History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 4

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 896

USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 4

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).

With the example of these ancestors before him it is not surprising that Nicho- las B. Brown was ambitious to make his mark and be of some consequence iu the world. His father, who was a millwright and the owner of a mill, became a man of some considerable property, but his business affairs were somewhat involved at the time of his death, which occurred when he was comparatively young. The educational facilities in those days being limited, it was decided that N. B. Brown should follow the occupation of his father and he accordingly became a mill- wright's apprentice. On the expiration of his apprenticeship he immediately began contracting on his own account. building a mill in Pike county, Pennsyl- vania, which was still in existence a few years ago. He afterward went to Henderson, Kentucky, where he built a mill for E. and W. King. After complet- ing that contract he returned to his home, but soon decided that the opportunities

133312

١٠

AIr

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

of the new and comparatively unknown west promised success and he resolved to try his fortune in that section of the country. Taking passage upon a boat on the York and Erie canal he traveled as far as he could in that manner and then pur- chased a horse, saddle and bridle and upon horseback continued the journey. In 1839 he passed over the ground upon which the city of Cedar Rapids now stands, but either in a spirit of adventure or in quest of further knowledge of the country he traveled as far north as Cedar Falls, returning in 1840, to what became his new and permanent home. Cedar Rapids represented to him the ambition of his life: the building of a new city in a new country as his ancestors had done before him, and he was one of the incorporators of the town. In 1840 he erected for Elias and Daniel James Doty, brothers, the first manufacturing plant to be propelled by motor power in Linn County. He next purchased from Osgood Shepard an interest in the riparian rights along the Cedar river in the city and in 1841 began improving the water fall located here by the erection of a temporary dam and the building of the second sawmill to be erected in Linn county. He built the saw- mill for himself, the date of its erection being 1842. He then in 1843 began the building of what became the first flour mill in Linn county to be placed in opera- tion. In 1847 or 1848 he erected a woolen mill, which was the first of its kind to be built in this part of Iowa. He also improved the water fall to be found in McLeod's run some two miles northeast of this city and erected upon it what in all probability was the first starch mill to be built in the city or territory of Iowa. This enterprise, however, proved to be a failure through improper management and the building was converted into a distillery, being the first and only one ever operated in Linn county. Besides these enterprises, which in their day were of the utmost importance to the new and growing country and considering the lack of financial facilities were really affairs of magnitude, Mr. Brown was also engaged largely in erecting buildings and buying and selling real estate and to some extent he also followed farming.

Not only were Mr. Brown's labors of direct benefit to himself, but he was a cooperant factor in many movements relative to the publie good. He aided in the building of and was first senior warden of Grace Episcopal church and later became one of the most ardent supporters and upbuilders of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, contributing most generously toward the erection of the present house of worship. He was one of the few who built and aided in maintaining the first schoolhouse in Cedar Rapids. He was a strong believer in education and morality, and his influence could always be counted upon to further any move- ment or project for the benefit of city and county along the lines of material, intellectual and moral progress.

From the foregoing statement it will be seen that Nicholas Brodhead Brown was by nature and birth a man of energy and enterprising ability, of that class of men who were of the utmost importance to a new and unpopulated country, who by reason of their faith in themselves and their faith in the district in which they located not only put forth untiring effort for its upbuilding but also induced others to locate here and aid in the improvement and development of the region about them. He possessed a genial, kindly disposition, was devoted and loyal to his friends, was a lover of good cheer but thoroughly temperate in all things through- out his life, and was an indulgent father and husband. His life was such a one as to honor the community which honored him. Notwithstanding all of his good qualities, his social and genial disposition, his last days were days of sickness and adversity but he bore up under these with an unusual degree of fortitude.

On the 8th of February, 1844, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Catharine Craig, a daughter of Thomas Craig, who settled at Mount Vernon in 1839. She did not long survive her marriage, for her death occurred on the 6th of July, 1846. Their only child died in infancy. On the 8th of May, 1852, Mr. Brown was again

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

married, his second union being with Miss Susan Emery, a daughter of Nathan and Cornelia (Brodhead) Emery. She was his cousin and in the same line of descent as himself.

Mr. Brown was never a church member, but was a strong believer in Christian work and the good influence of churches in a community. In politics he was a Douglas democrat and, notwithstanding adverse criticism during the Civil war, was a firm believer in the maintenance of the union of states and was a contribu- tor to the Union defense fund. He cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln when he was for a second time a presidential candidate, believing that it was the duty of all northern men to stand by the government at that critical period in the history of the country. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a firm believer in its teachings and tenets, saying that if its teachings were strictly followed there would be little need for the churches.

