USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 38
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LINN R. PINGREY.
Linn R. Pingrey is an enterprising and progressive young farmer of Goshen township, owning and cultivating a tract of one hundred and thirty acres. He is a native son of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Durant, Cedar county, his natal day being December 8, 1878. His parents, Darius and Emily (Demming) Pingrey, were natives of Vermont and Illinois, respectively. They settled in Cedar county at an early period in the development of this state, but in 1896 removed to Durant, where their remaining days were passed. Unto them were born five children : May, deceased; Frank, a resident of Muscatine county ; Cora and Eva, also residents of this county; and Linn R., whose name introduces this review.
Linn R. Pingrey, the youngest in his father's family, acquired his education in the common schools, but at the age of seventeen years started out to make his own way in the world by working as a farm hand. His time was thus em- ployed for five years, during which period he carefully saved his earnings in the hope that he might some day engage in farming on his own account. His hopes were realized, for at the end of that time he rented a farm and continued to operate the same until 1909, when he purchased his present tract comprising one hundred and thirty acres in Goshen township. He has placed his fields under a high state of cultivation and each year gathers good crops, while the buildings upon the farm are adequate for the shelter of grain and stock.
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Mr. Pingrey chose as a companion for the journey of life, Miss Blanch Cline, their marriage being celebrated on the 28th of February, 1901. Mrs. Pin- grey was born in Cuba, Illinois, a daughter of George and Frances (Troop) Cline, both of whom were born in Dayton, Ohio. Their family numbers four children, all still living. Mr. and Mrs. Pingrey lost their only child, Grant, who was born March 5, 1909, and died the same month.
While Mr. Pingrey gives loyal support to the republican party at the polls, he is not active as an office seeker. His fraternal relations are with Lodge No. 190, I. O. O. F., at West Liberty, and both he and his wife attend and support the Methodist church. They are popular among the young people of Goshen township, while their hospitable home is a favorite resort for their many friends.
CHARLES GARVIN.
Of the stalwart sons of Indiana who have established homes in Muscatine county, Charles Garvin occupies a place of responsibility and honor. Through energy, grit and perseverance he has won a competence and is now a prominent landowner of Moscow township, being at the same time one of its highly re- spected citizens. He was born at Liberty, Indiana, September 4, 1864, a son of Patrick and Esther (Powell) Garvin. The parents were both natives of the Emerald isle and were married there before coming to America in 1849. They lived for nineteen years on a farm in Indiana, removing in 1868 to Rock Island county, Illinois, and three years later to Muscatine county, where the father continued until his death, which occurred in March, 1877. The beloved wife and mother survived her husband for twenty-eight years, being called from earthly scenes in November, 1909, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. There were ten children in their family, only two of whom are now living, namely : Charles, our subject ; and Jolin, of Muscatine county.
Charles Garvin was reared under the parental roof and as a boy became well acquainted with the duties of a farmer's son about the house as well as with the practical work pertaining to the fields and the raising and care of live stock. He attended the district school and the education which he there acquired he has since largely added to by observation and a general acquaintance with hooks and newspapers. After arriving at maturity he began farming upon his own account by renting a place and six years later purchased one hundred and eighty acres on sections 29 and 32, Moscow township, where he now lives. Subse- quently he bought forty acres more on section 32, and on the 20th of January, 1911, purchased twenty acres, so that he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres in one of the fairest farming regions of the state. He has attained marked success both as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. His farm is supplied with a substantial set of buildings and wears an air of thrift and orderliness which indicates thoughtful care and wise management.
On the Ioth day of January, 1894, Mr. Garvin was united in marriage to Miss Emma Schmitt, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, in 1874, and is a daughter of Peter Schmitt. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Garvin has been
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brightened by the arrival of five children : Malinda E., Charles, May L., Lloyd G. and Ellsworth. Living with them is Mr. Garvin's niece, Miss Ida Garvin, who has made her home with them since her parents died when she was young.
