USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 37
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On the 27th of January, 1906, Mr. Vaughn was united in marriage to Miss Iva Thompson, who was born near Mount Pleasant, Iowa, a daughter of A. B. and Molera Thompson. Her parents are both natives of Ohio and are yet living, making their home in Louisa county. Their daughter Iva was one of seven chil- dren and by her marriage to Mr. Vaughn has become the mother of one daugh- ter, Esther Marie, who was born November 5. 1906, and is the light and life of the household.
The family reside in an attractive home in Newport, which is also the prop- erty of Mr. Vaughn. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 19, at Wapello, and in politics is a stalwart supporter of republican principles. On the 7th of June, 1900, he was appointed postmaster of
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Newport, but later the postoffice was discontinued and rural route, No. 2, from Wapello, was established. The office was reopened, however, and Mr. Vaughn was again appointed postmaster, August 6, 1903. In this capacity he is proving a very popular official, faithfully and capably performing the duties devolving upon him. He is yet numbered among the younger representatives of business circles in his community and thus the gratifying degree of prosperity which he has already attained augurs well for a continued and increasing success in the future.
W. B. WILLIAMS.
W. B. Williams, a retired agriculturist of Oakville, was successfully iden- tified with farming and stock-raising interests throughout his active business career, owning at one time nine hundred and three and a half acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Des Moines county, lowa, on the 9th of September. 1851, his parents being J. Wilson and Julia A. ( Robison ) Williams, who were natives of Vermont and Ohio respectively.
There were not many men in Iowa who had a more general acquaintance with the people of the state than J. Wilson Williams. He was born in 1816 and grew to manhood in his native state. After receiving a good academic education he adopted civil engineering and then came west, landing in Chicago in 1836. The following year he traveled through Wisconsin and Illinois and later served as deputy United States surveyor and also as county surveyor of Hancock county, Illinois. He rendered valuable service to the government in the survey- ing of the Mississippi river bottom. He removed to Des Moines county, lowa, in 1838 but subsequently made a number of trips back and forth between this state and his old home near Nauvoo, but finally located permanently in Des Moines county in 1848. He was elected to the house of representatives in 1852 and again in 1856, 1861, 1865 and 1874. In 1878 he was elected a member of the senate but two years later returned to the lower house, serving much longer than most men in the state legislature. In politics he was a strong republican
and in his religious views was liberal. He continued to make his home in Des Moines county until called to his final rest on the 20th of August. 1893. It was in 1847 that he was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Robison, who has now attained the age of eighty-nine years, and resides at Oakville. She has lived on the Mississippi since 1829 and was acquainted with all the old Indian chiefs of the different tribes. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, as follows: Herrick, who is deceased: Lelia, who died in infancy; W. B., of this review ; another who died in infancy ; Julia Eliza, the wife of David Waddle, of Missouri ; and Minnie M., who has passed away.
On attaining his majority W. B. Williams rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres from his father, being busily engaged in its operation for three years. On the expiration of that period he bought a tract of two hundred and
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forty acres from his father, gradually augmenting his holdings by additional purchases until he owned altogether nine hundred and three and a half acres. The pursuits of farming and stock-raising claimed his attention until 1903, when he purchased a handsome residence in Oakville, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. In 1905 he disposed of his farming property.
On the 20th of February, 1873, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Chandler, a daughter of Andrew and Caroline ( Fisher ) Chandler. Her parents were both natives of Germany but were married in New York and came west in 1863, first locating in Des Moines but removing to Louisa county in 1876. Her father engaged in farming until his retirement from active labor in 1897, when he removed to Oakville. Iowa, where he passed away in 1899. His wife died in 1903. Mrs. Williams was one of a family of five daughters, the others being as follows: Hortense, the deceased wife of Henry Allward, of New York; Bridget, the wife of William Coonrod, of North Dakota: Eliza- beth, who is the wife of Ezra Kurtz and resides in Knoxville, Iowa ; and Annie N., the wife of S. D. Gates, of Artesia, New Mexico. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Will- iams were born eleven children, namely: John W., who is a resident of Mis- souri ; Carrie E., the deceased wife of Ben Luckenbill, of Des Moines county, Iowa; George H., living in Oakville, Iowa; Fannie A., the wife of Albert Hamilton, of Des Moines county ; James Albert, who is a resident of Oakville, Iowa; Maud C., the wife of Marion Bailey, of Oakville, Iowa; Lyman C. and Warren Selden, who also reside in Oakville; Gladys, the wife of Marshall Thom- son, of Oakville; Bessie L., at home; and Norma E., who is deceased.
Mr. Williams is a republican in politics and has held most of the township offices. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Such in brief is the life history of W. B. Williams. In whatever relation of life we find him he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
GEORGE D. HARRISON.
