USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 16
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As previously stated, Mr. Saum had three children when he came to Iowa. Seven children were born unto him and his wife at Walnut Grove, of whom one died in infancy. The death of the mother occurred on the home farm May 22, 1873, and in 1874 Mr. Saum married Miss Cordelia Huggins, of Anamosa, a sister of Burrill Huggins, now of Indianola. In 1879 they removed to Healdsburg, Cali- fornia, Mr. Saum there giving his attention to fruit culture for twenty years. Throughout this period, however, he considered Anamosa his real home and in 1899 returned to this city. His last years were there passed, and he delighted in recounting incidents of pioneer life and recalling the conditions which then existed in contrast with the improvements and progress that was made. His memory formed a connecting link between the primitive past and the prosperous present. In early times he did everything possible to stimulate growth and development here along lines that would work for the betterment of the community. Denied but the most meager educational advantages in his own youth, he always advocated education and in 1842 opened the first school in Walnut Grove, giving the first log cabin which he had erected to be used for school purposes. Two years later he and his hired man cut down trees, hauled the logs together, gathered in the neighbors and put up a new schoolhouse which they seated with puncheon benches. Occasionally a church service was held in this schoolhouse, the scattered families of the region coming to hear the gospel proclaimed by some circuit rider. The Sunday school was always carried on quite regularly there.
In their earlier years Mr. and Mrs. Saum were devoted members of the United Brethren church, and at all times his life was upright and honorable. It was a matter of deep rejoicing to him that Iowa won for herself such prominent place in the Union through the utilization of her natural resources and the development of her varied interests. He lived here at a time when Dubuque, Davenport and Muscatine were the only markets for wheat, corn, oats, pork, cattle and even for butter and eggs. He was always an optimist, a man of large views of present pos- sibilities and still larger views of the possibilities and achievements of the future. "On more than one occasion has he given free rein to thought and imagination," said one who knew him well, "we have been greatly impressed with his remarkably clear grasp of national character in all the higher elements of greatness and power and in America's supreme eminence and present and ultimate influence among the nations of the earth. Faith in the future was an inborn characteristic of his na- ture and this was what brought him to Iowa six years before the state was admit- ted to the Union, it being only a wilderness inherited by Indians, while deer, elk and rattlesnakes were among its natural products. This unquenchable spirit in those years of privation, trackless prairies and bridgeless streams, made Mr. Saum not only a pioneer but a heroic helper and leader in securing for himself and for his fellow workers every available instrumentality in education and in material equipment necessary for the founding and building of a state. His greatest pride was in Iowa and in her steady growth he wrought well his part and to him and
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those who labored with him is Iowa largely indebted for her peerless record among the commonwealths of the Union."
Mr. Saum spent his last years in the home of his daughter, Mrs. William Peet, save the last week when he was at the home of another daughter, Mrs. Johnson, where he passed away at the age of ninety-four years. His life was one of suc- cess, judged not only by what he accomplishes for himself but by the high stan- dard of success in what he did for others. As a leader in lines of progress he did much both directly and indirectly for the county, and at all times he was ready to assist another by word of advice or encouragement or through a substantial aid. He was one of the best known and most honored of the pioneers of Jones county.
J. A. MCLAUGHLIN.
That the invariable law of destiny accords to tireless energy and unfalter- ing industry a successful career is indicated in the life record of J. A. McLaugh- lin, one of the leading and representative agriculturists of Castle Grove town- ship, Jones county. His birth occurred in Wayne township on the 30th of June, 1843. He is a son of James and Mary (Hill) Mclaughlin, both natives of Ire- land, who came to America early in life. In the year 1837, James McLaughlin with his family settled on section 2 of Wayne township, Jones county, Iowa, where they resided until 1846, when they removed to Castle Grove township, which continued to be their home until their death several years ago.
