USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 36
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After the close of the war Mr. Williamson returned to Louisa county and re- sumed the management of the old homestead, still in his possession. Under his direction the place, consisting of three hundred acres, became a finely improved farm, for he was progressive in his ideas and practical in his methods, and labored unceasingly for its further cultivation and development. He set out a good or- chard and fine grove of trees, erected substantial and commodious barns and out- buildings, and in fact introduced all of the accessories and conveniences that go to make up a model farm. Today, his is one of the most valuable and desirable properties in the county. He engaged to some extent in stock-raising and feeding in connection with general farming and the success which came as a result of his well directed efforts along those branches made it possible for him, in 1905, to withdraw from active labor and take up his home in Wapello, where he is now living in honorable retirement. Here he purchased a beautiful dwelling where he and his family now reside. As the years have passed he has also found time to direct his attention into other channels beside agriculture and was one of the or- ganizers of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Louisa county, of which he remained a director many years. It may be an interesting fact for our readers to know that the brick which was used in the erection of the county farm build- ings was burned on Mr. Williamson's farm.
On the 5th of January, 1869, Mr. Williamson was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Berkhoff, who was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 26th of July, 1844, and when but four years old was brought to this country. By her marriage to Mr. Williamson she became the mother of seven children, as follows: Julie, the wife of C. A. Eversmeyer of Louisa county ; A. J., also of this county : Minnie M., who married Ed Eversmeyer, of Louisa county ; Emma, the wife of H. B. Jones, also residing in this county : and three who have passed away. On the Ist of May, 1903, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and on the 30th of November, 1905. Mr. Williamson was again married, his second union being with Miss Katherine Schafer, who is a native of New York and in 1864 came to Louisa county, Iowa, with her parents. She was one of a family of fourteen chil- dren, whose father passed away in 1896. The mother, however, survives and makes her home in this county.
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Mr. Williamson has long taken an active interest in public affairs and is num- bered among the county's loyal and public-spirited citizens. He has always given his political support to the republican party and has served both as township trustee and school director, while at present he is acting as president of the ceme- tery association, an office he has filled several years. He is liberal in his religious views and is an honored member of the Grand Army post of Wapello. The rec- ord of Mr. Williamson is in contradistinction to the old adage that "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country," for here in the county of his nativity, where he has spent a long, active and useful life, he has won the confidence, es- teem and good will of all with whom he has come in contact and the consensus of public opinion accords him a prominent place among the honored and valued resi- dents of the community.
JAMES MCKEEVER.
One of the well tilled and capably supervised farms of Morning Sun township is that of James McKeever, who is engaged in the cultivation of two hundred acres of land located on sections 16 and 17. He was born in Ohio on the 21 st of November, 1860, and is a son of John and Mary ( Wasson ) Mckeever. The par- ents, who were both natives of Ireland, emigrated to the United States in their early maturity, first locating in Cincinnati, Ohio. They resided there until 1864, then removing to Peoria county, Illinois, where they both passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McKeever were born eight children, four of whom are deceased. Those surviving are: John, who is a resident of this county; Archie, who is living in Peoria county, Illinois; Jane, the widow of E. W. Geadon, of Illinois; and James, our subject.
In the acquirement of his education James McKeever attended the district schools of his native county, following which he assisted his father in the cultiva- tion of the homestead until he was twenty-two years of age. For several years thereafter he farmed as a renter in Fulton county, Illinois, during which period he accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to become a property owner. In 1895 he came to Louisa county, purchasing the farm upon which he has ever since resided and during the ownership of which he has wrought many improvements. Here he engages in general farming, but makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs, which has proven to be a very profitable venture.
On the 28th of September, 1880, Mr. Mckeever was united in marriage to Miss Anna Loudin, a native of Ireland and a daughter of William and Mary A. ( Purcill) Loudin. The family emigrated to the United States in 1880, locating in Illinois, where the mother passed away. The father, however, is still living and now makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. McKeever. Of the nine children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Loudin but seven are now living. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Mckeever has been blessed with the birth of three sons and two daughters, in the
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following order: Harry A., Maggie J .. Ruth, Ralph and William, all of whom are at home.
