USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 21
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JAMES CARSON DUNCAN.
One of the finely improved farms of Columbus City township is the home of James Carson Duncan, its neat and prosperous appearance indicating a life of industry, perseverance and thrift on the part of its owner. A native of Louisa county, Mr. Duncan is a representative of a family which was established in this county at an early day. Ile was born on the 8th of April, 1868, a son of John Calvin and Sarah Jane (Tedford) Duncan, early settlers of this district.
The father was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, on the 6th of Septem- ber. 1845, a son of John and Rachel ( Duncan) Dunean, also natives of the Volunteer state, who came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1846. They located on a tract of two hundred acres of raw prairie land about two miles west of the present site of Columbus City, and there maintained their home until their death, the mother passing away when fifty-five years of age and the father at the age of seventy-six years. In their family were ten children but only three sons now survive, namely : Francis M., of Union township, Louisa county ; Robert Nel- son, of Columbus City ; and John Calvin, father of our subject.
The latter was but sixteen years of age when, in September, 1861, he vol- tinteered for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company C, Elev- enth lowa Regiment, and with that command served for three years and two months, meanwhile participating in all of the engagements of his regiment. He was mustered out at Davenport, lowa, on the 18th of October, 1865, and re- turned home with a most creditable military record, despite his youth. At that time his father agreed to give him all of the raw land which he could break and take care of if he would consent to pay the taxes and keep the fences in good repair, and he at once began to break the sod, using a team of oxen in the ae- complishment of this task. He continued in the cultivation of that land for three years, after which he purchased a tract of eighty aeres, to which he added, as his resources permitted, until he became the owner of a valuable property consisting of one hundred and seventy acres. There he engaged in general agri- cultural pursuits until 1908, when he sold that farm and removed to Columbus City, where he is now living retired. In addition to the handsome dwelling in which he makes his home he is also the owner of another residence and three building lots in that town.
John Calvin Duncan was twice married. On the 20th of April, 1867. he wedded Miss Sarah Jane Tedford, who passed away at the early age of thirty- two years. Unto them were born four children, namely : James Carson, of this review : Clara J., who married James Hamil, of Missouri; Anna, the wife of Harry Stapp, of Longmont, Colorado; and John F., also residing in that state.
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After the death of his first wife Mr. Duncan was united in marriage, on the 20th of April, 1881, to Miss Martha Sands, a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah ( McCall) Sands, natives of Tennessee. They came to lowa at an early day, settling in Wapello county, where they both passed away. In their family were nine children, namely: William McCall, Henry, John, Amanda and Eliza, all deceased : Elizabeth, who married F. M. Duncan, of Louisa county ; Zachariah and Francis, both of Wapello county ; and Martha, the wife of John Calvin Duncan. By his second marriage Mr. Duncan became the father of two chil- dren : Nathaniel, of Columbus City ; and Mabel, the wife of Robert Smiley. He belongs to the United Presbyterian church and also to the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is a republican and for nine years has served as county supervisor, while for three years prior to his appointment to that posi- tion he held the office of trustee.
James Carson Duncan, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life within the limits of his native county. He spent his early days on his father's farm, amid the scenes and environment of rural life, devoting the win- ter seasons to the acquirement of his education in the country schools and the summer months to the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks which fall to the lot of the country lad. He remained with his parents until he attained his majority, when he embarked in the business world on his own account as a renter, operating a farm in that capacity for five years. At the end of that time he was able to purchase the farm upon which he now lives, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Columbus City town- ship. This is a well improved property, containing fine buildings, neat fences and all of the modern accessories and equipment for the successful conduct of a farming enterprise. In addition to tilling the soil he makes a specialty of rais- ing Poland China hogs and in this direction is meeting with most creditable suc- cess. He is not afraid to work but on the other hand is enterprising, industrious and persevering, and therefore the gratifying degree of prosperity which is today his is well merited.
