USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 49
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William L. Arthur received advantages of education in the common schools and grew to manhood in the paternal home. At the age of twenty-two years he began renting land of his father on his own account and continued for twelve years, at the end of which time the father purchased eighty acres, which he pre- sented his son, later giving ten acres of timberland. He carries on general farm- ing and. being a fancier of fine stock, raises blooded shorthorn cattle and also
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has two registered Percheron horses, named respectively Minnie's Pride and Imperial Brilliant. Ilis various activities have brought him gratifying success and he is classed among the substantial men in this section of the county.
On March 5, 1891, Mr. Arthur was married to Miss Nellie B. Davis, a daugh- ter of J. R. and Jane Florence ( Word ) Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of five children. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Ilugh, Clifford, Milo, Florence, Edith. Luther, Ludor, Elizabeth Ann and Richard John, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Arthur votes in support of the republican party, being of the firm opinion that the principles of this party are highly important in promoting the welfare of the nation. He belongs to the Woodmen and the Odd Fellows and has taken great interest in the work of the latter organization, having passed through all the chairs of the subordinate lodge, also being a member of the en- campment. His religious faith is indicated by membership in the Methodist church. Wide-awake and enterprising he has been successful as a farmer and breeder and there is scarcely a possibility of doubt that in years to come he will advance to larger responsibilities in his calling.
WILLIAM STEWART DRAKE.
The old family homestead in Wapello township was the birthplace of William Stewart Drake who is now one of the well known farmers of Louisa county and his natal day was March 10, 1870. He is a son of Jonathan C. and Mary ( Hoff- man ) Drake, the former of whom was born in Indiana, May 10, 1822, and the latter in Pennsylvania, October 31, 1843. The father was one of the early settlers of Louisa county, arriving here in 1837. He located on one hundred and sixty acres of wild land and broke the prairie with oxen, being obliged to endure many of the trials and privations of pioneer days. He persevered man- fully and became the owner of five hundred and ten acres of good land, also gaining a reputation as one of the reliable citizens of the county. He died April 14. 1903, being then in his eighty-first year. his wife having been called away April 10, 1902. There were four children in their family : Rhoda C., who married A. T. Ball, of Louisa county ; William Stewart, of this sketch; Nellie M., deceased; and Eva F .. who is the wife of W. S. Gunnels, of Louisa county.
William Stewart Drake possessed good advantages of education in the common schools. As he grew to manhood he remained with his parents, it being necessary for him to assist his father on account of the increasing infirmities of the latter. He inherited his portion of the estate after the death of his father and subsequently purchased land of the other heirs, so that at the present time he is the owner of a beautiful farm of two hundred and eighty acres which he manages to excellent advantage. He carries on agriculture and also is a general stock-raiser, feeding and shipping cattle and hogs for the market. Ilis farm
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is located on sections 28 and 29 and his residence is one of the pleasing features of the landscape.
On November 5. 1891, Mr. Drake was married to Miss Emma A. Shipman, a daughter of P. O. and Orlena Shipman, and to them one child, Wilbur, was born, who is now living at home with his father. Mrs. Drake died May 5, 1893, and MIr. Drake was married August 26, 1897, to Miss Carrie Hoffman, a daugh- ter of Johnson and Mary ( Mitchell ) Hoffman, who were the parents of seven children, namely : Myrtle O., who died in infancy ; Carrie, now Mrs. William S. Drake; Pearl A., who lives in Des Moines; Charles C., of Moravia ; Edward K., of Nebraska ; Floyd J., who lives near Monmouth, Illinois; and Bert, at home.
Politically Mr. Drake yields a willing allegiance to the democratic party, believing that its principles are in accord with the best interests of the entire country. In religious belief he adheres to the Methodist church. Ilis agri- cultural operations have been conducted with thoroughness and skill and his home is one of comfort and happiness, being the center of genuine hospitality. lle has contributed his part toward the progress of his section and his record has been that of a praiseworthy citizen and an honest man.
