USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 15
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On the 25th of September, 1872, Mr. Bridgman was united in marriage to Miss Anna Barrows Coe, who was born in Knox county, Illinois, August 3, 1850. Her parents were natives of New England and became early settlers of Knox county. Two children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bridgman : Chester C., who married Grayce M. Thomas, of Rathdrum, Idaho, and is the father of one daughter, Maxine; and Elizabeth M., the wife of Oscar R. Brandt, of Muscatine.
Mr. Bridgman was reared in the Presbyterian church but is not identified with any religious organization, although his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is in close sympathy with the republican party, believing from his observation and experience that its principles are best adapted for the prosperity and perpetuity of the republic. Although he has arrived at an age when most men prefer the quiet of a retired life, he is still actively connected with business affairs and is a prominent factor in the community. A worthy representative of a good American family, he has the characteristics of a true gentleman and public-spirited citizen. He is a man whose actions are in accord with his words and whose career has been a credit to himself and to all with whom he has associated.
CHARLES B. VAIL.
Charles B. Vail, president of the Vail Produce Commission Company, in which connection he is conducting a growing and prosperous business and at the same time is largely engaged in farming has an office at No. 205 West Point street and makes his home in Muscatine island. He was born in Orange county, New York, March 17, 1849, a son of Jonathan and Louisa (Chapman) Vail, who were also natives of the same county. In the Empire state the grand- father, Abram Vail, was born and reared. He came of English ancestry and made farming his life work. He married Miss Harriet Coleman and they spent their entire lives in New York, passing away there when more than sixty years of age. Their children were: Jonathan M., Margaret, Martha, Harriet, James, Nathan, Augusta, Cynthia and Abram. The maternal grandfather of Charles B. Vail was Dr. Hiram H. Chapman, who for many years was a prac- ticing physician of Orange county, New York. He married a Miss Brush and their daughter, Louisa Chapman, was the only child of that marriage who lived
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to maturity. After losing his first wife Dr. Chapman married a Miss Simington, and their children were: Lydia, Julia, Augusta and William.
Jonathan Vail, the father of Charles B. Vail, made farming his life work and was a resident of New York until 1854, after which he spent a year in In- diana. In 1855 he came to Muscatine and purchased a farm of two hundred and sixty acres in Bloomington township near Fruitland. His time and energies were thereafter given to the development and cultivation of that farm until 1887, when he passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife survived him for about three years and died in 1890, at the age of seventy-three. They were earnest Christian people, loyal to the teachings of the Presbyterian church, in which they held membership. At one time Mr. Vail was a member of the State Militia of New York. Both he and his wife were held in high regard because their lives were ever honorable and upright. In their family were the following children: William C., who laid down his life on the altar of his country while serving as a soldier of the Civil war; Edna, now deceased; Charles B., of this review; James A., who is living in Fullerton, California; and J. Henry, of Muscatine.
Charles B. Vail was a little lad of six years when his parents removed with the family to Iowa and he was reared on the home farm on Muscatine island. His education was acquired in the public schools and he afterward engaged in teaching for two terms but decided to make his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He has since continued to engage in farming although he has since extended his efforts into other fields of labor. He owns in Musca- tine county about twelve hundred acres, so that he is one of the extensive land- holders in this part of the state. He also has lands in Canada, Kansas and elsewhere. For the past few years he has handled considerable stock and has also engaged in truck farming on an extensive scale. For a quarter of a century he has been a representative of the produce commission business and these various lines are all capably managed by him and are profitable sources of income. He is a man of keen discernment, systematic and methodical in all that he does and his close application to his business has made him one of the prosperous residents of the county. He has taken a very prominent part in demonstrating what can be done in raising produce and vegetables on the island, encouraging its development, and his labors have been substantially rewarded.
On the 14th of September, 1880, Mr. Vail was united in marriage to Miss Ella A. Garnes, a daughter of John W. and Sarah (Shammo) Garnes. The only child of that marriage died in infancy and Mrs. Vail passed away August 16, 1908, at the age of fifty-nine years. Her death was deeply regretted by all who knew her and especially in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she was a faithful and devoted member. Her parents were early settlers of Musca- tine county.
Mr. Vail is a member of the Presbyterian church. Politically he gives his support to the democratic party but he is not active in politics, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is a man of resolute pur- pose, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and his industry is evenly balanced by his commercial integrity. He has done much for the county in proving its productiveness, especially on the island. His suc-
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cess should serve to inspire and encourage others, for he started out compara- tively empty-handed. He has lived in Muscatine county for more than a half century and is numbered among its best known and most highly esteemed early settlers.
GILBERT A. ARNOLD.
