USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 22
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of the Lee Electric Light Company of Clarinda ; a director of the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank ; a director of the Clarinda Chautauqua and a stock- holder in the county fair. He was one of the original promoters of the Electric Light & Heat Company, cooperated in the building of the plant and has since had a voice in the management of the business as a member of the directorate.
On the 5th of February, 1896, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Anna K. MeKee, who was born June 26, 1871, on the farm which is yet her home. She is a daughter of the Rev. David McKee, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have become the parents of four children: Mary Elizabeth, Sarah Margaret, Dorothy Gregg and Gertrude Alice.
The family attend the Reformed Presbyterian church, in which the parents hold membership and in which Mr. Lee is now serving as an elder. His life is actuated by his Christian belief and conforms to the teachings of the church, so that he is straightforward and honorable in all of his business relations, loyal in citizenship, faithful in friendship and devoted to the welfare of his family.
CHARLES H. OATES.
Charles H. Oates, for forty years a resident of Page county, is thns numbered among its pioneer settlers and, moreover, is classed with those whose efforts and labors have constituted a vital force in the county's up- building and progress. He is now a successful and enterprising merchant of Clarinda, enjoying a good trade as a furniture dealer. He was born November 5, 1855, his parents being John F. and Rebecca (Foute) Oates, both of whom were natives of Virginia. At an early date they removed westward to Ohio and after living there for some years sought a home in Page county, Iowa, where they arrived in 1869. The father was a wheelwright and followed that trade in early manhood but subsequently engaged in farming and continued to till the soil through the period of his residence in this state. He passed away in 1871, while his wife survived him for some time and died on the okl homestead farm.
Charles H. Oates was in his youthful days when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa. He pursued his education in the public schools until he had mastered the work of the grammar grade and later he continued his studies in the high school at Villisca. He then engaged in farming from that time until 1899 and through the period of his connec- tion with agricultural interests put forth carnest, persistent effort in tilling the soil and in the cultivation of crops best adapted to climate and condi- tions here. Thinking, however, to find commercial pursuits more congenial and profitable, he came to Clarinda ten years ago and through the inter- vening decade has been connected with the commercial life of the city. On his arrival he purchased an interest in a furniture and undertaking husi-
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ness and three years later bought out his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. He has since conducted his store in his own name and now has a well appointed furniture and undertaking establishment. His line of goods covers a wide range, including some of the best manufactured prod- ucts of the furniture factories as well as those of cheaper grades and he is, therefore, able to meet the various tastes and demands of his patrons. Throughout his career he has made it his purpose to adhere closely to a high standard of commercial ethics and he enjoys the respect and honor of all with whom he has been associated in trade relations. His store is twenty-six by one hundred and forty feet and its tasteful arrangement constitutes an important feature in his success. He is also a licensed embalmer and does a good business as an undertaker.
In October, 1877, Mr. Oates was united in marriage to Miss Sadie McVay, of Page county, a daughter of Emanuel McVay, who was a farmer by occupation but is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Oates have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. In Ne- braska township, where he lived so long, Mr. Oates served for twenty years as the treasurer of his school district and was also road commissioner. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is greatly esteemed by his brethren of those organizations. He likewise belongs to the Methodist church, of which he is a trustee, while for the past six or eight years he has been a member of its official board. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful business man and in his present connection, through his prompt and honorable methods, he has won the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens.
JOSEPH WARREN COZAD.
While Joseph Warren Cozad has but recently entered the real-estate field, his previous business experience and his spirit of determination and enterprise argue well for his success in this line. Joining W. L. Lundy, he organized the Clarinda Real Estate Company and with offices in the Na- tional Bank building they are conducting a real-estate, loan and insurance business with a rapidly increasing clientage. Mr. Cozad came to Clarinda in 1903 but prior to this time was well known in the county, for he is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Red Oak, January 26, 1870. His parents were William and Mary Elizabeth (Hewitt) Cozad, who were farming people, the father devoting his life to the tilling of the soil in order to provide a competence for himself and family. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings and is now living retired in the en- joyment of well earned rest. He has been somewhat prominent and in- fluential in local political circles and for eight years served as a member of the board of supervisors of Montgomery county, his labors in that connec-
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tion being highly satisfactory to the general public and creditable alike to himself and his constituents.
Reared on the home farm Joseph Warren Cozad early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was educated in the public schools and, passing through consecutive grades, at length became a student in the Red Oak high school. He made his initial step in the business world in connection with the clothing trade, conducting a store of that character until 1903, when he sold out and removed to Clarinda. Here he engaged in the purchase and sale of horses and also conducted a livery business. He met with prosperity in that undertaking and continued therein until 1909 when, recognizing the opportunity for successful operation in real-estate fields, he joined W. L. Lundy in organiz- ing the Clarinda Real Estate Company. They now not only handle property but also place loans and represent various insurance companies, each de- partment of their business being now well organized, so that they are meet- ing with substantial success.
