USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 48
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Mr. Swan exercises his right of franchise in support of the candidates of the republican party and has several times been elected to the office of township trustee. The family attend the services of the Presbyterian church, with which the parents have long been affiliated and among whose members they have many friends.
EDWARD C. KAUFFMAN.
The advantages of a good practical education have been exemplified in the life of Edward C. Kauffman who is now successfully engaged in the real-estate business at Columbus Junction. He early resolved to make an honorable record in the world and, possessing excellent habits and sound principles, he stead- fastly persevered, even in the face of grave obstacles. As a result he is now in a large degree financially independent. A native of Fillmore county, Nebraska, he was born March 2, 1879. a son of Joseph and Mary E. ( Dennis) Kauffman. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Louisa county, Iowa. Mrs. Kauffman died in 1906, but her husband is still living and makes his home in Columbus City township. There were eight children in their family, five of whom survive.
Edward C. Kauffman received his preliminary education in the public schools and at sixteen years of age, desiring to prosecute his studies further, he went to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he attended college for two years. He then began teaching school and engaged in that vocation for two years in Nebraska and for one year in Louisa county. Having learned the barber's trade, he followed it
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for a year, at the end of which time he was attracted to the restaurant and grocery business. After an experience of three years in those lines he sold out and went to Gladwin where he was engaged for two years as a grocer. Ilaving acquired the necessary capital, he purchased a farm in Oakland township which he cultivated for two years. Having decided to change his calling, he rented his farm and moved to Columbus Junction, where he has since engaged in the real- estate business, being a member of the firm of Knott & Kauffman, who deal in real estate in Columbus Junction and also in farm lands in various parts of the west. The partners are men of energy, experience and ability and they are meeting with a gratifying measure of success.
In June, 1902, Mr. Kauffman was married to Miss Pearl I. Parsons, a native of Columbus City township and a daughter of A. H. Parsons, who is still living on the old homestead. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kauff- man : Milton, Dorothy N., Charles B. and Arthur. Mrs. Kauffman is a woman of fine intellectual attainments and is a graduate of the Columbus Junction high school. She and her husband are both connected with the Methodist Epis- copal church.
In politics Mr. Kauffman is a supporter of the candidates and principles of the republican party but not with any desire to gain office, as he prefers to con- centrate his attention upon his business. He is a valued member of the Inde- . pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood- men of America, all of Columbus Junction and can claim many warm personal friends in those organizations as well as among citizens generally. He has had a varied experience in life and having exercised good judgment in business affairs he has won an estimable position among the people of the county.
JOHN J. BEIK.
John J. Beik, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen of Grand View, who was born in Louisa county on the 6th of June. 1875. is a son of Jacob and Emma (Jackson ) Beik, who were among the pioneer residents of this county. His mother having died when he was but a child. John J. Beik has always made his home with his grandmother, who has now attained the venerable age of eighty- six years. In the acquirement of his education he attended the common schools and later engaged in farming until he was twenty years of age. In 1895 he em- barked in the feed-mill business, continuing to be identified with that industry for nine years. At the expiration of that period he turned his plant into a button factory, which he has ever since operated, having met with a fair degree of success therein. In connection with this for several years he managed the lum- ber and coal yard of the W. G. Block Company but in 1910 bought the lumber business, which he is still carrying on. Mr. Beik is one of the enterprising and industrious young business men of Grand View, who concentrates his energies upon the management of his affairs.
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Ilis only fraternal connection is his membership in Grand View Lodge, No. 723. 1. O. O. F., while his political allegiance is given to the republican party, for whose candidates he always casts his ballot. He takes an active and helpful interest in all municipal affairs and has for several years represented his ward in the village council. Upon Mr. Beik devolved the more responsible duties of life while still little more than a youth, and the result has been his development into a man of decision and capability as is attested in his business transactions.
RUFUS SHERMAN JOHNSTON.
