USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 26
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John E. Heath remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, in the meantime having received the advantages of a common-school educa- tion and also becoming well acquainted with all kinds of work pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. He began farming on his own account by renting a part of the old homestead for two years, when he purchased eighty acres of land on sections 33 and 34, Wapsinonoc township, and later added seventy-five acres, his farm now consisting of one hundred and fifty-five acres, upon which he has ever since made his home. He gives his attention to general farming, having no special fads, and has had the satisfaction of witnessing remarkable improvements not only on his own place but also on those of his neighbors. He
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has transformed his farm into rich and fertile fields, erected new buildings and fences, and added many modern accessories and equipments until he now has one of the most desirable places in this part of the county.
In 1889, Mr. Heath was united in marriage to Miss Ida Carl, born in Cedar county, January 28, 1866, a daughter of Johnathan W. and Lucretia ( Morgan) Carl, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. They came to Cedar county, Iowa, with their parents when children and grew up in that county. Mr. Carl subsequently removed to Johnson county, where he died February 12, 1878. The mother is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. S. W. Winn. There were eight children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Carl, seven of whom are now living. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heath but Elmer died in infancy. Those living are William A., now nineteen years of age, who is attending the State University at Iowa City ; and Frank H., who is fourteen years of age and is still at home. Mrs. Heath acquired a good education and taught school for six terms previous to her marriage. She takes a great interest in church work and is a valued member of the German Reformed church. Mr. Heath is not identified with any religious denomination but is friendly to them all. Politically he gives his support to the republican party and although he has not sought public office he served very acceptably as member of the school board for two years. He ranks as one of the best farmers of his locality and no other man in the township stands higher in popular esteem.
WILLIAM A. CHAPMAN.
No men in America are more worthy of honor than the soldiers who wore the blue and who risked their lives in order to save the Union. Viewed from the vantage ground of half a century, it is seen that the cause for which they fought was one of the noblest that the world has known-a conclusion that now meets the assent even of many of those who wore the grey. It was by all odds the most important struggle of modern times and the men still living who assisted in upholding the stars and stripes are worthy of the profoundest grati- tude of all lovers of liberty.
Among the soldiers who valiantly fought for the Union is William A. Chap- man. He was born in Scioto county, Ohio, August 21, 1842, and is a son of Greenup and Minerva (Lawson) Chapman, also natives of Ohio, who passed their entire lives in that state. There were nine children in the family, of whom seven are now living: Marian, of Muscatine county ; Rosanna, the wife of John Snyder, of this county; Fannie, John and Charles, all residents of Ohio; Elean- ora, the wife of a Mr. Trace of Ohio; and William A., our subject.
Educated in the district schools, William A. Chapman grew to manhood un- der the parental roof and continued at home until he was twenty years of age, when he responded to the call of President Lincoln and in 1862 enlisted in Com- pany A, Independent Sharpshooters, serving until honorably discharged at Nash- ville, Tennessee, in July, 1865. He participated in many of the great battles of the Army of the West and in innumerable skirmishes. He was in the engage-
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ments at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge and advanced under General Sherman as far as Atlanta, Georgia, when his command was ordered back to assist in holding Hood's army in check. He saw the last gun fired at Nashville, Tennessee, and having known the horrors of war, no man more heartily appre- ciates the blessings of peace After returning from the south he spent some years in Ohio and in 1868 came to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he worked by the month for one year for John Hitchcock. He then began farming upon his own account by renting a farm and, having acquired sufficient capital, pur- chased forty acres, which comprises part of the place which he now owns. later adding one hundred and twenty acres, so that he now has a beautiful farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Everything about the place indicates good manage- ment and that well applied labor is receiving its due reward.