Ever since arriving at voting age Mr. Garvin has identified himself with the democratic party and the estimation in which he is held by his neighbors and acquaintances is indicated by the fact that he has occupied all of the township offices, exercising a fidelity in the discharge of his duties which met the hearty approval of the tax-payers. He and his wife are stanch believers in the inspira- tion and authority of the Bible and have a host of friends in Muscatine county who have been attracted by their many estimable qualities.
CARL VON ENGEL, M. D.
Dr. Carl von Engel, a medical practitioner of Moscow, enjoys an enviable reputation as a skilled and successful representative of his profession. His birth occurred in Germany on the 14th of August, 1855, his parents being August and Charlotte von Engel, who were likewise natives of that country. On coming to the United States they settled in Butler county, Iowa, where the father passed away. The mother died in October, 1910. They had a family of eleven children, three of whom still survive.
Dr. von Engel remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He is a graduate of the university at Berlin, Germany, and practiced medicine in that city for eight years. On the expiration of that period he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa, where he followed his profession successfully for five years. Re- cently he came to Muscatine county and located for practice in Moscow, here purchasing half a block of property. He has already won a large and lucrative practice, having proven himself well able to cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life.
In January, 1910, Dr. von Engel was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Duerr, with whom he had become acquainted in the fatherland. They are well known in social circles of the community and have a host of warm friends.
W. L. BLACK.
Among the native sons of Muscatine county who have here attained an hon- orable name is W. L. Black, of Atalissa. He was born on a farm about two miles from Atalissa, July 27, 1866, and is a son of James and Margaret (Woods) Black. The father was born near Boone Lake, Kentucky, and, like many other ambitious citizens of that state, emigrated to Iowa, locating in 1854 in Muscatine county, where he engaged in farming for thirty-three years. In 1887 he re- moved to Audubon county, Iowa, where he lived until called to his final rest at
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the age of sixty-four years. In politics he was a democrat and assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing the interests of the party. He was a man of good character and devoted his entire life to agriculture and stock-raising. The mother of our subject was a native of Indiana, but was married in Muscatine county and is now living with a daughter at Kingfisher, Oklahoma.
W. L. Black was educated in the district schools of Pike township, Musca- tine county, and grew up on the home farm, where he became thoroughly familiar with all the details of farm work. At twenty-two years of age he began to farm on his own account near Nichols. Iowa, removing in 1905 to a location south of Atalissa, where he remained for two years. Being attracted to mercantile pur- suits, he took up his residence in Atalissa in 1907, and since that time has been engaged in the grain and coal business. He is the owner of the building in which the business is conducted and also of a handsome residence in Atalissa.
In February, 1888, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Ruby Nicola, a resident of Nichols, Iowa. Three children have blessed this union, Homer, Elsie and Isabel, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Black has been successful both as a farmer and as a business man. Being quiet and unassuming, he has never sought notoriety nor courted public favor. He has won his way by the exercise of good judgment and sound discrimination and, possessing high character and laudable ambition, he has not made any serious mistakes. As a public-spirited citizen he willingly lends his aid to every worthy cause. He is a stanch adherent of the principles and candidates of the democratic party and fraternally is iden- tified with the Masonic lodge of Nichols, the chapter of West Liberty, Iowa, and the Modern Woodmen of America.
CHESTER C. PARRY.
Chester C. Parry, who is the owner of a well cultivated farm in Goshen town- ship, which he acquired through his unaided efforts, was born in this county, Octo- ber 28, 1867, being a son of Lewellen and Katherine (Stotler) Parry. The parents were both born in Pennsylvania and came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1857. The father was identified with farming interests and became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land in Goshen township. He passed away in 1898. The mother still lives on the home place. To their union were born seven children, two of whom, Delvan and Margaret, died in infancy. The other mem- bers of the family are: Chester C., our subject; Henry H., now of Muscatine county ; Lulu, who married L. H. Newman, of Muscatine, who is now deceased ; Ada, now Mrs. Harry Lewis of Muscatine; and Elsie, the wife of Arthur Hawker, of Goshen township.
