USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 22
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C. A. Peters, who was but two years of age when brought to this county by his parents, here attended the common schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion. When a youth of sixteen he left the parental roof and went to Chicago, working in the western metropolis for three years. On the expiration of that- period he returned to Muscatine. county but at the end of two years made his way to Pennsylvania, where he worked in a logging camp for some time. On again returning to this county he devoted his attention to the cultivation of rented land for two years. At the end of that time he once more went to Pennsylvania for his bride, whom he brought with him to Muscatine county, the young couple beginning their domestic life on a rented farm here. After a few years he took up his abode on the old homestead farm in Wapsinonoc township, a valuable property comprising two hundred and twenty acres, which he has since operated with good success. The fields indicate his careful supervision and practical methods, bringing forth rich crops which are a merited reward for his labor.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Peters chose Miss Elda N. Hoover, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Christie and Mar- garet (Shipley) Hoover, who were born in Pennsylvania and England respec- tively. They established their home in Minnesota, where Mrs. Hoover passed away in 1867. Subsequently Christie Hoover returned to the Keystone state, where his demise occurred in 1907. when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-eight years. Mrs. Peters, who was one of two daughters born unto her parents, is a graduate of the State Normal School of Pennsylvania and followed the profession of teaching in that state for twelve years. Believing that a good
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education is the best preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life, she and her husband are giving their children all the advantages possible in this direction. Their children are as follows: Margaret Caroline and Bessie Ina, who are attending the high school at West Liberty ; Beatrice L., who is also at- tending school in West Liberty; Theodocia; and Lawrence C.
Following in his father's political footsteps, Mr. Peters supports the men and measures of the democracy. At the present time he is serving as president of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 190 at West Liberty. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs. At all times he has been true to the obligations and responsibilities that have devolved upon him in every relation of life and therefore well merits the esteem and good will which are uniformly accorded him.
JOHN C. NICHOLS.
Muscatine county does not owe its high standing exclusively to the labors of men attracted from other sections of the state or country, for many of its leading citizens were born in this country and have devoted the principal years of their lives to the upbuilding of this region. John C. Nichols, a well known business man of West Liberty, is a native of Muscatine county who has contributed his full share toward its material development. He was born near West Liberty, August 26, 1867, a son of Phineas and Martha (Gibson) Nichols. The father was one of several brothers who came to Muscatine in the early days and passed the re- mainder of his life in Wapsinonoc township on a farm five miles west of West Liberty. He was a man of the highest honor and integrity and a leader in the community, becoming not only one of its most successful farmers but also vice president of the Peoples Bank. Politically he gave his support to the republican party. Both he and his wife have passed away and were laid to rest in Oak- ridge cemetery. Mrs. Nichols was a native of Muscatine county and a woman of many admirable characteristics. There were six children in the family : J. P., deceased, Mrs. Albert Whitacre, Mrs. J. E. Sanders, John C., Mrs. Rosetta Muckey and Mrs. J. C. Wolfe, twins.
John C. Nichols received his preliminary education in the district schools, later attending the Iowa City Commercial College, where he gained a practical knowledge which assisted him very greatly in the course of his business affairs. He began farming upon his own account upon a place just over the county line In Johnson county, but after one year returned to Wapsinonoc township, where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until July 9, 1909, when he en- tered the hardware business in West Liberty, which is conducted under the firm name of Eves & Nichols. The firm carries a full line of hardware, tinware, stoves and furnaces and enjoys a large and growing patronage. Mr. Nicholas is the owner of eighty-five acres of land which is outside of the city limits, and also of a handsome residence and five acres on Columbus street. He is a stockholder . and director of the Peoples Bank.
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On the Ist of January, 1888, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Sadie E. Hall, a native of Johnson county, and five children have blessed their union : Hazel B., now a student at Drake University; Zona S., a teacher of the schools of eastern Iowa; Phineas, who is twelve years of age and is attending the public schools; Elinor, nine years of age; and Gladys, aged seven.
