USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 39
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Mr. Kerr inherited from sturdy ancestry many worthy traits of character that have assisted him materially in his life work. He has witnessed many great advancements in agriculture and stock-raising during the past twenty-five or thirty years and as he has through life been intelligent and progressive in his methods, he is now fully abreast of the times in all details connected with his work. He is the fortunate owner of one of the valuable farms of Louisa county, which is known as one of the most favorable agricultural regions of the state. Politically he is a supporter of the republican party and fraternally is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America.
JOHN W. ADAMSON.
One of the thoroughly successful farmers of Louisa county is John W. Adam- son, who owns a beautiful place in Columbus City township, upon which he has made many improvements so that it is today one of the most attractive farms in that part of the county. He owes his enviable position to his industry which has always been under the safe direction of sound judgment. He is a native son of Iowa, born in Henry county, May 12, 1870, his parents being W. S. and Rebecca A. Adamson, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father settled on a farm in Iowa, making it his home until his death, which occurred February 19, 1908. The mother is still living and resides at Columbus Junction. In their family were four children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Annie, who mar- ried L. E. Bush, of Packwood, lowa ; Grant H., of Ottumwa ; and John W.
In the common schools the subject of this review gained the rudiments of an education which he has greatly widened by contact with the world and by reading and study. As a boy he showed special interest in the various details pertaining to farming and at maturity he associated with his brother in renting three hun- dred and sixty acres of land which he cultivated for one year. He then went to Hancock county where he spent one year, at the end of which time he returned to the old homestead and later purchased ninety acres adjoining, which he culti- vated to good advantage. In 1902 he sold his place and purchased one hundred and thirty-eight acres in Columbus City township, to which he made additions as opportunity presented until he is now the owner of three hundred and thirty acres. He has made many valuable improvements, including a handsome two-story house, which is provided with modern comforts and conveniences. The fences on the farm indicate thoughtful attention on the part of the owner and he has also pro- vided himself with the best modern machinery, thus facilitating the work and pro-
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W. S. ADAMSON HOMESTEAD
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ducing more satisfactory results. He makes a specialty of raising Duroc Jersey hogs, being one of the most successful men in this line in Columbus City township. He is a man of responsibility and high character and has set an example worthy of imitation by old and young.
On September 5. 1895. Mr. Adamson was married to Miss Rosa Rahmiller, a daughter of Fred and Louisa ( Irving) Rahmiller, record of whom appears else- where in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Adamson are the parents of six children, namely : Edith, who was born July 28, 1896, and is at home ; Vern, who was born October 3, 1897, and resides at home ; Walter, who was born December 18, 1898, and died December 23, 1909 ; Flossie, horn September 17, 1900; Pearl, born Sep- tember 5. 1902 ; and Lela, born December 22. 1905.
Mr. Adamson has never trusted to luck or accident to work out his financial problems but has bravely set his shoulder to the wheel and by steadfastly keep- ing in view the object for which he was striving has generally succeeded in the accomplishment of his undertakings. He has been ably seconded by his wife who has proven an admirable counselor and as manager of the household affairs is scarcely excelled in the county. In politics Mr. Adamson favors the republican party but not as a seeker for office as his time is well employed in the business pertaining to his farm. He ranks among the competent and successful men of the county- a man for whom the future apparently holds out still greater achieve- ments than he has yet accomplished.
WILLIAM J. WILLIAMS.
