USA > Iowa > Marion County > History of Marion County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 37
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lican and no one is in doubt as to his position, for he stands firmly by his convictions. He has belonged to Oriental Lodge, A. F. & A. M., since 1897 and he likewise has membership with the Odd Fel- lows and the Knights of Pythias, having held all the chairs in the local organizations of the two last named and having also been a member of the grand lodge of both. He was likewise the first pre- siding officer in the camp of the Red Men at Pleasantville. His wife attends the Presbyterian church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mentzer are widely and favorably known in this county and have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.
JAMES WILLIAM HUNT.
James William Hunt for the past seven years has been operating the stock yards at Knoxville but still owns his valuable farm of two hundred acres situated in Washington township. His birth occurred on the 30th of November, 1857, and his parents were Jefferson and Jane ( Bellamy) Hunt. The former was born probably in Illinois in 1837, a son of William and Nancy ( England ) Hunt, who 'brought their family to this county about 1844 and located in Washington township, where the father entered land from the government. Wil- liam Hunt spent the greater part of the remainder of his life in this county and devoted his time to farming. He was a soldier of the Mexican war and was highly esteemed by those who knew him. He passed away in 1880. He and his family were members of the Metho- dist Protestant church. His wife, who was born in Washington county, Tennessee, on the 25th of May, 1813, accompanied her par- ents to Illinois when a girl of fifteen. In December, 1831, her mar- riage to William Hunt was celebrated and they became the parents of fifteen children, all of whom have passed away save three, Mrs. Ann Chismore, Mrs. Frank Chismore and Louisa Pershall. The mother joined the Methodist Episcopal church when a young woman but after 1865 held membership in the Methodist Protestant church, uniting with that congregation at Gosport, this county. She died March 4, 1908, at the remarkable age of ninety-four years, nine months and eight days. She lived to be the oldest resident of Marion county, if not of the state of Iowa. At her death she left descendants to the fifth generation.
Jefferson Hunt, the father of our subject, was but a child when he accompanied his parents to this county and was here reared to
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manhood. He served for three years in the Civil war, being a mem- ber of Company F, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was for- tunate enough to go through the war without being wounded. He was a farmer by occupation and the last ten years of his life were spent in Knoxville in retirement from the duties and responsibilities of business. His death occurred on the 14th of October, 1912. Politi- cally he was a democrat and fraternally he belonged to J. C. Fer- guson Post, No. 49, G. A. R. His first wife, the mother of our sub- ject, passed away in 1861, when her son was very small. She was married in 1854, when a girl of sixteen, to Mr. Hunt and they became the parents of four children: Linnie, who died in infancy; James William; and Luella and Lucille, twins. The last named died in infancy, and Luella is the wife of F. M. Wood, of Dallas, Iowa. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Jef- ferson Hunt was united in marriage on the 30th of July, 1862, to Miss Anna Maria Whitesell, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 28th of August, 1839. She became the mother of twelve chil- dren, of whom nine survive, and at the time of her death had one great-grandchild. In early life she belonged to the Methodist Protes- tant church but subsequently transferred her membership to the Congregational church. She died June 12, 1910, when nearly sev- enty-two years of age.
James W. Hunt was reared in this county and has always resided here with the exception of about two years. After his marriage, which occurred in 1878, he began farming on his own account and continued to operate his place of two hundred acres of fine land in Washington township until 1907. He was successful as an agricul- turist but in the year mentioned decided to rent his land and engage in business in Knoxville. He has since devoted his time to the man- agement of the stock yards at that place and in addition to operating the scales and looking after the placing of the animals in pens and the loading of them into cars he also buys and sells many head annually. He understands the good points of stock and his judgment of an animal is seldom at fault. Under his direction the stock yards serve well their purpose and the farmers of the surrounding country are sure of fair treatment from Mr. Hunt when they bring their stock for shipment.
