fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, neat and attractive in appear- ance, annually pays tribute in rich harvests to the energetic, persistent and systematic cultivation practiced by its owner, Harold J. Giddings. In his stock raising, too, he has obtained a notable success, and the place he holds among the substantial and representative agriculturists of Iowa township is well merited. He was born in London, England, August 13, 1855, and is a son of Harold and Ann (Pope) Giddings, also natives of the British isle, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Alfred W. Giddings.
Harold J. Giddings was about nine years of age when, in 1864, he accom- panied his parents on their removal to America, and he grew to manhood upon
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the farm they secured in Iowa township. He obtained such an education as was afforded by the common schools of the '6os and the years of his boyhood and youth passed busily, a great deal of his time being devoted to helping his father in the cultivation of the fields. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age, when, having married, he had the natural desire to establish a home of his own. For the next five years he followed the stonemasons' trade, at the end of which period, as the result of his industry and careful economy, he was able to buy the farm on which he now lives. It is a fine tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has improved and placed under a high state of cultivation. He raises the crops adapted to the soil and climate and is also engaged in stock raising, deriving a splendid income from both branches of his business, so that he is accounted one of the substantial and energetic agriculturists of the county.
In 1881 Mr. Giddings was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Myers, who was born in Tennessee, and is a daughter of Alvan and Mary J. (Mase) Myers, also natives of that state. Her father died shortly after the Civil war, but her mother still survives and resides in Jackson county. There were two children in their family, the other being John, whose home is now in Clinton county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings had four children, namely : Raymond. H., who was born March 27, 1882, and died July 26, 1890; Ralph C., who was born May 14, 1887, and is a graduate of the Sabula high school; Anna J., born June 4, 1891, also a graduate of the high school; and Alvan J., who was born April 8, 1897. The three younger children are living at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Giddings attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and are in- terested in its work and generous in its support, while politically Mr. Giddings gives his allegiance unfalteringly to the republican party. On its ticket he was elected to the office of township trustee, in which capacity he exercised his pre- rogatives in support of many measures for the public good, leaving tangible proof of his loyalty and progressive citizenship. He belongs to Sabula Lodge, No. 169, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all the chairs, and with his wife is a member of the Eastern Star, of which he was patron for four years.
Mr. Giddings may be called a self-made man, for the substantial position he now holds is the result of his own efforts and close application. His record will bear scrutiny, for he has carried on his business along honorable lines that require no disguise and by methods that are utterly worthy of commendation. He well deserves, therefore, the universal respect in which he is held.
WALTER E. NEWSOME.
Walter E. Newsome, who through reappointment has for the past ten years served efficiently and capably as postmaster at Sabula, was born in York, Eng- land, August 12, 1866, and was a little lad of three years, when in 1869, he was brought to 'A'merica by his parents, the family home being established in Sabula, Iowa. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, during which time he had acquired a good English education in the common
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schools. Leaving parental restraint, he entered the employ of the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railroad Company, acting as telegraph operator, baggage master and clerk at Negaunee, Michigan. He remained in that service for two years, after which he spent one season on the lakes as assistant purser on the Steamer China & Japan for the Lake Superior Transit Line, his run being from Duluth to Buffalo. On the 24th of January, 1890, at Buffalo, he became a mem- ber of Company F, Fifth United States Infantry, and during his army life was detailed in the mail service at San Antonio, Texas, and on the Rio Grande river. He received an honorable discharge on the 2d of April, 1893.
Returning to Sabula, he became a clerk in the postoffice at this place, being thus engaged for five years, when, on the 13th of February, 1899, he was ap- pointed postmaster under the administration of President Mckinley. On the 20th of February, 1908, he received reappointment from President Roosevelt and still continues in the government service, his duties being discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people at large. His long retention in the office is indicative of his capability and trustworthiness and he has won the confidence and good will of all with whom he comes in contact.
On the 22d of December, 1896, occurred the marriage of Walter E. New- some and Miss Emilie Doeserich, who was born in Morris, Illinois, November 22, 1872, a daughter of John and Margaret Doeserich. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Newsome have been born four sons and one daughter, as follows: Herbert Wil- liam, who was born November 12, 1897; Arthur Ernest, born July 4, 1899; Ralph Gregory, May 2, 1901; Milton Walter, March 27, 1906; and Margaret Emilie, whose birth occurred March 6, 1908.
Mr. Newsome has, since age gave him the right to vote, supported the men and measures of the republican party, while religiously he is a Congregational- ist. He belongs to the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, Mystic Workers of the World, and the Modern Brotherhood of America, in all of which he is a valued and popular member. He has ever taken a lively interest in public affairs, lending his aid and influence in the cause of every good movement and heartily promoting the progress and advancement of his community.
HON. JOHN HILSINGER.
Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success, and judged by this standard, Hon. John Hilsin- ger was a most successful man. He not only won a fair measure of the world's material comforts but he gained what is far richer and more desirable-the honor and respect of his fellowmen. He wisely and conscientiously utilized the talents with which nature endowed him and with no special advantages at the outset of his career he came to be known as a successful lawyer and banker, while various political honors were conferred upon him, including election to the state senate. He was born in Marathon, New York, March 4, 1835, and was the fourth in order of birth in a family of thirteen children whose parents
I Hilsinger
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were Barnabas and Polly (Conrad) Hilsinger, likewise natives of New York. In that state John Hilsinger spent his boyhood and youth and through his own efforts acquired a liberal education, realizing how valuable as a preparation for life's work was thorough and comprehensive intellectual training. He made his initial step in the business world as a farm hand and also in early life worked as a carpenter and millwright through the spring and summer, while in the fall and winter he attended school until 1857. In the meantime there awakened in him a desire to follow a professional career and, thinking to find the practice of law a congenial pursuit, he devoted those hours which are usually termed leisure to the mastery of Kent, Blackstone and other commentaries. He com- pleted his law studies under the direction of Judge Kingsley and Judge Crandall of Cortland, New York, and successfully passing the required examination, was admitted to the bar at Ithaca, New York, in the fall of 1857. Believing that the middle west would offer a more advantageous field for young men just starting upon a professional career, he made his way to Floyd county, Iowa, and was admitted to the Iowa bar. Some years later he was admitted to prac- tice before the supreme court of the state and in the intervening years to his death he continued as a well known and successful representative of the legal fraternity of this state. In July, 1858, he removed from Floyd .county to Sabula, Jackson county, Iowa, where he spent his remaining days. He was for two years principal of the high school at Sabula, after which he resumed the practice of his chosen profession and was not long in securing a large and repre- sentative clientage. His ability also led to his selection for the discharge of various public duties. In 1860 he was elected township supervisor, which position he acceptably filled for eight years. In 1861 he was appointed post- master of Sabula and was the incumbent in that office during the greater part of the time until after the election of Grover Cleveland, but in the fall of 1885 re- signed to enable the president to fill the position with some one who was in harmony with his administration. In 1861 he received appointment from Presi- dent Lincoln as enrolling officer of Jackson county to enroll all who were sub- ject to military duty in the county and was a member of the enrolling board to hear and determine claims for exemption from military duty, at the same time. He made and completed the enrollment list in a very creditable manner preparatory to the impending draft to fill the calls made by the President for men to subdue the Rebellion.
Still higher official honors were conferred upon Mr. Hilsinger in his elec- tion in 1864 to the state senate for a term of four years. While a member of the upper house he gave careful consideration to each question which came up for settlement and left the impress of his individuality upon legislation of the most important character, for that was one of the momentous periods in the country's history. He was again called to office in 1883 when elected on the republican ticket to the position of county supervisor in a district which was largely democratic. He served his full three years' term and was then reelected in 1886, his second election being incontrovertible proof of his ability and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, many of whom, though holding opposite political views, gave him their stalwart support. He resigned as supervisor in January, 1889, for in the fall of 1888 he had been elected county
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attorney. Again his election was of a decidedly complimentary nature, for he received a majority of forty-eight in a county which usually gave a normal democratic majority of a thousand. He thus ran more than ten hundred votes ahead of his ticket. He was city attorney of Sabula from its incorporation in 1863 until his death, and was also elected to the position of mayor, giving to the city a public-spirited and businesslike administraation, characterized by many needed reforms and improvements. Mr. Hilsinger cast his first presiden- tial vote for John C. Fremont in 1856 and throughout the remainder of his life remained a strong and stalwart supporter of the republican party, believing at all times that its principles were most conducive to good government. He served as chairman of the republican county central committee for several years, was a member of the republican state central committee and was a delegate to the republican state convention in almost every year after he became a resi- dent of Iowa. He also represented the state in the republican national con- vention of 1884, which nominated the Hon. James G. Blaine for the presi- dency. Mr. Hilsinger was himself without ambition for office and it was only when his fellow townsmen insisted upon his becoming a candidate that he would accept the nomination. Such was his popularity and such was the appre- ciation on the part of his fellow townsmen for his loyal and progressive citizen- ship, that he was never defeated when a candidate for office.
In the years in which he took active part in political affairs Mr. Hilsinger was also a prominent factor in business circles and by no means neglected his interests in that direction. Sound judgment and keen discrimination were at all times manifested in the conduct of his private interests. In 1872 he opened a bank in Sabula, which he conducted in profitable manner in connection with his law practice and his other private interests. He was seldom, if ever, at fault in matters of business judgment and his enterprise enabled him to successfully accomplish what he undertook.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Hilsinger was married in October, 1867, to Miss Mary Scarborough, a lady of culture and at the time of her mar- riage, one of the successful music teachers of the county. Unto them were born six children but only two, George E. and Margaret L., are now living. At the age of fourteen years, the son became connected with the bank which his father had established, rapidly mastered the business in principle and detail and since the death of his father has been its president. He was on the 19th of June, 1909, married to Miss Winifred McAlin, of Savanna, Illlinois. His sister, Margaret L. Hilsinger, has been highly educated in music and is a lady of liberal culture, who has traveled abroad for pleasure and education.