William J. Williams, whose efforts along agricultural and stock-raising lines are meeting with substantial success, is one of Iowa's foreign born citizens, his birth occurring in Wales in 1849. His parents, William and Jane (Jones) Williams, were also born in that country and there spent their entire lives. William J. Williams, their only child, spent his early life in the land of his nativity, where he was reared to farm work and also received his education, and when twenty years of age came alone to America, determining to seek his for- tune in the new country where opportunities for advancement along business lines were greater than could be had in the older country. Upon landing in the United States he made his way to Louisa county, and for a period of ten years was engaged as a farm hand, the first six years being spent in this county and last two in California. Upon returning to Iowa he invested the money, which he had been able to accumulate by unfailing industry and strict economy in eighty acres of land in Montgomery county, upon which he made his home for eight years. At the end of that time he sold that property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, which he operated seven years, when he disposed of that farm and removed to Oklahoma and invested in farm land. Seven years he made his home in that state, then returned to Louisa county and has since resided upon a farm of one hundred and forty acres on section 33, Columbus Vol. II-21
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City township. ile carries on general farming and makes a specialty of raising hogs, his success in both branches being most substantial and gratifying. He has greatly improved his land, bringing the fields under a high state of cultiva- tion through the use of modern machinery and the employment of progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His stock is of a good grade, insuring ready sale and good prices on the market. He is recognized as one of the progressive and prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of the township.
In December, 1877. Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Ann Will- iams, a daughter of Richard and Jane Williams, who were also natives of Wales and came to America at an early day. They were the parents of eleven children and both have now passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William J. Williams have been born six children, namely: John R., of Columbus City township; Roland, Elmira J., Mary E. and Hattie E., all at home; and David, now deceased. On the oth of November, 1908, the wife and mother passed away, her remains be- ing laid to rest in the Cammery cemetery. She was a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind and with her husband held membership in the Con- gregational church.
Mr. Williams gives his political support to the republican party but has never sought nor desired public office for himself. He prefers rather to con- centrate his attention upon the conduct of his private business interests and in this has been successful. He has never had occasion to regret his determina- tion to seek his fortune in the new world, for here he found the opportunities for advancement and in their utilization has become an independent business man.
WILLIAM DEAN.
William Dean, a well known and prosperous farmer and stockman of Louisa county, is the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Co- lumbus City and Union townships. His birth occurred in Mercer county, Illi- nois, on the 27th of November, 1875, his parents being S. A. and Mary ( Powell) Dean, both of whom were natives of Indiana. They removed to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1865, and there the mother passed away in 1882. S. A. Dean sub- sequently took up his abode in Monmouth, Illinois, where he resided for three years. At the present time he makes his home near Des Moines. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, as follows: Jennie, who is the wife of George Baumgardner and makes her home in Coffey county, Kansas; Sadie, who is also married and resides in Kansas; Loie, the wife of Frank Mackey, of Peoria. Illinois : William, of this review ; and four who are deceased.
William Dean obtained his education in the common schools and when nine- teen years of age began earning his own livelihood as a farm hand, being thus employed for six years. On the expiration of that period he rented a farm in Mercer county, Illinois, devoting his attention to its operation for four years. Subsequently he purchased a tract of one hundred and thirty-two acres in that
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county, residing thereon for five years. At the end of that time he traded the property for a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Louisa county, Iowa, part of which lies in Columbus City township and the remainder in Union town- ship. He has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and annually gathers bounteous crops which find a ready sale on the market. Mr. Dean also makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and is a breeder of Perch- eron horses, having a fine stable for breeding purposes.
Mr. Dean has been twice married. In 1897 he wedded Miss Jennie Johnson, a native of Rock Island, Illinois, by whom he had one child, Charles C. The wife and mother passed away in April, 1898, and May 29, 1900 Mr. Dean was again married, his second union being with Miss Daisy Fender, a native of Iowa and a daughter of J. O. and Nancy ( Baker ) Fender, who are residents of Mer- cer county, Illinois. Mrs. Dean was one of a family of six children and by her marriage has become the mother of four, namely : Elza F., Jennie M., Ralph E. and Opal L.
In politics Mr. Dean is a stanch republican but the honors and emoluments of office possess no attraction for him. Fraternally he is identified with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 365 at Columbus Junction, lowa. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Baptist church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. They are people of the highest respectability, enjoying in large measure the friendship of those with whom they have been brought in contact.
