USA > Iowa > Madison County > History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 41
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Mr. McGlothlen is a democrat in politics and takes a great deal of interest in public affairs. He is a man characterized by perseverance, believing that it lies within the power of a community to direct its growth and development so as to secure the best conditions possible. He finds much pleasure in travel and has been to California three times. In addition to his real estate in this county, he owns fruit ranches in the west. He is a charter member of the Christian church in Webster township, as is his wife. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has many friends not only in that organization but wherever he is known, as his qualities of character are such as invariably command respect.
R. A. WETRICH.
R. A. Wetrich, who is farming on sections 10 and 15, Penn township, is a native of that township, born on the 30th of April, 1885, of the marriage of William and Anna (Gabrill) Wetrich, natives, respectively, of Holmes county, Ohio, and Muscatine, Iowa. The father removed to Johnson county, Iowa, in an early day with his parents and there grew to manhood. After reaching ma- turity he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits on his own account, and after some time went to Polk county, where he remained but a year, his next removal being to Madison county. He arrived here in 1883 and rented land for two years, but in 1885 purchased sixty acres on section 10, Penn township, which he began improving and later he invested in land on section 15, becoming at length the owner of two hundred and forty acres, which he operated until his death, which occurred in 1903. His widow took up her residence in Dexter in 1905 and is still living there. There were six children in their family, as follows: Dora, R. A., Pearl J., Carrie, Bernie R., and Daisy.
R. A. Wetrich acquired his early education in Penn township, and upon finishing the common-school course entered Earlham Academy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907. He then went to South Dakota, where he worked for about six months, after which he removed to Dexter, Iowa, and
MR. AND MRS. R. A. WETRICH
RI
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
entered the employ of the State Bank of Dexter. At the end of a year, however, he decided that he preferred farming to banking and removed to the home place in Penn township, which he has operated for the last four years. He has proved very successful as an agriculturist and his capital is increasing steadily.
On the 24th. of February, 1910, Mr. Wetrich married Miss Mamie A. Colby, who is a stepdaughter of Peter Cook and whose mother was in her maidenhood Miss Maria Wilson. W. W. Wilson, a brother of the last named, was the first white child born in Penn township. Mr. Cook is a farmer of Dallas county, this state, where he grew to manhood and where he has since followed agri- cultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Wetrich have two children: Wayne W., four years old; and Gale A., one year of age.
Mr. Wetrich is a republican and is serving his fifth year as township clerk, his continuance in the office being the best proof of his competence. His relig- ious faith is that of the Methodist church, to the support of which he contributes. He is public spirited to a marked degree and this trait, with his many other admirable characteristics, has won him the warm friendship of those who know him most intimately.
JOSEPH MILLER.
Joseph Miller, a retired farmer of Ohio township, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 18th of January, 1834, a son of Samuel and Lavina (Groves) Mil- Jer, the former born in Pennsylvania, of German descent, and the latter a native of Virginia. They became residents of Ohio in the early days of the history of that state and the father provided for the support of his family by farming.
Joseph Miller attended school in Ohio and remained in his native state until 1865, when he removed to Iowa. In the spring of 1869 he took up his residence in Ohio township, Madison county, where he has since resided. For many years he carried on general farming and stock-raising and he became known as an ener- getic and enterprising agriculturist, but as he has reached the age of eighty-one he is now living in honorable retirement, enjoying the fruits of his well directed labor of former years.
