USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 31
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ROBERT GEORGE CASKEY.
Robert George Caskey, who carries on general farming on section 20, Harlan township, in a most practical and progressive manner, was born in Sumter county, Alabama, November 16, 1844. His parents were James and Katharine (Mawhinney) Caskey, who were natives of the north of Ireland, born in County Down and Armagh respectively. The mother came to the
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United States with her parents when sixteen years of age, and the father crossed the Atlantic on attaining his majority in company with a sister, while his parents afterward followed. The young couple were married in 1829. Mr. Caskey had worked in a flaxmill in his native country, but turned his attention to farming in the new world. About 1852 he removed with his family to Cook county, Illinois, settling thirty miles south of Chicago, and four years later, in the fall of 1856, came to Page county, Iowa, arriving on the 16th of October. Both he and his wife continued to reside in this county throughout their remaining days and both reached a ripe old age. The father, who was born in 1800, passed away in 1894, while the mother, whose birth occurred in 1806, died in 1892. He was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in the homestead place in Harlan township and in the careful cultivation and development of the farm he made a good living for his family, which numbered ten children, namely: John, who enlisted from Page county as a member of Company C, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, in 1861 and died at the front ; Alexander S., deceased ; Jane, the deceased wife of Wil- liam C. Brown; William, who died in Illinois at the age of sixteen years ; James, who is living in College Springs, Iowa : Mary Ann, the widow of John Pollock, a farmer of Harlan township ; Sampson, who was also a mem- ber of Company C, Fifth Iowa Cavalry and died in a Confederate prison at Florence, South Carolina, while serving in the Civil war ; Robert George, of this review ; Joseph, who is living in College Springs; and Isaac V., who is located at Billings, Oklahoma.
Robert G. Caskey was but eight years of age when his parents removed from Alabama to Cook county, Illinois, and was a youth of twelve years when they came to Page county, where he has since made his home. He has been a life-long farmer, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he cultivates his crops and raises his stock. He is now the owner of eighty acres of arable and pro- ductive land on section 20. Harlan township, and he also owns twenty acres of timber land on section 22. He works earnestly and persistently in till- ing his fields and his farm presents a well cultivated and well improved ap- pearance.
In 1898 Mr. Caskey was married to Miss Elizabeth Blair, a native of Ireland, born February 14. 1868. She came to America with her parents, James and Jane Blair, when two years of age and died in this county, June 13, 1909. The children of that marriage are: James Arthur, who was born January 1, 1900; William Howard D., born October 5, 1901 ; Jane Isabella, born July 28. 1903; Robert Wiley, December 20. 1905; and Lisle Stewart, April 18, 1909.
Mr. Caskey is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church and his life is in consistent harmony with its principles. He attempts to live peace- ably with all, to overreach no one in a business transaction, but give just returns at all times. He enjoys the respect and good will of those who know him and is a worthy citizen of the county in which he has now resided for more than a half century. Few men are more familiar with its history for through fifty-three years he has witnessed its growth and development as the
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wild lands have been reclaimed for purposes of civilization and converted into fine farms, while attractive homes have been built and thriving towns and cities have sprung up. He has at all times been an interested witness of its progress and has also borne his full share in the work of general im- provement.
ORVILLE C. GREENE.
Theodore Roosevelt said the strongest type of the American citizen is he who is reared in the east, receiving the thorough training and culture of that section of the country and then puts his talents to use in the enterprising west with its unlimited opportunities. Of this class Orville Caldwell Greene is a representative. He was born in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, August 22, 1872, and since 1887 has been a resident of Clarinda. His parents are Alfred W. and Letitia M. (Caldwell) Greene. His father was for many years a suc- cessful teacher in the schools of Pennsylvania and on removing westward to Iowa, continued to follow the same profession in this state for three years, being superintendent of the public schools at Clarinda from 1887 until 1890. He is now the senior partner of the firm of Greene & Greene, conducting a real estate, loan, insurance and abstract business.
When a lad of six years Orville C. Greene entered the public schools of Pennsylvania, continuing his studies in Tyrone until 1886, when he ac- companied his parents on their removal to Essex, Iowa. The follow- ing year the family home was established in Clarinda and he pursued his studies in the public schools of this city. He also attended the Clarinda Educational Institute and Academy of Clarinda and after he had completed his own education he also turned his attention to the profession of teaching. He likewise engaged in clerking in his early manhood and for a brief period filled the office of deputy county auditor. He next entered upon the study of law under the direction of John R. Good, who was then county attorney, and later he attended the law school at Des Moines, where he completed his course, being admitted to the bar in 1897. He then entered upon active prac- tice in connection with the abstract business. He is junior partner in the firm of Greene & Greene, for he is associated with his father in business affairs. They handle much real estate, negotiate many important realty transfers, loan money on farm lands, make abstracts of titles and write con- siderable insurance annually. Thus each department of their business is well managed and is bringing substantial returns. In the law Mr. Greene largely confines his attention to office practice and probate work and to establishing real estate and land titles. His analytical mind and knowledge of the law well qualify him for the conduct of his business in other connections.