A. F. PINE.
Iowa draws its wealth from the soil. The boundless prairies of this state offer excellent opportunities to the agriculturist, and the farmer who resolutely tills his fields and carefully cultivates his crops may in the course of time attain enviable success. Realizing these facts and exercising industry, economy and perseverance, Mr. Pine has won a place among the substantial citizens of his community, being now the owner of a well improved tract of land comprising two hundred and thirty-seven acres on section 7, Columbus City township. His birth occurred in Virginia on the 13th of November, 1861, his parents being Floyd and Virginia ( Kelley) Pine, who spent their entire lives in the Old Dominion. Unto them were born six children, five of whom yet survive.
A. F. Pine was left an orphan when a little lad of six and was therefore thrown upon his own resources at a very early age. His education was acquired in the common schools. In 1879, when a youth of eighteen, he came to Louisa county, Iowa, and began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for four years. In 1883 he purchased forty acres of land in Union township, residing on that tract for ten years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and bought another farm of one hundred and twelve acres in the same township. making his home thereon for seven years. At the end of that time
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he sold the place and purchased another tract of one hundred and ninety acres in Union township, operating the farm for seven years before he disposed of it. Subsequently he owned and resided on a tract of two hundred and ten acres in Oakland township for one year and then purchased a farm of two hundred and thirty-seven acres on section 7, Columbus City township, which he has since brought under a high state of cultivation. In connection with the tilling of the soil he also devotes considerable attention to the raising of hogs and both branches of his business have been attended with success.
In 1886 Mr. Pine was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Skipton, a native of Louisa county and a daughter of Joseph and Mary ( Devore) Skipton, who were born in Ohio and Virginia respectively and came to Iowa at an early day. Mr. Skipton is survived by his widow, who still makes her home in Louisa county. Our subject and his wife have twelve children, as follows: Ethel G., the wife of Alfred Schibilion, of this county ; Ernest A., who is at home; Ger- trude M., the wife of Harry E. Spaethe, of Eldon, Iowa; Floyd J .; Walter L .; Herbert II. : Virginia J. ; William T. ; Dollie Dimple; Helen E .; Ralph H. ; and Halley R.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Pine has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He has served as a school director and is at present a street commissioner at Columbus City. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Columbus Junction. He is one of the active and progressive farmers of Columbus City township, a man of good business capacity and enterprise and of unquestioned business integrity, enjoy- ing in an unusual degree the confidence and good will of the community.
BENJAMIN F. KNOTT.
Benjamin F. Knott, who is closely identified with the agricultural interests of Louisa county, and on account of his genial nature is well thought of by the entire community, was born in this county October 20, 1848. He is a son of Peter and Eliza ( Kelly) Knott, the former of whom was born in New Jersey and the latter in Ohio. Mr. Knott, Sr., came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1845 but soon returned to Ohio, where he continued for three years, at the end of which time he again took up his residence in Louisa county, purchasing eighty acres of land near Letts. He was successful as a farmer and became the owner of one hundred and twenty-six acres of good land. He passed his latter years at Vanwert, Iowa, where he died May 12, 1901, having then arrived at the age of seventy-seven. There were twelve children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Knott, six of whom survive: Benjamin F., of this review; Mary, who married William Highsmith and lives at Council Bluffs, Iowa; Edward, who is engaged in farming in Louisa county ; Charles, who makes his home at Holton, Kansas ; Oliver, also of Louisa county ; and John, who resides in the state of Washington.
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Mr. Knott of this review possessed advantages of education in the district schools and as he grew to manhood assisted his father upon the home farm. At the age of twenty-two he began farming on his own account and a few years later went to Kansas, taking up a government land claim in that state in 1874. In 1875 he returned to Louisa county and rented eighty acres of his father, which he cultivated for five years. He then rented one hundred acres in another part of the county and continued renting various tracts of land until he acquired sufficient money to purchase sixty-six acres on his own account, upon which he established his homestead. He subsequently bought forty-six acres. He makes a specialty of raising corn and hogs and, as he is an industrious man of good judgment as a farmer, is meeting with merited success.
On the 23d of February. 1876, Mr. Knott was married to Miss Emma Ben- nington, and to this union four children were born: Lena, who is the wife of Roy McNemar, of Waukon, Iowa; Charles, living in Muscatine; Elmer, who makes his home at Omaha, Nebraska ; and Myrtle, the wife of Orlando Wilcox, of Columbus Junction. Mr. Knott was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died March 13, 1909. She was a woman of many estimable qualities that endeared her to all with whom she associated.
