USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 70
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
which he had been able to accumulate was sufficient to purchase a place of his own and on the Ist of April of that year he became the owner of his present property, to which he removed in the following spring and which is now his home. It is a tract of one hundred and seventy-seven acres located on section 13, Montpelier township, and its present fine condition is due almost entirely to the efforts of Mr. Rathjen. He has placed many improvements upon the farm, which in its well kept appearance bears evidence to the fact that his dili- gence has been unfaltering and his methods of a most practical character. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, and both branches of his business are proving profitable, owing to the fact that the thorough knowledge which he early acquired concerning the best methods of carrying on agriculture has been supplemented by a keen business sagacity and close application to the work before him, and although he is numbered among the younger residents, he has already gained a most creditable place for himself among the substantial and progressive farmers of the community.
On the 2d of December, 1903, Mr. Rathjen was united in marriage to Miss Alvena Schiesser, a native of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, where her birth occurred on the 7th of January, 1883. Her parents, Theodore and Mary (Hendricks) Schiesser, still make their home in Hickory Grove township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rathjen have been born four children, but the eldest, Paul Theo- dore, passed away at the age of two and one-half years. The surviving mem- bers of the family are Neola, Ella and Adeline.
A stanch believer in democratic principles, Mr. Rathjen has kept himself well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is an active and in- fluential worker in the party organizations. He does not care for public recog- nition, however, as a reward for party fealty, preferring that his service should be that of a private citizen rather than the politician. He warmly advocates all measures which pertain to the general welfare and progress and is recognized as one of the substantial and public-spirited citizens of the community.
GEORGE FOSTER.
George Foster, widely known as a prosperous agriculturist and respected citizen, is the owner of a well improved farm of two hundred acres in Pike town- ship and also has considerable property in West Liberty. His birth occurred in Ohio on the Ist of September, 1846, his parents being Wilder and Mary (Mc- Kelop) Foster. The father was a native of Vermont and the mother was of Scotch descent. After their marriage they took up their abode in Ohio, where Mrs. Foster passed away in 1848. In 1856 Mr. Foster journeyed westward, settling in Iowa City, Iowa, where he lived with one of his sons for several years. He then removed to Nebraska and there spent the remainder of his life. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, two of whom are yet living, namely : Mrs. Van B. Mills, who is a resident of West Liberty, Iowa; and George, of this review.
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The latter remained with his father until a youth of thirteen and since that early age has made his own way in the world. On leaving the parental roof he went to live with his brother, working by the month as a farm hand for three years. In 1862 he joined the boys in blue of Company F, Twenty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain A. B. Cree, of Iowa City. His first colonel was ex-Governor Stone, for whom he cast his first vote at the age of seventeen years. He participated in the engagements of Fort Gibson, Missis- sippi, Champion's Hill and Black River Bridge, took part in the siege of Vicks- burg and was in the battles of Jackson, Mississippi, and Winchester, Fishers Hill and Cedar Creek, Virginia. He likewise went with Sheridan on his famous ride. On the 25th of July, 1865, he was honorably discharged, returning to Iowa City with a most creditable military record. Thence he came to Muscatine county, here working by the month for a season, while during the following year he was employed by Dan Doer. In 1867 he was married and started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating rented land for a short time. He then bought one hundred and twenty acres of his present farm in Pike town- ship and subsequently made an additional purchase of eighty acres, so that his holdings now embrace two hundred acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. His property has been developed in keeping with the most progressive ideas of modern agriculture and he annually gathers bounteous harvests. He also owns thirty-three lots and a fine residence in West Liberty and well merits the prosperity which he now enjoys, as it is attributable entirely to his own efforts.
