USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 24
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Walter C. Windus was reared under the parental roof and when twenty years of age started out as an agriculturist on his own account by renting the old homestead farm. In 1902 he purchased the property, which embraces one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on sections 27 and 28, Wapsinonoc township, and in the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since been busily engaged. He keeps abreast with the most advanced ideas of modern farming and his labors are attended with gratifying results.
On the 17th of February, 1897, Mr. Windus was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda N. Metcalf, a native of Muscatine county and a daughter of Lafayette and Alice E. (Wood) Metcalf, who were born in Ohio and Indiana respectively. They came to this county in the '50s, the mother of Mrs. Windus being brought here by her parents. In 1883 Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf removed to Nebraska, where the former passed away in 1892 and the latter in 1887. Mr. Metcalf served in the Civil war for three years as a member of Company D, Thirty- fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in many hotly contested engage- ments but fortunately escaped injury of any kind. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, five of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Windus have two children : Blanche Estelle, whose birth occurred on the 16th of June, 1907 ; and Martin Clay, born January 23, 1911. They are also rearing an adopted son, Harold E., who was born on the 28th of December, 1906.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Windus has sup- ported republican principles but has never sought office as a reward for his
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party fealty. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a member and in the work of which she is deeply and helpfully interested. In his agricultural interests Mr. Windus has ever followed progres- sive and enterprising methods and is recognized as a prosperous and public- spirited citizen of the community.
WILLIAM LESLIE WATTERS.
A successful man has been defined as one who finds within himself the resources of will and energy necessary in overcoming any obstacle that may appear. Men of this class are to be found in every occupation but nowhere are they more readily pointed out then in the business world. They are at the head of flourishing enterprises and command the respect not only of their business associates but of the community generally. William Leslie Watters, who is conducting a lucrative drug business at West Liberty, is entitled to a place in the class here named. Born on a farm in Goshen township, September 30, 1873, he is a son of H. B. and Ruth H. (Parker) Watters, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. -
He was educated in the schools of Atalissa, Iowa, and continued at home until twenty-one years of age. In the meantime, having decided to prepare for a business career, he became a student of the Iowa City Academy, from which he was graduated in 1894. The following year he took up the study of pharmacy at the State University, continuing for one year, at the end of which time he became a clerk at Orion, Illinois, later serving in the same capacity at Monte- zuma, lowa. After acquiring the necessary funds he resumed work at the uni- versity and was graduated from the pharmaceutical department with the degree of Ph. G. in 1897. In 1898 he purchased an interest in a drug store at Well- man, Iowa, associating in partnership with Jesse Longwell under the firm name of Longwell & Watters. He continued at Wellman for ten years and then dis- posed of his interest to his partner, and on March 1, 1907, bought the drug store of C. E. Pickering at West Liberty. He carries Rexall stock and, by close attention to business and knowledge of the wants of his customers, has acquired a large and growing patronage. He is the owner of his store building and he just completed the erection of his beautiful modern home, one of the most at- tractive residences in this part of the country, which displays a taste that re- flects high credit upon the architect and the owner.
In February, 1898, Mr. Watters was united in marriage to Miss Mayme McIntosh, daughter of A. G. McIntosh, of Atalissa, and sister of Attorney McIntosh, of West Liberty. Two children have blessed this union, namely : Howard Alexander, who was born September 5, 1900; and Hilda Mabelle, who was born May 14, 1906.
Mr. Watters is a valued member of the State Pharmaceutical Association and also belongs to the Iowa State University Alumni Association. He holds membership in the Masonic lodge at West Liberty, having been made a Mason in
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1904, while he was living at Wellman, and he is a great admirer of the beauti- ful teachings of that beneficent order. He gives his support to the republican party, and while he has not sought political honors, preferring to devote his energies to private affairs, he has served with acceptance in several town offices. He has clearly demonstrated his ability as a business man of fine qualifications and is greatly esteemed in a community where he is well known, thoroughly meriting the high regard in which he is held by his associates and by all who know him.
EDWIN LANE.
Edwin Lane, one of the worthy native sons of Wapsinonoc township, has followed farming and stock-raising throughout his entire business career, now cultivating a quarter section of land on section 23. His birthi occurred on the 19th of November, 1865, his parents being William S. and Sarah (Hunter) Lane, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. William S. Lane came to Muscatine county in 1839 and here continued to reside through- out the remainder of liis life save for a period of eighteen months which he spent in California during the gold excitement about 1850. He was success- fully engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and gained an extensive circle of warm friends during the long period of his residence here. He was called to his final rest on the 4th of August, 1896, having long survived his first wife, who passed away on the 28th of No- vember, 1865. Unto them were born four children, as follows: Henry C., living in West Liberty; Fred H., who makes his home in California; John F., who was accidentally shot when a youth of sixteen; and Edwin, of this review. For his second wife the father married Rosanna Wilkins, a native of Penn- sylvania, by whom he had four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are Nettie B., Maude E. and Blanch W.
