USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
TOWNSEND B. NICHOLS.
The student of history cannot carry his investigations far into the annals of Muscatine county without learning how close and honorable has been the con- nection of the Nichols family with the development and progress of this region. He whose name introduces this review was born in the village of Nichols on the 20th of January, 1874. His parents were Benjamin F. and Susan M. (Jenkins) Nichols, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was a son of Samuel and Mary (Rogers) Nichols, both natives of Chillicothe, Ohio, and in that state the latter died. In 1842, Samuel Nichols was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Nancy Searles, the widow of Dr. Searles, of Wapello, Iowa. He had come to this state soon after the death of his first wife, arriving in the year 1838, at which time he located in what is now known as Pike township, Muscatine county. Iowa was still a part of the territory of Wisconsin and the Indians far outnumbered the white settlers in most portions of the state, al- though the work of civilization was being vigorously carried forward along the Mississippi, while some more venturesome spirits, willing to brave the greater dangers and hardships of pioneer life, had penetrated into the interior. Samuel Nichols entered a section of land, upon which he built a log cabin. It was one of the typical pioneer homes, covered with a clapboard roof. The floor was made of puncheons and the door had a wooden latch, which was lifted by the latchstring that was drawn in at night, so that the door could not be opened from the outside. As soon as he had completed this primitive home Samuel Nichols returned to Ohio and in 1840 he came with his family, consisting of five chil- dren, to Iowa, settling upon the claim which he had previously secured. These children were: Benjamin F., the father of Townsend B. Nichols; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Hosea Johns but both are now deceased; Margaret, who married John Swickard and they are also deceased; Mary, who became the wife of A. J. Brockway but both have now passed away; and Townsend, living in Los Angeles, California, who is, however, one of the most extensive land- owners of Muscatine county, Iowa, his holdings embracing over twenty-two hun- dred acres of finely improved land, all under a high state of cultivation, together with various properties in the village of Nichols. He lived with his parents until they passed away, after which he removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he re-
188
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
sided until 1902, in which year he went to California, where he has since made his home. Martha, the youngest of the family, has also passed away.
Samuel Nichols secured his land in Lowa with a land warrant granted him in recognition of his services in the war of 1812. During the second military contest with England he had served as a private under Captain Wallace of the Ohio militia. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged and was given the land warrant, which he did not locate, however, until he first came to Musca- tine county in 1838, at which time he secured his section of land in Pike town- ship and began the development of the farm that is still owned by members of his family. He remained in active connection with general agricultural pursuits here throughout his remaining days. He and his family occupied the original log cabin which he built in 1838 for about twenty-one years or until 1859. During that time no deaths occurred in that cabin. Two of the daughters, however, were married there, Elizabeth becoming the wife of Hosea Johns, while Margaret E. married John Swickard. There were also two births in that cabin, Mrs. Robert Black, a cousin of Townsend B. Nichols, having been born there, as was also Florence Swickard, a daughter of John Swickard, likewise a cousin of Town- send B. Nichols. As the years passed on Samuel Nichols prospered in his under- takings. He not only brought his original claim under a high state of develop- ment but also added to his holdings from time to time until he was the owner of three thousand acres of land in Muscatine county, lying mostly in Pike town- ship. He manifested keen business judgment and sagacity and, realizing that this land must eventually advance in price, he very wisely made extensive investments.
