USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 11
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follows: Charles H .; E. M., of this review ; Edward R .; Herbert C .; Mrs. Alice Calahan ; and two who died in infancy.
E. M. Babcock, who was a little lad of six years when he came to this county with his parents, pursued his education in the country schools and also in the public schools of Wyoming. Subsequently he gave his father the benefit of his services in the cultivation of the home farm for two years and in 1878 came to Wyoming establishing himself in the drug business. Afterward he opened a jewelry store and has since built up an extensive business in this line, now enjoy- ing a large and remunerative patronage. In 1900, in association with Peter Jan- sen, he installed the Independent Telephone System in Wyoming, being connected therewith until 1908, when he sold out his interest.
In 1879 Mr. Babcock was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wherry, who was born in Ohio, her parents being David and Mary Ann (Bratton) Wherry, na- tives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. Mrs. Babcock, who was one of a family of five sons and five daughters, was but two years of age when brought to this county by her parents. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have been born two chil- dren : Irma A., now the wife of Wayne Pringle, of Galesburg, Illinois; and Ken- neth E.
Politically Mr. Babcock is a stalwart advocate of the republican party and, though he does not desire the honors and emoluments of office, has been called to serve the public in various capacities. He acted as mayor of Wyoming for three years and has been a member of the council for thirteen or fourteen years and on the school board for six years, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and efficient manner. He belongs to the United Presbyterian church and to the Masonic fraternity, being now past master of Keystone Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Wyoming. The period of his residence in Jones county covers more than a half century and he is widely recognized as one of its most prosperous, worthy and representative citizens.
WILLIAM ANDREW HOGAN.
In all the relations of life in which William Andrew Hogan has figured he has been found a man of sterling worth and reliability, active and energetic in business, systematic and methodical in the discharge of public duties. He is now filling the position of sheriff of Jones county, in which capacity he has served continuously since January. 1904. He was born December 25. 1864, in Castle Grove township, this county, his parents being Dennis M. and Susan (Buyan) Hogan, both of whom were natives of Ireland.
In early life the parents bade adieu to the green isle of Erin and sailed for the new world. It was in this country that they became acquainted and were married and as early as 1840 had established their home in Jones county. settling in Castle Grove township. With its early development and progress they were closely associated and as pioneer residents took an active part in reclaiming the district for the purpose of civilization. For many years Dennis M. Hogan con- tinued a factor in business circles and on the 3d of December, 1893. passed away
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at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother is quietly spending her declining days upon the old homestead in Castle Grove township and is one of the worthy pio- neer women of the county whose memory covers the period of its early develop- ment. Unto this worthy couple there were born twelve children : Elizabeth and Catherine, twins; Mary; William Andrew, of this review; Daniel; Nellie; Ma- tilda ; Agnes; Lawrence and Stacy, twins, both of whom died in infancy ; Den- nis, who died at the age of fifteen as the result of a runaway accident ; and Mar- cella, who passed away at the age of fifteen.
On the old homestead William Andrew Hogan spent his youthful days, assist- ing in the farm duties and receiving all the educational advantages offered by the public schools. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and was busily engaged in the work of the fields until 1887, when at the age of twenty-four years, he was elected to the office of sheriff of Jones county, creditably filling the position for six years. On his retirement from office he turned his attention to merchandising as proprietor of a meat mar- ket and grocery store, under the firm name of Koffman & Hogan. He continued in that business for fifteen months, and then sold out to his partner. Soon after- ward he engaged in the exportation of horses, which he followed for about a year, after which he resumed farming on the old homestead, there remaining from 1898 until 1904. In November, 1903, he was once more chosen to the office of sheriff and has since continued in that position, so that his service in the office altogether will cover thirteen years. He is prompt, faithful and fearless in the discharge of his duties and his name has become a menace to those who do not hold themselves amenable to the law. Mr. Hogan is a democrat in his political views and affiliation and the fact that he has been elected to the same office six times in a republican district shows his popularity as a man and citizen, while his reelection indicates the fidelity of his services during his first term.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Hogan is connected with the Knights of Co- lumbus at Cedar Rapids and with the Modern Woodmen Camp at Anamosa. He is also a member of the Catholic church. His entire life has been passed in the county of his nativity where he has many friends who have known him from his boyhood days to the present time. A gentleman of fine personality, courteous and genial, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
THEODORE CLOTHIER.
