USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 27
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Of the children born to Dr. Elijah D. and Esther (Cook) Stone, George died in boyhood. Ira D., who married Beulah Cavanaugh, is a Congregational minis- ter and has held charges in Chicago and Batavia. Illinois, and is now located at Pecatonica, that state. Edward S. and his twin sister Edda are the next of the family. The latter is now the wife of S. M. Ladd, a jeweler of Morrison, Illi- nois, and they have one daughter. Marguerite. Julia L., the youngest of the family, was married September 1. 1907. to A. M. Tinker, of Clinton, Iowa, and about three years later removed to Des Moines, where he was employed as a commercial traveler. The mother made her home with Mrs. Tinker, to whom largely fell the care and responsibility of looking after her in her later years, but it was a willing service lovingly rendered which gave the mother the con- stant care that she needed during the last six months of her illness. Upon this altar of love she sacrificed her own life, for about a month after the death of the mother, it was necessary for Mrs. Tinker to undergo an operation, from which she never recovered, dying February 22. 1908. She left one son, Harold. Mrs. Stone passed away September 18. 1907, in Des Moines.
Edward S. Stone was only eleven years of age at the time of his father's death. He accompanied his mother on the removal to Morrison, Illinois, where he was reared, and in the public and high schools of that place he pursued his education. At the age of seventeen years he began learning the jeweler's trade under the direction of S. M. Ladd. with whom he remained for three years. He then embarked in business on his own account at Charlotte, Iowa, where he remained for about a year. and in 1889 removed to La Harpe, Illinois, where he held a position for about a year. Later he pursued a course of study in watch work and engraving in the HIorological School of Chicago. In 1892 and 1893, he was engaged in business at Rock Falls. Illinois, but disposed of his interest there early in 1894. For several years he occupied positions in jewelry stores in different places, including Jerseyville, Illinois ; Oregon, Illinois ; Hamil- ton. Ohio; Junction City, Kansas: Battle Creek, Michigan; Freeport, Illinois ; Worcester, Massachusetts : Brocton, Massachusetts : and Bloomington, Illinois.
In the spring of 1902 he came to Anamosa to accept a position with L. E Tucker and about six months later bought out his employer and has since en- gaged in business on his own account. He moved to his present location about 1905 and is here conducting a leading jewelry store, having a large and well se- lected line of jewelry. precious stones, watches and other goods found in an es- tablishment of this character. Ile also carries china, ent glass and optical goods.
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He has made a close study of the optical science and his knowledge thereof makes him thoroughly competent to correct defects in and benefit the sight. He conducts his business on a strictly reliable basis, in harmony with a high stan- dard of commercial ethics and by his square dealing and energy has won the success which he is now enjoying.
Mr. Stone is very happy in his home life. On the 19th of October, 1905, he wedded Ethel Reed, a daughter of Jonathan and Laura (White) Reed, who were natives of Indiana and in early life removed to Illinois. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stone are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he has served as an elder and treasurer, while fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Globe and with Anamosa lodge of the Mystic Workers. His political endorse- ment is given to the republican party, but while he neither seeks nor desires office he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and does all in his power to promote the best interests of the community. His record as a man and citizen is an honorable one and it has brought to him the high respect which is uniformly accorded him. With his varied experience and close appli- cation to his line of work, he has skilled himself in his profession. He has filled positions of trust and obtained the confidence of the people with whom he has mingled. A growing patronage shows that the people of Jones county and vicinity appreciate to some extent honest. upright, conscientious business men, of whom Edward S. Stone is a fair type.
JOHN LLEWELLYN PROUTY.
The loyalty of John Llewellyn Prouty to Jones county is eloquently attested by the fact that he has chosen to live all his life here with the exception of two years which he spent in Texas. He was born in Clay township on the 4th of March. 1856, and the significance of the date has caused some of his admiring friends to believe that he is yet destined to occupy the presidential chair. He is the son of Alonzo and India Ann ( Harris) Prouty, both natives of Knox county, Ohio, where they were married and about 1850 came to Iowa, locating in Clay township. Jones county. His grandfather, Abijah Prouty, was associated with the father in entering some four hundred acres of land on the Maquoketa river. All of the open prairie land to the west of them, unsettled as it was, did not attract them, for they were impressed with the idea that they could not live away from the timber. The land was secured in the grandfather's name and was entered from the government at one dollar and a quarter an acre. Here both the father and grandfather lived until the time of their death.
When a lad of fourteen years, John L. Prouty went to work as a farm hand in the winter, availing himself of the schooling afforded by the district in which he lived. In the fall of 1876, when twenty years of age, he went to Texas, where he spent the two years before alluded to and then returned to Jones county. In 1881 he bought a threshing machine, which was a horse power ma- chine and later he became the owner of the first steam thresher brought to this section of country, and for twenty-five years he followed threshing as a pursuit.