Edwin Lane was reared under the parental roof and acquired his edu- cation in the common schools. When not busy with his text-books he assisted in the operation of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After his father's demise he took charge of the place, operating it for nine years or until 1905, when he located on a farm of his own which he had purchased in the meantime. It embraces one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 23, Wapsinonoc township, and has been brought under a high state of cultivation and improvement by the owner. Mr. Lane carries on the work of tilling the soil and also raises and feeds stock and his business interests are so carefully managed that annually his sales of grain and stock return to him a good financial reward for his labor.
On the IIth of January, 1905, Mr. Lane was unitel in marriage to Miss Nora Markley, who was born in West Liberty, Iowa, on the 29th of February, 1872, her parents being Alex and Sarah (Harry) Markley, natives of Ohio. They took up their abode among the early residents of Muscatine county, Iowa, and here Mr. Markley made his home until called to his final rest in February, 1907.
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His widow, who still survives, yet makes her home in this county. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living. Mrs. Lane, who is a graduate of the high school at West Liberty, taught school for several years prior to her marriage. She is now the mother of two children, namely : Mildred, whose birth ocurred on the IIth of March, 1906; and Erwin, whose natal day was September 24, 1909.
Mr. Lane is a stanch republican in politics, supporting the men and measures of that party by his ballot. He is now serving as a trustee and has held that office for ten years. The cause of education also is furthered by his efforts as a school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to lodge No. 190 at West Liberty, in which he has filled all of the chairs. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Christian church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lane have spent their entire lives in Muscatine county and are widely and favorably known within its borders.
LESTER A. ROYAL, M. D.
The professional fields present attractive inducements to young men of ambition and talent who are willing to labor earnestly in preparation for the severe ordeal which is inevitable upon entering an active career. The candidate who is well prepared and who also has sound judgment and good staying quali- ties seldom fails to win, and it is to this number that Dr. Lester A. Royal evidently belongs.
Born in Tolland county, Connecticut, April 10, 1884, he is a son of Lewis E. and Laura A. (Hunt) Royal. The father, a native of Massachusetts, came to Des Moines in the fall of 1886 and after living for a time in Isabella county, Michigan, returned to Des Moines in 1900 and has since been engaged in the practice of law as a member of the firm of Royal & Royal. In the fall of 1910 he was a candidate upon the democratic ticket for district judge. He is recog- nized as a thorough lawyer and a man of unimpeachable integrity. On the maternal side the family has traced its ancestry to Sir Francis Drake, of the time of Queen Elizabeth, the first English commander who saw the Pacific. Five children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Royal: Mary, now the wife of Ralph Tracey, a Pullman conductor ; Lester A., our subject; Clifton D. B., now engaged in the practice of law with his father as junior member of the firm of Royal & Royal; and Marvia and Gerald A., both at home, the latter attending the high school.
Lester A. Royal received his preliminary education in the Mount Pleasant high school and later was a student at the Central State Normal School of Michigan. He took up the study of homeopathy in the medical department of the State University at Iowa City, where he continued from 1902 to 1906, attaining high standing as one of the most capable students in the class. After receiving the degree of M. D. he had the advantage of one year's work in the hospital at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and then came to West Liberty, where
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he has since engaged in general practice. He is assistant to the chair of surgery at the State University and visits that institution once each week. Thoroughly interested in everything pertaining to the profession, he is vice president of the Central Iowa Homeopathic Medical Association, a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and of the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa.
In 1909 Dr. Royal was united in marriage, at Iowa City, to Miss Pauline Swisher. While attending college Dr. Royal joined the Phi Alpha Gamma fraternity, and he is also a member of the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Rebekahs and the Rathbone Sisters, all of West Liberty. He stands well as a man and citizen and has many warm friends in West Liberty and vicinity, who have been attracted to him by his genial social qualities. Politically he is a loyal supporter of the republican party, believing that by giving to its candidates his support he is best advancing the permanent interests of the country. The skill and success with which he has treated difficult cases speaks in high terms of his judgment and gives bright promise for a life of great usefulness.
EDWARD W. CLARK.
There is no doubt that Edward W. Clark, the veteran editor of the Wilton Advocate, is entitled to the title of pioneer. From his earliest recollection he has been a resident of Iowa, having lived in this state seventy-five years. He was born near Florid, Putnam county, Illinois, August 15, 1835. a son of Timothy T. and Lucy Clark, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father came west in 1834 and spent two years near the Illinois river in Putnam county, Illinois. He removed to the Iowa purchase September 1, 1836, locating on a claim in Muscatine county, one mile north of Moscow. He passed away August 3, 1847, the beloved wife and mother dying at Wilton, Iowa, December 18, 1893. On the paternal side the subject of this review comes from Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfather having served as captain of Minute Men at the time of the war between the colonies and the mother country.
