USA > Iowa > Marion County > History of Marion County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 14
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GEORGE S. HOLLINGSHEAD.
George S. Hollingshead, engaged in general farming and stock- raising, owns and operates one hundred and seventy-five acres of land in Knoxville township and in addition is engaged in the further cultivation of a rented farm. In the conduct of his business affairs he is associated with his son, G. Earl Hollingshead, and the firm is well known in this section of the state.
George S. Hollingshead is a native of what is now the state of West Virginia, his birth having occurred November 6, 1845, in Marshall county ere the separation of West Virginia from the Old Dominion. His parents were Anthony and Sarah ( Baker) Hollings- head, who left the south in 1853 and became residents of Iowa. From March until August of that year they remained in Des Moines county and then removed to Van Buren county, where they lived until after the Civil war. In 1873 they came to Marion county, establishing their home upon a farm in Clay township, and a number of years later they took up their abode in the village of Durham, where the father resided until his death. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Hollingshead, had passed away in 1862, leaving a family of six children, of whom five yet survive, namely: Allen A., a resident of Seattle, Washing- ton; William, who is in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington &
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Quincy Railroad and makes his home at Ravenna, Nebraska; Mrs. Jennie Funk and Mrs. Mary A. Pumphrey, who are residents of Ottumwa, Iowa; and George S., of this review. One son, Samuel, was killed in a runaway accident in the state of Washington, where he had engaged in teaching for several years. After losing his first wife Anthony Hollingshead was married again, his second union being with Elizabeth Campbell, who died at Durham, this county, leaving three children : Charles and Gaines, both now deceased ; and Sarah, who resides with her brother, George S. The father was a republican in his political views but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him as he always preferred to concen- trate his energies upon his farming and stock-raising interests, in which he won a creditable and gratifying success.
From the age of nine years George S. Hollingshead has lived in Iowa, and he possesses the spirit of enterprise and progress which has characterized the development and upbuilding of this state. In 1863, when a youth of but seventeen years, he offered his services to the government and joined Company G of the Third Iowa Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the Civil war, participating in a number of hotly contested engagements which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms. He was never wounded, how- ever, and was honorably discharged on the 9th of August, 1865. Upon his return home he resumed the occupation of farming and cleared a tract of fifty-three acres, to which he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Knoxville township, constituting one of its carefully cultivated and well improved farms. He has still further extended the scope of his activities by renting a farm and has now admitted his son, G. Earl, to a partnership in the business.
On the 3d of May, 1871, Mr. Hollingshead was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Agnes Templeton, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, February 17, 1851, a daughter of James and Sarah (Campbell) Templeton. They removed to Iowa in the spring of 1853, settling in Van Buren county, where the father passed away several years later. He had visited Marion county about 1852 and had entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, it being his inten- tion to some day locate thereon, but he was taken ill and passed away in Van Buren county. The land is still in possession of the family, having been transferred but once. After losing her first husband Mrs. Templeton became the wife of Orr Gilchrist and with him re- moved to Marion county in' 1869. Here they spent their remaining
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days, Mr. Gilchrist dying about 1885, while his widow survived until 1910 and passed away at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. She had two children by her first marriage, Mary Agnes and Robert. The latter passed away in Anaconda, Montana, about 1905. By her second marriage Mrs. Gilchrist had two children, one of whom sur- vives, N. G. Gilchrist, who is a resident of Marion county. Mrs. Hollingshead was reared in Van Buren county but was married at her present home in 1871 and by this marriage has become the mother of three sons. Emmet T., of Knoxville, married Ola Wright and they have four children. Oakes, a resident farmer of Knoxville township, wedded Mattie Sherwood, by whom he has two children. G. Earl, who is his father's partner, married Edith Bruere and they have two children.