The family attend the Presbyterian church of which the parents are both mein- bers. Mr. McKeever, being an ardent republican, casts his ballot in support of the candidates of that party, but never having aspired to public honors has never held any official position save that of school director. Energy and diligence, as well as keen business perception, have been the principle factors in the success of Mr. McKeever, who has become recognized as one of the prosperous residents of his community.
SAMUEL A. ENGLAND.
Samuel A. England, a well known and prosperous resident of Marshall town- ship, has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits through- out his entire business career. The farm on which he resides has been his place of abode from his birth to the present time, his natal day being September 17, 1875.
His parents were Joseph and Malinda ( Skinner ) England, the former a native of Lansing. Michigan, and the latter of Ohio. The father was brought to Louisa county by his parents when but two years of age and continued to reside within its borders throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the 20th of March, 1893. His widow still survives him and now makes her home in Henry county. Iowa. Unto them were born six children, as follows: Nancy J .. the wife of J. Ross, of Henry county, Iowa; Mary E., who is the wife of Robert Clark and resides in Illinois : Samuel .A., of this review ; Ida May, who gave her hand in marriage to Calvin Black and now makes her home in Independence, Kansas : and two who are deceased.
Samuel A. England attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education, thus becoming fitted for the practical and responsible duties of life. At the time of his father's death he took charge of the old homestead farm and has since been busily engaged in its operation. At the present time his landed hold- ings embrace two hundred and forty-six acres in Marshall township, a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Henry county, Iowa, and a tract of one hundred and sixty-two acres at Sidney, Nebraska. In addition to the cultivation of cereals he also devotes considerable attention to raising and feeding stock, finding both branches of his business congenial as well as profitable.
On the 28th of December, 1898, Mr. England was united in marriage to Miss Ella Paisley, who was born in Morning Sun, Iowa, on the 21st of April, 1873, her parents being Robert and Eliza (Swan) Paisley, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They came to Louisa county at an early day and here Mr. Paisley passed away on the 7th of April, 1902. His widow still survives him and makes her home in Wapello, Iowa. Their children were eight in number.
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Mr. England is a stalwart democrat in politics but has neither sought nor de- sired the honors and emoluments of office. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No. 235 at Winfield, Iowa. He is likewise connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Carroll, Iowa. His wife's re- ligious faith is indicated by her membership in the Presbyterian church. They have spent their entire lives in Louisa county and enjoy an extensive and favor- able acquaintance here. A diligent farmer and a good citizen, in the enjoyment of a large income, Mr. England holds the respect and good will of his fellows, though his popularity is not determined by his success, but by the strong traits of honesty and integrity of purpose which have ever characterized his intercourse with others.
JOHN OWENS.
From the little rock-ribbed country of Wales came a goodly portion of Louisa county's substantial and respected citizens who found in the new world oppor- tunities for advancement in business lines denied them in their native land. This number includes John Owens, now deceased, who for a number of years was identified with the industrial and agricultural pursuits of this county. He was born in the north of Wales, a son of Owen Owens, and ere leaving his native country learned the art of cabinet-making. Attracted by the rumors which he heard concerning the advantages offered on this side of the Atlantic, when but eighteen years of age he decided to seek a fortune in the United States, and accord- ingly made the long journey to New York, locating first at Utica, that state, where he engaged for a time at his trade. In 1860 he made his way to Louisa county, Iowa, taking up his abode in Columbus City, and here worked at cabinet- making for some time. He was an expert workman and it was not long ere he was accorded a large patronage. Later, however, deciding to enter agricultural pursuits, he purchased a farm belonging to Judge Springer and upon that place passed his remaining days. He was the owner of a good property consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 31, Columbus City township, which is still in possession of the family.