Gilbert A. Arnold, of Muscatine county, whose name is a synonym for in- dustry, perseverance and the successful accomplishment of worthy objects, is a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, but has been for many years a resident of this county. He was born February 19, 1848, a son of Henry and Frances (Muse) Arnold. The parents were both born in Kentucky and were descendants of old Virginia families. The father died in 1909, having passed his entire life in his native state. The mother was called away in 1896. There were three children in the family besides the subject of this review, namely: Emeline L., now the wife of W. F. See of Des Moines, Iowa; Martha J., now Mrs. Levi Houston, of Beechburg, Kentucky; and Rolly T., also of Kentucky.
Gilbert A. Arnold was reared in his native state and there possessed such opportunities of education as the public schools afforded. He learned the wagon- making trade and worked under his father until thirty years of age, when he began farming upon his own account in Jones county, Iowa, where he rented land for three years. Industrious, enterprising and willing to practice self-denial when necessary in order to accumulate sufficient capital to start independently, he acquired the money necessary to purchase a part of the land in Muscatine county which he now owns. After coming to this county he applied himself even more vigorously to the vocation for which by nature he is eminently fitted, and he is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres which he has made highly productive and is enjoying the fruits of his wisely directed labor.
On the Ist of February, 1866, Mr. Arnold was united in marriage in Ken- tucky to Miss Jennella Luman, a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Elson) Luman, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Luman, five of whom are now living, namely : Jennella, now Mrs. Arnold; Daniel, of Winchester, Kentucky; John, of West Liberty, Iowa; Edward D., of Los Angeles, California; and U. S. Grant, of Joplin, Missouri. Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ar- nold, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: John Henry, who is mar- ried and lives on a farm in Muscatine county; William T., who is also married and lives near Atalissa ; Emma K., the wife of Alpha Rabe, of Muscatine county ; Bert. who died at the age of seventeen years; Harriet, a graduate of the high school, who is now a successful teacher of music and is living at home; and Gilbert Otis, a student in the high school.
Mr. Arnold gives an earnest support to the republican party and has served as township trustee and road supervisor, and also for twenty years past as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 122, A. F. & A. M., of Ionia, and has filled several of the chairs in that organization.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENCX ANT TILDEN F. AINDAT 734
GILBERT A. ARNOLD
MRS. GILBERT A. ARNOLD
TIE NEW YORK BLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDAT
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
His family are faithful members of the Christian church. He is an active, pub- lic-spirited man and has been a highly useful citizen, ever seeking to advance the permanent welfare of his fellowmen. The keynote of his character is fidelity to responsibility, and in endeavoring to accomplish this purpose he has added largely to his own happiness and the happiness of all with whom he has been identified.
RAYMOND EUGENE JOHNSON.
Muscatine county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, for they have usually been distinguished by a spirit of devotion to the public good and have displayed capability in the discharge of their various duties. A worthy representative of the office holders at the present time is Raymond Eugene Johnson, who by appointment was made the custodian of the public funds, filling the position of county treasurer at the present time. He was born at Wilton, Iowa, March 26, 1886, and is therefore yet a young man, but he belongs to one of the well known and most highly respected families of the county and besides has given proof of his ability and his trustworthiness. His grandparents, Paul W. and Sarah (Wiggins) Johnson, had located in Muscatine county in 1852. The former was a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. In early manhood he had followed school teaching but later gave his attention to farming, becoming one of the leading and pro- gressive agriculturists of this part of the state. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: Harriet J., the deceased wife of E. C. Rigby; John C., deceased; Anna, the wife of the Rev. Thomas Simmons, of Faulkton, South Dakota; William G., who is living in Wilton, Iowa; Martha B., the wife of Thomas Glass, of Lewiston, Idaho; Silas L., of Muscatine; and Minnie M., the wife of Frank Pangborn, of Faulkton, South Dakota.
Silas L. Johnson, the father of Raymond E. Johnson, was born in Iowa and was reared upon a farm in Cedar county. He took up farming and stock- raising as his life work and followed that pursuit for many years with sub- stantial success. In 1894 he removed to Muscatine, having been elected to the office of county treasurer, which position he filled for six years. He then be- came cashier of the German American Savings Bank, which position he still fills, and his name is an honored one in the financial circles of the county. His business ability is widely recognized and he is numbered with those whose pro- gressive citizenship constituted an important factor in the gradual develop- ment and progress of the community. He married Miss Evanella Bell, also a native of Iowa and a daughter of Thomas and Mary Jane (Burch) Bell. Her father was a native of Ohio and became one of the early settlers of this state where he followed the occupation of farming. He died when past eighty years of age and is still survived by his widow. Their living children are James S., Nannie, Luella, Bertha, Thomas, Carrie and Evanella. The last named be- came the wife of Silas L. Johnson and unto their marriage were born two sons and three daughters, Raymond Eugene, Mildred, Margaret, Bessie and Walter. - Vol. II-8
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The parents hold membership in the Methodist church and are among the most highly esteemed residents of Muscatine, the hospitality of the best homes here being cordially extended them.