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in Jones county and has made this county his home continuously during the entire period of his life. As a lad he did chores about the farm and attended the common schools of his home district, where he acquired a good knowledge of the branches of English learning. He later had the privilege of attending Lenox College at Hopkinton, Iowa, for two years, and also took a course of study in Notre Dame, Indiana, for one year. As in his other duties, he applied himself diligently to his studies and made good use of his privileges.
Upon reaching man's estate, he started out in business on his own account, wisely choosing as his life work the occupation of farming, to which he had been reared. For several years he operated the old homestead in the capacity of renter and later bought the place, which has continued to be his home to the present time.
Mr. McLaughlin, by his untiring energy and the application of good business methods, became the owner of other lands besides the family homestead and now owns about a section and a half of choice farm land in Castle Grove township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devotes a large part of his time and attention. He has equipped the farm with many of the modern accessories and conveniences, and it is conceded to be one of the finest improved properties in the township.
In connection with his agricultural pursuits, he makes a specialty of rais- ing and feeding stock, and in this branch of his business, as well as in the rais- ing of crops, he is meeting with most gratifying success. Energy, industry and
J. A. MCLAUGHLIN
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perseverance have been salient elements in the prosperity which he now enjoys, and through close application and good management he has attained a worthy rank among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of the locality.
It was in 1878 that Mr. McLaughlin was united in marriage to Miss Alice Downer, who was born in Jones county, a daughter of Horace Downer and Ruth Downer, pioneers of Castle Grove township, who were natives of Vermont. The parents came to this county in 1840 and entered land, continuing to make their residence within its borders until their death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McLaugh- lin have been born seven children, all of whom are yet living. The children are as follows: Frank, who resides in Chicago, Illinois ; William D., at home ; John, also making his home in Chicago; Richard, of South Dakota; Clarence, also of Dakota ; Minnie and Eugene, both under the parental roof. Being appreciative himself of the advantages to be obtained through a good education, Mr. Mc- Laughlin has given all his children excellent educational training and advantages, each having benefited by a course of study at college.
Ever since the time when age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. McLaughlin has been a stalwart supporter of republican principles, although he has never been an aspirant for political office, being content to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his own business affairs. He has spent his entire life within the borders of Jones county, and throughout his active business career he has ever been identified with its substantial development and improvement and has likewise ever been a hearty supporter of those movements which had for their object the maintenance and promotion of civic virtue and civic pride. His home has always been one of cheerful hospitality, and the welcome hand is ever extended to the friend and the stranger who may pass that way. He is widely known throughout the community, and the fact that among his warm friends are numbered many who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his salient characteristics are such as command the respect, confidence and good will of his fellow-men.
CHANCEY TOMPKINS.
Chancey Tompkins is one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Wyoming township, whose home is on section 20. He was born in New York state, Octo- ber 16, 1854, and is a son of Rufus and Harriett (Woodard) Tompkins. They were natives of the same state as their son and came with their family to Iowa in 1867, locating in Wyoming township, Jones county, where they passed the re- mainder of their days. Nine children were born to them. Carrie, who is the wife of Fordam Woods, of Wyoming township; Mary, deceased; Rhoda, who is the wife of George Holub, of the same township; Emma, who is the wife of John Demming, now living in Montana ; Chancey, the subject of this sketch; Edward, who lives in South Dakota; Gus, a resident of Goodland, Kansas; John, of Wy- oming township; and one who died in infancy.
Chancey Tompkins was about thirteen years of age when his parents came to this county and received his education in the common schools, whence he derived
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all the instruction he could during the few months in which they held session. In the meanwhile he worked upon the farm with his father, participating in all of the labor that was carried on there, and not until he was twenty-six years old attempt- ing to start in life for himself. At that age he married and established his home on a rented farm. After five years' experience as a tenant he bought the place on which he is now living but which was only partly improved at the time. It embraces one hundred and forty-seven acres on section 20, and through careful cultivation well supports the general line of agriculture to which Mr. Tompkins has devoted his energies. He has also engaged largely in the stock business, rais- ing, feeding and shipping large numbers of cattle and hogs. From experience he has learned the value of incessant toil in obtaining appreciable returns in his call- ing and his capacity for industry united with the good judgment he displays in the management of his affairs has won him a measure of success that is gratifying indeed.