George D. Harrison, who has resided in Louisa county fifty-six years and is known as one of the substantial citizens of the county, is a native of Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. born December 19, 1829. He is a son of S. P. and Catherine (Fawkes) Harrison, both of whom were born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Harrison, Sr., moved to Ohio with his family about 1834 and located on a farm in Clark county where he built a log cabin in which the family lived several years. He and his wife both died on the family homestead in the Buckeye state. They were the parents of four children : George D .; Susan. deceased ; Catherine, who is the wife of F. Walker and is living in Ohio; and G. L., of St. Louis, Missouri.
Vol. 11-20
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Mr. Harrison of this review received excellent advantages of education in Ohio where he attended the common schools and was also a college student. He continued at home until about twenty-seven years of age, engaging as a teacher several years and also for two years as civil engineer. In 1855, believing that conditions were more favorable west of the Mississippi river, he arrived in Louisa county, Iowa, and entered the mercantile business at Columbus City. He was successful in this vocation but after fifteen years sold out and began devoting his attention to the grain and live-stock business, also being connected quite ex- tensively with farming and cattle-feeding. lle now owns four hundred and fifty acres of good land in Columbus City township, upon which he has made many improvements, greatly adding to its value, but is living practically retired, having for many years possessed a competency.
In 1850 Mr. Harrison was married to Miss Lou C. Ringer, who was born in Maryland, a daughter of Andrew P. and Catherine Ringer. The parents were both natives of Maryland and were among the early settlers of Louisa county where they continued during the remainder of their lives. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were three children: Harry L., who is married and lives in Columbus Junction in the summer time and in California in the winter; and Chester and Milton, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Harrison, the mother of these children, died September 10, 1909, and her body reposes in the cemetery at Columbus City. The death of his beloved companion was the heaviest blow Mr. Harrison has ever known, his main comfort now being his son and three grandchildren.
In politics he is an adherent of the democratic party. He formerly took an active interest in public affairs and served as a member of the city council and as a representative of Louisa county in the state legislature. A man of good jndg- ment and actuated by progressive ideas, he has been instrumental in forwarding the permanent welfare of this section and also through the energy and business sagacity has accumulated a handsome fortune. He now enjoys the results of his labors amidst friends whom he has long known and who entertain for him the highest veneration and esteen.
JAMES HAROFF.
A good farm of one hundred and sixty-two acres on sections II, 12 and 13, Grand View township, is the property of James Haroff, and in its cultivation and further improvement his time is busily occupied, with the result that he is meeting with success in his efforts. One of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred in Lake township, Muscatine county, on the IIth of February, 1868. His par- ents, David and Christina ( Foster) Haroff, were born in Ohio, but were married in Iowa, and for a number of years resided on a farm in Muscatine county. After the retirement of the father from active life they took up their abode in Nichols, where he passed away on the 17th of September, 1898. The mother,
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who is still living, continues to make her home in that city. In their family were four children : Ella, who married Martin Laughlin, residing near Winfield, lowa : James, of this review: Ida, the wife of William Dickerson, of Grand View ; and Etta S., the wife of John McClure, of Nichols.
When a lad James Haroff attended the district schools near his home, where he acquired his education, and, completing his studies, remained with his parents and engaged in the daily routine of the farm until he was twenty-three years of age, at which period of his life, being desirous of starting out in the world for himself, he left home and was engaged in farming on rented land for several years. Subsequently he purchased a small tract of forty acres, which he later sold, and then became the owner of his present farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty-two acres on sections 11, 12 and 13, Grand View township. Eighty acres of this farm are under a high state of cultivation, and the place, since coming into his possession and under his wise supervision, has yielded bountiful harvests which, from year to year, have enabled him to place himself in pros- perous circumstances. He engages in stock-raising in addition to tilling the soil and is accounted one of the most enterprising and substantial agriculturists of this township.
Mr. Haroff was married, June 21, 1895, to Miss Elmira Bernard, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Schneider) Bernard, natives of Illinois and Germany respectively. They were married at Port Louisa, Iowa, and were farming people, engaging in that pursuit until the death of the father in June, 1910, since which time the mother has made her home with her daughter Mrs. Haroff. Their family consisted of eight children but only three are now living, the sisters of Mrs. Haroff being: Ella, the wife of Nicholas Yancy, of Point Roberts, Washington; and Millie, who married Clinton Cocklin, of Louisa county, Iowa. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Haroff has been blessed with one son, Earl David, who was born June 18, 1896, and is a high-school student.
The family attend the Evangelical church and politically Mr. Haroff is a democrat, although the honors and emoluments of office have never held any at- traction for him. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life, bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens, among whom he has long lived and labored.
OSCAR HALE.
