USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 28
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Mr. McLees was reared at home and acquired his education in an old log schoolhouse in the days when a knowledge of the "Three R's" was still instilled with the aid of the hickory stick. At the age of twenty-three years he became a
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farmer on his own account. His legacy from his grandfather Pinkerton had been a tract of fifty acres of timber land, which he proceeded to clear with all the ardor of youth. At the same time he rented and farmed a portion of his father's land. His adventures with the timber land were sometimes extremely depress- ing, and while the clearing ultimately cost him more than to have bought tillable land in the first place, it was no doubt well worth it all in experience, a philo- sophic viewpoint which he was unable to attain until long afterward. He has added to his possessions from time to time until he now owns two hundred and thirty-three acres.
In June, 1873, Mr. McLees was married to Miss Mary Lavery, a daughter of John Lavery, one of the pioneers of Washington township, this county, who had come originally from Ireland. Seven children have blessed this marriage, as follows: George, a railroad man living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mary, living in Omaha; John, at home; Elinda, wife of Frank McDonald of Kansas City, Kansas, a government meat inspector; Emma, at home; and twins, Earl and Pearl, also at home.
Mr. McLees' specialty is the raising of cattle, and he has successfully realized his aim to keep his herds up to the highest standard. His preference is for the shorthorn breed and for some years past he has divided his attention between this and dairying with gratifying results.
Mr. McLees upholds the tenets of the democratic party, but he has never en- rolled himself among those seeking office, and he and his household are communi- cants of the Catholic Church. His several years service as a member of the school board has served to increase the esteem in which he is held.
A. I. JACKSON.
Among the many citizens of Monticello whose long period of efficient service has won recognition and admiration from his fellows is A. I. Jackson, the agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway and for the Wells Fargo Ex- press Company at Monticello, Iowa. He was born in Morrow county, Ohio, December 8, 1853, a son of Abraham and Lydia (Keese) Jackson. The latter was a native of New York state but as a mere child was taken to Ohio by her parents, who located in Morrow county. The father was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and removed to Morrow county with his parents during boyhood. There he was reared and married, engaging in farming after he reached his maturity. In 1855 he came west to Iowa, locating in Marshall county, where he resided until the late 'gos, when he removed to Mt. Pleasant. He died in Jan- uary, 1907, when in his eighty-first year. His wife had died more than twenty years before, her death having taken place in 1881 when she was only forty- seven years old.
A. I. Jackson was reared at home, being enrolled as a student in the public schools at the usual age. After the completion of his own education he spent two years in teaching and then entered a drug store in Hesper, Iowa. After two years' experience as a clerk, he found that the business was uncongenial and he
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turned his attention to railroading as his vocation. He secured a position first as switchman in the Calmar yards but on proving his ability two weeks later was placed upon the platform to help check and receive freight. About eighteen months later he was made station baggageman and then was promoted to a clerkship, serving in that capacity until June 1, 1881, when he was appointed agent at Oxford Junction, it being less than six years from the time he entered the railroad service until he obtained this important position. It was even more important at that time than at present for then the machine shops of the whole division of the railroad were located at Oxford Junction and the duties of the station agent were responsible. He remained there until October. 1887, when he was appointed to the position he now holds, having served in this capacity con- tinuously for the past twenty-two years. A man of sterling character and in- tegrity, a good and faithful worker, he enjoys the confidence of his employers, while the efficiency of his services has won the good will and esteem of the people with whom he has come into daily contact.
In 1879 Mr. Jackson married Miss Blanche Woodward, of Calmar, Iowa. In his political views he is a stanch adherent of the republican party, but aside from casting his vote at elections has taken no part in public matters. He is however, active in Masonic circles. He was initiated into Zealous Lodge, No. 435, A. F. & A. M., more than twenty years ago and was exalted to the chapter and commandery. For an equal length of time he has served as eminent com- mander of the Monticello commandery. He is also a member of El Kahir Tem- ple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Jackson was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, which she joined in her eighteenth year, until two years ago when ill health compelled her to drop from its ranks. During the pe- riod of her active membership, however, she served continuously in some official capacity. At present she is a member of the Ninety-four Literary Club, of which she is secretary. In her many interests she is an able helpmeet to her husband, in whose success she has felt a justifiable pride, as have the citizens of Monticello, who profited through his ability and devotion to duty.