Mr. Duncan was married, February 11, 1893, to Miss Luella Johnston, a native of Louisa county and a daughter of W. A. and E. R. (Maxwell ) John- ston. The parents were born in Alabama and Ohio respectively and came to this county at an early day, both passing away here. In their family were seven children of whom four are still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have been born seven children, as follows: Madge E., a high school graduate; Ethel J., deceased ; and Calvin A., Marjorie, Tedford, Robert N., and Harold, all of whom are still at home.
The parents are members of the United Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Duncan is now serving as trustee, and both are held in high regard in the com- munity in which they reside. In politics Mr. Duncan gives his allegiance to the republican party, having served as school director and is now filling the office of township trustee, and in every relation he has been most loyal to the public welfare. His life has been well spent. In all of its relations he has been true to high and honorable principles and has never faltered in a choice between right
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and wrong, but has always endeavored to follow a course that his judgment and his conscience have sanctioned, and therefore he is numbered among the respected and valued citizens of Columbus City township.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
The soil of lowa is rich and fertile and in every respect is adapted to vari- ous crops, while it is particularly excellent for pasture land, enabling one who desires to engage extensively in stock-raising to follow that business to great advantage. Among those who are successfully carrying on farming and stock- raising in Louisa county, this state, is numbered Alexander Hamilton. Born in Fayette county, Ohio, on the 14th of August, 1831, he is a son of Samuel and Mary ( Holland ) Hamilton, both natives of the Buckeye state, who came to Iowa in 1841. On their arrival here the father purchased school land in Louisa county, where he carried on farming for many years and where he and his wife both passed away. Of their family of thirteen children only three yet survive, namely : Alexander, of this review : D. D., residing in Louisa township : and Mary J., the wife of James Banks, of Wapello.
Fortunate in being reared amid the wholesome environment of farm life, Alexander Hamilton divided the period of his boyhood and youth between the acquirement of an education in the country schools and the work of the home farm. He early became familiar with the various phases of agriculture, and his thorough training in the fields formed the foundation for his latter-day suc- cess in that direction. Ile remained with his parents until he had attained man's estate and then engaged in farming on his own account, renting a place which he operated for three years. At the end of that time he purchased his present farm, consisting of one hundred and seventy-six acres on section 35. Wapello township, which he has highly improved and from which, since his occupancy, he has been reaping bountiful harvests. Ile has planted a good or- chard, has a fine grove of trees of his own planting, is modern and practical in his methods, and his land is as well kept and productive as any in the township. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding a good grade of stock, and his careful management of both branches of his business has enabled him to place himself in prosperous circumstances.
On the 4th of December, 1856, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Dotson, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1844. She is a daughter of Bazel S. and Mary ( Davidson ) Dotson, natives of Pennsylvania and England respectively. Both are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been born nine children, as follows: Anna Letta, who married G. W. Schofield, of Wapello township : Juan Darilla, the wife of William Torode, of Louisa county : A. G., also of this county ; T. T., a resi- dent of the state of Washington ; Adaline, who married William O. Syphrit. of Louisa county ; Bertha, the wife of E. E. Campbell, also of this county ;
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Frank, residing in this county ; George, filling the position of express agent for the Rock Island Railroad Company ; and Charles, yet at home. The mother of this family was called to her final rest on the 4th of December, 1900. She was a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind and was highly esteemed in the community.
In politics Mr. Hamilton gives his support to the democratic party but has never sought nor desired public office. He is a substantial citizen who merits the respect and confidence of the entire community. His present prosperity is due to his own exertions and careful management entirely, and he is now com- fortably situated in life.
JOSEPH J. MOORE.
Joseph J. Moore, whose entire life was spent within the borders of Louisa county, was for a number of years numbered among its progressive and suc- cessful agriculturists. He was born in this county on the 27th of June, 1854, a son of Frank J. and Lucinda ( Duncan) Moore, natives of Tennessee. The parents came to Louisa county as early as the '30s and were numbered among the pioneers of this district, taking their share in the work of developing the raw prairies into fertile and productive fields. Here they both passed away.