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In 1890 he removed to Scotch Grove and engaged in the horse breeding business. His residence there lasted for some twelve years, at the end of which time he began buying land where he now lives and which served as the nucleus of his present homestead. He now owns one hundred and ninety acres and very prop- erly congratulates himself that some of it was bought decidedly at a bargain.
Mr. Prouty was married October 27, 1906, the lady who became his wife being Miss Frances Breeden, of Jackson county. He is republican in politics and is a prominent member of Monticello Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F. Mr. Prouty is one of the substantial and influential men of Scotch Grove township and has taken an active part in the growth and development of Jones county for over half a century.
CHARLES S. AMES.
Charles S. Ames, the enterprising and progressive proprietor of a success- ful livery business in Wyoming, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurring in Clay township, Jones county, on the 19th of October, 1856. The father, Joseph P. Ames, who claimed Vermont as the place of his nativity, went to Morgan county, Ohio, at an early date, and there engaged in the occupation of farming until 1853. In that year he came to Jones county, Iowa, locating in Clay township where he entered eighty acres of land on section 19. On that farm, to which he later added an additional tract of one hundred acres, he spent his remaining days, becoming a very successful farmer and business man. A republican in politics, he was called to fill various township offices and became well known throughout the community as a public-spirited citizen. He passed away in 1887 at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lydia Ann Piper, was born in Licking county, Ohio, and in the faith of the Baptist church passed away in 1897 at the ripe old age of eighty years. In their family were seven children, as follows: Adeline, who passed away in infancy ; Mary and Alva, both deceased ; Horace, residing in Wyoming; Aurilla, the deceased wife of Joseph Orr; Charles S., of this review; and Lewis, also deceased.
Spending the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, Charles S. Ames acquired his education in the district schools of Clay and Scotch Grove townships and when not engaged with his text-books assisted in the work of his father's farm. There amid the activities of rural life he learned lessons con- cerning the value of industry, integrity and perseverance, and soon became familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. The early years of his business career were devoted to agriculture. He assumed the man- agement of the home farm, a half of which later came into his possession, so that he now owns ninety acres of valuable land in Scotch Grove township He continued to engage in general farming until 1904, when he retired from that line of activity and came to Wyoming, where he turned his attention to carpen- tering. He was thus connected until March, 1909, when he purchased the livery stable of Edward Barber and has since concentrated his energies upon the con-
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duct of a prosperous and constantly increasing trade. He owns some very fine horses and modern and up-to-date vehicles and the excellence of his equipment, combined with the prompt service which he renders his patrons and the honest and business-like methods which he employs have gained him a most satisfac- tory and remunerative trade.
In 1880 Mr. Ames was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Baldwin, who was born in New York in 1860, and unto this union have been born two children : Arthur L., born on the old homestead in 1880, who wedded Edith Howard by whom he has one child, Charles Howard Ames; and Ada I., born in 1890, who graduated from the Wyoming high school in June, 1909, and still resides under the parental roof. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church while fraternally Mr. Ames belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and also to the Mystic Workers.
His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, and during his residence in Scotch Grove township he was called to fill various township offices, a fact which indicates the high regard in which he was held by nis fellow citizens. Since residing in Wyoming he has become well known throughout the community for his many excellent traits of character and the public spirit which he manifests in all matters pertaining to the general welfare and progress has won him rank among the valued representatives of Jones county.
J. R. ZINN, JR.
J. R. Zinn, Jr., deceased, was for two years prominent in the business circles of Oxford Mills successfully conducting the milling interests of this place. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 20, 1851, a son of Jacob R. and Eliza- beth (Emig) Zinn, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, and there they also passed away.
J. R. Zinn, one of nine children born of his father's marriage, was reared in his native state and acquired his education in the common schools. During the period of his boyhood and youth he learned the milling business and in 1877, seeking the broader opportunities of the west, he removed to Russell county, Kansas, remaining in that state two years, when he took up his abode in Cedar county, Missouri, where he lived until 1895. In that year he came to Oxford Mills and purchasing the mill at this place conducted it until his death, which occurred on the 23d of December, 1897. Although his residence here was of short duration, he made many friends, while his business interests were conducted in such a straightforward manner as to commend him to the good will and patronage of the public.