Theodore Clothier, now living retired at Olin, Iowa, was born near Kemp- ville, Ontario, Canada. July 30, 1840. being a son of John S. and Annie (Hol- den) Clothier, natives of Corinth. New York, where she was born in 1803 and he in 1805. They were there reared and married, having two children before their removal to Ontario, Canada. Three more children were born in their new home before they returned to New York state, settling in Oswego, where still another child was born. In 1847 they moved west to Winnebago county, Illinois. The next change was a trip back to Oswego, New York, but in 1851 they again went
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to Winnebago county, Illinois, and from there to Jones county, Iowa, where a settlement was made in Rome township. The spirit of the pioneer sent the family west to Nebraska in 1879, Theodore Clothier locating in Harlan county and the remainder in Hamilton county, where the parents died, the mother when ninety- three and the father when ninety-eight. By trade he was a carpenter. A lover of home, he took no part in public affairs aside from casting his votes first for the candidates of the whig and later the republican party. His first republican vote was for Fremont, his last for McKinley. The children born to John S. Clothier and wife were six in number, as follows: Smith is now residing in the Soldiers Home at Marshalltown, Iowa, having served in the Second Illinois Volunteer Ar- tillery during the Civil war; Cynthia Ann married William H. Blackmar and died when thirty years old, leaving two children; Theodore is the third in order of birth; Thurlow lives in Hamilton county, Nebraska, on the first farm which his father there purchased ; Sabrina E. married Albert H. Colby of Pleasant Valley township, Jones county, but now a resident of Cotesfield, Howard county, Ne- braska ; and Horatio lives in Olin, Iowa.
Theodore Clothier began working with his father at the carpenter trade when fourteen years old, following that vocation until he attained his majority, when he rented a hotel and operated it for some time. Afterward he engaged in busi- ness as a contractor and builder until his retirement.
Mr. Clothier has a splendid war record, enlisting August 12, 1862, in Com- pany G, Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Jackson, Champion Hills, Black River, Missionary Ridge, was in the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea, then on through the Carolinas to Washington, where he participated in the grand review. He was in a number of other engagements and was one of the twenty-three of his company who sur- vived to return home. He was with his command continuously and participated in every engagement in which it took part. He is now a member of Don M. Car- penter Post, No. 191, G. A. R., of Olin. He is also a charter member of the Knights of Pythias, at that place, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and is active in lodge work. For forty years he has been a member of the Methodist church, and his political views make him a republican.
On August 9, 1860, Mr. Clothier married Nancy Marsh, who was born in Jasper county, Indiana, July 5, 1843, and was brought to Jones county, Iowa, in 1857 by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Marsh. She died January 13, 1903. The following five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clothier : Jolin Cyrus born May 20, 1861, died as the result of an accident, March 13, 1904, leaving a widow and two daughters; Theodora, born September 1862, while her father was serving his country, died when ten months old and he never saw her; Elmer E., born in 1866, is the publisher of the Railway Bridge and Building Magazine and is a foreman on the Milwaukee Railroad, being a carpenter by trade; Annie E. is the wife of W. F. Glick, of Anamosa ; and Freeman Smith died in infancy. All the children were born in Olin, Iowa.
Mr. Clother's life has been filled with exciting incidents. In 1859, when a lad of nineteen, he left his home in Winnebago county, Illinois, and went to Pike's Peak with an ox-team. As there was so much danger anticipated from the In- dians, people traveled together, and there were forty wagons in the band joined
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by Mr. Clothier. Leaving Omaha in the spring he reached Pike's Peak in due time, returning the same fall to find his father and family making ready to move to Iowa. He made the trip with them and, reaching this state, secured employ- ment as a mail carrier. His trip took three days, he covering forty miles per day and continuing this work for two years. He has met with four seemingly fatal accidents, being blown up by a discharge of powder; was nearly drowned; was one out of five who were poisoned in Benton Barracks and as the only one to sur- vive a stroke of lightning, but the last accident has left its mark, from which he feels he can never fully recover. It happened June II, 1870, near Stanwood, Ce- dar county, Iowa. The sky was almost cloudless when the lightning struck Mr. Clothier and charred his body so badly that he was regarded as dead. So terrible was it that a rule he carried in his hip pocket had its brass ends completely melted, as were his keys, the ring to which they were attached and a nail set and the blades of his knife. However, he was resuscitated and has outlived his wife.
