USA > Iowa > Marion County > History of Marion County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 23
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WILLIAM F. CREW, M. D.
Dr. William F. Crew is well known in Pella and Marion county, where he has practiced medicine for a number of years. He is an able physician and surgeon and has an especially creditable record in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, in which he has specialized to some extent. In his early manhood he taught school and from 1896 to 1900 filled the office of county superintendent of schools for Marion county.
The Doctor was born in this county on the ist of May, 1872, a son of William and Martha (Workman) Crew, both natives of High- land county, Ohio, where their marriage occurred. In 1866 they removed to Marion county, Iowa, and purchased land near Red Rock, where they resided until their deaths. The father passed away in 1885, having survived his wife for eleven years, her demise occur- ring in 1874. To them were born eight children, four sons and four daughters. Those living are: Mrs. John Templeton, the wife of a farmer ; J. M., who is following agricultural pursuits in this county ; Ellen, the wife of Dr. F. M. Roberts, of Honeywell, Missouri; and William F.
The last named acquired his early education in the public schools in the neighborhood of his home, and continued his academic work in the Central University of Iowa at Pella. In 1903 he was graduated from the school of pharmacy of the Valparaiso University at Val- paraiso, Indiana, and in 1904 received his medical degree from Barnes Medical College at St. Louis. He first located for practice in Ralston, lowa, where he remained for two and a half years, after which he removed to Lorimor, Iowa. He resided there for five years and then did post-graduate work in Chicago. In December, 1911,
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he came to Pella and has since remained in this city, where he enjoys a large general and special practice. He belongs to the state and county medical societies and to the American Medical Association and finds these organizations invaluable as a means of keeping abreast with the discoveries that are constantly being made in the science of medicine and with the improved methods which are being worked , out in its practice. Although he has only resided in Pella for three years, he has gained the confidence of the general public and of his colleagues as well, and his advice is often sought by his brother prac- titioners upon doubtful points.
In 1903 Dr. Crew was married to Miss Florence Stuart, a daughter of Dr. John and Mary (Grafty) Stuart, natives of Canada, who came to Pella about 1889. For many years Dr. Stuart was president of the Central University of Iowa, which is located at Pella, but is now engaged in the practice of medicine at Monon, Indiana. To Dr. and Mrs. Crew have been born three children, Mary E., Robert Stuart and Martha Louise. The family belong to the Baptist church and the integrity of their daily lives is the best proof of the sincerity of their religious faith. The Doctor is a democrat in his political views and fraternally belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Those who have once been admitted to intimate friendship with him remain his loyal and enthusiastic friends, as close acquaintance but more fully reveals the genuineness of his character and his many admirable traits.
EDWARD H. CUMMINGS.
Edward H. Cummings for a number of years has lived in Knox- ville in quiet retirement from the cares of active life. He was born in Clay township, this county, October 26, 1860, a son of Hugh and Agnes (Loynachan) Cummings, both natives of Argyleshire, Scot- land. The father went to Ohio when about twenty-one years of age and was married to Miss Loynachan near Marietta, that state, she having emigrated to this country with her parents a number of years before. In the 'sos they left Ohio and removed to Iowa, settling in Clay township, this county. The father secured a fine farm and resided there until his death, which occurred July 14, 1899, when he was seventy-nine years of age. He was a member of the Presby- terian church and a republican in his political belief. His wife was a daughter of David Loynachan and was also a Presbyterian. She
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died October 30, 1899, when seventy-five years old. To them were born nine children, eight of whom survive, the youngest having died when a child. Those living are: Isabel, the wife of John Dunlap, of Ulysses, Nebraska; Robert, of Fremont, that state; David, residing in Pella, this county; Mrs. Barbara Weir, of Longmont, Colorado; Mrs. Nettie Beard, who is a widow and makes her home in Knoxville, Iowa; Edward H., of this review; William, residing upon the home farm in Clay township; and Mrs. Sarah McVey, who also resides in Clay township.