Mr. Hilsinger was well known in fraternal relations. He took the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter and commandery in the York Rite and attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He was elected and served as grand treasurer of the Iowa grand lodge of Masons from June, 1874, until June, 1875, and was elected grand master of the grand lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Iowa in 1886, serving for two years. In 1885 he was elected grand treasurer of the Iowa Legion of Honor for a term of two years, was re- elected in 1887 and again in 1889. He served as treasurer of the city school dis- trict from 1865, as city attorney from the same year and city treasurer from
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1883. No trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree. He regarded a public office as a public trust and his fidelity to the interests given to his care was one of his most marked characteristics. He passed away March 24, 1906, and the community thereby lost one of its most respected and hon- ored citizens. He was strictly a self-made man. He had no opportunity of attending school until he had attained the age of fifteen years, but throughout his life was a deep thinker and came to have broad knowledge of the vital ques- tions as well as of general topics of the day. He possessed in unlimited meas- ure the confidence and regard of those who knew him and even his political opponents respected him for the honesty of his convictions. Jackson county citizens were proud to number him as a friend. The years of his active life inscribed his name idelibly on the pages of Jackson county's history.
JAMES R. WYRICK.
James R. Wyrick, at the time of his death, was living retired in Baldwin, but for a long period he was closely identified with agricultural interests in Monmouth township, and his business methods were so practical, his energy so unabating, and his enterprise so keen that he won a place among the men of affluence in Jackson county. He was born in Wythe county, Virginia, No- vember 1, 1836, a son of Elijah and Vermillia (Bales) Wyrick. The former was also born in Virginia, and was of Pennsylvania German descent. He was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation and spent his entire life in the state of his birth. His wife was a daughter of John Bales, who lost his life in the War of 1812, probably at Williamsburg, Virginia. She was of Scotch-Irish stock and, like her husband, was born in the Old Dominion and there passed all her years. There were ten children born to Elijah and Vermillia Wyrick. They are: Alethi M., of Monmouth, Iowa; Margaret J., also of Monmouth ; Vermillia E., of Wythe county, Virginia; William H., who died in the Civil war while serving in the Confederate army; Leander A., who died in Tennes- see; James R., who is the subject of this sketch; Joseph W., who resides in Washington county, Virginia; David A., of Monmouth, Iowa; K. B., of Oxford Junction, Iowa; and A. E., of Monmouth township.
James R. Wyrick grew to manhood in Virginia and at the age of twenty-one went to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was engaged in operating a sawmill, and in blacksmithing until the outbreak of the Civil war. In the spring of 1862 he was called into the southern army, but after fifteen months' service he was sent home on detail as a mechanic for twenty months. In the fall of 1864, when he was trying to get through the northern lines at Rogersville, Ten- nessee, he was taken and his mule, the only property he had, confiscated by the Union army. The incident was not closed, however, for in the spring of 1909, a special bill was passed by Congress and signed by President Roosevelt, au- thorizing the payment of a compensatory sum for the mule, and Mr. Wyrick received his money a few weeks later. After passing the Union lines, Mr. Wy- rick continued his journey north and west, reaching Wheatland, Iowa, Jan-
4
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uary 24, 1865. From that point he walked to Monmouth, as a sister was living there. He secured work in the township and in the course of a few years, as the result of his industry and economy, he was able to purchase a fine tract of farm land, on which he lived until about five years ago, when he sold his prop- erty and retired to Baldwin. He had been successful in his undertakings be- yond the average, and with advancing years felt he was justified in relinquishing the heavier cares of life. He owned two and a half acres in Baldwin and his house which, with its spacious lawns, is one of the attractive homes of the village.
On the 19th of May, 1868, Mr. Wyrick wedded Miss Mary A. Miller, who passed from this life July 10, 1903, and was laid to rest in the Baldwin ceme- tery. In their family were eight children, as follows: George E., who was born November 14, 1869, and is now living in Baldwin; Cynthia C., the wife of Charles T. Paine, of Letcher, South Dakota; Rosa Jane, the wife of Joseph Ellis, of Lost Nation, Iowa; Vermillia E., who is the wife of Edward Holden, of Baldwin, Iowa; Rosette Jane, who married Frank P. Long and lives in Baldwin; Minnie A., the wife of Edgar H. Barrows, of Nashville, Iowa; Frank, who is residing in Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Charles, who is living in Lost Nation, Iowa.
In his political sympathies Mr. Wyrick was always a stanch democrat, and while not an office seeker, served acceptably as township trustee for a period. He reached the seventy-third milestone on life's journey, and the record he made is one which entitled him to be classed among the representative citizens of Jackson county. He died in January, 1910, and thus ended a well spent and useful life.
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