USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 14
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field in December, 1906. Here he has continued in the general practice of law alone and the reputation which he had already gained in the practice of law in this state was sufficient to introduce him to the public here as an able lawyer. From the beginning he has enjoyed a large practice and now divides his time between this and his duties as mayor of the city. He was appointed Fairfield's chief executive in October, 1910, following the resignation of Dr. J. F. Clark, and in March, 1911, was elected to the office for a full term, so that he is the present mayor of the city to which he is giving a businesslike administration. His recommendations to the council have been of a practical character and have looked to the future as well as the present interests of the city.
On the 3d of March, 1893, Mr. Starr was united in marriage to Miss Chloe Fellows, who was born near Keosauqua, Iowa, April 25, 1874, a daughter of S. D. and Ann (Bowen) Fellows, who were among the pioneer settlers of Van Buren county and now reside at Fairfield. Mr. and Mrs. Starr have become parents of four children, Helen M., Keo F., Io M. and James Carleton.
For sixteen years Mr. Starr has been a valued member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and for some years has also held member- ship in the Christian church in which he is now serving as deacon. He has been a life-long republican and is allied with the progressive move- ment of that party which resents the unlimited domination of the few over the many and seeks rather the expression of popular opinion in the attain- ment of good government. He has been a close student of science and the times and is well versed in the questions of the day not only political but also sociological and economic. He is a man of action rather than of theory and his work never has its root in hasty judgment, either in his public service or in his practice before the bar.
THOMAS M. RIDER.
In a history of Jefferson county mention should be made of Thomas M. Rider, not only because he is one of the few surviving veterans of the Civil war but also because he is a representative of a family which has long been identified with the growth and development of this section of the state. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November II, 1838, a son of Daniel and Ann (McCall) Rider. The parents were also natives of the Keystone state, the father's birth occurring in Fayette county, in November, 1808, and the mother's in Washington county, Octo- ber 10, 1810, and in the latter county they were united in marriage. The
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father first came to Iowa alone in the spring of 1846 and, being greatly impressed with the natural resources of the state and the opportunities offered for advancement in the agricultural field, returned with his family in the following year for permanent settlement. Here he entered a quar- ter section of land in Jefferson county, being the southwest quarter of section 3, township 72, range 10, and here he made his home until death claimed him. In early life he had learned the tanner's trade and throughout most of his business career he followed that trade in con- nection with agricultural pursuits. He was also extensively interested in real-estate operations, handling a large amount of property and spending twelve years in locating lands. In this connection he located Sioux City, Iowa, purchasing the site from a Frenchman. All such trips were made on horseback for the work of railroad construction west of the Mississippi river was yet in its infancy and was limited to one or two main lines con- necting only the principle cities of the commonwealth. Politically he was a democrat and ere coming to Iowa had taken an active part in the public life of his native state, serving under General Jackson as postmaster at Claysville, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and representing his district in the Pennsylvania legislature, serving for two terms as a member of the lower house. He also manifested deep interest in the affairs of his adopted state and was the democratic candidate for the office of treasurer of Jef- ferson county but was defeated, owing to the minority of the party in this section. He served as master of the Grange here and held membership in the Lutheran church, in the faith of which he passed away on the 8th of December, 1893, and in his death Jefferson county lost one of its early and most influential citizens. He had survived his wife for more than two decades, her demise occurring on the 10th of October, 1872. They had become the parents of seven children. Mary Jane, the eldest, married Washington Miller and is now deceased. George L. is a resident of Cres- ton, Iowa. Ann Maria became the wife of Andrew Simons and they are both deceased. Thomas M., of this review, is the fourth in order of birth. Emeline married Madison Black and she has also passed away. Henry, who is married and has two children, is successfully carrying on agricul- tural pursuits in Center township. William T., the youngest, now makes his home in Los Angeles, California.
Thomas M. Rider, whose name introduces this review, was a lad of nine years when he came with his parents to Iowa, and within its borders he has continued to reside since that time with the exception of three years spent at the front and two and a half years later on in Wyoming. As a boy he had taken a trip through Illinois and Indiana with the view of seeing the country, but he returned to Iowa convinced that this state offered equal if not superior advantages in the field of agriculture, which line of
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activity he had determined to make his life work. He assisted his father for a time in the cultivation of the home farm and on the 2d of August, 1862, enlisted for service in the Civil war, espousing the cause of the Union. He joined Company I, Seventy-second Indiana Volunteer Mounted Infantry and with that regiment served for three years except when sent with special detailed parties. He took part in many important engage- ments, the principal one being the battle of Chickamauga, and went on several raiding expeditions as a member of the famous Wilder Brigade. After the close of hostilities he was mustered out, receiving honorable dis- charge, and returned home with a military record of which he has every reason to be proud.