On the 22d of November, 1867, Mr. Foster was united in marriage to Miss, Alice Stotler, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1848, her parents being Peter and Sarah (Stauffer) Stotler, likewise natives of the Keystone state, where they were married. On removing westward they settled on a farm in Pike township, Muscatine county, and a short time later went to Adams Station, where they lived for a brief period, Mr. Stotler cultivating rented land for a year. He then entered eighty acres of the farm which is now in possession of our subject and devoted his attention to its operation throughout the remainder of his life. His demise occurred on the 28th of February, 1874, while his wife was called to her final rest in March, 1854. They had eleven children, four of whom are yet living, as follows : Mrs. Katherine Perry, of Cedar Valley, Iowa; Mrs. Mary E. Davis, who makes her home in Atalissa, Iowa; John C., living in this county; and Mrs. Foster. The last named became the mother of three children, namely: John E., a high school graduate, who is married and lives on a farm near the homestead place; Mattie E., who follows the profession of school teaching ; and one who died in infancy.
Though he has no desire for the honors and emoluments of public office, Mr. Foster has served as a member of the school board for thirty years, being a warm friend of the cause of education. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He belongs to the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
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He is truly a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he has accom- plished. It is the men who are self-reliant and industrious and who depend upon their own resources who are real factors in a community's upbuilding, and to this class Mr. Foster belongs.
GEORGE W. JONES.
By undaunted perseverance George W. Jones overcame many obstacles and today is the owner of a farm in Cedar township, Muscatine county, that prom- ises to make him independent for the remainder of his days. In attaining the fortunate condition he has now reached, Mr. Jones climbed from the bottom of the ladder. He was fearless and self-reliant, difficulties only serving to nerve him to renew the effort. He is a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, born November 29, 1867, and is a son of Henry and Theresa (Wagner) Jones. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Ohio. The former de- parted this life January 12, 1884, and the latter five years later, March 27, 1889. There were eight children in their family, five of whom are now living, our sub- ject being the youngest. The others are: Lottie, now living in Ohio; Clara, the wife of Daniel Bodeker, of Dayton, Ohio; Laura, now Mrs. Clay Crow, of Ful- lerton, California; and Edith, the wife of Charles Campbell, also of Fullerton.
George W. Jones received the rudiments of an education in the common schools of his native state, to which he has largely added by observation and experience. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age and then began working in a boiler shop, where he continued for six years. In 1892 he decided to seek his fortune in the west and accordingly came to Iowa, where he worked for several years as a farm hand. Having acquired a good knowl- edge of agriculture and stock-raising, he rented land for one year and in 1900 purchased the place on which he now lives. It comprises eighty-four acres, all of which is well improved, and the air of prosperity and order that prevails about the farm indicates that its owner gives close attention to his business.
On the Ist of December, 1897, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Verink, who was born in Cedar township, Muscatine county, September II, 1862. She is the daughter of Maness and Clara ( Narvis) Verink, both na- tives of Holland. They came to America in childhood with their respective parents, who settled permanently in Muscatine county, Iowa. Here the young people grew up and were married, establishing their home in Cedar township. The mother passed away in 1899, but the father is still living on the home farm. Their family circle comprised ten children, four of whom are now living, namely : Mrs. William Freers, of Muscatine; J. A., also of Muscatine; Mrs. Seneca Finn, of Shenandoah, Iowa; and Sarah, now Mrs. Jones. Three chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, the eldest of whom, Clifford, died in infancy. Merrill A., the second in order of birth, was born August 7, 1901 ; and Floyd Vernon, was born July 13, 1905. Mrs. Jones is a woman of good education, having received her mental training not only in the public schools but in the business college at Muscatine.
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Mr. Jones gives his adherence to the republican party and for two years served as member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Letts, Iowa. He and his family are connected with the Christian church and are stanch upholders of its teach- ings. Throughout his career Mr. Jones has been recognized as a man of un- impeachable integrity and one who was always to be depended upon to assist in any worthy enterprise aiming to advance the general welfare. Having made good use of his opportunities, he is a striking example of the application of in- dustry to worthy ends, and it is scarcely necessary to add that he has the re- spect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
ROBERT BOYCE.
