USA > Iowa > Madison County > History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 55
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ALEXANDER RAMSEY, M. D.
Dr. Alexander Ramsey, of Webster township, who lives upon his splendid farm of four hundred acres, is accorded a gratifying practice. He was born in Decatur county, Iowa, in 1857, of the marriage of James and Margaret ( Baker ) Ramsey, both natives of Tennessee, the former born in 1824 and the latter in 1818. Both lived to an advanced age, the demise of the father occurring when he was eighty-six years old and that of the mother when she had reached the age of eighty-six years and three months. James Ramsey, who was a cabinetmaker, followed his trade in his native state, but in 1851 removed to Decatur county, Iowa, and entered land from the government. He then turned his attention to farming but continued to work at his trade to some extent. He was the owner of two hundred and forty acres and was a successful agriculturist as well as an expert cabinetmaker. Both he and his wife were prominent in the early history of Decatur county and were especially active in the work of the Baptist church.
Dr. Ramsey acquired his elementary education in the district schools of his native county and his medical training in the Keokuk ( Ia. ) College of Physicians Vol. 11-27
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and Surgeons, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. He located for practice in Webster, Iowa, and on the 5th of May, 1886, made his first visit in Madison county. Since then his practice has grown steadily and he is often called to attend the sick in his part of the county. However, he does not con- centrate his attention upon his profession to the exclusion of other interests, as he oversees the operation of his four hundred acre farm, which is located in Madison and Adair counties. He was reared upon his father's farm and early learned the principles of practical agriculture and finds this knowledge of much value to him in looking after his farming interests today. He specializes in raising Black Polled Angus cattle and has some of the finest stock in the county.
Dr. Ramsey was married in 1889 to Miss Donna Ulrey, who was born in Adair county, Iowa, a daughter of Rufus and Hattie (Bruce) Ulrey. The father was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of January, 1848, and the mother in Adair county, Missouri, in 1851. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Ramsey came to Madison county in 1863. Her paternal grandfather was a big stockman in Pennsylvania and her father was sent to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1864, when only a youth and there was associated with his brothers in the stock- yards. In February, 1865, he came to Madison county and for some time worked for John Fox. For a number of years thereafter he farmed in Adair county but in 1894 was appointed postmaster at Middle River, now Webster. In 1899 he removed to Great Falls, Montana, where he worked on mason work on the railroads and was also watchman at the smelter. In 1911 he returned to Madison county and is now conducting a general store at Webster. Mrs. Ramsey is the oldest of the two children born to her parents and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: Fred, who was born in 1890 and is operating his father's farm; Worth, who was born in 1894 and is also on the home farm; Lyle, born in 1897; and Bernice, who is attending the high school at Winterset.
Dr. Ramsey belongs to Evening Star Lodge, No. 43, A. F. & A. M., of Winter- set ; Lebanen Chapter, No. 11. R. A. M., of Winterset ; and has taken the fourteenth degree of the Scottish Rite in the Consistory at Des Moines. Along strictly professional lines he is a member of the Madison County Medical Asso- ciation. He has the full confidence of his patients, which is well deserved, as he understands thoroughly the principles underlying the science of medicine and is careful in diagnosing a case to take into account all of the symptoms. He also manages capably his large agricultural interests and is one of the substantial and valued citizens of the county.
ALVIN C. SCHUTZ.