Mr. Hunt was married on Christmas day, 1878, to Miss Sarah Ellen Samson, who was born in September, 1862, at Gosport, this county, the only child of Levi J. and Johanna (Crowley) Samson. Her father was born in Missouri and married in Gosport, this county. He was a soldier in the Civil war, being enrolled in Company A,
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Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and died in the service in 1863. In 1867 his widow married William Agan, who was born October 28, 1838, in Orange county, Indiana, and when a lad of ten years accompanied his parents to this county. He fought in the Civil war as a member of Company F, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was a farmer by occupation and was a member of the Methodist Prot- estant church. He passed away November 30, 1908, when a little over seventy years of age. His widow survives and lives upon the home farm, at the age of seventy years. To their union were born ten chil- dren, seven of whom are living, the greater part of them being resi- dents of this state. Mrs. Hunt was reared in Marion county and educated in the common schools. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children, as follows: Mrs. Earl Abbott, who resides near Dallas, this county, and is the mother of two children, Beulah and Adda; Clyde; Cecil, who married Miss Tekla Johnson and is assisting in the operation of the home farm; Mrs. J. C. Meyers, who resides in Knoxville and has an infant daughter, Wilda Mae; and Mrs. Henry Little, whose husband is engaged in business in Knox- ville.
The mother and children are members of the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Hunt owns his comfortable residence on Kent street and still holds title to his farm of two hundred acres in Washington town- ship. He is ranked as one of the substantial business men of Knox- ville and has many stanch friends.
JACOB D. HARSIN.
Among the prosperous farmers and stockmen of Marion county is Jacob D. Harsin, the owner of three hundred and nine acres of fine land in Clay township, who was born in that township, two miles north of Durham, on the 26th of February, 1856, a son of the late G. W. Harsin, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. When he reached a suitable age he entered the public schools and there acquired his education, which, however, was somewhat lim- ited as much of his time was taken up in assisting his father with the work of the farm. This, however, was valuable training as it taught him practical methods of agriculture and provided him with a congenial means of earning a good livelihood. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age, when his marriage occurred, and then removed to his present farm on section 7, Clay township. He
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has since lived there and has devoted his time to agricultural pur- suits and has so wisely directed his work that not only has he gained abundant crops year by year, but he has also conserved the fertility .of the soil. He has made many fine improvements and his intelli- gent development of the place, combined with the general rise in land values, makes his land now worth about two hundred dollars an acre, although in 1876 he paid but fourteen dollars and thirty cents per acre for the one hundred and forty-four acres which he purchased at that time. He has since added to his holdings until his place now comprises three hundred and nine acres of land. He fol- lows general farming and stock-raising and finds both phases of his work highly profitable.
Mr. Harsin was married to Miss Nettie Loynachan, who was born near the town of Barlow, in Washington county, Ohio, on the 28th of January, 1855, a daughter of Neil and Margaret (Turner) Loynachan. Her father was born in Scotland and came to America when seventeen years of age, settling in Washington county, Ohio, and there remaining for many years. After reaching maturity he engaged in farming upon his own account and was most successful in that occupation. He married Miss Margaret Turner and after his death, which occurred in Washington county, she removed to Marion county. About twenty years ago she took up her residence at Knoxville and lived there for a number of years, but for the last nine years of her life made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Har- sin. The mother died on the 14th of March, 1911, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years and fifteen days. Both Mr. and Mrs. Loy- nachan were Presbyterians in religious faith. Mrs. Harsin is one of a family of six children, of whom one son died at eleven years of age and one daughter when a maiden of thirteen. The others who survive are: Mrs. Margaret J. Hassig, a resident of Cope, Colo- rado; Edward E., of Russell, Iowa; and George Neil, who lives on the old home place in Ohio. Mrs. Harsin was reared and educated in Washington county, Ohio, and taught there and also in Marion county, Iowa, previous to her marriage. She has become the mother of two sons and two daughters, namely: Maggie, the wife of Wil- liam Holmes, a farmer residing near Tracy, Minnesota, by whom she has a son, Lester; Alta, who died in young womanhood and who was the wife of Lemuel Durham, a resident of Clay township, this county; Gilbert, a farmer of Clay township, who married Irene Smith, by whom he has two daughters and a son, Pauline, Helen and Donald; and Charles, a young man of twenty-three years who is yet at home.