John J. Daniels, in writing reminiscences of pioneer days for the local press of Cedar Rapids, said: "Before closing this article I feel it my duty to speak more at length of Nicholas B. Brown, almost one of the earliest settlers, and who is justly deserving of a lasting remembrance, being a leader among men, with a master mind, in hewing the way and laying the foundation stones from which arose some valuable manufacturing establishments and many of the modern struc- tures of Cedar Rapids. It certainly will be conceded by unbiased and impartial minds that Mr. Brown did some valuable initial work. as a pioneer, in making a beginning in a new country under so many adverse circumstances as he had to contend with - especially in building a dam with very limited facilities and the scarcity of laborers. The life that N. B. Brown lived is past, his labors are done, but the works he wrought still live and the blessings he bestowed are in their first fruition. The sufferings he has relieved and the help he gave is only fully recorded in the great book of remembrance. My opinion is that hereafter when Cedar Rapids has another park to name or dedicate, in grateful remembrance to a man who was the largest factor in the early settlement of Cedar Rapids and vicin- ity and a worthy pioncer, that N. B. Brown should not be so intentionally side- tracked, forgotten or omitted and the name given to some other man less deserving. Can the present generation afford to be guilty of robbing a man so justly deserving of a lasting remembrance and do such an apparent and personal injustice to Brown's memory - to his widow and his posterity - I for one cannot, for I have not overlooked or closed my eyes to the valuable achievements accomplished by him from 1840, the year of his coming to Linn county, until his death, September 16, 1880. Whether the writer is or is not in point of time, considered a contem- porary with Mr. Brown, yet I will say that the larger part of my remarks in his behalf is from actual knowledge gained from personal observation and my inti- mate acquaintance with him for thirty-six years."

ORLANDO N. ADAMS

A notable fact in the history of Linn county is found in that a large majority of her native-born sons have remained residents here, which shows the county to be rich in its possibilities and resources, offering excellent opportunities to those who make their homes within its borders. A representative of this class is Orlando N. Adams, who now owns and operates one hundred and ten acres of land on section 15, Marion township, and who was born in that township on the 29th of October, 1871. His father, John Adams, who was a native of Scotland, was brought to this country by his parents when still but a boy. Throughout his active business career he was successfully identified with agricultural interests in Linn county and his demise here occurred in 1893. His wife, who bore the maiden

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

name of Myra J. Gray, has remained a resident of Marion township, this county, from her birth to the present time and is well known and highly esteemed through- out the community. She reared a family of five children, four of whom still survive.

Orlando N. Adams, who supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in a business college, remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty years. He then started out as an agriculturist on his own account, renting a tract of land for several years. In 1902 he came into possession of a farm of his own, purchasing one hundred and ten acres of land on section 15, Marion township, to the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his time and energies. In addition to the cultivation of cereals he also gives considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock and both branches of his business return to him a gratifying annual income.

In 1896 Mr. Adams was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Gillmorc, a native of Marion township, this county, and a daughter of Jackson and Carrie Gillmorc, who are mentioned on another page of this work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been born four children, namely : Caroline, who died four days after her birth, which occurred on the 19th of January, 1897; John C., whose natal day was August 15, 1898; Eleanor J., who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 29th of June, 1903; and Charles O., who was born May 2, 1906.

Mr. Adams exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to con- centrate his attention upon his business affairs. Both he and his wife are con- sistent and devoted members of the Presbyterian church, exemplifying its teach- ings in their daily lives. They enjoy an extensive acquaintance throughout the community in which they have always resided and well merit the regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded them.

THOMAS M. SINCLAIR

While Thomas M. Sinclair was early called from this life, the memory of such a man can never die while living monuments remain upon which are imprinted the touch of his noble soul. His life history forms an integral chapter in the annals of Cedar Rapids. The city benefitted materially by his business activity and just as largely by his influence, which was felt on the side of right, justice and truth. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, May 14, 1842. His earthly career cov- ered less than four decades, yet he accomplished in that time a work that would be a fitting crown to a life of much longer duration. His parents were Jolın and Eliza (Pirie) Sinclair, who were also natives of Ireland, and their family num- bered ten children, nine of whom reached adult age. The father was a merchant of Belfast, whose business interests were both varied and important. He was connected with many enterprises, his principal outside interests being in the ship- ping industry of Belfast, which then, as at present, proved a satisfactory source of income. However, that which brought him into greatest prominence in business connections was his establishment and conduct of the business carried on under the name of James E. Sinclair. This undertaking gained a world wide reputation, being known in all civilized countries when the Chicago packing houses were still in their infancy. It was his ambition not only to extend the trade of the house but also to make its products favorably known, and that he realized his ambition is conceded by all who are students of the commercial history of the world. Such was his reputation in European countries that his word was good for any obliga- tion he might assume. His commercial integrity was unassailable and he de- manded that in the conduct of every branch of his business the methods employed should be of a most irreproachable character. He passed away in 1853, leaving

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

a goodly competenee acquired as result of his foresight, nnfaltering diligence and initiative spirit, enabling him to recognize opportunity and to co-ordinate forees.