Among the native sons of Madison county who have continued to reside here is Alvin C. Schutz, a farmer of Grand River township, who was born June 24, 1872, of the marriage of Andrew and Barbara Ellen (Hatter) Schutz. The father, who was born in Bern, Switzerland, on the 28th of February, 1830, farmed in that country previous to his removal to the United States in 1856. He set- tled in Ohio and there found work as a farm hand, during the winter months receiving merely his board and clothes. In 1858 he removed to Johnson county,
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Iowa, and entered the employ of Samuel Spurrier, a farmer. In 1866 Mr. Schutz became a resident of Madison county and purchased raw prairie land. He built a log cabin which served as the family residence and immediately turned his atten- tion to breaking the prairie sod. When he came here there were but few settlers in his locality, but as the years passed the country grew in population and wealth and he shared the general prosperity. He became the owner of three hundred and seventy-five acres of land and his farm was one of the attractive places of the county, its orchard and grove of pine trees adding not a little to its value as well as to its pleasantness as a residence. Mr. Schutz resided thereon for forty-two years and its development and improvement was due entirely to him. He was an extensive stock-raiser and in the early days often drove stock to Des Moines. He raised Black Polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs of good grade, from the sale of which he derived a handsome income. He was a member of the republican party, but had no political aspirations, although always willing to aid in any movement for the benefit of his community and county. Although he belonged to the German Lutheran church, he contributed to the support of all denominations. He passed away upon his homestead on section 20, Grand River township, on the 20th of December, 1910, and his demise was sincerely mourned.
The mother of our subject was born in Highland county, Ohio, on the 9th of February, 1839, but in 1844 removed with her parents by ox team to Washington county, Iowa, whence eleven years later the family went to Keokuk, where they resided until 1866. In that year she became the wife of Andrew Schutz, and she proved a true helpmate, performing the many tasks that fell to the lot of the pioneer wives and mothers. Her courage and good cheer were qualities that endeared her to all with whom she came in contact for although there was not only much hard work to be done but also many inconveniences and even priva- tions to be endured in the early days, she accepted all as unavoidable in a new country and did her part nobly, thus aiding in laying the foundation of the pres- ent prosperity of the county. She passed away on the 23d of November, 1914, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Kivett cemetery in Grand River township.
Alvin C. Schutz was reared upon the home farm in Grand River township and in the acquirement of his education attended first the district schools and later the Macksburg high school. He assisted with the operation of the home- stead until 1893, when he removed to Nebraska and took up land there. How- ever after a short time he returned to Madison county and bought part of the home farm. He has since lived continuously in Grand River township and his farm of one hundred and twenty acres is a productive and well managed prop- erty. Since early boyhood he has been familiar with practical methods of agri- culture and his success is due in large measure to his thorough knowledge of all phases of farming and stock-raising.
In 1902 Mr. Schutz married Miss Mabel E. Hart, who was born in Marshall county, Iowa, a daughter of Charles and Olive (Coate) Hart, both of whom are living in Los Angeles, California, the father having reached the age of sixty-five and the mother of fifty-six years. He farmed during his active life and on com- ing to Iowa settled first in Benton county, later in Marshall county and then in Madison county. He owned valuable land and gained financial independence. After residing in this state for a number of years he removed to Kansas, but on
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account of ill health took up his abode in Los Angeles, California. Mr. and Mrs. Schutz have three children: Alvin Doyle, born on the 21st of July, 1906; Charles Warren, born July 29, 1909: and Andrew Hart, whose birth occurred on the 16th of December, 1912.
Mr. Schutz is a republican and for five years was township trustee, proving a competent official. He is quite active in public affairs, participating in all move- ments that are calculated to advance the general welfare. Both he and his wife belong to the West Branch Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee. He also holds membership in the Odd Fellows lodge, in which he has held all of the chairs, and in the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs and she has held all of the offices in that order. They conform their lives to high standards and their influence is always given to the side of justice, truth and progress.
CHARLES F. ALLGEYER.
Charles F. Allgeyer, a retired farmer of Winterset, Iowa, is connected with financial affairs there as a bank director. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, Sep- tember 26, 1850, the second of five children, whose parents were Charles and Frances (Seltz) Allgeyer, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany, the former born in 1821. Charles Allgeyer learned cabinetmaking in his youth and followed that trade in his native land until he came to the United States in 1849. He settled in Mansfield, Ohio, and did some cabinetmaking, but also worked upon the railroad, being boss of a gang of men. After living there for eight years he removed to Mercer county, Illinois, purchased land and began farming. In 1867 he came to Madison county, Iowa, moving his family and household effects in two wagons. He paid ten dollars an acre for his farm, which was yet largely unbroken. As there was no house upon the place, the family lived in the wagons until lumber could be hauled from Des Moines and a residence erected. He owned two hundred acres of land, which he brought to a high state of cultiva- tion, and successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Both he and his wife passed away upon the farm. He was a devout communicant of the Catholic church and contributed liberally to the support of that organization. He was without political aspirations, but served as a member of the school board in his district in Douglas township.