Not many citizens of Iowa can claim to belong to the fifth generation of their family in this state, although in long settled parts of the east such a claim would not be considered unusual. lowa belongs to the great west and within the recollection of persons now living a large part of the state was still occupied by the Indians. The advent of the white man gradually brought about a trans- formation and today Iowa ranks as one of the richest and most prosperous
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commonwealths of the Union. A record of the Hale family appears elsewhere in this work, covering a period of more than seventy years in Iowa, in the course of which its members performed their duty not only in subduing the wilderness but in business and professional pursuits.
Oscar Ilale, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, has for the past seventeen years been engaged in the practice of law at Wapello and is one of the best known attorneys of Louisa county. Born at Wapello, February 27, 1867, he is a son of John Hale, who was twice married, the maiden name of his first wife being Esther Palmer. She was the mother of two children, now living: Lydia, who married C. P. Lacey, of Wapello; and Lauren, who is now a resident of Longton, Kansas. The mother died in 1863 and Mr. Hale was married, in Des Moines county, Iowa, in 1866, to Miss Clara Rhodes. To this union six children were born, two of whom are now living, Oscar and Nellie, who assists her brother in his law office.
Mr. Ilale of this review received his early education in the public schools of Louisa county and later attended Valparaiso Normal University at Valparaiso, Indiana. He began the study of law under his father and subsequently pursued the law course at the state university at lowa City. He was admitted to the bar in 1803 in Jackson county, Kansas, where he had been engaged in teaching for five year -. In 1894 he was admitted to practice in Iowa and has since main- tained his office at Wapello, meeting with generous recognition as a successful. advocate and a wise counselor. He has been identified with many important causes in this part of the state and his clientage includes many of the leading citizens and business firms of Wapello and Louisa county.
On February 20, 1800. Mr. Hale was married to Miss Carrie Sillick, a daughter of Asher and Fannie ( Mallory ) Sillick, of Jefferson township. They have one son, John, who was born August 5. 1900, and is now a pupil of the public schools. Mr. Hale is known as a man of the highest integrity and honor, who possesses in a marked degree the characteristics of justice, charity and kindness. To the best of his ability he has during his entire business career maintained the ideals of his profession. Since his boyhood his life has been an open book in Louisa county and his integrity and uprightness of purpose have never been questioned. It is fortunate for the publishers of this work that Mr. Hale became one of the associate editors of the History of Louisa county and it would have been difficult, indeed, to find a man better qualified for the responsibility. Fraternally he is a valued member of the Masonic order.
LEWIS EDWARDS.
Lewis Edwards is an enterprising resident of Louisa county, whom the foreign lands have furnished to this district. He now owns a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in Columbus City township, his entire time being devoted to its cultivation. He was born in Wales in April, 1848, a son of Row-
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land and Catharine Edwards, who were likewise natives of Wales and there spent their entire lives. They had a family of eight children, seven of whom still survive.
Lewis Edwards had no educational adantages whatever, never attending school a day in his life. He has in later years, however, through experience and close observation, gained a fair knowledge, so that he is able to successfully carry on business affairs. When nineteen years of age, foreseeing no future for him in his native land and having heard favorable reports concerning the ad- vantages and opportunities to be enjoyed in the new world, he decided to leave home and accordingly set sail for the United States. Upon reaching American shores, he made his way direct to Louisa county and here obtained work as a farm hand by the month. He was thus employed for several years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings, and eventually, in 1887, he had a sum of money sufficient to purchase the farm on which he has since resided. This farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and is located on section 3, Columbus City township. On this place he has made many improvements and his fields have been placed under a high state of cultivation, so that he annually gathers rich harvests. He carries on general farming to some extent, but makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, and this branch of business adds not a little to his annual income.
Mr. Edwards chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Hannah Davis, who was likewise a native of Wales. She died February 15, 1901, her remains being interred in the Cambrain cemetery. Besides the hus- band, four children survive : James 1 .. and Evan L., both at home ; Catherine Ann, the wife of E. S. May, of Columbus Junction ; and John 1.
Mr. Edwards' study of political issues and questions of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party, although he has never sought nor held office himself. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged. His success in life is notable. Coming to the new world without education or capital, he adapted himself to circumstances and to the customs of the people in this country and took advantage of the oppor- tunities that presented, so that today he stands among the enterprising and pros- perous farmers of his section of Louisa county.
JOHN J. ROBERTS.
John J. Roberts, who is serving as county assessor of Louisa county, an office which he has very acceptably filled for five years past, is a native of Column- bia county, Wisconsin, born October 26, 1858. He comes of good Welsh stock and is a son of John H. and Jane ( Williams) Roberts, both of whom were born in Wales. They emigrated to America in 1845 and took up their residence in Columbia county, Wisconsin. In 1864 Mr. Roberts arrived with his family in Iowa county, Iowa. He had previously worked at the stone mason's trade but in
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Iowa county purchased sixty-four acres of land, which he cultivated until 1871, and then moved to Montgomery county, where he acquired one hundred and sixty acres. He continued upon this farm until his death, which occurred in February, 1887. The mother is now living and makes her home with the sub- ject of this review. There were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts; Anna, who is deceased ; John J., of this review; and Ellen, who mar- ried H. A. Davis, of Louisa county.