Edward H. Cummings was reared in his native township and remained at home until he attained his majority. He then removed to Knoxville township and began farming there and so continued until he retired. He had but a small amount of capital when he began his independent business career and the first residence upon his farm was only a log house. The necessity of enduring hardships and of living frugally did not dismay him, however, and as he was industrious and enterprising and a man of sound judgment his re- sources steadily increased and he became prosperous and well-to-do. He gave especial attention to the raising of stock, breeding registered Polled Angus cattle and also Poland China hogs of good grade. He was recognized as one of the up-to-date and prosperous stockmen of the county. He still owns a farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres of land as well as his residence in Knoxville.
Mr. Cummings was married in this county in February, 1884, to Miss Rachel McClain, who was born in Knoxville on the 21st of August, 1861, a daughter of James and Martha (Huron) McClain. Her parents, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively, removed from the Hoosier state to Wapello county, Iowa, where they were numbered among the early settlers, and subsequently came to Knox- ville. They eventually located upon a farm in Knoxville township, where they lived until called to their final rest. Here the father died in December, 1910, aged seventy-four years, having survived his wife for almost a year, her demise occurring January 13, 1910. Mr. Mc- Clain had three children by a former marriage, Martha, Sarah and Rosetta, the last named being deceased. Seven children were born of his second union, namely: Mrs. Mary Dennis, of Park Rapids, Minnesota ; Mrs. Cummings ; Eli and George, both farmers of Knox- ville township, this county; Rilla, deceased; and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Cummings was reared in this county and is indebted to the public schools for her education. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children. Roy, who was born December 25, 1884, is operating the home farm. He married Miss Dessie Whit-
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latch and they have one son, Raymond, aged five years. Fay, born February 16, 1891, is a school teacher in the county. Beryl, born August 7, 1898, and Hugh, whose birth occurred March 10, 1904, are both at home. Mrs. Cummings is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Cummings is a republican in politics and fraternally belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is a member of the Rebekahs. His life has always conformed to high standards of conduct, and he enjoys the respect and good-will of his fellowmen.
SAMUEL H. DOUGHMAN.
In a history of the leading business men of Marion county, Sam- uel H. Doughman deserves prominent mention, for he was a lead- ing figure in agricultural and financial circles. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of five hun- dred acres of valuable lowa farm land, and at all times his business methods were such as would bear close investigation and scrutiny. His worth of character won for him high regard and his death was therefore the occasion of deep and widespread regret when on the 11th of October, 1911, he passed away. He was born in Shelby county, Indiana, August 29, 1838, a son of John T. and Abbie ( Hig- gins) Doughman. The family came to Iowa in 1848, casting in their lot with the early residents of Marion county. The father purchased land where the town of Tracy now stands and upon this farm he and his wife spent their remaining days. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he was never an office seeker or office holder. He lived peaceably with his fellowmen, cooperated in movements for the public good and at all times made an unassail- able record as a man and as a citizen.
Samuel H. Doughman was a little lad of but ten summers when the family came to Iowa. He attended the district schools and through the period of his boyhood and youth worked with his father upon the home farm. Later he continued to assist in its further de- velopment until he reached the age of thirty years but in the mean- time responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting at Oska- loosa in August, 1862, as a member of Company D, Thirty-third lowa Volunteer Infantry, and serving until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Oskaloosa with the rank of second ser-
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geant. He was wounded at Jenkins Ferry but always escaped cap- ture and altogether made a most creditable record.
Upon his return home Mr. Doughman resumed farming and in 1868 he completed arrangements for having a home of his own in his marriage on the 18th of October of that year to Sarah Cooper, a daughter of Charles and Maria (Gitchell) Cooper, of Ohio, who arrived here in 1851 and settled on the Knoxville road, four miles west of Tracy. Mr. Cooper entered a quarter section of land and thereon engaged in farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1886. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Doughman became the parents of four children, as follows: Rose, who is the wife of Nelson Ruple, of this county; John T .; Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to Charles John- son ; and Fannie, the wife of William Graham, of Twin Falls, Idaho.