Mr. Nichols gives his support to the republican party and as a patriotic citi- zen served in a most satisfactory manner as a member of the city council. He has been active in advancing the affairs of the community and is a member of the building committee for the construction of the new opera house, also presi- dent of the Agricultural Society, which includes parts of Muscatine, Johnson and Cedar counties. This society was organized forty-five years ago and his father was one of its active promoters, being for a number of years its vice presi- dent. Mr. Nichols socially is identified with the Knights of Pythias and he and his wife are valued members of the Presbyterian church. A man of unusual en- terprise and public spirit, he has gained many friends and is justly regarded as a highly useful citizen of broad sympathies and one who possesses a clear com- prehension of the possibilities of West Liberty and vicinity.
FRANK WARFIELD.
Frank Warfield is a representative of one of the old families of Muscatine and has himself been a resident of this city for more than six decades, during which period the village has been transformed into a metropolitan center with extensive manufacturing, commercial and industrial interests. His birth here occurred December 30. 1849, and he is now well known as a prominent and suc- cessful factor in real-estate circles. He was one of the five children of David R. and Johanna (Steenbergen) Warfield. The former was a son of Latincelot War- field, a native of Maryland and of English lineage. He was a Methodist preacher and death came to him while he was standing in the pulpit proclaiming the words of the gospel. He was twice married, his first union being with a Miss Robert- son, and David R. Warfield was their only child. He was born in Maryland, where he remained until early manhood, and then left that state for Iowa, mak- ing his way in 1837 to Muscatine, then the little village of Bloomington. Here he engaged in the real-estate business and also erected the first sawmill ever built in this county. He also built the first Congregational church, known as the old "Sternwheel" Congregational church. Farming and the raising of fine stock claimed his attention part of the time, and all of his business affairs were care- fully, systematically and successfully conducted. He bred many fine horses, among them being Kirkwood, which at one time was the fastest trotting stallion in the world with a record of 2:24. Mr. Warfield was the owner of slaves while living in Maryland but freed his bondsmen when he left that state. He died upon his home farm in Bloomington township, April 23, 1872, at the age of fifty- five years. A part of the old homestead now lies within the corporation limits of Muscatine. He was a major in the first organization of the State Militia of Iowa and in many ways left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the
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early life and progress of Muscatine county. His wife survived him for about three years, passing away January 8, 1875, at the age of fifty-six years. Both were members of the Congregational church. Mrs. Warfield was born in Ohio and was a daughter of Charles and Luvica (Lucas) Steenbergen. Her father was a native of Virginia and his father was a German consul from Holland. Charles Steenbergen followed farming as a life work and died in Chillicothe, Ohio. His wife was a sister of Iowa's first governor. They had a family of five daugh- ters, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Mary, Johanna and Luvica. Of these Johanna became the wife of David R. Warfield, the marriage being celebrated in Muscatine in a little frame house that stood on the lot where the Reinemund dry-goods store is now located, and the bride was given away by her uncle, Governor Lucas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warfield were born five children: Alice, the deceased wife of Daniel Hayes ; George, who died in August, 1909; Frank, of this review ; Charles L., of San Diego, California ; and one who passed away in infancy.
Frank Warfield, whose name introduces this record, was reared in Musca- tine and, entering the public schools, passed through' consecutive grades until he became a high-school student. He afterward began clerking in the hardware store of Charles Stone and later conducted a fine stock-breeding farm east of town. He continued in that business for seventeen years, during which period he owned the celebrated stallion Attorney and also raised the mare that is men- tioned in the pedigree of Minor Heir, which has recently made the championship pacing record of the world, 1:58, and is owned by the same man that owns Dan Patch. Mr. Warfield sold his breeding farm in 1900 and since that time has been engaged in the real-estate business in Muscatine. He has become thoroughly familiar with real-estate values and has negotiated many property transfers.
