USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 61
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L. K., whose name introduces this sketch; Lydia, the wife of L. A. Jester, an attorney at law and real-estate dealer of Des Moines; Alie, who died in infancy ; and Livona, also deceased.
L. K. Hatch was provided with a good practical education during his youth, completing his studies in the high school of Central City. After leaving school he turned his attention to the more practical duties of life and for seven years has now been engaged in the furniture business, in which he has met with well deserved success, for he is a good, reliable business man, whose methods are above question and who, by his straightforward dealing, has gained the confidence and respect of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
In 1904 Mr. Hatch was united in marriage to Miss Mary H. Crane, by whom he has three children, Dorothy, Lawrence and Gwendolyn. By his ballot Mr. Hatch supports the men and measures of the republican party and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve on the town council, where he is now a member of the committee on assessments. In his fraternal relations he is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge and also the Sons of Veterans at Central City.
JOHN H. DIGNAN
John H. Dignan, passenger conductor on the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, was born on the 10th of September, 1863, in De Witt, Iowa, and is a son of John and Mary (McLarnan) Dignan. The father was a mechanic and was born in County Dublin, Ireland, where he resided until he came to America in 1844, first settling in New York. Later he removed to Altoona, Pennsylvania, and was married at Johnstown, that state, after which he made his way to the middle west, establishing his home at Ottawa, Illinois. Later he removed to Rock Island and subsequently to De Witt, Iowa, where he followed his trade up to the time of his retirement from active business life. He was a son of James Dignan, who never left his native land but always remained a resident of Ireland. The grand- mother was one hundred and nineteen years of age when she passed away in Ireland.
John H. Dignan acquired his early education in the schools of De Witt and afterward turned his attention to railroading in 1877. He was first employed as a brakeman on a mixed train and after a short period spent in that position was transferred to the main line. After the Milwaukee Railroad Company purchased the road Mr. Dignan continued in their employ and in 1880 was promoted to conductor on a freight train and later on a passenger train. He has now been passenger conductor for ten years and is a popular employe of the road, always courteous and considerate of his patrons and at the same time loyal and faithful to the interests of the company which he represents.
On the 22d of January, 1895, Mr. Dignan was married to Miss Grace Kimball, a daughter of Benjamin C. and Julia (Bennett) Kimball. Her father came from Dayton, Ohio, to Iowa. He was a carpenter by trade and at the time of the discovery of gold in California joined the stampede of gold seekers and crossed the plains to the Pacific coast. After his return he again located in Dayton and subsequently came to this state. He lived for a time in Toronto, Iowa, but after- ward went to Loudon, Iowa, and later removed to Oxford. In the vicinity of that town he purchased land and became the owner of three large farms, two of which are yet in possession of the family. After devoting his attention many. years to carpentering and to agricultural pursuits, he retired from active business life and enjoyed a well earned rest, the rental of his farms furnishing him a sub- stantial income. After his retirement he removed to Oxford but later came to
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Marion, where his death occurred December 7, 1907, and where his widow still makes her home. His brother Jerome Kimball was a soldier of the Civil war, and his wife had three brothers in the service, these being Edward and Edeson Bennett, twins, and Charles Bennett, who was incarcerated in Libby prison for one year and for one year on Governors Island. He was then released and re- turned home as the war had ended. Edward died at Vicksburg and was buried on the battlefield, and Edeson died soon after his return home.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dignan were born three children: June, deceased ; Grace, who is attending school; and John Ford, who has also passed away. Mr. Dignan is a member of the Order of Railroad Conductors and is one of the popular train- men on the Milwaukee & St. Paul, as well as one of the most trusted employes of the road, his long connection therewith standing in unmistakable evidence of his fidelity and his ability.
GEORGE L. JORDAN
The name of Jordan is inseparably interwoven with the development of this part of the state and George L. Jordan from his boyhood to the present time has been numbered among the representative and reliable citizens. He is now en- gaged in the stock business in Springville, where he has made his home for some time. His birthplace was in Maine township and his natal day was July 14, 1846. He is, therefore, one of the oldest native residents of the county and is a representative of an honored pioneer family.
His parents were L. D. and Nancy (MeKeney) Jordan, both natives of Maine. On coming west in 1840, they located in Linn county, lowa, and entered land in Maine township, upon which the father erected a log cabin, covered with a clap- board roof, weighted down with poles, and having a puncheon floor. To the improvement and cultivation of his land he devoted his energies for many years and continued to reside upon the farm until called to his final rest in 1892. His wife survived him for some years and died in 1906 at the age of eighty years. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, of whom five are still living, our subject being the second in order of birth.