Mr. Owens was married ere leaving New York, in 1852, to Miss Jane A. Williams, who was born in south Wales and came to America in 1842. Unto them were born three children, namely: Ellen N., now deceased; Mrs. Harriet B. Schock, of Columbus City, Iowa; and R. E., now operating the old homestead. Mr. Owens passed away in 1897. and his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Columbus City. Although more than a decade has come and gone since he passed from active life, he is still remembered by many of the residents of Col- umbus City township as a man of many sterling traits of character, who lived his life to good purpose and enjoyed the esteem and regard of his fellowmen. His widow still survives, and at a ripe old age resides upon the homestead with her son.
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R. E. Owens has placed many improvements on the home place, which is now one of the valuable and desirable properties of the locality, and in connection with his general farming makes a specialty of raising and breeding full blooded Perch- eron horses, having many fine animals in his stables. He is known throughout the country for the high grade of his stock and is numbered among the prosperous and progressive business men of the community. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellow Lodge, No. 246, at Columbus City, and also with the Rebekahs at Columbus Junction, of which he is captain of the team. He gives his political support to the republican party and is now serving as township trustec, in which position he is casting the weight of his influence on the side of progress, advance- ment and improvement. He is loyal and public-spirited in his citizenship and possesses those qualities which speak for honorable and upright manhood.
JOHN ANSON PENNIMAN BIGGER.
For six years past J. A. P. Bigger has been proprietor and editor of the Wapello Tribune and he has gained a reputation as one of the efficient factors of the country press of Iowa. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1875. a son of John M. and Kate ( McVey ) Bigger. In 1877 the father moved with his family to Ohio and ten years later came to Vinton, Iowa, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Two of their children are now living : J. N. S., who was born December 28, 1871, and is now a resident of Vinton, Iowa; and J. A. P., of this review.
At twelve years of age J. A. P. Bigger came to Iowa with his parents and in the public schools of Vinton he received his preliminary education. Later he possessed advantages of attendance at Tilford Collegiate Academy. As a young man he began learning the printer's trade in the office of the Vinton Eagle and has been connected with the printing business continuously for twenty years past. In 1905 he purchased the Wapello Tribune, a republican weekly, which under his management has ably represented the principles of the party and is one of the leading weekly papers in this part of the state.
On the 25th of June, 1902, Mr. Bigger was united in marriage to Miss Edna Blanche Jamison. To this union one son, Merritt Shannon, was born March 3. 1904. Mrs. Bigger is a daughter of Merritt L. and Mary Ella ( Whitcomb) Jamison. Grandfather Jamison was a native of Kentucky and emigrated from that state to Ohio, where he was married. In the spring of 1840 he came with his family to Louisa county, Iowa, and for many years was identified with the stock- raising business. He was the father of seven children, four of whom survive, namely: John W .. of Newport, Iowa; Jacob H., who is now engaged in the cement business at Wapello; Merritt L .; and O. B., who engaged in farming and is now living retired at Wapello. Two of the children, William and Mary, now deceased, were twins.