Public-spirited and loyal in his citizenship. few residents of this district have taken a more keen or helpful interest in the welfare of the county and state than has Rufus Sherman Johnston, one of Iowa's native sons. He was born near Columbus City, Louisa county, on the 4th of October, 1864, a son of James Harvey and Esther ( Orr) Johnston. The parents were both born in Tennessee in 1828 and came to this state in 1856, the father giving his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits.
In the graded schools of Columbus City Rufus Sherman Johnston began his education, which he later completed by a course of study in Eastern lowa Normal School at Columbus Junction, graduating from that institution in 1886. He was early imbued with the desire to enter mercantile circles, and consequently. after laying aside his text-books, he spent five years in connection with the hard- ware business. Since that time, however, he has concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits, in which he has always been deeply interested, and now has a haif interest in and full management of a fine tract of four hundred acres adjoining Columbus City. He engages in general farming and stock-feeding and his efforts in both directions have been resultant forces in the acquirement of a goodly degree of success. He has long been known, also, in financial circle; of this community, having served as director in the Louisa County National and Louisa County Savings Banks for twenty years.
Mr. Johnston was married, at Columbus City, Iowa, on the 6th of March, 18go, to Miss Loui Colton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Colton, and unto this union have been born three daughters, namely: Helen, attending Drake University, at Des Moines, lowa ; and Edith and Pauline, yet at home. Although Mr. Johnston belongs to no special religious denomination, he is nevertheless a faithful supporter financially of various churches, and is not connected with any secret societies or fraternities, although he is not opposed to such organizations. He does, however, take a deep and sincere interest in the affairs of the county and state, and has cooperated in many movements which have had for their purpose the public good and general development and improvement.
He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for twenty years he has served as a member of the Columbus City school board, the cause of
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education finding in him a stalwart champion. He was elected a member of the board of supervisors in 1905, and is now serving for the fifth year in that office, with one more year before his term expires. He has done much toward stimulating interest along agricultural lines and is well known throughout the state in connection therewith. Ile served as secretary of Columbus Junction District Fair for seven years, from 1898 until 1904, was elected a member of Iowa Department of Agriculture and in 1904 became and still remains a member of the State Fair Board. He has been identified officially for some time with the expenditure of a half million dollars for reclaiming wet and overflowed lands by drainage in Louisa and adjoining counties, and has given ciose atten- tion to the subject of improvement of roads and bridges.
.It would be tantological to say here that for many years his interests have been thoroughly allied with those of Louisa county and the state of Iowa, for this fact has been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. Progress and public-spirited citizenship have been salient features in his career and the consensus of public opinion accords him a prominent place among the valued and representative residents of this locality. He has a wide general acquain- tance throughout Iowa, owing to the extent of his private and public interests, while in his home community he has a large circle of warm friends who enter- tain for him unqualified regard and esteem.
FRED ALBURN.
A native of Columbus City where he has spent his entire life, Fred Alburn was born March 9, 1875. He is a son of Henry N. and Elizabeth D. (Waugh ) Alburn, the former of whom was born at York, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Ohio. The father came to Iowa with his family in 1854 and took up his resi- dence at Columbus City. He was a stonemason and engaged at his trade for many years but was attracted to farming in this county, which he followed only a short time, as it did not prove a financial success. He accordingly sold his farm and bought a large lot in Columbus City where he built a comfortable two- story house for himself and family. He died November 12, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Alburn were the parents of four children: Edward and Charles, both of whom are deceased ; Monta, at home; and Fred, of this review.
After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools Fred Alburn began learning the mason's trade under his father. He applied himself with such diligence that he became a first-class stonemason and performed his work so well that his services are in constant demand, there being more calls for his time and labor than he is able to respond to. He has assisted in the construction of many of the most substantial buildings in Columbus City and vicinity and his advice is often sought by persons contemplating the erection of residences or business houses. He has gradually turned his attention to concrete work, in which he is an acknowledged expert.