Edward W. Clark received his early education in the common schools of the '40s and early '50s, the principal subject taught being reading, spelling and arithmetic, although a little geography and grammar were occasionally intro- duced as advanced studies. In 1848 he moved with his mother and three sisters to Muscatine, which at that time was called Bloomington, and at the age of six- teen began learning the printer's trade. He completed his apprenticeship in 1854 after three years of active work, receiving for his labor his board and clotlies and also one suit of clothes after completing his part of the contract. In 1858 he went to Tipton, Iowa, where he worked in the Advertiser office, pur- chasing an interest in the paper in 1863. In August, 1869, he accepted an appointment to the railway mail service on the road between Davenport and Council Bluffs. At this time the distribution of mail was first established on railway lines. He continued at this work until November 1, 1893, when he re- signed, taking charge in December of the same year of the publication of the
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EDWARD W. CLARK
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIDAARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND T DEN FOUNDAT
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Wilton Advocate. In 1899 he purchased the Review and consolidated the two papers, being still actively engaged in a calling for which he is eminently adapted both by natural ability and many years of experience.
Mr. Clark is a widower with three children-two daughters and one son, Charles S., who is now editor and manager of the Grain Dealers' Journal of Chicago. During his long and active career Mr. Clark has had many thrilling experiences and lias lived to see peace and harmony restored to a land that for years was torn with dissensions. At the time of the Civil war he was a inem- ber of the Home Guards at Tipton, the guards being called out three times to quell the troubles threatened by the "Knights of the Golden Circle." The latter consisted of a company fully organized and armed with sixteen-shooters. In 1864 the organization outnumbered the Union men two to one in Cedar county. Mr. Clark was an active supporter of Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860 and ever since that time has been an unswerving advocate of the republican party. As an editor he has stanchly supported the interests of Muscatine county and today lie is one of its most honored citizens.
WILLIAM S. POOLE.
William S. Poole, a retired agriculturist of Wapsinonoc township, is the owner of a farm which has been in his possession and on which he has re- sided continuously for the past forty-seven years. The property embraces one hundred and sixty-three acres of land on section 27 and is well improved in every particular. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 30th of March, 1835, his parents being Micajah and Rebecca . (Ralson) Poole, who were natives of, Virginia and Ohio respectively. They took up their abode in Indiana at an early day and in 1835 removed to Lee county, Iowa, where the father entered a tract of land and erected a log cabin. The little dwelling was one of those primitive structures characteristic of pioneer days and was destitute of both a floor and door, but it served the family as a home for some time. Mr. Poole maintained his residence in Lee county for eighteen years, on the expiration of which period he went to Van Buren county, Iowa, but later returned to Lee county and then back to Van Buren county, where his remaining days were spent. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, five of whom still survive.
Owing to the unsettled condition of the country in which his youth was passed, William S. Poole received only a limited education but reading, experi- ence and observation have constantly augmented his knowledge until he is now a well informed man. When eighteen years of age he started out in life for himself with a cash capital of but one dollar. For four years he worked as a farm hand and then began the operation of a rented farm in Muscatine county, being thus busily engaged for six years. At the end of that time, in 1864, he has accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to invest in land of his own, coming into possession of the farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres in Wapsinonoc township whereon he has resided continuously since. The build- ings and other improvements which adorn the property are all of a substantial
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and up-to-date character and everything about the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. The many large and beautiful trees which so greatly enhance the attractiveness of Mr. Poole's home were all planted by his own hand. His agricultural interests have been attended with a gratify- ing measure of success and he has long been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of the community. That he is still quite active for a man of his years is indicated in the fact that he husked fifty bushels of corn daily during the fall of 1910. Though now almost seventy-six years of age, he has never suffered from a day's illness in his life.
In 1854 Mr. Poole was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Philips, who was born in Virginia on the 15th of August, 1836, her parents being A. B. and Eliza J. Philips, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Poole were born seven children, as follows: Milborn S., who is a resident of Oklahoma City; Emmett A., living in Musca- tine county ; Laura J., the wife of J. D. Moore, of Cripple Creek, Colorado; N. E., of Van Buren county, Iowa; Willis E, who is still at home; Kate, who is deceased; and Rebecca, who is also yet with her father. The wife and mother passed away on the 25th of March, 1908, her remains being interred in the Oakridge cemetery.
Mr. Poole is a democrat in politics and has served as a school director for two terms but has never sought official preferment in any other direction. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, to which his wife also belonged. Well known throughout this part of the county, he has many friends who esteem him for his genuine personal worth.
