USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 45
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
FREDERICK F. HANSEN.
The industry and frugality which are strong characteristics of the German race have been the means of Frederick F. Hansen's success as an agriculturist. He came to the United States when a young man, but he was poor and had to prove to himself that America is a land of opportunities. A native of Schleswig- Holstein, Germany, he was born November 3, 1844. His parents, Paul and Mary (Patterson) Hansen, were also natives of the same province, which remained their home throughout their lives.
As the father was a teacher, Frederick F. Hansen received a good education, not only in the public schools of a land famous for its educational advantages but also in a home where he had exceptional opportunities for study and advance- ment. When approaching manhood he engaged in farm work and then in the spring of 1873 came to this country. He landed at New York on the Ist of May and came directly west to Iowa. In Clinton county he found employment as a farm hand and after four years' experience there, came to Jones county in 1877. The following year, however, he went to the western coast, spending one year in California and Oregon, where he sought to find a permanent location, but, as the country was not to his liking, he returned to Jones county in 1879 and in 1880 he embarked in agricultural pursuits for himself For three years he and his brother Paul farmed in partnership in the vicinity of Olin and then Frederick Hansen married and, having severed his connections with his brother, rented a tract of land south of Olin, on which he worked as a tenant until 1904. During that period, however, in the year 1896. he had taken a lease for eight years on the farm which he now owns and in 1904 purchased it. It embraces two hundred and seventy-seven acres lying on section 2, Madison township, and is one of the finely improved tracts in the locality. Mr. Hansen has erected
473
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
upon it many modern and substantial buildings, his residence, built in 1907, being furnished with all the conveniences which a householder may enjoy today. He has pursued general farming, which has brought him a pronounced success.
In 1883 Mr. Hansen wedded Miss Wilhelmina Utka, of Madison township. She was, however, of German birth and had come to this country in 1880. Six children have been born of their union: Mary, who was a clerk in Onslow; August, who is living in the state of Washington; and Paul, William, Fritzie and Minnie, who are at home.
After he was admitted to citizenship in this republic Mr. Hansen allied him- self with the democratic party and has since been loyal in its support. He has taken little part in public matters, however, although he has been a member of the school board almost continuously since he became a property holder in Madison township for he has the desire to see the educational institutions here attain a high standard. In religious matters he and his wife give their support to the Lutheran church. Gratifying to himself as his success must be, his life and work are an example to others in his vicinity who share in his prosperity and in the reputation for agricultural advancement which the township enjoys.
STEPHEN WALSWORTH.
In the history of Jones county no man deserves more prominent mention among its representative citizens than does Stephen Walsworth, who has worked his way up from a life of obscurity to become one of the largest landowners of this section of Iowa, for his possessions today aggregate seven hundred and twenty-five acres. He is a native of the Empire state, born in Chenango county, June 8, 1830, a son of William and Elizabeth (Tracy) Walsworth. The father was born April 4, 1786, and passed away on the 23d of August, 1878, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-two years. The mother who was born January 22, 1791, died September 5, 1848, when in her sixty-seventh year. Their family numbered seven children but only two are now living, Philo and Stephen of this review. In order of birth they are: Esther, Susannah, Lydia, Elisha, Elijah, Stephen and Philo.
Stephen Walsworth was reared under the parental roof until he reached the age of eleven years, when he went to live with a stranger, with whom he remained until he was nineteen years of age, and during this period his education was acquired in the common schools. At the latter period in his life he started out to make his own way in the world by working as a farm hand for seven and a half years. Through reports which came to him concerning the opportunities offered to the young man in the then far west, he became convinced that he could more quickly acquire a competence in such a district, and accordingly in the fall of 1855 made his way to Jones county, where he operated rented land for one year. He then bought forty acres of land, which he improved and later added a tract of ninety acres, making his home thereon for several years. He then disposed of that land and took up his abode on a farm on section 36, Scotch Grove township, continuing to operate the same until 1902. He then purchased
474
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
his farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres, located in Scotch Grove township, where he now makes his home. He also owns other farm land in Jones county, having altogether seven hundred and twenty-five acres in Scotch Grove and Clay townships. For the past forty-five years he has engaged quite extensively in feeding stock and this branch of his business has brought him very gratifying success, so that today he is classed among the representative and wealthy men of this section of Iowa.