Benjamin F. Nichols, his son and the father of Townsend B. Nichols, re- mained with his father in Muscatine county until 1849, when attracted by the discoveries of gold on the Pacific coast, he made his way to California, travel- ing by way of New Orleans, where he embarked on a vessel for Galveston, Texas, thence he made his way across Mexico and on its western shore embarked for San Francisco. He remained in California and other parts of the west for nine- teen years, after which he returned to the old homestead in Muscatine county, Iowa. He then took charge of the farm, handled stock of all kinds and man- aged the estate until after his parents' deaths in 1871. The work which had been instituted by his father was continued by him and thus in a later generation he proved as valuable and active a factor in public progress as his father had before him. He laid out the town site of Nichols, the plat being filed for record on the 22d of June, 1871. This is now a village of about four hundred and fifty inhabitants. Benjamin F. Nichols there conducted a store and he and his brother also built a hotel, which they carried on for two years. At the end of that time Benjamin F. Nichols returned to the farm which his son Townsend now owns and occupied it continuously until his death, which occurred on the 5th of No- vember, 1893. He is still survived by his widow, who is now living in Nichols at the age of sixty-five years.
Townsend B. Nichols is the only son born unto his parents. He still lives upon a part of the old homestead, being now the owner of six hundred acres of that property. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock of all kinds and keeps high grade cattle, horses and hogs. His business ability and executive
189
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
force are manifested in his careful and successful management of his private interests. In addition he also has charge of his uncle's estate of twenty-two him- dred acres and other properties. A course in business college well trained him for work which he is now doing and practical experience has given him broad knowledge. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful comple- tion and his enterprise stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. In addi- tion to the management and control of extensive farming interests he is one of the directors of the Nichols Savings Bank.
On the 25th of November, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Townsend B. Nichols and Miss Letitia Medora Sutton, a native of Story county, Iowa, and a daughter of George and Letitia (Ames) Sutton, both of whom were natives of New York. Going to Illinois, they remained for a short time and then re- moved to Story county, Iowa, where they lived until 1890, when they came to Muscatine county, where the mother died in 1907. The father is still living with his daughter, Mrs. Nichols, at the age of seventy-three years. Unto him and his wife were born six children, of whom four are yet living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols has been blessed with two children : Benjamin F., born November 26, 1898; and Anna Letitia, born November 28, 1900.
In his political views Mr. Nichols is a democrat and has been township clerk for two years. He is likewise president of the school board of Nichols and his aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further any public project for the good of town, county, state or nation. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Nichols, in which he has filled most of the chairs, and to the Odd Fellows lodge and the Modern Woodmen camp, also of Nichols. He is a typical young business man of the present day, alert and enterprising and watchful of oppor- tunities pointing to success. His careful direction of his business affairs has made his properties valuable and productive and his efforts have largely been of a character that have contributed to public progress as well as individual prosperity.
IRA G. BAKER.
Ira G. Baker, who is now living in honorable retirement at West Liberty, has made his home here for the past forty-three years, devoting his attention to gen- eral agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. His birth oc- curred in Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, on the Ist of December, 1829, his parents being Lucius and Catherine (Larue) Baker, the former a native of Con- necticut and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father passed away at the compara- tively early age of thirty-five years and Mrs. Baker subsequently gave her hand in marriage to Marquis Kirkpatrick. Our subject has one sister, Mary Jane.
When a youth of eighteen Ira G. Baker accompanied his mother and step- father on their removal to Cedar county, Iowa, there residing on a farm until 1853. That year witnessed his arrival in Muscatine county, where he has made his home continuously since with the exception of nine years. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company D, Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, remaining with that command for about
190
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
nine months or until peace was declared. On returning to this county he once more took up the pursuits of civil life, devoting his time and energies to the cul- tivation of rented land. In 1878 he purchased a residence in West Liberty, where he has made his home while operating different farms in the vicinity. Now in the evening of life he is living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Baker chose Miss Susan J. Hammer, a daughter of John C. and Catharine Hammer. Mrs. Baker was one of five children, the others being as follows: David, who is deceased; Dennis, who died while serving in the army; Delilah, who is a widow; and Vir- ginia, the wife of William Peterbaugh. Our subject and his wife were also the parents of five children, namely : Rosa C., the wife of George Hormell, who is engaged in the poultry business at West Liberty; Effie, who has passed away ; Mary Jane, the wife of Clarence Barnhart, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Myrta, the widow of Homer Swain; and John H., who is a resident of West Liberty. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in March, 1871.
