USA > Iowa > Marion County > History of Marion County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 2
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
15
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
mother upon the home farm; Molly, who married W. N. Bacon, a resident of Pleasantville, Iowa; Edmonia, the deceased wife of William Koons; John O., of this review; and one who died in in- fancy.
John O. Rinehart is indebted to the public schools of Pleasant Grove township for his educational opportunities and to his father's instruction for much of his knowledge of agriculture. He farmed rented land for two years previous to his marriage and continued to operate land belonging to others for about three years. After that event he then purchased his present place, which comprises eighty acres on section 13, Union township, and has since resided there. He is a progressive and successful farmer and raises both grain and stock, finding that in this way waste is eliminated and the course a profitable one.
Mr. Rinehart was married in 1888 to Miss Eliza Jane Ruckman, who was born December 28, 1863, a daughter of E. B. Ruck- man, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. She was reared in this county and educated in the district schools of Union township. Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart have become the parents of two children. Eliphalet Benton, born on the 5th of July, 1889, is now assisting his father with the work of the homestead; and Charles William, whose natal day was the 6th of March, 1892, also resides at home. The elder son is a member of Knoxville Lodge, No. 90, I. O. O. F.
Mr. Rinehart is a republican and has served as township trustee, road supervisor and school director. He has also been a delegate to county conventions of his party, and was the successful candidate for township trustee in November, 1914. His energy and ability make him one of the representative farmers of the county and all who know him hold him in high respect.
J. D. CUNNINGHAM.
A native son of Marion county, J. D. Cunningham has passed his entire life here and has for many years been actively identified with stock-raising interests. He resides in Knoxville, where his birth occurred in December, 1865. His parents were Howard T. and Sarah (Boydston) Cunningham, natives respectively of Rock- ville, Indiana, and Mount Morris, Greene county, Pennsylvania. The birth of the father occurred in April, 1842, and that of the
16
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
mother in October, 1844. They were married in February, 1865, in Knoxville, lowa. The father came here about 1854 and engaged in the hardware business but was also much interested in stock-rais- ing and was the first breeder of Poland China hogs in this county. He later dealt in fast horses. On the ist of July, 1862, he enlisted at Corinth, Mississippi, in the Fifteenth Regiment, lowa Volunteer Infantry, as fife major, under the command of Colonel H. W. Reid. He was given his honorable discharge on the 17th of December, 1864, at Kings Bridge, Georgia, and returned to Knoxville, where he resided for many years, passing away in October, 1904. In his family were three children: J. D., of this review; Mary, the wife of G. W. Baxter, of Denver; and Louise, who married P. H. Don- nelly, also of Denver.
J. D. Cunningham was reared in Knoxville and attended the elementary and high schools of this city. Early in life he began to help his father with the care of his fine horses and has never lost his interest in the breeding and raising of horses. The home place comprises ten acres of land in the outskirts of Knoxville and there he raises big type Poland China hogs. As before stated his father was the pioneer breeder of Poland China hogs in the county and Mr. Cunningham of this review profited largely from his experience. He is very successful and the sale of his stock brings him a good return annually. He also owns a number of fine trotting horses.
Mr. Cunningham was married on the 2d of December, 1896, to Miss Hester Amos, a daughter of J. M. Amos, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. They have two children: Howard born February 7, 1898, who is attending the Knoxville high school; and Phillip, born November 22, 1900, a pupil in the Knoxville pub- lic schools. Fraternally Mr. Cunningham belongs to Knoxville Lodge, No. 72, K. P., and in politics he is a democrat. He has many sincere friends who have known him from boyhood and who recog- nized him as a man of sterling character.
JOHN BRAAM, JR.
John Braam, Jr., is a worthy representative of an old pioneer family of Marion county that was established here two-thirds of a century ago. He has always resided within its borders and during the past four years has conducted a general store at Durham. His birth occurred on the 8th of September, 1879, near Pella, his parents
17
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
being John and Jane ( Verros) Braam, both of whom were natives of Holland. They emigrated to the United States in 1847 and made their way direct to Marion county, Iowa, settling on a farm. The mother has passed away, but the father survives residing at Pella, and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which he has made his home for the past sixty-seven years and the im- provement and development of which he has witnessed and aided. His three children are all yet living.
John Braam, Jr., acquired his education in the common schools and owing to the death of the mother when he was but thirteen days old, he was reared in the home of his maternal grandparents until he had reached the age of thirty years. In 1910 he started out upon an independent business career as a merchant, becoming proprietor of a general store at Durham which he has conducted continuously and successfully to the present time. An extensive and well merited patronage is accorded him, for he carries a large and carefully selected line of goods at reasonable prices and is absolutely reliable and trustworthy in all of his business dealings.