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Mrs. Harsin is a member of the Presbyterian church of Plym- outh, Clay township, and is one of the active workers of that con- gregation. Mr. Harsin is a republican in his political belief and is consistent in his support of its principles and candidates, believing that it is the best agency for the government of the country. He is one of the successful agriculturists of the county and his prosperity is due to his ability to meet the changing conditions of farm life, his willingness to adopt new methods and to use the latest improvements in machinery, his sound business judgment and his energy and in- dustry.
GEORGE H. BINGAMAN.
George H. Bingaman is living on section 27, Washington town- ship, where he owns and cultivates one hundred and forty acres of land constituting one of the good farms of the locality. Upon this place he has lived since 1911 and has wrought many improvements, making it one of the attractive farms of his part of the county. He was born in Pleasant township, Lucas county, Iowa, April 24, 1875, a son of William and Melinda (Whitlatch) Bingaman, who were natives of Indiana and Iowa respectively. The parents were married in Marion county in 1872 and to them have been born four children, as follows: Fanny, who is now the wife of Otis Grimes; George H., of this review; Minnie, who gave her hand in marriage to Stanley Applegate; and Bert, a resident of Lucas county, lowa. The father has always followed farming and he and his wife vet reside in Lucas county, where they established their home in pioneer times, being among those who have aided in the development of lowa, making it the rich agricultural state which it is today.
Through the period of his boyhood George H. Bingaman was learning lessons that have been of value to him in all of his later life- not only the lessons that one masters in the schoolroom but also those which one learns with experience as the teacher. At the age of twenty years he left home and on the 5th of March, 1896, was united in mar- riage to Miss Eunice Caldwell, a daughter of John and Mary (Mathew) Caldwell, who came to Marion county before the war and settled first in Indiana township. Later they removed to Washington township and there the father died after having devoted many years to general agricultural pursuits. His widow survives and makes her home in the village of Columbia.
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After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bingaman took up their abode in Marion county, where they have since lived, and as the years passed several children were added to their family, namcly: Ruby; Donald ; Echo and Twila, both of whom are deceased; and Dwain.
Mr. Bingaman ranks with the enterprising and progressive farm- ers of his district and in addition to the work of cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate has engaged in raising stock. He has always followed the occupation to which he was rearcd and in 1911 he bought his present place, comprising one hundred and forty acres on section 27, Washington township. Since that time he has built a cave house and a barn upon his farm, which is today a well improved property. The buildings are surrounded by well kept fields that annually produce good harvests, and all of the cquipments of a model farm are used in carrying on the work. In addition to this property Mr. Bingaman owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Wash- ington township, and from his farms derives a substantial annual income. He is progressive and his methods arc at the same time prac- tical. He has studied the question of soil, practices the rotation of crops and knows what is necessary to produce the different cereals raised in this locality. In politics he is a prohibitionist, which indi- cates his attitude upon the temperance question. He is interested in public affairs but has never been an office sceker. He believes, how- ever, in improvement in matters relating to the general good and he cooperates heartily in all those plans which are a matter of civic vir- tuc and civic pride.
PETER H. VAN GORP.
Peter H. Van Gorp is the secretary and treasurer of the Garden City Fceder Company of Pella and is one of the native sons of Marion county, his birth having occurred upon a farm near Pella on the 26th of April, 1860, his parents being Henry and Jennie ( Kemp- kes ) Van Gorp, both of whom were natives of The Netherlands. The father came to America with a colony of Holland emigrants in the year 1847 and engaged in the business of teaming. He also became the owner of a farm near Pella and it was upon that place that Peter H. Van Gorp was born and reared. His time was divided between the acquirement of a public-school education and the work of the fields and he remained upon the home farm until 1882. He was afterward employed upon a dairy farm for six years and sub-
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sequently he owned and operated a threshing outfit for several years. On the expiration of that period he embarked in the shoe business at Pella and conducted his store with growing success for ten years. In 1898 he became a partner of A. C. Van Honweling in organizing the Pella Stacker Company, of which he was manager. This busi- ness was conducted successfully for several years and in 1912 was reorganized under the name of the Garden City Feeder Company, in which Mr. Van Gorp holds the position of secretary, treasurer and manager. He is an enterprising, progressive business man, working along modern lines, and his prosperity is well merited.