Mr. Walsworth was married January 1, 1857, to Miss Wealthy Baldwin, who was born in Ohio. Their union was blessed with six children, but the eldest, Sarah E., is now deceased. The living members are: Florence M., the wife of Philip Williams, a resident of Onslow ; Charles A., who operates the home farm ; William F., who makes his home in Huron, South Dakota; Esther Ann, the wife of Joseph Tracy, of Scotch Grove township; and Lydia, the wife of John Tracy, their home being in New York. The wife and mother departed this life Septem- ber 7, 1905, and her remains were interred in South Mineral cemetery.
Mr. Walsworth is a republican in his political affiliations but has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to give his time to his extensive business interests. He is, however, at the present writing serving as road supervisor. He is truly a self-made man, for he started out in life at an early age, without capital and with but a limited education. However, he had the foresight to determine the opportunities of the west and in this region bent huis energies to the accumulation of a competency. Today the result of his effort is seen in his large farms covering seven hundred and twenty-five acres, and yet, surrounded with wealth and comfort, he stands in the same relation to his fellowmen as he did when battling with life's strenuous problems. The ideals of men like Mr. Walsworth, their personality, the history of their lives, and their profound sense of integrity could be made the text of a lesson from which the young men of today could study success.
MATHEW JOHN McNEILLY.
Thrift, energy and determination have constituted the basis of success in the life of Mathew John McNeilly, who owns and operates a valuable farm of two hundred acres located on section I, Jackson township. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Dubuque, on the 17th of January, 1859, and is a son of James and Anna (Smith) McNeilly, both natives of Ireland.
The father, who was born in Ballyrooney, County Down, on the Ist of Sep- tember, 1835, spent the years of his boyhood and youth in the place of his nativ- ity and when a young man of seventeen years came to America, landing in Boston, where he remained for some time. During his residence in that city he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Smith, who was born October 2, 1833, in County Down, Ireland, but was reared in Scotland. The eldest of four chil- dren, when but ten years old she was left an orphan, and at the age of eighteen years brought her brother, John M. Smith, to America. By her marriage to Mr. McNeilly she became the mother of three children. namely: Mathew John, of
-
FOUR GENERATIONS OF THE MeNEILLY FAMILY
477
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
this review; May, the wife of James F. Livingston of Madison township; and W. Frank McNeilly, of Jackson township, mention of whom is made in the following sketch. About 1860, Mr. McNeilly and wife came west; locating in St. Louis, where they resided for a year or two, and then took up their abode in Jackson county, Iowa, where they made their home for about nineteen years. The year 1882 witnessed their arrival in Jones county, settlement being made upon a farm in Jackson township, which is known as the James McNeilly place and is now the property of their son Frank McNeilly. Here Mr. McNeilly was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout the ensuing years until 1896, and during this period became well known throughout the community in which he resided as an enterprising, progressive and successful farmer. In fact his success was of such a nature that in the year mentioned he was able to withdraw from the active duties of life and during the remainder of his life enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He left the farm and removed to Center Junction, where his remaining days were spent.
On the 10th of April, 1901, James McNeilly was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, whose death was a matter of regret not only to the bereaved family but also to a large circle of friends, for she was ever a most loving wife and mother and a true friend and neighbor. For many years his own health had been failing and on the 28th of June, 1908, as the result of a very brief but severe attack of pneumonia, he also passed to his final rest, his death coming as a shock to his family and his many friends. Early in life he had become a Chris- tian and for many years was identified with the Presbyterian church, serving as an elder therein for ten years and also being an active and helpful worker in the Sabbath-school. His was a most honorable record and with his passing the community lost one of it most valued and representative citizens. Something of the regard entertained for him by his fellowmen is indicated in the following paragraph taken from a local newspaper at the time of his demise: "Wherever he is known the name of James McNeilly is synonymous with all that is upright and true. He leaves to his children and their children the legacy of an unim- peachable character and upright life." Of a poetical turn of mind, he was the author of many verses and often wrote poems to commemorate various special events. Following is one written by him in 1904 entitled: "A Thanksgiving Poem."