Mr. Roberts, whose name introduces this sketch, came to Iowa with his parents in early childhood and received advantages of a good common-school education. At the age of nineteen he secured a teacher's certificate in Mont- gomery county and taught for thirteen winters in district schools, assisting his father each summer. He acquired an excellent reputation as an instructor and on that account was able to secure a position as teacher in the high school at Columbus Junction, where he continued for four years. He then taught one year at Cotter and in 1893 took up his residence in that place. Ile has worked at the carpenter's trade also at various times and since 1906 has served as county assessor, a position which he ably filled, being well fitted by education and ex- perience for the important responsibilities of the office.
In politics Mr. Roberts is a republican and has great faith in the ability of the party to conduct the nation through any difficulties internal or external that may arise. Ile has served as school director and is now secretary of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America and can claim many warm friends in those organizations. He was reared in the Christian faith and is a valued member of the Presbyterian church. Capable and conscientious in the performance of his duties, he has gained the confidence of the people of the county and is known as a loyal and trustworthy citizen, whose word is as good as his bond and whose record is a credit alike to himself and the county of his adoption.
JAMES E. GRAY.
James E. Gray, widely known throughout Columbus City township as a raiser and breeder of high grade stock, is one of Louisa county's native sons, his birth here occurring on the 21st of March, 1849. His parents, William and Sarah ( Stronach ) Gray, were natives of England and Maryland respectively, the former coming to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1840. Ifere he entered land from the govern- ment upon which he erected a log cabin, and at once set about its development and improvement. He and his wife made their home upon that farm until their deaths. Their family consisted of three children of whom one is now deceased, the others being: James E., of this review; and William H., a resident of Montana.
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Reared a farm lad. James E. Gray acquired his education in the district schools and remained with his father, giving him the benefit of his assistance, until the latter's death. He then purchased the old homestead farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, Columbus City township, upon which he has continued to reside to the present time. This place, known as the Evergreen Farm, has become a highly improved property under his supervision, for he has erected upon it fine buildings and has equipped it with all of the modern conveniences and accessories of a model farm. He carries on general farming but gives the greater portion of his time to his live stock interests, being one of the best known and successful raisers and breeders in this locality. He makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, always keeping a number of fine speci- mens on hand for sale, and is also a breeder of Cheviott sheep and Poland China hogs. He also is a fancier of Scotch Terriers, being the owner of a fine kennel of dogs which he keeps for sale.
On the 22d of November, 1877, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Dawdy, who was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, on the 21st of Novem- her. 1857. Her parents, Alfred and Mary (Gunter ) Dawdy, were both born in Kentucky but were married in Illinois. Taking up their abode in Henderson county, Illinois, they remained there until 1876, in which year they came to Iowa, residing in Louisa county three years. They then removed to Kansas, now mak- ing their home at Topeka. Of their family of seven children three are still living. Their daughter Jennie is a high school graduate and for several years was engaged in teaching school. By her marriage to Mr. Gray she has become the mother of three children, namely : Chester E., who was born May 16, 1881, is a graduate of the Iowa State Agricultural College and now makes his home in California ; Ethel, who was born June 6, 1890, and in 1892 passed away ; and Marian Edith, born December 22, 1893, now attending high school.
Mr. Gray is a republican in politics, and although he has never sought nor desired public office as a reward for party fealty, he has always been a stanch advocate of the cause of education, serving on the school board for a number of years and now filling the office of secretary thereof. He has spent his entire life within the borders of Louisa county and his interests have ever been identified with those of the community in which he made his home. Success has re- warded his efforts and it is well merited, for his has been a life of continuous activity, characterized by honorable methods and strict integrity.
WAYNE ERWIN WHETSTINE.
Wayne Erwin Whetstine, editor of the Columbus Safeguard and for more than a year past postmaster of Columbus Junction, is a native of Wellman, Washington county, Iowa. He was born February 19, 1878, a son of R. S. and Elizabeth (Bolding) Whetstine. The father was born in Indiana, August 18, 1837, and the mother in Illinois, November 8, 1841. Mr. Whetstine, Sr.,
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was one of the pioneer settlers of Washington county. Jowa, arriving there when a youth of sixteen, and he has ever since that time been a resident of lowa. He served in Company I. Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, at the time of the Civil war and is now almost retired from active labor. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Whetstine seven children were born: Edward, Earl, Otis, Eunice, Alva, Wayne Erwin and Bertha. Alva is engaged in farming in this county on a place northwest of Columbus Junction.
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