USA > Iowa > Marion County > History of Marion County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 8
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The latter acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. He culti- vated rented land for a period of six years and then bought fifty-five acres, subsequently extending the boundaries of his farm by addi- tional purchase until it now embraces one hundred and twenty-five acres. The property is highly improved in every particular and in its operation he has won a gratifying competence that now enables him to live retired.
In 1877 Mr. Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Delilah J. Scott, who was born in Marion county, lowa, in 1855, her parents being William and Elizabeth (Smith) Scott, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. They came to this county in 1844 and located on a farm which remained their place of abode until death. Their three children are all yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Marsh have been born five children, as follows: William P., who is now a resi- dent of Nebraska; Roy E., living in Clay township, this county; Anna E., who is the wife of Rev. C. E. Pettit, of Chicago, Illinois; Homer S., of Clay township; and Archie M., who is now attending college at Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Mr. Marsh gives his political allegiance to the republican party and served on the school board for several years, while during eight years he held the office of justice of the peace, making a highly com- mendable record in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 568 at Tracy, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he is like- wise a member of Camp No. 1695 of the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. They are widely and favorably known throughout the community, enjoying the warm regard and esteem of a host of friends.
WILLARD H. LYON.
Willard H. Lyon, of Knoxville, is numbered among those at- torneys who scrupulously uphold the honor and dignity of their profession and he has won the respect of his colleagues and of the general public alike. He was born in Dallas county, lowa, on the
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16th of February, 1877, a son of Charles H. and Sarah J. (Tiffy) Lyon, both natives of Van Buren county, this state. The paternal grandfather was John Lyon, who was born in Rochester, New York, but in 1840 removed to Van Buren county, this state. He was a wagon maker by trade; opened at Cantril, Iowa, the first wagon shop in this state and made the first iron mold board for plows made in Iowa. Charles H. Lyon, father of the subject of this review, was a farmer and also conducted a creamery at Dexter, Iowa. He passed away on the 24th of June, 1900, and is survived by his widow, who resides in Des Moines. He was a republican in his political belief and was a member of the Christian church, as is his widow. He was a veteran of the Civil war, serving as a member of Company A, First Iowa Cavalry, for four years.
Willard H. Lyon was one of a family of five sons and two daugh- ters and was reared under the parental roof. His early education was acquired in the public schools and he subsequently attended the Dexter Normal College. Still later he was a student in the Iowa State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls and in 1896 went to Pella as principal of the high school and was made superintendent of schools there some time later, in which capacity he served for four years, proving a competent administrator of school affairs. He then began the study of law, entering the law department of the Univer- sity of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1902. He re- turned to Pella and for two and a half years was associated with T. H. Bousquet in the practice of his profession. In 1904 he was elected county attorney, taking office on the ist of January the year following and continuing therein until the ist of January, 1909. He then came to Knoxville and in the intervening five years has built up a large and lucrative practice here, being recognized as one of the leading attorneys of the city. His excellent general education has proved almost as much a factor in his success as his thorough legal training and these coupled with his logical mind and power of effective speaking have enabled him to succeed in a profession where advancement must be won by real ability.
Mr. Lyon was married on the 29th of June, 1905, to Miss Edith Hamilton, of Joliet, Illinois. He and his wife both attend the Con- gregational church and can be depended upon to aid any worthy cause. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in which he is past chancellor; Oriental Lodge, No. 64, A. F. & A. M .; Tadmor Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M .; Melita Commandery, K. T .; Des Moines Consistory, No. 3, A. & A. S. R .; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Des Moines. He is a republican in political affairs
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and supports the candidates and measures of that party at the polls. His achievements are all the more notable when it is remembered that he has had to depend upon his own resources since starting out in life for himself, even working his own way through college. His determination and energy have conquered the obstacles that hin- dered his progress and he is now one of the most respected and most successful attorneys of Knoxville.