It was while still a resident of the east that Mr. Zinn was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Amanda L. Boyer, who was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Solomon and Louise (Lenhart) Boyer, who were also natives of that state. The father, who was born in 1819, departed this life December 3, 1908, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-nine years. His wife preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring October 29, 1889, when in her
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seventy-ninth year, for her birth occurred December 17, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer's family numbered three children : Elwin, deceased; Aaron, still a resident of Pennsylvania ; and Mrs. Zinn.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Zinn were born eight children, namely : Harry A., a resi- dent of Anamosa, Iowa; Kathryn, at home; George S., who has passed away ; Nettie E., the wife of Charles Brink, a resident of Sioux county, Iowa; Frank E., who makes his home in Oxford Junction; Charles A., at home; and J. W. and Marian B., who have passed away. Mr. Zinn was a democrat in his political belief but was never active as an office seeker. He belonged to the Odd Fel- low's lodge at Eldorado Springs, Missouri, while his religious faith was indi- cated by his membership in the German Reformed Lutheran church, in the faith of which he passed away at a comparatively early age, being but forty-six years old at the time of his death. He was a man of excellent habits, possessing un- questionable integrity, and was most devoted to his family. Mrs. Zinn, who is a member of the German Lutheran church, occupies a fine residence in Oxford Mills, where she enjoys the friendship of a large circle of people.
BENJAMIN HUBER MILLER.
Benjamin Huber Miller, whose name is inscribed high on the roll of leading and successful lawyers, practicing at the Jones county bar, was born in Rome township, this county. April 10, 1845. His father. Jacob Miller, was born in Virginia, December 23, 1799, and was descended from German ancestry. In the year 1803. his parents removed from the Old Dominion to Ohio, being among the pioneers who aided in reclaiming that state for the purposes of civilization. Having arrived at years of maturity. Jacob Miller wedded Miss Mary Keller, who was born in Pennsylvania, August 12, 1802. Her father was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and her parents removed to Ohio in 1803. It was in September, 1844, that Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Miller came to Iowa, spending their remaining days in Jones county, where the father died when almost eighty-two years of age, while the mother survived to the remarkable old age of ninety-two years, four months and eleven days. Their family numbered seven sons and three daughters, of whom Judge Miller is the youngest. He and his brother Levi K. are now the only survivors of the family.
In the public schools Judge Miller pursued his education and has always given considerable attention to historical and scientific research. He is practically a self-made man, his wide reading, comprehensive study and keen observation bringing to him knowledge that most men acquire in college life. His youthful days were passed on the farm and following his graduation from the high school of Lisbon, Iowa, he engaged for a few years in teaching in the country schools. He then turned his attention to the drug business, in which he engaged for eight years. Like most boys in pioneer communities he had little ambition in any particular line save to accumulate sufficient property for comfortable existence but as he passed on in life each forward step brought him a wider outlook and broader opportunities which he has improved to good advantage
B. H. MILLER
hle.
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until he now occupies a creditable position as a representative of the Iowa bar. He was engaged in the drug business for eight years and then turned his at- tention to the profession of law. At the bar he has been an earnest worker for the success which only follows careful preparation, comprehensive and accurate knowledge and thorough understanding of legal principles in relation to the points in litigation. The early cases with which he was connected served to indicate to the public something of his ability which has developed as the years have gone by through the exercise of his talents in the work of the courts. Gradually he secured a good clientage which constantly developed in volume and importance and later he was honored with political preferment in the line of his profession, being elected judge of the eighteenth judicial district, his service on the bench continuing from the Ist of January, 1903, until the Ist of January, 1907. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and manifest, his unfalter- ing fidelity to the highest standards of the calling to which life, liberty and justice must look for protection. On his retirement from the bench he resumed private practice and the clientage accorded him is now extensive.
The first office to which Judge Miller was ever called was that of justice of the peace, his service as such being in both Cedar and Jones counties. He has likewise been honored with the mayoralty of Olin and Anamosa and in each instance gave a business-like administration characterized by substantial reform and improvement. He has also been a member of the board of education of Olin and of Stanwood and in all of his public service has been actuated by a conscientious desire to further the interests of the public through the prompt and faithful discharge of his duties. His service as a member of the board of education covered more than a quarter of a century and he has always been recognized as a stalwart champion of the public schools. He is not, however, a politician in the sense of office seeking, believing that the positions should seek the man rather than the man the position and his elections have come as the free will offering of a people who have recognized his ability and sought the benefit of his services. His political views are in accord with the principles of the democracy.
Judge Miller was married at Anamosa, September 12, 1869, to Miss Eva Foreman, whose parents settled in Jones county in 1844, near the home of the Miller family. Her father was born in Kentucky and her mother in Virginia and after living for some years in Indiana, they became residents of Iowa. Mrs. Miller was born in Jones county and is exactly one year her husband's junior. The children of this marriage are six in number: Merton M .; Earl F., who wedded Myrtle E. Olmstead and has one son, Chester E .; Harry W .; Mabel E., now deceased; Luelle B., who married Frances Fisher and has one child, Mary Evelyn ; and Ruby A.