In 1869 Mr. Miller married Miss Louisa Ellen Young, a daughter of C. H. and Rebecca (Creger) Young. Her father, who was a well known blacksmith of Ohio township, subsequently conducted a shop in St. Charles and was living in that town at the time of his death, which took place in April, 1912, while he was visiting in Illinois. His wife had passed away many years previously. On the 5th of June, 1900, Mrs. Miller was called to the home beyond. She was the mother of two children. Nettie Edith, born February 27, 1870, married C. W. Sweezy, of Truro, and passed away on the 18th of October, 1906. Samuel Wal- ter, born December 9, 1871, resides upon the home farm, of which he assumed charge in 1907. In 1900 he was united in marriage to Miss Ida D. Swearingen, who was born November II, 1879, a daughter of Daniel and Anna (Fife) Swear- ingen, both natives of this state, the former born in Eddyville in 1855 and the latter in this county in 1857. They were married in Madison county, the father having removed here in youth. He was a farmer by occupation and as he was
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successful accumulated a competence that enables him to live retired in Truro. His wife also survives. Samuel W. Miller, who has charge of the home farm, is a prosperous and up-to-date young agriculturist and also raises and feeds many cattle and hogs yearly. He operates four hundred and forty acres, of which he owns two hundred and eighty acres. His political belief is that of the republi- can party and he has served for two terms as township trustee. To him and his wife have been born two children: Pauline, whose birth occurred on the 11th of September, 1901, and who is attending the Truro high school; and Coy, born December 1, 1907.
Mr. Miller of this review is a democrat and is loyal in his support of the principles and candidates of that party. He has been called to public office and has discharged his duties with circumspection, thus winning the approval of his constituents. For one term he was trustee of Ohio township and for one term he was school director of his district. He is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was his wife, and throughout his entire life he has so ordered his actions that he is held in the highest esteem by all who have come in contact with him. For forty-six years he has been a resident of Madison county and has watched with much interest the steady growth and development of the county, contributing as far as possible to its progress and advancement along agricultural lines and also as regards moral and civic betterment.
JOHN W. CLEMENT.
John W. Clement, a carpenter and builder of Macksburg, was born in Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio, on the 28th of November, 1842, a son of Benjamin and Lydia M. (Baker) Clement, natives respectively of England and Ohio. When about twenty years of age the father emigrated to the United States in order to escape military service and took up his residence in Ohio, where he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in that state until 1867. In that year he removed to Clinton county, Iowa, and worked there as a carpenter for a decade. In 1877 he removed to North Loup, Nebraska, where he was living at the time of his demise. His political belief was that of the republican party and he was much interested in public affairs. He was a minister in the Baptist church and was a leader in its work in the communities in which he lived. He was twice married and was the father of twenty-four children, of whom our sub- ject is the second in order of birth and of whom eighteen lived to maturity.
John W. Clement received the benefit of the early schools of Ohio and was thoroughly grounded in the fundamental branches of learning, although the log schoolhouse and the crude benches would seem altogether inadequate today. When little more than a youth he joined Company E of the Benton Cadets, which organization was General Fremont's infantry bodyguard, and he served with that command in Missouri for three months. After fighting guerrillas in southern Missouri the Cadets returned to St. Louis and when Fremont was superseded by Hunter the company was mustered out and sent home. Mr. Clement then, en- listed in Company K, Twentieth Ohio Infantry, and saw active service in prac- tically every state in the Confederacy, being in Missouri, Kentucky, Louisiana,
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Mississippi. Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Ball's Bluff, Natchez, Mississippi, Raymond, and the siege of Atlanta. At the battle of Atlanta on the 22d of July, 1862, he was engaged in tearing up a railroad and went to a nearby plantation to get something to eat. While eating he was taken prisoner by five rebels and he and his com- rades were about to be hanged when some northern troops put the southerners to rout and he and his companions in danger were taken back to the Union camp. He veteranized after the siege of Vicksburg and reenlisted in the same com- pany and regiment, serving therein until July, 1865, when he was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky. He returned to Ohio but not long afterward removed to Clinton county, Iowa, and learned the carpenter's trade under his father. For ten years he resided in Humboldt, Nebraska, but for the last thirty-five years has made his home in Madison county, Iowa. Since his return from the war he has devoted his entire attention to carpentering and building and has erected many structures which are still in an excellent condition and which are proof of his fine workmanship and thoroughness. He is now living practically retired, having accumulated a competence, and has the respect of his fellow citizens.
On the 9th of March, 1868, Mr. Clement married Miss Lydia M. Kerns, who was born in Cassopolis, Indiana, on the 22d of January, 1849, a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Furrow) Kerns. Her father was a farmer and was for a number of years a resident of this county. Mrs. Clement passed away on the 22d of June, 1911, leaving six daughters : Mary R., now the wife of Hugh Shearer, of Webster township; Viola R., who gave her hand in marriage to J. A. Harri- son, by whom she has six children; Ina M., who is keeping house for her father ; Josephine, the wife of George Huston, a farmer, and the mother of six children ; Theresa, who married Melvin Huston, a resident of Montana, by whom she has one child; and Sibbie, who married Glenn Martin, by whom she has one child.