J. L. BAKER.
A well cultivated farm in Columbus City township pays tribute to the in- dustry of J. L. Baker, who for over thirty years has been actively connected with the development of this section of the county. He was born in Kentucky March 10, 1851, a son of William and Matilda ( Gullette ) Baker, both of whom were natives of Georgia. The father was a farmer and believing that condi- tions were more favorable in the north than in the slave states where he was reared, he came with his family to Louisa county, lowa, in 1853 and lived only a year after arriving in this county. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, the subject of this review being the youngest. The others are: Julia, who is the wife of W. P. Marsden, of Columbus City ; Thomas A., who is now living in Oklahoma; Louisa C., the widow of W. K. Moore, of Columbus Junction ; and Dulcina L., who is the widow of J. Ileindel, of Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Baker was twice married, her second husband being W. W. Paschall. By her second marriage she became the mother of one son. D. R. Paschall, who is now living in Des Moines.
J. L. Baker was brought to Louisa county by his parents in his infancy and possessed limited advantages of education in the district schools, being obliged to go to work on a farm at the age of eleven years. However, he has always possessed good powers of observation and as he has kept well informed as to the world's events, he has largely overcome the unavoidable lack of early school training. ' When he was about twenty years of age he went to Colorado and later to Kansas, spending two years in the Sunflower state as a cowboy. Desiring to see more of the world he visited New Orleans and remained there
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for three years. At the end of this time, having decided to settle down in life, he returned to Louisa county and rented sixty acres of land. In 1878 he bought eighty acres in Columbus City township and has cleared away the timber and made many improvements, thus greatly adding to the value of the place. He is a general farmer and also raises shorthorn cattle for the market, his labors yield- ing a substantial annual révenuc.
On the 29th of November, 1878, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Ella Bar- rington, a daughter of Abraham and Catharine ( McCoy) Barrington, and they have five children : Frank G., who is now a traveling man and resides at Column- bus Junction ; Ralph E., who is a graduate of the engineering department of Iowa State College at Ames and is now living in Chicago; Lyle T., of Louisa county ; and Julia Alice and William Harland, both of whom are at home.
In politics Mr. Baker is an earnest supporter of the republican party and his religious belief is indicated by membership in the Methodist church. Having as a boy been thrown upon his own resources, he carly acquired a knowledge of the world and by practical application of the lessons he learned in his youth he developed a steadfast and persevering character. He owes his success to his own efforts seconded by the encouragement of a faithful wife who has been to him at all times an inspiration and to her children a true and devoted mother. They have a pleasant and attractive home and are well known and held in high regard by the entire community.
CHARLES F. SWYGARD.
Charles F. Swygard, a general farmer and stockman of Des Moines county, was born in a log cabin on section 32, Elliott township, Louisa county, on the 23d of March, 1868. His parents are Frederick W. and Helena ( Jugenheimer ) Swygard, natives of Germany. The father, who is now seventy-eight years of age, makes his home in Mediapolis, but the mother passed away on the 26th of January, 1911. They were the parents of seven children, as follows : William H., a resident of Mediapolis; John P., who is also living in Mediapolis; Anna M., the wife of Henry Todd, of Wheatland, Oklahoma; Charles F., the subject of this sketch; James E., a resident of Colfax, Washington; Mary M., the wife of Frank Nelson, of Mediapolis; and Deborah E., who married J. B. Loper, of Oakville.
The boyhood and youth of Charles F. Swygard were very similar to those of other boys of the time and of like circumstances who lived in the country. His education was obtained in the district schools of Iowa, and after mastering the common branches he laid aside his text-books and devoted his entire time and attention to the cultivation of the home farm until he was thirty-two years of age. Owing to the state of his health he then left the farm and went to Mediapolis, where he remained a year, and then worked out as a farm hand for eight years. In 1908 he bought the old homestead of one hundred and sixty
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acres, upon which he is now residing. He has made many improvements in the property during the period of his ownership and engages in general farming and stock-raising.