Following his marriage Mr. Doughman purchased two hundred and seventy acres of partially improved land and to his holdings added from time to time until he became the owner of more than five hundred acres. He was one of the leading agriculturists of Clay township and employed the most progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Extending his efforts in other directions, he became one of the organizers of the Iowa Savings Bank at Tracy and was elected the second president of the institu- tion, filling that position until the time of his death. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic party but later, on account of his pronounced views on the temperance question, he be- came a stanch prohibitionist. He was a charter member of Belle- fontaine Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M., and remained one of its consistent and highly respected representatives until his demise. The following is an excerpt from "Resolutions of Respect" submitted by the committee of Bellefontaine Lodge:
"Resolved, That in the death of Brother Doughman the lodge has lost a member who was well versed in its work, having been a member from its inception and having filled all the important offices with much credit and earnestness That the community has lost a useful citizen, the church an ardent supporter, a man who has perhaps contributed more than any other in the community to charitable and educational purposes."
Mr. Doughman was a consistent Christian man, holding mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mrs. Dough- man still belongs. His life was temperate in all things and his record is a credit to the community. He was devoted to his home and to his church and high and honorable principles and ideals
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guided him in every relation. Those who knew him, and he had an extensive acquaintance, esteemed him highly and those who came within the closer circle of comradeship were glad to call him friend.
FRANK CLARK.
Frank Clark is a retired farmer and stockman residing at No. 2305 West Pleasant street, Knoxville, and is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. He was born in Dade county, Georgia, on the 26th of April, 1843, a son of James and Minerva ( McKeg) Clark, natives of Tennessee and Georgia respectively. The father was born in 1817 and as a young man went to Georgia, where his marriage oc- curred. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1849 left that state and came to Marion county, Iowa, entering one hundred and sixty acres of land in Knoxville township. He subsequently purchased fifty more acres and devoted his time and energy to the cultivation of his land until his death, which occurred in 1901. His first wife, the mother of the subject of this review, passed away in 1852 and he afterward married Mrs. J. W. Miller, by whom he had five children. Six children were born to his first marriage, all of whom are living but one daughter. He was a democrat in politics and in religious belief was an old school Baptist. He was highly esteemed in his community and his demise was sincerely mourned.
Frank Clark was the second in order of birth in a family of six children and was reared at home. His education was that afforded by the early country schools, but during his boyhood he gained much knowledge that was not learned from books, as he assisted his father in the work of the farm and thus familiarized himself with practical methods of agriculture. After his marriage he operated forty acres of the home place until 1882, when he removed to Richardson county, Nebraska, and leased eight hundred acres of land. He remained upon that place for about ten years and then removed to another farm in the same county, where he resided until 1907. He next went to Lawton, Oklahoma, where he took up a homestead claim and also purchased another quarter section. After living in Oklahoma for three years he sold his landed interests and returned to Marion county. He took up his residence in Knoxville, where he owns six and a half acres of land and where he has continued to live up to the present time.
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Mr. Clark was married in 1867 to Miss Martha Sunderland, a daughter of William and Marinda ( Miller) Sunderland. Her father was born in Ohio and her mother's birth occurred in Indiana in 1830. Their marriage was solemnized in the Hoosier state and to their union were born two children: Julia E., whose birth oc- curred in Indiana on the 12th of June, 1848; and Martha J., who was born in Iowa on the 5th of April, 1850. Mr. Sunderland passed away while Mrs. Clark was a small child and his wife died in 1896. Mrs. Clark was educated in this county and remained at home until her marriage. She has become the mother of the following children : Ernest E., who was born on the 23d of April, 1869, and who married Miss Cora Argabright; Owen Otis, born November 23, 1871, who married Miss Odell; Frank Oliver, whose birth occurred on the 13th of September, 1872, and who now resides in Oklahoma; James E., born October 19, 1876, who married Lola Henry and resides in Knoxville, Iowa; Minnie, deceased ; Chester E., who was born Sep- tember 3, 1880, and married Miss Mittie Currie; Pearl, deceased ; Maude E., who was born May 10, 1887, and is at home; Walter E., who died at the age of nineteen years; and Ruth Esther, born Feb- ruary 25, 1890.