When Mr. Rider again took up the pursuits of civil life he at once be- gan farming on a portion of his father's property and is now the owner of one hundred and forty-four acres of the old home place, located on section 3, Center township. He also has twenty acres of timber land on section 16 and has recently returned from a sojourn of two and a half years in Wyoming, where he purchased a half section of land and now is the owner of an entire section there. His home place is a well improved property, equipped with all of the modern accessories for facilitating farm labor, and in its operation Mr. Rider is meeting with substantial success for he has ever manifested in the conduct of his affairs that close applica- tion, enterprise and perseverance so necessary for success in any walk of life.
Mr. Rider was married, on the 26th of March, 1873, to Miss Belle M. Regester, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of May, 1853, a daughter of Aaron H. and Lavina (Greenfield) Regester. Her parents, who were both natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, came to Iowa on the 26th of March, 1867, locating first in Henry county, and in 1876 they arrived in Jefferson county. Here they both passed away in March, 1891, their deaths occurring only four days apart, the father's when he was sixty-five years and the mother's when sixty-three years of age. In their family were two daughters, the sister of Mrs. Rider being Mrs. Emma Crawford, a widow who resides at the Rider home. To our subject and his wife were born three children, namely: Harry W., of Jefferson county ; Zella B., the wife of J. H. Copeland, of Center town- ship, this county ; and Warren A., operating his father's ranch in Wyom- ing. Mr. Rider belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and maintains his friendship for old army comrades as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a stalwart supporter of democratic principles and at one time was the candidate on that party ticket for the office of sheriff of Jefferson county but was defeated. He is a man well known throughout the district in which he resides, not only as one of the early residents here
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but also because of his straightforward business dealings and his honorable, upright character. He merits the confidence and regard of all who know him and is numbered among the most substantial and respected citizens of the county.
WILLIAM WATKINS LEWIS.
William Watkins Lewis, who for the past three years has been man- ager of the Batavia Brick & Tile Company, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, on the 22d of February, 1861. In the paternal line he is of Eng- lish extraction, his father, Aaron C. Lewis, having been born and reared in Nova Scotia, but his mother, who bore the maiden name of Phoebe Rickey, was a native of the United States, while the maternal grand- father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. After the completion of his education Aaron C. Lewis learned the harness maker's trade, but he subsequently devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. In the early days of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in the Ninety-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, remaining in the service for three years and eight months. During that period he participated in many prominent battles, among the most notable of which was that of Lookout Mountain. In 1876 he brought his wife and family to Iowa, locating on a farm near Maren- go, Iowa county. There he continued to reside until his death on the Ist of July, 1900. The mother survived for fifteen years thereafter, her de- mise occurring at Williamsburg, Iowa county.
Reared on a farm in the acquirement of his early education William Watkins Lewis attended the district schools, the course therein pursued being supplemented by further study in the public schools of Uhrichs- ville, Ohio. He was a youth of fifteen years when he removed to Iowa with his parents, with whom he continued to reside for two years there- after, when he began his career as a wage earner. For some years there- after he followed various pursuits, but having always been very fond of machinery and possessing considerable mechanical skill he subsequently became identified with the Milwaukee Harvester Company. He continued in their service for several years, during four of which he was their trav- eling representative in eastern Iowa. In 1895 he became engaged in the brick and tile business as manager and part owner of the Williamsburg Brick & Tile Company of Williamsburg, Iowa. He was identified with this enterprise for thirteen years, at the expiration of which time he re- moved to Batavia to assume the management of the Batavia Brick & Tile Company. Under his capable supervision this concern has made steady
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and permanent progress until it now gives employment to fifteen work- men. They have three large kilns, their daily output averaging eight thou- sand pieces, based on a four-inch drain tile size. Their plant is most con- veniently located on the main line and the Fort Madison branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, thus affording them excellent shipping facilities. Although they manufacture brick and building blocks, their principal output is drain tile of which they have always made a specialty.
Mr. Lewis was married on the 14th of November, 1891, to Miss Net- tie E. Long, a daughter of Albert M. and Julia (McLeod) Long, resi- dents of Williamsburg, Iowa. There the father passed away in 1899, but the mother still survives and now makes her home with her daughter Mrs. Lillian Hanaford of Williamsburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis there have been born four daughters: Flossie and Maude, twins, who graduated from the high school of Williamsburg in June, 1911, and the following autumn entered Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa; and Alberta and Mazie, both of whom are attending the public schools of Batavia.
The family affiliate with the Presbyterian church, of which both Mrs. Lewis and the two eldest daughters are members. Fraternally he is iden- tified with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias of Williamsburg. In matters politic Mr. Lewis has always been an ardent supporter of the men and measures of the republican party, and while he was living in Williamsburg served for ten years as a member of the town council. Dur- ing the period of his residence in Batavia Mr. Lewis has become recognized as a prominent factor in the business life of the town, while both he and his family hold an excellent social position.