In 1912 Mr. Braam was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Hughes, a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of John and Matilda Hughes, both natives of Pennsylvania, who now reside in Union county, Iowa. The wife of our subject is one of a family of four children, all of whom survive. Mr. Braam is a democrat in his political views, having supported the men and measures of that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Marion county and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance here.
J. F. BUFFINGTON.
J. F. Buffington is one of the progressive merchants of Hamilton. He possesses resolute purpose and determination and carries for- ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, knowing that difficulties and obstacles can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort. He is a native of the neighboring state of Illinois, his birth having occurred there March 30, 1874, his parents being Lumbert and Lydia Buffington. The father was a native of Scot- land and in early life left the land of hills and heather for the new world. On reaching the eastern coast he started at once for the interior of the country, settling in Illinois, where his remaining days
18
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
were passed. By his marriage he had a family of three children, of whom two are yet living.
J. F. Buffington in his youthful days acquired a good practical education in the schools of Illinois. He remained at home until he attained his majority and then started out in life on his own account. In 1900 he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia L. Sharp, who was born in Beacon, Iowa, a daughter of John and Rosetta ( Hate) Sharp, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and in 1859 came to Iowa. They settled in Marion county, where they are still living, and they are numbered among the honored and well known pioneer settlers, having made their home in the county for more than fifty- five years. In their family were seven children, five of whom survive.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Buffington came to Iowa and took up their abode in Hamilton, where he established a store and embarked in merchandising. He now owns a large store build- ing and is conducting a profitable and growing business, handling everything that is included within the term general merchandise. His stock is carefully selected to meet the demands of the public, and his patrons are always ready to speak a good word for him because of his straightforward and honorable dealing and his earnest efforts to please.
Mr. and Mrs. Buffington have become the parents of a daugh- ter, Lydia M. They occupy a pleasant home in Hamilton and have gained many warm friends during the period of their residence here. Mr. Buffington exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is ever ready to support his position by intelligent argument. He does not seek nor desire office, however, but concentrates his energies upon his business inter- ests and thereby is meeting with success.
HON. CHARLES HESTWOOD AMOS.
Iowa lost one of her most distinguished residents when Hon. Charles Hestwood Amos was called from this life. With marked strength of character he had used wisely and well the talents with which nature endowed him and he stood among the foremost law- vers of the state, also as a leader in political circles and as one of
CHARLES HESTWOO- AMOS
THE
PUBLIC
ASTER. L )x
TILDEN FOJ. DATIONS
21
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the prominent members of the Masonic fraternity. There were, moreover, in him those social traits which made him the loved friend of all with whom he came in close contact.
His birth occurred in Union township, Marion county, February 25, 1869, his parents being Captain Caleb J. and Emma Amos. His early youth was spent in his native county, but when he was eight years of age his parents removed to Chicago, where his father en- gaged in the live-stock business. In that city the boy, therefore, pur- sued his education, attending the public schools until graduated from the Lake high school. He was ambitious to secure a good education and entered the University of Michigan, where he spent three years as a student in the liberal arts department in preparation for a course in law. He had determined to make law practice his life work and after studying for a time in the Michigan State Uni- versity entered the Union College of Law, now the law depart- ment of Northwestern University of Chicago, from which he was graduated at the head of his class in 1892, despite the fact that he was earning his own way, working in the claim department of the Nickel Plate Railroad.
Mr. Amos immediately entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in Chicago and notwithstanding the fact that competition is nowhere greater he made substantial progress there during the three years of his residence in that city. Owing to his father's death he became the only support of his widowed mother and repaid her for every thoughtful care and attention which she had bestowed upon him in his childhood with the most filial love and devotion. This was one of the traits of his character that made him universally respected and admired. She was not only his mother but his con- fidant and his best friend, and the closest ties of companionship bound them. In 1895 they returned to Knoxville, where Mr. Amos entered into a law partnership with W. A. Stone, which relation was main- tained until 1897, when Mr. Stone removed to Idaho. At that time Mr. Amos became a partner of Hon. L. N. Hays, with whom he was connected for fourteen years, when the senior member of the firm was made district judge. At that time the firm of Amos & Vander Ploeg was formed and so continued until the death of Charles H. Amos. With the passing years he won a place among the distinguished lawyers of Iowa. He was a forceful and resource- ful member of the bar, strong in argument, logical in his deductions and a wise counsellor. There are few lawyers who are so careful to conform their practice to high standards of professional ethics. Vol. 11- 2
22
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
He gave to his clients the service of great talent, unwearied industry and rare learning, but he never forgot there were certain things due to the court, to his own self-respect and above all to justice and a righteous administration of the law which neither the zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of success would permit him to disre- gard.