WILLIAM P. FLANAGAN.
In the years of an active life William P. Flanagan followed farm- ing and stock-raising in Washington township, his home being on section 26. He became a resident of the county in pioneer times and was a young man of but twenty-one or twenty-two years of age at the time of his arrival. His birth occurred in Virginia on the 15th of April, 1831, his parents being Reuben and Sarah ( Bybee) Flana- gan, who were natives of Virginia and of Irish descent. In the Old Dominion they were reared and married and to them were born six children, of whom but one is now living. On leaving the Old Domin- ion the parents went to Ohio and afterward to Indiana, where their remaining days were passed and there, when death called them, their remains were interred.
William P. Flanagan was but a young lad when the family went to Ohio and in the schools of that state he pursued his education. He first came to Iowa in 1853, making his way to Marion county, and from that time forward he was identified with its farming interests. On the 11th of September, 1859, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Mathew, a daughter of John and Lucy (Mormon) Mathew. The Mathew family lived for a time in Indiana and in 1849 came to Marion county, Iowa, establishing their home here in pioneer times and bearing an active and helpful part in the work of early development and improvement. John Mathew passed away on the 8th of October, 1887, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 25th of December, 1870. They were well thought of and had many friends. The record of their children is as follows: Julia Ann, who is deceased; Mary C. and Lewis, twins, the latter being deceased ; Rebecca Jane, who has also passed away; Margaret and Rachel, twins, the latter deceased ; and Martha and Emma, who have passed away.
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The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan was blessed with nine children: Frances A:, who is the wife of J. N. Cochran, of Plain- ville, Kansas; Dulcena, deceased; John S .; one who died unnamed ; Archie W., who has passed away; Lua, who is at home with her mother; Edmond; Mary, who is deceased ; and Keely.
It was in the year 1877 that Mr. Flanagan and his family took up their abode upon the farm where his widow now resides-a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he afterward added forty acres. Early experience taught him practical methods of de- veloping and improving the fields and as time passed on he kept in touch with the trend of modern progress along that line. When machinery was invented and placed upon the market, he secured it to facilitate the work of the fields and when science brought forth knowledge concerning the soil conditions and the needs of plant life, he utilized this knowledge in the work of the fields. He was ever busy and met the demands that were made upon him faithfully and capably.
In May, 1900, Mr. Flanagan was called from this life, his re- mains being interred in the Olive Chapel cemetery. In early man- hood he gave his allegiance to the republican party but later, on account of a change in his political opinions, he supported the demo- cratic party. He never held office but was always ready to further any plan or project for the public good. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church and to its teachings he was . faithful. He was ever conscientious in what he did and no one ever questioned his integrity or the honesty of his motives.
GEORGE H. ROSE.
George H. Rose, living on section 6, Liberty township, was born on the farm which is still his home, his natal day being April 25, 1872. His parents were Richard and Matilda (Glenn) Rose. In his youthful days he worked in the fields when not busy with his text-books, his education being acquired in the public schools. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and he has engaged in general farming and stock-raising throughout his entire life. He keeps Durham cattle for his own use and he has other good grades of stock upon his place. The farm comprises two hundred 'acres of rich and arable land practically all cleared and under cultivation. He has made many
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improvements upon the farm, erecting all of the present buildings save the residence. The barns and outbuildings are substantial and give ample shelter to grain and stock and modern farm machinery and implements are used in the development of the fields. It was in 1904 that Mr. Rose purchased two hundred acres of the old home- stead from the other heirs and since that time he has occupied and cultivated the farm.
On the 22d of April, 1896, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Hammond, a daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Beard) Hammond. A sketch of the father, a retired agriculturist residing in Clay township, appears on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have four children, as follows: Glenn, who was born February 18, 1899; Irma, whose birth occurred on the 29th of July, 1900; Velma, whose natal day was February 27, 1907; and Merle, born August 12, 1909. The family is well known throughout Liberty township and this part of the county and Mr. and Mrs. Rose have a large circle of warm friends, while the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
In politics Mr. Rose is a democrat and gives to his party stalwart allegiance but does not seek nor desire office. On the contrary, he concentrates his efforts and energy upon the further development and improvement of his farm with the result that he has made it one of the valuable properties of this section of the state.