Mr. Clement is a republican and has been quite active in local political circles. When the J. D. Craven Post, No. 322, G. A. R., of Macksburg was in existence he was prominent in its work and was one of its charter members. Although it has been discontinued he still endeavors to keep in touch with his surviving com- rades of the Civil war. Although he is not connected with any church organiza- tion his life is in accord with the principles of Christianity, as he has striven to conform his conduct to the Golden Rule and all who know him bear witness to his integrity and kindness.
CHESTER L. JONES.
Chester L. Jones, who owns and operates one hundred and forty-one acres of land on section 9, Penn township, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, in De- cember, 1870, a son of Basil and Sarah (Watts) Jones, likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The father operated a farm in Ohio until 1883, when he re- moved to Madison county, Iowa, and purchased land in Jackson township, which he is still cultivating. In 1901 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife.
Chester L. Jones was reared and educated in Ohio and Iowa, being but twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to this county. He re-
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mained at home until he attained his majority, and then purchased land in Jack- son township, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies for a decade. At the end of that time he removed to Penn township and bought one hundred and forty-one acres on section 9, which he is now cultivating. He has made many improvements upon his property and its neat appearance testifies to his care and energy.
In June, 1900, Mr. Jones married Miss Cora Neff, a daughter of I. D. and Nancy J. (Gillman) Neff, natives of Indiana, who became residents of Madison county, Iowa, at an early day in the history of this part of the state. The father purchased and improved land in Penn township and followed agricultural pur- suits there until his death, which occurred on the 22d of December, 1913. His widow now makes her home in Earlham. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have two children, Helen W. and Byron Neff, aged, respectively, thirteen and nine years.
Mr. Jones has served his township acceptably as clerk and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is equally loyal to the Christian church and the Yeomen lodge, in both of which organizations he holds membership, and in all relations of life his conduct has been such as to win for him high com- mendation. He is justly ranked among the able and successful farmers of the county, and none begrudges him the success that is rewarding his labors.
CHARLES F. SCOTT.
Charles F. Scott was a well known and prosperous farmer of Ohio township and his demise was greatly regretted by those who knew him. Born on the 9th of July, 1846, at Steubenville, Ohio, he was a son of John and Mary (Hunt) Scott. The birth of his father occurred at Chartier's Creek in Washington county, Penn- sylvania, on the 29th of September, 1798, and when sixteen years of age he went to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he learned the trade of fulling and dressing cloth. On the 3d of April, 1821, occurred his marriage to Miss Eliza Skelly, a daughter of John and Margaret (Simrall) Skelly. They were married in Har- rison county, Ohio, and became the parents of the following children, Alexander, John, Rachel, Barzillai, Margaret and Martha Ellen. The wife and mother was called to her reward on the 18th of December, 1835, and on the 10th of Septem- ber, 1839, Mr. Scott married Miss Mary M. Hunt, a daughter of the Rev. Thomas Hunt, of Jefferson county, Ohio, and they became the parents of four children, Jane R., Thomas, Charles F. and Eliza. The death of the father occurred at Richmond, Ohio, on the 30th of June, 1864. He was a Presbyterian and was well versed in the theology of his creed and in his daily life strove to follow the high principles in which he believed.
Charles F. Scott received his education in the public schools of Ohio and following the demise of his father came west to Carroll county, Illinois, where he found work upon a farm. After his marriage he lived for two years in that county and operated a farm, but at the end of that time went to Dallas county, Iowa, where he rented land and farmed in connection with his brother, Alexander Scott, who owned nine hundred acres of land in that county. Four years later Charles F. Scott returned to Illinois and farmed there until 1902. In that year
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THE SCOTT RESIDENCE
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
he came to Madison county and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Ohio township, west of Truro. He took up his abode upon that place, which was operated by his son Harry, but in February, 1907, our subject gave his son complete charge of the farm and removed to Truro, where he lived retired until his demise, which occurred on the 26th of April, 1913. His wife still makes her home in Truro.