Raymond Engene Johnson was reared in Wilton, Iowa, to the age of eight years, when his parents removed to Muscatine and here he pursued his educa- tion in the public schools and also in the Muscatine Business College, from which he was graduated. He entered business life as an employe in the cost depart- ment of the Roach & Musser Sash & Door Company, with which he remained for about two years. He then became city collector for the Muscatine Journal and in January, 1908, was appointed to the position of deputy county treasurer under C. R. Stafford. In 1909 he was appointed deputy treasurer by A. C. Shiflet, who resigned and Mr. Johnson was then appointed to the office that was made vacant and which he is still filling, although only twenty-four years of age. His previous experience as deputy well qualified him for the duties that devolve upon him and which he is most capably discharging.
On the 22d of May, 1907, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Edna Ryan, a daughter of Charles H. and Nettie (Lockwood) Ryan. They have one son, Charles S., who is with his parents in a pleasant home at No. 306 East Eighth street.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist church and his political belief is indicated in the support which he gives to the republican party at the polls. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is a promi- nent Mason, holding membership with Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M .; De Molay Commandery, No. I, K. T .; and Kaaba Temple N. M. S., of Davenport. He is regarded as an exemplary representative of the craft, being most loyal to the teachings of the fraternity, and moreover is a citizen of worth, popular in social circles, faithful in office and at all times loyal in citizenship. His entire life has been passed in this county and his history is as an open book which all may read.
SILAS L. JOHNSON.
Silas L. Johnson, cashier of the German-American Savings Bank of Musca- tine, has made for himself a creditable position in financial circles, and his energy, systematic methods and careful management in the work entrusted to him have constituted an important element in the growth of the bank's business. A native of Iowa, he was born at Tipton, Cedar county, on the 22d of January, 1863, and is a son of Paul W. and Sarah (Wiggins) Johnson, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was a son of William Griffith Johnson, and he, too, was born in Ohio. He married Miss Drake, and on leaving the Buckeye state, removed to Iowa, settling in Cedar county, where he died at the ripe old age of seventy-three years. Throughout the greater part of his life he followed school-teaching, and his labors were an element in the educational development of this state. His family included Paul W., Silas D., Timothy, Eliza, Miranda and Matilda. The maternal grandfather of Silas John-
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son was William Wiggins, a native of Maryland and of Quaker lineage. He made farming his life occupation and became a pioneer resident of Cedar county, Iowa, contributing in substantial measure to the early development and progress of that part of the state. He died there when eighty-eight years of age. His family numbered fifteen children, eight of whom reached years of maturity, Bazil, Mrs. Hester Glass, Mrs. Elizabeth Bagley, Mrs. Minerva McFarland and four others who have long passed away.
Paul W. Johnson became a school teacher in early manhood but afterward turned his attention to the occupation of farming. He dated his residence in Muscatine county from the fall of 1852, and through that winter was employed as a teacher in the school north of the city. He afterward removed to Cedar county, settling on a farm near Tipton, where his remaining days were passed, with the exception of two months spent in Wilton, where he died in 1884 at the age of sixty-three years. His wife survived him until 1888, and passed away at the age of sixty-six years. Both were members of the Methodist church, and their well spent lives gained for them the high regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Johnson served as township assessor of Center township, Cedar county, for seven consecutive terms, and also held various school offices the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely : Harriet J., the deceased wife of E. C. Rigby ; John C., who has passed away; Anna, the wife of Rev. Thomas Simmons, of Faulkton, South Dakota; William G., living in Wilton; Martha B., the wife of Thomas Glass of Lewis- ton, Idaho; Silas L., of this city; and Minnie M., the wife of Frank Pangborn, of Faulkton, South Dakota.
Silas L. Johnson was reared upon the home farm in Cedar county, Iowa, and began his education in the district schools, while later he attended the Tipton high school and the Wilton academy. Liberal education thus qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He afterward turned his at- tention to the stock and grain business in which he continued in Wilton for ten years. He was then called to public office, being elected county treasurer, which caused his removal to Muscatine in 1894. His fidelity, capability and trustworthiness in office are indicated in the fact that he served for three terms as county treasurer, being chosen to the position by the vote of his fellow citizens. He then became one of the organizers of the German-American Sav- ings Bank and has continuously been its cashier. His business enterprise and unfaltering determination are elements in the success of the institution that has come to be regarded as one of the most safe and substantial financial concerns of the county.
In September, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Evanella Bell. a native of Scott county, Iowa, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary J. (Burch) Bell. Her father was born in Ohio, and the mother, a native of Canada, removed to New York when a small child. They became early settlers of Scott county, lowa, and later removed to Cedar county, while subsequently they became residents of Wilton, Muscatine county, and lastly went to Storm Lake, Iowa, where the father died when about eighty years of age. The mother is still living. In their family were seven children: James S., Mrs. Nancy J.