At the age of twenty-six, Mr. Tompkins wedded Miss Mary Jennings, a native of Ohio, and their union has been blessed with two children. Iva, the older, grad- uated from the Wyoming high school and is now the wife of Dr. Chamberlain, of Wyoming. Lyle, lives at home.
Mrs. Tompkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but Mr. Tomp- kins does not profess allegiance to any creed. Politically he is in sympathy with the platform of the democratic party, for whose candidate he almost invariably casts his vote at the polls. For himself, however, he has never sought office, al- though he has served efficiently as a school director for a number of years.
SAMUEL W. WALTON.
Since the spring of 1885 Samuel W. Walton has resided in Anamosa, in which year he established the marble works now conducted under the firm name of Wal- ton & Son. In the intervening years he has met with a fair measure of success and has made a record which places him with the enterprising and reliable busi- ness men of the city. His birth occurred at Wisbech, England, October 30, 1849, his parents being William and Harriet (Thornton) Walton, who were likewise natives of England and are now deceased. The father was also a marble cutter by trade and throughout his life carried on his business in connection with the manufacture of monuments.
Samuel W. Walton, the youngest in a family of eight children, attended the public schools of his native country and afterward served his apprenticeship as a marble cutter under the direction of his father. He was only fifteen years of age, however, when his father died and the responsibility of conducting the business devolved upon his young shoulders. He resolutely undertook the task and did good work for one of his years. There he remained until 1881, when he came to the United States, bringing his wife with him, for he had been married in the meantime. Making his way into the interior of the country he settled first at Waukegan, Illinois, where he remained for four years, being foreman in monu- ment works of that place. He removed thence to Anamosa and has been a resident
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of the town since the spring of 1885. He was first employed in the stone quarries here, but found the work was too strenuous, and in the same year he began busi- ness on his own account, establishing the marble works of which he has since been proprietor, and which are now conducted under the firm style of Walton & Son Monumental Works. Their excellent workmanship, fair prices and earnest ef- forts to please their patrons have secured for them a growing trade and many fine specimens of expert skill are seen in the cemeteries of this district.
On the 17th of October, 1872, Mr. Walton was married in England to Miss Hannah J. Marshall, who was born on the 2d of April, 1848. They have become parents of four children : George W., who is now in the wall paper business in North Dakota; Alfred E., who since 1897 has been a member of the firm of Wal- ton & Son ; Herbert M., who died in infancy; and Harriet M. The parents are members of the Baptist church and are loyal to its teachings. In the social circles of the community they occupy an enviable position, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Walton is a member of the Odd Fellows Society, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the American Patriots. His son is also connected with the Knights of Pythias. Both father and son are stalwart supporters of the republican party and the latter is now township clerk of Fair- view township. They are recognized as business men of good ability, actuated in their undertakings by the spirit of enterprise, and Mr. Walton feels that he has no occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for he has here found and improved good opportunities and has made for himself a com- fortable living.
CHARLES ANDREW SCHWAB.
Charles Andrew Schwab, conducting a profitable business as a general farmer and stock raiser, owning and cultivating one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting the northeast quarter of section 9, Oxford township, was born in Am- boy, Lee county, Illinois, October 10, 1855. He was only six months old when his parents. Martin and Mary (St. John) Schwab, removed to Oxford township, Jones county. The father was a native of Germany, the mother, of Ireland, and they were married in the state of New York. Soon afterward they sought a home in the middle west, locating first in Lee county, Illinois, while in 1856 they became residents of Jones county, Iowa, and spent their remaining days upon the farm which is now the home of their son Charles. Here the father died in March, 1909, at the venerable age of eighty-four years, while his wife, who was born in 1827. passed away in 1893. Their family numbered seven children : John H., who is living in Grinnell, Iowa; Charles A., of this review ; Mary Ellen, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Margaret Mary, who died when twenty-two years of age ; Martin Luther, who passed away at the age of twenty-five years ; George
S., who died leaving a widow and one daughter ; and Delia Jane, who died when two and a half years of age. The eldest two are the only ones now living.