Mr. Hollingshead has made all of the improvements upon his farm and has a valuable property supplied with all modern equip- ments and comforts. His political allegiance is given to the repub- lican party, and fraternally he is connected with John C. Ferguson Post, G. A. R. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. For more than six decades he has been a resident of Marion county and there are few who can claim a longer connection with this section of the state. He has noted the many changes which have occurred and has ever borne his part in the work of general development, be- ing especially active along agricultural lines and thus aiding in winning for the state the splendid reputation which Iowa bears in connection with agricultural development. In matters of citizen- ship he has always been progressive and is as true and loyal to his country today as when he followed the old flag upon the battlefields of the south.
THE GUARANTY BANK.
The banks of Knoxville are ably managed and possess the con- fidence of the community and the Guaranty Bank receives a gratifying share of the banking business transacted in the city. Its doors were opened on the ist of October, 1909, and its first administrative officers were George W. Crozier, president; Thomas Nace, vice president ; N. F. Miller, cashier ; and R. C. Nace, assistant cashier. It was at that time located one door west of the postoffice, but is now housed in its new building on the west side of the square on Main street.
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The structure was finished on New Year's Day, 1914, and is modern in all respects. It has a handsome front and the equipment for bank- ing is one of the best in Knoxville. The banking room is lighted by skylights and the vault is the finest and most secure in the county. The upper floor is given up to offices. It is a private institution owned by a copartnership of twenty-six responsible and representa- tive men. It offers its depositors ample security and in the past year the total sum of deposits subject to check has almost doubled. The officials at the present time (1915) are Geo. W. Crozier, president; Thomas Nace, vice president; E. R. Jordan, cashier; and Roy Walker, assistant cashier. Its policy is a progressive one and its con- tinued prosperity and growth is assured.
H. M. FISK.
One of the well known residents of Pella is H. M. Fisk, who has built up a large business as a ditch contractor. He was born in Jefferson county, lowa, in 1844, the third of a family of six children, whose parents were Henry C. and Julia A. (Stites) Fisk. The father was born in England in 1809 and the mother in Ohio in 1814. They were married in the Buckeye state and in 1840 removed to Jefferson county, Iowa, where they remained until 1859, in which year they established their home in Marion county. Mr. Fisk died in Pella in 1893 and his widow passed away in that city in 1895.
H. M. Fisk became a student in the district schools of Marion county and at the same time received valuable training under his father's instructions, learning the methods of practical agriculture. In 1861, when but a youth of seventeen years, he enlisted in Company I, Tenth Iowa Infantry, and was at the front for three years and two months. He was wounded in the battle of Champion's Hill and took part in numerous other engagements. When peace had been made he returned to this county and farmed for a few years, after which he turned his attention to other lines of work. He built the first tile factory in this state and conducted it successfully for several years. After selling out he went into the tile ditch contracting business and has since concentrated his energies upon that line of endeavor. He invariably fulfils his contract and the work is well done and com- pleted in good time.
In 1865 Mr. Fisk married Mrs. Mahala Grover, the widow of James W. Grover. She was born in White county, Indiana, in 1844
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and when a girl of twelve accompanied her parents to this state. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk have three daughters: Mrs. Caroline Bell Haven, of Sheridan, Wyoming; Mrs. Emma Clutter, who lives in Pukwana, South Dakota; and Mrs. Edith Amburn, of Lenox, Iowa.
Mr. Fisk purchased his present residence in 1906 and has since much improved the place, remodeling the house and building barns. The property includes thirteen acres of fine land, which he cultivates and which adds quite a little to his annual income. He is a democrat in politics and his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the American Secular Union and Freethought Federation. He is a director in the Citizens National Bank of Pella and his business ability commands the respect of his fellow citizens.
ASBURY SHERIDAN OVERTON.