Of him the Knoxville Journal said : "It is said that 'death loves a shining mark,' and so it would seem in this instance when it sum- marily closed a career so bright with promise as that of Charley Amos. He was a man of unusual ability, of commanding presence, an orator of power and effectiveness, endowed with a liberal educa- tion and the broadest views, and he seemed at the very outset of a career of much distinction. The safe counsellor, the brilliant advo- cate, the honored citizen and loving son has been taken away, afford- ing further evidence of the truth of the precept that the ways of Providence are past finding out."
Prominent as was Mr. Amos as a member of the bar, he was equally well known in political circles. All unsought, he had at- tained a position of leadership in the democratic party and two years before his death was his party's candidate for attorney general, while at the last primary election before his demise he would have been a formidable candidate for governor had he permitted the use of his name. He studied the political problems with great thorough- ness and earnestness and no one ever questioned the honesty of his convictions.
About the time he attained his majority Mr. Amos became a member of the Masonic lodge and afterward advanced through both the York and Scottish Rites until he became a Knight Templar and a Consistory Mason and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He took great delight in the work of the order in all of its branches and served as high priest of Tadmor Chapter, R. A. M., for several years. He was also patron of the Eastern Star chapter at Knoxville for two years and in March, 1910, attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the Des Moines consistory. At that meeting he was chosen by unanimous consent to be the spokesman of the class, which was a large one, and delivered one of the finest orations ever heard upon such occasions. His life embodied the highest stand- ards of Masonry. The teachings of the order made a deep and lasting impress upon his mind and he ever endeavored to live out the instruction concerning the brotherhood of man. It was a great comfort to him during his last illness that his Masonic friends were the watchers at his bedside. Among his closest associates he was
23
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
known as "The Duke"-a term of affection by which he was greeted on all occasions. During the last six months of his career after being advised by his physician of his condition he made a strong fight for life, but when he knew that the end was certain he met it with the same courageous spirit that characterized him in every action. Around him were the watchers at his bedside and, returning to consciousness after a period in which he had been in a comatose condition, he said: "I didn't think I would ever come back again, boys, but while I. am here I want to talk to you. You boys of the consistory and you others too remember your Masonry. Maybe my life has been open to criticism but I have tried to live my Ma- sonry. The consistory has been my religion. I will meet you boys again. Remember the teachings of Masonry. Everything is all right with me, with everybody and everything. I am not afraid to die. (Here one of the boys broke down and began to cry, whereupon he said, calling him by name and waving his hand toward him with a smile.) Never mind, it is all right and all for the best. You boys will take care of my blessed mother."
If the historian were to attempt an analyzation of the life work of Charles H. Amos, which ended January 18, 1913, when he had compassed but the comparatively brief span of forty-three years, ten months and twenty-three days, it would be difficult to point out the strongest element. Nature endowed him with keen mentality, but it is only through the exercise of effort that powers grow. He had the force and ambition that enabled him to earn his way through college and as the weeks sped on his mind compassed the branches that fitted him for high professional attainments. Citizenship was never to him an idle term. He studied political questions with a sense of obligation that arose from his belief that every individual should do his best for his country. Of him it might be written :
"Not a general giving his orders, Not an officer wearing the gold,
But a true-hearted private in service, With the strength of a warrior of old.
"Not the glory of fighting in battle, Not the glory of winning the day,
But the glory of doing his duty
When his country's need pointed the way.
24
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
"Not a life with its joyous home-coming, Not a life with ambition fulfilled ; For duty and death met together, And his great heart of honor was stilled."
However, the great circle of his friends-and they were as numer- ous as the circle of his acquaintance- have the firm belief that that which is great and good and noble is eternal and may well entertain the spirit of James Whitcomb Riley's beautiful lines :
"I cannot say and I will not say That he is dead- he's just away. With a cheery smile and a wave of his hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land, And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since he lingers there.
"And you, O you, who the wildest yearn For the old-time step and the glad return- Think of him as faring on, as dear In the love of There as the love of Here; Think of him still the same, I say- He is not dead-he is just away."
JOSHUA JENKINS.
For a long period Joshua Jenkins had the distinction of being the last surviving veteran of the Mexican war living in Marion county. Moreover, when a nonagenarian he was still an active factor in the world's work, assisting in the labors of the fields upon his home farm and accomplishing tasks which many a man of less resolute spirit and of more limited industry would have failed to accomplish. He re- tained his physical powers in large measure and seemed a man whose age was twenty years less. In spirit and interests he was yet in his prime when he had passed the ninetieth milestone on life's journey.