Once more the children do assemble Around the dear old family hearth, And the mother's hand may tremble,- She still enjoys a hearty laugh. And when the table is nicely set, And all her children seated down,
How mother loves to stand a little back And all her good things, hand them round.
How sweet and pleasant is the home, No empty chair, but all the dear ones living. Some may have gone away to roam, But all get round about Thanksgiving.
478
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
Oh! the forests of God's love lie round us On every hand they are growing; Peace and plenty still abound us All grateful hearts should be overflowing.
God give us a clear and bright conception Of the mines that lie beneath our feet, That supply all our wants here below And make the joys of life complete. Our cribs are full of corn, Our barns are full of hay,
And hearts that are full of praise Are overflowing this Thanksgiving day.
Oh! for a heart to praise my God For all his mercies he has given. Oh! for a tongue his name to laud And to pray, that we might be forgiven. The gratitude of honest, cheerful hearts, Always brings the richest blessings ; A song with God in all the parts, There will be nothing missing.
Oh, how much we owe to God ! Debts so great, we ne'er can pay ; Ungrateful through this world we plod While he provides for us, day by day. There is a revenue God demands of us ; How many there are that never pay it- Toil through life, with head and hands, No foundation, no, they never lay it.
During the first few years of his life Mathew John McNeilly, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents on their various removals and was still but a lad when the family took up its abode in Jackson county, Iowa. There he attended the common schools and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained there for nine- teen years and in 1882 came with his parents to Jones county. He later sup- plemented his early educational training by a course of study in a business col- lege at Dubuque, Iowa, and then returned home, remaining under the parental roof until the time of his marriage. At that time he started out in the business world on his own account, working for his father for one year and then carry- ing on agricultural pursuits as a renter for about two years. By that time he had accumulated sufficient means with which to purchase property of his own and he invested in sixty acres of land on section 1, Jackson township, which formed the nucleus of his present fine farm. As the years passed, he was able to add
479
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
to his original purchase until his farm today consists of two hundred acres of rich soil, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. Although at all times methodical and systematic, he is nevertheless up-to-date and progressive in the conduct of his business affairs. He has made a close study of agriculture and this, combined with the thorough training which he early received under the direction of his father, has made him a successful and prosperous farmer, whose well directed labors are finding their reward in substantial annual harvests. On the 8th of Febuary, 1899, he lost his home by fire, but he has since erected another dwelling which in its neat and attractive appearance stands as a monu- ment to his thrift and industry.
Mr. McNeilly has been twice married. In September, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Aitken, a native of Perthshire, Scotland, who passed away on the 13th of March, 1888, at the early age of twenty-three years. She left one daughter, Mabel, who is now stenographer for the Diamond Creamery Company of Monticello. In 1889, he was again married, his second union being with Mary E. Livingston, who was born in Madison township, Jones county, on the 16th of August, 1858, a daughter of John and Margaret Living- ston, natives of Scotland. Her parents both passed away in Madison township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McNeilly have been born two children, James R. and Mar- garet Anna.
Mr. McNeilly's religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Pres- byterian church at Center Junction, in which he is now serving as elder, and in the work of which he is active and helpful. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has been very active in the local ranks of the party, although he has never been an aspirant for public office. His interest in com- munity affairs is deep and sincere and his cooperation can always be counted upon to aid in furthering public progress along lines of substantial upbuilding and development. His excellent traits of character inspire personal friend- ship of unusual strength and all who know him have for him high admiration and esteem.