On the 15th of November, 1883, Mr. Van Gorp was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Pos, a daughter of Derk Pos, a farmer. They have two sons: Harvey P., who married Nina Sadler and is now with the Star Auto Company; and Dick, who is employed by the Garden City Feeder Company. In addition to his other busi- ness interests Mr. Van Gorp is a stockholder in the Star Automobile Company. In politics he is a democrat and has filled the office of alderman for one term, making a creditable record in the position. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, how- ever, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, carefully and intelligently directed, have brought to him a gratifying measure of prosperity.
FRANK H. SHERWOOD.
On the list of Marion county's pioneer settlers who laid the foundation for the present growth, development and prosperity of this district appears the name of Frank H. Sherwood, who was practically a lifelong resident of this part of the state. He was born on the 11th of November, 1842, a son of Daniel and Julia ( Phelps) Sherwood, who in the latter '4os, came to Marion county and spent their remaining days in Indiana township. The work of progress and civilization seemed scarcely begun in this county at that period. Indeed there were only a few settlers and it was no unusual thing to see bands of Indians. Much wild game was to be had and there was every evidence of frontier life in the wide stretches of unde- veloped prairie land and in the uncut forests which bordered the streams.
Frank H. Sherwood shared with the family in the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life and early became familiar with
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the task of developing new fields. Much of the farm machinery common at the present day was then unknown, so that much of the work of the fields was done by hand. In his youthful days Frank H. Sherwood attended the country schools or followed the plow, but when a youth of nineteen years he put aside all personal thoughts and ambitions in order to respond to the country's call for troops, for the north and south was divided over the question of slavery and conditions brought about thereby. When the attempt was made to overthrow the Union, Mr. Sherwood enlisted as a member of Company E, Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and served for three years, participating in a number of hotly contested engage- ments which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms.
Following his return home Mr. Sherwood was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Robuck on the 4th of February, 1865, the wedding ceremony being performed by the Rev. J. C. Sherwood. The lady was born December 17, 1841, and was a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Kahler) Robuck, who became residents of Indiana town- ship, this county, in 1853. Their remaining days were here passed and when called to their final rest their graves were made in Indiana chapel. They were indeed pioneer settlers of the community and contributed to the early development and upbuilding of this part of the county. The father was born November 7, 1806, while the mother's birth occurred on the 21st of November, 1811. They were the parents of eight children, namely: John, who was born May 13, 1831 ; Joseph, December 24, 1833; Sarah Jane, October 15, 1834; Aaron, February 4, 1838; William, April 24, 1840; Louisa, Decem- ber 17, 1841 ; Susan E., June 12, 1846; and James Nelson, born Feb- ruary 10, 1849.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood was blessed with nine children, as follows: Luella, who passed away in April, 1899; Dan- iel Harry, who died on the 4th of February, 1869; Sarah, who gave her hand in marriage to Chris Horned; Francis M .; James W., who died on the 3Ist of January, 1876; Mary I., who is now the wife of Fred Bingaman; Blanche A., who wedded John Monteith; Altie, who died on the 5th of February, 1884; and Allie, twin of Altie, who is the wife of L. Gullion.
Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood made their home upon a farm and through hard work, close application and capable management he accumulated a handsome competence. He was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land which he carefully tilled and from which he gathered good harvests. Follow-
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ing his demise Mrs. Sherwood sold the farm to her son and about fifteen years ago took up her abode in Columbia, where she still makes her home. He was well known as a pioneer settler of this county and one who had witnessed practically its entire growth and development. He had lived to see the wild animals of the early days superseded by farm animals, the prairie grass give way before the cultivated grain, the pioneer cabins replaced by modern, commo- dious residences and the work of improvement carried on along all lines that indicate higher ideals and earnest efforts for their accom- plishment. Mr. Sherwood had the goodwill and confidence of his fellowmen and at his death left behind him many warm friends.
