USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 21
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
Returning to Muscatine county, Mr. Barclay began his business career as clerk in a store in West Liberty for about one year, at the end of which time he became a purchaser and shipper of live stock, and later he engaged in the nursey business at Cedar Rapids for about a year. He was attracted to farming, how- ever, and became associated with his father in agriculture and stock-raising, soon becoming identified with the breeding of fine stock, in which he was continuously engaged for thirty-five years. He devoted his entire attention to the business and was an exhibitor at as many as thirty state fairs, and also at the international fat stock show in Chicago. He purchased stock from various parts of the country and shipped high grade animals to the western ranges. In 1883 he shipped over seventeen hundred head, the most of which he purchased himself. and he ac- quired an established reputation among large cattle owners as a dealer whose word could be relied upon implicitly. Since 1897 he has lived practically retired and has disposed of most of his real estate except a handsome residence at West Liberty and a farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
In 1872 Mr. Barclay was united in marriage to Miss Emily H. Wonsetler, a native of Ohio, and by this union five children were born, namely: Wade C., a graduate of the State University of Iowa and also of the Chicago University in the divinity course, who is now educational director of the Methodist Epis- copal Sunday Schools of the United States, with headquarters in Chicago; R. W., a graduate of Iowa State College, now engaged as live-stock auctioneer at Mason City, Iowa : Josephine, also a graduate of Iowa State College, who was a teacher of domestic science in the University of Florida for two years, in the
207
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
Illinois State University at Champaign for a year, then in Idaho and later in California, but is spending the present year with her brothers in Portland, Ore- gon ; Paul V., graduate of Iowa State College, engaged in the real-estate busi- ness in Portland, Oregon ; and M. S., who was a student for three years at Iowa State College, and is also engaged in the real-estate business at Portland.
Mr. Barclay has observed the beneficial effects of education, and schools and colleges have no warmer friend than he. For six years he was a member of the board of trustees of Iowa State College, and in giving every desirable advantage of education to his children he started them on the road to attain worthy ideals. Politically he is an adherent of the republican party and socially he is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, being one of the stanchest friends of the old soldiers to be found in the country. In the fall of 1905 he had the misfor- tune to lose his right arm in a corn shredder and it was mainly on account of this accident that he retired from active business. Through strong and determined purpose Mr. Barclay won his way to success and through many genial and worthy qualities he has gained the lasting esteem of a host of friends in lowa and other states.
WILLIAM SANGER.
William Sanger, the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres in Wapsinonoc township, has devoted his atten- tion to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and the success which has attended his efforts is ample proof of the fact that his choice of a vocation was a wise one. His birth occurred in Cedar county, Iowa, on the 24th of November, 1871, his parents being John and Lucy A. (Ward). Sanger, who were natives of England and Ohio respectively. The father, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States when he had attained his majority, passed away in 1886 at the age of forty-six years. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, as follows: Annie, the wife of Ed Collins, a carpenter liv- ing in Cedar county ; Robert, who is a resident of Kansas; George, who makes his home in South Dakota; Susan, who is the widow of William Ward and re- sides in Cedar county ; William, of this review ; John C., of South Dakota; Daisy G .; Mary, who is the wife of Jake Snyder, an agriculturist of Minnesota; and Bertha, who lives in Cedar county.
William Sanger, whose name introduces this review, has made his home in Muscatine county since the spring of 1908. Farming has claimed his attention since he started out in life for himself and he has found it a profitable as well as congenial occupation. 'At the present time he owns two hundred and seventy- five acres of land in Wapsinonoc township, all under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He has made a close study of agriculture in its various phases and possesses the spirit of enterprise and progress which, directed by keen busi- ness sagacity and wise discernment, have been salient elements in winning for him the gratifying degree of prosperity which is today his.
208
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
On the 8th of May, 1902, Mr. Sanger was united in marriage to Miss Nellie A. Bates, a daughter of George Frederick and Anna (Phelps) Bates, who were early settlers of Cedar county, Iowa. Following her husband's death Mrs. Bates was again married, her second union being with H. K. Maxson, by whom she had three children: Lafayette, Floyd and Chesley. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sanger were born five children, namely: One who died in infancy; Kenneth William, a little lad of four years ; Myrle John, who is three years old; Alta L., aged one year ; and Lyle Frederick.
In politics Mr. Sanger is a republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen. He and his wife attend the Methodist church and are widely recognized as people of genuine personal worth. A resident of this part of the state from his birth to the present time, Mr. Sanger has gained an extensive ac- quaintance and many friends who hold him in high esteem.
EDWARD W. DENTON.