Joseph J. Moore, who was the eldest in a family of ten children, remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his assistance about the home farm until his marriage, which occurred on the 27th of February. 1879. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Nettie E. Baird, was a daughter of John and Mary (Acheson) Baird, natives of Ohio, who came to Louisa county in 1854, locating on the farm which was the birthplace of Mrs. Moore and where she continues to reside. Their family consisted of nine children. They remained residents of this county throughout the remainder of their lives, the father pass- ing away January 23, 1899, and the mother on the 4th of March, 1896.
Immediately after his marriage Mr. Moore began farming on his own ac- count and in 1891 purchased the old Baird homestead, which remained his home throughout the remainder of his life. For a number of years he was engaged in general agricultural pursuits here and his efforts in this direction met with gratifying results for he was progressive in his ideas, possessed good business ability, pursued modern methods and gave close application to his affairs- qualities which are potent and effective forces in the successful conduct of any enterprise.
Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Moore, as follows : Bessie Beu- letta, who was born March 14, 1881, and who attended college at Cedar Falls and for five years was engaged in teaching: Nellie L., born October 9, 1885, who acquired her education at Cedar Falls and is now engaged in teaching school ; and Frank A., born September 30, 1892, and who is now operating the home farm for his mother.
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The family all hold membership in the United Presbyterian church and are well known and highly esteemed in the community in which they reside. Mr. Moore belonged to the Presbyterian church and was a gentleman of most ex- emplary life. Believing that the liquor traffic is the greatest evil against which the country has to contend he gave stalwart support to the prohibition party and was likewise interested in all matters which had to do with the moral advance- ment of the community. He passed away on the 5th of March, 1911, at which time the community lost one of its most highly respected and esteemed residents, whose life had ever been in harmony with high ideals and actuated by noble purposes. His widow continues to reside upon the old home place upon which her entire life has been spent. She has ever exemplified high qualities of heart and mind and has won the regard and friendship of her neighbors and acquaint- ances.
MOSES CHILSON.
Although still residing on his farm in Morning Sun township, Louisa county, Moses Chilson is living a retired life, leaving the farm work to others. He was born in Illinois on the ioth of January, 1832, a son of Moses and Mary ( Wood- cocks) Chilson, both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Illinois in an early day. They later took up their abode in Arkansas, where the father was called to his final rest, but the mother departed this life in Lonisa county. Their family numbered eight children but our subject is the only one now living.
Moses Chilson was reared in the state of his nativity and his educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools. He remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-one, when he began farming on his own account in the Prairie state. In 1850 he came to Louisa county, crossing the Mississippi river on the ice March o with a very heavily loaded wagon. Arriving in this county, he purchased a farm one mile east and half of a mile south of his present home, which tract of eighty acres he later sold and bought the farm in Morning Sun township which is still his home. This place consists of one hundred and sixty acres, ten of which is timber, and is located on section 30. He has made all of the improvements upon his farm. erecting a good country home and substantial outbuildings that furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. For many years he was engaged in general farm- ing and by his energy and good business ability won success that now permits him to spend the evening of life in honorable retirement. However, he still retains his residence on the farm and enjoys the rest and quiet which only a rural home affords. The town of Marsh is now located in the midst of his farm, he owning land on both sides of it.
It was while still a resident of Illinois that Mr. Chilson was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Rebecca Stafford, whom he wedded November
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30, 1853. She was born in Delaware and after a happy married life of more than four decades was called to her final rest in 1894, her remains being in- terred in the Morning Sun cemetery. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Chilson were born eight children, four sons and four daughters, namely: James S., a resident of Louisa county ; John, deceased : B. M., also a resident of this county ; Mary and Francis M., who have departed this life; Anna, the wife of J. Marsh Riggle, of Henry county, Iowa ; Amanda, deceased; and Rebecca, the wife of Joseph G. Miller, who now has charge of his father-in-law's farm and resides thereon. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two children, Lloyd and Blanch.