On the 7th of March, 1872, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Altekruse, who was born in Muscatine county, June 17, 1851. Seven children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman : E. H., of Mus- catine county; Alice E., now the wife of Frank Minder, also of Muscatine county ; Irene M., the wife of Earl Idle, of this county; Wilbur R., of Muscatine county ; Eva E., now Mrs. A. Abbott of Muscatine county ; Laura M., deceased ; and Mary M. Mr. Chapman suffered the greatest bereavement of his life in the death of his beloved wife, who was called away November 23, 1890. She was a woman of many sterling qualities and to her husband was a faithful and loving helpmeet. As a mother there was no sacrifice she was not willing to make for her children.
Mr. Chapman is identified with the United Brethren church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Politically he is in sympathy with the republican party and gives to its candidates his hearty support. He has never sought public office but as a friend of education has served most acceptably as member of the school board. In all the relations of life he has attempted to perform his duty and by his geniality and good will to all he has made many friends in Muscatine county.
NATHAN ROSENBERGER.
The work of the courts and real-estate, loan and insurance interests claim the time and attention of Nathan Rosenberger. who, throughout his professional career, has continuously practiced in Muscatine. He was born at Thorntown, Indiana, June 6, 1853, one of the eight children of Henry and Elizabeth (Mills) Rosenberger. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother of North Carolina. Comparatively little is known concerning the ancestral history. The maternal grandmother of Mr. Rosenberger, who in her maidenhood was Miss Hodson, was a native of England and she and her husband became early settlers of North Carolina. Henry Rosenberger followed the occupation of farming as a life work and when a young man removed to Indiana, settling in the vicinity of Thorntown, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. which occurred in 1867. when he was forty-seven years of age. His wife died in 1864. when about forty-four years of age. They were members of the Friends church.
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Nathan Rosenberger spent his youth upon the home farm in the vicinity of Thorntown, Indiana, to the age of eighteen years, during which period he at- tended the district schools and also spent one year at the academy at Thorn- town and four years at the academy at Spiceland, Indiana, where he not only finished his course, but also did post-graduate work. Subsequently he became a student in Penn College at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and for six years successfully engaged in teaching, proving a most capable educator by the readiness and clear- ness with which he imparted his knowledge to others. He was then elected county superintendent of schools of Jefferson county, Iowa, and was regarded by all as an efficient officer. His interest had been aroused in the legal profes- sion, however, and with the desire to become a member of the bar he began studying under ex-United States Senator Wilson. His thorough preliminary reading enabled him to successfully pass the required examination on the 16th of June, 1886, and he began practice in Muscatine, where he has since remained.
On the 6th of September of the same year Mr. Rosenberger was united in marriage to Miss Ellen J. Prizer, who was born at Brighton, Iowa, and is a daughter of John W. and Charlotte (Moore) Prizer, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. They became early settlers of Washington county, Iowa, where her father died in 1906, while her mother now lives at Brighton. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberger have been born five children, namely: Char- lotte I., Elizabeth M., Emma F., Henry P. and Charles J.
The parents are members of the Friends church and Mr. Rosenberger be- longs to the Woodmen of the World. The family residence is at No. 1019 East Second street, where they have a good home. His political support is given to the republican party, but he does not seek or desire office, preferring to concen- trate his energies upon his law practice. He prepares his cases with provident care and his logical grasp of facts and principles of the law applicable to them has been another potent element in his success.
WILLIAM BERT MILHOLIN.
W. Bert Milholin, whose farm in located near Letts, was born in Seventy-six township, this county, January 15, 1875, his parents being Richard and Matilda (Kirk) Milholin. The father came from New York state at an early day and located in Seventy-six township, Muscatine county. In 1899, after having en- gaged in farming for many years, he removed to Muscatine, where he died in June, 1906, and was buried in High Prairie cemetery. The mother was born in Lake township, this county, and departed this life in 1884,. There were seven children in the family: Joseph, of Minnesota; Robert, of Parnell, Iowa; W. Bert, our subject; Jennie and Emma, deceased; Ada, the wife of Daniel Busclı, of Lake township; and Minnie, now Mrs. Lee Freers, of Muscatine.