WILLIAM HOWARD MOON.
William Howard Moon is well known in Marion county as a representative of newspaper interests inasmuch as he is editor and proprietor of the Bussey Record. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, April 5, 1894, a son of John and Isabel Moon. The removal of the family to Marion county gave William Howard Moon the oppor- tunity of pursuing his education in the schools of Bussey, from which he was graduated on the 21st of June, 1908. Since that time he has been identified with newspaper publication and his advancement in this connection has placed him among the representative young newspaper men of this section of the state. He studies modern meth- ods of journalism, which he readily adapts to the needs of his paper, and in disseminating both local and general news he gives to his patrons a publication which is highly satisfactory.
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Mr. Moon is identified with several fraternal organizations, hold- ing membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which he is the financier; the Woodmen of the World and the Im- proved Order of Red Men. In the last named he is a past sachem of Elk Tribe, No. 101. His political allegiance is given to the demo- cratic party and he studies closely the questions of the day, keeping in touch with the policy of the party as outlined by its leaders. He stands for advancement at all times and since reaching man's estate has been an active factor in Bussey in promoting those interests and measures which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
A. T. KLEIN.
A. T. Klein, who for twelve years has capably filled the posi- tion of vice president of the Security Bank of Pella, was born in that city on the 7th of September, 1861, a son of T. H. and Gertrude (De Leuw) Klein, both natives of Holland, who emigrated to this country in 1847. His paternal grandfather was Gerrit Klein, who purchased a farm in Marion county. T. H. Klein was also an agri- culturist by occupation and resided in this locality until his death, which occurred in 1887. His wife, who came to this county with her stepfather, lived to a ripe old age, dying in December, 1912. To their union were born twelve children, eight of whom survive.
A. T. Klein was given a public-school education and was early trained in the work of the farm. He devoted his time to agriculture until he was past forty years of age, but in 1902 he removed to Pella. At that time he owned seven hundred acres of land but he has sold three hundred acres, holding four hundred. He buys and sells farms, finding this a profitable business, but since 1902 part of his time has been taken up by his duties as vice president of the Security Bank, of which N. Van Vliet is president.
In 1887 Mr. Klein married Miss Jennie G. Akkerman, a native of this county and a daughter of Jan and Mary (De Penning) Akker- man. To Mr. and Mrs. Klein were born five children, four of whom are living, namely: Tunis H., who was graduated from the Iowa State University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and from the law department of Drake University at Des Moines and who is assist- ant cashier of the Security Bank; Mary Luella and Gertrude, both at home; and Roland J. John A., the third child, was drowned in Skunk river August 23, 1905, at the business men's picnic, aged
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twelve years. The family belong to the Second Reformed church. Mr. Klein is a democrat in politics and is interested in everything pertaining to the general welfare.
J. PRESTON DURHAM.
Among the native sons of Marion county who have been content to spend their lives within its borders, feeling that the opportunities here offered are equal to those to be found elsewhere, is J. Preston Durham, who owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 31, Clay township, known as Iola Stock Farm. He was born upon that farm on the Ioth of March, 1866, a son of David T. and Lucretia Emeline (Evans) Durham. The father was a son of David Durham, who removed to Van Buren county, Iowa, in the early '40s, when Iowa was still a territory, and established Durham's ferry, which he conducted for years. He also owned a farm and was one of the substantial residents of his locality. He passed to his reward about 1866.