JOHN. W. HUTTON.
Among the native sons of Scotch Grove township, who have not only attained success in their vocation but have reached a position of trust and honor in the eyes of their fellow citizens, must be numbered John W. Hutton, who owns valuable land on sections 9, 10 and 16. He was born April 20, 1858, his parents being Samuel E. and Jane (Davis) Hutton. On his father's side he is descended from one of the pioneers of this state, for his grandfather, James Hutton came to Jones county in 1835. He was of Kentucky nativity but shortly after his marriage came to this state, where he had entered government land. His first home was a rude structure built of logs, but it sheltered him and his family until 1861, when they moved to a more adequate dwelling. In early years it was also the building in which the county court sat for lack of a more suitable edifice in which to propound the law.
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John W. Hutton attended the common schools of his locality and was reared to manhood by his grandfather, under whose guidance he acquired that training for the work of life which has been productive of such rich results. In 1884 he bought eighty acres of the old homestead, which has since been his home and the scene of his active toil. It was but the beginning of his landholdings, however, for he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of arable land on sections 9 and 16, and sixty-four acres of timber on section 10. He has carried on general farming and he has engaged in a small way in the breeding of standard bred road horses. From both of his farm interests he has derived an income which is a patent and gratifying record of his skill and industry as a husbandman. Pro- gressive in his ideas and unsparing of any exertion which might tend to the efficiency of his methods and his ultimate success, he has become one of the men who represent the prosperity of Scotch Grove township.
Mr. Hutton has never married but finds his chief diversions from the cares of the day in the meetings of the Onslow lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Since he has been of an age to exercise the franchise right of a citizen of this nation, he has been unfailing in his support of the principles of the republi- can party, finding them in harmony with his own ideas for the government of the country. He has taken an active part in local affairs, for he is now serving his fourth term as a member of the board of trustees of his township and has also acted as clerk. He was appointed to the latter position to fill out the un- expired term of the previous incumbent of the office, and then was regularly elected, but as he was contemplating leaving the county he did not qualify. His election, however, was an indication of the high regard in which he is held by those who have come to know him.
ARTHUR RAY FAIRBANKS.
Arthur Ray Fairbanks, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Cass town- ship. owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, is one of Jones county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Castle Grove township on the IIth of September. 1885. He is a son of Arthur Lincoln and Maggie S. (Black) Fairbanks, who were also born in Jones county and now make their home in Castle Grove township. They were the parents of four children, of whom Arthur Ray was the second in order of birth. The others are : Allen T., of Adams county, North Dakota ; Gladys May, at home : and Blanch Pearl, also under the parental roof. The paternal grandfather of our subject is Allen Leonard Fair- banks, extended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume.
Under the parental roof Arthur Ray Fairbanks spent the period of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the district schools near his home, and remained with his parents until the spring of 1907. In that year he went to Adams county, North Dakota, where he homesteaded a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. He returned home on the 15th of January. 1908, and on the Ist of September of the following year was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Ketcham, a native of Cass township, born on the 22d of November, 1886.
A. RAY FAIRBANKS
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She is a daughter of William L. and Ruby M. (Stone) Ketcham, the former born in Deleware county, Ohio, on the 18th of February, 1851, and the latter in Jones county on the 10th of November. 1854. The father came to this county with his parents in 1867, and was here engaged in general farming and stock- raising, making a specialty of thoroughbred cattle, horses and hogs. He be- came the owner of a well improved farm of three hundred acres, located on sec- tions 8 and 17. He was married in this county on the Ist of January, 1877, and continued to make his home within its boundaries until the time of his death He passed away on the 23d of July, 1906, while his wife still survives and makes Battle Creek, Michigan, her place of residence. In their family were five chil- dren, the eldest of whom, Lulu, passed away in early childhood. The others are : Ruby Stone, Mrs. Arthur R. Fairbanks; Clara A. and Wilhelmina H.