The scars of this terrible experience remain, however. The horse he was rid- ing when struck was killed instantly. For many years Mr. Clothier received let- ters asking that he explain the accident. Finally the case attracted such universal interest that the New York Electrical Review under February 13, 1895, came out in a long article giving an account of it in detail, publishing a letter from Mr. Clothier. In it he expresses the fear that he will lose his sight as a result of his terrible experience and therefore no longer be able to see his wife. This is piti- ful in view of the fact that she has passed away, leaving her afflicted husband to bear his burdens alone.
H. ERICKSON.
H. Erickson, one of the substantial and leading agriculturists of Madison township, was born in Norway on the 7th of April, 1848. His father was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in Norway. Mr. Erickson was reared under the parental roof and obtained a common-school education, but his opportunities in that direction were limited, for the schoolhouse was so far distant from his home that regular attendance was out of the question. On attaining his majority he determined to test the truth of the reports which he had heard concerning the many advantages to be enjoyed in the new world and in 1869 crossed the Atlantic to the United States. During the summer of that years he worked as a farm hand in Mount Carroll, Carroll county, Illinios, and in the fall went up the Mississippi river on a flat boat to the northern part of Iowa, renting a farm in Winneshiek county. Two years later, in association with his two brothers, Oliver and Erick, he purchased an eighty-acre tract of grub land for one thousand dollars. The three brothers cleared the land and soon developed a good farm which they successfully operated for about four years, during which time they kept "bachelor's hall." In 1875, H. Erickson and his brother Oliver came to Jones county, leaving Erick in Winneshiek county. Mr. Erickson of this review purchased a farm of eighty acres in Madison town- ship, on which he made his home for about nine years, when he took up his
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abode on a tract of eighty acres cornering on the former place. Subsequently he bought a third farm of eighty acres, erected thereon a modern and substantial residence and barns and removed to the place in 1907, since which time it has remained his home. He has met with a gratifying and highly creditable degree of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and has long been num- bered among the prosperous, enterprising and representative citizens of the community.
In 1878, Mr. Erickson was united in marriage to Miss Helen Anderson, who was born in Fulton, Illinois, but was residing in Madison township. this county, at the time of her wedding. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have been born three children, as follows: Elsie, the wife of Harry Manuel, of Madison township, Jones county ; Zachariah, who wedded Miss Geneva Rolfshus, of Mabel, Min- nesota, and cultivates his father's old home farm of one hundred and sixty acres ; and Herman, a graduate of the Wyoming high school, who is now teaching school and preparing for a college course.
In his political views Mr. Erickson is a stanch republican, but he has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Both he and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. He has never had occasion to regret his deter- mination to seek a home in the new world, and though he started out in life empty-handed he has gradually worked his way upward, enjoying the advan- tages offered in this country, which is unhampered by caste or class.
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FRANK ZAMASTIL.
Frank Zamastil, a young man whose personal history is inseparably inter- woven with the agricultural development of Jones county. Iowa, by reason of his life residence and substantial work toward the further improvement of this locality, was born in Oxford township, one and one-half miles south of his pres- ent farm, on the 3d of January, 1872. His parents were John and Annie (Beranek) Zamastil, both of whom were born in Bohemia. The father was born in December, 1846, and came to the United States when he was twenty years of age, while the mother of our subject was born December 25. 1852, and accom- panied her parents on their emigration to this country in 1856. They were married in Jones county and since the death of her husband in May. 1907. Mrs. Zamastil has made her home with her son Frank in Oxford township. She was married twice and Frank, having lost his own father when very young. took his step-father's name. He has two half-sisters; Annie. the wife of Frank Pawelka, of Oxford township : and Julia. who married John Sazama, also residing in Ox- ford township.