Mr. Clark is a democrat and is interested in all that has to do with the community advancement and progress. Fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen at. Verdon, Nebraska. His religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. While living in Nebraska he engaged in farming and stock-raising on quite an extensive scale and his labors in earlier years made him financially independent, so that since coming to Knoxville he has lived practically retired. Those who have the privilege of his intimate acquaintance value highly his friendship and esteem him as a man of unimpeachable integrity.
GEORGE ZIN.
George Zin has resided in Knoxville for twelve years and during that time has proven his right to be ranked among the energetic and capable business men of the city. He is dealing in real-estate and has negotiated a number of important transfers of property. He was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, on the 22d of September, 1861, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Long) Zin. The Zin family is of
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English descent. The father was born February 13, 1833, in Jack- son (now Vinton) county, Ohio, a son of Samuel Zin, who was a farmer of that locality. Charles Zin was reared in his native county and resided there until 1858, when he came west, settling in Appa- noose county, Iowa. His marriage occurred in that county in 1859 and he farmed there for a few years afterward. He then came to Marion county and followed agricultural pursuits here, owning one of the best farms in Knoxville township. In 1887 he sold his land and removed to Harvey county, Kansas, where he engaged in bank- ing. A few years later he located in Wichita and still later bought a farm in Sedgwick county, where he made his home until his death. which occurred February 1, 1904. He was one of ten children, all of whom were early residents of this part of Iowa and all are de- ceased. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Elizabeth Long, was also a native of Ohio and about 1855 accompanied her parents to Iowa, the journey being made by ox team. Her brother, John B. Long, died at Carlisle, Iowa, in 1913. She resides near Mount Hope, Kansas, at the age of seventy-seven years. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was Charles Zin. To their union were born four sons and two daughters, namely: George, of this review; Mrs. Laura E. Cain, who died in July, 1887, near Knox- ville; Calvin L., a general merchant of Melcher, lowa, who also owns a farm in that locality; Harvey A., a farmer residing in the vicinity of Hinton, Oklahoma; MIrs. Mary Overman, who resides with her mother; and Ira P., who is farming near Pond Creek, Okla- homa.
George Zin attended the country schools in the acquirement of his early education and later was a student in Central College at Pella for a number of terms. From early childhood he was accus- tomed to farm work and as a man followed that occupation until his health failed. He then removed to Knoxville and has since engaged in the real-estate business. He is an excellent judge of realty values, especially of the worth of farm land, and as he is also an astute busi- ness man he has succeeded in becoming one of the well known and substantial real-estate agents of the city. He also supervises the operation of his farms which he has leased to others.
Mr. Zin was united in marriage in this county on the 18th of January, 1884, to Miss May E. Goodspeed, who was born in Ohio, but accompanied her parents to this county when a child of about three years. She has a brother residing at Enid, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. Zin are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their support is always given to movements which seek
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the moral betterment of the community. Mr. Zin is a democrat in politics and fraternally belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is a member of the Rebekahs. They hold a high place in the estimation of all who have been brought in contact with them and are numbered among the valued residents of Knoxville.
JOSHUA RICHARDS.