As previously stated, Charles A. Schwab was but six months old when his par- ents came to Oxford township and here he has since lived with the exception of
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about eight years spent in Story county, Iowa. He continued on the old home- stead until three years after his marriage when he went to Story county, there con- tinuing until about 1905 when he took up his abode upon his present farm, con- stituting the northeast quarter of section 9, Oxford township. This is a well im- proved tract of land supplied with good buildings which are kept in a state of ex- cellent repair. The father bought eighty acres of this as raw prairie and made all of the improvements upon it, while later he purchased eighty acres more. Mr. Schwab is diligent in carrying on the work of the fields, developing the land ac- cording to modern methods and annually harvesting good crops as the reward of his labors. In addition to cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of the raising of Norman horses. He likewise conducts a dairy business and sells to the creamery company. He also raises fruit of all kinds upon his place and has a splendidly developed property, well equipped in all lines of general farming.
In 1879 Mr. Schwab was united in marriage to Miss Ella Walston, a native of this county and a daughter of William Walston. She died leaving three children : Ira Martin; Lula Pearl, the wife of John Tordson, of Oxford Junction; and Ernest A. For his second wife, whom he wedded in 1894, Mr. Schwab chose Mrs. Minnie (Turkle) Schwab, his brother's widow. She is a native of Ohio and a daughter of Joseph Turkle. By this marriage there is one son, Lloyd Turkle, and by her former marriage Mrs. Schwab has a daughter, Laura Elizabeth. Mr. Schwab belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is a member of the Lutheran church of Oxford Junction. He has worked diligently and persistently to attain the success which is now his and as the years have gone by his energy has conquered all the difficulties and obstacles in his path, making him one of the substantial farmers of the district.
CHARLES J. CASH.
In a history of the legal profession in Jones county mention should be made of Charles J. Cash, now a partner in the law firm of Herrick, Cash & Rhinehart, with offices in Anamosa and Monticello. His record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for he is a native son of the city in which he makes his home and where he has so directed his efforts as to gain recognition as the reward of marked ability and one whose devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial.
His father, John Cash, was a native of Ireland and coming to the United States in 1859 settled in New York city, where he engaged in teaming for a time. He remained in the eastern metropolis until 1867 with the exception of three years, which he spent as a soldier in the Civil war. He enlisted in March, 1862, as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth New York Volunteer Infantry and afterward served with the One Hundred and Fifth New York Infantry until mustered out after the close of hostilities in August, 1865. He participated in the battles of Gettysburg and other important engagements and after being wounded was sent to the Nashville Military Hospital. In 1867 he removed to
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Anamosa, where he worked by the day until he could gain a start. He then turned his attention to farming in Fairview and later became the owner of a tract of land. His political allegiance was given to the democracy, while his religious faith was that of the Catholic church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine O'Brien, was born in Ireland and came with her parents to the United States in 1859, the family home being established in New York city, where she was married. She, too, was a member of the Catholic church and died in that faith in 1883. In their family were six children : William, who was born in 1861 and followed the stone cutter's trade until his death in 1902; Edward, who was born in 1867 and is a locomotive engineer of Louisiana with headquarters in New Orleans; Mary, who was born in 1868 and is living in Dubuque; Charles J .; John, who was born in 1872, in Anamosa, and now resides in Lincoln, Nebraska ; and Stephen, whose birth occurred in Anamosa in 1875.