On the 28th of December, 1892, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Swy- gard and Miss Carrie L. Hummel, of Peoria, Illinois. Mrs. Swygard was a daughter of Thomas and Frederica ( Berges) Hummel, who had ten children : Lewis; Thomas, a resident of Peoria; Herman, Fred and Henry, also living in Peoria ; Catherine, who married B. Swygard, of Burlington, lowa; Carrie L., the wife of Charles F. Swygard; Ida, who married Otto Bender, of Peoria; Augusta, the wife of L. D. Mcafee, also of Peoria; and John, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Swygard have four children, as follows: Edith S., who was born on the 24th of October, 1893; Frederick H., whose birth occurred on the 21st of August, 1897; Dorothea L., born on the 30th of September, 1900; and Lawrence E., born on the 30th of August, 1902.
The religious faith of the family is manifested by their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally Mr. Swygard affiliates with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given the republican party, for whose candidates he always casts his ballot. lle has held some of the minor township offices and is now president of the school board. A large portion of his life has been spent in the community where he is now residing and where he has many friends.
HEZEKIAH M. GRIFFITH.
Hezekiah M. Griffith, who is favorably known as a successful farmer of Louisa county and fully deserves the high regard in which he is held, is a native of Madison county, New York, born October 8, 1873. He is a son of Thomas H. and Esther ( Jones ) Griffith, both of whom were born in Wales. The father came to łowa with his family about thirty years ago and rented land until 1893, when he purchased two hundred and ten acres in Columbus City township, where he and his wife are now living. Their family consisted of twelve children, namely : Mary, who is the wife of W. B. Morse, of New York state; Jane, Eliz- abeth and John, all of whom are deceased ; David, who makes his home at Win- field, lowa; Gordon and Thomas, who are also deceased ; Daniel, of Ainsworth, fowa ; Maggie, who is the wife of D. E. Owen, of Cotter; Edward, who lives in Columbus Junction ; Hezekiah M., of this review ; and Hettie, who is at home.
Early in his boyhood Hezekiah M. Griffith was brought by his parents to this country. He received his education in the public schools and after laying his books aside continued on the old homestead, of which he is now in charge. lle engages in general farming and has a fine herd of Shropshire sheep, any one of which has the appearance of a prize winner. He also raises graded cattle and hogs and, as he takes great pride in his stock, his operations produce very
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satisfactory results and he ranks as one of the progressive farmers of the town- ship.
Politically Mr. Griffith is a stalwart republican but not through any desire to share in the emoluments of office, as he has never sought a public position of any kind. In religious belief he adheres to the Congregational church, to which he is a liberal contributor. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, whose principles of kindness and fellowship he greatly admires. Through life he has been actuated by principles of helpfulness to others and it is doubtful whether Louisa county contains a more worthy citizen than Hezekiah M. Griffith.
D. G. LEWIS.
D. G. Lewis, who comes of English and Welsh parentage and is identified with farming in Louisa county, has in the course of an active and successful experience shown many of the admirable traits of worthy ancestry and is justly regarded with high respect by those who know him. He was born in Oneida county, New York., October 23, 1853. a son of George and Margaret (Jones) Lewis, the former a native of England and the latter of Wales. The father was a shoemaker by trade and came to America at the age of twenty-three years, tak- ing up his residence temporarily in New York state. In 1857 he arrived in Louisa county, lowa, with his family and continued at his trade in this county during the remainder of his life. He died October 14, 1909, his wife having been called away June 27, 1904.
At the age of four years D. G. Lewis, the only child of his parents, was brought to Louisa county and has ever since made his home in lowa. He at- tended the district schools and at the age of nineteen, being ambitious to ad- vance as rapidly as possible, he rented land on his own account, which he culti- vated for three years. He then bought eighty acres in Washington county and has managed his affairs so successfully that he is now the owner of one hundred and thirty acres on section 10, Columbus City township. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser and has shown an energy and ability in his calling which have produced very gratifying returns.