Charles F. Allgeyer remained at home for some time after completing his education in the district schools, but when twenty-six years of age he was mar- ried, and buying a farm near his father's place, began the cultivation of his land. He continued to follow agricultural pursuits for many years, specializing in the feeding and shipping of cattle and hogs. His well directed energy and his knowl- edge of his business secured him financial prosperity and in 1909 he retired from active life and is now living in Winterset. He owns six hundred and two acres of land in Douglas township and derives a handsome income from his property. He is a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Winterset and his business judgment is highly respected.
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In 1876 Mr. Allgeyer was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Rogan, who was born in Creetown, Scotland, and who was brought to this county by her parents when an infant of nine months. Her father, James Rogan, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1813 and is still living in Douglas township at the remark- able old age of one hundred and two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Crumby, was born in Creetown, Scotland, in 1818 and died at the age of seventy-six years in 1894. In June, 1853, Mr. Rogan took up his resi- dence in Joliet, Illinois, where he resided until August, 1859. He then came to Douglas township, this county, and although he was a stonecutter by trade engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land. He still worked at his trade occasionally after coming to this county. He is a democrat and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom Mrs. Allgeyer is the third in order of birth. The record of the five children born to her marriage is as follows: Minnie Maud, who is the wife of Thomas F. Wilhelm, a druggist of Winterset, Iowa, has a daughter, Helen, attending school. Charles Otis, born in 1879, is operating his father's farm and is dealing in stock. He is married and has a daughter, Frances Ella. Vergie is at home. James Lloyd and Joseph William are both upon their father's farm.
Mr. Allgeyer is a democrat and has done much efficient work in the party ranks. He has been township trustee and has also served as school director. His religious allegiance is given to the Catholic church, of which he is a devout com- municant. He has contributed much toward the development of agricultural interests in his county and the individual prosperity that he enjoys is his just reward.
C. M. WALLACE, M. D.
Dr. C. M. Wallace, engaged in the practice of medicine at Macksburg, was born in Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa, January 9, 1871. His father, Isaac Wal- lace, was a native of Tennessee but in early childhood went to Missouri, where he was reared. Subsequently he removed to Iowa and for many years was en- gaged in the manufacture of brick at Bedford, making the brick from which were built many of the old-time structures of that section of the state. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four years and passed away at the home of his son, Dr. Wallace, in Macksburg. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary L. Jones, was born in Missouri and now makes her home with the Doctor.
In the public schools of Bedford Dr. Wallace acquired his education, spend- ing his youthful days under the parental roof, and when he had determined upon medical practice as a life work he prepared for that calling as a student in the medical college at St. Joseph, Missouri. He practiced at Persia, Iowa, and St. Joseph, Missouri, and in August, 1908, came to Macksburg, where he has since been accorded a liberal patronage. His ability has led to a constant increase in his practice and he keeps in touch with advancing thought and methods through wide reading.
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Dr. Wallace married Helen May Persons, a native of New Market, Taylor county, Iowa, and they have two children, Guy and Eva. Mrs. Wallace is a member of the Methodist church and Dr. Wallace holds membership with the Odd Fellows. In politics he is a democrat but has no desire for public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties.
ALEXANDER BONHAM.