Judge Miller is a prominent Mason and is in hearty sympathy with its basic belief and principles concerning the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. He became a member of the order when twenty-one years of age and is now affiliated with Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 200. A. F. & A. M., at Olin, of which he served for ten years as master. He is also a member of Mount Sinai Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M., of Anamosa and Mount Olivet Com- mandery, No. 36, K. T., of Anamosa. His membership also extends to El Kahir
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Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids and De Molay Consistory, No. I, S. P. R. S., at Clinton, Iowa. He is also a member of Sumner Lodge, No. 92, K. P., at Anamosa and is now chief grand tribune of the grand lodge of the Knights of Pythias in the domain of Iowa. He belongs to both the local and state bar associations and thus keeps in close touch with the members of the profession. He has been called upon to deliver many public addresses of a political or other nature and his masterly handling of his subject is indicative of his broad read- ing and his wide general information. He takes to himself no credit for what he has accomplished but the consensus of public opinion classes him with the representative and prominent men of Jones county.
HANRY A. ZINN.
Hanry A. Zinn, president of the Electric Light & Power Company of Ana- mosa, is numbered among the representative business men of the city, whose efforts are a potent force in the commercial development and progress here. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania in 1872, his parents being J. R. and Almanda (Boyer) Zinn, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. On leaving that state in 1877, they removed to western Kansas, where they lived for about three years, and then became residents of Missouri, where they continued to reside until coming to Jones county. Iowa, in 1895. The father died in 1897 at the age of forty-six years and is still survived by the mother, who now resides at Oxford Mills, this county.
Hanry A. Zinn spent his youthful days under the parental roof, his time being divided between the work of the schoolroom. the pleasures of the play- ground and such tasks as were assigned him by parental authority. On attain- ing his majority he left home and started in the business world on his own ac- count. He sought and secured employment with the Dubuque Milling & Tur- bine Company, remaining with them for about seven months, after which he engaged with the firm of Barnard & Lees at Moline, Illinois. There he remained for three years. after which, in company with his father, he engaged in the milling business at Oxford Mills, Jones county, under the firm name of J. R. Zinn & Son. His previous experience had well qualified him for work of this character and his practical training and business enterprise proved forceful ele- ments in the success of the enterprise. Soon after the business was established, however. the father died and Mr. Zinn continued to operate the mill alone until 1900. In that year. he and his brother. F. E. Zinn, organized what was known as the Electric Light & Power Company, the plant being located at Oxford Mills and furnishing outside light and power to Oxford Junction and Wyoming. This undertaking proved a profitable venture and led Hanry A. Zinn to extend his efforts into other fields. In 1902 he organized what is known as the Oxford Junction Telephone Company, establishing a local exchange at Oxford Junction and connecting it with lines at Clarence, Wyoming and other points. He was an active factor in the work of this company until establish- ing his present business in Anamosa.
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It was in 1905 that he was instrumental in organizing the Electric Light & Power Company of Anamosa, which is capitalized for thirty-five thousand dol- lars, with Hanry A. Zinn as the president; F. E. Zinn as vice president; Park Chamberlin as secretary; and George Schoonover as treasurer. Mr. Zinn is one of the best known representatives of electric light interests in this part of the state. He still retains his financial interests in the Zinn Electric Light & Power Company and in the telephone company, while at the present time he is bending his energies to administrative directions as the head of the Electric Light & Power Company of Anamosa. His work in this connection is of a most practi- cal character, leading to substantial results, and he has secured for the com- pany a large patronage that makes this business one of the profitable enter- prises of the city. He is also in partnership with his brother, as the owners of a ranch of forty-three hundred acres in North Dakota, all in one 'body.
In the year 1901 Hanry A. Zinn was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Ruley, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Curren) Ruley. The father is a native of Bohemia and the mother of Jones county, Iowa. Four children have been born of this marriage-Norma, Keven, Kathaline and Margaret. The family are prominent socially in the community, having a large circle of warm friends here, while the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
In politics Mr. Zinn is independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. He is associated with the Catholic church and is interested in all those things which are factors in municipal progress or which are matters of civic virture and civic pride. In his business career he has made steady prog- ress owing to his wise and intelligent appreciation and use of opportunities whereby he has come into important business connections, being numbered among the representative men of Anamosa.
JOHN McLEES.
One of the highly esteemed citizens of Richland township is John McLees, who is a native of the Buckeye state, born in the suburbs of Wellsville, in Co- lumbiana county, Ohio, May 12, 1848. He is a son of George and Fannie (Pin- kerton) McLees, also natives of Ohio. His grandparents, however, came to this country from Ireland. His parents lived for some time after their marriage in Ohio, but when he was a child of seven they sought a new home in Iowa, locat- ing on the farm which adjoins those fertile acres now owned by the subject of the sketch. His father's farm was purchased from a Mr. Chadwell, who had entered it from the government, and it consisted of about three hundred and sixty-five acres. Besides John McLees, there were five daughters in the family. but only two of these survive at the present. They are Fannie, who resides at Monticello, and Catherine. of Chicago, both maiden ladies. The death of the father occurred some time in the 'Sos.
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