ANDREW E. QUICK.
Andrew E. Quick, a native son of Jefferson county, Iowa, was born in Lockridge township January 14, 1872. His parents came from Sweden in 1865 and located in Jefferson county, Iowa, where Mr. Quick, a stone mason by trade, followed his calling for many years until he bought land in Lockridge township and engaged in farming, which he has pursued ever since. He is now sixty-eight years old. His wife died July 3. 1880.
In the district schools of his native township Andrew E. Quick was given the usual education. This he supplemented with a course at a busi- ness college. He began his career as a business man assisting Mr. Samuel- son, who later became his brother-in-law. in the restaurant conducted by him at Fairfield. Iowa. In this occupation Andrew E. Quick continue l
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for five years, when he was married and engaged in farming. He first rented a farm operating it about ten years. He then bought a farm of eighty acres in Lockridge township, which he has since developed and greatly improved. He is now building a large, modernly equipped barn upon it. When he commenced farming he had only two hundred and fifty dollars in his possession and with this he had to meet the necessary ex- penses of the equipment. Through self-denial and thrift he soon added to his little store and found his returns steadily increasing until now he owns a finely improved tract of land in addition to which he operates fif- teen acres of rented land, yielding him an income sufficient to enable him to provide a very comfortable living for his family. He raises thirty head of hogs a year, keeps twelve head of cattle and four horses.
Andrew E. Quick was united in wedlock with Miss Anna L. Samuelson of Four Corners, Lockridge township, a daughter of Gustave and Clara G. (Swanson) Samuelson. She was born May 26, 1874, in Lockridge town- ship. Her parents were natives of Sweden, her father having come to this country in 1869. His occupation was farming and this he pursued buying a farm in Lockridge township. He did not live long enough to establish himself in his career in this country, for he passed away in 1873. Mrs. Samuelson died January 29, 1907.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Quick, namely: Carl E .. born August 12, 1901 ; Helen Marie Louise, aged eight, born December 20, 1903 ; Clara M. V., aged six, born August. 29, 1905 ; and Florence Dore- tha, aged three, born March 2, 1908.
Mr. Quick and his wife worship in the Lutheran church in which he holds several important offices. In his political sympathies he is a republi- can, never failing to exercise his privileges of citizenship in the matter of voting for men and measures in accordance with the best interests of the commonwealth. He is a school director and the president of the board, de- voting his energies to the advancement of improved educational facilities that will give the coming generations of rural school children a better chance than their fathers have had.
JOHN LOCKE.
Probably no citizen of Cedar township was held in higher esteem or was a more important factor in promoting its development than John Locke, who for more than fifty years was engaged in the cultivation of his homestead on section 34. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, on August 13, 1829, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents were
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John and Elizabeth (McDowell) Locke, likewise natives of County An- trim, where they spent their entire lives. The father, who was a farmer, was employed on the Kilwaughter estate until his death at the age of sixty- three years.
After the completion of his preliminary education, John Locke was sent to the Agricultural School at Glasnevin, near Dublin, in order to qualify himself for the vocation of farming. He was a most excellent pupil and was awarded a very creditable recommendation from the fac- ulty upon his graduation. Owing to the high standard of his record and his trustworthiness, after leaving school he was placed in charge of the model farm, maintained in his home district for the benefit of the farming community. He filled this position in a most efficient manner and was retained there until he resigned to come to America. An ambitious young man, naturally he was not satisfied with the limited advantages afforded for advancement in his native land. and decided to come to the United States, where he felt confident he would find opportunities more commen- surate with his abilities. In the fall of 1854 with his young wife he sailed for the new world, coming by way of New Orleans. They came up the Mississippi by boat to Fort Keokuk, thence to Jefferson county, spending their first winter in America in Fairfield. In the spring of 1855 Mr. Locke bought two hundred and forty acres of land on section 34, Cedar township, upon which they settled. He was very successful in his undertakings, being thoroughly qualified as both a farmer and stockman by reason of his splendid training and practical experience in Ireland. Farming was to him both a profession and a business, and he used as much system and method in the direction of his affairs as he would have employed had he been conducting a commercial or industrial enterprise. He applied himself energetically to the operation of his land, making such improvements as he was able, until at the time of his death he was the owner of one of the most highly cultivated and valuable farms in the township.
