USA > Iowa > Madison County > History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 53
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58
William H. Dudley was reared and educated in the place of his nativity and taught in the public schools for four years. Subsequently he was busily engaged in the cultivation of rented land for about eight years and on the expiration of that period purchased a tract of one hundred and ten acres which he improved and operated for six years. He then disposed of the property and embarked in the real-estate and insurance business at Redfield, Dallas county, but at the end of a year removed to Earlham in 1908 and was here successfully engaged in the same business until appointed to his present position. It was in July, 1913, that he became postmaster of Earlham and in that office he has since made a most com- mendable and highly satisfactory record.
In October, 1894, Mr. Dudley was united in marriage to Miss Alice Moore, a daughter of John and Almira (Patterson) Moore, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Guthrie county, Iowa, where the father purchased and improved a tract of land, which he cul- tivated throughout the remainder of his life. His demise occurred in April, 1913, while his wife was called to her final rest in May, 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Dudley have been born two children, namely: Dolores D., nineteen years of age,
593
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
who is engaged in the profession of teaching in this county ; and Velma M., who is seventeen years old and attends school.
In his political views Mr. Dudley is a stalwart democrat. He has served for three years on the town council, also acted as clerk for two years and is now a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church. He is well known and highly respected throughout the community and is num- bered among its enterprising citizens. He is a man of unblemished character and always to be relied upon to give his influence to any cause seeking the ad- vancement of the moral and educational interests of the people.
FRANCIS M. PEED.
A fine modern farm of three hundred and thirty acres in Douglas township pays tribute to its owner, Francis M. Peed, who was born on the 2d of December, 1854, in Lawrence county, Indiana. His father, Edmund Peed, was likewise a native of that county, his birth occurring in 1827. He was an agriculturist and resided in his native state until 1853, when, with his belongings in saddle bags, he started on horseback for the west. He found Dallas county, Iowa, to his liking and stopped there but only remained a few months, though in that time he built a log cabin. He then returned to Indiana and in 1856, with his family, made the journey to this state, settling, however, in Madison county. He entered land on section 4, Douglas township, paying therefor a dollar and a quarter per acre. There were many deer and elk in this section and deer were killed as late as 1871. As soon as possible he erected a cabin and broke his land, thus pro- viding a home for his family and making possible the raising of grain to supply food. His next care was to fence his fields with rails and he was continually throughout his active life making improvements upon his farm, which became one of the valuable properties of his neighborhood. He not only cultivated the usual cereals, but was also an extensive stock-raiser and accumulated more than a competence. In 1890 he retired from active life and lived in Winterset until 1004, when he passed away at the age of seventy-seven. There were a number of families from Indiana who were living in the same neighborhood in Douglas township and among them Mr. Peed was an acknowledged leader in social. political, educational and religious affairs. His church membership was held in the Church of Christ and he was an efficient worker in that organization. The saddle bags which he used on his first trip to Iowa are now in the museum of the Winterset Historical Society and his memory is honored as that of a worthy pioneer. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza White, was born in Washington county, Indiana, in 1829, and died at the age of sixty-six in 1895. There were three children in their family, namely: Mrs. Nancy Moore, a resident of Douglas township; Francis M., of this review; and Charles T., living in Kansas.
Francis M. Peed first attended school held in a neighbor's house, as the settlers had not yet had time to erect a schoolhouse. He later continued the pursuit of an education in the first schoolhouse erected in the township. Needless to say,
594
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
the building was of logs and the seats were but board slabs. The training acquired in school, however, was but part of his education and under his father's instruc- tion he carly in life became familiar with the various phases of farm work. When twenty-one years of age he rented land and after his marriage lived upon his father-in-law's farm for a time. He purchased land as soon as his financial circumstances would permit and from time to time added to his holdings until he and his wife now own three hundred and thirty acres. He feeds and ships many cattle and hogs annually and has found that a profitable occupation. Much of the active work of the farm he leaves to others, but he supervises and directs their labors. His residence is modern in every particular and everything about the farm is kept in the best of repair. The prosperity which Mr. Peed enjoys is thoroughly deserved and the leisure which is now his is the reward of former toil.