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Merritt 1. Jamison, the father of Mrs. Bigger, was born in Louisa county, August 21, 1848. He was educated in the public schools and at the Baptist Uni- versity at Burlington. For about thirty years he devoted his attenion to farming and stock-raising in this county and then sold his place, being now a resident of Wapello. He is a stanch supporter of the democratic party. While attending the Baptist University he met Miss Mary E. Whitcomb, who became his wife, and there were two children in their family: Edna Blanche, now Mrs. J. A. P. Big- ger ; and Nellie May, the wife of Frank Christie, who has charge of a dry-goods store at Brighton belonging to Mr. Jamison. Mrs. Jamison, the mother of Mrs. Bigger, is a daughter of Asahel D. and Sarah Ann ( Lyon ) Whitcomb, the for- mer of whom was born at Townshend, Vermont, in October. 1830. He was left an orphan by the death of both parents at the age of seven years and was reared by relatives. He early began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he had mastered at the age of nineteen. He attained great skill in the use of tools and was a builder of cars and carriages, working for a number of years in the car shops at Burlington, Iowa. At the time of the Civil war he served in the Missouri En- gineer Corps and was in the field for three years and ten months. He enlisted as sergeant but on account of his ability was promoted several times until he be- came captain. After the close of the war he continued in the army for a time as quartermaster. At one period of his service his duties required him, while located at Island No. 10 in the Mississippi river, to remain exposed in the water for many hours a day. On account of this exposure he lost his health, notwithstanding the best medical treatment. In October, 1849, he was married to Miss Sarah Ann Lyon, who was born May 2, 1830, at Auburn, New York, and they had two chil- dren : Mary Ella, born November 3, 1850, at Schoolcraft, Michigan, who mar- ried Merritt L. Jamison : and Amelia Delphine, born at Burlington, Iowa, De- cember 16, 1858, who died at the age of six years. Mr. Whitcomb died in July, 1883, and his wife was called away in 1908, having for twelve years previously made her home with her daughter.
Ever since he arrived at the age of manhood Mr. Bigger of this review has been an active adherent of the republican party and as a writer has consistently supported his views upon local, state and national issues. His advice is often sought in regard to important public policies and experience has shown that his opinions as to questions effecting this section of the state are generally correct. He has many friends in Louisa county and socially is prominently connected with the Masonic order, being a past master of Wapello Lodge, No. 5. A. F. & A. M.
RALPH REID HUNT.
Ralph Reid Hunt, a prominent factor in educational circles of Louisa county, is now serving his third term as county superintendent of schools. His birth oc- curred in Marshall township, this county, on the 16th of January, 1879, his par- ents being Henry R. and Laura L. ( Hornsby ) Hunt, both of whom are natives
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of Ohio. Their marriage was celebrated in Louisa county, the father coming here with his parents when a boy and the mother taking up her abode here in the early '60s. They now make their home at Mount Vernon, Linn county, lowa. Unto them were born seven children, five of whom are yet living.
Ralph Reid Hunt remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Following his graduation from the high school he worked in a printing or newspaper office for three and a half years. On the expiration of that period he took up the profession of school teaching, acting as principal at Columbus City for three years. In 1906 he was elected county superintendent of schools, dis- playing such efficiency in fulfilling the duties of this responsible office that he has been twice honored by reelection and is now serving his third term.
On the 10th of September, 1902, Mr. Hunt was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Pearl Parsons, who was born in Louisa county on the 23d of January, 1885, her parents being Douglas D. and Jessie 1 .. ( Hook ) Parsons, of this county. Douglas D. Parsons passed away in 1903 and his widow afterward gave her hand in marriage to Abe Parsons, a son of Thomas Parsons. Mrs. Hunt, who was one of a family of three children, is now the mother of two, namely : Reid L., whose natal day was July 14, 1903 ; and Helen Douglas, whose birth occurred on the 29th of September. 1904.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hunt has supported the men and measures of the republican ticket. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 246 at Columbus City. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and likewise belongs to Black Lodge, No. 281, K. P., having filled nearly all of the chairs in the latter. His wife is identified with the Rebekahs and the Pythian Sisters. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. They have spent their entire lives in Louisa county and are well known and highly esteemed within its borders.
JOSEPH K. DUNCAN.
Joseph K. Duncan, who for the past eight years has conducted a general mer- cantile establishment at Cotter, well deserves mention among the enterprising and representative business men of Louisa county. His birth occurred in this county on the 3Ist of December, 1864, his parents being S. H. and Elizabeth ( Edwards ) Duncan, natives of Tennessee. The father came to Louisa county in 1842, when a little lad of five years, and has remained within its borders continuously since, still residing on a farm in Union township. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, seven of whom yet survive.
