USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 50
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In his political views Mr. Black is a democrat but aside from serving as school director and as treasurer of the board he has filled no public office. He and his wife are Presbyterians in religious faith, but they now attend the Methodist church. In former years he led an extremely busy and active life, and the rest which he is now enjoying is richly merited, for it has come to him as the direct result of earnest and persistent toil.
W. A. NORRIS.
W. A. Norris, for seven years past a resident of Nichols, Iowa, having re- tired after many years of active and useful labor, was born in Ohio, November I. 184I, a son of John W. and Mary ( Adams) Norris, the former a native of Mary- land and the latter of Pennsylvania. They removed with their respective parents to Ohio early in life and were married in the Buckeye state, continuing there until 1852, when they took up their residence in Indiana, living there for two years. In 1854, not being satisfied with their new home, they returned to Ohio and in 1864 came to Iowa, settling on a farm of two hundred acres near Cones- ville, Muscatine county. Here the father lived for twenty-eight years, departing this life in 1892. The mother then made her home with a son at Conesville until her death. Their remains lie side by side in Conesville cemetery. They were both consistent members of the Christian church and by their lives set an example worthy of imitation by their children and all who would be useful and honored members of society. Their family included the following children: Sarah, the
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widow of Alexander McCurdy, of Conesville; W. A., our subject; R. M., of Nichols; Rachel, the wife of Dallas Womsley, of South Dakota; A. J., of Utah, the widow of J. C. Summer; Clara A., the wife of Cass Wright, of the state of Washington; Mary E., the wife of William Young, of Portland, Oregon ; Thomas E., of Nichols; Pauline M., the widow of Thomas McCoy, now residing in Louisa county, Iowa ; Millie, the wife of James Magruder, of Johnson county, Iowa; Jacob, of Letts, Iowa; and A. J., who died in Indiana at the age of six- teen years.
W. A. Norris was educated in the public schools and remained at home as- sisting in the support of the family until he reached the age of twenty-three years, when he began farming upon his own account. To that occupation he devoted forty years of earnest effort, availing himself of modern methods and the latest improved machinery and thus conducting his business to the best advantage. He became highly successful in his calling and by a manly and straightforward course at all times made a host of friends in Muscatine and adjoining counties. In 1903 he retired to the handsome and commodious home which he owns in Nichols.
On February 26, 1864, Mr. Norris was united in marriage in Ohio to Miss Rebecca Jane Booth, who was also born there, a daughter of Robert and Mercy (Westlake) Booth, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. Mr. and Mrs. Booth came west in 1864 and continued for the remainder of their lives in Muscatine county. There were six children in their family : Sarah A., Mercy, Ella and Rebecca Jane, being deceased; Lydia; and Mary, who lives in Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Norris four children were born : L. W., born September 16, 1864, now a railroad blacksmith living in Colorado; J. M., born December 20, 1865, who is a farmer of Columbus Junction, Iowa; Annie, born October 8, 1867, the wife of Henry Masonholder, of Letts, Louisa county ; and Charley, who was born December 20, 1868, and died at the age of four years. The mother of these children having been called away October 26, 1905, Mr. Norris was united in marriage May I, 1907, to Mrs. Mattie E. Abbott, widow of B. F. Abbott, who was a charter member of the camp of Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica at Nichols and the father of one child, B. F., born December 13, 1883. who is a graduate of a business college and is now living in Muscatine. Mrs. Norris is a daughter of Ferdinand and Lavina (Lofton) Victor, the former of whoni was born in Ohio and the latter in Indiana. They were married in Illinois and came to Iowa, making their home for some time in Louisa county. In 1892 they moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and there the father died May 10, 1898. The mother is still living in Kansas City and has arrived at the age of sixty-eight years. There were the following children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Victor : Jefferson, a contractor of Kansas City ; Ferdie, now identified with a rice plan- tation in Texas; Nelson, living with his mother; John, who died at the age of five years and is buried in Illinois; William, who died at two years of age and is buried at Pilot Junction; Ervie, who died at the age of three years and is also buried at Pilot Junction ; Nettie, who died at the age of seven years and is buried at Kansas City.
Politically, Mr. Norris is a stanch supporter of the democratic party, but his wife is equally earnest in her advocacy of the principles of the republican party.