It was in the common schools that Chester C. Parry acquired his early educa- tion. As a boy he was taught the value of labor and as an indication of his re- markable perseverance it may be stated that he worked for his father seven years for a team of horses and harness. To a youth making such a beginning nothing appears impossible. Industrious and economical, he acquired the necessary funds and purchased eighty acres of land in section 20, Goshen township, where he has
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since made his home. He has brought his place to a high state of cultivation and raises the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate, being also highly success- ful in raising live stock for the market. The appearance of his farm indicates good judgment and careful management and he is justly entitled to a place as one of the prosperous citizens of Muscatine county, who generally accomplishes whatever he attempts.
On the 17th of February, 1897, Mr. Parry was united in marriage to Miss Myra E. Ransom, a daughter of Myron and Eleanor (Lord) Ransom. Mrs. Parry is the eldest of eleven children, the others of the family being: Abbie, who married Edwin Mason, of Pennsylvania, and is now deceased; Harry, now of Muscatine county ; Annis, the wife of Clyde Fetterman, of Pennsylvania ; Robert, also of Pennsylvania ; Lucy, the wife of Harry Burkhart, of Pennsylvania; Mabel, who died in infancy ; Elva, the wife of Milton Boyle, of Goshen township ; Hen- riette, who married Fred Bendure, of Pennsylvania, and is now deceased ; Jean, the wife of Frank Timberlake; and Ida, now Mrs. Myron Hahn, of Pennsylvania. Two children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Parry: Eleanor, who died in infancy ; and Grace, now five years of age.
Politically Mr. Parry is independent, voting for the man irrespective of the party with which he is affiliated. He is a valued member of the Methodist church and fraternally is identified with Liberty Lodge, No. 190, I. O. O. F., of West Liberty. He has found in his wife a loving and helpful companion and they have many friends in Muscatine county, whom they have attracted by their genial quali- ties and by the interest they have shown in the welfare of others.
R. D. HARPER.
R. D. Harper, who is the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres in Lake township, was born in that township, January 16, 1862. He is a son of William and Mary (Murphy) Harper, the former of whom was a native of Ire- land and came to the United States in the '40s, locating at Muscatine, Iowa. There were only a few houses here at that time and the country for many miles in all directions was almost in its primitive condition. Mr. Harper finally took up his residence in Lake township, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1898. He was buried in St. Mary's cemetery. He was an industrious and en- terprising man and after arriving in this country devoted his attention to farming. The mother of our subject was also a native of Ireland but was married after coming to Muscatine. She passed away in July, 1902.
R. D. Harper was educated in the district schools and reared on the home farm, where he continued until twenty-two years of age. He began his business career by taking up a homestead in Keith county, now Perkins county, Nebraska, where he lived for five years, returning to Muscatine county in 1890. He worked upon the home farm for several years and then married, after which he farmed in Lake township. In the spring of 1910 he removed to the home where he now resides there carrying on general farming with excellent results, which indicate good judgment and well applied industry.
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In 1894 Mr. Harper was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Toohey and three children have blessed their union, Marie F., James M. and Cornelius W. Mr. Harper has been familiar with the progress of events in Muscatine county for twenty-five or thirty years past and has kept pace with the movements in agricul- ture and stock-raising by which the farm has been made much more productive than in earlier years. He has attained a position as one of the representative farmers of this region and by the application of sound principles has acquired a competence for himself and family. Politically he is in sympathy with the demo- cratic party and although he has not sought office, he is serving at present as a member of the school board. He and his wife are valued members of St. Mat- thias Catholic church, and socially he is connected with the Modern Brotherhood of America, with whose principles he is in hearty accord.
EDWIN W. WEDEKIND.