In County Antrim, Ireland, on the 28th of December, 1853, Mr. Locke was united in marriage to Miss Mary McDowell, who was born and reared in that county and was a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Drummond) Mc- Dowell, also natives of County Antrim, and of Scotch-Irish extraction. They were the parents of four children. Samuel, who was the only son, is ope- rating a farm at Dowds, Van Buren county. He married Maude D. Cole, a daughter of John W. Cole of Birmingham, Iowa, and they have three daughters: Mary Everella and Maude Eleanor, who are twins; and Eliza- beth Edith. The next two, Mary Ellen and Jane, have been operating the old homestead, which now contains two hundred acres, ever since the death of their father. They lease all of the land that is under cultivation, but
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retain the pasture and raise cattle and hogs, in which they are meeting with success, being very capable women. They give everything about the place their personal supervision and their's is one of the best kept up and most attractive farms in the community. Miss Jane is one of the well known school teachers of Jefferson county, having been identified with this profession from her very early girlhood until two years ago. She received her first certificate after completing the district school and taught one term before entering the academy at Birmingham. She then taught for three years and at the expiration of that time pursued a teacher's course in the Western Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa. During the succeeding three years she taught a country school in Mills county, then went to Emerson, Iowa, where she taught for three years. From there she came to the public schools of Fairfield, remaining a year ; five years in district No. I of Liberty township followed. She next took charge of the school in her home district, which she taught until two years ago. She was very successful in her chosen field of activity and is well known among the profession in this county. The youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Locke, Elizabeth, married S. N. Stonebreaker, a farmer of Van Buren county, and they have had seven children: Samuel Leonard; John Locke; Mary Harriet, who is deceased; Opal Dewey; Cecil Blanch; New- ton Brown; and Margaret Eleanor. Mr. Locke's death, which occurred on the 16th of July, 1906, was the occasion of deep and wide-spread mourning in Cedar township, where he was regarded as a most estimable citizen, having proven loyal to every trust both in public and private life. He was survived for more than two years by his widow, who passed away on the homestead where they had lived for so many years, on Novem- ber 22, 1908.
In his political views Mr. Locke was a democrat, and for ten years he served as assessor in Cedar township. He was first elected on the democratic ticket, but refusing the nomination of that party for a longer period his friends nominated him on the independent ticket and he was elected. This was a great tribute to the man and his popularity in his community, as he had proven so efficient that he carried a large part of the democratic and republican support. He also served for several terms as justice of the peace, and as a school director in Union township, No. I, of Van Buren county, which was an attached district, while for many years he was a member of the board of taxation of Cedar township. He possessed high standards of the responsibilities of citizenship, and de- spite the exactions of his personal interests, always found time to meet the public duties he deemed it his function to discharge. As an official he manifested the same sense of conscientious obligation as characterized him in every relation of life both public and private. During a residence that
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covered a period of more than half a century, Mr. Locke was faithful to every trust reposed in him, meeting the duties of citizenship by indorsing every progressive movement the adoption of which seemed to assure the community welfare or the development of the public utilities. In matters of faith both he and his wife were Unitarians, and were affiliated with the church of that denomination in their native country. Both Mr. Locke and his family have always been held in the highest respect in the com- munity, where his children were born and reared and continue to number among their friends the best people in the township.
ANDREW W. ANDERSON.
Andrew W. Anderson, who for many years was identified with agri- cultural pursuits in Jefferson county, was one of the estimable citizens Sweden has furnished Iowa. His birth occurred on the 14th of February, 1856, his parents being Karl and Mary C. (Anderson) Anderson, also natives of Sweden. The father engaged in farming in his native land until 1877 when he and his wife emigrated to the United States. During the early months of his residence here he worked at various occupations by the day, subsequently obtaining a position in a section crew on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He was accidentally killed while at his work by a passing train, about 1879. The mother later married Joseph Peterson and continues to make her home in Lockridge.
The first sixteen years of his life Andrew W. Anderson spent amid the scenes of his birth, obtaining his education in the common schools of his native land. An ambitious, energetic lad, he was not content with condi- tions in the old country and from his earliest youth directed his efforts, toward acquiring sufficient money to bring him to America, the land, as he felt, not only of promise but of fulfillment. His dream was realized in 1872 and he crossed the Atlantic with the United States as his destination. Upon his arrival here he made his way inland to Jefferson county, where an uncle, John Anderson, owned and operated a farm located in Lock- ridge township. He immediately obtained employment by the month as a farm hand, and for many years was in the service of Mr. John Heron. He never forgot his parents in the old country and sent them a portion of his wages each month until they, too, were able to become citizens of the new world. By means of industry and thrift he eventually accumu- lated sufficient capital to enable him to begin operations for himself and he rented the farm of John Anderson, which he cultivated for two years. Intense and attentive cultivation proved so remunerative under his capable
MR. AND MRS. ANDREW W. ANDERSON
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supervision that he was in a position at the expiration of that period to buy eighty acres of land in Round Prairie township. He continued to operate this place until 1901, and in April of that year he sold his farm and moving to Lockridge purchased one and a quarter acres of land, upon which he erected a fine residence. There he lived, retired, enjoying the ease and comfort provided by the fruits of his early toil, until he passed away on Thursday, February 24, 1910.
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