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He has served as township clerk for six years and also as assessor of his town- ship for three terms, performing his duties in such a way as to meet the approval of all irrespective of party. Fraternally he has been identified with Lodge No. 140, M. B. A., of Conesville, and of Lodge No. 352, M. B. A., of Adams. He is a member of the German Reformed church and Mrs. Norris holds mem- bership in the Methodist Protestant church. She is also a member of Lodge No. 1271, Royal Neighbors, of Nichols. Mr. Norris is of a genial and friendly disposition and has done much in lifting the burdens of those with whom he has been associated, thus gaining recognition as a progressive and useful member of society.
CYRUS J. BAKER.
In the list of native sons of Muscatine county who have become successful farmers and stockmen must be included the name of Cyrus J. Baker, who was born on the farm where he now resides on the 28th of March, 1855. His parents, Harvey and Harriet (Freeman) Baker, were married in Indiana, of which state the mother was a native, but the father was born in Ohio. In 1845 they removed to Muscatine county, Iowa, and located on part of the farm in Fulton township now owned by Cyrus J. Baker. In the family were six children : George D., a resident of Muscatine; Frank, of Jasper county, Iowa; Mary E., the wife of George Gatton, of Boulder, Montana; Cyrus J .; Anna, who married Thomas Mallicoat, of Newton, Iowa ; and Emma, who died at the age of five years. The mother passed away in April, 1894, and was laid to rest in Parr's cemetery and the following January the father was placed beside her.
Cyrus J. Baker's boyhood and youth was very similar to that of other pioneer boys. He attended the district schools of Muscatine county and assisted his father with the work of the farin, his duties and responsibility increasing from year to year. When he was twenty-one years old he leased the homestead and began farining for himself, continuing to cultivate his father's land until 1885, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres. He afterward sold forty acres of this but later added another one hundred and sixty, making his total realty hold- ings aggregate two hundred and eighty acres. His is one of the valuable farms of the county, and the improvements are all in good condition. He raises a fine breed of stock, making a specialty of the raising and feeding of cattle and logs, and the well cultivated fields are given the careful supervision which results in abundant and profitable harvests. In addition to his landed interests in Iowa, Mr. Baker owns one hundred and sixty acres in North Dakota.
On the 30th of August, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Malli- coat, a native of Indiana, who came to Iowa with her people, both of whom are now deceased. One child was born unto them, Roy, a resident of Fulton town- ship, whose birth occurred on the 13th of June, 1878. On the 15th of March, 1880, Mrs. Baker passed away. Five years later, on the 16th of February, 1885, Mr. Baker was married to his present wife, Miss Lettie Watts, who was born in lowa on the 3d of April, 1865. She is a daughter of John and Elizabeth
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(Ringsby) Watts. Her father, who was born in London, England, came to America in 1842 and located in Muscatine county, Iowa, where he met and mar- ried Miss Ringsby, a Virginian. After they were married the young people re- moved to a farm and continued to reside there during the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of eight children: Fannie, the wife of Walter Johnson of Muscatine county ; Euphemia, who married Samuel Porter, of Guth- rie county, Iowa; George, who is also married and is living in South Dakota ; James, residing on the old homestead in Muscatine county; Rosa, wife of John Wunder, Muscatine county ; Nellie, who married Andrew Wintermute, of South Muscatine; Mrs. C. J. Baker; and Pantha, who died in infancy. The mother passed away in 1884, but the father survived until 1890, and they are both sleep- ing in Blue Grass cemetery, Scott county, lowa. At the time of their death Mr. and Mrs. Watts owned one hundred and twenty acres of finely improved land in Montpelier township, Muscatine county.
Mr. and Mrs. Baker had one child, Fannie, who was born on the 13th of June, 1889, and died on the IIth of the following October. Mrs. Baker holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Baker is identified with the Masonic order, holding membership in Lodge No. 167, A. F. & A. M., at Wilton, Iowa, and the Modern Woodmen of America, his local affiliation being in Hillside Camp, No. 2470, at Blue Grass. Mr. and Mrs. Baker also belong to the Pleasant Prairie Grange of Fulton township. Ever since acquiring the right of suffrage, Mr. Baker has cast his vote for the candidates of the democratic party, although he does not take a particular active part in politics, not being an aspirant to public office. Both he and his wife are highly regarded in their community and have many friends to whom they extend the hospitality of their home.