The subject of this review was educated in the district schools and assisted in the work of the home farm, aiding in the support of the family until he became twenty-one years of age. He operated his father's farm for a time and then spent one year upon a farm in Lake township, after which he lived in Iowa
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county, Iowa, for a year. Being attracted to his native county, he came to Mus- catine and worked in various capacities in a lumberyard for two years. After spending two years on the Legler place and a similar length of time on the Robert Lee place, he located in 1908 on the farm he now occupies. Here he rents eighty acres, which he is bringing to a high state of cultivation, so that it now yields a handsome income.
In November, 1901, Mr. Milholin was united in marriage to Miss Maggie May Cochran, a daughter of Mathew Cochran, of Lake township. One child, Mabel Ada, has blessed this union. Mr. Milholin has all his life, with the exception of one year, been identified with Muscatine county and his attention has been mainly given to farming interests. He early became familiar with the details of farm work and by inclination and ability is adapted to the noble occupation which is the main dependence of the majority of the people of America. His life is a beautiful example of industry and conservative man- agement and the success he has attained is a happy prophecy of further progress which may be expected in years to come. Politically he is in sympathy with the democratic party and gives an earnest support to its principles and candidates. He is not affiliated with any religious denomination but attends the United Brethren church and contributes liberally toward its support.
THOMAS McINTIRE.
For fifty-five years a resident of Muscatine county and during a large part of that time a man of wide influence, Thomas McIntire, now deceased, assisted in a marked degree in the upbuilding of the county. At all times actuated by worthy principles, his name became a synonym for integrity and honor and is a heritage even more to be prized than riches. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, February 13, 1833, and was a son of William and Eleanor (Aiken) Mc- Intire. There were ten children in their family, one of whom is now living- Sarah, the wife of Isaac Shop, of Ohio. Those deceased are: Anne, John T., Mary 'A'., James, Samuel, Jane, Thomas, Dorothy and William.
Thomas McIntire was reared in Ohio and being an ambitious young man, came west at twenty-two years of age and took up his residence in Goshen town- ship, Muscatine county, Iowa. Soon after his arrival he rented land near Ata- lissa and devoted his attention to farming with such energy that in 1860 he was able to purchase an unimproved tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Pike township. Having developed this land until it was capable of high cultivation, he disposed of it and in 1868 purchased four hundred acres of raw prairie in Goshen township, which he also proceeded to develop. As his means increased he bought more land until he acquired two hundred acres on section 29, Goshen township, and five hundred and twenty acres on section 30, Wapsinonoc town- ship, making a total of seven hundred and twenty acres, which is now the family homestead and is one of the most productive farms in the region. Being a man of unusual energy and perseverance, Mr. McIntire was highly successful in his chosen calling, gaining a handsome fortune as the result of his good judgment
THOMAS MOINTIRE
MERS. THOMAS MCENTIRE
THENEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AST . R. L. 4"X AND A. M . AY NS.
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and untiring industry and at the same time winning the respect of a host of friends in Muscatine county.
On July 10, 1857, Mr. McIntire was united in marriage to Miss Mary Parry, a daughter of David and Lydia (Hollingsworth) Parry, both of whom were natives of Delaware and became residents of Muscatine county. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Parry, namely: Phoebe II., now deceased; Mary, now Mrs. McIntire; Luellen, deceased; Sarah, of Keokuk, Iowa, who became the wife of Robert Jewett, now deceased; and John A., of Goshen township. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McIntire: John T .; Caleb L .; Annie May, deceased ; Abraham L .; Sarah Eleanor, the wife of Orrin Martin, of Muscatine county ; Elmer ; Thomas, Jr .; and Hannah L., now the wife of Melvin Brown, of Muscatine county.
Mr. McIntire was identified with the republican party whose principles he heartily espoused and as a patriotic citizen he assisted to the extent of his ability in forwarding the interests of its candidates. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church but after going west never identified himself with any re- ligious denomination, being friendly toward them all. He passed away March 21, 1910, having arrived at the venerable age of seventy-seven years. He was a man of many estimable qualities, entirely free from ostentation, generous in his friendships and willing at all times to assist those less fortunate than himself. He was a lover of his family, regarding no sacrifice too great if it added to the comfort of his wife or children. He will long be remembered not only as one of Muscatine county's most successful farmers, but also as a worthy representa- tive of the early settlers who fearlessly braved the dangers and inconveniences of the wilderness in order to obtain a home, thus adding to the strength and stability of the state and nation.