After his marriage Mr. Fairbanks purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land from his father-in-law, located on section 8, Cass township, and on that farm he and his wife began their domestic life. He has since devoted him- self to its further development and improvement and under his wise manage- ment the place is proving an excellent investment, bringing him rich golden har- vests in return for the care and labor bestowed upon it.
In politics Mr. Fairbanks is a stalwart supporter of the republican party, and is loyal and public-spirited in his citizenship. Although numbered among the younger generation of agriculturists in Cass township, nevertheless he has already met with a degree of prosperity which augurs well for a very bright and successful future. Having spent his entire life in Jones county, with the excep- tion of a couple of years in the north, he has become widely known among a large circle of friends, and the fact that he is most liked where best known is an indi- cation that his salient characteristics are such as command the respect, con- fidence and good will of his fellowmen.
FRANK N. LATHROP.
Frank N. Lathrop, one of the independent and enterprising agriculturists of Greenfield township, who today is in possession of a most gratifying com- petency which has come to him as the result of industry and well directed effort, was born in Oxford Mills, Jones county, Iowa, on the 12th of November, 1861, a son of Hon. George W. and Millie (Noble) Lathrop. The former was a son of George Lathrop, who came to Iowa from Ohio in 1836 on horseback, and later, in 1848. made an overland trip to California. Our subject has in his possession a unique piece of pottery fashioned in the shape of a book which his grandfather carried with him on that journey. George W. Lathrop came with his father from Ohio and crossed the Mississippi river at Davenport on the 29th of June, 1840. Settlement was first made in Clinton county, whence they removed to Allens Grove, in Scott county. Later, in connection with his half-brother, he engaged in the mercantile business in Toronto, Clinton county, being thus engaged until 1858, in which year he went to Oxford Mills, where he established what is known as the Courtright & Lathrop mills. He became very popular in local political
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affairs and was called upon at two different times by his fellow citizens to represent his district in the lower house, becoming a member of the sixteenth and twenty- second general assemblies. He was also appointed by the governor of the state to take the vote of the soldiers in the United States army in 1864, and later was an important factor in securing what is known as the Davenport & St. Paul Rail- road. He passed away on the 3d of December, 1907, and the county thereby lost one of its representative and valued citizens. He had married Miss Millie Noble in 1859, and unto this union were born six children, namely: Frank N., of Martelle; J. H., residing in Okobojo, South Dakota; Nathan B., of Oxford; and Mrs. Gladys Stuhr, of Oxford Junction ; while one son and one daughter passed away in infancy.
No event of especial importance came to vary the routine of life for Frank N. Lathrop in his boyhood and youth, which were passed in his parents' home in Oxford Mills, where he attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the duties assigned to him by parental authority. Under the direction of his father he early learned the value of industry and en- ergy, qualities which proved salient elements in his entire business career. He remained under the parental roof until attaining his majority, when he entered the business world as an agriculturist, taking up the occupation of farming as his life work. He continued to engage in this line of activity in Jones county until 1904. in which year he removed to Washington county, Iowa, where he remained for about three years. In 1907 he went to Linn county, where he resided for two years, and then, in 1909, he returned to Jones county, purchasing a farm in Greenfield township, where he has since made his home. The farm consists of one hundred and forty-one acres of rich and productive land, all under a high state of cultivation. He has introduced many modern improvements upon the place, and the care and thought which he has bestowed upon it are visible in its well kept appearance, the farm being one of the highly improved and valuable properties of the township.
