USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 47
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in it. He bought a lot and erected thereon a fine garage, the only one in Columbus Junction, and is making a specialty of the Overland car.
Mr. Hull was united in marriage on the 3d of April, 1893, with Miss Nellie Moore, a danghter of W. K. and Louisa ( Baker ) Moore, who are the parents of the following children: Nellie, now Mrs. Hull; Margaret and William, twins, the former a resident of Cedar Rapids and the latter of Billings, Mon- tana; and Ada, who married Gary Orr, of Panhandle, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Hull have had three children, William, Muriel, and one who died in infancy.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hull affiliate with the Presbyterian church, and fra- ternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support he gives to the candidates of the republican party, but he has never taken an active part in municipal affairs, as his personal interests have demanded his undivided attention.
WILLIAM S. ISETT.
William S. Isett, a successful Inmberman and manufacturer of Wapello, operates a large lumberyard and planing-mill at that place and also has two sawmills in Arkansas. His birth occurred in Wapello, Louisa county, Iowa, on the 28th of May, 1851, his parents being Edward B. and Mary ( Oliver ) Isett. both of whom were natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They came to this county in 1841, Mr. Isett here embarking in the mercantile business. Subsequently, in association with his brother, I. W. Isett, he erected a packing house and engaged in the packing business. They likewise owned a steamboat and shipped their pork to St. Louis and the south. Edward B. Isett passed away in 1801, his wife surviving him until 1905, when she was called to her final rest at the age of eighty-six years. They were the parents of ten chlidren, as fol- lows: J. O., who is a resident of Wapello; William S., of this review ; G. M., also living in Wapello; and seven who are deceased.
William S. Isett was educated in the common schools and spent the period of his minority under the parental roof. After attaining his majority he began work at the carpenter's trade, being engaged in building and contracting until 1908. In that year he embarked in the lumber business, purchasing a large tract of timber land in Arkansas, where he and his son operate two sawmills. He likewise operates a large lumberyard and planing-mill in Wapello, Iowa, and his undertakings in this connection have been attended with a gratifying measure of prosperity. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen. Mr. Isett owns a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dakota.
In 1881 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Isett and Miss Mary McPart- land, a daughter of J. B. and Jane (Drewer ) McPartland, both of whom were
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natives of Ireland. They emigrated to America in 1842, locating at Burlington, Towa, and both are now deceased. Unto them were born ten children, five of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Isett have two children. Edward B. married Miss Agnes Severs and has three children: Donald S., Margaret I .. and Edward S. Mary S. Isett, who has displayed special talent in both vocal and instrumental music, is now a college student at Rock Island, Illinois.
Mr. Isett is a democrat in politics but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and his wife was reared in the Catholic faith. Mr. Isett has remained a resident of Wapello from his birth to the present time and that his life has ever been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.
ROBERT M. MOORE.
Robert M. Moore, who for thirteen years has been successfully engaged in the hardware business at Columbus City, is a native son of Louisa county and one of its highly esteemed citizens. He was born on a farm in Columbus City township, July 31, 1848, a son of Mitchell and Margaret (Orr) Moore, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. They were married in their native state and came to Iowa in 1842, settling in Columbus City township. Here Mr. Moore entered two hundred acres of land and engaged in farming during the remainder of his life. There were nine children in the family, namely: F. J .. who served as county supervisor for six years and is now deceased; D. W ... who resides in Des Moines; Jane, who is now the wife of John Rossenberger, of Oklahoma; John S., deceased: Joseph M., who served as a soldier in the Civil war and was killed at the battle of Atlanta, Georgia: Ebenezer, who died at the age of three years; Anna J., who became the wife of J. H. Richie, of Allerton, Iowa; Robert M .; and Margaret, who became the wife of L. L. Baird. of Ringgold county, Iowa, and is now deceased.