On the 18th of February, 1901, Mr. Cozad was united in marriage to Miss Nellie McCartney Butler, a daughter of William Butler, of Clarinda and of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. For six years they traveled life's journey happily together and were then separated by the death of the wife who passed away on the 4th of July, 1907. She left one son, William Butler Cozad, who was born August 7, 1902. In all of his business relations Mr. Cozad has been actuated by the spirit of enterprise which is a dominant factor in the upbuilding and progress of the middle west. He is a man of resolute spirit, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by determined and persistent effort and his achievement of suc- cess represents the fit utilization of his innate talents and powers.
NEHEMIAH WOODRUFF.
The name of Nehemiah Woodruff is found on the honor roll of Page county owing to the fact that he was a loyal soldier of the Civil war but he has been an active and upright business man and in all matters of citizen- ship he has displayed a spirit of fidelity and progressiveness. Since 1870 he has resided continuously in Page county, where he has been connected with both agricultural and commercial pursuits but is now practically living retired. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, November 3, 1833, and was one of the family of ten children whose parents, Joseph and Rhoda ( Young) Woodruff, were both natives of Pennsylvania. They lived for some time in Ohio but spent their last days in Illinois. The father was a cooper by trade and in following that pursuit provided for his family, which numbered eight sons and two daughters. He served his country in the war of 1812 for a short time. A brother-in-law of our subject, Perry Jones, served in the Mexican war under Captain Hodges.
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In his early boyhood Nehemiah Woodruff accompanied his parents on their removal from Knox county to Delaware county, Ohio, where he remained until eighteen years of age, when the family went to Noble county, Illinois. There he resided until after his marriage and in 1859 he became a resident of Iowa, settling first in Keokuk county. He enlisted from there on the 14th of May, 1861, joining the boys in blue of Company F. Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. After being in the state service for about two months he was mustered into the United States service and served for about two years, when he was honorably discharged in the fall of 1863 at Corinth, Mississippi. The first engagement in which he participated was at Croton, Iowa, and he was afterward at New Madrid and Fort Pillow, acting as guard for the gunboats. His regiment was with the troops held for rein- forcement at Shiloh, where they arrived the morning after the Confederates were driven back. After the engagement at Corinth, Mississippi, they pro- ceeded to Holly Springs. Mr. Woodruff was the first man of the Fifth Jowa Infantry who was wounded, being struck by rebel lead while guarding a bridge at the mouth of the Osage river. Ile was in the hospital for a short time and as soon as his wound had sufficiently healed he was appointed cook by the captain and when he had recovered to a further degree he was placed on guard duty. Later, however, he was taken ill and because of physical disability was honorably discharged. When able to be at the front there was no more faithful or loyal soldier nor one who had a stronger attachment for the stars and stripes.
At the time of his enlistment Mr. Woodruff was conducting a grocery store at South English, Iowa, and turned the business over to his father. When he was discharged from the army he made his way to Noble county, Illinois, where his family had gone in the meantime. For several years after his return to the north he was incapacitated for business. In 1864 he went to Tama county, Iowa, where he resided until 1870. when he came to Page county, where he has since made his home. Here he has conducted a kutcher shop, a livery barn and a hotel and has also carried on general farming but is now living retired. In addition to town property in Sham- baugh he owns thirty-six acres adjoining the village limits and is comfort- ably situated in life, so that in the evening of his days it is not necessary that he have recourse to further labor to supply himself with the necessities and comforts which go to make life worth living.
It was in 1854 that Mr. Woodruff was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jones, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, May 1, 1836. They were playmates in their childhood, which was spent in the Buckeye state, but their marriage was celebrated in Illinois, to which state her father had re- moved. Her parents were Samuel and Maria (Cockrell) Jones, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. Mr. Jones died in Illinois, while his wife passed away in Ohio. They were the parents of cleven children, ten of whom reached adult age. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff was blessed with ten children: Joseph, who is now living in Abilene, Texas; Rosella, the wife of S. J. Colvin, who makes his home in Clinton, Missouri : David, a resident of Sacramento, California ; Edward,
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who is in Taylor county, Iowa : Lottie, the wife of C. A. Hamm, of Sham- baugh; Walter, of South Dakota; Mrs. Martha Bonsall, now deceased ; Charles, living in Shambaugh ; Frederick H., who follows farming in East River township; and one who died in infancy. Ina Woodruff, a grand- daughter of our subject, has resided with her grandfather since the death of her mother.
Mr. Woodruff is a member of Clarinda Post, No. II, G. A. R., of Clarinda and thus meets in pleasant relation his fellow comrades of the Civil war. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party which has found in him a stalwart champion. He has ever sought the good of the community along lines of progressive citizenship and has given tangible aid to many movements which have related to the general welfare.