On the 16th of January, 1878, Mr. Warfield was married to Miss Ida Hare, who was born in Muscatine, a daughter of Colonel Abraham and Emeline (Austin) Hare. Her mother's grandfather, Captain Benjamin Barnes, was a soldier and officer of the Revolutionary war. Her maternal grandfather, Charles G. Austin, was a native of Connecticut and followed general merchandising. He married Harriet Curtiss and both died in Muscatine in 1844, during the fever epidemic. They had six children, Edward, Emeline, Lucy Ann, Charles H., Will- iam and Francis. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Warfield was Jacob Hare, a native of Ohio, who followed farming as a life work and became very wealthy through judicious speculation. At his death he left property in the city of Colum- bus valued at a million dollars. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Teeters and they had a family of thirteen children, including Colonel Abraham Hare, who was born in Columbus, Ohio. He wedded Emeline Austin, a native of Ravenna, Ohio, and they became early residents of Muscatine. Her father visited the city in 1837 and took up his permanent abode here in 1839, while his wife came in 1843. He died in this city in February, 1903, when more than ninety-one years of age. He had been a soldier of the Civil war and won his title by commanding the Eleventh Iowa Infantry. His wife died August 22, 1882, at the age of fifty-six years. Their family numbered six children: Austin J., Elizabeth, William P., Harriet, Ida Bell and Robert. Mrs. Warfield still owns what is known as the Colonel Hare building, the erection of which was begun by her father about 1848. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warfield has been born a son,
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Howard David, who is in the purchasing department of the Deering Plow Works of Moline. He married Miss Eva Brandenburg and they have one child, Marian Alice.
Mr. and Mrs. Warfield hold membership in the Congregational church and he gives his political support to the republican party. Theirs is a hospitable home and they have many friends in this city who entertain for them warm re- gard. Few are more familiar with the history of Muscatine than Mr. Warfield, who has been a witness of its growth and development through six decades. He rejoices in what has been accomplished and has always taken deep interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare.
VAN BUREN MILLS.
The Civil war was a harsh school for a young man, but from the smoke and din of battle graduated some of the most noble sons of America. On the list of faithful soldiers should be recorded the name of Van Buren Mills, for many years past a successful farmer of Muscatine county. Born in Madison county, Ohio, June 8, 1840, he is the son of David and Anna (Crisman) Mills, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. They removed to Ohio and located on a timber farm, where they lived in a log house until 1849, when the family went to Keokuk county, Iowa, and eighteen months later came to Muscatine county. The father entered government land in Pike township and again took up his residence in a log cabin, later occupying a comfortable farm home. Both parents died in this county. There were nine children in their family, one of whom died in infancy, the others being : Amos, now deceased; Van Buren, the subject of this review; Louis, of South Dakota ; Elizabeth, of Muscatine; William and Jed, deceased; Joshua, of Muscatine county ; and Cordelia, deceased.
Van Buren Mills came to Iowa with his parents at the age of nine years and was reared upon the home farm, assisting in the work about the house and in the fields when not in attendance at the neighboring district school. He con- tinued at home until twenty-one years of age and then, as the great Rebellion was in progress and the life of the nation was threatened, he offered his services in support of the Union and in July, 1861, became a member of Company A, Second Iowa Cavalry. He served with the greatest credit for three years, en- gaging in many of the most important battles and movements of the war. On one occasion he had his horse shot from under him, but although often exposed to the gravest dangers, he passed through the conflict unharmed and was hon- orably discharged and mustered out of service at Davenport, Iowa, in 1864.
After leaving the army Mr. Mills returned to Muscatine county and pur- chased a farm of sixty acres in Pike township, which he sold two years later, buying eighty acres in the same township, upon which he took up his permanent abode. As the years passed he purchased more land and he now owns two hun- dred and ninety-three acres, all of which is in Pike township, and also fourteen lots in West Liberty. He has made a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and,
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MR. AND MRS. VAN BUREN MILLS
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILGEN FOUNDATIONS.