The cause of Christianity has an earnest and able advocate in Robert Boyce, of Cedar township. In addition to officiating as a minister of the Christian church he has charge of a well improved farm which he has acquired through his capable management. He was born at Lebanon, Illinois, December 3, 1871, and is a son of George and Nancy L. (Justice) Boyce, the former a native of England and the latter of Tennessee. George Boyce came to America with his parents when six years of age and was reared in this country, being married at Lebanon, Illinois, where he and his wife have since lived with the exception of two short periods. They have each arrived at the age of sixty-six years, and of their children six are now living, namely: William N. and George W., of Illinois; Robert, our subject; Addie, the wife of George Owens, of Illinois; Sarah, now Mrs. Elmer Conklin, of Illinois; and Nora, the wife of William Stebbins, also of Illinois.
Robert Boyce received his preliminary education in the public schools and remained at home until eighteen years of age, when he became identified with the ministry of the Christian church, with which he has ever since been actively connected. He pursued his education in the high school and also at Palmer College of Le Grand, Iowa, the first three years of his work there being evangeli- cal in character and the last three years being in the regular college course. As a minister he has officiated at various points, but in 1902 he located upon a farm in Cedar township, which he has increased by purchase until he now owns one hundred and ten acres under a high degree of cultivation. In addition to man- aging his farm very successfully he attends to his ministerial duties and is therefore one of the busiest men in this region.
On the 31st of January, 1894, Mr. Boyce was united in marriage to Miss Emma B. Peppel, who was born near Lone Tree, Johnson county, Iowa, May 29, 1875, and is a daughter of George J. and Frances (Hawthorne) Peppel, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. The mother came to Iowa about 1840 and the father in 1852. He engaged in farming in this county until his retirement in 1909 and since that time he and his wife have made their home with the subject of this review. Four children constituted their family : Nettie Hamilton, now of Shenandoah. Iowa; Emma B., now Mrs. Boyce; James,
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who died at the age of twenty-eight years; and Florence, who died at the age of two months. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Boyce also has been blessed by the arrival of four children, namely: Ethel E., born November 22, 1894, who de- parted this life January 13, 1895; Ruth Marie, born December 31, 1898; Paul L., born March 20, 190! ; and George Victor, born April 9, 1903.
Politically Mr. Boyce votes for the man rather than the party. He has not sought public office but served with general acceptance as assessor of Cedar township for one term. Fraternally he is identified with Abner Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Lone Tree. He was born with an unusual capacity for application and ever since arriving at the age of discernment has been remarkably energetic mentally and physically. He acquired a good education, thus preparing himself for the responsibilities of the ministry, and he also gained a practical knowledge of farming, by which he has been able to maintain his family in good cireum- stances and to add steadily to his financial resources. "Seest thou a man dili- gent in his business, he shall stand before kings." Such a man is the gentleman whose life record is here briefly presented. An honor to his family, Mr. Boyce is to be congratulated on the example he has set as a fair, upright, capable, energetic and progressive citizen.
ROBERT MAXWELL.
A native of Muscatine county, Robert Maxwell, of Orono township, has as- sisted in the important work of developing the resources of this section and is today one of the prosperous and highly respected men of the county. He was born September 19, 1867, a son of Thomas J. and Mary (Boggs) Maxwell, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Educated in the common schools, Robert Maxwell grew up under conditions highly favorable for an honorable and successful career. He continued with his parents until after his marriage and then began farming upon his own ac- count on a part of his father's place, conducting his affairs in such a way as to produce very satisfactory returns. Since the death of his father Mr. Maxwell of this review has owned the family homestead and lives in Louisa county. His farm embraces one hundred and forty-seven acres of well improved land, which he has brought to a high state of productiveness. He carries on general farm- ing and is also a stock-raiser of established reputation, who handles a good grade of animals and generally succeeds in receiving the best prices offered in the market.
On the 25th of December, 1890, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Snyder, a native of Muscatine county and a daughter of John and Rosanna (Chapman) Snyder, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state and came west in 1864, locating in Muscatine county, Iowa. The father was a carpenter and fol- lowed his trade after arriving in this county, at the same time managing his farm. He passed away February 26, 1907, but Mrs. Snyder is still living and makes her home at Conesville, having reached the age of seventy-three years.