Mr. Greene's work in behalf of public progress and improvement has been continuous, far-reaching, effective and beneficial. He is especially well known through his labors as the secretary of the Commercial Club, which office he lias filled since March, 1907. In this connection he has put forth
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strenuous effort to promote the business interests of Clarinda for the club, of which he was one of the organizers, has had marked influence upon the city's development in commercial and industrial affairs. He has also been secretary of the Masonic Lodge since January, 1906, and is prominent in Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the Mystic Shrine and to the Knights of Pythias. He is, moreover, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is not neglectful of his duties in relation to the moral welfare of the community. In politics he is a republican and active in the ranks of the party but he does not seek political honors or preferments for himself.
GEORGE NEWTON TRIMBLE.
An excellent farm of eighty-five acres on section 7, Amity township, pays tribute to the care and cultivation of George Newton Trimble. Of this place forty-five acres lie within the corporation limits of College Springs. The place is one of the highly improved farm properties of the county, indicating in its excellent appearance the careful supervision and enterprise of the owner. Mr. Trimble was born in Indiana county, Penn- sylvania, January 2. 1863, his parents being Samuel and Lydia Trimble, who were likewise natives of the same county. The paternal grandfather was a native of eastern Pennsylvania and he and six brothers were among the pioneers of western Pennsylvania. Part of them were never heard from again after they went into that wild region. The Trimble family are of Scotch- Irish lineage, while the ancestors of our subject in the maternal line were of Irish descent. The father, who was born August 1, 1817, died on the 14th of November, 1900. at the advanced age of eighty-three years. He was a carpenter by trade and worked between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one years for his board and clothing. He continued to follow his trade until he came west. when he turned his attention to farming, taking up his abode upon a tract of land in Amity township which is now occupied by his son George. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits until the marriage of his son George, who remained upon the farm while the father removed to the village of College Springs and there spent his re- maining days. He was twice married. his first union being with a Miss McGee, by whom he had five daughters : Anna Pauline, the wife of Archi- bald Nichol, of Indiana county, Pennsylvania : Jane, who is the widow of John Patterson and resides in Omaha : Martha, the widow of Andrew Wig- gins and also a resident of Omaha ; Agnes, who died in childhood : and Belle, the widow of John McAvoy. of Point Isabel, Indiana. For his second wife the father married Mrs. Lydia ( Kelley) Reed, a widow and the mother of our subject, who now resides in Council Bluffs, lowa. She was born July 12, 1834. By her marriage to Mr. Trimble she became the mother of two children : Bessie, who is the widow of John Black, who for the past ten
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years has been connected with the public library of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and George Newton, of this review.
In taking up the personal history of George Newton Trimble we pre- sent to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in this county. He was only four years old when in the spring of 1867 his parents came to Page county, settling at College Springs. He has re- sided continuously since upon the farm which is now his home and which comprises eighty-five acres on the north side of the village on section 7, Amity township, forty-five acres of the place lying within the corporation limits. Year by year he has diligently and persistently carried on the work of the fields here and in his farm work has displayed a practical spirit that has enabled him to use his advantages in the best possible manner. He has erected a large and modern residence upon his place and has also put up a number of good buildings whereby ample shelter is afforded for grain and stock. He carries on general farming and stock raising and his careful control of his business affairs has insured his success.
On the 8th of December, 1887, Mr. Trimble was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Garrett, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1866, and in the spring of 1883 came to Page county with her parents, W. G. and Mary (Barr) Garrett, who were also natives of Washı- ington county but now reside in College Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Trimble had three children but lost their first born, George, at the age of two years. Those still living are: Mary and Vivian.
Mr. Trimble's views concerning the temperance question are indicated by the loyal support which he gives to the prohibition party. He holds membership with the United Presbyterian church, in which he formerly served as an elder for fifteen years and in all the departments of church work he has been deeply and helpfully interested. He has been the president of the village board of education and the cause of the schools found in him a stalwart champion. His influence and aid are ever given on the side of progress, reform and improvement, and his record is such as has at- tached him in ties of warm friendship to those with whom he has been associated.
SAMUEL M. GREENE.
Samuel M. Greene, although now living in California, was long well known as a strong man in the newspaper field of southern Iowa and his worth as a citizen was widely acknowledged, for both in an individual capacity and as an editor and publisher he did much to promote the welfare of the community in which he lived. He was born August 25, 1873, of the marriage of Alfred W. Greene and Letitia M. Caldwell, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work, the father being one of the prominent real estate men of Page county.