On the 2d of November, 1870, Mr. Scott was married, his bride being Miss Harriet L. Barnes, who was born on the 28th of August, 1847, in Herkimer county, New York, a daughter of Harry M. and Louisa M. (Byington) Barnes. Her father was born in Oneida county, New York, of English descent, and was a cheese maker and dairyman by occupation, although he also gave some time to general farming. His wife was born in Herkimer county, that state, of French descent, and their marriage occurred in Camden, New York, on the 28th of Janu- ary. 1838. In April, 1855, they located in Stephenson county, Illinois, where they resided during the remainder of their lives, the father dying on the 2d of Mav. 1893, and the mother on the 12th of October, 1898.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Scott was solemnized in Stephenson county, Illinois, and they became the parents of eight children, as follows: Harry Barnes, whose birth occurred on the 14th of April, 1873, is farming in Ohio township. this county. During the Spanish-American war he served in Company L, Forty- ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He married Miss Mattie Johnston, who resided near St. Charles, and they have a daughter, Cleona. Louisa May, born May 23, 1874, is at home with her mother. Thomas Whiting, whose birth occurred on the 19th of April, 1878, passed away on the Ist of July, 1908, when thirty years of age. He also served in the Spanish-American war, being a member of Com- pany L, Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He married Miss Maude Byers, of Cedar Rapids, by whom he had two children, Lucile and Pauline. George Erwin, who was born April 16, 1880, married Miss Maude Scott, of Centerville. He was a member of Company L, Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served with that command in the Spanish-American war. He is now manager of the Singer Sew- ing Machine Company at Centerville. Elsie Ivy, who was born September 8, 1882, married P. H. Deardorf, a ranchman of Silt, Colorado, and they have three children, Catherine, Chester and Mabel. Chester Alvin, born May 1, 1884, is engaged in the laundry business at Seattle, Washington. Ross Edwin, born August 31, 1885, married Miss Belle Craft and they have a daughter, Doris Lucile. He is employed in Denver, Colorado, in the packing plant of Swift & Company. Irene Daisy, born November 4, 1888, married John F. Leggett, of Truro, who is now ranching near Chugwater, Wyoming. They have five children, Ross Scott, James Frederick, Erwin, Mildred May and John Wesley.
Mr. Scott was a republican and held the office of justice of the peace at the time of his demise. While living in Illinois he served as collector and assessor for several terms and was also assessor of Ohio township. Although a member of the Lutheran church, he supported the Christian church after taking up his residence in Truro. For a long time he was a Sunday-school teacher in the Meth- odist Episcopal and Christian churches and while a resident of Illinois was the Sunday-school superintendent in the English Lutheran church. Fraternally he held membership in the Masonic lodge at Truro and in the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at this place. His son, Harry B. Scott, is also a member of
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
both of those organizations. His widow belongs to Camp No. 110 of Illinois, Royal Neighbors of America, and was for two terms president of the Woman's Relief Corps in Truro. She makes her home in Truro and her daughter, Louisa May, lives with her. Harry B. Scott, the eldest son, rents the homestead and is successfully carrying on general farming and stockraising. The family is an honored one in this county, and the memory of the father is still cherished by the many who knew him and appreciated his sterling worth.
CASS PINDELL.
Cass Pindell, a well known resident of Macksburg, was for a number of years an active agriculturist and stock-raiser but is now living retired. His birth oc- curred in Brown county, Ohio, on the 11th of June, 1849, and his parents, Michael and Jennie ( Brady ) Pindell, were both natives of Virginia. The father was reared upon the home farm in that state, and in his young manhood removed to Ohio, where he became a landowner and devoted his time to farming and stock- raising, specializing in the raising of sheep. He passed away in Brown county, that state, when sixty years of age. He was held in high honor by his fellow citizens, was elected to all of the county offices and was also county supervisor. In the local circles of the democratic party he was a leader and was equally active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he held a number of offices. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom our subject is the youngest. Mrs. Pindell passed away when sixty-five years of age.