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
being a man of good business judgment, he succeeds where many others have failed. He has added many attractive improvements to his farm and it is one of the valuable places of the locality.
In August, 1863, Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Eunice Foster, who was born in Erie county, Ohio, December 24, 1841, a daughter of Wilder and Mary (McKellep) Foster, the former of whom was a native of Vermont. There were twelve children in the Foster family, two of whom are now living. Ten children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mills, namely : Galetta Ann, deceased; Hattie, the wife of Frank Pike of Pike township; Minnie, now Mrs. J. E. White, of Washington county ; Amos J. and George J., both of Mus- catine county ; John L., of Pike township; Elizabeth, deceased; Cora R., now Mrs. George Conklin, of West Liberty; William, of Pike township; and Allic Wilhelmina, the wife of Albert Adams, of Pike township.
Mr. Mills is an earnest supporter of the democratic party but aside from serving as school director has taken no active part in political affairs, preferring to devote his attention to his business interests and to the general welfare of the community. He is a member of the Grand Army post at West Liberty and he and his wife are identified with the Presbyterian church. He possesses the respect of his neighbors and friends which he justly deserves on account of his high character and his excellent record as.a soldier and private citizen.
J. ALBERT HYINK.
J. Albert Hyink, who conducts a retail harness shop at Nichols, has built up a profitable business in this connection. His birth occurred in Muscatine, Iowa, on the 24th of September, 1879, his parents being G. H. and Frederika (Korshot) Hyink, both of whom were natives of Winterswijk, Holland. The father was born on the 9th of August, 1836, while the mother's birth occurred in 1840. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1857, locating in New York, where their marriage was celebrated six months later. G. H. Hyink operated a rented farm in the Empire state for a few years and then came to Muscatine, Iowa, here entering the service of the S. G. Stine Lumber Company, in whose employ he continued during the remainder of his active business career. The last three years of his life were spent in honorable retirement, his demise occur- ring on the 5th of October, 1910. His remains were interred in the Green- wood cemetery. His widow, who still makes her home in Muscatine, has now attained the age of seventy-one years. Their union was blessed with two sons and three daughters, the record of whom is as follows: Jennie, whose birth occurred on the 29th of August, 1865, is the wife of William Van Zyl, a mer- chant of Muscatine. William, who was born May 1, 1867, wedded Miss Mary Swain of this county and makes his home in Muscatine. Hattie, whose natal year was 1873, gave her hand in marriage to M. Armstrong of Muscatine and died on the 5th of October, 1896, being laid to rest in the Greenwood cemetery. J. Albert, of this review, is the next in order of birth. Hattie died when but six months old.
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J. Albert Hyink remained at home with his parents until twenty-four years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. At the early age of thirteen, however, he entered the employ of the Van Nostrand Saddlery Company of Muscatine as a leather cutter, remaining with that concern for seventeen years. On the expiration of that period, feeling that his capital and experience justified him in embarking in business on his own account, he opened a retail harness shop at Nichols and has since conducted the same with excellent success.
On the Ist of September, 1903, Mr. Hyink was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Borgstedt, a native of Concordia, Lafayette county, Missouri, and a daughter of Frederick and Henrietta (Kresse) Borgstedt, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to the United States at an early day, taking up their abode in Missouri, where the father passed away in February, 1893. Soon afterward the mother came to Muscatine, Iowa, where she is now living at the age of sixty-four years. Her children were fourteen in number, namely: Amos, who is deceased; John, living in Muscatine; Joseph W., who is a resident of Nichols, Iowa; William, Henry, Daniel S. and Otis, all of whom live in Musca- tine; Mrs. Hyink; Lydia, the wife of Leo Barry, of Muscatine; Bertha, who is at home with her widowed mother; Samuel, who has passed away ; Louis, a twin brother of Samuel, who makes his home in Muscatine; and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hyink have one child, Clyde H., whose natal day was October 30, 1904. Two years after her marriage Mrs. Hyink fell a victim to tuberculosis and in an effort to regain her health she spent a couple of years in Salt Lake City and Denver with her husband. The change of climate proved beneficial and her trouble has not returned.