Born and reared in Jones county, it was here that Frank Zamastil received his education in the district schools and, eager to learn the more practical lessons taught in the school of experience. he early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of a boy reared on a farm. Choosing this field of labor as his life work, he studied the best methods of tilling the soil and the rota-
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JOHN ZAMASTIL AND FAMILY
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tion of crops and purchased the most modern machinery that, with the least expenditure of time and labor, would enable him to obtain from his farm a most substantial income each year. That his persistent efforts along this line have been rewarded is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of a good farm containing two hundred and fifty-five acres and situated on sections 3, 10 and II. It is well improved in every way, has good buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and in its neat and attractive appearance reveals the spirit of the owner to whom all the credit is due for the improvement made and the well kept con- dition of the place. In addition to general farming he also engages to some extent in stock raising and, being a man still young in years, ambitious and in- dustrious, a bright future is undoubtedly in store for Mr. Zamastil, who is now numbered among Jones county's progressive agriculturists.
J. E. GABLE.
While J. E. Gable maintains his residence at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he is well known at Oxford Junction and in other parts of the county as an enterprising and progressive business man, who is the senior partner of the firm of Jolin E. Gable & Company, dealers in lumber, coal and building materials at Oxford Junction. He is the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Eby) Gable and was born October 6, 1852, near Germantown, Pennsylvania. He was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Mount Carroll, Carroll county, Illi- nois, and at the age of fourteen years he became a resident of Lost Nation, Clin- ton county, Iowa, living on a farm in the vicinity of the town to the age of nine- teen years when he put aside the duties and labors of the fields and left the farm to learn the carpenter's trade, believing that he would find industrial or commer- cial pursuits more congenial and profitable than agricultural life.
Mr. Gable worked at the carpenter's trade for a number of years and in 1879 in company with J. C. Fay purchased the lumberyard in Lost Nation of F. E. Moses. This was conducted under partnership arrangements for two years and eight months, after which Mr. Gable purchased Mr. Fay's interest and in the fall of 1883 sold out to the firm of Louisfield & Cressey. At that time he purchased a fourth interest in two lumberyards at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in company with J. C. Fay, William Fay and F. M. Thompson, the new firm being organized under the firm style of Fay Brothers & Company, with yards at No. 400 South First street. In 1906 Mr. Gable also purchased the present business at Oxford Junc- tion where, in connection with his son O. A. Gable, he is owner of a lumber and coal yard, also dealing in all kinds of building materials. This business is now managed by the son and is conducted under the firm name of John E. Gable & Company.
In 1875 when twenty-two years of age John E. Gable was married to Miss Heala E. Leinbaugh, of Elwood, Iowa, and they had four children : Frank R., of Jerome. Iowa, who is engaged in the wholesale coal trade ; Ed B., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who is head salesman for Fay Brothers & Company; Otis A., of Oxford Junction : and Onalee E., who was born August 24, 1885, and was married June
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IO, 1908. to L. A. Fuhrmister. while her death occurred May 14, 1909. The parents reside at No. 317 South Eighth street in Cedar Rapids, the father devoting his time and energies to the conduct of his lumber and other interests in that city. He is a man of unfaltering enterprise, managing his interests with ability, his labors being of a character that contribute to general progress and prosperity as well as to individual success.
Otis A. Gable, managing the interests of the firm at Oxford Junction, was born at Lost Nation. Clinton county, Iowa. June 16, 1879. and was a little lad of four summers when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Cedar Rapids. There he resided until he came to Oxford Junction to take charge of the busi- ness and his education was acquired in the public schools of the former city and in the Cedar Rapids Business College. His practical business training was re- ceived under the direction of his father in connection with the lumber trade so that broad and thorough experience qualified him for active management when he came to Oxford Junction to assume control of the business here, when he and his father became factors in the commercial circles of the town for the sale of lumber, coal and building materials. As manager, the son has built up a good trade and the patronage is steadily increasing.