ALBERT A. AIKINS.
For eleven years past Albert A. Aikins has been making his home at West Liberty, having previously engaged with marked success in farming. He stands very high in the estimation of all who know him, as his life has been governed by principles of the strictest integrity, and the confidence he has inspired is the result of genuine personal worth.
Born in Morgan county, Ohio, January 23, 1849, he is the son of Edmund W. and Mary D. (Cope) Aikins. The father was also a native of Morgan county, Ohio, continuing to live there until 1853, when he removed with his family to Illinois. In 1856 he came to Cedar county, Iowa, and located on a farm northeast of West Liberty, which he cultivated with a goodly measure of success, being called from earthly scenes in 1895. The ancestors of the family on the paternal side were of Scotch-Irish descent and came from the north of Ireland to this country at the time of the Revolutionary war. The mother of our subject was born in Harrison county, Ohio, and was married to Mr. Aikins in Morgan county, Ohio. She was called to her reward in the same year as her husband and their remains now repose side by side in Oakridge cemetery at West Liberty.
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Albert A. Aikins, the only child of his parents, came with them to Iowa at seven years of age. He was educated in the common schools and at a seminary acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental branches which gave him a fair start in the great school of the world. He early showed a natural inclination for agricultural pursuits and as his father's health declined took charge of the work upon the home farm, which he carried forward most successfully. Since 1900 he has lived retired at West Liberty. He was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of well improved land but has disposed of his farm, making investments elsewhere. He was one of the organizers of the Iowa State Bank at West Liberty and is a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Savings Bank. He and his family occupy a beautiful home, which is provided with all desirable modern conveniences.
In 1872 Mr. Aikins was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Buckman, a native of Baltimore county, Maryland, and four children have been born to them: Charles L., now a farmer of Cedar county; Irwin, cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of West Liberty ; Ethel A., now the wife of Lewis Whit- taker, of West Liberty; and Raymond A., a railway mail clerk.
Mrs. Aikins is a daughter of Phineas Buckman, who was born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, April 2, 1819, a son of Phineas and Catherine (Shreve) Buckman, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Montgomery county, Maryland. The father was born in 1760 and the mother in 1765. They were both members of the Society of Friends. Of their family five children grew to maturity, namely: Maria, who married Mahlon Gibson, both now deceased; Charles, who died in Cedar county, Iowa, in 1883, leaving a wife and five children; William Penn, who died in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1854; Phineas, and Thomas M., deceased. The father departed this life in 1836, the mother having been called away in 1831. William Buckman, the founder of the family in America, came to this country from England with William Penn in the vessel Welcome, in 1682, and members of the family may now be found in the principal states of the Union.
Phineas Buckman was educated in the common schools of Baltimore county and after laying his books aside learned the miller's trade. On the 7th of De- cember, 1844, he was married to Miss Cynthia Roberts, who was born in Balti- more county, Maryland, in December, 1817, a daughter of Jonathan and Wilhel- mina (Bouzer) Roberts, both natives of Pennsylvania and members of the Society of Friends. The father died in 1840 and the mother in 1865. In 1855 Mr. Buckman came to Muscatine county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of land in Goshen township, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1891. He was one of the pioneers of this section and passed through many of the trying experiences incident to the early days. He became the owner of a beautiful farm of three hundred and eighty-four acres which he acquired through his indomitable energy and perseverance and became recog- nized as one of the most respected men of the community. His estimable wife was called from earthly scenes in 1901. There were four children in their family: Charles E., now the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy- two acres in Muscatine county ; Oliver H., who was graduated from the engineer- ing department of the State University at Iowa City and in 1877 removed to
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California, where he has since engaged with pronounced success in Civil engineer- ing; Catherine, now the wife of Albert A. Aikins; and Annie W., who married James A. Irwin, a well known farmer of Goshen township.
Politically Mr. Aikins is allied with the republican party. He has never sought public office but served very acceptably as township trustee. Socially he is connected with the Masonic lodge at West Liberty. He and his estimable wife are valued members of the Presbyterian church and by their genial quali- ties have attracted a host of friends and well-wishers. Mr. Aikins has passed the age of three score years and is accorded the respect to which a man of un- blemished character is entitled. He bears a name that has ever been a synonym for integrity and honor.
JEREMIAH GREINER.
During almost a half century Jeremiah Greiner was identified with the agricultural interests of Muscatine county and a life of honorable labor resulted in the accumulation of extensive landholdings comprising several hundred acres, which property is still in possession of the family. Mr. Greiner was highly respected for his many sterling qualities, so that his death, which occurred on the 20th of March, 1892, was the occasion of deep regret to his numerous friends and acquaintances, as well as to the members of his own household.
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