THOMAS C. KILLION.
Thomas C. Killion, who is engaged in the livery business at Wilton Junction, and is known as one of its progressive citizens, is a native of Denver, Colorado, born October 29, 1867. His father, John Killion, was born in Rhode Island and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Doyle, is a native of one of the southern states. They were married at Davenport, Iowa, and later removed to Colorado, where Mr. Killion engaged for six years in the mining business. At the end of this time he came to Scott county, Iowa, and purchased a farm, which he cultivated until his death December 15, 1871. The mother is now living in Muscatine county at the age of sixty-five years. There were four children in the family: Ellen, now the wife of C. A. Rollands, of Muscatine; Frank, who lives with his mother; Mamie, the wife of Homer Hesselgesser, of Wilton Junction ; and Thomas C.
At nine years of age the subject of this review began to provide for himself by working upon a farm, where he continued for six years. He had little op- portunity for education as the waking hours of his youth were largely occupied in toil. After leaving the farm he was connected for ten years with the livery
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business and then he spent six years buying and selling horses. Later he entered the livery business on his own account at Wilton Junction and is now at the head of one of the most complete establishments of the kind in the county. He also owns forty acres of land in Moscow township and a substantial residence in Wilton Junction, which he has acquired by wise foresight and good judgment.
On the Ist of April, 1886, Mr. Killion was united in marriage to Miss Laura Hesselgesser, a native of Wilton Junction and a daughter of David and Delilah (Shepard) Hesselgesser. Her parents were both born in Pennsylvania and are now deceased. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Killion, the eldest of whom died in infancy. Homer died at the age of five years, and John, whose natal day was October 8, 1889, is now living at home. The mother of these children having died, Mr. Killion was married August 13, 1907, to Miss Mary Reynolds, who was born at Muscatine in October, 1877. She is a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Axline) Reynolds, her mother being a native of Iowa and her father of Ireland. Her parents have both passed away, the mother in 1883, and the father in 1903. There were three children in their family : Helen, now a resident of Wilton Junction ; Hattie, now Mrs. Theodore Hazen, of Nichols, Iowa; and Mary. To Mr. and Mrs. Killion a son was horn, but he died in infancy.
Mr. Killion gives his allegiance to the democratic party and fraternally is identified with Lodge No. 171, K. P., of Wilton Junction. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church. He has had many difficulties to overcome in the course of his life and he owes his present position of comfort and ease to an unalterable determination and a worthy ambition which has never yielded to discouragements. The lessons which he learned as a boy when striving for a foothold made a deep impression upon his mind and strengthened him for future conquests. He is recognized as a man of thorough integrity and is one of the responsible citizens of Muscatine county.
WILLIAM MARCHANT.
For nearly thirty years actively engaged in farming in Wilton township, William Marchant may be designated as one of the enterprising citizens of Mus- catine county. From his youth upward he has been actuated by a worthy ambition and the well cultivated farm he now owns is one of the practical results of his efforts. He is a native of England, born January 7, 1851, and is a son of Charles and Caroline (Hawkins) Marchant, both of whom were born in Eng- land and spent their lives in their native country. They were the parents of nine children, one of whom, Jane, is deceased. David is living in Australia. Sarah is the wife of William Foster and lives in England. Charles, John, Allen, Jessie and George are also living in England.
The subject of this review, who was second in order of birth in this family, was reared under the favoring influences of a well regulated home and received his education in the public schools. At twenty-three years of age, believing that more favorable opportunities were available under the American republic, lie
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emigrated to this country, spending the first five years in Tompkins county, New York. In 1878 he arrived in Muscatine county, Iowa, and went to work upon a farm, applying himself with such diligence that in 1881 he was able to pur- chase the farm of eighty acres in Wilton township where he has since lived. He has made many improvements, including a comfortable dwelling, a large barn, outbuildings, fences, etc., and as a general farmer has attained a prosperity which is proof of good judgment and thorough acquaintance with his calling.
In 1881 Mr. Marchant was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Bailey, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Joseph and Eliza ( Harrison) Bailey, who were of English descent. Mr. Bailey departed this life in 1890, but his wife is still living and makes her home at Wilton Junction. Mrs. Marchant was one of a family of seven children, and by her marriage she has become the mother of two: Joseph C., a graduate of Wilton College, now living at home; and Alice May, also at home.