Politically Mr. Chilson is a republican and although he has filled several public offices of minor importance, he has never aspired to public position. Mr. Chilson is well known not only in his home locality, but throughout Louisa county, for his residence here covers a period of fifty-five years. He has seen the wild prairie converted into rich and cultivable fields and the country thickiy settled with a contented and prosperous people and he has done his full share in the work of development and improvement in his section. He has ever been a man of upright principles and strict integrity and in the highest and best sense of the term he is ever and essentially a gentleman, of which fact his friends bear witness
BENJAMIN FRANK CLARK.
Another of Louisa county's sons whose activities have always been directed along agricultural lines is Benjamin F. Clark, who was born on the 6th of Octo- ber, 1854. He was a son of the late William and Calista ( Bartemus) Clark, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of Iowa. They were the par- ents of the following children: Lewis L., who is deceased ; the second, a girl, who died in infancy ; and Benjamin F., our subject. Mrs. Clark had been mar- ried previously to a Mr. Cole and unto them were born four children : Henry, who is deceased ; John, also deceased; Martha, the deceased wife of Charles Stone ; and Thomas, who is a resident of Harrison county, Missouri.
Benjamin F. Clark was reared upon a farm, acquiring his education in the district schools of this county, which he ceased to attend when he had a sufficient knowledge of the common branches to enable him to undertake the real work of his life. When old enough to choose a vocation he decided upon the one for which he felt he was best adapted, both by training and preparation, and for a time rented land which he cultivated. In 1879 he purchased forty-tive acres, to which tract he has since added by purchase another forty and now owns eighty- five acres, upon which he has made all of the improvements. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising.
On the 13th of November, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Clark and Miss Anyce Hamilton. She is a daughter of Jesse and Maria ( Kimerer) Hamilton, early settlers of Louisa county, who were the parents of three children
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of which Mrs. Clark was the eldest. The others are: Arnold, who is a resident of Fort Madison ; and W. E., who is living near Morning Sun. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born two children: Jessie Pearl now the wife of Burt E. Lockwood: and William A., who is deceased.
Mr. Clark is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his political support he accords to the democratic party, but as he has never been an office seeker does not actively participate in township affairs. In religious faith he is a Methodist, with which church his wife is also identified.
GEORGE W. LANG
A respected and prosperous agriculturist of Grand View township is George W. Lang, who, with his wife, owns seven hundred and thirty acres of land where he engages in general farming and stock raising and feeding. He was born in Muscatine county, lowa, on the 27th of February, 1867, and is a son of Nicholas and Margaret ( Lieberknecht ) Lang. The father a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania, but they were married in Muscatine county, and sub- sequently settled upon a farm, where the father, who is seventy-four, still resides. but the mother passed away in 1908.
George W. Lang early became familiar with the work of the farm by being assigned duties about the homestead, his responsibility increasing with the passing years. In the acquirement of his education he attended the schools of the district in which he resided and the academy at Wilton Junction. At the age of twenty- one he went into partnership with his father and brothers, who were engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing to be identified with them for twenty-two years. In January, 1910, he withdrew and, coming to Louisa county, bought his present farm which is located on sections 10, 15 and 16. The property is finely improved and all of the land is under a high state of cultivation, and here Mr. Lang engages in general farming and stock-raising. He is making a specialty of the latter and keeps nothing but high grade cattle and hogs.