In the common schools Robert M. Moore received his preliminary education. and on his father's farm he became acquainted with all classes of work pertain- ing to agriculture and stock-raising. After reaching maturity he ran a ditching machine for three years and then rented one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cultivated to good advantage. He bought eighty acres, upon which he lived for ten years, and then disposed of it in order to enter the hardware business in Columbus City, where he has made his home since 1808. He has applied himself closely to mercantile pursuits and has built up a lucrative pat- ronage, being also the owner of his home in Columbus City.
On the 12th of September. 1872, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Lizzie J. Baird, a daughter of John and Mary (Atcheson) Baird. There were nine children in the Baird family, namely: J. Calvin, deceased ; Lizzie J. : Euphemia. who is the wife of W. W. Orr, of Albia, Monroe county, Iowa; Thomas 1 ...
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of Ringgold county : Nettie, who married J. J. Moore, of Louisa county ; and Ella, Lina, Hemma and Sherman, all of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore four children were born: Mary, who is engaged in teaching school at Columbus Junction : Maggie and Lilly, both of whom are deceased: and J. Fred, who is filling the position of principal of schools at Columbus City.
Mr. Moore is a stanch friend of education and is known as one of the enterprising and progressive men of Columbus City, who is always willing to contribute his share toward the development of the best interests of the com- munity. Ile has made a conscientious study of political and social questions and as a result gives his support to the prohibition party, believing that the saloon is one of the greatest evils with which the- country is afflicted. He is a man of high character and worthy ideals, and as he is always straight forward in business he has earned the confidence and esteem of the people irrespective of religion or political bias.
DWIGHT L. LEE.
One of the well improved and carefully cultivated farms of Oakland town- ship is that of Dwight L. Lee, who owns four hundred and fifty acres of land. The only child of Addison E. and Mercy ( Hale) Lee, he was born in Huron county, Ohio, on the 7th of September, 1860. The parents were also natives of that county and there they continued to make their home until they passed away. For thirty-one years the father was engaged in the stave manufacturing business, but later he organized a bank at Dexter, Ohio, which he conducted for eighteen years. His wife passed away in 1868, but he survived her until the 23d of March. 1911, dying at the age of eighty-two years.
Dwight 1. Lce acquired a good common-school education, following which he engaged in business with his father after attaining his majority. They con- tinued to be associated until the latter's demise and as our subject was the only heir he came into possession of the homestead. This is one of the well improved properties of Oakland township, while two hundred acres of the four hundred and fifty contained in the farm are under a high state of cultivation.
In February, 1881, Mr. Lee married Miss Mary Fawcett, who was born in Lucas county, Ohio. She was a daughter of Joshua and Camilla Fawcett, natives of Henry county, Ohio, where they passed away. By this union there were born two children: Ella, a graduate of a commercial college, who was born on the ist of June, 1890, and is now residing in Detroit, Michigan; and Katherine, who was born in 1803 and is the deceased wife of Michael Jacobi, of Toledo, Ohio. On the 24th of November, 1897, Mr. Lee was married to his present wife, who was formerly Mrs. Emma Owens, the widow of the late Homer Owens. She was born in England on the 20th of December, 1864, and when a child of five years emigrated to the United States with her parents, who
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located in Iowa in 1869. Here her father passed away on the 10th of August. 1904, and her mother, who has attained the venerable age of eighty-one year -. now makes her home with her children. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have one son, Harry A., who was born in November, 1900, and is now attending school. Mrs. Lee had one daughter by her previous marriage, Ada B., who is now the wife of Clarence Tuttle, of Lone Tree, lowa.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lee affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics he is a republican. He is one of the progressive and substantial farmers of Oakland township, and both are held in high regard in the community where they reside.
J. L. MARSHALL.
For many years the Alaskan lure has proved a magnetic force, attracting to the rich regions of that district adventuresome spirits from all parts of this continent. Not all, however, who responded to the call of the northwest were as fortunate as he whose name introduces this review, and therefore the story of the career of J. L. Marshall, with its chapters of adventure and its sequel of snecess, will prove of interest to the readers of this volume. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurring in Louisa county on the 3d of July, 1861. The parents, W. H. and Elizabeth Marshall, who were born in England and Virginia respectively, came to this county in 1844, during the pioneer history of this region, and here entered land upon which they resided throughout their remaining years. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom two have now passed away.