His son, David T. Durham, was born at Belfast, Maine, where the first of the family in this country had settled upon their removal here from Belfast, Ireland. In his boyhood David T. Durham accompanied his father to Van Buren county, Iowa, and there grew to manhood. Upon reaching years of maturity he engaged in farm- ing and stockraising and gained a competence thereby. He was a republican and served as county treasurer and also held a number of other local offices, including that of supervisor. He was given higher honor in his election as state representative and later as state senator. He came to this county May 1, 1843, and continued to reside here until his death, on the 17th of November, 1902, when eighty years of age. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucretia Emeline Evans, was born in Washington county, Indiana, and the city of Evansville was named in honor of her father, John C. Evans, who was an early merchant of that place. In early life, however, he removed to Wapello county, Iowa, and secured a farm on the Mon- roe county line. He was one of the pioneers of that section of the state and was held in high honor by all who knew him. Mr. and Mrs. Durham were joined in wedlock in Wapello county, Iowa, May 16, 1847, and their married life was a long and happy one.
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DAVID T. DURHAM
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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mrs. Durham died on the 13th of September, 1892, aged sixty-seven years, eight months and eighteen days, in the faith of the Methodist church. To their union were born ten children, of whom the sub- ject of this review is the ninth in order of birth. The others sur- viving are: Tolford S., a resident of Bristol, Colorado; Mrs. Mary E. Rouze, of Tracy, lowa; Mrs. Florence Houser, living near Knox- ville, this state; Herbert M., of Fairport, Kansas; Mrs. May E. Derby, of Holdrege, Nebraska; and Mrs. Mattie J. Derby, of Yates Center, Kansas. George A. died in 1881, when a young man of thirty-three years. Mrs. Alice Brown died in 1893, in young womanhood. Laura A. died in 1901, when about fifty years of age.
J. Preston Durham grew to manhood in this county and after attending the common schools was a student at the Central Univer- sity of Iowa, at Pella. He remained under the parental roof until . his marriage, which occurred in 1901, since which time he has farmed independently. His place is one of the best improved quar- ter sections in Clay township and the excellent condition in which everything is kept adds greatly to the value of the property. Mr. Durham raises both grain and stock and his labor yields him a good financial return annually.
On the 27th of February, 1901, Mr. Durham was married to Miss Julia A. Welch, who was born October 14, 1866, in the north- ern part of Marion county, her parents being John B. and Harriett (Caufman) Welch, who came from Illinois and Virginia respec- tively, but were married in Marion county, Iowa, August 30, 1855. The Welch family came originally from Scotland and the Caufmans from Germany. For many years John B. Welch has been engaged in the lumber business and now resides in Oregon at the age of over eighty-three years. His wife, who was a consistent member of the Baptist church, died in January, 1909, when over seventy-nine years of age. They had five children, namely : Harriett E., now the widow of Peter Adams and a resident of Oregon; John R., of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; George L., of Pella, Iowa; Charles W., a railroad man of Des Moines; and Julia A. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Durham taught school for fifteen years, including eleven years in the city schools of Pella, and was very successful in that profession. To Mr. and Mrs. Durham has been born a son, David E., who is nine years old.
Mr. Durham is a republican and has served in a number of local offices, including those of assessor and trustee. He held the former office for two terms and has invariably given the same attention and care to the discharge of his official duties that he gives to the man- Vol. II-6
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agement of his private affairs. The guiding principles of his life are to be found in the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member, as is also his wife. The esteem of all who know him is his reward for the integrity, fair dealing and kindliness that have always characterized him in his relations with his fellow- men.
ISAAC N. BEBOUT.