Charles J. Cash acquired his literary education in the public schools of this city, which he attended during the winter months from 1876 until 1889. He worked on a farm during the summer seasons and pursued his studies evenings without assistance. Although tired from the day's work he would study evenings while in bed until he would fall asleep. Being of unusual physical strength he was interested and also active in outdoor sports. After leaving school he took an extended trip in the west, but returned to Anamosa and began the study of law, having concluded from observations that special training for some trade or profession was essential, and, possessing, moreover, a long cherished desire to enter the legal profession, he entered the office of F. O. Ellison, who directed his reading for two years. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1894, and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession. He remained alone until 1900, when he formed a partnership with B. E. Rhinehart under the firm style of Cash & Rhinehart, the connection remaining unchanged until 1908, when M. W. Her- rick, of Monticello, became a member of the firm, which is now known as Her- rick, Cash & Rhinehart. They have offices in Anamosa and Monticello and their clientage is extensive and of a representative character. Through his own efforts and determination Mr. Cash has acquired a splendid reputation as a lawyer and reached a high place as a member of the legal bar. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong ad- vocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court. His pleas have been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation rather than by flights of oratory. and his power is the greater before court or jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to en- shroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will thwart the principles of right and equity involved.
On the 21st of June, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cash and Miss Margaret Kennedy, for ten years a teacher in the public schools of Sioux City, Iowa, and unto them was born a son, Paul, whose birth occurred January 26, 1900. The wife and mother passed away on the 23d of April, of the same year. at Sioux City. In December, 1903, Mr. Cash was again married, his second union being with Josephine Shaffer, of Cascade, Iowa, who was also a school teacher and a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Shaffer. Her grandfather, Nicholas Shaffer. Sr .. came to America in 1830. He had served several years on the staff
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of the great Napoleon, and after the disastrous march of Moscow he was captured and for some time acted as a teacher of the French language to the Russian no- bility. Mr. and Mrs. Cash now have one son, Charles J., who was born June I, 1905. Their parents are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Cash belongs also to the Modern Woodmen, the Mystic Workers and the Knights of Columbus, while in more specificially professional lines he is connected with the Jones County Bar Association. His political allegiance is given to the democracy, and he is rec- ognized as one of the local leaders of the party. He was chairman of the demo- cratic county central committee and for many years was one of its members, while since attaining his majority he has taken a very active part in whatever has per- tained to the welfare and the interest of the party. For four years he served as justice of the peace and was also alderman from the second ward. In 1902 he was elected prosecuting attorney, was defeated in 1904 and was reelected in 1906 and 1908, so that he is now the incumbent in the position. Chosen three times for this office, his reelection is incontrovertible proof of the ability which he has displayed in discharging his duties. He has been unusually successful as a prosecutor and is the only incumbent in that office who has been returned by increased majorities at each succeeding election. As a candidate for office he has commanded the votes of those who know him best, having in every instance received his party vote and nearly a majority of the republican vote in his home town.
FREDERICK OSCAR ELLISON.
Judge Frederick Oscar Ellison was in 1906 called to the bench of the eighteenth judicial district and his course has been distinguished by high legal ability. To wear the ermine worthily it is not enough that one possess legal acumen, is learned in the principles of jurisprudence, familiar with precedents and thor- oughly honest. Many men, even when acting uprightly are unable to wholly divest themselves of prejudice and are unconsciously warped in their judgments by their own mental characteristics or educational peculiarities. This unconsci- ous and variable disturbing force enters more or less into the judgments of all men but in the ideal jurist this fact becomes so small as not to be discernible in results and loses its potency as a disturbing force. Judge Ellison in the opinion of the bar is exceptionally free from judicial bias. His varied legal learning and wide experience in the courts, the patient care with which he ascertains all the facts bearing upon every case that comes before him gives his decisions a solidity and exhaustiveness from which the members of the bar can take no exception.
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