George L. Jordan is indebted to the public schools of this county for his early educational privileges, and under the direction of his father he carly acquired an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits, remaining with his parents until he was married, on the 2d of July, 1865. He then rented the old homestead, which he operated for four years, and at the end of that time went to California, where the following year was passed. On his return to Linn county, he purchased a ditching machine, which he operated for two years, and then embarked in the meat business in Waubeek, carrying ou business there for six years. At the end of that period he disposed of his business and removed to Springville, where he opened a meat market and continued in the same line of husiness for fifteen years, at the same time buying and selling stock. Since then he has been engaged in the latter business exclusively and is today the largest hog buyer in the county, aver- aging four carloads a week, which he ships to the city markets. He is a wide- awake, energetic business man and the success that he has achieved in life is due entirely to his own unaided efforts.
On the 2d of July, 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jordan and Miss Emily Gillilan, who was also born in Linn county in 1849, her parents being George and Frances Gillilan, the former now deceased but the latter living in Spring- ville. Mrs. Jordan was their only child and by her marriage she became the mother of five children, namely: Clyde ; Dwight, now a resident of California ;
GEORGE L. JORDAN
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G. K., of Oklahoma; F. S., who is in business with his father; and Cleo, who died November 5, 1881.
The democratic party has always found in Mr. Jordan a stanch supporter of its principles, but he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is an honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has taken all of the degrees, and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian church and have a wide cirele of friends and acquaintances in their native county.
COLONEL PETER H. FISHELL
Colonel Peter H. Fishell, who is now living retired at No. 361 Seventh avenue in Marion, was for many years actively and successfully identified with agricul- tural interests in Linn county. His birth occurred in Hancock county, Ohio, his parents being Michael and Anna (Hummon) Fishell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was born in 1810, took up his abode in Han- eock county, Ohio, in 1828 and was married in Crawford county, that state, on the 6th of September, 1832. He and his wife resided on a farm in Haneock county, Ohio, until 1875, when they sold the property and removed to MeComb, Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives in honorable retirement. Michael Fishell passed away in 1884, having for a number of years survived his wife, who was called to her final rest on the 28th of July, 1881. Their children were nine in number, namely : John C, Mary and James, all of whom are de- ceased; Peter HI., of this review ; Katherine, the wife of John Besket, of Illinois ; Hattie, who is the wife of A. MeClintock and resides in Ohio; Caroline, living in Ohio; William, who has also passed away ; and David, who makes his home in Missouri.
Peter H. Fishell supplemented his preliminary education by a high school course and after completing his studies followed the profession of teaching to some extent. He remained under the parental roof until June, 1862, when, his patriotic spirit being aroused by the continned attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he enlisted for service as a member of Company G, Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Samnel Huber and Colonel H. B. Ban- ing. The regiment was first ordered to Baltimore, Maryland, the last of June and was attached to General Wool's division of the Army of the Potomac for a short time, after which Mcclellan took command. They arrived at Harper's Ferry July 8, and Mr. Fishell participated in the battle at that place and in September, 1862, was one of the twelve thousand prisoners captured by Stonewall Jackson. He was exchanged three days later and discharged as a paroled pris- oner, returning home in October, 1862. He was elected captain of Company A, Second Regiment Ohio State Militia and promoted to the rank of colonel in the fall of 1863. He had command of the regiment during the state drill at Toledo under General Hill.
After returning home Colonel Fishell worked with his father for about two years or until the time of. his marriage. Shortly afterward he came to Linn county, Iowa, purchasing and locating on a farm of one hundred and ten acres which he operated for a year and then sold. IIe next bought and cultivated a quarter section of land in this county but disposed of the property at the end of two years and took up his abode in Marion, where he resided for three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres near Marion and continuously devoted his time and energies to its operation for thirty-five years. He then leased the property and has since lived retired in Marion, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. The farm is
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still in his possession and he also owns good property in Marion, where he is recognized as a prosperous and respected citizen.
On the 2d of October, 1863, Colonel Fishell was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Groves, a daughter of Thomas and Adaline (Choat) Groves, who were natives of Virginia and Vermont respectively. Mr. Groves passed away in 1880, having for five years survived his wife, whose demise occurred on the 1st of Dec- ember, 1875. They had a family of eleven children, as follows: Minerva and Savadra, both of whom are deceased ; Alpha; Jane and Louis, who have likewise passed away; Eliza; John; Mrs. Fishell and Squire, twins; Philena, deceased ; and Philanda, a twin sister of Philena. Mr. and Mrs. Fishell are the parents of six children, namely : Flora F., the wife of Allen Miles, of Linn county ; Squire H., who is married and resides in Johnson county, Kansas; I. Laverna, who was formerly engaged in teaching and is now the wife of John Helbig, of this county ; Mabel E., the wife of Jolin Good, of Waterloo, Iowa; Minerva Ann, who wedded C. Wilson and makes her home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; and Emma I., the wife of Albert Zachary, of Marion, Iowa.