Edward W. Denton, a wealthy farmer and stockman owning and cultivating a tract of land comprising two hundred acres situated four miles north of Musca- tine, in Bloomington township, has continuously made his home thereon for the past fifty-five years. His birth occurred in Denton, Orange county, New York, on the 17th of March, 1833, his parents being Horace E. and Adelaide L. (Lit- tle) Denton, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The progenitor of the family in America was Richard Denton, who came here from Scotland in 1630, settling at Hempstead, Long Island, where he preached the gospel as a minister of the Presbyterian church. He is said to have founded Presbyterianism in the United States.
Horace E. Denton, the father of the gentleman whose name introduces this review, came to Iowa from New York in 1855 and purchased eighty acres of wild land in Bloomington township, Muscatine county, where he developed a fine farm and made his home until called to his final rest in 1871 when seventy-five years of age. His wife, who survived him for a number of years, passed away in 1877 at the age of seventy-six years. Both were old-school Presbyterians in religious faith and their lives were at all times upright and honorable. They became the parents of seven children, four of whom died in early life. Those who grew to maturity are as follows: Eliza B., who is deceased; Edward W., of this review; and Charles H., living in New York.
Edward W. Denton was reared to manhood on the home farm in New York and attended the old-fashioned country schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion. In 1855 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa and bought one hundred and twenty acres of raw prairie land in Bloomington township, Muscatine county. As the years passed by he developed the property into an excellent farm, placing many substantial improvements thereon and bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation. Coming into possession of his fa- ther's farm at the time of the latter's death, he now owns two hundred acres of rich and productive land, which returns to him a gratifying annual income. The
209
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
neat and attractive appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision and practical and progressive methods.
On the 24th of August, 1864, Mr. Denton was united in marriage to Miss Rose A. Farnsworth, a native of Sweetland township, Muscatine county, and a daughter of Aziel and Ann (Shepherd) Farnsworth, who were born in Vermont and New York respectively. They took up their abode among the very earliest settlers of this county, coming here in 1836. Aziel Farnsworth died in Cali- fornia in the 'Sos, while the demise of his wife occurred in Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1847. They had four children, namely: Alvin, John, Shepherd and Rose. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Denton were born seven children, as follows: Horace F., who lives in the west; George Albert, who passed away in 1899; Erminia Florence, who keeps house for her father; Lewis Edward, who died at the age of eighteen months; Jessie I., who passed away when four and a half years old; Charles A., who operates the home farm and wedded Nina Hild, by whom he has one child, Rose K .; and Jasper J., still at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 17th of September, 1904, when more than sixty years of age, passing away in the faith of the Methodist church.
In politics Mr. Denton is an independent republican, not considering himself bound by party ties at local elections. His religious faith is indicated by his men- bership in the Presbyterian church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M. He has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and receives the respect and ven- eration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has at all times been above reproach.
GEORGE W. BALDWIN.
Pennsylvania has contributed many valiant sons of Iowa but is it doubtful whether a worthier representative of the Keystone state is to be found in Mus- catine county than George W. Baldwin, of West Liberty. He was a true soldier when the life of the country was in danger, and he has been a useful and progres- sive citizen. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1843, son of Joseph and Violetta L. (Smith) Baldwin. The father was also a native of the Keystone state and passed his entire life there. He made farming his principal occupation, but he and his wife both taught school the first year after their marriage. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living : William, a street car conductor of Philadelphia, now seventy-three years of age ; George W., of this review ; Byron, now living at New Orleans, Louisiana, who was ranking surgeon of the United States navy and retired from active serv- ice in 1907; Ella Louisa, now teacher of higher arithmetic, Latin and German at Bridgeport, Connecticut, being a graduate of the Normal School at West Chester, Pennsylvania, and also of Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts.
George W. Baldwin received his preliminary education in the common schools of his native county, after which he attended Friedland's Institute for one year. He continued with his parents until their death, on the 6th of August, 1862, being
210
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
then eighteen years of age, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and was made a non-commissioned officer. He served with that command until May 16, 1863, and then reenlisted in Company A of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Having acquitted himself with very high credit in a special examination, he was honored by promotion to the cap- taincy of the company, continuing in the service until January 6, 1864, when he was honorably discharged and mustered out. He participated in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Washington Court House, Lower Bull Run, Fred- ricksburg, Fisher's Landing and many minor engagements.
After leaving the army Mr. Baldwin returned to Pennsylvania, where he was married and in October, 1866, came to West Liberty, and became a dealer in Shet- land ponies and horses, continuing in the same business until his health gave out and he was obliged to seek less laborious employment. At the present time he is a breeder of Partridge Wyandotte chickens and has gained a wide reputation in a line to which he has devoted close attention and which he thoroughly understands.
On the 4th of June, 1866, Mr. Baldwin was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Rickard, a native of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, by whom he had one child, Harry Atwood, now deceased. Mrs. Baldwin died November 25, 1899, and was buried in Oakridge cemetery, West Liberty, Iowa.