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McClintock, Mrs. Carrie Anspach, Mrs. Luella Russell, Mrs. Bertha Venard, Thomas H., and Evanella, the wife of Silas L. Johnson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born five children: Raymond E., Bessie L., Walter G., Mil- dred L., and Margaret. The eldest son is now filling the position of county treasurer and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their upright lives have gained for them the warm friendship of many with whom they have come in contact. Mr. Johnson belongs to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M., of which he is secretary. He is also secretary of Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. He likewise belongs to Webb Council, No. 18, R. & S. M., Zarephath Consistory of Davenport and Kaaba Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise holds membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He resides at No. 312 Walnut street, where he has made his home for ten years. Honored and respected by all, no man in Muscatine enjoys a more enviable position in commercial and financial circles than Silas L. Johnson, not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the straight- forward business policy he has ever followed.
MAURICE O. NEIDIG.
Maurice O. Neidig, now living retired at the age of seventy-seven years, is recognized as one of the enterprising and public-spirited citizens of Musca- tine, who has performed his part in the upbuilding of the community. In the evening of a well spent life he is now enjoying a well earned rest. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, March 12, 1833, and is a son of Benjamin and Catharine (Snavely) Neidig, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a miller by trade and came to Iowa in 1849. In Muscatine he engaged in the butcher and ice business, departing this life in 1889, at the age of eighty-seven years. The mother was called away in Maryland in 1848. The paternal grandfather of our subject was an early settler of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer and a United Brethren preacher and reared a large family, the names of his sons being John, Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, Daniel and Benjamin. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Penn- sylvania and became quite prominent as a speculator, coal operator and general business man. There were four children in the family of Benjamin and Catha- rine (Snavely) Neidig: John A., who died after arriving at manhood; Maurice O .; Benjamin F., deceased in 1907; and Ruanna M., who is making her home with her brother, the subject of this review.
At sixteen years of age Maurice O. Neidig came with his father to Muscatine, arriving at a time when there was little evidence that the spot would later be occupied by a beautiful city, adorned with all modern improvements. The year of his arrival was signalized by the great rush to the California gold fields, but our subject was not swept away by this excitement. In his boyhood he was educated in the old-fashioned subscription schools and he began his business
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career in the butcher shop and ice business of his father, later becoming his part- ner. After a few years they sold out the ice business to Charles F. Cadle but continued in the pork-packing business. For ten years Mr. Neidig acted as su- perintendent in the packing department of the Western Cereal Company, filling that responsible position in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of the officers and directors of that organization. For seven years he occupied the position of sexton of Greenwood cemetery, but since relinquishing that office he has lived retired, having acquired a competence through many years of active application.
On the 2d of June, 1858, Mr. Neidig was united in marriage to Miss Eliz- abeth H. Ryerson, a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Coss) Ryerson. She was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, and came west with her parents about 1854, the family locating near Wilton, Iowa, where Mr. Ryerson engaged in farming. He departed this life in Nebraska. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ryerson : Elizabeth, William, David, Peter, Mary and Maurice. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Neidig. Frank A. mar- ried Ella Rector and is now in the book and stationery business at Muscatine. They have two children, Wilma and Maurice. Dessie departed this life at the age of thirty-one years. Alice married John Eckers and is now deceased. She was the mother of two children, Karl and Alice. Ralph died at the age of twenty-five years, in 1898. He was a highly promising young man and served his country as a soldier in the Spanish-American war. The mother of these children passed away in 1908, at the age of seventy-four years. She was a woman of many estimable traits of character and her death was the greatest sorrow that Mr. Neidig has ever known.
The subject of this review is a valued member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife. Politically he is identified with the republican party. He started his business career with no capital but a good constitution and a resolute determination to win. He is, therefore, a self-made man-one who has accom- plished a worthy object in life by industry and self-confidence. In his earlier years he practiced rigid economy but as time passed and fortune favored he was able to give liberally to worthy objects and thus be of practical assistance to any who needed aid. He is now living at 409 Walnut street, in the house which his father built in 1862 and which has ever since been the family home. Mr. Neidig has many friends in Muscatine and vicinity who esteem him for his excellent qualities.
THERON THOMPSON.
'Among the wide-awake and progressive business men of Muscatine, Theron Thompson occupies an honored place. He was born in York, Jefferson county, Ohio, September 22, 1853, and is a son of Robert T. and Emily A. (Lewis) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Wheeling, West Virginia, and came west to Mus- catine county in 1858, engaging in the grain business at Atalissa, and later taking up his residence in Muscatine. He became quite popular in the county
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