Mr. Baker is a stanch republican in politics but has never been an office seeker. In religious faith he is a Methodist and his life has ever been in conformity with his professions as a member of that church. He has now reached the venerable age of eighty-one years and well merits the respect and esteem which are uni- formly accorded him.
MRS. OVILLA CROXEN.
Sixty-five years ago Mrs. Ovilla Croxen arrived in Muscatine county from her early home in the Buckeye state and has since lived here, now occupying a beautiful residence in Atalissa, supplied with all the conveniences and com- forts that are to be desired. Born in Clinton county, Ohio, November 28, 1826, she is a daughter of Thomas and Judith Anthony, both natives of Virginia. The parents removed to Ohio at an early date and were married there, coming to Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1845. The father purchased land in Goshen town- ship, upon which he spent the remainder of his life. Of the seven children in the family, two are now living: Ovilla, and Thomas J., of Kansas.
Ovilla Anthony was educated in the district schools of Ohio and accompanied her parents on their removal to Muscatine county, where she was married, Sep- tember 14, 1848, to James M. Brown, also a native of Ohio. Of this union three children were born: Lucy, now deceased; Henry, living in Colorado; and Will- iam E., also deceased. Her husband having departed this life April 1, 1854, Mrs. Brown was married September 10, 1856, to Samuel Croxen, a native of England, who came to this country in 1853. He was a farmer, and, being a man of energy and excellent judgment, was quite successful in his calling. He was summoned from earthly scenes February 19, 1905. He took a great interest in church work; was superintendent of the Sunday school for a great many years and attended all Sunday school conventions, being well known in church circles in Cedar. Johnson and Muscatine counties. Of this union four children
SAMUEL CROXEN AND FAMILY
THE NEW Y PUBLIC LIBRAR
ASTOR, LENOX AN TILDEN FOUNDAT
193
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
were born. Mary A., now the wife of Warren Milick of Cedar county, Iowa; George, deceased; Charles C., of Goshen township, Muscatine county ; and Frank, of Texas.
Mrs. Croxen is still the owner of fifty acres of the family homestead which is located on section 16, Goshen township. She also owns a beautiful residence in Atalissa, where she now lives, and has five town lots. Her memory carries her back to the little log cabin in the wilderness where her parents took up their home upon arriving in Iowa, and to many faces that have long since disappeared from earthly view. She is a firm believer in the Christian religion and holds membership in the Presbyterian church in which she has many friends, also being greatly esteemed in the region where she has lived for sixty-five years and where she is honored as one of the beloved mothers who has assisted to the extent of her ability in bringing about the desirable conditions of the present day.
WALTER I. SMITH.
Few residents of Wapsinonoc township deserve more credit for patient in- dustry than does Walter I. Smith, whose name stands at the head of this review. By his undaunted perseverance he has acquired a competence, being now the owner of one of the valuable farms of the county, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. Born in Davis county, Iowa, June 23, 1864, he is the son of William and Melindy (Evans) Smith, both natives of Indiana. They were married in Iowa and the father engaged in farming in Davis county until 1890, when he disposed of his place and removed- to Cedar county, purchasing a small tract upon which he lived until his demise in 1896. The mother made her home with her children until her death, which occurred in 1907. There were twelve children in their family, one of whom died in infancy, the others being Angeline; Albion ; Frank; Lorilla, who died at the age of three years; Charley ; Allen ; Walter I .; Della; Lilly; Arthur ; and Millard.