On the 22d of December. 1875. Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Alice Jones, a daughter of D. M. and Elizabeth ( Jones ) Jones. The parents were both born in Wales and are now deceased. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Jones: Elizabeth and Catherine, both of whom are deceased; Alice, now Mrs. D. G. Lewis ; Robert T., who lives at Cotter ; William, who was killed at the battle of Atlanta, Georgia, while fighting for the Union ; and Albert, who died at the age of seven years. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, namely : William G., who lives in Washington county, lowa; Walter J., who is at home : Alice Maud, who married John D. Evans, of Elm Grove town- ship; and Elizabeth Jane, also at home.
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Mr. Lewis gives his adherence to the republican party, in which he has been an active worker for many years. He has served for eight years as township assessor, for ten years as township trustee and for ten years as member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of the lodge and of Encampment No. 112. In relig- ious belief he affiliates with the Congregational church. Oakdale farm, the name of Mr. Lewis' homestead, is one of the attractive places of Columbus City township and the air of neatness and thrift that prevails speaks in no uncer- tain language as to the taste and good judgment of the owner. He is a public- spirited and patriotic citizen and responds with alacrity to every movement seek- ing to promote the welfare of the community. It is to such men that Louisa county owes its high reputations as one of the most flourishing sections of the state.
WILSON ROBB.
Wilson Robb, who is engaged in the cultivation of sixty acres of land on section 16. Morning Sun township, was born in Clarke county, lowa, on the 25th of February, 1875. his parents being Wilson and Jane L. Robb. The father was a native of Indiana and the mother of Ohio but they early came to Iowa and are now living in Osceola. Unto them were born nine children: Ernest. a resident of Decatur county, Iowa; Cora, who became the wife of T. Shelton. of Osceola ; Jennie, the wife of Isaac Norman, of Decatur county; Forrest, who is living in Nebraska: Wilson, our subject ; Hattie, who married William Clyde. of Nebraska; Jay, who was in the United States navy: Charles, deceased; and one who died in infancy. The father, who was a Protestant minister, enlisted in the United States army, where he served as sergeant for three years, being discharged at the end of that time because of disability.
The education of Wilson Robb. Jr., was quite limited as at the age of thir- teen years he laid aside his text-books and became a wage-earner. As he had begun driving a team when he was nine, he was quite well qualified to become a farm hand when he left home. Energetic and thrifty, he carefully saved his wages until he had acquired sufficient means to enable him to buy forty-five acres in Morning Sun township, which he cultivated for a year. At the expira- tion of that time he traded it for forty acres in Newport, Iowa, upon which he erected a house and wrought various other improvements. He disposed of this property at the end of two years by exchanging it for ninety-six acres in Wapello township, which he cultivated for a year. This place he subsequently traded for a farm in Newport, which he cultivated for seven years and then again pur- chased his first tract. Later he disposed of all of his holdings and removed to Burlington, Iowa, where he resided for two years, following which he bought sixty acres in Morning Sun township, on which he settled in March. 1911. and is now engaged in general farming and stock-raising.
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Mr. Robb was married on the 8th of November, 1893, to Miss Mary Pearl Jamison, a daughter of J. W. and Rachel ( Vaughn) Jamison. The father is one of the extensive landowners and successful agriculturists of Jefferson township. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jamison, as follows: Tuttle G., who is now a resident of Oakville, Iowa; Isaac, who is living in Morning Sun ; Hulda J., the wife of D. Kremer, of Wapello; Minerva, who married T. A. Dotson, of Louisa county ; and Mary, now Mrs. Wilson Robb. Mr. and Mrs. Robb have had five children, who in order of birth are as follows: Lizzi Ita, whose twin brother died in infancy ; Chelcie D., Oma May and Brigham Orval, all of whom are at home.
The religious views of the family are manifested through their affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally Mr. Robb is identified with the Eagles. In politics he has always given his allegiance to the candidates of the republican party. Never having aspired to public honors or the emoluments of office, he has not prominently figured in township affairs, having preferred to concentrate his time and attention upon the development of his personal interests.
JAMES R. DAVIS.