On March 4, 1879, Mr. Peed was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca McGee, who was born in this county, November 1, 1856, of the marriage of Matthew M. and Caroline ( Kale) McGee, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work.
Mr. and Mrs. Peed have three living children. Roy M., who was born January 30, 1880, is residing upon his own farm in Douglas township and is specializing in the raising of registered Poland China hogs. He married Miss Grace Prall. Ira L., born .August 6, 1881, owns land in Jackson township and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Retta B., is at home with her parents. She has received an excellent musical education but spends the most of her time as representative for the Curtis publications. A daughter, Mabel Grace, was born December 19, 1887, and died on the 8th of December, 1888.
Mr. Peed is a republican and, although without political aspirations, has exerted considerable influence in local party circles. His family are devout members of the Methodist church and are active factors in its work. He is well known throughout the county and to know him is to respect him, for he is upright and honorable as a man and as a citizen manifests a commendable concern for the public welfare.
PLEASANT BRITTAIN.
Pleasant Brittain is well known in Madison county, although he now makes his home near Elliott, North Dakota, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres of good farm land. He is, however, a native son of Madison county, having been born on section 32, Jefferson township, on the 10th of February, 1868. His father, Alfred Brittain, was born in Indiana, February 17, 1833, and with his parents removed to Missouri, whence he came to Madison county in 1851, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers. The following year he married Eliza Sturman, who died in 1858. In 1854 he crossed the plains to California, remaining there for three years, after which he returned to the middle west, again becoming a resident of Madison county. On the 30th of October, 1859, was celebrated his second marriage, the lady of his choice being Miss Julia Barrow, who was born in Dekalb county, Missouri, January 13, 1837, a daughter of David and Mariah Barrow. The former was born in Kentucky and after living for some
595
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
years in Missouri removed to Monroe township, Madison county, Iowa, in 1852. Later in the same year he took up his abode on section 1, Union township, where he resided for a long period. He and his wife, known throughout the community as "Uncle Davy" and "Aunt Mariah," taught the first subscription school in the Farris neighborhood about the year 1853 or 1854. Mr. Barrow also built a small corn "cracker" on North river, near his home, about 1853, also made all of the machinery and everything connected with the mill with his own hands. This water-power mill he operated until after the war. He lived the simple life, was plain and unostentatious in manner but possessed genuine worth. He died about 1892 at a ripe old age. His good wife. "Aunt Rie," was well known for miles around, for many of the children, now grown to be grandparents, owe their existence to her medical skill. Her daughter, Julia Barrow, accompanied the parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Barrow, to Madison county in 1852 and in 1859 became the wife of Alfred Brittain. Both were charter members of the North River United Brethren church and took an active and helpful part in the church work. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Brittain responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company A, Thirty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. For more than sixty years he lived in Jefferson and Union townships, one of the highly respected citizens of the county, and when he passed away on the 23d of October, 1913, he was laid to rest in the cemetery near the church in which he had been so active and loyal a worker. His widow survived until February 15, 1914, and her remains were interred by the side of her husband.
Pleasant Brittain was the fourth in order of birth in a family of ten children and his youthful days were spent upon the old home farm, while his education was acquired in the Stone schoolhouse in Jefferson township, Madison county. His father instructed him in all branches of farm work as he grew to manhood and he has never sought to follow any other occupation, finding it congenial, pleasant and profitable. He first purchased an eighty-acre farm in Jefferson township and thereon tilled the fields successfully until a few years ago, when he sold his Madison county property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Ransom county, North Dakota. Following his marriage, which was celebrated on the 3d of April, 1901, he lived upon his farm in Jefferson township, Madison county, until the spring of 1904, when he removed to North Dakota, taking up his abode near Elliott. There he rented land for a few years, afterward purchased one hundred and sixty acres and in 1914 bought another tract of one hundred and sixty acres, so that he now has a valuable farm property. Moreover, he is a director of the Farmers' Elevator at Elliott and a director of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Ransom county, North Dakota.