Alexander Bonham, who was very successful as a farmer and who in 1888 retired to Macksburg, lived to be one of the oldest citizens of Madison county and passed away on the 2d of March, 1899, in his eighty-eighth year, his birth having occurred July 20, 1811. He was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, of the marriage of David and Tacy Bonham, who in 1817 removed with their family to Harrison county, Ohio. There Alexander Bonham grew to years of maturity and on the 22d of November, 1833, he married Miss Susan Yarnell, who was born in that county, October 6, 1816. In 1837 they removed to Coshocton county, Ohio, where they resided for twenty years, removing to Madison county, Iowa, in 1857, the date of his arrival here being the 4th of November, of that year. Mr. Bonham settled in Grand River township and for more than three decades was actively engaged in farming, his labors yielding him a good financial return. In 1888 he retired to Macksburg and the remainder of his life was passed in honorable retirement from business cares.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bonham were born nine children. David, born on the 11th of September, 1834, in Harrison county, Ohio, was married on the 8th of September, 1860, to Miss Byancy Abrams, and died in Macksburg, Iowa, on the Sth of April, 1907. Mary D., whose birth occurred on the 15th of March, 1837, in Harrison county, Ohio, married Dennis Stump on the 13th of September, 1865, and passed away in Grand River township on the 25th of August, 1884. Benjamin S., born on the 28th of July, 1839, in Coshocton county, Ohio, married Rosa Goodwin on the 8th of November, 1867, and died in Oklahoma, January 16, 1910. Hannah J., whose birth occurred in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 22d of Septem- ber, 1841, became the wife of Dr. J. H. Mack on the 22d of August, 1858, and she resides in Macksburg. Tacy, whose birth occurred on the 8th of October, 1843, in Coshocton county, Ohio, married J. H. Pierce and passed away in Grand River township on the 15th of June, 1870. Mattie, born in Coshocton county on the Ioth of April, 1851, died in Grand River township on the 17th of June, 1870. Phoebe, who was born on the 23d of October, 1853, in Coshocton county, married J. Pearson on the 8th of March, 1870, and died in Grand River township on the 28th of November, 1877. George W., born on the 24th of February, 1857, has been twice married and is now residing in Lorimor, Iowa. He married Miss Susan Phillips, on the 24th of February, 1875, and she passed away on the 3d of January, 1894. On the 13th of September, 1897, he was united in wedlock with Miss Malissa Klingensmith. Samuel, whose birth occurred on the 17th of June, 1858, is a native of Grand River township. On the 18th of September, 1882, he married Miss Molly Mckenzie, and they make their home at Lorimor.
MR. AND MRS. ALEXANDER BONHAM
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Mr. and Mrs. Bonham lived together for sixty-five years and their married life was characterized by true companionship. Mr. Bonham gave his political allegiance to the republican party but was never an office seeker. He was a con- sistent Christian and was for seventy-two years a member of the Baptist church, as he united therewith in his sixteenth year. His wife, who became a church member at the age of ten, was likewise deeply religious and possessed the Chris- tian spirit. She passed away on the 30th of June, 1910, and many who knew her felt that her demise was a personal loss. Mr. Bonham was one of the most venerable residents of the county at the time of his death and received in full measure the respect and honor that should always be given to those who have lived a long life well and have served their community to the best of their ability. He was willing to cooperate with others in efforts to advance the moral and civic interests of the county and his personality was such that he held a place in the warm regard of many.
WILLIAM HENRY TAYLOR.
William Henry Taylor, who owns six hundred and twenty acres of excel- lent land in Madison township, is a native of Madison county, born a half mile from the town of Earlham on what is now known as the Foster place. His birth occurred in December, 1876, and his parents were Henry and Hannah ( Rollin- son) Taylor, more extended mention of whom is made in the sketch of O. L. Taylor.
William Henry Taylor received his education in the common schools of the county and as a boy devoted much of his time to aiding his father with the work of the home place. He remained with his parents until he was thirty-six years of age and then bought eighty acres of land from his father. He made a number of improvements upon his farm, but subsequently sold it and bought three hun- dred and eighty acres on sections 20 and 29, Madison township. It was a highly developed farm when it came into his possession, but he has made still further improvements and from its operation derives a gratifying income. He has also purchased other land and now owns an aggregate of six hundred and twenty acres of some of the finest land in the county, on sections 17, 20 and 29, Madison township. He makes a specialty of raising Aberdeen Angus cattle and feeds about two carloads of cattle a year. He also raises a high grade of Poland China hogs.