On the 18th of July, 1911, Mr. Knott married Mrs. Catherine M. (Gipple) Sutherland, the widow of Elihu Sutherland, by whom she had five children, namely: Lee W., a resident of Denver, Colorado; John S., of Oklahoma ; Naomi, the wife of Charles Smith, of Greeley Center. Nebraska; Carl, of Denver, Colorado; and Mary Margaret, who died at the age of twelve years.
In politics he gives his support to the democratic party and, although he is not a politician, he has served to the satisfaction of the people in various town- ship offices. As a native of Iowa he is deeply interested in everything that con- cerns the state, especially in matters pertaining to Louisa county. By a strictly upright course he has won the confidence of his fellowmen and always takes just pride in doing what he can to add to the general good.
C. R. WALKER.
Varied interests claim the attention of C. R. Walker, who is one of the ex- tensive land owners of Louisa county and also president of the Oakville State Savings Bank. He is a son of the late F. A. and Martha C. (Blake ) Walker and was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, on the 10th of December, 1865. Both parents were natives of Vermont, from which state the father came to Iowa, lo- cating in Burlington in 1852, but the mother did not come west until later. The former passed away in 1807. but the latter, who is now seventy-seven years of age, makes her home in Mediapolis. Unto them were born three sons, of whom our subject is the youngest, the other two being as follows: O. H. and J. G., both residents of Des Moines county.
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After the completion of his preliminary education, in the acquirement of which he attended the public-schools of Des Moines county, C. R. Walker pur- sted a collegiate course, receiving his degree. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native county until 1905, when he removed to Oakville. Upon his arrival here he purchased eight hundred acres of land on sections 23 and 24. Elliott township, in addition to which he also owns a half section in Minnesota. Mr. Walker is interested in various local enterprises, among them being the Oak- ville State Savings Bank, in which institution he owns a large portion of the stock.
Mr. Walker was married in 1800 to Miss Mary Jane Creighton, a native of Elliott, Louisa county, and a daughter of J. H. and Sarah E. Creighton. They have two daughters: Yeteve, who was born on the 16th of June, 1894, and is now attending high school; and Martha E., whose birth occurred on the 23d of February, 1900.
Fraternally Mr. Walker is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being affiliated with Oakville Lodge, No. 139, in which organization he has held all of the chairs, and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church and she is also identified with Rebekah Lodge, No. 525. of Oakville, in which she has filled all of the offices. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he is now serving as an alderman in Oakville. Mr. Walker is an enterprising business man and progressive citizen who always indorses every movement which he feels would tend to advance the moral, intellectual or financial welfare of the community.
JOHN T. MCCHESNEY.
For the past ten years John T. McChesney has been a resident of Wapello where he is enjoying at ease the results of many years of well directed effort. He was born at New Boston, Mercer county, Illinois, December 18, 1842, a son of J. T. S. and Rebecca ( Clark ) McChesney, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ireland. The father learned the cooper's trade but later engaged in farming in Illinois. Ile settled with his family in Louisa county, lowa, in 1860 and became the owner of one thousand acres of land. He died in December, 1869. His wife continued to live upon the old home place for many years but was called away in 1908. In their family were five children : John T., of this review ; Nathan C., who is now living in the state of Washing- ton; Ruth, who married David Stephens, of Louisa county; Margaret J., the wife of Dr. W. W. Nye, of Kansas; and J. S., of Wapello.