On the 3d of April, 1901, at Winterset, Iowa, Mr. Brittain was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Mueller, whose birth occurred on section 2, Union township, Madison county, Iowa, September 7, 1870, her parents being George and Catharine (Schott) Mueller, of this county. She acquired her education in the Farris school in Union and district school No. 7 of Jefferson township and here grew to womanhood. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, namely : Nola O., who was born in Madison county, Iowa, October 12, 1903 ; and Catharine J., whose birth occurred in Ransom county, North Dakota,
596
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
June 5, 1907. Mrs. Brittain is a devoted and consistent member of the United Brethren church.
Fraternally Mr. Brittain is connected with the Brotherhood of American Yeo- men. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is serving as assessor of Springer township, Ransom county, having occupied the position since 1900. When he went from Madison county he left behind him many friends whom he had known through the period of his boyhood and youth as well as that of his early manhood. He is highly esteemed wherever known and most of all where he is best known.
JAMES M. OSBORN.
James M. Osborn, who was for many years a successful farmer residing on section 16, Walnut township, was born in Johnstown, New York, on the 2d of May, 1842, a son of Jed and Harriett ( Stewart ) Osborn, the former of whom was born in Maine of French descent and the latter born in New Hampshire of Scotch ancestry. Jed Osborn, who was by trade a basket-maker, came west in 1856 and took up his abode in the vicinity of Galesburg, Illinois, where he remained for fourteen years. In 1870 the family came still farther west and located upon a farm in Walnut township, this county, which the father purchased. He lived there until his death, which occurred in 1873, and his widow, who passed away in 1899, also died upon the home farm.
James M: Osborn began learning the basket-maker's trade with his father when quite young and while still a boy proved of great assistance to him. His education was that of most of the boys of his time, as it was acquired by attend- ing the district schools. Upon laying aside his textbooks he concentrated his attention upon the making of baskets until he was twenty-nine years of age, using elm and oak splints. He was married at his father's home in 1870 and then began his independent career. He purchased land in Walnut township, where he resided until his death, with the exception of one year, which he spent in Illinois. On selling his farm, he for several years rented the place on section 16 where his widow now lives. He proved an efficient agriculturist and stock-raiser and devoted the greater part of his time to those pursuits, but never lost his skill as a basket-maker and in his spare moments worked at that trade. His demise, which occurred on the 29th of January, 1911, was the occasion of much sincere regret.
Mr. Osborn was married in 1870 to Miss Parmelia Young, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Roberts) Young, the former born in Maryland on the 24th of April, 1821, and the latter born in Pennsylvania, of German descent. The father was a harness and saddle maker and in 1861, when Mrs. Osborn was but twelve years of age, he brought his family to Walnut township, Madison county. He purchased land here and continued to reside thereon until 1892, when he moved to Winterset, where he died on the 25th of August, 1896. His widow passed away in Winterset at the advanced age of eighty-one years on the 15th of September, 1908.
Mr. and Mrs. Osborn became the parents of eleven children, as follows: Lorena is the wife of Frank McKibban, a blacksmith of Macksburg, Iowa, and
MR. AND MRS. JAMES M. OSBORN
599
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
they have nine children, Gladys, Bessie, Glen, Marion, Marie, Zada, Joseph, Jose- phine and Bernice. Kenton, a farmer residing near Twin Falls, Idaho, has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Kittie Guthrie, and his second with Miss Alma Kincade, by whom he has a daughter, Alta. Frank, who is also farming in the neighborhood of Twin Falls, Idaho, married Miss Belva Walters and they have three children, Wilmer, Retta and Neva. Mina became the wife of Syl- vester Guthrie and passed away in 1906, leaving a child, Galen. Jed, who is farming in Walnut township, married Miss Viola Cox, of Madison county, and they have two children, Mildred and Lorraine. Samuel, a farmer of Shannon City, Iowa, married Miss Flora Werner, by whom he has five children, Harold, Anna, Kenton, Lucian and Irwin. Jesse, who is farming near Eden, Idaho, mar- ried Miss Frances Gentry, of Winterset, and they are the parents of five children, Amy, Nona, Lola, Virgil and Edna. Darwin, who is farming in Walnut town- ship, this county, married Miss Myrtle Gray, of Winterset, and they have two children, Dorothy and Claude. Earl, who is following agricultural pursuits in Monroe township, married Miss Sallie Palmer, of Walnut township, and is the father of three children, Homer, Hallie, and Maxwell. Lawrence, an agricul- turist of Walnut township, married Miss Cecil Allen, of that township, and to them have been born two children, Maxine and Richard. Ethel gave her hand in marriage to Robert Palmer, a farmer of Walnut township, and they have three children, Georgia, Elwood and Hazel. Thirty-six grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are living and one great-grandchild, the daughter of Gladys Smay, who is the eldest child of Mrs. Lorena McKibban.