As a member of a large family, Walter I. Smith performed his share in the duties about the house and also in the work of the fields. He attended the dis- trict school, where he was inducted into the rudiments of an education, which he has greatly widened by reading and a habit of close observation that has been one of his prominent traits ever since his boyhood. He continued at home until twenty-one years of age and then worked out by the month for six years. After his marriage he rented land for three years and, having acquired the necessary funds, he purchased eighty acres in Cedar county, which he cultivated for ten years and then sold at a good profit upon the investment. In 1901 he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres upon which he now lives and has provided it with all the desirable modern improvements, greatly adding to its value. He cultivates the cereals and is also very successful as a stock raiser. He has worked hard and can look forward to rest from labor in later years, having provided himself with ample means by which he will be able to command the comforts and, if he so desires, the luxuries of life.
Vol. II-10
194
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
On the 25th of December, 1888, Mr. Smithi was united in marriage to Miss Dora E. Shepherd, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Richard and Amanda (Ball) Shepherd, the former of whom was born in Newfoundland and the latter in Pennsylvania. The parents were married in Ohio, and in 1871 settled on a farm in Iowa which Mr. Shepherd disposed of in 1896, residing for a few years in Missouri. He and his wife are now living at Tipton, Iowa. He was a faith- ful soldier for the Union at the time of the Civil war and is a man of noble and generous traits that have greatly endeared him to many friends. There were two children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd: Dora E., now Mrs. Walter I. Smith; and William, of South Dakota. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been made happy by the arrival of four children : Earl, born October 2, 1889, who attended the high school at Downing, Iowa, and is now living at home; Hazel Pearl, born November 10, 1891, who attended the high school and also studied music, and is now married to Carl Crozer, living in Cedar county; Verda M., born November 2, 1898; and Vae O., born April 25, 1901.
Mrs. Smith is a lady of many excellent qualities who possessed the advan- tages of a high-school education in her early womanhood. She engaged suc- cessfully as a teacher previous to her marriage. Mr. Smith is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at West Liberty and is a firm believer in the fra- ternal principles of that order. He and his wife are connected with the Metho- dist church and politically he gives his adherence to the republican party, believ- ing that in so doing he is advancing the best interests of the nation. He is a member of the school board and the local telephone company. He has won a position of independence financially by the well established principle of industry, and his career cannot fail to be a valuable incentive to young men who have the ambition to accomplish a noble purpose in life.
JEFFERSON E. SANDERS.
Jefferson E. Sanders, the owner of a well improved and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and eighty-six and a half acres on section 16, Wap- sinonoc township, is successfully engaged in business as a farmer and stock- man. His birth occurred in Johnson county, Iowa, on the 6th of September, 1861, his parents being George W. and Abigail (Owen) Sanders, natives of Ohio. On taking up his abode in Johnson county, this state, the father first cultivated rented land for a time, while about 1865 he purchased a farm of sixty acres near Lone Tree, operating the place until he put aside the active work of the fields in 1906. He then bought a nice home in West Liberty and has there lived in honorable retirement to the present time. Unto him and his wife were born six children, namely : Celesta, who died in infancy ; Jefferson E., of this review ; Carrie, who is deceased; Bertrice, the wife of W. P. Nichols, of Wapsinonoc township, Muscatine county ; and George H. and Mattie, who have also passed away.
When about twenty-one years of age Jefferson E. Sanders became identified with the grain business, being thus engaged at Lone Tree, Iowa, for one year.
195
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
On the expiration of that period he rented eighty acres of land, cultivating the tract for about twelve months. He then spent a year in the western part of Ne- braska and subsequently worked as a farm hand for a similar period. During the following three years he operated a farm of one hundred and twenty acres belonging to a neighbor, while later he conducted a cream route for about a year. In 1889 he bought a tract of eighty acres in Johnson county, there carry- ing on agricultural pursuits until 1894, when he disposed of the property and took up his abode on his father-in-law's farm in Muscatine county. In the mean- time he had purchased one hundred and eighty-six and a half acres of land on section 16, Wapsinonoc township, whereon he now resides, having brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement. In addition to rais- ing the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he feeds cattle and hogs for the market, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. His prosperity is well deserved, for he has worked earnestly and persistently year by year, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by determined and honorable effort.
