USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
Reared to agricultural pursuits, William Roy Hill remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, in the meantime attending the district schools during the winter months and assisting his father in the work of the fields in the summer seasons. Subsequently, when he could be spared from the farm, he attended Amity College at College Springs, lowa, during the years 1801 and 1802, pursuing a general course, and in the year 1893 was graduated from the commercial department of that institution. After his graduation Mr. Hill went to Kansas City, Missouri, where he was employed as a bookkeeper by Swift & Company for six months. He then returned home, remaining upon the farm until his marriage. He operated the farm until 1888 in the capacity of renter and in that year. in partnership with George G. Long, he purchased one hundred and twenty- seven acres two and a half miles south of Shambaugh in Amity and Bu- chanan townships. The following year they bought eighty-seven acres ad- joining their property on the southeast and Mr. Hill continued to make this farm his place of residence for five years. lle then went into partnership with his brother, Ed Hill, in farming and stock raising and in 1904 rented the Samuel White farm of two hundred and fifty-four acres. They also rented the old homestead place of one hundred and eighty acres and for a period of five years operated the entire tract of seven hundred acres. At the expiration of that time the partnership was dissolved, William Roy Hill selling his share of the property to his brother with the exception of twenty acres. Ile then invested in one hundred acres of land in Nodaway county, Missouri, near Clearmont. Subsequently he rerented the Samuel White
329
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
farm for a term of three years and is now residing thereon. He is pro- gressive and up-to-date in his methods, his business acumen is keen and his ambition to succeed is surpassed only by his great energy and perseverance. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of honest labor, and now, as the result of close application and good business management, he is enjoying a most gratifying measure of prosperity.
It was on the 28th of October, 1896, that Mr. Hill was united in mar- riage to Miss Gladys M. Long, a daughter of George G. and Mollie ( Mar- shall) Long, residing three-quarters of a mile southwest of the village of Shambaugh. Her parents were natives of Ohio, the father coming to Iowa in the late '50s, being numbered among the first settlers of the district, while Mrs. Long came to Iowa in 1869, where she was married in 1871. Extended mention is made of them on another page of this volume. Mrs. Hill attended the public schools and later took a normal course at Amity College, after which she taught school for fifteen terms in the rural dis- tricts of Page county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hill has been blessed with five children, namely : Gertrude Marie, born October 22, 1898; Harry Hepburn, born November 4, 1900 ; Gerald Maurice, born November 28, 1904; Mabel, born October 9, 1907, who passed away in infancy; and Kenneth Reid, born July 30, 1909.
Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the Methodist Church of Sham- baugh, while the former is treasurer of the church and also a member of the official board. They are greatly interested in the work of the church and do all in their power to further its influence in the community. Mr. Hill gives his political support to the republican party and is now serving as a member of the district school board, having filled that office for five years. In 1906 he was chosen by a large majority for township trustee but he refused to accept the office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business affairs. He is, nevertheless, a public-spirited citizen and his influence and activity are always upon the side of progress, reform, in- provement and advancement, and these qualities constitute him a valued and representative citizen of the county. Having spent almost his entire life in Page county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances, and by his sterling qualities has commanded the respect and esteem of all who know him.
WILLIAM R. RYERSON.
William R. Ryerson, now serving as clerk of the district court at Clar- inda, Iowa, was born near Hamilton, Mo., February II, 1873, a son of Joshua J. and Elizabeth E. (Culp) Ryerson. The father, who arrived in Page county in 1874, was for some time identified with the agricultural interests of this district, but later, upon removing to Braddyville, he became engaged in the grocery business in 1879. He died in January of the same year, however, but his wife still makes her home in that city.
330
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Reared under the parental roof, William R. Ryerson received his early education in the public schools of Braddyville and later pursued a course of study in the Western Normal College at Lincoln, Nebraska, subsequently graduating from the Fremont Normal College at Fremont, Nebraska, in 1895. For six years thereafter he was identified with educational interests, teaching in the schools of Page county for four years and also in the Lenox high school, at Lenox, Iowa, for two years. He then withdrew from pro- fessional circles and accepted a position as clerk in a drug store, while later he purchased an interest in a hardware business at Conway, Taylor county, where he remained for two years. Selling his interests in that town, he be- came identified with the same line of business in Shenandoah, Iowa, conduct- ing business under the firm name of W. R. Ryerson. Thus he continued until 1908, when he sold out, having been elected clerk of the district court. He assumed the duties of this office on the 4th of January, 1909, his term expiring two years from that date. He is prompt and loyal in the discharge of his duties and his service is proving entirely satisfactory to his constitu- ents and the community at large.
In politics Mr. Ryerson is a republican, giving stalwart support to the principles of that party. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He has always been deeply interested in church work and while residing at Conway served as super- intendent of the Sunday school, likewise serving as president of the Epworth League at Shenandoah. In his official capacity he has exercised the same businesslike spirit of promptness and energy that characterized him in the control of his private interests, and he has held to high ideals of citizenship and to lofty principles concerning conduct in business and in private life. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed and the consensus of public opin- ion ranks him among the representative citizens of Page county.