On the home farm in Louisa county J. L. Marshall was reared, attending the common schools near his father's home during the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to the work of the fields, thus acquiring thorough practical training. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority. when he embarked upon an independent career and for some time was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Subsequently, however, the fever of excite- ment and adventure possessed him and, deciding to seek his fortune in the north- west, started for Alaska in 1898 by boat. On reaching Skagway he reloaded his possessions on a lighter, which carried him as far as Dyea, and from that place he went to Canyon City with a team and pack mules. Again taking the water route he made his way to Sheep Camp, thence to the Scales at the foot of Chilkoot mountains, and at that point crossed the great divide between Alaska and Canada. Making his way over Long and Crater lakes, he passed through a large canyon to Lake Linderman and there built a sail boat, on which to cross that body of water to One Mile river. There is was necessary to freight his goods to Lake Bennett, from which place he went by boat to Windy Arrow. then to Marsh lake and on to Lake Labarge. Passing through White Horse rapids he sailed down the Thirty Mile river, through the Five Finger rapids to the Rink rapids and thence on up to Dawson. He remained at that place
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for a year and a half, after which he started for St. Michaels, Alaska, and thence he made his way to Nome, arriving at that city at the time of the big rush. In 1900 he traveled about one hundred and forty miles north into the Kougarok mining district, where he engaged in prospecting for a time. Striking some good leads he purchased several claims and for a number of years carried on mining with splendid results. After actively operating his mines for some time, during which period he met with excellent success, he went to eastern Washington and a few months later returned to lowa, now making his home in Louisa county.
Mr. Marshall was married in 1892 to Miss Dora Brown, a daughter of J. K. and Ellen Brown, of whom mention is made on another page in this volume. Mr. Marshall gives stanch support to the democratic party, although he has never sought nor desired public office for himself. Such in brief has been the record of one whose history, if told in detail, would read like a romance, with its interesting incidents and adventures of life on the trail and in the mining camp, and yet the success which has crowned that life has been substantial in an eminent degree and has ranked Mr. Marshall among the prominent and affluent men of Louisa county.
RICHARD H. MALIN.
Richard II. Malin, who for seven years has been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Columbus Junction, was born in Washington county, Iowa, on the 16th of April, 1867. He is a son of the late James and Elizabeth (Huskins ) Malin, the father having for many years been engaged in the dry- goods business in Washington. He was a native of Ohio and passed away at the age of eighty-five years. The mother, who is still living at the age of seventy- nine years and makes her home in Ainsworth, lowa, was born in Pennsylvania. They had two children, a son and a daughter, the latter being Stella, the wife of M. L. Miller, of Ainsworth.
After the completion of his education, in the acquirement of which he at- tended the common schools, Richard H. Malin began his business career. At the age of eighteen years he entered one of the furniture stores of Washington which was conducted in connection with an undertaking establishment, in order to learn the business. He remained with the firm until 1904, at which time he removed to Columbus Junction, where he opened an establishment of his own. His venture has proven to be a success in every sense of the word and he enjoys a most excellent patronage, having the only business of the kind in the town.
The 27th of February, 1800, was the marriage day of Mr. Malin and Miss Anna McFarland, a daughter of William and Martha (Connors ) McFarland, who had nine children : James R., now a resident of Garnett, Kansas; Lena, the wife of S. P. Telford, of Whitney, Iowa; William, a resident of Washington,
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Iowa; John, deceased; Iva, the wife of A. 11. Essley, of Washington; Edward G., also a resident of Washington, Iowa; Anna, now Mrs. Malin; Maida, who married William Sampson, of Davenport. lowa; and Etta, who is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Malin have one daughter. Myra, whose birth occurred on the 20th of December. 1898.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Malin affiliate with the Presbyterian church and fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given to the republican party but the demands of his business make it im- possible for him to actively participate in municipal affairs. Enterprising and progressive, he is meeting with success and is recognized as one of the rep- resentative business men of Columbus Junction.