On the 21st of February, 1889, Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Lura Nichols, a daughter of Phineas and Martha (Gibson) Nichols. A sketch of her father appears on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were the parents of eleven children, all of whom are now deceased except the fol- lowing named : Harriet, the wife of Albert Whitacre; J. Clark; Mrs. Sanders ; Rosella, the wife of Charles Wolf; and Rosetta, the wife of Walter Mackey, of Downey, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders have three sons: Glenn H., Forest N. and Vaughn J., all at home.
In politics Mr. Sanders is a stanch republican but his aspirations have not been in the line of office holding. In religious faith he is a Methodist, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias. He has spent practically his entire life in this part of the state and has long enjoyed an enviable reputa- tion as a representative agriculturist and respected citizen.
ROY E. EVANS.
Roy E. Evans, the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wapsin- onoc township, is meeting with well merited success in his undertakings as an agriculturist. His birth occurred at Harper, Keokuk county, Iowa, on the 2d of August,, 1878, his parents being Channing L. and Elva ( Phillips) Evans, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a school teacher by profes- sion. The paternal grandfather of our subject was an Englishman by birth. Roy E. Evans was the eldest of three sons, his brothers being Clarence L. and Ralph P.
When two years of age Roy E. Evans was taken by his parents to Creston, Iowa, where he remained until a youth of nine. At that time the family home was established in Muscatine county and within its borders Mr. Evans has re- sided continuously since. General agricultural pursuits have claimed his atten- tion during his entire business career and he has found this field of activity con- genial as well as profitable. In the fall of 1900 he purchased his present farm
196
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
of one hundred and sixty acres in Wapsinonoc township, all of which is under a high state of cultivation with the exception of an eight-acre timber tract. Mr. Evans is an enterprising farmer whose practical, progressive methods are mani- fest in the excellent appearance of his property.
On the 5th of December, 1906, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Lulu May Nauman, a daughter of David and Lizzie (Gedney) Nauman. Mr. and Mrs. Nauman had eight children, as follows: Cora Effie, the wife of Robert Klotz; Mrs. Evans; Harry Edward; Roy, who is deceased; Verl Halloway ; Fay- ette and Fern, twins, both of whom have passed away; and one who died in in- fancy. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have a daughter, Villa Marie, who is in her first year.
In politics Mr. Evans is a democrat, while fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Chris- tian church. Although one of the younger representatives of agricultural inter- ests in Muscatine county, he has already attained a measure of prosperity that augurs well for the future.
BENJAMIN FENSTERMAKER.
Benjamin Fenstermaker, who is now living retired in a fine residence at West Liberty, was for many years numbered among the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of Cedar county, where he still owns a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His birth occurred in Perry county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of August, 1845, his parents being Ephraim and Sarah (Shoemaker) Fenstermaker, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. They came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1856, locating first at Atalissa, while shortly after- ward they took up their abode at West Liberty but in 1862 removed to a farm in Cedar county. Ephraim Fenstermaker built the ninth house that was erected in West Liberty. He also purchased land in Cedar county and was long numbered among the substantial and respected residents of this part of the state. He passed away in 1901, when eighty-two years of age, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1882. Their children were nine in number, namely : Mary, who is deceased; Benjamin, of this review; Sarah, who has also passed away ; Elizabeth, the wife of John Webster, of Muscatine county ; Emeline, the wife of E. D. Smith; Amelia, who is deceased; Louise, who first married Stephen Schooley, by whom she had one son, and for her second husband married a Mr. Forbes, of Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Minnie, who is the wife of Howell Hise and now resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Abbie, also living in Colorado Springs.
Benjamin Fenstermaker attended the common schools in pursuit of an educa- tion and remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age. At that time he purchased and located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Cedar county, devoting his attention to its further cultivation and improvement for a period of thirty-two years. The property is still in his possession and he also holds the patent thereto, which was signed by Millard Fillmore. On putting
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.