Asbury Sheridan Overton is a well known farmer and stockman of Knoxville township who owns and cultivates two hundred acres of land on section 34, about seven miles southeast of the city of Knox- ville. The farm presents a neat and attractive appearance and indi- cates the careful supervision and practical, progressive methods of Mr. Overton, who is one of the native sons of the county. He was born on the 24th of April, 1865, his father being Tyler Overton, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
The youthful days of Asbury S. Overton were spent on the old homestead where he was born, and between the ages of six and fifteen years he was a pupil in the district school not far from his home. He then started out to earn his living and since that time has depended entirely upon his own efforts. He has always followed the occupa- tion to which he was reared, nor has he had any desire to make a change in his life work. More than a century ago George Washing- ton said : "Farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man;" and it is to this line of labor that Mr. Overton has directed his efforts. In the spring of 1902 he took up his abode upon his present farm, comprising two hundred acres of rich and productive land on section 34, Knoxville township, pleasantly and conveniently located about seven miles southeast of Knoxville. Upon it are found fine modern improvements. He carries on general agri- cultural pursuits and for about ten years was engaged largely in the raising of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle but sold his herd in 1897. For a long period he has bred Shropshire sheep and is still a mem-
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ber of the Shropshire Breeders' Association. Sound judgment has characterized all of his business undertakings and energy and enter- prise have led him constantly forward toward the goal of success.
In 1902 Mr. Overton was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Bender, who was born in Knoxville in 1879 and was here reared. She is a daughter of Charles and Mary (Welsh) Bender. Her father came to Marion county in the fall of 1872 and for forty-two years was a resident of this part of the state, his death occurring September 28, 1914, when he was sixty-eight years of age. His widow, who was born in Marion county, still resides here at the age of sixty-four years, her home being in Knoxville. In the Bender family were four children, three of whom reached adult age: Mrs. Jessie Miller, living in Knoxville township; James Calvin, a farmer who is mar- ried and resides in Oklahoma; and Mrs. Overton. To Mr. and Mrs. Overton have been born seven children, as follows: Lois, who is eleven years of age; Maria, ten years old; Marion, Karl, Wayne and Merle, who are nine, seven, five and four years of age respectively; and Charles, whose natal day was November 1, 1913.
Politically Mr. Overton is a republican and broad reading and deep thought keep him in touch with the significant political prob- lems of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelli- gent argument. He does not seek nor desire office, however. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church and both are highly esteemed, having many warm friends in the community where they have always lived. Those who know them speak of them in terms of high regard and they are representative residents of Knoxville township.
E. A. JOHNSON.
E. A. Johnson, the efficient cashier of the Bank of Bussey, was born in Liberty township, this county, March 9, 1867, and is a son of John B. and Eleanor (Schee) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They were married, however, in Marion county, Iowa, in April, 1866, and their family numbered five children, four of whom are yet living, namely : E. A., of this review; Minta, the wife of Dr. W. E. Sanders, practicing in Des Moines; Valetta, who married J. W. Milne, also of Des Moines ; and Charles A., who resides in Coun- cil Bluffs. The fourth child of the family, Viola, died at the age of twenty-two years. The parents are still living and reside in Des
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Moines. The father came to Marion county in 1865 and the mother in 1846. John B. Johnson engaged in farming in Liberty township and for an extended period carried on general agricultural pursuits and the raising of graded stock. He ranked with the progressive agriculturists of the community and it was with deep regret that his fellow townsmen saw him leave this county to become a resident of Des Moines. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, but he has never sought nor held office. In 1894 he retired from active business life and at that time took up his abode in Bussey, where he lived until 1906, when he removed to the capital city.
In his youthful days E. A. Johnson attended the public schools and afterward became a student in Penn College at Oskaloosa, in which he pursued a two years' course. On the expiration of that period he returned home and in January, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Knapp, a daughter of Wright and Ophelia (Shope) Knapp. In their family were eleven children, four of whom reached adult age, while three still survive. The parents, however, are now deceased. The mother was a sister of Judge Shope, of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of nine children : Olive, who is engaged in teaching in the Rock Rapids high school ; Joseph A., who died when five years of age; Raymond, who died when an infant of two and a half months; Lambert, who died at the age of two years; Edith Marie, the wife of E. G. Doughman, a resident of Saskatchewan, Canada; Viola; Louis; James, who died at the age of three years; and Eleanor.