Colonel Fishell gives his political support to the republican party but has never sought or desired office, having always preferred to concentrate his ener- gies upon liis private interests. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to lodge No. 6 at Marion. He is also a member of the Grand Army post and in religious faith is a Methodist. During the years of his residence in Linn county, covering more than four decades, he has so lived as to enjoy the unqualified confidence, good will and esteem of those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
GEORGE P. CARPENTER, M. D.
The state of Iowa, with its pulsing industrial activities and rapid development has attracted within its confines men of marked ability and high character in the various professional lines and in this way progress has been conserved and social stability fostered. Dr. George P. Carpenter, whose name initiates this review, has gained recognition as one of the able and successful physicians of the state and by his labors, his high professional attainments and his sterling character- istics has justified the respect and confidence in which he is held by the medical fraternity and the local public. Although yet a man in the prime of life, he is the oldest physician in years of continuous connection with the profession in this city. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio, September 21, 1846, his parents being Dr. Paul and Mary (Fetters) Carpenter. The family is of Holland origin, but was founded in America during the colonial epoch of our history and was repre- sented in the Revolutionary war and again in the war of 1812. The Fetters family is of German descent and was established in Ohio during the pioneer history of that state.
Dr. Paul Carpenter was a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and in carly manhood took np the study of law under the direction of James Buchanan, after- ward president of the United States, but he regarded the profession as uncon- genial and ran away from home, taking up his abode in Lancaster, Ohio, where he began the study of medicine. In time he came to be recognized as one of the distinguished physicians and surgeons in his part of the state, practicing with marked success in Lancaster until his death, which occurred in 1880, when he had reached the age of seventy years. He always kept abreast with the progress of the profession and was most conscientious in the performance of his duties. His political views were in accord with the principles of the republican party, but he would accept no office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his profes-
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
sional duties, his Masonic work and his efforts for the betterment of the community along other lines. He ranked high in Masonry and was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also the mother of our subject, who died in Lancaster, Ohio, at the age of thirty-five years. Dr. Carpenter is the only survivor in their family of five children and is second in order of birth. For his first wife the father married Miss Mary Cannon and their surviving children are Henry W., a physician of Lancaster, Ohio, and Mary Ellen, the wife of W. J. Carty of Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Carpenter then married Mary Fetters and of this union our subject is the second child in order of birth.
An apt student, Dr. George P. Carpenter readily mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Lancaster and completed the high school course when but fifteen years of age. For further study he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and completed a literary course by graduation in 1865. Whether environment, inherited tendency or deliberate choice have most to do in shaping his later career it is impossible to determine, but the study of medicine seemed to prove attractive to him and he began reading under the direction of his father, while later he benefited by instruction in the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in March, 1868, at the age of twenty-two years. While yet a student he spent one year in an army hospital with his brother, Dr. H. W. Carpenter, who was an army sur- geon. There were between twelve and eighteen hundred patients in the hospital the entire time and the practical experience which he thus gained of medicine and surgery proved of inestimable benefit to him.
Immediately after his graduation Dr. Carpenter located for the private prac- tice of medicine in Cedar Rapids, remaining continuously a resident of this city since the 4th of April, 1868. He found here a population of about three thousand and has, therefore, witnessed almost its entire growth and development, and no man feels greater pride in what has been accomplished or has given his aid and influence in more substantial manner toward furthering its upbuilding. Two years after his arrival here he became a partner of Dr. E. L. Mansfield and they were together for five years. Otherwise, Dr. Carpenter has always been alone and, while he has usually given his attention to general practice, he has also specialized to a great extent in surgery and has successfully performed many notable operations. His practice from the beginning has been large and of an important character and he has ever been an industrious and ambitious student, whose reading and research have constantly augmented his ability and promoted his efficiency.
Dr. Carpenter has been married twice. On the 1st of July, 1869, in Delaware, Ohio, he wedded Miss Delia Fant, a native of that state and a daughter of the Rev. S. Fant, a Methodist Episcopal minister, who was one of the pioneer preach- ers of that section. Dr. and Mrs. Carpenter became the parents of two daughters and two sons: Laura, now the wife of A. H. Smith of Los Angeles, California ; Alice, who married Lieutenant A. S. Smith of the United States Navy and died May 1, 1904; Paul F. and George B., both residents of Los Angeles. The wife and mother passed away March 31, 1897, and was laid to rest in Oak Hill ceme- tery of Cedar Rapids. On the 14th of July, 1909, Dr. Carpenter was again mar- ried, his second union being with Belle Hawthorne Dusill of Cedar Rapids. His home contains a fine and most interesting collection of relics and curios, gathered from all parts of the world, for he has traveled extensively, gaining thereby that broad culture and experience which only travel can bring. He has long been one of the prominent and helpful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as steward and trustee for thirty years.