On the 16th of June, 1904, Mr. Gable was married to Miss Sadie Hammill, of Cedar Rapids. a daughter of J. H. Hammill. of that place. They have two children, Pauline E. and Ruth O. Their home is a hospitable one, ever open for the reception of their many friends. Mr. Gable takes active part in the affairs of the community, especially in the promotion of interests for the betterment of the town and is a member of the board of education. He also belongs to the Com- mercial Club; to Zealous Lodge. No. 435. A. F. & A. M., of Oxford Junction ; and to Cedar Rapids Lodge. No. 141, I. O. O. F. He is a young man of enter- prising spirit to whom opportunity is a stimulus for renewed and active effort, and in the legitimate lines of trade he is meeting with gratifying success.
JAMES E. DAVIES, M. D.
Dr. James E. Davies, one of the able and successful physicians of Jones county, maintaining his home and his office at Oxford Junction, was born at Sangersville, Augusta county, Virginia, May 13. 1873. His parents were Dr. William H. and Margaret (Phillips) Davies, who left the Old Dominion in 1883 and established their home in Maquoketa, Iowa; where Dr. Davies engaged in practice with excellent success for thirteen years. He was born in Rocking- ham county. Virginia, near the town of Bridgewater. and represented one of the prominent old families of that state. His father. James Davies, was born in the same house in which Dr. W. H. Davies first saw the light, and his father, also named James Davies, was born on the same farm. He was a son of John Davies. a native of Ireland and of Scotch ancestry, who emigrated to America in colonial times and became a pioneer of Rockingham county, Virginia. He was a weaver by trade and followed that pursuit a part of the time after coming to this country. He took up a tract of timber land, clearing a large portion of it,
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and thereon made his home until his death, his residence being most attractively situated in a beautiful region at the confluence of Mossy creek and North river. In 1769, he erected a substantial two-story frame dwelling. The windows in it, however, were so narrow that a person could not possibly effect an entrance in that way, and the reason for this is said to have been as a protection against the Indians. James Davies, Sr., devoted his life to farming and always remained at the old homestead. James Davies, Jr., inherited a part of the estate from his father and passed his entire life within the old colonial mansion where his birth occurred and where he closed his eyes in death in February, 1885. He lived a pure, upright life, enjoying the unqualified respect of his neighbors. He was a man of influence and standing in his community and many sought and profited by his wise counsel. A Presbyterian in religious faith, he served for forty years as an elder of that church in which his father and his grandfather were also members. James Davies, Jr., wedded Mary A. Hogshett, a native of Augusta county. Virginia, and a daughter of William E. and Isabella (Gwin) Hogshett, natives of Augusta and Highland counties, Virginia, respectively, and of Scotch-Irish descent.
Dr. W. H. Davies pursued his education in Mossy Creek Academy and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1859. He early became imbued with a desire to practice medicine and began preparation therefore as a student in the office of Doctors Gordon and Williamson, at Harrisonburg, Virginia, while in the winter of 1859-60, he attended the Winchester Medical College founded by Dr. McGuire. Later he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia and was graduated in March, 1864. On the 4th of April following he formed a part- nership with Dr. J. G. Minor, of Bridgewater, Virginia, where he remained until the Ist of July. Not wishing to become a soldier, he entered the medical de- partment of the Confederate army at the time a second draft was made and during the last three years of the conflict was assistant surgeon. Following the war he located in Sangersville, Augusta county, Virginia, where he continued in active practice until 1875, when he removed to Churchville, in the same county. He applied himself so diligently to his professional duties that his health became impaired, and. hoping to benefit by a change of climate, he came to Iowa, select- ing Maquoketa as a suitable location. There he established his family and opened an office. continuing in active practice there until a short time prior to his death. He became one of the prominent and successful physicians of his sec- tion of Jowa, enjoying an extensive private practice and also acting as division surgeon of the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He was honored with the presidency of the Jackson County Medical Society, belonged also to the State Medical Society of Iowa. and to the American Medical Association. In 1887, he bought a half interest in a drug store. of which he remained one of the proprietors throughout the residue of his days.
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