Mr. Baldwin is a stanch supporter of the republican party and a valued men- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was reared in the Quaker faith and has never departed from the simple belief which looks within for guidance through every difficulty. He has led a busy and useful life and although nearly three score and ten years of age still continues to faithfully perform his duties. A man of unblemished character, he stands very high in the estimation of a host of friends and acquaintances in Muscatine and adjoining counties.
PETER N. LANE.
Peter N. Lane was born on the farm where he now resides ou section 23, Wapsinonoc township, and is well known as a worthy representative of an hon- ored pioneer family of this county. At the present time he is living retired, en- joying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. His birth occurred on the IIth of September, 1851, his parents being John G. and Jane ( Brisbine) Lane, who were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively. They came to Muscatine county in 1837 or 1838, the father here entering a tract of land which has remained in possession of the family continuously since and erecting thereon a log cabin with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. Mr. Lane was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest in February, 1872, and in his passing the community lost one of its substantial and respected pioneer residents. The demise of his wife oc- curred in November, 1883. They were the parents of six children, two of whom are yet living, namely : Peter N., of this review; and Joseph.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AST-f
JOHN G. LANE
MRS. JOHN G. LANE
THE NEW IK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AS :
215
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
Peter N. Lane attended the common schools in pursuit of an education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. At that time lie started out as an agriculturist on his own account by renting a tract of land, in the cultivation of which he was busily engaged for a number of years. Subsequently le purchased a portion of the old homestead farm, thus coming into possession of ninety-two acres of land on section 23, Wapsinonoc township. The operation of that property claimed his attention during the remainder of his active business career, his well directed labors eventually winning him the competence which now enables him to live retired.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Lane has supported the democracy, believing firmly in its principles. Ile has resided in Muscatine county from his birth to the present time and has gained the regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact by reason of his well spent and upright life.
GEORGE W. WILL.
Living in Moscow township, Muscatine county, where his father located in the pioneer days, George W. Will enjoys many advantages of which the old settlers little dreamed. He owns a beautiful farm, supplied with modern facilities and within easy access of the nearest railroad stations, which are reached over good roads, thus leaving little to be desired as to market facilities. As he engages in both agriculture and stock-raising, he is in a position of independence greatly longed for by those who regard farming as the ideal life of man.
He was born on the farm where he now lives July 15, 1862, a son of George and Anna Margaret (Kurtz) Will. The father was a native of Germany and came to the United States with his parents in 1836, the family locating in Muscatine county, Iowa. Here he found work in various lines, principally in operating a horse power threshing machine, his duties requiring him to continue with the machine during the entire winter. The old chaff piler was then in use, the chaff and wheat being thrown inside of a rail pen and the wheat separated later with a fanning mill. When the family settled in this county there were no grist- mills near and the corn for family use was ground in the coffee mill. By dili- gence and economy Mr. Will became very successful as a farmer and was rec- ognized as one of the prosperous men of Wilton township. He gave his sup- port to the democratic party and for a number of years served as trustee of the township. In religious views he adhered to the Lutheran church, to which he was a liberal contributor. He was one of the men who established the church of that denomination at Moscow, Iowa. He lived to an advanced age, departing this life in 1897. The mother of our subject was also a native of Germany, com- ing to the United States with her brother after she grew up. She was married to Mr. Will in Muscatine county and now makes her home with her son George W., at the age of seventy-nine years. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Will two are now living: George W., and John H., a farmer who resides near Nichols Station, Iowa. The two eldest died in infancy and the third at the age of nine months. Christ N. and Frank W. passed away after arriving at maturity.
Vol. II-11
216
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
George W. Will was reared upon the home farm and under his father became thoroughly acquainted with the duties pertaining to the vocation to which he has devoted his life. After the death of his father he became manager of the farm and during the fourteen years that have elapsed has made many improvements. He is now the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land in Moscow township, which he cultivates along well approved lines, and he also handles graded stock quite extensively.
In 1889 Mr. Will was united in marriage, in Bloomington township, Musca- tine county, to Miss Kate L. Schmidt, who was born in Chicago, May 8, 1870, and was an infant at the time of the great fire, the parents and child narrowly escaping with their lives by fleeing from their home. One child, who died at the age of two years, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Will.
Politically a democrat, Mr. Will gives his stanch support to the party and served for five years with general acceptance as trustee of his township. He and his family are earnest members of the Lutheran church and willing workers in every cause that seeks to promote the permanent welfare of those with whom they are associated. He is a man of laudable ambition and enterprise, as is to be noted in the neat and prosperous appearance of his farm and the commodious home provided with all desirable comforts and elegancies of life. Kindly in dis- position and hospitable to a degree unknown in crowded communities, he has a host of friends and well-wishers in a county where he has been known from his boyhood.