In politics Mr. Hyink is a republican but his aspirations have not been in the line of office holding. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Muscatine, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Baptist church of Muscatine, to which his wife also belongs. The high principles of manhood which have ever governed his dealings with his fellowmen have won for him the unqualified respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
HAROLD B. PHILLIPS.
Harold B. Phillips, an agriculturist residing on section 19, Wapsinonoc town- ship, is now serving as supervisor of the county and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. His birth occurred in Goshen township, Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 23d of June, 1879, his parents being Chester and Mary F. Phillips, who are yet living, being numbered among the respected residents of West Liberty. He supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in the high school and on attaining his majority started out as an agriculturist on his own account, renting the old homestead farm on section 19, Wapsinonoc township. The further cultivation and improvement of that property has claimed his attention continuously since and in connection with the
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tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.
In 1904 Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Rhodes, who was born in Nichols, Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 14th of August, 1880. Her parents are Edward and Sarah M. (Steven) Rhodes, the former a native of Muscatine county and the latter of Taylor county, Iowa. They reared a family of four children and now reside at Ainsworth, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are the parents of three children, namely. Hillis Reed, whose birth occurred on the 10th of April, 1905; Miriam A., who was born on the 20th of Sep- tember, 1906; and Kenneth R., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 6th of July, 1910.
Mr. Phillips exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in its principles. At the present time he is ser- ving as supervisor of Muscatine county, proving a most capable and trustworthy public official. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America at West Liberty, while in religious faith he is a Presbyterian. His wife is also a member of the church of that denomination. The young couple have resided in this county throughout their entire lives and enjoy a wide and favorable acquaintance here.
JAMES D. POTTER.
At nineteen years of age James D. Potter came to Muscatine county and for forty-four years he has been a resident of West Liberty, attaining a position as one of its energetic and successful business men. He was born at Toronto, Canada, May 16, 1848, a son of John and Rebecca (Dixon) Potter, who were natives of England and Canada respectively. They were married in Canada and lived there until 1867, when they came to the United States, locating in West Liberty, Iowa. They both passed away about fourteen years ago. The father learned the tailor's trade in England and continued to follow that occupation after arriving in America. There were eleven children in the family, eight of whom are now living, five sisters of our subject now making their home in Muscatine county.
James D. Potter received his education in the schools of Canada and came with his parents to West Liberty after the close of the Civil war. He began work for farmers of the township, but not feeling inclined to devote his life to agricultural pursuits, he entered the ice and transfer business at West Liberty in 1872, later adding the coal business. He now deals exclusively in coal and ice. He owns the only ice plant in the city and also a comfortable residence in town, eighty acres of good land in Harrison county, and is a stockholder in sev- eral corporations. Being a man of genial manner and good business qualifi- cations, he has met with a gratifying measure of success financially.
In 1874 Mr. Potter was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Palmer, who died in 1900, leaving three children : Minnie, now the wife of Dr. L. L. Posten, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Anna, the wife of Frank Weber, cashier for the
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United States Express Company at New Orleans, Louisiana; and Ethel, the wife of Clyde Martin, an express agent at West Liberty.
Politically Mr. Potter is identified with the republican party, being of the insurgent element. He has taken a great interest in the success of his party and the confidence of his fellow citizens in his integrity and ability has been evidenced by his election to the city council, in which he occupied a chair for ten years. He became a Master Mason in 1872 and is connected with the lodge at West Liberty. He has many friends in this fraternal organization and by a useful and upright life has gained and earned the respect of all who know him.
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