It was his father's desire, coineiding with hs own, that influeneed Thomas M. Sinelair to enter the establishment of J. & T. Sinclair on the completion of his education, and the old adage, "like father, like son," again found verifieation in the life of Thomas M. Sinelair, who rapidly acquired not only a general but also a working knowledge of the business which had made his forebear famous. Such was the success of the undertaking under the management of Thomas M. Sinelair that it became necessary to look for new worlds to conquer, and in 1862, in com- pany with his cousin John, he came to America, landing in New York, where he established a packing house for the euring of bacon and hams during the winter season, according to the process that had won fame for the "Irish eured Sinelair hams and bacon" and had gained an international reputation. This was previous to the discovery of the process of summer eured and it was the eustom of the Sin- elairs to elose their plant at the end of the winter season. Later Thomas and John Sinelair decided to withdraw from the old firm and establish an independent busi- ness for themselves in New York. From its inception their venture was a success and they were constantly observant of every opportunity that tended to further their interests.

Realizing that it would be much to their advantage to be nearer the source of supplies, Mr. Sinclair in 1871 arrived in this eity, found conditions favorable and determined to locate here. With his customary energy he bought property, built a packing house and established what has since grown to be not only one of the most important industries of Cedar Rapids, or of Iowa, but of the United States. The Sinclair motto might well be "right is might and will prevail," for the spirit thereof has been the motive foree in all the dealings of the house with its patrons and with its employes. In this day of trusts and combination of cap- ital, the name of Sinelair stands out as the representative of one important paeking industry that is independent and alone, unbound by the dietates of a monopoly which would formulate the entire poliey of the trade in this country, without regard to the rights and privileges of the individual. Linn county and its citizens may well be proud of a personality such as Thomas M. Sinelair, and fortunate in that it numbered him among its adopted sons.

In Virginia, in 1870, Mr. Sinelair was married to Miss Caroline C. Soutter, a daughter of Robert and Philadelphia (Campbell) Soutter, who were natives of Virginia and Scotland respectively. Her father was for many years engaged in merchandising in Philadelphia, and following his removal to New York city continued the conduet of a similar enterprise at one location within a few years of his death, which oeeurred in 1873. By her marriage Mrs. Sinelair became the mother of six children and she and her sons are still interested in the packing house, which is a most flourishing enterprise and gives employment with a good living wage to numerous workmen. Mrs. Sinclair oeenpies a beautiful home at No. 800 Second avenue east, where she is spending the evening of her days in the ease and comfort that comes as a reward of a well spent life. She has about her children and grandchildren who delight in ministering to her welfare and happiness Her reminiseenees of the early days are most delightful, as she describes with elearness and vividness those events which mark the early progress and development of the eity along material, intellectual and moral lines. She tells of the time when in the winter it was necessary in order sometimes to have water to melt iee which had been earted from the river and was then thrown over the fenee to be picked up and converted again into liquid form.

It was ineidents of this kind that first eaused Mr. Sinelair to bend his energies toward meeting the needs of the community of five thousand people, who at that time ealled Cedar Rapids their home. With others he organized the water depart- ment, giving the people a bountiful supply of pure water in their homes, using

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

not only his time but a liberal portion of his means in the furtherance of his plans. This was but the beginning of his endeavors in behalf of the interests of Cedar Rapids, for there was never a movement proposed for the benefit of humanity or for the upbuilding of the city that did not find in Mr. Sinclair an enthusiastic and loyal supporter. His life had its motive force in a religious belief and sentiment that characterized and colored all that he did. He recognized his obligations to his fellowmen as few have done. He gave largely to foreign missions, to many varied and worthy charities at home, and his financial support did much to promote the interests of the schools. He was a man of strong and determined purpose in pur- suit of a course which his judgment sanctioned and he never faltered in carrying to completion his projects whether for the advancement of his church, his business, or the welfare of his fellow beings. The feeling of respect uniformly entertained for him throughout Cedar Rapids was publicly manifest when the mayor by proc- lamation.requested a cessation of business during the period of his interment - a request that was most willingly complied with. He died March 24, 1881, sur- rounded by the members of his family, and his passing was a matter of the deepest regret to all with whom he had come in contact. He had followed closely in the footsteps of Him he acknowledged as Master, making his life of service and of benefit to his fellowmen, and while twenty-nine years have passed since his death, he yet lives in the hearts of those who, knowing him, loved him, his memory re- maining as a blessed benediction to all with whom he came in contact.