ARTHUR STANLEY LAWRENCE.
On the roster of county officials appears the name of Arthur Stanley Law- rence, who is now filling the position of auditor, to which he was elected in the fall of 1904. He has filled the office since January, 1905, and in this, as in other public positions, he has proved most loyal to the trust reposed in him and capable in the discharge of his duties. Muscatine county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Moscow township, on the Ist of September, 1857. He is a representative of an old New England family. His grandfather, Elisha Lawrence, was born in Vermont and spent his entire life there. His son, Solomon L. Lawrence, was also a native of the Green Mountain state, and spent his youthful days in that locality, where he learned and fol- lowed the carpenter's trade. He afterward became a resident of Michigan, and the year 1856 witnessed his arrival in Iowa, at which time he took up his abode in Moscow township, Muscatine county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. This he at once began to cultivate and improve, but in 1865 he sold the property and removed to Wilton, after which he lived retired from business cares. For many years he was justice of the peace and his decisions
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were strictly fair and impartial. He was also prominent in church work, and both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist church. His death ocurred in 1892 when he was eighty-two years of age, and his wife passed away in 1895 when about eighty years of age. She bore the maiden name of Harriett S. Morgan and was a native of New York. There were seven children in the family of Solomon L. and Harriett Lawrence, three sons and four daugh- ters, but only two reached adult age. The daughter, Arline E., is the widow. of Dr. James McNutt, of Kansas City, Missouri.
Arthur Stanley Lawrence is the only son who reached manhood and was reared in Muscatine county and from the age of seven years lived in Wilton, where he attended the public schools. When a lad of twelve years he began clerking in a dry-goods store, where he was employed for several years. He came to Muscatine in 1884, and here entered the employ of S. & L. Cohn Cloth- ing Company. He was afterward connected with the U. S. Jackson Clothing Com- pany and subsequently was in the service of the Hershey Lumber Company. In 1904 he was elected county auditor and in the following January entered upon the duties of that position, which he has since filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. This is not the only office in which he has been an incumbent, for in 1895 and 1896 he was mayor of Muscatine, in which connection he discharged his duties in a prompt, businesslike and efficient man- ner, giving a capable and progressive administration. As auditor he is systematic in all that he does, and no one has reason to complain of the way in which he administers the affairs of the office.
On the 20th of October, 1881, Mr. Lawrence was married to Miss Arontesa E. Eaton, a daughter of James A., and Mary (Davis) Eaton. Mrs. Lawrence was born in Iowa, near Muscatine, and her parents were natives of Indiana. They became early settlers of Muscatine county and are now living in Fruitland township. The family numbered seven children: Demetrius T., Calvin E., Arontesa E., Laura, the wife of Clare Bird of Wausau, Wisconsin; Martin, Rita E., the wife of Carl Tyrrell, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Myrtle, the wife of Charles Bruun, of Kansas City, Missouri. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence: Jay A. and Harold C., but the former died May 23, 1910, at the age of twenty-eight years. The latter, who is ticket agent at the Union station in Muscatine, married Pearl Childs.
The Lawrence home is at No. 704 Walnut street and is justly noted for its warm-hearted hospitality. Mrs. Lawrence is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Lawrence belongs to lowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Wash- ington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M .; Webb Council, No. 18, R. & S. M .; De Molay Commandery, No. I K. T .; Zarephath Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Davenport ; and Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Upon him has also been conferred the honorary thirty-third degree, and he is one of the best known and most promi- nent Masons of Iowa. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen, and the Knights of the Maccabees. In Masonry many offices have been conferred upon him. He filled all the chairs in the local or- ganization ; has been grand high priest of Iowa, and grand master of the Grand Council of the state. In his political views he is an earnest republican, always loyal to the interests of the party. He never wavers in the support of his
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honest convictions and his position is never an equivocal one. He stands fear- lessly in support of what he believes to be right and the principles which have governed his conduct throughout his entire life are such as are indispensable elements of good citizenship and honorable manhood.