Joshua Richards has but recently taken up his abode in Pleas- antville, where he is now living retired from further business cares in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly de- serves. He still, however, owns a farm of two hundred acres in Pleasant Grove township and at a former period was the owner of four hundred and fifty-five acres in the same township. He has made his home in Marion county since 1856 and his memory there- fore forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the pro- gressive present. There are few events of importance concerning the history of the county and its development with which he is not familiar and he contributed in substantial measure to the advance- ment made along agricultural lines.
Mr. Richards was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, March 14, 1837, and is a son of William and Margaret (Thompson) Richards, who were natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Their marriage took place in Ohio, and they subsequently removed to Wabash county, Indiana, where they lived for four years but in 1856 they came to Iowa, settling in Pleasant Grove township, where the father secured land. He spent three or four years in Knoxville township but much of his time in this county was passed in Pleasant Grove township and with the work of general development and improve- ment he was closely associated. He and his wife traveled life's jour- ney together for more than sixty-eight years and both passed away when over ninety years of age. In their family were ten children, of whom five are yet living: Joshua, James and John, all of Pleasant- ville ; William, whose home is in Montana; and Urias, of Oklahoma.
Joshua Richards was the fourth in order of birth in his father's family and was reared to the age of fourteen years in Ohio, during which period he attended school and mastered many of the elemen- tary branches of learning. Following the removal of the family to Indiana he continued his education there. He was reared to farm life and early became familiar with all the duties and labors incident
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to the development and care of the fields. When he started out for himself he took up farming and at the age of nineteen years he ar- rived in Marion county, after which time he was identified with agricultural interests until his recent retirement to private life. Suc- cess attended his efforts and as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his holdings until his landed possessions aggregated four hundred and fifty-five acres in Pleasant Grove township. He has since disposed of a portion of his property but is still the owner of two hundred acres of rich and valuable land. He was married on the 31st of March, 1861, and soon afterward located upon the farm which he still owns. There he engaged quite extensively in the raising of Poland China hogs and still has a number of regis- tered animals. He also raised good graded shorthorn cattle and horses, and became well known as a stockman. He had nothing with which to start out in the business world but he displayed careful management, sound judgment and unfaltering industry and it was thus that he gained a place among the substantial farmers of the community.
As stated, Mr. Richards was married on the 31st of March, 1861, the lady of his choice being Miss Frances Shunkwiler, who was born in Indiana, January 25, 1843, and when three years of age was brought to this county by her parents, David and Serilda ( Bristol) Shunkwiler, who in 1846 settled in Pleasant Grove township, Marion county, where their remaining days were passed. Her father was killed while serving as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war and his wife passed away in this county about forty years ago. They were earnest Christian people and enjoyed the esteem and friendship of many. Mrs. Richards had three brothers and two sisters. She was reared in this county and pursued her education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses of the pioneer day. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards were born eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity and six of whom are still living, namely: James, who is a resident of Pleasant Grove township, this county; Ruann Ellen, who is the wife of Henry Hartman, of Longmont, Colorado; Mary, who gave her hand in marriage to Lawrence Sherman, of Pleasant Grove town- ship, this county; Emma, the wife of James Evans, of Pleasantville, Iowa; Georgia, who is the widow of O. B. Wright and resides at home; and Frankie, the wife of Floyd Shoemaker, of Pleasant Grove township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Richards also have twenty grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
In his political views Mr. Richards has always been a stalwart republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lin-
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coln in 1860. He has always marched under the party banner and has been loyal to its interests. Since 1867 he has been affiliated with the Masonic order, having been initiated into the craft at Pleasant- ville. His wife was formerly a member of the Good Templars So- ciety, which she joined in girlhood, and she is a member of the Chris- tian church. Their lives have been well spent and they are widely and favorably known in the county. Mr. Richards has done a good work in a business way. He has made excellent improvements upon his farm, which is modern in every particular. He has a system of waterworks whereby water is piped into the house and into the barn and every modern facility and equipment is to be seen there. He well deserves the rest which he is now enjoying and equally deserves the confidence and good-will entertained for him by his fellow townsmen.
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