CHARLIE ALBERT LISLE.
Charlie Albert Lisle, editor and owner of the Clarinda Herald, has thus been associated with the newspaper interests of the city since the Ist of June, 1885. Ile has also been active in other lines of business, while moreover his labors have been fruitful elements in promoting public progress and improvement. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Mary ( Evans) Lisle, who were farming people and came to Iowa in the spring of 1861, settling first in Guthrie county. There the father died at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother passed away July 16, 1909, at the age of eighty-eight.
In the country schools C. A. Lisle acquired his early education and when sixteen years of age he took up the profession of teaching. He afterward, however, pursued a classical course in the Iowa Wesleyan Uni- versity of Mount Pleasant and was graduated with the class of 1872. While sitting on the platform waiting to deliver his graduating oration he was handed a telegram informing him that he had been elected principal of the
BATORS
LISLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
TILDEN FOUNDALLUNS
333
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
West Hill school in Burlington. He occupied that position for a year and then went to Red Oak, Iowa, as superintendent of the city schools, remain- ing there through the scholastic year of 1873-4. In September of the latter year he returned to Burlington as principal of the high school and was thus closely and prominently identified with the educational interests of that city for eight years, a period in which he established a high reputation for the efficiency and value of his professional labors. In 1882 he went to Fort Madison to begin newspaper work, having purchased the Plaindealer and since that time his energies have been devoted to journalism. While there residing he was appointed postmaster by President Arthur and continued to fill the office until November, 1885.
Mr. Lisle became a factor in the business interests of Clarinda when in June, 1886, lie purchased a half interest in the Clarinda Herald, removing to this city in the following November. In 1887 he purchased his partner's interest in the paper and has owned and published the Herald continuously since. He has always found genuine pleasure in newspaper work and has made this one of the most creditable country newspapers of the state, for he employs many methods of modern journalism and gives to his sub- scribers a clean sheet devoted to the discussion of questions of local and general interest. He has a well equipped printing plant, a gratifying adver- tising patronage and a large circulation. In 1903 he became interested in manufacturing lines and since January, 1905, has been serving as president and general manager of the Lisle Manufacturing Company, engaged in the manufacture of well boring and drilling machinery and cream separators. This is one of the important industrial concerns of the county and its large output, which is being constantly increased to meet the growing de- mands of the trade, makes it a profitable concern.
Another interesting chapter in the life record of Mr. Lisle is found in connection with the patriotic spirit which he displayed at the time of the Civil war. He was only fifteen years of age when he enlisted as a recruit in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and was taken to Camp Mcclellan at Daven- port to be mustered in, but while there he became ill with typhoid fever and because of this failed to pass muster and was sent home The same spirit of loyal devotion to the country has ever characterized his life and his loyalty to matters of local concern has been manifest in many tangible and helpful ways. He has been honored with several public offices, political and otherwise. While living at Fort Madison he occupied the position of postmaster and was likewise postmaster in Clarinda for one term. In all affairs relative to general improvement and progress he has manifested a deep interest, withholding his cooperation from no movement which he deems essential to the public good. He was for nine years officially con- nected with the Chautauqua Assembly and for five years has been president of the Clarinda Commercial Club. His political allegiance is always given to the republican party and he does everything in his power to advance its interests and secure its success.
On the 3d of January, 1872, Mr. Lisle was married to Miss Frances La- vina Spry, of Red Oak, Iowa, and unto them were born seven children,
334
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
four sons and three daughters, as follows: Charles Vernon, who met death by drowning when thirteen years of age; Vesta, the wife of S. M. Greene, an editor ; Stella Mae, who is the wife of W. A. Turner, a member of the law firm of Orr & Turner at Clarinda; Edna, the wife of A. A. Jeffrey, who is the business manager of the Herald and proprietor of the Clarinda Printing Company ; Edwin, the secretary of the Lisle Manufac- turing Company, who wedded Miss Edith Crane, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa ; Harvey H., who is serving as inspector for the Lisle Manufacturing Com- pany and married Miss Ina May Robbins, of Malvern, Iowa ; and Lorance, who was a student in Denver University for three years and is now learning the machinist's trade in the factory. All of the children have been pro- vided with excellent educational opportunities, having the advantage of college instruction. The wife and mother died in July, 1890, and on the 19th of February, 1908, Mr. Lisle was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Emma Harris Russell, of Missouri Valley, Iowa.
The family are connected with the Methodist church. Mr. Lisle has been a member thereof since his childhood and served as a delegate from the Des Moines conference to the general conference which met in Los Angeles in 1904. For twenty-one years he continuously acted as superintendent of the Sunday school but retired from that position on the Ist of January, 1909. His influence is always on the side of right, progress and improve- ment, whether put forth in a private capacity or through his championship of measures in the columns of his paper. While he holds to high ideals, he works along practical lines and the results achieved are therefore satisfac- tory and commendable.
DUFF M. CREAL.