M. M. WREN.
M. M. Wren is a farmer and stockman who owns and operates two hundred and forty acres upon section 32, Knoxville township, and he is highly respected wherever known. He was born in that township on the 24th of March, 1861, a son of Michael and Catherine (Brown) Wren. The father was born in County Kerry, Ireland, but emigrated to America as a young man. He first located in Indi- ana, where he was married, but later removed to Marion county, Iowa, arriving here in 1856. He entered eighty acres of land, which is a part of the farm now owned by the subject of this review, and from time to time as his resources increased he added to his hold- ings until he held title to two hundred and fifty acres. His fine farm was the evidence of his prosperity and none grudged him his success as it was won by persistent effort and good management. He passed away in 1890, when about seventy-four years of age. He and his wife were both communicants of the Catholic church. She was also born in County Kerry, Ireland, and emigrated to the United States with her parents, the family home being established in Indiana. Her parents both passed away in that state. She died in February, 1888, when about sixty-five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Wren had three children : James, now residing in Des Moines, is married and has a family. M. M. is the subject of this review, and Mary is the wife of Patrick Riley, of Ottumwa.
M. M. Wren was reared upon the farm he is now operating and gained his education in the school of his home neighborhood. The early training given him in agriculture by his father stood him in good stead and he has proved successful as a general farmer. The
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splendid condition of his place testifies to his carefulness and in- dustry and his labors are rewarded by abundant crops.
In 1886 Mr. Wren married Miss Maggie Ruane, a native of County Roscommon, Ireland, born on the 3d of December, 1863. Her parents were Thomas and Catherine (Murray) Ruane, who in the winter of 1864-5 emigrated to Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Ruane was a baker and followed his trade in that city, where he passed away while still a young man. His widow married L. F. Cotter at Balti- more and in 1869 they removed to this county and located at Knox- ville. Mr. Cotter died there a quarter of a century ago but his widow survives at the age of ninety-five years and still makes her home at Knoxville. Mr. and Mrs. Ruane had three children: Mrs. Wren; Mary A., the deceased wife of James Wren, her demise occurring in 1904 in Des Moines; and John, superintendent of the insurance patrol at Minneapolis, Minnesota. The sons born to the mother by her marriage to Mr. Cotter are now leading merchants of Knoxville. Mrs. Wren was reared and educated in Knoxville and there her mar- riage occurred. She has become the mother of three children, all born upon the home farm. Charles, who is twenty-seven years of age, resides at Lovilia, Monroe county, this state, and is cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of that place. He married Miss Gertrude Kinney, of this county. Catherine is at home and is a grad- uate of the Highland Park College at Des Moines. She has taught in both Marion and Monroe counties. Margaret completed the public-school course and is at home.
Mr. Wren exercises his right of franchise in support of the demo- cratic party as he is convinced of the wisdom of its policies. He has taken a great interest in the welfare of the schools and for many years has served as president of the school board. Both he and his wife are communicants of St. Anthony's Catholic church of Knoxville and can always be counted upon to do their share in furthering the moral advancement of the community.
ISAAC R. HODGSON.
One of the venerable citizens of Swan township passed away when Isaac R. Hodgson was called from this life November 5, 1914, at the age of eighty-five years. He was born November 29, 1828, in Fred- erick county, Virginia, a son of Robert Hodgson, who was also a na- tive of the Old Dominion and there followed the occupation of
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farming until he was called to his final rest at the comparatively early age of forty-two years.
Isaac R. Hodgson left his native state when fourteen years old and went to Highland county, Ohio, where he remained until he reached young manhood. He was there married to Miss Susan Ann Morrison and in 1848 they removed westward to Iowa, settling in Marion county. The following year Mr. Hodgson went to Cali- fornia, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast. He spent six months on the road, traveling over long stretches of hot sand and across the mountains until he reached the gold fields of the far west. He did not remain long, however, and with the exception of that period was continuously a resident of Marion county from the time he arrived here in 1848 until his death. His first wife passed away in this county in 1860, leaving one child, Mrs. Ella Van Pelt, now of Ohio. There were also two other children, who died in infancy.
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