Mr. Marchant is a stalwart republican and is now serving as township trustee, an office he has filled with general acceptance for the past six years. He is an earnest friend of the public-school system and has served for twelve years as member of the school board. He deserves much credit for what he has accom- plished, having established a home through his own exertions and built up a reputation in the community as a patriotic and public-spirited citizen.
HAMILTON HAVELOCK FULLERTON.
Industry and sound judgment, combined with foresight, have enabled Hamil- ton Havelock Fullerton to become one of the representative farmers of Seventy- six township. He was born in Cumberland county, Nova Scotia, Canada, July 17, 1861, and is a son of James Edward and Cecelia Anne (Sexton) Fullerton. The father was born in the same county and in 1865 removed to Minnesota, where he lived for eighteen years, at the close of which period he settled in the city of Montevideo, that state. There he passed away in 1904. He devoted his life to farming interests. The mother of our subject was a native of Washington county, Maine, and the parents were married in the Pine Tree state. She de- parted this life in 1891. There were six children in the family: Ida and Ada, deceased; Henry A., now a farmer of Minnesota; Hamilton H .; Asa B., of Muscatine ; and George D., of Wisconsin.
The subject of this review was brought by his parents to Minnesota when he was four years old and was educated in the common schools of that state. He grew up on a farm under the loving care of kind parents and became as a boy well acquainted with the various operations connected with agriculture and stock-raising. At twenty-six years of age he was attracted to the state of Iowa and worked on the farm of Phillip Wagner, of Letts. Later he bought eighty acres of land in Minnesota, which he sold, and eight years ago located on his present farm of eighty acres on section 29, Seventy-six township. Here he raises stock and grain and has met with excellent success in his various undertak- ings.
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In 1888 Mr. Fullerton was united in marriage to Miss Cora E. Hidlebaugh, a native of Louisa county, Iowa, and to them seven children have been born: one who died in infancy; Edna M., now the wife of Floyd Holliday, of Louisa county ; Vinnie B. and J. E., both at home; Arthur R., deceased; Ida M., at home; and Mildred E.
Mr. Fullerton belongs to that class known as self-made men, who are able to master difficulties and win a goodly measure of success. In his wife he has found a worthy assistant, who has been to him a loving companion and to her children a devoted mother. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he and his wife are identified with the Rebekahs. Politically he is in sympathy with the democratic party and evidence of the confidence reposed in him by his neighbors and friends is presented by the fact that for four years he served most acceptably as assessor of Seventy-six township.
LOUIS DUGE.
Throughout his entire business career Louis Duge has given his time and energies to that pursuit which George Washington designated as "the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Fulton town- ship and in its cultivation has met with a gratifying measure of success. His birth occurred in Scott county, Iowa, on the 21st of November, 1864, his parents being Louis and Dora (Hintze) Duge, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in early life and were married in Scott county, Iowa. They began their domestic life on a farm in that county and sub- sequently purchased and located upon a farm of one hundred and forty-six acres in Muscatine county. In the further cultivation and improvement of that property the father was busily engaged until 1898, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Stockton, where he lived in honorable retire- ment until called to his final rest on the 30th of May, 1908. The mother passed away December 10, 1906. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, as follows: Louis, of this review ; Emma, who is a resident of Stockton, Iowa; Augustie, who died in infancy; Annie, the wife of Jurgen Wagner, of Sioux county, Iowa; William, who lives near Stockton; Helen, who is the wife of Henry Jansen and makes her home in Madison county, this state; and John, who died at the age of sixteen years.