Mr. Osborn was a republican and consistently cast his ballot in support of the principles of that party. His widow is a member of the Christian church and can be counted upon to further any good work. Since her husband's death she makes her home with her son Jed and has many warm personal friends. Mr. Osborn was most highly respected where he was best known, a proof of sterling worth of character and rectitude.
HERMAN A. MUELLER.
The life activity of Herman A. Mueller has connected him closely with the history of Madison county. He was born in a log cabin which stood on the site of the residence of the late William Schoen, near the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of section 35, Jefferson township, Madison county, August 29, 1866. His parents, George and Catharine (Schott) Mueller, were natives of Germany. The former was born September 11, 1842, in the principality of Wal- deck. His father was a forester for the prince, as his father had in turn been before him, and the family of Müllers lived for many years in the town of Bad- Wildungen, a noted watering place and health resort. There George Mueller attended the public schools to the age of fifteen and afterward worked upon the farm for a year or two but in the summer of 1859 came to America, mak- ing the voyage in a sailing vessel which after six weeks reached New York harbor. He at once made his way to Keokuk, Iowa, to join a sister who had come to the new world a few years before. In the spring of 1860 he went to
600
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
Winterset, living with a cousin with whom he moved to section 25, Jefferson township, in the fall of that year. After working on the farm for a year he again went to live with his sister at Keokuk in December, 1861, remaining there and at Warsaw, Illinois, until August 8, 1864, on which day he wedded Cath- arine Schott, of Warsaw. She was born in Baden, Germany, August 22, 1845, was left an orphan when very young and at eight years of age accompanied her uncle to America. Their home was at Warsaw, on the bank of the Missis- sippi, which at that time was the great thoroughfare of the middle west.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. George Mueller came to Madison county and the first year both worked for his cousin, Louis Stracke, of Jeffer- son township. In the fall of 1865 they rented a farm-of William Schoen on section 35 and thereon the landlord and tenant built a log cabin which became the birthplace of H. A. Mueller. In December 1866, the parents removed with their family to section 2, Union township, the father purchasing what was known as the Benjamin Duckett farm. There he and his wife have continued to reside and are now owners of three hundred and thirty-three acres of well improved land. On the 8th of August, 1914, they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anni- versary, which year was also the fiftieth anniversary of their settlement in Madi- son county. All of their children except two were present, together with a host of old friends and neighbors, and the occasion was a most enjoyable and mem- orable one.
Like all country boys, Herman Mueller learned to do the chores while attend- ing school. He was a pupil in the Farris school in Union township, with George Turbett as teacher in 1873, James M. Guye in 1874, Penina Moore in 1875, Wes- ley Lehman in 1876, George Turbett again, Frances Fletcher in 1877, Nan Davis in 1878, Joseph W. Forney, the fall of 1878 and the winter following, Wesley Lehman in the winter of 1879 and 1880 and R. J. Spragg during the winters of 1881-2-3. During the winter of 1880-1 he attended a term of school at Winter- set, did eighth grade work during a term at the Irving school in Des Moines in the fall of 1883 and afterward spent a term in Drake University. In the winter of 1886-7 he attended a term at Jefferson No. 7 under the instruction of R. J. Spragg. Every fall from 1885 until 1893 he attended the teachers' institute or normal held in Winterset.