Edwin W. Wedekind, who lives in Sweetland township, and has clearly dem- onstrated his ability as a farmer, was born in this township, February 19, 1880. He is a son of Fritz D. and Pauline (Pasche) Wedekind, the former of whom was born in Hanover, Germany, June 15, 1837, and the latter in St. Louis, Mis- souri, July 26, 1847. At fourteen years of age the father joined a ship's crew and for eight years followed the sea, visiting the principal ports of the world. Tiring at last of the ocean, he came to America and after living for a short time in St. Louis enlisted in 1861 in Company F, Second Missouri Volunteer Infan- try, for a period of three months. At the expiration of this time he reenlisted for three years and, having served out that term, enlisted once more, continuing at the front until hostilities ceased. He participated in seventeen battles, among which were the battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mis- sionary Ridge, Pea Ridge and Dalton, Georgia. He was honorably discharged and mustered out of service in January, 1866, having acquitted himself with the highest credit under many trying circumstances. He returned to St. Louis and started a general store, which was shortly afterward destroyed by fire and as he carried no insurance upon his stock he was obliged once more to begin at the bottom of the ladder to build up his fortune. About 1868 he left St. Louis and after spending several years at Keokuk, Iowa, he went to Brooklyn, this state, but after a short time removed to Davenport, where he engaged in fishing in the Mississippi river. He next followed farming and in 1877 came to Mont- pelier, Muscatine county, remaining here only a short time, however. He next went to Fairport, Iowa, where he continued for nineteen years. After spending seven years in Rock Island county, Illinois, he finally settled at Sweetland Cen- ter, Muscatine county, where he departed this life September 23, 1904. He was successful as a farmer and acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land in this county. He was a man of high character and held membership in the German Lutheran church. Politically he was an earnest advocate of the prin- ciples of the republican party. The mother of our subject is now living on the home farm. There were seven children in the family: Ernest, deceased ;
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FRITZ D. WEDEKIND AND FAMILY
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Pauline M., now the wife of Ed Davis, a farmer of Fairport ; Henry J .; Albert G., of Muscatine county, who married Mary Eis and is the father of three chil- dren : Floyd, John and Ernest ; Edwin W., our subject ; Frederick C .; and John, deceased.
Edwin W. Wedekind was educated in the common schools and has been since his earliest recollection identified with the farming interests. After leav- ing school he assisted his father upon the home farm and is now living with his mother, having charge of the home place, which he cultivates assiduously, pro- ducing abundant harvests. He also raises stock for the market. He stands high in the esteem of people of Sweetland township, as is indicated by his election to the office of assessor two years ago for the years 1909 and 1910. Industrious, energetic, reliable and thoroughly progressive, Mr. Wedekind is recognized as a worthy representative of the younger element among the farmers of Muscatine county. He was married February 22, 1911, to Lulu C. Dippel, a daughter of Carl and Marie Dippel, of Sweetland township.
A. R. LEITH, M. D.
Dr. A. R. Leith is the oldest practicing physician of Wilton, Muscatine county, having entered upon the active duties of his profession here in 1882. He was born in Cedar county, Iowa, June 28, 1856, his parents being John P. and Maria (Boydston) Leith. The father was a native of Scotland and the mother of Ohio. Mr. Leith came to the United States in 1839 and located on a farm in Cedar county, Iowa, where he erected a log cabin, which was the home of himself and family for several years. Lumber being in demand among the settlers, he built a sawmill on his farm, which he operated, and later erected a gristmill, his time being largely taken up with the management of those two enterprises. He de- parted this life in 1868, his wife having been called away five years previously. Ten children were born to them, five of whom are now living: Mary, the wife of E. Bowman, of Creston, Iowa; John P., of Chase county, Kansas; A. R., our subject ; Maggie, now Mrs. Lyman Watterman, of Omaha, Nebraska; and George E., of California.