Among the well known citizens of foreign birth who make their homes in lowa may be named James R. Davis who is now living retired at Columbus Junction. He is in the seventy-third year of his age and is enjoying at leisure the fruits of many years of industry, in the course of which he ably attempted to perform his part. He was born in Wales October 15, 1838, a son of David G. and Eleanor (Jones) Davis, both of whom were also natives of Wales. The father came to America with his family in 1841 and located in Butler coun- ty, Ohio, where he engaged in the blacksmith's trade. He and his wife are both deceased. In their family were six children : David, deceased; Mary, who is now the wife of Newton Beal, of Butler county ; Sarah, who married Richard Howe, of Hartwell, Ohio; Evan, who is now living in Van Wert county, Ohio : James R., of this review ; and Margaret, deceased.
James R. Davis was brought to the United States by his parents at the age of three years and in the public schools he secured the elements of an education. Upon arriving at the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed for three years to the blacksmith's trade and he continued at the anvil until after the outbreak of the Civil war. Actuated by a spirit of loyalty to his adopted country he enlisted October 15, 1861, in Company H, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, and served most credit- ably as a soldier for the Union during a period of eight months, at the close of which he was honorably discharged at Corinth, Mississippi, on account of phys- ical disability. After laying aside the accouterments of war he returned to peaceful pursuits at Hamilton, Ohio, and continued to reside in the Buckeye state until July, 1890, when he came to Columbus Junction, Iowa, where he has
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since made his home. He engaged at his trade in this place for four years and then on account of failing health retired from active labor.
Mr. Davis married Miss Jane F. Wood, and to this union five children were born, one of whom died in infancy. The others were Nellie, who is the wife of W. Arthur, of Louisa county; John, who is now living in Nebraska; and Edith and Sarah, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Davis cast his first vote in behalf of the republican party and he is still a steadfast adherent of that organi- zation. He is a member. of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and by virtue of wearing the blue at the time of the Civil war is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, many of his best friends being connected with that order. Always industrious, enterprising and straightforward in his business re- lations, he is justly entitled to respect and is regarded as one of the substantial and trustworthy citizens of Columbus Junction.
GEORGE R. DEIHIL.
George R. Deihl, who has lived retired in Wapello since 1896, was success- fully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and is still the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land in Louisa county. His birth occurred in this county on the 27th of October. 1857, his parents being John and Margaret ( Jamison ) Deihl, the former a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. John Deihl, who was born on the 21st of November, 1808, came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1836, pur- chasing and locating on a tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acres He won a gratifying measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and added to his holdings by purchase from time to time until at his death he owned twelve hundred acres of rich and productive land. In 1845 he visited his native state on horseback, riding via Chicago. When he passed away on the 16th of September. 1878, the community mourned the loss of one of its most substantial and esteemed citizens.
George R. Deihl attended the common schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation and at the time of his father's demise took charge of the home farm, which later came into his possession. The further cultivation and improvement of that property claimed his attention throughout his active business career and his undertakings as an agriculturist were attended with excellent results. He still owns five hundred acres of well improved land-all under a high state of cultivation. In 1806 he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Wapello, where he has since lived in honorable retirement. He has, however, made several trips west to the coast and has also sojourned in the east. Mr. Deilil is a stockholder and director of the State Savings Bank of Wapello.
On the Ist of January, 1880. Mr. Deihl was united in marriage to Miss Eva E. Dotson, a native of Louisa county and a daughter of Basil and Mary (Davi- son) Dotson, who were born in Pennsylvania and England respectively. They
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came to this county in 1844 and here spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. Dotson passing away in March, 1872, while his wife was called to her final rest in April, 1896. Their union was blessed with fourteen children, seven of whom are yet living. Mrs. Deihl was the youngest member of the family. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children, as follows: Blanch A .. the wife of Stephen Pandel, of Louisa county ; John D., the cashier of the State Savings Bank of Wapello; J. Ross, who was graduated from business college and is now an employe of Armour & Company of Chicago; Frank W., who is now a high school student ; and Margaret M.
In politics Mr. Deill is a republican and his fellow townsmen have chosen him for public office. He has ably served on the board of supervisors and has been connected with the school board for fifteen years. Both he and his wife are well and favorably known throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
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