Samuel M. Greene at the usual age entered the public schools of Clar- inda and passed through consecutive grades until he was graduated from
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the high school. He also attended the Clarinda Educational Institute, and Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa. Later he went to Nebraska and became a student in the Wesleyan University of Lincoln, that state, from which he graduated. Hle was thus provided with liberal educational advantages, giv- ing him keen insight into the world's history, its work and its purposes, and he was thus well qualified to take up the profession of journalism. For years he was associated with the Clarinda Herald and learned the newspa- per business in principle and detail, becoming familiar with every branch of the office work. Afterward he became assistant editor of the paper and was thus a representative of newspaper interests in Clarinda until 1901, when he removed from this city to Chariton, Iowa. He then bought the Chariton Herald, which he successfully conducted until 1908, when he sold out and is now in California. He enjoyed a high reputation in the news- paper fraternity of southwestern Iowa and his personal worth also won for him many friends.
In June, 1898, Mr. Greene was married to Miss Vesta Lisle, of Clar- inda, a daughter of C. A. Lisle mentioned elsewhere in this volume. They are parents of two children: Paul Vernon and Loren Samuel.
ALFRED W. GREENE.
Alfred W. Greene is the senior partner of the firm of Greene & Greene, conducting an extensive real estate, insurance and abstract business. He is a man of keen discernment, seldom if ever at fault in matters of business judgment, seeking his success along legitimate lines and accomplishing de- sired results by reason of his indefatigable purpose and reliable methods.
He was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1845, and is a son of George Morris and Antha (Houck) Greene. The father was a farmer by occupation and in that department of business activity won a com- fortable living for himself and family. His son Alfred attended the public schools and later had the opportunity of becoming a student in Cassville Sem- inary and in Martinsburg Academy. After attending those institutions he continued his studies in the Millersville State Normal School of Pennsylvania. He did not pursue his studies continuously through all these years but at times engaged in teaching, devoting a part of six years to the profession. In 1869 he engaged in teaching in the public schools of Tyrone. Pennsyl- vania, and later became superintendent of the schools of that city. He proved a capable educator as is evidenced by his promotion, carefully systematizing the work done under his direction and laboring to make the public instruc- tion there a source of thorough preparation for life's practical and respon- sible duties.
Mr. Greene continued at Tyrone until 1886, when he came to Page county, lowa, and for a year thereafter engaged in teaching in Essex. In 1887 he arrived in Clarinda and accepted the superintendency of the schools of this city, continuing in active connection therewith for three years. Be-
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lieving that a broader and more profitable field of labor was before him in real estate lines, in 1890 he established his present business, handling real estate and farm loans, making abstracts of titles and writing insurance. During the initial year of his connection with this line of business he was a partner of John R. Good, under the firm style of Good & Greene-an asso- ciation that existed until Febrauary, 1899, when his son Orville purchased the interests of the senior partner and the present firm style of Greene & Greene was assumed. They are prominent among the real estate dealers of south- western Iowa, having built up an extensive business which is creditable and satisfactory.
Mr. Greene was married on the 3d of October, 1871, to Miss Letitia M. Caldwell, a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Samuel Caldwell, a farmer and surveyor. They have become parents of four children : Orville, who is associated with his father in business ; Samuel Morris, who is connected with the newspaper business ; Mary Lois, at home ; and Letitia M., the wife of Charles S. Tomlinson, who is a bookkeeper of Santa Barbara, California.
Mr. Greene is a prominent member of he Methodist Episcopal church and in its work has taken an active and helpful part. He was at one time a steward of the church and has also been secretary and treasurer. He was for many years a teacher in the Sunday schools in both Pennsylvania and Clarinda and his ability in clearly and concisely imparting knowledge made his instruction of worth to those who sought to know all scriptural truths. Forty-one years of his life were spent in Pennsylvania, where he began teaching while yet in his teens. He was in Tyrone from 1869 until 1886 and his labors in educational lines were of great benefit to the communities in which he resided. Clarinda, moreover, has appreciation for his worth as a manly citizen, for his cooperation in public affairs and for his value in business lines, for his labors here are a direct influence in promoting the growth and progress of Page county.
DAVID WILKEY.
David Wilkey is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 2, Valley township. His birth occurred in Ireland, February 2, 1836, and he was one of a family of five children, having a twin brother and three sisters. He continued a resident of the Emerald Isle until fifteen years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States on a sailing vessel, which was four weeks and three days in making the voyage. He took up his abode in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and made his home in the Keystone state until he had attained his majority, when he went to Wisconsin, where he was engaged in the lumber busi- ness for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Henry county, Illinois, where he resided for ten years, devoting his time and ener- gies to general agricultural pursuits. The year 1870 witnessed his arrival
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in Page county, Iowa, and after operating a tract of rented land for a year, he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 2, Valley township. The many substantial improvements on the property stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.