ERICK WALL.
Erick Wall, who is widely known as a leading stock raiser and dealer of Nodaway township, his home being on section 7, is a native of Sweden, his birth having occurred near the little village of Nykoping, in Soderman- land, February 10, 1870. His parents are Carl Gustaf and Eva (Spong- borg) Wall, who spent their entire lives in Sweden. Their family num- bered seven children but Erick Wall was the only one who came to the United States. He remained a resident of his native land until 1890, when he came single and alone to Iowa. He had no money but he possessed what constitutes a better capital-determination, energy and industry. At once he sought employment as a farm hand and worked in that way in Page county for six years. He afterward rented land for five years, during which time he carefully and economically saved his earnings until he was enabled to purchase property. Gradually he has worked his way upward, winning in honorable manner the success which he now enjoys and which has enabled him to become the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land in Douglas township, Page county, on the Montgomery county line. He resided thereon for three years and then rented his place and came to the Ed Anderson farm, which comprises twelve hundred and fifty- eight acres. He is a partner of Mr. Anderson in the operation of this farmi, which is devoted to the raising of live stock of all kinds. He feeds cattle on quite an extensive scale, keeping on hand about five hundred head annually. Here Mr. Wall has resided for five years. He has stock upon his own farm, which he is operating in partnership with the man who now resides upon it. Besides his property in this county he also owns six hundred and fifty-two acres near Tingley, Ringgold county, Iowa.
In 1896 Mr. Wall was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Linquist, who was born in Page county, Iowa, March 21. 1876. She is a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth ( Beechler) Linquist, natives of Sweden and of Illi- nois, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Wall now have five children : Herb, Florence, Viola, Bernard and Russell.
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Mr. Wall has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for he here found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress in the business world, being now numbered among the substantial residents of Page county.
ARCHIBALD T. CLEMENT.
Many theories have been advanced concerning the best methods of se- curing success but an analyzation of the life record of those men who have made substantial advancement indicates that the great majority have placed their dependence solely upon persistent effort and well directed energy. These qualities have been predominant forces in the life of Archibald T. Clement, who was born in western New York, August 21, 1832, and has, therefore, passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. He is a son of Stillman and Mary ( Taylor) Clement. The father was both farmer and teacher, depending upon those lines of business for the mainte- nance which he gained for himself and family. While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof Archibald T. Clement pursued his education in the public schools and was stimulated to effective effort for the acquire- ment of knowledge by his father's keen interest in educational affairs. Through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields until twenty-two years of age, when he went to Kentucky where he carried on merchandis- ing, buying wood and tobacco. For five years he handled those commodi- ties and then returned to the old homestead in New York.
It was about that time that Mr. Clement was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Costello, of Cincinnati. He engaged in farming for two years on the old homestead after his return to New York. Subsequently he made his way to the middle west and for some years was engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Grant county, Wisconsin, but at length he deter- mined to put aside the work of the fields and settled in Osage, Mitchell county, where he established a furniture and undertaking business, continu- ing at that place for three years. He then sold out and removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, before the building of the railroads to that city. From that point he proceeded to Topeka. Kansas, and on the 13th of March, 1869, arrived in Clarinda. This city was then a comparatively small and unim- portant town but he believed that southwestern Jowa had good prospects and that it would enjoy rapid and substantial growth, thus furnishing an attractive field for mercantile endeavor. Here he purchased a building and opened a stock of furniture and undertaking supplies on the south side of the square. JJe has conducted the business continuously since, covering ahont forty years and no merchant of the city is more widely or favorably known. In 1882 he erected his present brick building, which is a two-story structure twenty-four by one hundred and twenty feet. No word has ever been uttered against his commercial integrity and the methods which he
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has employed in extending his business have ever been honorable and straightforward.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clement have been born three children: Mary, now the wife of Brose Robinson, editor of the Democrat at Clarinda ; Alice, the wife of W. L. Lundy, of Clarinda, ex-county treasurer and a real estate dealer of this city; and Minnie, at home. They also lost a son and a daughter: Stillman, who was drowned when fifteen years of age; and Jennie, who was the wife of Jacob Loy, a druggist.
Mr. Clement is in hearty sympahty with the principles and purpose of ยท the Masonic fraternity and that he is loyal to its teachings is indicated by the fact that he is a past master of the lodge. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he was for many years a member of the city council and also served as school director, filling the latter position at the time when the high school building was erected. Mr. Clement is very widely known in this part of the state for through many years he was the only undertaker in the county. He has been diligent in business, public-spirited in citizenship, loyal in friendship and devoted to the best interests of his family.