Dr. Leith early became inured to labor and at twelve years of age began to work as a farm hand. In the meantime he had attended the district school and, having profited by the instruction there offered, entered the Wilton Academy at fifteen years of age and was a student in that institution for two years. Upon leaving the academy he secured a certificate as a school-teacher and devoted five years to teaching. He began the study of medicine under Dr. G. O. Morgage, of Muscatine, and later matriculated in the medical department of the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of M. D. He immediately began practice at Wilton, where he has since continued, being asso- ciated at the present time with his son under the title of Leith & Leith. His patrons are to be found among the best families of the locality and no man in Muscatine county stands higher in the estimation of those who know him than Dr. Leith. In addition to being highly successful as a physician and surgeon he has
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also gained an enviable reputation in business circles and is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land adjacent to the village of Wilton, eighty acres in Cedar county, Iowa, and also one-fourth interest in a plantation of seven thou- sand acres in Arkansas, of which twenty-eight hundred acres are planted in cot- to and four hundred in corn. Several hundred negroes are regularly employed in carrying forward the work upon this place.
In September, 1880, Dr. Leith was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Parks, who was born in Muscatine county in 1858, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Finney) Parks. The parents of Mrs. Leith were both natives of Ohio and be- came residents of Muscatine county. The father died in this county and the mother is now living in Muscatine. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Leith, the youngest of whom died in infancy, while the second child, Walter, passed away at the age of six years. George G., the eldest, received a good education and was graduated as a physician. He is now practicing in partnership with his father.
Dr. Leith gives his allegiance to the republican party and has served in sev- eral responsible positions, having filled the office of mayor of Wilton Junction for several terms and also for eighteen years represented the educational inter- ests as member of the school board. During the greater part of this time he was president of the board. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order and has received the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine. His wife holds membership in the Presbyterian church. Having discharged his various duties for many years with strictest fidelity, Dr. Leith clearly represents a type of men who are leaders in any worthy movement and upholders of the best interests of society.
JOSEPH A. HEATH.
At the age of twenty years Joseph A. Heath, now living retired at West Lib- erty started out to meet the world on his own account and by diligence and per- severance he has made a success of his affairs. His life is evidence that a young man governed by right principles may, under the protection of the American re- public, hope to attain any reasonable desire. Born in Indiana, February 4, 1857, he is the son of Peter B. and Susan (Gibson) Heath. The father was born in New Jersey but removed to Ohio in his boyhood and to Iowa in 1846. He located near Nichols, Muscatine county, and after working for the farmers in the neigh- borhood for several years started the first store in West Liberty and became the first postmaster of the town. He returned to his old home in New Jersey after living for several years in this state but was not satisfied with the conditions he found there and soon again took up his residence in Muscatine county, purchas- ing a farm three and one-half miles west of West Liberty, where he lived until 1855, later farming on North Prairie and South Prairie. He engaged in mercan- tile business at West Liberty with his son from 1885 to 1887, returning to his farm in the latter year. He departed this life in 1889. The mother of our sub- ject was a native of Ohio and was married in that state to Mr. Heath. She passed
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away in West Liberty, March 3, 1903. There were ten children in their family, of whom Flora, William, Hattie, Martha and George are deceased. The others are Mary, now Mrs. H. L. Metcalf, living near Nichols, Iowa; Joseph A., the sub- ject of this review; Henry, of West Liberty; Charlie, of Johnson county ; and John, who also lives near Nichols.
Joseph A. Heath received his early education in the district schools, applying himself with a diligence that gave bright promise for the future. He continued with his parents until he arrived at maturity and then followed farming in Mus- catine county until 1909. with the exception of two years, during which time he was engaged with his father in mercantile business. Since 1909 he has made his home in West Liberty, where he owns a beautiful residence. He is also the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Muscatine county, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He ranks as one of the prosperous and pro- gressive farmers of the county whose judgment in all matters pertaining to the calling is considered as good as that of any man living in this section.
In 1895 Mr. Heath was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Yenter, a resident of Johnson county and a native of Virginia City, Nevada. He exercises the right to vote as his judgment dictates and casts his ballot independently, supporting the man rather than the party. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Merchants Life Association of Burlington, Iowa, and in reli- gious views is an adherent of the Christian church, being a liberal contributor to that organization. He is known as a good citizen, a true friend, and he and his estimable wife by their helpfulness to others have made many friends in Musca- tine county.
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