On the 8th of January, 1910, was celebrated the marriage of George W. Lang and Mrs. Bertha B. Lieberknecht, the widow of Benjamin Lieberknecht, who passed away on the 27th of March, 1908. Mrs. Lang is a daughter of W. J. and Mary (Smith ) Ronald, her birth having occurred in this county on the 13th of October, 1868. Mr. Ronald was a native of Navoo, Illinois, his natal day being the 9th of October. 1834, and Mrs. Ronald was born in Oxford, Ohio, on the 25th day of December, 1842. They were both graduates of Miami University, of Oxford, of which institution Mr. Ronakl's cousin, the late Whitelaw Reed. was also a student at that time. Mrs. Ronald's parents resided upon a farm in the vicinity of Oxford. Mr. Ronald and Miss Smith were married in Ohio on the 6th of October, 1863, and soon afterward removed to Iowa. They settled on a farm in Louisa county, which he operated for six years, and then withdrawing from agricultural pursuits he removed to Grand View, where he engaged in the
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bee industry. He continued to be identified with that until his demise, which occurred on the 20th of February, 1882. His wife survived him but a few weeks. her death occurring on the 7th of March of the same year. Eight children were born to them, as follows: Anabel, the wife of George 11. Barber, who operates an elevator at Warden, Towa; Martha E., who died at the age of three years; Bertha B., who received a high-school education, and is now Mrs. Lang ; Helen R .. who married David Kirk, a banker of Niagara, North Dakota ; John T., who died at the age of seventeen years, at which time he was a student at Monmouth Col- lege, Monmouth, Illinois; Ada P., who died at the age of fifteen ; William Roy, who was born on the Ist of June, 1870, and entered college at the age of fifteen, where he remained four years, and who is now married and has two children, resides in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he is manager of one of the largest daily papers of the state; and Marion Ethel, a graduate of the Chicago high school, who for the past ten years has been engaged in the United States census bureau. Mr. Ronald, who was a progressive, public-spirited man, always took an active interest in all educational matters and served as county superintendent for several terms.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lang affiliate with the Congregational church, in the work of which organization they take an active part. Although he has been a resident of Grand View township for only about two years, Mr. Lang has proven to be an acquisition to the community, as men of his capability, energy and perseverance must ever prove desirable citizens in any locality.
T. J. KLOTZ.
T. J. Klotz is one of the active and prosperous farmers and stockmen of Co- lumbus City township and is conducting his business interests on a farm of two hundred acres on section 16. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner, who is justly accounted one of the leading agriculturists of the community. His birth occurred in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of August, 1844. his par- ents being Joel and Sarah ( Hausman ) Klotz, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. Their union was blessed with eleven children, seven of whom are still living.
T. J. Klotz pursued his education in the common schools and remained at home until he had attained the age of twenty-three years. In 1867 he came to I ouisa county, Iowa, and began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for one year or until the time of his marriage. Following that important event in his life he purchased a farm of two hundred acres on section 16, Columbus City township, and has since been busily engaged in its operation. He has im- proved the property by the erection of a number of substantial and commodious buildings and also set out a fine grove. In addition to cultivating the cereals Vol. 11-12
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best adapted to soil and climate he is engaged in the raising and feeding of stock, finding this branch of his business very remunerative.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Klotz chose Miss Anna A. Stapp, a native of La Fayette, Indiana, and they were married August 30, 1868. When but two years of age she was brought to this county by her parents, Reuben and Ann ( Reece ) Stapp. They were born in Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively and removed to Indiana at an early day, while the year 1854 witnessed their arrival in Louisa county. Mr. Stapp located on a farm, erected a log cabin and made his home therein for several years. Ilis demise occurred in June, 1892, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1902. They were the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Klotz have seven children, as follows: R. L., who is a resident of Columbus Junction : Ada L., the wife of William Propst, of West Liberty, Iowa ; Hattie, the wife of Dr. MeGrew, of Grand View, Iowa ; Effiie, the wife of J. Don Dar- row, of Columbus Junction ; Meda M., the wife of Dr. Blender, of Carthage, Illi- nois ; l'earl L., the wife of L. Palmer, of Carthage, Illinois; and Paul M., who is at home.
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