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Politically Mr. Alburn is a stanch supporter of the republican party. He has never sought the honors of public office as his interest is centered on his work and he has gained deserved prominence as a first-class mason. Although unmarried he is not without family responsibility as he is the head of a household of which his mother and sister are members. The former has now reached the age of seventy-three years. Mrs. Alburn holds membership in the Congregational church, but her son is an attendant of the United Brethren church. By a life of well applied industry he has won the confidence and friendship of many of the best citizens of his native town and has also gained a position of com- parative financial independence.
HERBERT W. GARRETT.
An excellent farm of two hundred and fifty-eight acres pay tribute to the agricultural skill of Herbert W. Garrett, who is a resident of Port Louisa township. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on the 8th of July, 1862, and is a son of Abel and Elizabeth ( Felker ) Garrett. The father was a native of England and the mother of Kentucky, in which state they were married and resided for a time, but afterward came to lowa. Upon their arrival in this state they first located in Burlington, coming from there to Wapello, where the father passed away in 1894. The mother is still living at the age of seventy- three and makes her home with her son at Laredo, Missouri. Seven children were born to them: George, who is a resident of Friendship. Wisconsin ; Robert, of Laredo, Missouri; Edward of Wapello, Iowa; Herbert W., our sub- ject ; Clarence, of Joplin, Missouri ; Frank, deceased ; and Julia, of Wapello.
In the acquirement of his education Herbert W. Garrett attended the dis- trict schools of Louisa county and when out of school assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm. When he had obtained such knowledge as he deemed fitted him for the heavier responsibilities of life he laid aside his text-books, devoting his entire attention to the work of the homestead. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then began farming as a renter, being thus employed for several years, during which time he saved enough money to enable him to buy one hundred and forty-nine acres of land on section 18, Port Louisa township, which he continues to cultivate. Mr. Gar- rett engages in general farming and stock-raising, in both of which ventures he is meeting with success. He also is an extensive feeder of stock for the market in which way he utilizes all of the grain raised on his farm. From time to time he has added to his holdings until he now owns two hundred and fifty- eight acres of well improved land, which is under a high state of cultivation.
On the 4th of January, 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Garrett and Miss Ella Hicklin, who was born in Brunswick, Missouri, on the 12th of December. 1859. She is the eldest daughter of William and Catherine ( Bullion ) Ilicklin, who were natives of Kentucky and Illinois respectively. They were married in
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HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
Missouri, where they continued to live for a time, and then removed to Salt Lake City, where the mother passed away. Following this the father located in Wapello, where he lived until his demise in 1893. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ilick- lin were born two children beside Mrs. Garrett: Lulu, the wife of M. V. Smith, a resident of Clay Center, Kansas; and Thomas, whose whereabouts are un- known. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett have had five children, in the order of birth being as follows: Robert, who was born on the 12th of July, 1887. and is still at home : Arthur, born on the 13th of December, 1889, who is married and living at Laredo, Missouri ; Joe, who was born on the 30th of April, 1892, and is still at home; and William and Walter, both of whom died in infancy. The three sons have commercial-college educations, as have also Mr. and Mrs. Garrett.
The religious views of the family coincide with those of the Christian de- nomination, with which they are affiliated. Fraternally Mr. Garrett is identified with the Knights of Pythias through the medium of his membership in the lodge of Wapello, and politically with the Democratic party. He has never been an office seeker, however, preferring to devote his entire attention to the develop- ment of his private interests, in which he is meeting with very satisfactory returns.
THOMAS J. UMPHREY.