W. F. A. McNEILLY.
W. F. A. McNeilly, a brother of Mathew John McNeilly, whose sketch appears above, has also devoted his energies throughout his active business career to the tilling of the soil, in which line of activity he is meeting with most gratifying success. Born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 5th of July, 1869. he is a son of James and Anna (Smith) McNeilly, extended mention of whom is made in the sketch of M. J. McNeilly. He was a lad of thirteen years, when, in 1882, he came with his parents to Jones county, and here he completed his educa- tion which had been begun in the district schools of his native county. The periods of vacation were devoted to assisting in the work of the home farm, and he continued to give his father the benefit of his aid until the latter's retirement from active life in 1896, when he took full charge of the homestead and has since made it his place of residence. The farm consists of two hundred and
480
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
fifteen acres of land, all highly developed and the excellent improvements with which it is equipped were placed upon it by Mr. McNeilly and his father. Aside from general farming pursuits he is extensively engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding shorthorn cattle, having on hand at the present time twenty head of registered stock. Both branches of his business are proving most profitable and his affairs are so carefully and wisely managed that he has won rank among the representative and substantial farmers of the township.
It was on Christmas day, 1895, that Mr. McNeilly was united in marriage to Miss Rilla D. Duncan, a native of Columbus Junction, Iowa, where her birth oc- curred on the 25th of December. 1872. She is a daughter of Andrew L. and Martha (O'Laughlin) Duncan, the former born in Tennessee in 1842 and the latter in Indiana in 1850. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, was brought to Iowa by his parents in infancy and he continued to make his home within its borders throughout the rest of his life. He was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting from Louisa county, Iowa, as a member of Company C, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry of General Crocker's Brigade. He served for four years as a private and was wounded at the battle of Atlanta. After the close of the war he returned to the farm and continued to reside thereupon until 1879. The last eight years of his life were passed as a guard at the state penitentiary. He passed away on the 2d of May, 1895, in Anamosa, having survived his wife fifteen years, her death occurring in 1880. In their family were five children, of whom Mr. McNeilly was the fourth in order of birth. The others were : John E., of Center Junction ; George B., residing in Washington; Ward, who is now deceased ; and Villa, the wife of H. J. McCreedy, of Maxville, Kansas. The union of Mr. and Mrs. McNeilly was blessed with four children, namely : Andrew, Ruth, Glenn and Ray Donavan.
Mr. McNeilly is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Center Junc- tion, the teachings of which form the guiding influence of his life, and in fra- ternal relations he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a republican and although he never sought nor desired office does all in his power to further the influence of the party throughout the community. His time is largely devoted, however, to the conduct of his business affairs, in which he is meeting with excellent success, energy, perseverance, self-reliance and integrity proving the salient elements in the prosperity which he now enjoys.
SAMUEL W. REYNER.
Samuel W. Reyner, who since April, 1909, has been acting as postmaster of Hale, Iowa, is also engaged in merchandising in this city, in which connection he is meeting with most gratifying success. One of Jones county's native sons, he was born in Clay township on the 4th of March, 1860, a son of George and Hannah L. (Mackrill) Reyner. The former, who was born in Baltimore, Mary- land, on the 4th of November, 1832, was a son of John Reyner, a native of Eng- land, who came to the United States with one son, locating in Maryland, where he resided for some time, and then removed to Canton, Iowa, operating the first
481
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
woolen mill at that place. Later he went to Ozark, erecting a larger woolen mill which he operated in connection with a gristmill, sawmill and store. He continued to make that city his place of residence up to the time of his demise. In his family were seven sons and one daughter. George Reyner, the father of our subject, left his native state and went to Jackson county, Iowa, with his parents in 1852. There he met Miss Hannah L. Mackrill, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, in May, 1834, and went to Jackson county with her parents about the time of the arrival of Mr. Reyner. There they were married and reared their family. The father had followed the occupation of farming until about thirty-one years ago, when he became identified with merchandising, being en- gaged in that connection for about twenty years both in Canton and Center Junction. He is now living retired, however, in Independence, Missouri, his wife having passed away in Jackson county, Iowa, in November, 1879. Their family consisted of four children, as follows: Nancy, who was called to her final rest when twenty years of age; Joel, operating the home farm at Canton, Iowa; Samuel W., of this review and Maud A., the wife of Homer Spray, of Lorain, Ohio.