A. W. GOLDBERG.
A. W. Goldberg, representing commercial interests in Shenandoah as proprietor of a clothing and men's furnishing store, is classed with the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Page county. His birth occurred in that country, February 11, 1864, his parents being Samuel and Rachel (Mincer) Goldberg, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. In 1865 the father crossed the Atlantic to America, where he was joined by his wife and son four years later. Locating first in Chicago, he entered business there as a commercial sales- man. From that city he removed to West Union, Iowa, in 1874 and three years later became a resident of Hamburg, Fremont county, where he established himself in the clothing and men's furnishing business. Suc- cess attended him in the venture and in 1887 he extended the scope of his activities by opening another store in Nebraska City. This he continued in connection with his Hamburg store and in 1892 he removed the Hamburg store into more commodious quarters to accommodate the increasing trade and added a general line of dry goods, shoes, etc. A successful and growing business was conducted until 1897, when the store was destroyed by fire and the business in Hamburg was discontinued. Soon after the fire the store in Shenandoah was opened and A. W. Goldberg came to this point to look after the business here, his father remaining in Nebraska City to man- age the interests of the firm there. He still resides in Nebraska City and is one of the progressive merchants of that place.
A. W. Goldberg was only five years of age when brought by his parents to the United States. He acquired his early training in the common schools
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and as a boy in his father's store, so that from early youth he has been con- nected with merchandising and has had broad and practical experience in this direction. In 1892 he was taken into the business as a partner in the Hamburg store and after his father opened the Nebraska City store the Hamburg store was left under the management of A. W. Goldberg and a partner. On the opening of the Shenandoah store in 1897 Mr. Goldberg assumed the complete management of this business and in the intervening years has built up a leading clothing and men's furnishing goods enter- prise of the city. The business was conducted under the firm name of S. Goldberg & Son until July 1, 1909, when our subject purchased his father's interest and is now sole proprietor. The store is altogether a modern one and only high grade lines are carried. The trade has constantly increased until it has now assumed extensive proportions and the enterprise of the owner makes him one of the representative and valued merchants of the city. He has from the beginning of his residence here been closely asso- ciated with the commercial development of Shenandoah and is a member of the board of directors of the Home Building & Loan Association, is sec- retary and director of the Shenandoah Fair Association and is a member of the Shenandoah Commercial Club.
In 1895 Mr. Goldberg was married to Miss Minnie Levy, a resident of Nebraska City, and unto them have been born two sons, Albert L. and Leland R. Mr. Goldberg is a member of Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, F. & A. M .: Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M .; and Shenandoah Chapter, No. 81, O. E. S. For many years he was high priest of the chapter and has always taken an active and helpful interest in Masonic affairs. He belongs to Juniata Lodge No. 195, K. P., and is its present chancellor com- mander. He also belongs to Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E., and to Page Camp, No. 1049, M. W. A. In polities he is somewhat inde- pendent with republican proclivities. His life is preeminently that of a successful, energetic and enterprising business man, yet his interests are not so self-centered as to exclude his active participation in affairs relative to the interests of the publie. In fact he stands as a loyal supporter of many measures for the general good and his opinions are backed by tangible and substantial support.
WILLIAM W. WELCH.
The activities of William W. Welch have been of such extent and im- portance as to leave the impress of his individuality upon the history of Clarinda and this part of the state and he is numbered among the most prominent and honored residents here, his labors contributing in substantial measure to the development of this and other cities. With keen foresight he seems to recognize the value of a business situation and opportunities that others have passed by heedlessly he has noted and improved. A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Welch was born in Wilkes-Barre, April 9, 1858, and is a
W. W. WELCH
I LUCA FLUNVALIVAD
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son of John and Susan (Houpt) Welch. His father was a blacksmith by trade but for the past fifty years lias resided upon one farm and has been closely identified with general agricultural pursuits. He and his wife, both living, have traveled life's journey happily together for fifty-eight years.
William W. Welch was educated in the public schools and after putting aside liis text-books served a four years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he completed in 1875. He afterward came to Clarinda, where he secured employment as a carpenter, spending about two years in the service of others. He then began contracting and building on his own ac- count and as the years have passed has conducted a very successful business as a builder in Clarinda and vicinity. From 1890 until 1895 he resided in Omaha. He has been frequently called by reason of his ability in the line of his trade to execute large contracts in Iowa and western Illinois. In Creston he built the Masonic Temple, a large Catholic church and also a Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been awarded contracts for the erection of nearly all of the large and substantial buildings in Clarinda, including both residence and business property. Nearly all of the business blocks on the public square stand as monuments to his skill and handiwork. He has likewise erected public buldings in Creston, Mount Pleasant and Glenwood and has executed contracts for the state to the amount of a half million dollars. He designed and erected the public library, which is without doubt one of the prettiest little libraries in the state. He has never held public office but has been very active in public measures for the benefit of Clarinda and vicinity in promoting the attractive appearance of the place and in indicating the substantial character of the city.
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