Isaac N. Bebout, of Knoxville, has lived here since 1855 with the exception of eight years. He is the proprietor of the City Feed Mill and the products of his mill have the reputation of being of excellent quality. He was born in Crittenden county, Kentucky, September 13, 1849, a son of B. F. and Mary A. (Schumaker) Bebout. The father brought his family to Marion county in 1855 and continued to reside here until his death, which occurred in 1881, when he was sixty-two years of age. He was a farmer by occupation and well liked and respected. His wife preceded him in death, passing away in Gosport, this county, in 1855. Mr. Bebout of this review has one brother, George, who is farming upon a large scale near Albia, Iowa. He also has a half-sister and three half-brothers living, name- ly: J. W., living near Gosport; Peter T., a farmer of Lucas county ; Le Roy, living in Wyoming; and Mrs. Millie Anderson, a resident of Portland, Oregon.
Isaac N. Bebout was but a child of six years when brought to this county and here grew to manhood. He received a good com- mon-school education and also as a boy learned the principles of agriculture, thus fitting himself to earn a livelihood. In 1882 he removed to Mills county, Iowa, and farmed for eight years, after which he returned to this county, where he has since resided con- tinuously. For a number of years he conducted a feed barn in Knox- ville and in January, 1914, bought the City Feed Mill, which is equipped with the most modern machinery and which is furnished with power by an electric motor of fifteen horse power. Graham flour, corn meal and feed of all kinds are ground and the products of the mill have not only a large local sale but are also in demand in. the adjoining counties. Mr. Bebout devotes all of his time to his business and also employs one or two assistants regularly.
In 1870 Mr. Bebout married Miss Mary Hunt, a native of Marion county, who died in 1893, leaving three children, namely :
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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Charles, a farmer of Knoxville township; Fred, of Washington township; and Mrs. Celeste Swenberg, who died in the fall of 1896. In 1895 Mr. Bebout married Miss Louisa Brown, who was born in Marshall, Indiana, but was reared in this county from the age of ten years, arriving with her parents in 1865.
She is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Cart) Brown, both of whom are deceased, the former dying in 1909, when more than ninety-two years of age, and the latter passing away in 1873, when forty-six years old. Mr. Brown was a blacksmith by trade and the father of six children, five of whom are living: Mrs. Bebout; one in Illinois; one in Oregon; and two in Wyoming. Mr. Bebout is a democrat and fraternally belongs to the Masonic lodge at Dallas. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and no good cause appeals to them in vain.
JOHN METZ.
John Metz, a well known and well liked merchant of Marys- ville, was born in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of January, 1845, a son of Jacob and Ann (Guinn) Metz. The family is of French lineage and two brothers of the name came from Metz, France, to the United States, at an early period in the coloni- zation of the new world. They were the progenitors of those of the name in America. The brothers, however, became separated on the Jersey coast, so that one line of ancestry has been lost.
Jacob Metz was born in Pennsylvania, as was Ann Guinn, and they were married in that state, where they continued their resi- dence until 1856, when they started for the west with Marion county, Iowa, as their destination. They settled in Marysville and the father, who was a carpenter, worked at his trade there until his death, which occurred in 1886, while his wife passed away in 1881. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery here. Mr. Metz planted the first dande- lions seen in Marion county. He was a republican in his political views, capably and efficiently filling the office of justice of the peace, and was generally interested in public affairs, his aid being always on the side of progress and improvement. He had four sons in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion: Theodore, who was a member of Company B, Third Iowa Infantry, and died in the service ; Charles, who was a member of Company G, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and also died in the service; Henry, also a member of Com-
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pany G, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry; and John, a member of Company G, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry. Mrs. Metz and a Mrs. Klein were the first to observe Decoration day in this county, decorating the graves of the soldiers in 1862, long before the present Memorial day had been established.
John Metz was one of a family of nine children, six of whom are vet living, and was quite young when brought by his parents to Iowa. His education was acquired in the public schools of Marys- ville and in August, 1862, when a youth of but seventeen years, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Com- pany G, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, as previously stated. He was wounded at Spanish Fort on the 28th of March, 1865, after which he was sent home and was honorably discharged on the 24th of June of the same year. His was a creditable military record and he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements which featured prominently as factors in winning the ultimate victory that came to the Union troops.
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