Louis Duge remained under the parental roof until twenty-five years of age, assisting his father in the operation of the home farm and thus gaining practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After starting out as an agriculturist for himself he was actively en- gaged in the cultivation of rented land for a number of years or until he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to invest in property of his own. On the Ist of May, 1910, he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Fulton township and has since brought the fields under a high state of cultiva- tion. The property is lacking in none of the improvements and accessories
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MR. AND MRS. LOUIS DUGE
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of a model farm of the twentieth century and gives every evidence of the care- ful supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
On the 21st of February, 1890, Mr. Duge was united in marriage to Miss Alwine C. Broders, who was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 19th of November, 1867, her parents being Jacob H. and Margaret (Soenke) Broders, natives of Germany. They came to the new world about 1858 and were married. in Scott county, Iowa. They established their home in Fulton township, where Jacob H. Broders carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1898, since which time he has lived retired in Durant. By his first wife, who passed away in 1884, he had six children, namely : Mrs. Duge; Jacob H., living in Fulton town- ship; Ferdinand, who is a resident of Durant; Annie, the wife of Ferdinand Dittmer, of Fulton township; and Gustave and William, who likewise make their home in Fulton township. For his second wife Jacob H. Broders chose Miss Margaret Wick, likewise a native of Germany, by whom he had four chil- dren : Benjamin, living in Gladbrook, Iowa; Ida, the widow of Herman Thede; Herman, of Fulton township; and Evelyn, who died, the 26th of November, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Duge have four children, as follows: Ella D. M., who was born on the 24th of April, 1891 ; Arnold J., whose birth occurred December 26, 1894; Louis L., whose natal day was November 20, 1897; and Leonard B., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 17th of April, 1899.
Mr. Duge is a democrat in politics but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to camp No. 2479, at Walcott, Iowa. He is also identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America at Stockton and has acted as president of camp No. 40 for three years. Mr. and Mrs. Duge have spent their entire lives in this part of the state and enjoy a wide and favorable acquaintance here.
MRS. DORA RICHTER.
Mrs. Dora Richter has for a number of years past been a resident of Wilton township, Muscatine county. She was born in Germany, March 17, 1862, and is a daughter of Claus Gieebelstien. Her father and mother were both natives of Germany and lived and died there.
At twenty years of age Mrs. Richter bade adieu to her home and friends and crossed the ocean to America, coming direct to Muscatine county, Iowa. Shortly after her arrival she was united in marriage to Henry Peterson, who departed this life in 1885. By that union one son, J. H., was born, who received an educa- tion in the common schools and is now in the United States naval service, being on board the cruiser Birmingham. He entered the navy eight years ago and being a young man of good habits and a laudable ambition has made a highly honorable record. In 1887 Mrs. Peterson was married to Claus Richter, who died in 1889. Two children blessed this union: Alma, who is now the wife of Henry Gluhm, of South Dakota; and Ruth, deceased.
Mrs. Richter is the owner of the homestead of eighty acres on section 23, Wilton township, and lives amidst scenes with which she has for years been
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familiar and which are endeared to her by many tender recollections. Her per- sonal worth receives due recognition, as she is a most estimable lady of intelli- gence and good judgment, and by her kindly and sympathetic nature she has made many friends in Wilton Junction and vicinity. Since girlhood she has been a member of the Lutheran church, and she is a valued worker not only in that organization, but in every undertaking that engages her interest and gives prom- ise of promoting the comfort or happiness of those with whom she is associated.
ANDREW HEALEY.
There are many active and enterprising farmers in Seventy-six township, but it is doubtful whether a more efficient member of the farming community is to be found than Andrew Healey, whose name introduces this review. He has all his life been connected with agricultural and stock-raising interests and, having made a fair start early in life, has progressed steadily along the lines of his chosen work.
He was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 7, 1852, and is a son of Michael and Bridget (Makesy) Healey. The father was born in Kilkenny, Ire- land, and came to the United States in 1847, making his home at Pittsburg for twelve years. In 1859 he decided to seek his fortune farther west and was at- tracted to Moscow township, Muscatine county. He was an ambitious and in- dustrious man and became one of the successful farmers of the county. From his youth up he was a stanch supporter of the Catholic church and after be- coming a citizen of the United States gave his allegiance to the democratic party. He died in 1896 and his remains were interred in St. Mary's cemetery. The mother of our subject was born in County Carlow, Ireland, within three miles of the spot which was the birthplace of her future husband, and they were mar- ried on the Emerald isle. She was called to her final rest in 1883, and was laid to rest beside her husband in St. Mary's cemetery. There were twelve children in their family : Anna Mary, the wife of John Speelman, of Adair county, Iowa ; Kate, a member of the Sisters of Charity, at Elgin, Illinois; Thomas, who died at Creston, Iowa, in 1894; Andrew, our subject; James, of Fruitland township, Muscatine county ; John, of Pike township; William, of Lake township; Clara, of Muscatine; and Frank and Edward, deceased; and two who died in infancy.
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