After completing his preliminary education Joseph K. Duncan pursued a course of study in a business college, thus fitting himself for the practical and responsible duties of life. On attaining his majority he rented a portion of the old homestead place and subsequently purchased a farm, devoting his attention to
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its operation for a number of years. Disposing of the property, he embarked in business as a merchant of Cotter, where for the past eight years he has enjoyed a gratifying patronage as the proprietor of a general store, handling a large and well selected line of goods.
Mr. Duncan is a democrat in politics and held the office of assessor for four years. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 693 at Cotter. He has always lived in Louisa county and enjoys an enviable reputation as a reliable, progressive merchant and respected citizen.
C. C. LONG.
C. C. Long, as proprietor of the brick and tile factory at Columbus Junction, is thus identified with one of the important and prosperous industries of this locality. With him age has seemed no bar to success, for although he has not yet reached the thirtieth milestone on life's journey, he is nevertheless ranked among the substantial and representative business men of Columbus City township. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Keokuk county on the 27th of June, 1882, his parents being Jacob and Mary ( Mishey ) Long, natives of Richland county, Ohio. They came to Iowa about 1866, locating in Keokuk county on a farm which remained their home until the death of the father in December, 1904. The mother, however, yet survives and now makes her home in Oklahoma. In their family were ten children of whom nine are still living.
No event of especial importance came to vary the routine of life for C. C. Long during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was passed upon the old homestead farm in Keokuk county, and in the public schools of that county he acquired a good education, passing through consecutive grades until his gradua- tion from the high school. He remained with his parents until his majority when, desiring to seek his own way in the world, he left home and made his way to Oregon, where for about a year and a half he was engaged in a lumber camp. At the expiration of that period he returned to lowa and in 1909 purchased the brick and tile factory at Columbus Junction, in the operation of which he still continues. He manufactures all kinds of brick, tile and building materials and although one of the very recent arrivals in this locality he has nevertheless worked up a good trade which is constantly increasing in volume and importance. His plant is one of the important enterprises of the thriving little town of Columbus Junetior and the future of the new company seems most promising.
Mr. Long was married, in 1907, to Miss Hulda Swanson, who was born in lowa. a daughter of John and .Anna Swanson. Unto this union have been born two children, Erdean R. and Myrtle. Reared in the faith of the Baptist church Mr. Long continues his identification with that organization, the teachings of which have formed the guiding rules of his life. In politics he has given his sup- port to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise,
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but the honors and emoluments of office have never had attraction for him. He prefers to concentrate his efforts upon the conduct of his business affairs, and his close application thereto is proving a salient feature in his progress. He still retains much of the enthusiasm of youth and, actuated by a laudable ambition to acquire success, he has already attained a degree which is prophetic of a bright future.
1. N. VAUGHN.
I. N. Vaughn is numbered among the prominent and well known citizens of Newport, Louisa county, where he is the proprietor of a prosperous general store and is also efficiently filling the office of postmaster. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Woodbury county, on the 7th of July, 1876, a son of J. N. and Rebecca (Carl) Vaughn. The parents were both born in Louisa county, this state, but later removed to Woodbury county, where they passed away. Their family consisted of five children but of this number only three are still living.
I. N. Vaughn, whose name introduces this review, was reared to farm life and acquired his education in the schools of his native county but at the age of eighteen laid aside his text-books to enter business life, his first employment be- ing that of farm hand. He was thus engaged until twenty-two years of age. In connection with J. W. Jamison he bought a store at Newport, investing the money received as his share of his father's estate, and for six years they conducted a growing and successful enterprise. At the expiration of that period, however, Mr. Vaughn purchased the interest of his partner and has since continued in business alone. In the operation of a general mercantile store he has built up a good trade, which is constantly increasing in volume and importance for, ap- preciating the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement, he has care- fully studied the wishes of his customers and carries a large and up-to-date stock of goods. He is industrious, enterprising and ambitious, is progressive in the management of his interests and at the same time the honest and upright methods which he has ever pursued have won for him the confidence of all with whom he has business dealings.
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