On the 16th of June, 1867, Mr. Wilkey was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Lemley, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of George and Sarah ( White) Lemley, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. Mr. and Mrs. Lemley reared a family of eleven children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilkey have been born two children, namely : James F., who carries on the home farm ; and Samuel A., a resident of Nebraska.
Mr. Wilkey is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust. He has held the office of school direc- tor for twenty years, served as justice of the peace for two years and for a period of six years capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the position of road supervisor. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. They have now made their home in this county for almost four decades and are widely and favorably known within its borders, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Wilkey has now reached the seventy- third milestone on life's journey and his has been a commendable record, actuated by honorable principles.
MICHAEL BECK.
Among the self-made men of Page county mention should be made of Michael Beck, who, starting out in life at the age of eighteen years with- out capital and with but a limited education, has worked his way steadily upward until today he stands among the wealthy citizens and large land- owners of this section of Iowa. Mr. Beck was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1836, a son of Michael and Catherine (Houk) Beck, who were likewise natives of Westmoreland county, their respective parents removing from New York to the Keystone state at an early day when much of the land there was still in possession of the Indians. On both the paternal and maternal side the family have been loyal to the interests of their country, the maternal great-grandfather of our subject having served in the Revolutionary war under Washington, while the ma- ternal grandfather fought in the war of 1812. Three cousins served in the Mexican war, while five cousins by the name of Fox and three brothers of our subject took part in the Civil war.
MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL BECK
ALINA AND LILDEN FOUNDATIONS K L
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Michael Beck and Catherine Houk were reared in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where they were also married and made their home until 1857. In that year the father removed with his family to Jackson county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm of three hundred and fifty acres, which he cultivated until the time of his death, ten years later, in 1867. The mother survived him about fifteen years, when she, too, was called to the home beyond.
Michael Beck of this review was reared in the place of his nativity and acquired his education in the common schools, but his opportunities in this direction were somewhat limited. He remained at home untl eighteen years of age, when he began life on his own account, working as a farm hand at ten dollars per month, his duties beginning early in the morning and last- ing until late at night. He was thus employed for five years his wages going to his father until he attained his majority, and he remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age, but in the meantime he had accom- panied his parents on their removal to Jackson county, this state. Feeling justified in engaging in farming on his own account he rented a tract of land in Jackson county, operating the same for twelve or fourteen years. He then purchased forty acres, on which he made his home for about nine years, when he sold his farm and removed to Sumner county, Kansas, for at that time land could be purchased at a much lower rate there than in Iowa. He became owner of four hundred and eighty acres, on which he made his home five years.
In 1888 Mr. Beck rented his land in Kansas and removed to Page county, Iowa, bringing his teams with him. He located in Essex, it being his intention to engage in teaming. Soon afterward he had the opportunity of purchasing his present farm at a low figure and although he had no ready money he contracted for the purchase. A short time afterward, however, he disposed of his land in Kansas and was then enabled to make a payment on his Iowa land. Taking up his abode thereon he further de- veloped and improved the place, which comprises four hundred and eighty acres of as fine farming land as can be found in Page county. He is here engaged in general farming and also gives much of his time and attention to feeding cattle, to which he owes much of his success. As the years passed and he prospered in his business undertakings, he purchased four hundred acres of land in Vernon county, Missouri, near the city of Nevada, and from this he derives a good substantial income.
It was on the IIth of March, 1859, that Mr. Beck established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Hannah Wilson, of Jackson county, Iowa. Their union has been blessed with nine children, seven sons and two daugh- ters, as follows : Mary J., the wife of Michael Buzzard, a resident of Pierce township, Page county; James, also residing in that township; Jolin, of Shenandoah; William, of Pierce township; Isaac, who resides in Vernon county, Missouri ; Mrs. Emma Leut, who lives in the eastern part of the state ; Michael, a resident of Grant township; David, of Vernon county, Missouri ; and George, who is still under the parental roof.
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Mr. Beck has always been a stalwart supporter of the democratic party but has never been active as an office seeker. for his private business in- terests have made heavy demand upon his time. He is largely a self- educated as well as self-made man, one who through the inherent force of his nature and the utilization of opportunities has passed from the unknown into a position of distinction among the well-to-do residents of Grant town- ship and Page county. His success. however, has been worthily and honor- ably won, and it is therefore well deserved. In 1863 hie crossed the plains to Montana with one companion, starting from Jackson county, Iowa, with three yoke of oxen and a yoke of cows, and boated across the Platte river in wagon beds. He was gone about one year and while prospecting located the first coal in Montana, near Bozeman.
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