In the meantime he was learning the lessons of life upon the farm, becoming familiar with every phase of farm work. He taught his first school at Douglas Center in the winter of 1887-8 under Superintendent E. R. Zeller, who had given him a first-grade certificate. The next winter he taught at the Doak school in Jefferson township and in the succeeding fall attended a term at the Dexter Nor- mal College at Dexter, Iowa. In the succeeding winter he was again a teacher at Jefferson No. 7 and the following winter was again at Doak. In the spring of 1891 and through the following fall and winter he taught the Jefferson school and during all these years made his home with his parents, working on the farm through the summer. In the fall of 1892, with his friend, Sam C. Smith, now an attorney of Winterset, he entered the State Normal School, now called the State Teachers' College, meeting the expenses of the course with money which he had previously earned on the farm and as a teacher. He was graduated with the degree of B. Di. in 1894 and M. Di. in 1895. He was then elected principal of the Arcadia schools, remaining in charge for two years, and in the fall of 1897
601
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
became a junior in the State University of Iowa, admitted to that class because of his standing at the State Normal. He was graduated in 1899 with the Bache- lor of Philosophy degree and in the fall of that year became a teacher of the high school at Webster City but resigned to become the candidate for auditor of Madison county on the republican ticket.
Mr. Mueller has held various public offices. In 1890 he was chosen clerk of Jefferson township; in 1892 became assessor of Jefferson township and was re- elected in 1894, serving three years, resigning the position when he became teacher at Arcadia. He made a record for doing the assessor's work in the shortest time. In 1900 he was United States census enumerator of Jefferson township and in the summer of 1900 he received the nomination for auditor of Madison county on the republican ticket and was elected that fall, while in 1902 he was reelected, leading the ticket. He retired from the office in January, 1905, and for a few months assisted J. W. Smith, county treasurer. On the Ist of May of that year he went to St. Charles, where he became bookkeeper in J. F. Johnston's bank and following the death of Henry Hayden succeeded him as cashier in the fall of 1905, continuing in that position until April, 1912. He has served as school treasurer of the independent district of St. Charles from September, 1905, until July, 1912, was a member of the town council from April, 1910, until April, 1914, became school director of the St. Charles independent district in March, 1914, and in March, 1915, was chosen president of the board. In the spring of 1914 he was a candidate for the nomination for representative on the republican ticket, which he easily won over his competitor, but was defeated in the election by his democratic opponent.
While at the State Normal he had three years' training in the military depart- ment, so upon the organization of Company G, Fifty-first Regiment National Guard at Winterset he enlisted for three years and attended encampments at Atlantic, Iowa, Fort Riley, Kansas, and Des Moines. He is a member of Lotus Lodge, No. 48, K. P., of Winterset, was vice chancellor in 1903 and keeper of the records and seal in 1904. He belongs to Model Lodge, No. 315, A. F. & A. M., of St. Charles, Iowa ; and Model Chapter, No. 174, Eastern Star of St. Charles, of which he was worthy patron in 1912. He is also a member of Lebanon Chap- ter, No. 11, R. A. M., of Winterset, belongs to Backbone Tent, No. 54, K. O. T. M., of Winterset, and to the Rathbone Sisters. He organized the Madison County Farmers' Institute in 1903, first serving as treasurer and then as secre- tary until 1905. He also organized the Madison County Good Roads Associa- tion in May. 1903, and was its secretary until 1905. He became one of the or- ganizers of the Madison County Historical Society in 1904 and has since served as its president.
Mr. Mueller has always taken an active interest in public affairs of his town and county. He has been active in promoting 4th of July celebrations and in the Old Settlers Association has served on various committees, being now a mem- ber of the executive committee having the management of the society. For the past two years he has served as secretary of the Farmers' Day Association, which holds annual fairs at St. Charles, and he is president of the St. Charles Chautauqua Association, thus serving from its organization in the spring of 1913. He was one of the organizers of the St. Charles Park and Improvement Asso- ciation in 1905 and has been its secretary since September of that year. He is
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.