JOHN L. SMITH.
The agricultural development of the country has been due to the energy and enterprise of men like John L. Smith, now living in West Liberty, who has won his way to success by patient application and an undaunted faith in nature's re- sources. He has ever since his earliest recollections been connected with agri- cultural interests, and the lessons he learned under his father he has applied with gratifying success.
He was born in Goshen township, January 27, 1858, the son of Lak and Eliza- beth (Gladstone) Smith. The father was a native of Scotland and went to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, at seventeen years of age. In 1868 he took up his residence in Goshen township, Muscatine county, Iowa, but died in Nebraska in 1904. The mother was born in Ireland and came with her parents to America, locating in Cincinnati, where she was married to Mr. Smith. She was called to her reward in 1890. There were seven children in the family: Jeanette, now the wife of Alonzo Keysberry, of Reinbeck, Iowa; Barbara, now Mrs. J. H. Wiker, of Dal- ton, Nebraska; Lizzie, now the wife of John Shanker, of Biglow, Kansas; John L., the subject of this review; Mary, the wife of J. H. Davis, of Valisca, Iowa; Agnes, now Mrs. J. E. Dennis, of Hastings, Nebraska ; and E. J., who is filling a government position at Chicago, Illinois.
John L. Smith grew up under the favoring influences of a good home and re- ceived his early education in the common schools. He assisted his father upon
217
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
the farm and so continued until twenty-four years of age, when he began farm- ing for himself in Wapsinonoc township, subsequently removing to Pike town- ship. In 1909 he took up his residence in West Liberty as a farmer and stock- raiser and has met with a goodly measure of success, being now the owner of a well improved farm near Austin, Minnesota, and of a fine residence in West Liberty.
In 1880 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Wales, and by this union four children have been born: Elwood W., Edward J., Ray G. and Florence, all of whom are at home. Politically, Mr. Smith is identified with the republican party, but he makes use of his right as an American citizen to vote for any man of solid attainments and good character regardless of party. Socially, he is a valued member of the Odd Fellows lodge at West Liberty. He is recog- nized as absolutely trustworthy and has qualified by natural talents and ex- perience to bring to a successful issue any undertaking that may engage his at- tention. In his intercourse with others he has exercised those genial qualities that win friendship and sincere regard.
ANDREW McMAHON.
Andrew McMahon, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Wapsinonoc township, was born on the place where he still resides. His parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (McSweeney) McMahon, were both natives of Ireland. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1840, first locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the father followed farming. In 1857 they came to Muscatine county, Iowa, and three years later purchased the farm on which our subject resides. The culti- vation and improvement of that property claimed his attention throughout the remainder of his active business career and at the time of his demise he owned a valuable farm of one hundred and ninety-six acres on section 35, Wapsinonoc township, of which Mr. McMahon of this review is one of the heirs. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, while his religious faith was indi- cated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged. When he passed away in 1902, at the age of seventy-two years, the community mourned the loss of one of its most respected and substantial citizens. His wife was called to her final rest in 1885. Their children were seven in number, as follows: William J., who is a resident of West Liberty ; Mary E .; Edith L .; John Q. and Edward, who make their home in South Da- kota ; Elizabeth, who is deceased; and Andrew, of this review.
The last named attended the common schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation and, when not busy with his text-books, assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The pursuits of farming and stock-raising have claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and he now has charge of the old homestead place. He makes a specialty of raising and feed- ing cattle and hogs and in both branches of his business has met with a gratify- ing measure of success.
218
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
Mr. McMahon is a democrat in politics but does not seek office as a reward for his party fealty. His life is in harmony with his professions as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He enjoys a wide acquaintance in the com- munity where he has always lived and his many good qualities have won him the esteem and high regard of a large circle of friends.
C. A. PETERS.
C. A. Peters, one of the enterprising and energetic agriculturists of Wapsin- onoc township, devotes his attention to the operation of an excellent farm of two hundred and twenty acres. His birth occurred in Center county, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of March, 1863, his parents being Lawrence and Caroline (Turner ) Peters, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. They came to Musca- tine county, Iowa, in 1865, locating on a farm in Wapsinonoc township, where the father spent the remainder of his life. His demise occurred in July, 1907, and thus the community lost one of its representative agriculturists and esteemed citizens. His widow, who now makes her home in West Liberty, has gained many friends during her long residence in this county. She was the mother of five children, as follows: C. A., of this review ; Ina, the wife of Fred Wolf, of Wapsinonoc township; Wilbur, who is a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Lillie, who is the widow of P. R. Harden and makes her home at West Liberty ; and Clyde, who is deceased.
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.