LINDLEY HOOPES.
Among the pioneers of Muscatine county the name of Lindley Hoopes oc- cupies an honored place. He is now living at the venerable age of ninety-five years on the home farm where he settled fifty-four years ago. He was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1815, and is a son of Isaac and Hannah (Jones) Hoopes, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. There were twelve children in the family, two of whom are still living.
Lindley Hoopes came to Muscatine county, April 18, 1854, and two years later located upon the farm in Lake township which is now the home place. He and his brother, R. H. Hoopes, purchased four hundred acres of wild land which it required a great deal of labor to reduce to a condition under which it could be successfully cultivated. Six yoke of oxen were used in breaking the sod, some of the furrows being a mile long. Part of the land was covered with timber and they cut and hauled logs to the mill for lumber for fencing purposes. Mr. Hoopes also worked at the carpenter's trade in Muscatine and in the early days assisted in building High Prairie church. About twelve years after locating upon the farm a tornado passed over the region, totally destroying the house and barn. However, Mr. Hoopes was not discouraged and he soon repaired the damage, becoming one of the prosperous farmers of the locality. He still owns the home farm of one hundred and thirty acres. In his active years he was a good busi- ness man. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Com- pany of Muscatine and the confidence which was reposed in him by his associates is evidenced by the fact that he was elected president of the company, serving in that capacity for a number of years.
On the 22d of November, 1838, Mr. Hoopes was united in marriage to Miss Mary Adleman, who was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1819, and was a daughter of John and Sarah (Ganoe) Adleman, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. There were ten children in their family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoopes nine children were born: One who died in infancy; William H., also deceased; Sarah A., a sketch of whom appears below; Rebecca O., de- ceased ; John A., a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Joseph E., of Muscatine county ; Lindley S., deceased; Mary C., the wife of A. J. Wood, of Muscatine county ; and Emerson G., also of Muscatine county. The beloved mother of these children passed away May 12, 1904, at the age of eighty-five years, and her remains were buried in High Prairie cemetery.
Sarah A. Hoopes was born in Pennsylvania in 1843 and grew to woman- hood under the kindly influence of loving parents. In 1869 she was united in marriage to Dr. W. D. Barclay, a native of Pennsylvania, born April 24, 1829. He was the son of William and Elizabeth ( Bowman) Barclay, both of whom
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were natives of Pennsylvania. Having early shown an inclination for intellectual pursuits, he was given a good education and was graduated from Jefferson Medi- cal College of Philadelphia.
He began practice in Muscatine, and gained a reputation as one of the most competent physicians of the city. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Episcopal church. On April 14, 1887, he died at Columbia, Texas. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Mary Scipton, a native of Eng- land, and by that union seven children were born, four of whom are now living. After this marriage he removed to Carlyle, Illinois, where his wife died. By his second marriage he had three children. Robert L., born October 23, 1871, died July 21, 1873. Florence E., born October 21, 1874, became the wife of Joseph Boiler, a farmer of Lake township, Muscatine county, and they have two chil- dren, Fern Lucile and Raymond. Laura A., born February 29, 1876, married H. R. Taylor, of Madelia, Minnesota, and they are the parents of two children, Olive B. and Vergil D. After her husband's death Mrs. Barclay returned home and she has since remained with her father. She is a member of Episcopal church and when opportunity presented was an active worker in its behalf. She is also connected with the Modern Brotherhood of America.
Lindley Hoopes was a stanch supporter of the democratic party until 1870 but since that time he has been in sympathy with the principles of the republican party. He was reared in the Quaker faith but for many years has been an ear- nest member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Sons of Temperance and the Grang- ers. By numberless unselfish acts, extending over a long period, he has endeared himself to those with whom he has been associated and as the end draws near he receives all the attentions that loving hearts can bestow.
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