Thomas J. Umphrey, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Morning Sun township, is the owner of a valuable tract of land embracing three hundred and thirty-five acres on section 16. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Louisa county, his birth having here occurred on the 30th of December, 1850. His parents. James G. and Nancy F. ( Bevans) Umphrey, were natives of Ken- tucky and Ohio respectively. Coming to Iowa, the father settled first in Des Moines county and in the year 1848 arrived in Louisa county, here continuing to reside until called to his final rest in 1877. Prospering in his undertakings as an agriculturist. he had accumulated eighteen hundred acres of rich and pro- ductive land at the time of his demise. His wife passed away in 1895 and her death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Their children were ten in number, namely : Maryette, deceased, who was the wife of David Gregory of Morning Sun, lowa; Francis, who is a resident of Morning Sun; Elizabeth, the wife of S. F. Small, of Wapello, Iowa ; Zethania, deceased ; one who died in infancy ; Jane, who has likewise passed away; Thomas J., of this review ; Cor- delia and John, both of whom are deceased; and Ida, the wife of a Mr. Dye, of Grant City, Missouri.
Thomas J. Umphrey attended a private institution of learning in his youth and obtained a high school education. He remained on the home farm until twenty-two years of age and then embarked in the lumber business at Morning Sun, there conducting his interests successfully for five years. On the expira- tion of that period, having inherited three hundred and thirty-five acres of land as his share of his father's estate, he took up his abode thereon and has since Vol. II-26
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devoted his attention to its further cultivation. The property is on section 10, Morning Sun township, and the many substantial improvements thereon, includ- ing a handsome residence, stand as monuments to the enterprise and industry of the owner. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of feeding shorthorn cattle and also ships hogs on an exten- sive scale, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.
On the 15th of August, 1876, Mr. Umphrey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary B. Copeland, a daughter of William and Harriet ( Jarvis) Copeland, whose family numbered three children, namely: Atwood, who is a resident of Los Angeles, California; Caroline A., living at Morning Sun ; and Mrs. Umphrey. The last named became the mother of seven children, as follows: James, of Morning Sun township; Dayton, living in Washington; Eber, who is at home; Hazel, the wife of Henry Swope, of Wapello; Willa, Loie and Geoffrey, all at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 11th of Feb- ruary, 1908.
In politics Mr. Umphrey is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of God. Having resided in this county throughout his entire life, covering a period of six decades, he is well and favorably known here and is widely recognized as an upright and honorable citizen.
ROBERT F. SMYLIE.
A history of Louisa county would not be complete without mention of the young men who are coming to the front as important factors in its development. In the number deserving of a place in this work should be named Robert F. Smylie, the owner of a well improved farm in Columbus City township. He was born in Washington county, Iowa, July 17, 1885, a son of Josiah T. and Phoebe (Orris) Smylie. The parents are both natives of Iowa and are now living in Columbus City. There were two children in their family: Gertrude, who is the wife of Ira Oats, of Louisa county; and Robert F., of this review.
In the public schools Robert F. Smylie secured the foundation of his educa- tional training. Later he attended the academy at Washington, Iowa, where he took a commercial course. After returning home he engaged in farming on his father's place for two years and then purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Columbus City township upon which he has made a number of improve- ments. He is a general farmer but specializes in raising Duroc Jersey hogs.