MARVIN WILSEY

Marvin Wilsey, who has won a gratifying measure of prosperity as a tiller of the soil and a raiser of stock, is the proprietor of Orchard Grove Farm, a tract of land comprising two hundred and four acres on section 14, Washington township. His birth occurred in New York on the 9th of January, 1842, his parents being Otis and Louisa (Coffin) Wilsey, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The father, whose natal year was 1811, there passed away in 1891, and the mother was called to her final rest in 1896. Unto them were born eight children, five of whom are yet living.

Marvin Wilsey remained at home until he had attained his majority and is indebted to the common schools for the educational advantages he enjoyed in his youthful years. After leaving the parental roof he worked in the lumber camps for a year and on the expiration of that period came to Linn county, Iowa, purchas- ing forty acres of his present home farm in 1865. As the years passed by and his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable manage- ment, he extended the boundaries of the place by additional purchase until it now embraces two hundred and four acres of rich and productive land. He has placed many substantial improvements on the property, which in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. In addition to the cultivation of cereals he makes a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and his undertakings in both connections have proved profitable.

On the 7th of February, 1865, Mr. Wilsey was united in marriage to Miss Calphurnia V. Rowley, who was born in New York, July 27, 1843, her parents being William and Jane (Barton) Rowley, natives of New York. They came to Linn county in May, 1865, and here the father passed away, his demise occurring in 1899. The mother still survives and now makes her home with our subjeet. Mrs. Wilsey, who was one of a family of four daughters, is a high school gradnate and taught school in early womanhood. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, as follows: Nathaniel P., who was called to his final rest

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

November 13, 1889; Lueretia C., the wife of William Servison, of Washington township; George W., who resides in Canada; Otis, living in Soldier, Idaho; Laura, the wife of Oliver Reynolds, of Soldier, Idaho; and Silas R. and Herrick, both at home.

In his political views Mr. Wilsey is a democrat and is now ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of township trustee. He likewise held the office of assessor at one time. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the lodge and chapter at Center Point and having filled all of the chairs in the lodge. Both he and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. They have continuously resided in Washington town- ship during the past forty-five years and their lives have been such as to commend them to the confidenee and esteem of all with whom they have been associated.

GEORGE STUART

Death often removes from our midst those whom we ean ill afford to lose -- men whose lives have constituted a vital foree in business progress and in pro- gressive citizenship. Sneh a one was George Stuart, honored by all men wherever known but most of all where he was best known. He was for a long period con- neeted with milling interests here, being superintendent of the Quaker Oats Mills at the time of his demise.

Mr. Stuart was born in Ontario, Canada, on the 10th of April, 1856, and was a son of Peter and Anna (Brown) Stuart, natives of Scotland. His brother, Robert Stuart, is still a resident of Peterboro, Canada, while a sister, Mrs. Alexander Grant, is living in Ingersoll, Canada. The youthful days of George Stuart were passed in the land of his nativity. He was indebted to the public schools for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and he came to the United States in November, 1879. He was a cousin of Robert Stuart, the treasurer of the Quaker Oats Company, and for twenty-nine years he was continuously associated with the American Cereal Company or its preceding institution and the present Quaker Oats Company. For eleven years he made his home in Cedar Rapids, the family residenee being ereeted at 827 Third avenue. While here he was superintendent of the Quaker Oats Mills at this point and was widely recognized as a man of excellent ability and executive force. He made it a point to thoroughly familiarize himself with every department in the business, regarded no detail as too unim- portant to claim his attention and as the years went by managed affairs so wisely and systematically that splendid results were achieved. Moreover he was always just. fair and impartial in his relations to the employes of the mill, and his death has been no more deeply regretted outside of the immediate home eirele than by the hundreds of men and women who have worked under him at the mills.

On the 14th of November, 1877, at London, Canada, Mr. Stuart was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Shayne, who was also born in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart became the parents of six children, Peter, William G., Mileta. Hazel, Blanche and Mary. Of this number Peter is in Charleston, Washington. while William G. is now located in Huntington, West Virginia, the other members of the family being at home. Mrs. Stuart resides at No. 827 Third avenne, where she owns a beautiful residence that is justly famed for its warm-hearted and cordial hospitality.

Mr. Stuart was very prominent in Masonie eireles and among the Elks of this city. He belonged to Dearborn Lodge, F. & A. M., of Chicago; Apollo Command- ery, No. 26, K. T., of Cedar Rapids; Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. A. S. R. : and El Kahir Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He was also past exalted ruler of Cedar

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.

History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 4

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864- Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 896

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 896