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There were eleven children in their family, namely: Philander, now deceased; Belle; Emma; Josie; Simeon, deceased; Minnie; John, deceased; Mary ; Allie; Jennie and Elbert. Three children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell, the first of whom died in infancy, the others being: Verda, who was born December 13, 1894, and has received a good common-school education ; and Forrest, born October 25, 1898. Mrs. Maxwell is a lady of fine mental ac- complishments, having in her girlhood received the advantages of education in a high school.
Mr. Maxwell by an honorable and upright life has won the confidence of a wide circle of friends, and his home is one of the hospitable gathering places of the neighborhood. He and his family are valued members of the Reformed church. Politically he is allied with the democratic party, believing that in sup- porting the principles and candidates of that party he assists in advancing the permanent interests of the state and nation. He has not aspired to public office but has served with great acceptance as township trustee and also as a member of the school board.
M. PARKER MCKEOWN.
M. Parker Mckeown, a well known farmer of Cedar township, where he has made his home for more than twenty years, was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, December 1, 1852. He is a son of John and Annie (Parker) Mckeown, who came with their parents from Ireland to America in their childhood, living first in Ohio and later in Iowa. They were married in Des Moines county and there continued until their deaths. The father at one time was the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of land, all of which he divided among his chil- dren except forty acres that he owned at the time of his death. He was a man of many fine qualities and a great lover of his family. Of the eleven children comprising the home circle two died in infancy, the others being: Sarah, now of Mediapolis, Iowa; James, who lives near Morning Sun, Iowa; Mary, now de- ceased; M. Parker, our subject; John, who lives near Perry City, Oklahoma; Samantha, of Mediapolis; Emma, of Burlington, Iowa; Ira, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Albert, of St. Joseph, Missouri.
Reared on the home farm, M. Parker Mckeown early became familiar with the labors of the field. He was educated in the country schools, gaining the foundation upon which he has been enabled to build successfully until he is now a man of good general information. He continued at home until twenty-one years of age and then worked for wages for a short time, after which he came to Conesville, Muscatine county, and purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land. There he lived until 1888, when he sold out and removed to Cedar township, acquiring fifty-seven acres, the nucleus of the well improved farm of two hundred and seventeen acres which he now owns. He is also the owner of property on East Hill, Muscatine, and his wife owns one hundred and sixty acres of good farming land in Orono township. By close attention to his busi- ness Mr. Mckeown has attained a gratifying measure of success.
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On the 12th of January, 1881, Mr. Mckeown was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda E. Lord, who was born in Muscatine county, May 7, 1851. She is a daughter of Richard and Jane (Smalley) Lord, the mother having been born in Ohio, October 27, 1822, and the father in Connecticut, January 10, 1809. They were married in Iowa in 1840 and settled on a farm in Muscatine county, where Mr. Lord made his home for about forty years. He was called from earthly scenes in 1886, while his wife died in 1857. Of the nine children in their family, three are now living: Katie, of Conesville; Rhoda E., now Mrs. Mckeown; and Richard, Jr., of Nichols, Iowa. Those deceased are: Andrew, Albert, Edwin, Byron, Manza and Herman. Two children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. McKeown: Ada R., born October 14, 1883; and Al- bert G., April 8, 1886.
Politically Mr. Mckeown adheres to the republican party and heartily sup- ports its principles. He has served with general acceptance as justice of the peace. He and his wife are affiliated with the United Brethren church, being active workers in its behalf and also in all worthy causes for the welfare of others. Mrs. McKeown is a graduate of the Muscatine high school and for nine years before her marriage taught school, becoming recognized as one of the thoroughly capable and progressive teachers of the county. She is a woman of many attractive qualities of mind and heart.