His political views accord with the principles of the republican party and his fraternal relations are with Mount Hermon Lodge, No. 263, F. & A. M .; and Trowel Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M. He has always regarded the practice of medi-
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eine and surgery, however, as his chief interest, has served as medical examiner for the Northwestern Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee and many other companies and has been a member of the staff of St. Luke's Hospital since its founding. He holds membership in the Cedar Rapids Medical Society, the Iowa Union Medieal Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Tri-State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He has kept in touch with the work done by the profession whereby the interests of humanity have been ad- vaneed, and is in thorough sympathy with the movement for general education concerning the laws of health and the prevention of disease. He holds to high standards in practice and his expressions concerning brother practitioners are friendly and indulgent. He is widely recognized as a man of the highest and purest character and there is constant demand for his services both professionally and socially.
MARSHALL OXLEY
Marshall Oxley, a prominent and prosperous agriculturist of Linn county. has spent his entire life within its borders and is now the oldest settler in the community where he makes his home. His birth occurred in Marion township on the 18th of February, 1853. his parents being John S. and Jane (Halley) Oxley, who were born in Kentucky a century ago. Clair Oxley. the great- grandfather of our subject. eame to this country from England in colonial times and lived to attain the remarkable age of one hundred years. His re- mains were interred in Rush county, Indiana. Everett Oxley. the grandfather of Marshall Oxley, passed away near Louisville, Kentucky, when forty-five years of age, his death being occasioned by an aceident. While hewing timbers for a cabin the broad ax which he was using struck his knee and inflicted a wound which proved fatal. In 1824 the Oxley family left Kentucky and took up their abode near Crawfordsville, Indiana, where the parents of our subjeet celebrated their marriage September 1, 1831. The year 1840 witnessed their re- moval to Linn county, lowa, the date of their arrival being October 18. John S. Oxley built the first grist mill in this eounty in 1842-3 and the third sawmill. He devoted his attention principally, however, to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and at one time was personally ac- quainted with every white man in the county.
Marshall Oxley attended the distriet schools during the winter months but the methods of instruction at that early period were quite ernde as compared with the educational advantages afforded to the youth of today, and when a pupil had mastered the three R's his schooling was considered ended. lle early beeame familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agrieultur- ist and the work of the fields has claimed his attention throughout his entire business eareer. The farm on which his birth oeeurred has remained his home to the present time and he now enjoys the distinction of being the oldest settler in the community. In connection with the tilling of the soil he has been ex- tensively engaged in the raising of stock and also deals in notes and bank and commercial paper. The success which has attended his efforts is indicated by the fact that he is now the largest individual tax payer in Marion township.
On the 4th of September, 1878. Mr. Oxley was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary M. Ellison, whose natal day was March 18. 1859. The ceremony took place at the home of the bride three miles north of Mount Vernon. Mr. and Mrs. Oxley now have three children, namely: Clarence R., who was born February 17. 1880, and now resides in Marion ; Ralph W., born June 28. 1889, who is at home; and Bertha, whose birth occurred February 12. 1895, and who is also
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under the parental roof. Clarenee R. Oxley was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie B. Groll on the 7th day of May, 1902, and they now have two children : IIelen, who was born July 5, 1906; and Marshall, Jr., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 10th of October, 1908.
For the past twenty-eight years Mr. Oxley has been a contributing member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and, in accordance with the teachings of that order, has endeavored to "help his fellow man in time of need." It has ever been his desire to exemplify that well known motto of a celebrated man : "The world is my country and to do good my religion." Mr. Oxley has never been an aspirant for public office, having, as he expresses it, been "more con- tent in endeavoring to make two blades of grass grow where but one grew be- fore." Ilis political views are epitomized in the words, "equal rights for all and special privileges to none." Having been a resident of Linn county for the past fifty-seven years, he is largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present and can relate many interesting anecdotes of the early days. He can distinctly remember several incidents in connection with the marshalling of troops for the Civil war. He was a chum of Perry Byam, the youngest soldier who enlisted in the war, the records at Washington acknowledging him as the youngest, for he was only about nine years of age. He witnessed the building of the first railroad in Linn county and was present at the barbecue in Cedar Rapids when the first railroad entered that city. It is to such men as Mr. Oxley that this county owes its splendid development, and the wonderful trans- formation that has taken place in this part of the state has been a source of muel gratification to him. He has traveled extensively in the United States and Canada, has erossed the great eorn belt of the Mississippi valley and the wheat fields of the Dakotas and has gazed with wonder and admiration on the sun- kissed mountains of the west; yet in all sincerity he can say :
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