Cass Pindell received a common-school education, pursuing his studies in a log schoolhouse in Brown county, Ohio, and he remembers vividly the benches and slab desks that were provided for the use of the children. Under his father's instruction he received valuable training, becoming early familiar with methods of agriculture, and when twenty-three years of age began farming for himself. He was so engaged in Ohio until 1873 and then came to Madison county, Iowa, settling on section 3, Grand River township. He soon had his farm under cul- tivation, and as he is industrious and foresighted his resources increased steadily and from time to time he has purchased more land until his holdings aggregate about five hundred acres in this county in addition to large tracts of land in North Dakota and Canada. Although he leaves the actual work of the farm to others he still partially supervises his interests. He is also a director of the Macksburg National Bank and is one of the most valued citizens of Macksburg, where he has made his home since 1901.
In 1872 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Pindell and Miss Melissa Pin- dell, who was born in Brown county, Ohio, a daughter of Philip Pindell, a farmer of that county. She passed away while living upon the farm, leaving two chil- dren: Virginia, the wife of Charles M. Ballard, a farmer and stockman of Mon- tana, by whom she has a son, Claire; and Melissa, who married Frank Bal- lard, a brother of C. M. Ballard. He also resides in Montana and to him and his wife have been born four children, Pearl, Gladys, Gail and Lyle. Mr. Pindell was again married, Mrs. Julia (Arasmith ) Hilberry becoming his wife. She is a native of Henry county, Illinois, and a daughter of Alfred and Emily (Stow-
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
ers ) Arasmith, the former of whom was born in Kentucky on the 30th of Sep- tember, 1807, and died on the 9th of June, 1863, while the latter, likewise a na- tive of the Blue Grass state, was born on the 5th of June, 1812, and died on the 4th of June, 1844. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire active life and early in the history of Illinois removed to that state, going by ox team. Indians were still numerous, there was an abundance of game and much land was still in the possession of the government. He entered a claim and later bought more land, becoming quite an extensive owner of real estate. He was a republican and held a number of the township offices. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom Mrs. Pindell is the youngest. She was first married to John Hilberry, who came to Madison county in 1868. Although he was a carpenter by trade he devoted his time to farming during the greater part of his life. He passed away on the 21st of March, 1890, leaving three chil- dren. James G. is a farmer and general merchant of Redwillow, Canada. Henry C. is operating part of his father's old farm in Grand River township. He is married and has three children, Audrey, Rodney and Ruth. Ann married Earl Smith, a farmer living near Macksburg, by whom she has two children, Kenneth and Clifford.
Mr. Pindell is a democrat in his political allegiance but has never sought to hold public office. His wife is quite active in the work of the Methodist Epis- copal church of Macksburg, to which she belongs. Both are well known and have many friends in their community.
WILLIAM T. JESSE.
William T. Jesse, a veteran of the Civil war and a well known and highly respected farmer living on section 15, Walnut township, was born in Adair county, Kentucky, on the 5th of August, 1839, a son of John J. and Jane ( Mc- Nealey ) Jesse. The father was born in Virginia of Scotch descent and the mother in Indiana of Irish lineage. Their marriage occurred in Adair county, where the father had removed as a boy with his parents. He was a shoemaker by trade and was an expert workman. He and his wife both passed away in Metcalfe county, Kentucky, in 1885.
William T. Jesse acquired his education in that county, going both to the free distriet school and to the school in which he had to pay tuition. He remained under the parental roof until 1860 and then came to Madison county, Iowa, locat- ing near Providence in Scott township. He worked for others until August 9, 1862, and then became a member of Company H, Twenty-third Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Civil war with credit to himself until July 28, 1865, when he was mustered out and discharged at Harrisburg, Texas. He was clerk in the quartermaster's department part of the time, but fought in the following battles: Pittman's Ferry ; Pocahontas; Black River Bridge, Mis- sissippi, where his regiment led the charge and he was wounded in the hand ; Port S. P. Ramsey, Texas; and Spanish Fort, Alabama ; and also participated in the siege of Vicksburg. He was with the men of the Department of the Gulf under General Sheridan on their expedition into Texas. On returning to the
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