OLIVER J. DERBY.
General farming and stock-raising have always claimed the attention of Oliver J. Derby, who is most successfully engaged in both pursuits at his home place, which is situated on sections 7 and 18. Port Louisa township. He was born in Illinois, on the 26th of March, 1864, and is the youngest child and only son of the late Jerome and Lucinda ( Wyman ) Derby. The parents were mar- ried in Vermont, of which state they were natives, and later removed to Illinois, where they resided until 1878, when they came to Iowa. Upon their arrival in this state they purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Louisa coun- ty, which they cultivated for three years. They disposed of that place at the ex- piration of that time and purchased one hundred and eighty acres on sections 7 and 18, Port Louisa township, which they cultivated until 1892, when they sold it to their son and removed to Grand View, where the father passed away in July, 1897. The mother subsequently resided with her son until her demise in January. 1911. Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Derby: Mary L., the wife of John Allen, of Macomb, Illinois; Belle, who died in infancy; Alma, who died at the age of forty years; and Oliver, J., our subject.
The boyhood and youth of Oliver J. Derby were not unlike those of other farmer lads of his time and circumstances. His education was acquired in the district schools, such time as he was not there engaged being either occupied in the performance of such tasks as were assigned by his parents, or in the diversions usually indulged in by young people in the rural districts. After laying aside his school books he assisted his father with the cultivation of the farm until he attained his majority, at which time he left home. For six years thereafter he farmed as a renter, during which time by means of close applica- tion, untiring energy and rigid economy he acquired the capital to enable him to become a property owner. Naturally his preference fell upon the okl home- stead and as his parents were anxious to retire he bought the farm where the greater part of his life had been spent. During the long period of his residence he has made many changes in the place. The improvements are all substan-
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tial, the fences are good, the land is thoroughly tiled, while the fields are given the careful and capable supervision which results in abundant harvests. In fact everything about the place suggests thrift and prosperity. Mr. Derby engages in general farming and stock-raising, his preference being for red Dur- ham cattle, and he is also an extensive feeder. He has met with success in his ventures and in addition to his beautiful homestead owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Rosebud, South Dakota, which is also well improved and thor- oughly cultivated.
On the 4th of March, 1885. he was united in marriage with Miss Anna B. Benz, who is also a native of Louisa county, her birth occurring on the 17th of September, 1864. She is a daughter of Mathias and Lucy ( Schneider ) Benz, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania, in which state they were married and later came to Iowa. Although Mr. Benz was a brewer by trade, after locating in this state he engaged in agricultural pursuits 'until the time of his demise in 1907, which was two years after that of his wife. Six children were born to them. in order of birth, as follows: Lydia, who mar- ried W. F. Nelson, a resident of Louisa county ; Mary, the wife of H. J. Jeffries of Muscatine : Anna B., now Mrs. Derby ; Jacob, who is living in Louisa county ; Albert, who died at the age of six years; and Zula, also deceased, who was the wife of J. Il. Hintermeister, of Muscatine. To Mr. and Mrs. Derby have been born the following children: Paul A., who was born on the 2d of November, 1887, and now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in South Dakota; Harvey W., born on the 20th of March, 1890, living at Carter, South Dakota; Ethel May, born on the 25th of May, 1898; Oliver E., born on the 2d of April, 1900; and Frank I., born on the 17th of October, 1905. The three younger children are all attending school.
Mr. Derby always casts his ballot for the candidates of the democratic party, but not being an aspirant for office he does not actively participate in public affairs. Ile is well regarded in the township where he resides and is recognized as one of the successful and substantial agriculturists of the county.
ROY DAVISON MCCULLOUGH.