Mr. Johnson was reared to farm life but for some time has been closely and actively identified with banking interests in this county and is now cashier of the Bank of Bussey, which was organized in August, 1892, with James Schee, of Lincoln, Nebraska, as the presi- dent and Anna B. Johnson as assistant cashier. The stockholders are: Asa Johnson, C. Fergus, J. B. Johnson, of Des Moines, and Fred C. McMillan, of Des Moines. The bank has a paid up capital of fifteen thousand dollars. The business has grown continuously until the assets aggregate two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The success of the institution is largely attributable to Mr. Johnson, who has been the active manager of the business and who in controlling the Bank of Bussey has kept in touch with the most modern and progressive financial methods.
In his political views Mr. Johnson has always been a stalwart republican and is interested in public affairs, cooperating in many movements which have for their object the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He belongs to the Odd Fellows society and the
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American Yeomen, and in his religious views is a Methodist. His has been a well spent life. Active and enterprising, he brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent and earnest effort and the integrity of his business methods is above question.
WILLIAM A. BANKS.
William A. Banks, a well known farmer, owning and operating three hundred and sixty-five acres of land in Knoxville township, was born in Danbury, Connecticut, November 25, 1863, a son of John and Cynthia (Judson) Banks. The father was born in Westmead, near Dublin, Ireland, of Scotch and English parentage, but was brought to New York city when a child of three years. He grew to manhood there and subsequently resided for a time in Zanesville, Ohio. In 1860 he was married in Connecticut and not long afterward removed to Marion county, Iowa. He had first visited this county in 1854 and was very favorably impressed with its opportunities at that time. He continued to reside here after the removal of the family to this county until his death in 1895. His widow survived for a number of years, her demise occurring in 1909. They were mem- bers of the Separatist church, a dissenting organization which with- drew from the Episcopal church. He was a republican in politics and held a number of local offices, including that of trustee. His agricultural activities returned to him a good income and he was one of the substantial men of his community. Much of the land which he owned was purchased for a dollar and a quarter per acre as he was far-sighted enough to take advantage of the low price of land prevailing here in the '6os. In 1849 he went to California, where he spent three years, and had many interesting experiences.
Seven children were born to John and Cynthia Banks, William A. being the second in order of birth. The next youngest died in in- fancy and the others are as follows: John Edward, a civil engineer, who after graduating from the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts at Ames took a course at Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, and is now a minor official of the American Bridge Company, stationed at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Alfred J., a graduate of the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts; Clara J., who makes her home with the subject of this review ; Sarah, a resident of Denver, Colorado; and Charles, who resides with his brother, William A., and is associated with him in business.
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William A. Banks was reared in this county, as were all of his brothers and sisters, and attended the common schools. In his boy- hood and youth he received valuable training in agriculture through assisting his father and since coming to years of maturity has con- tinued to follow that occupation. In addition to cultivating the fields he raises full blooded Polled Angus cattle and the sale of his grain and stock yields him a good income annually. The farm comprises three hundred and sixty-five acres and its value is increased by its favorable location, as it is about six miles from the city of Knoxville. Everything about the place is kept in excellent repair, the fertility of the soil is conserved by wise methods of cultivation and the latest machinery is employed in the farm work.
Mr. Banks is a republican and has acceptably served as trustee of Knoxville township, looking after the business of the township as carefully as if it were his own. His membership in the Plymouth Presbyterian church of Knoxville township indicates his religious belief.
THOMAS GULLION.