Mr. Taylor married Miss Cevilla Bennett, on the 12th of March, 1902. She is a daughter of Myron E. and Amelia ( White) Bennett, both natives of New York. When children they accompanied their respective parents to Illi- nois and upon reaching maturity the father decided to follow agricultural pur- suits. In 1870 he and his wife removed to this county and purchased land in Penn township, to the cultivation of which he devoted sixteen years. At the end of that time he was elected sheriff of the county and removed to Winterset, where he resided the remainder of his life. He passed away in August, 1911, and his widow is now making her home at El Reno, Oklahoma. Mr. Bennett was a member of Company G, Eighth Missouri Infantry. Although he enlisted in Illi-
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nois, he was soon afterward transferred to the aforementioned Missouri regi- ment and served for one year in defense of the Union, but at the end of that time returned home, being disabled by a wound. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered he reentered the army and was with the colors for another year. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have six children, namely : Arthur, twelve years of age; Mary, ten ; Mabel, nine; Glenn, five; De Vere, three; and Charles, an infant of less than a year.
Mr. Taylor is a republican and takes a citizen's interest in everything relating to the public welfare, being especially interested in the advancement of the pub- lic schools, realizing their paramount importance in a democracy. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he is a loyal supporter of the work of that organization. He has achieved a large measure of success and is held in high esteem as a farmer and stock-raiser and also as a business man, having managed his financial affairs most judiciously. He is a member of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Association and has done not a little to improve the grade of stock raised in this county. He has also had time to devote to the immaterial interests of the county and his influence has been a force for right and progress.
NATHAN BINNS.
Nathan Binns, a well known farmer and stockman residing on section 9, Webster township, was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 19th of January, 1852. His parents, Benjamin and Hannah (Fernside) Binns, were also natives of that shire, the father's birth occurring in 1830 and the mother's two years later. Benjamin Binns, who is a stone mason and bricklayer by trade, resided in England until 1858, when he left his native land and came to the United States, settling in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He purchased land there, but continued to follow his trades until 1886. He then came to Madison county and bought land in Webster township, becoming the owner of two hundred acres, which, however, he never cultivated personally, hiring others to do the farm work. He raised con- siderable stock of a high grade, finding that line of activity very profitable. He stills owns one hundred and two acres, from which he derives a good income. In I911 he returned to Oskaloosa, where he still lives, and he is a stockholder in one of the banks of that city. He is a naturalized citizen of the United States and supports the republican party at the polls. He has always been keenly interested in everything affecting the public welfare and is willing to place the general good above his private interests. His wife passed away on the 8th of April, 1914. They were the parents of three children, of whom Nathan is the eldest. B. S. is also living in Webster township and the youngest is residing at Oskaloosa.
Nathan Binns began his education in England and continued it in the district schools of Mahaska county, Iowa. However, when but eleven years of age he began carning his own living, working as a farm hand for John Schultz, who at one time resided in Madison county. When thirteen years of age Mr. Binns began assisting in the operation of his father's farm, while the latter followed his trades. By dint of hard work and careful management our subject has
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accumulated a competence. He owns three hundred and twenty-seven acres of fine land on section 9 in Webster township and engages in the stock business. He raises, feeds, buys and ships cattle and hogs and carries on an extensive busi- ness along those lines. He also does some general farming and is financially independent.
In 1890 Mr. Binns married Miss Martha J. Howard, a daughter of Dexter and Elizabeth (Moore) Howard, an account of whose lives appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Binns have become the parents of the following children : Everett L., who married Miss Matilda Harrison, a granddaughter of M. C. Clement, one of the pioneers of Grand River township; Wilham and Guy, who died in infancy ; and Fred. Arthur, Dessie Marie and Alfred, all of whom are attending district school.
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