As cashier of the Commercial Bank of Wapello, Roy Davison Mccullough, whose name introduces this review, is well known in financial circles of south- eastern lowa. He has shown sound judgment in his business and has dis- charged the duties of his position in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of directors and stockholders of the bank. He was born at Monmouth, Illinois, January 23, 1875, a son of John B. and Mary I. (Davison ) Mccullough, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Roy D. Mccullough attended the public schools of Wapello and was grad- uated from the high school. Later he matriculated at the State University at Iowa City, where he continued for two years. After leaving the university in
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1902, he became connected with the Commercial Bank at Wapello as bookkeeper and advanced through various positions until March 2, 1908, when he was ap- pointed cashier of the bank. Having passed almost his entire life in this sec- tion, he is well acquainted with the people and also with land values, his judgment often being sought concerning investments. Ile has made a success in the finan- cial world and is regarded as one of the highly promising young men of Louisa county.
On the 10th of December, 1905, Mr. Mccullough was married to Miss Edith Springer, a daughter of Arthur Springer, historian of this work. They have three children : Mary E., who was born October 31, 1906; John, born in January, 1908; and Jean, born January 20, 1910.
Mr. Mccullough is not connected with any religious denomination but his wife is a valued member of the Methodist church. Politically he is a repub- lican and is identified with the progressive element of the party-an element that believes the organization has within itself the ability to meet and overcome all obstacles and to conduct wisely the affairs of state and nation. Mr. McCul- lough has gained an enviable reputation as an earnest, conscientious and capable man. who may be depended upon to carry successfully forward any enterprise with which he is connected. He can claim many friends in Wapello and the tributary region, whom he has attracted by his sterling qualities and gentlemanly address.
WILLIAM C. SWAN.
A farm of one hundred and twenty acres located on sections 29 and 32. Morning Sun township, well repays the efforts of William C. Swan, who has been engaged in its cultivation for twenty-two years. He was born in Louisa county on the 19th of April, 1861, and is a son of the late Joseph and Molly Bell ( Hamilton ) Swan, natives of Pennsylvania and Iowa respectively. The father came to Louisa county in 1840 and purchased forty acres of land but disposed of this later and subsequently bought eighty acres elsewhere. to which he added at various times until he had acquired four hundred and fifty acres, where he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He passed away in 1800 and was laid to rest beside his wife in Elmwood cemetery. Morning Sun. At the time of his demise Mr. Swan was about seventy-six years of age, but his wife was only fifty-one at the time of her death, which occurred in 1872. They were the parents of six children, all but one of whom are living, and in order of birth they were as follows: Joseph J .; Elizabeth Grace, who is deceased ; George L .; William C .; Alex C .; and Erasmus MI., all residents of Morning Sun township.
A student of the district schools, William C. Swan continued to be engaged in the acquirement of his education until the completion of the regular course. After laying aside his text-books he engaged in agricultural pursuits under the
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supervision of others until he had attained the age of twenty-three years, when he rented eighty acres, which he cultivated for five years. At the expiration of that period he bought eighty acres, which formed the nucleus of his present homestead. He makes a specialty of the breeding and raising of Poland China hogs. in addition to which he also engages in general farming. Both branches of his business having yielded lucrative returns, it has been possible for him to extend the boundaries of his original tract and his farm now comprises one hun- dred and twenty acres. It is well improved, plentifully stocked and in a good state of cultivation, as a result of his well applied energy.
The marriage of Mr. Swan and Miss Anna Eliza Ellen McClure was solem- nized on the 4th of September. 1885. Mrs. Swan. is a daughter of Alex and Julia ( Montgomery ) McClure, who were the parents of seven children : Mary Susan, the wife of C. F. Hewett, a resident of Louisa county ; Hester, who mar- ried R. W. Breckenridge, of Clarion, Iowa ; James V., who is living in Murray, this state ; Anna Eliza Ellen, now Mrs. Swan ; Emma, the wife of J. C. Callwell, of Creston; Frank, of Cody, Wyoming ; and one who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Swan have been born eight children : Joseph F., who is living at home ; Charles C., a resident of Marengo, Iowa; Viola Bell, who married Walter O. Swan, of Morning Sun; and Oscar Knox, Vera L., Gladys Julia, Alta May and Marcus McClure, all of whom are at home.
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