Mr. Lathrop was united in marriage on the 10th of November. 1886, to Miss Kittie Phillips, of Albany, Illinois, a daughter of E. V. and Harriet ( Ellingham ) Phillips, natives of New York and Quebec respectively. the former born in 1834 and the latter in 1835. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were the following, Mary. Ida. Frank. Elmer. John. Robert and two daughters who passed away in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop were born three children, as follows : Jennie F., aged twenty-one years : Boyd, nineteen years of age : and Nellie D., who died in infancy. The two surviving children are still under the parental roof.
Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop, and their daughter are members of the Pythian Sisters and also of the Eastern Star, while in politics the father is an ardent republican, giving stalwart support to that party, whose principles he deems best adapted to conserve the public welfare. He does not seek nor desire office. however, pre- ferring to concentrate his energies entirely upon his private business affairs, which, carefully and wisely managed. are proving a source of most gratifying remunera- tion to him. His success has been by no means the result of fortunate circum- stances, however. It has come to him through energy, labor and perseverance.
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directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honest business principles, and today he stands among the substantial and representative agriculturists of Greenfield township
JOHN CAMPBELL SMITH.
john Campbell Smith, one of the leading farmers of Lovell township and a representative of one of the oldest families of Jones county, was born on the farm which is now his home, October 9, 1874, his parents being Douglass Henry and Martha Sophia ( Hutchins) Smith. For three generations back the Smith family has been prominent in this county, for the paternal great-grandfather, Captain George K. Smith, who had followed the sea for about forty years, passed the last years of his life on Bowen's Prairie, and was widely known for his piety. His son, the late Henry D. Smith, who was well and favorably known in this section of the state, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and died near Monticello, lowa, May 10, 1897, at the age of seventy-eight years. Of his union with Miss Harriet L. Campbell was born Douglass Henry Smith, the father of the subject of this sketch. A native of Oneida county, New York, his birth occurred February 17, 1843, at Litchfield. During his early life he re- moved to Utica, that state, where he received his primary education, and then, in the winter of 1850-7, when he was less than fourteen years of age, he drove with his father in an open buggy from New York to lowa. They took up their residence in that New England colony of this county, at Bowen's Prairie, where Douglass H. Smith lived until his marriage, in 1870. Then he removed to the farm in Lovell township on which his son, the subject of this sketch, lives today, and where the last years of his life were spent as an agriculturist. He did much for the upbuilding of this county, for he was industrious and progressive, and his business ability and honesty were recognized by all who came in contact with him. He was one of the first to advocate the establishment of cooperative creameries in this county and at the time of his death was one of the directors of the Klondike Creamery. But it was as a friend, kind, loyal and genial, that he was most deeply mourned when, on the 2d of December, 1906, he was called from this world, being fatally injured by being thrown from his wagon as the result of a runaway.
On the 14th of April, 1870, Douglass H. Smith wedded Miss Martha S. Hutchins, a native of Keene, New Hampshire, who had come to Jones county as a child with her mother, her father having died previously. Of their union six children were born: William Douglass, who died in infancy; Mary Helen, who is a teacher in the public schools of Loraine, Ohio; John Campbell, of this sketch; Stuart Hutchins and Douglass Henry, who are farmers residing in Canada; and Harriet Louisa, who married A. J. H. McNeill and resides in Monticello, Iowa.
John Campbell Smith was reared at home, acquiring his education from the public schools, and after completing the high school course in Monticello, at- tending for three terms the university at Ames, where his two brothers also
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received their training for life, while the two daughters were students in the State Normal School at Cedar Falls. Like the other members of his family, John C. Smith engaged in teaching after he reached manhood, devoting five or six winters to instructing the young pupils of the country schools. In 1902 he bought a farm of eighty acres in Castle Grove township, but lived on it only one year, selling it in 1904. Then he returned to the home farm identifying himself with his father's interests until the latter's death, when he assumed the responsibility of its operation. On the Ist of March, 1909, he purchased the place, to which he hopes to devote himself so that his success will equal that of his father before him. Progressive, faithful in the exercise of his duties, and unsparing of hard labor when necessary, there is every reason to believe that a bright future is in store for him.