C. RICHARD CHOWN.
When the names of active and enterprising farmers of Orono township are mentioned that of C. Richard Chown is never omitted. He is recognized as a man who aims to keep abreast of the times. His farm of one hundred and sixty-two acres is one of the most productive of its size in the township, and as it is supplied with the best facilities for cultivating and harvesting the crops the results are generally very satisfactory. Mr. Chown is a native of Musca- tine county, born May 2, 1869, and is a son of William and Harriet ( Masters) Chown. The father was born in Devonshire, England, and the mother in Coshocton county, Ohio. They were married in Lake township, Muscatine county, Iowa, and soon after their marriage Mr. Chown purchased a small farm in this county, which he cultivated for several years, then removing to Orono township, where he continued until his retirement in 1890 to Conesville. The mother passed away August 3, 1906, and the father January 15, 1910. There were three children in their family, namely: C. Richard, the subject of this review; Mary, the wife of W. Daniels of Conesville; and Eliza, now Mrs. Edward Wolford, of Louisa county.
C. Richard Chown was educated in the district schools of Muscatine county and as he grew up became acquainted under his father with the details of agri- culture and stock-raising. He continued under the parental roof until twenty- one years of age and then began farming on his own account and is now the owner of a place of one hundred and sixty-two acres. He has used good judg- ment and his farm is well improved, and the buildings, fences and machinery
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are kept in excellent repair, indicating that the owner gives thoughtful attention to his work and, therefore, receives the just recompense for the time and labor expended.
On the 24th of December, 1891, Mr. Chown was united in marriage to Miss Anna Laura Wolford, a native of Louisa county, Iowa, and a daughter of S. C. and Elizabeth (Vanhorn) Wolford, who were both born in Ohio. They came west with their respective parents, who settled in Iowa, and they were married in Muscatine county. Mr. Wolford engaged in farming in this county until his retirement in 1905, since which time he and his wife have lived at Lone Tree, Johnson county. To them six children were born, namely: William, now a farmer of Louisa county; Edward, also engaged in farming in Louisa county ; Anna Laura, now the wife of C. Richard Chown; Dora, now Mrs. Joe Corbet, of Lone Tree; Charley, of Louisa county; and Essie, wife of Arthur Rife, of Lone Tree. Eleven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Chown : Myrtle L., who was born December 2, 1892, and was educated in the high school ; Ernest V., who was born June 23, 1894, and was educated in the com- mon schools; Charles Russel, born October 20, 1895; Alvin, who was born September 10, 1897, and died at the age of one year; Richard V., born March II, 1899; Opal, who was born October 8, 1901, and died at the age of eight months ; Elma, born February 8, 1903; Nita M., born April 13, 1904; Lelia M., who was born July 18, 1905, and died at the age of sixteen months; Ruth, who was born April 3, 1907, and died at the age of two and one-half years; and Les- ter D., born August 31, 1908. Those living are still at home.
Even at the beginning of his business career Mr. Chown gave evidence of ability as a farmer and years have demonstrated that the favorable prophecies then made concerning the results of his work were entirely true. He possesses the characteristics that attract friends and is recognized as one of the useful citizens of his section. Politically he is identified with the republican party and has served for the past four years most acceptably as president of the school board. Fraternally, he holds membership in the camp of Modern Woodmen of America at Conesville, of which he is one of the managers, and also in the Odd Fellows lodge at Columbus Junction. He and his estimable wife are members of the Reformed church of Conesville.
SAMUEL B. SNYDER.
A brave soldier of the Civil war and a patriotic and progressive citizen in times of peace, Samuel B. Snyder, of Cedar township, may justly be regarded as worthy of a place among the respected men of Iowa. He was born in Mont- gomery county, Ohio, February 7, 1844, and is a son of Jacob J. and Catherine (Beardshear) Snyder, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. The parents were married in Montgomery county, Ohio, and re- mained in the Buckeye state for several years. Coming west in March, 1853, they settled in Muscatine county, Iowa, and established their home upon a farm of eighty acres which Mr. Snyder purchased in Seventy-six township. After
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