On the 20th of December, 1906, Mr. Smylie was married to Miss Mabel Duncan, a daughter of John Calvin and Martha ( Sands) Duncan. The grand- parents of Mrs. Smylie were John and Rachel (Duncan) Duncan. They were natives of Tennessee and emigrated to Louisa county, Iowa, in' 1846, during the
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pioneer period. Here the grandfather located upon two hundred acres of prairie land two miles west of Columbus City where he passed the remainder of lis days. He died at the age of seventy-six, his wife having previously been called away at the age of fifty-five years. There were ten children in their family. three of whom survive: Francis M., who is engaged in farming in Union township; Robert Nelson, who lives in Columbus City; and John Calvin. John Calvin Duncan was born in Tennessee September 6, 1845, and was brought by his parents to Louisa county in his infancy. At the outbreak of the Civil war he was sixteen years of age but was accepted as a soldier for the Union and served faithfully under the stars and stripes, participating in many of the lead- ing battles, and movements in the south. After receiving his honorable dis- charge he returned to this county and devoted his attention to farming, acquiring the title to one hundred and seventy acres of good land. He sold his farm in 1908 and retired at Columbus City where he owns a comfortable home and another dwelling house, being also the owner of a number of town lots. He was twice married, his first wife being called away April 20, 1876. In 1881 he was married to Miss Martha Sands, a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (McCall) Sands. Mr. and Mrs. Sands were natives of Tennessee. They were among the early settlers of Wapello county, Iowa, and in their family were nine chil- dren, namely : William McCall, Henry, John, Amanda and Eliza, all of whom are deceased; Elizabeth, who is the wife of F. M. Duncan, of Louisa county ; Zach- ariah and Francis, both of whom reside in Wapello county ; and Martha, who became Mrs. John Calvin Duncan and is the mother of two children, Nathaniel, who now lives in Columbus City, and Mabel, now Mrs. Robert F. Smylie. Two children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smylie: Martha Ellen, who was born October 6, 1908; and Farrell Duncan, born November 12, 1910.
Mr. Smylie adheres to the democratic party, believing that its principles are better adapted to subserve the interests of the republic than those of any other political organization. His religious belief is indicated by membership in the United Presbyterian church. The success he has attained is mainly the result of his sound judgment and untiring energy and it is believed by those who are best acquainted with his abilities that the future holds for him many additional victories.
B. M. ROBERTS.
B. M. Roberts, who engages in general farming and stock-raising in Union township, was born in Muscatine county on the 12th of May. 1863, and is the only child born to Moses M. and Fannie Roberts. The father is a native of New Hampshire and the mother of Iowa, but they were married in the latter state, where for many years Mr. Roberts was engaged in agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead where his son is now living. He is still living at the age of sev- enty-five years and now makes his home in Winfield, lowa, where he is living retired.
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In the acquirement of his education B. M. Roberts attended the common schools, while assisting his father with the work of the farm. After laying aside his text-books he gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, and at the present time he is engaged in the operation of his father's farm, which contains one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 6, Union township.
On the 18th of August, 1886, Mr. Roberts was married to Miss Mary E. Wallace, who was born in Washington county, lowa, and is a daughter of Wil- liam and Margaret Wallace. Her father is a native of Ohio, and her mother of Iowa. They were married in Washington county, where for many years Mr. Wallace was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Since the death of his wife in June. 1908, he has been living a retired life on his old homestead in Louisa county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace: Seigel, who is residing in Iowa City; Mary E., now Mrs. Roberts; and James P., who is a resident of Rock Island, Illinois.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts did number seven but one is now de- ceased. They are as follows: Della May, who was born in July, 1887, and is now the wife of John Waltz, of Louisa county ; William M., born in 1889; Sadie P., in February, 1894: James M., in January, 1898; Daisy M., in July, 1899; Bonnie P., in May, 1905; and Albert Leo, who died in infancy.
Mr. Roberts always votes with the republican party but has never been an office seeker. Although progressive and public spirited in matters of citizen- ship he has never felt that the discharge of his duties necessitated public service.
WILLIAM L. ARTHUR.
Louisa county presents an inviting field for agriculture and stock-breeding and among the men who are devoting their talents to those branches in this county are some of the most worthy citizens of the state. In the number should be named William L. Arthur, who was born on a farm in this county, January 23, 1869, and has here spent his entire life. He is a son of Hugh and Elizabeth J. ( Jones ) Arthur, the father a native of Wales and the mother of Ohio. Mr. Arthur, Sr., was for many years a farmer of Louisa county. He died January 25. 1896, but the mother is still living and resides at Cotter. There were eight children in their family, six of whom grew to maturity, namely: Sarah Jane, who is now deceased ; William L., of this review ; Evan H., John and Richard, all of whom are living in Louisa county ; and Catharine, who makes her home at Cotter.
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