Mr. Smith has not married. Since he has been of an age to enjoy the fran- chise right of a citizen of this republic he has given his support to the republi- can party. but while interested in all questions before the people he has played no part in public affairs. His adherence in religious matters is given to the Congregational church, of which he is a devout and consistent member.
ROBERT A. NORTON.
Robert A. Norton, the owner of two hundred and twenty acres, including two farms and a pasture on the Wapsi river, his home being in the midst of beautiful elm, maple and evergreen trees that furnish both shade and adorn- ment, is numbered among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Jones county, Iowa. A native of the Buckeye state, he was born in Medina county, October 29, 1838, a son of Robert and Abigail ( Parmenter) Norton, the former born in Yorkshire, England. in 1790, and the latter in Berkshire, Massachusetts, in 1800. Robert Norton came to Ohio in the early '20s and was here united in marriage. Unto him and his wife were born two children: Robert A., the sub- ject of this review ; and Maria, who died in 1860. The father died in Ohio when he was sixty-four years of age and the mother resided with her son until she, too, passed away at the age of seventy-eight.
Robert A. Norton, having resided in Medina county, Ohio, until he was eighteen years of age, there received his education, remaining in the home of his parents until 1857. when he went to Pierce county, Wisconsin, and secured em- ployment as a laborer, working at various occupations for the subsequent two and a half years. Not wishing to make his home in Wisconsin, however, he returned to Ohio, remaining here for a year and a half. when, in the spring of 1861, he came to Jones county, Iowa. For a few years he rented a farm but in 1865, having accumulated a sum sufficient to purchase eighty acres of raw prairie. he took up his abode on what is now a part of his present extensive possessions. Persevering and energetic. he converted the wild prairie into fertile fields and meadows. Each year as generous harvests rewarded his untiring labors, he purchased additional acres, erected good substantial buildings and planted trees, making his place one of the attractive and picturesque features of the landscape
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and indicating in all its improvements and beauty the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
In 1864 Mr. Norton was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Manning, who was born in Washington county, New York, June 15, 1841, and came to lowa in 1860 with her parents, John T. and Jane (Clark) Manning, also natives of Washington county, New York. The father was born April 2, 1812, his death occurring in Wyoming township, December 31. 1891. while the mother, who was born September 28, 1806, passed away September 16, 1884. Unto Robert A. Norton and his wife were born six children: Cora, the wife of Ed Hernon, residing in Wyoming township, this county : John L., a resident of Gordonsville. Virginia ; George, at home with his parents : Isabelle, the wife of Elijah Edwards, also of Oxford township; Jessie, who died October 21, 1897; and Mary E., the wife of Milo G. Philips, of Pleasant Hill, Hale township, this county.
In his political views Mr. Norton is an earnest democrat, believing firmly in the principles of the party and his fellow citizens, appreciative of his worth and faithful adherance to high principles, elected him to the offices of trustee, assessor and tax collector, in which positions of public trust he served for several terms. Aside from general agricultural pursuits, for the past thirty years Mr. Norton has made a specialty of stock feeding. He is now the owner of two hundred and twenty acres, which is included in two farms and a good pasture on the Wapsi river. and his success is attributable in large measure to unfaltering industry and honorable, straightforward business methods.
JOHN HOSCH.
The boyhood days of John Hosch were passed in picturesque Luxemburg, Germany. In this old-world city, on the 4th of February, 1841. this son of John and Mary (Flummel) Hosch first saw the light of day and in the schools of Luxemburg he obtained his early education. The children of the Hosch fam- ily followed the example of many of their associates by coming to America, and when afterward the parental home in Germany was broken up by the death of the father, the mother also crossed the Atlantic. She made her home with the subject of the sketch and it is in eloquent testimony of her welcome there that she continued to live with him until the time of her death.
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