John T. McChesney received his early education in the district schools and assisted in work upon the home farm until he was twenty years of age, when he began to farm upon the home place on his own account. After a year as an in- dependent farmer he yielded to an irresistible desire to travel and went to Cali-
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fornia, where he remained for eighteen months. He then returned home and established himself upon the old homestead where he remained until toot, ap- plying himself so successfully that he became the owner of twelve or thirteen hundred acres of good land. Ten years ago he purchased a large lot in Wapello upon which he erected a substantial home of two stories. Here he and his wife have since lived. He has sold all his land except three hundred and twenty acres. He has proved a valuable addition to the community and is always will- ing to perform his part in the promotion of the highest interests of those with whom he is associated
On the 16th of August, 1863, Mr. McChesney was married to Miss Anna Collins, a daughter of John and Mary Ann Collins. The parents were both born in Ireland and spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle. They died when their daughter Anna was quite young. She had one brother, Thomas, who is deceased, and a sister, Emma, who married Edward McCormick, of New York city, and is also deceased.
Mr. McChesney has ever since he arrived at the age of twenty-one years been a supporter of the democratic party. He has never sought political honors but served very acceptably for fifteen years as township trustee while living on the farm and also as director and treasurer of the school board. His life is a prac- tical illustration of the results of energy and perseverance when they are based upon good judgment. He has been honorable and upright in his dealings and therefore is deeply respected wherever he is known.
J. JAY STAPP.
The presence of young men in positions of importance calling for the exercise of sound judgment is one of the notable features of modern life and in no busi- ness is it more readily to be observed than in that of farming. Although he is only twenty-four years of age J. Jay Stapp, of Louisa county, is now in charge of a large farm and is also rapidly coming into prominence as a breeder of fine stock. He possessed rare opportunities of home and school training and as a result is making a success of his vocation.
He was born in Louisa county January 20, 1887, a son of J. J. and Flora (Ogier) Stapp, both of whom were natives of this county. In their family were six children, namely: H. Roy, who is living at Toledo, Ohio; Elsie, who is the wife of Frank B. Letts, of Clarendon, Texas; Nancy, who married H. R. Owens, of Longmont, Colorado: J. Jay ; and Mona and Mary, both of whom are at home.
J. Jay Stapp was reared upon the parental homestead and attended the dis- trict schools, later preparing for college at high school. He then matriculated at the State Agricultural College of Ames, Iowa, where he continued for two and one-half years. After leaving college he received an appointment as government stock inspector and spent six months in New Mexico and Arizona, discharging his duties in such a way as to meet the approval of the officials at Washington.
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Returning to his old home in Louisa county, he assumed charge of three hun- dred and sixty acres of land owned by his father. He is thoroughly up-to-date in his work and his efforts are meeting with gratifying results. He engages in general farming and also feeds stock upon an extensive scale for the market. making a specialty of pure bred shorthorn cattle.
Mr. Stapp was married August 23, 1911, to Margaret Mary Donovan, of Longwood. Colorado. In politics he supports the democratic party, believing that that organization is best adapted to direct the ship of state, and in religious belief he adheres to the Reformed Lutheran faith. He is also a member of the Masonic order and the Elks. He has made it a principle of his life to perform to the very best of his ability whatever he undertakes to do, and spares no time or labor in becoming thoroughly acquainted with the improved methods per- taining to his calling. It is safe to prophesy for him increasing usefulness and honor in a business for which he seems remarkably well adapted.
M. J. MCCORMICK.
Prominent among the younger generation of business men in Grand View township is M. J. MeCormick who, although he has not yet attained the quar- ter of a century mark, is serving as assistant cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of Letts and as treasurer of the village of Letts. He was born at Colum- bus Junction, lowa, in December, 1887, a son of William M. and Elizabeth (Runer) McCormick. His parents were natives of Harrison county, Ohio, and Washington county, lowa, respectively, but they were united in marriage in Columbus City. The father, who had been employed as a clerk in a general merchandise store for five years previous to his marriage, later became identified with the mercantile business on his own account, establishing a general store in Columbus Junction. After conducting that enterprise for five years he sold it and came to Letts, where he assumed the management of the Cooperative Store until the organization of the Citizens Savings Bank in 1894. In that year he was elected cashier of that institution, to which office he was later succeeded by his son E. R. McCormick. His connection with the bank continued until his demise, which occurred in October, 1905. His wife still survives, however. and at the age of fifty-two years makes her home in Letts. Their family consists of two sons, E. R. and M. J., both of whom are identified with the bank of which their father was a valued factor for so many years.
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