On his father's farm in Jones county Samuel W. Reyner spent the first six years of his life and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Jackson county, where he was reared to manhood. He acquired his education in the district schools and at the same time assisted his father in the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was married when nineteen years of age, and he started out in the business world on his own account on his father's farm, which he operated for three years, and then resided upon the farm of his father-in-law for a similar period. He next carried on agricultural pursuits as a renter, being thus engaged until about ten years ago, when he purchased a farm of two hundred and ninety acres in Clay township, Jones county. Upon this farm he resided for three years, when he sold the property and purchased a farm in Jackson county near Canton, con- sisting of two hundred and twenty-five acres. This he traded on the Ist of December, 1908. for his present property in Hale, upon which stands a two-story structure, with basement, twenty-eight by sixty-six feet. In this building he has since been engaged in general merchandising and has built up a most creditable trade, his good business ability and capable management being the salient char- acteristics in his present success. He also owns a good residence property in this city, upon which stands a comfortable and attractive dwelling, where he and his family now make their home.
It was on the Ioth of November, 1880, that Mr. Reyner was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary A. Carr, a native of Dewitt, Clinton county, Iowa, born June 9, 1864, a daughter of George and Mary (Tripp) Carr. The parents were both natives of Onondaga county, New York, the father being born on the Ioth of December, 1815, and the mother on the 14th of January, 1819. They were mar- ried in the Empire state and removed to Iowa about 1857, coming to Jones county when their daughter, Mrs. Reyner, was about four years of age. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, passed away January 30, 1889, while his wife survived until the 12th of March, 1909. In their family were the fol- lowing children: Stephen, of Alliance, Nebraska; Rosetta, the wife of T. E.
482
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
Moore, of Canton ; Winfield S., residing in Canton ; and Mary A., who became the wife of our subject. Three children died in infancy. Unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Reyner were born seven children, as follows: Charles A., who passed away when eighteen years of age; George M., residing in Butte, Montana ; Lena, the wife of Charles Haynor, of Hale; Frank, at home; Allen Emery ; Harlan Winfield; and Hazel May, who died at the age of one year.
To the principles of the republican party Mr. Reyner has given stalwart allegiance since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and upon this ticket he was appointed postmaster of Hale on the Ist of April, 1909. He is proving a very capable official, performing his duties in connection with that office in a manner entirely satisfactory to his fellow citizens. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Mutual Benevolent Association, in both of which he is an active member, the rules govern- ing his life being in entire harmony with the principles upon which these organ- izations are founded. At all times his life record measures up to a high standard of manhood and whether in business, social or public relations, he deserves the esteem of those with whom he comes in contact.
PARK CHAMBERLAIN.
Park Chamberlain, a member of the Iowa bar, whose duties as legal adviser to the Anamosa National Bank and Schoonover Trust Company claim the greater part of his time and attention, was born at Wyoming, Iowa, February 6, 1877. His parents were W. I. and Lucy W. Chamberlain. The father was formerly a practicing attorney of Wyoming but is now deceased. The son supplemented his early education by study in the State University of Iowa, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy on the 8th of June, 1899. His course had been preparatory for the practice of law and he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Iowa on the roth of May of that year. He then opened an office in Wyoming. Iowa, where he continued in practice until July, 1900, when he formed a partnership with Judge B. H. Miller, at Anamosa. This relation was maintained until January 1, 1903. when the senior partner went upon the bench. Mr. Chamberlain then continued to practice alone until January 1, 1907, when he entered the service of the Anamosa National Bank and the Schoonover Trust Company as an officer and legal counselor, his time being entirely given to those interests save for such hours as are devoted to the management of his personal business affairs.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.