Mr. Jenkins was a native of Monongalia county, Virginia, now West Virginia, born December 12, 1822, and when a youth of four- teen years he accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Indiana, where the family home was established in 1836. He shared with the family in all of the hardships, privations and incidents of
25
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
pioneer life. He was a young lad when his father died and he became of the greatest assistance to his mother in rearing the family and pro- viding for their support. After a residence of ten years in Indiana he responded to the country's call for troops, for the United States was at that time engaged in war with Mexico. He took part in the battle of Buena Vista and a number of lesser engagements and at the close of the war received an honorable discharge and was also given a land warrant in recognition of his services. This entitled him to secure one hundred and sixty acres of any unoccupied government land district and with the money he had saved from his pay as a soldier he bought another land warrant. Coming to Iowa, he located his two claims on the 16th of May, 1848, thus becoming the owner of three hundred and twenty acres on English creek, in Marion county, two and one-half miles south of the little frontier village of Knoxville, which at that time contained but three stores, a blacksmith shop and seventeen log cabins.
After locating his claim Mr. Jenkins returned to Indiana and there made further arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 28th of December, 1848, to Miss Cerene Elder. Early in the following year they started for the Marion county farm, arriving in this county in May. Mr. Jenkins at once began building a little log cabin which they occupied for five years. In 1855 he erected a more modern residence, which continued to be his home throughout his remaining days. As the years passed on eleven chil- dren were added to the family circle, of whom two died in infancy, while three passed away after reaching adult age and left families. Mrs. Jenkins' death occurred on the 7th of November, 1882, and a daughter and five sons survive the father. These are: Mrs. J. B. Clark, of Knoxville township; Thomas J., of Holliday, Missouri ; Stephen, also of Knoxville township; William, living in the city of Knoxville; Jarrett, whose home is north of Knoxville; and Charles, who for more than twenty years prior to his father's death managed the farm. There were also fifteen grandchildren, eleven great- grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren at the time of Mr. Jenkins' death.
From the time that he brought his bride to lowa Mr. Jenkins continuously resided upon his farm in this county, remaining thereon for sixty-five years and occupying the same bedroom for fifty-nine years. He never had a mortgage upon his farm. He won his suc- cess by honorable, straightforward methods and was never known to take advantage of the necessities of a fellowman in any business transaction. He worked hard, carefully managed the cultivation of
26
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
his fields and even up to the time that he was ninety years of age it was no unusual thing to see him planting his crops, felling trees, sawing logs or caring for his stock. He raised large numbers of cat- tle, sheep and hogs and from the sale of his stock derived a gratifying annual income.
Mr. Jenkins never belonged to any church yet gave generously to the support of the cause of religion and in his life ever endeavored to follow the Golden Rule. He held friendship inviolable and was always loyal to those to whom he gave his regard. He was a good neighbor, an upright, honorable man, and his death was deeply re- gretted by many friends. As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and suc- cessful effort, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this man.
J. T. ROBUCK.
J. T. Robuck is one of the energetic, wide-awake and progressive business men of Attica, conducting a general store and also handling farm implements and wire. He was born in this county December 17, 1856, a son of John and Martha (Andrews) Robuck, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They came to Marion county in 1853, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers who were aiding in re- claiming a wild and undeveloped region for the purposes of civiliza- tion. The father established the family home upon a farm and throughout his remaining days devoted his energies to general agri- cultural pursuits. His wife has also passed away. In their family were ten children, of whom six are yet living.
J. T. Robuck spent his youthful days upon the old homestead, re- maining there until he reached the age of twenty-two years, during which time he assisted his father in the work of the fields when not busy with his text-books, his education being acquired in the com- mon schools. On leaving home he rented a tract of land and thus carried on farming for several years, at the end of which time he purchased a farm in Clay township with the money he had saved from his earnings. Upon that place he lived for fourteen years and after selling out he bought a farm in Franklin township, upon which he resided for four years. On disposing of that property he invested in land in Knoxville township and afterward retired from active farming, taking up his abode in the city of Knoxville, where he lived
27
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
for two years. On the expiration of that period he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and for some time occupied and cultivated his farm but eventually sold out and turned his attention to merchandising at Attica, where he is now living. He conducts a general store, carrying a large and carefully selected stock of goods, and he also handles farm implements and wire. His business has grown to gratifying proportions and he is one of the enterprising merchants of the county. In connection with his son he also owns a farm in Franklin township.
In 1878 Mr. Robuck was united in marriage to Miss Ida Force, a native of this county and a daughter of George and Permelia (Wade) Force, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father is now deceased but the mother survives. Mr. and Mrs. Robuck have had five children but the first two died in infancy. The third child, Bessie, passed away at the age of fourteen years. The two surviving members of the family are John, who follows farming, owning prop- erty in connection with his father, and Mabel, at home.
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.