On the list of Marion county's honored dead appears the name of Thomas Gullion, who for an extended period was prominently and actively connected with agricultural interests in Indiana town- ship, his labors bringing to him a substantial measure of success. He early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. No matter how diffi- cult the task which confronted him he accomplished it, for he was resolute, determined and persevering, and above all things he was thoroughly honorable in his business dealings.
Indiana numbered him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in that state, June 17, 1829, his parents being Jeremiah and Rebecca (McGrew) Gullion, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. They removed to Indiana at an early day and in the '40S came to Marion county, Iowa, arriving here before the admission of the state into the Union. This section was still largely undevel- oped and unimproved, in fact, there were very few white settlers. The forests were uncut, the prairies uncultivated, the streams un- bridged, and only here and there was to be seen the little cabin of the settler, showing that the seeds of civilization were being planted.
THOMAS GULLION
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The father secured land which he converted into a productive farm, upon which both he and his wife spent their remaining days.
Thomas Gullion was a youth in his early teens when the family came to Iowa and he shared with them in all of the hardships, trials and privations incident to pioneer life when neighbors lived miles apart and when farm work was very arduous, for there was none of the modern machinery of the present day. After reaching man's estate Mr. Gullion was united in marriage on the ist of April, 1853, to Miss Hannah A. Simmons, who was born in Kane county, Illi- nois, a daughter of Benjamin and Frances (Sherwood) Simmons, both of whom were natives of Indiana. At an early day they re- moved to Illinois and in 1837 came to Iowa when this state was still a part of the territory of Wisconsin. They settled in Linn county, Mr. Simmons being the second man to pass the winter in that county. They secured a tract of land and he built a log cabin with a clap- board roof and a puncheon floor and door, from which hung the latchstring, usually on the outside. There was a mud and stick chimney and the only means of heating the cabin was the fireplace. After aiding in the pioneer development of Linn county Mr. Sim- mons again became identified with pioneer life, removing to the northwest and taking up his abode in Oregon in 1853. There he and his wife again took part in sowing the seeds of civilization in a wild district and their remaining days were spent in that state. In their family were twelve children, of whom five are yet living.
Following his marriage Mr. Gullion purchased three hundred acres of land in Indiana township and bent his energies to the devel- opment and improvement of the place. The opening of spring saw him at work in the fields and he carefully tilled the soil and culti- vated the crops until the harvests were gathered in the late autumn. The methods which he followed were at once practical and pro- gressive and brought gratifying results. He lived upon the farm until his death, which occurred in April, 1911.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gullion were born ten children: Margaret, now the wife of John Corkins; Rebecca, who married William Hall; Sarah, the wife of George Gruder; Mcclellan; Isaac J .; Danny, at home; John S .; and three who have passed away. After the demise of her husband Mrs. Gullion sold the home farm and purchased fifteen acres, where she now resides. This land is highly improved and to its further development and cultivation she gives her personal attention and supervision.
Mr. Gullion was a member of the Methodist Protestant church and his life was in harmony with its teachings. In politics he was Vol. II-10
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a democrat and always took an active interest in the questions and issues of the day but did not seek nor wish for office. He believed, however, it was the duty of every true American citizen to exercise his right of franchise in support of the principles in which he be- lieved and he at all times manifested a public-spirited devotion to the general good. When death called him he was laid to rest in the Gullion cemetery, leaving a widow and seven children to mourn his loss.
PAULS LUMBER COMPANY.
The Pauls Lumber Company, with its home office in Washington. Iowa, has a well stocked lumberyard in Knoxville, of which Benjamin R. Beach is the manager. The yard has been established in the city for many years, in fact, is one of the oldest in Knoxville, but it has belonged to the Pauls Lumber Company only since January, 1908. Previous to that it was the property of the Anthes Lumber Company. Its founder was J. S. Bellamy, who incorporated the business in 1875. The present owners continue the liberal policies which made the yard successful in its early history and carry a full line of lumber of all kinds and various building materials. A large patronage is accorded them and the volume of their business is steadily increasing.
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