Duff M. Creal, who is the capable incumbent in the office of county treasurer in Page county, was born in Lee county, Iowa, on the Ist of March, 1857, a son of William and Sarah (Saxe) Creal, both of whom are now deceased. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Mr. Creal of this review obtained his education in the schools of Fairbury, Nebraska, and Clarinda, Iowa. It was in the year 1877 that he took up his abode in Clarinda and here learned the miller's trade, being afterward employed for five years as head miller in the city mills. His identification with milling interests continued for twelve years, and in 1891 he began selling groceries on the road, traveling throughout southwestern Iowa for seventeen years. As a traveling salesman he met with a most commendable and gratifying measure of success and it is safe to say that there is no man in Page county who has a wider acquaintance than Mr. Creal. In 1908 he was elected to the office of county treasurer for a two years' term and is now discharging the duties of the position in a most prompt, efficient and satisfactory manner.
335
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On the 7th of July, 1882, Mr. Creal was united in marriage to Miss Alice J. Rounds, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, her father being William Rounds, a farmer by occupation. Fraternally Mr. Creal is connected with the Knights of Pythias, being a worthy exemplar of the craft. In whatever relation of life we find him-in political circles, in business or in social rela- tions-he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
JOHN Q. A. ORTH.
After many years connection with the mercantile interests of Clarinda, John Q. A. Orth is now living retired from business life, although he main- tains a deep and active interest in the public affairs of the community. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Lebanon, Lebanon county, that state, on the 22d of May, 1837, a son of Adam G. and Fannie (Seacrist) Orth, the former a tanner by occupation. Reared in his native state, he attended the public schools there and acquired a good knowledge of the common branches of the English language. After leaving school he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in the Keystone state until 1882.
In that year Mr. Orth arrived in Clarinda, Iowa, where he became iden- tified with merchandising, dealing in groceries and queensware. He was connected with that line of business in this city for sixteen years, during which period he met with most gratifying success, for he was strictly up-to- date in his business methods and carried an excellent line of goods that was calculated to meet all of the demands of the trade, for he realized that sat- isfied customers constituted the best advertisement a business could have. Moreover, his business integrity and true personal worth became widely rec- ognized, gaining for him the trust, confidence and goodwill of his fellowmen. He became one of the best known representatives of commercial interests in Clarinda, contributing in large measure to the upbuilding of the city in mercantile lines. As he prospered in his business affairs, his interests ex- tended along other lines and he became the owner of several business struct- ures in this city, including the Union block, a two-story brick building on the south side and a two-story brick structure on the west side. In 1898, feeling that his many years of well directed energy and labor entitled him to a merited rest, he sold out his store and retired from business activities.
The only interruption that came in his business career was occasioned by his enlistment, on the Ist of August, 1862, as a private in Company C of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Going to the front to aid his country in her hour of need, he served with that reg- iment for ten months, during which period he participated in the battles of Antietam and the battle of Fredericksburg, while he also was present at the engagement at Chancellorsville, which extended over the Ist, 2d. and 3d of May, 1863.
336
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Mr. Orth was united in marriage in February, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Alleman, of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and they now have six children, namely : Jennie, the wife of Russel Farrens, a merchant of Clarinda ; Florence and Fannie, both teachers in the public schools of this city; Mary, who wedded Carrie Beckner, engaged in mercantile interests in this city ; Grace, a bookkeeper in Clarinda ; and James Guy, a merchant of this city. They also lost two sons, Jacob Calvin and John Alleman. The two daugh- ters, Fannie and Grace, own a two-story brick building on the west side of the town, from the rental of which they derived substantial annual income.
Mr. Orth is a stalwart republican, stanchly supporting the principles and candidates of that party, being recognized as an active and helpful worker in local party ranks. He has served as councilman from the second ward for the past five years and in 1909 was chosen councilman at large, his term of service in the latter office to cover two years. He is serving as the chair- man of the streets and alleys committee and is a member of the water com- mittee. The cause of education also has always found in him a stalwart champion and while still a resident of the Keystone state he served as school director for nine years, while he served in similar capacity for six years in Clarinda. Public-spirited and loyal in citizenship, he is interested in every- thing that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He has gained a wide circle of friends during his residence in this city and his salient characteristics are such as command the respect, esteem and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
SKILES AUSTIN KING.
Skiles Austin King, a well known and successful agriculturist residing on section 34, Tarkio township, is at the present time serving as a member of the board of township trustees. He is numbered among the worthy na- tive sons of Page county, his birth having occurred in Tarkio township on the 6th of January, 1879. He was reared on the farm adjoining his present place of residence and attended the public schools in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. Ou attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account as an agriculturist, renting a tract of land from his father. At the end of five years, by dint of unremitting industry and close economy, he had accumu- lated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase the property, which has since remained in his possession and to the cultivation and improvement of which he now devotes his time and energies. The farm comprises one hun- dred and fifty-seven and a half acres of rich and productive land on section 34, Tarkio township, and is the source of a gratifying annual income to its owner. He utilizes practical and progressive methods in the conduct of his agricultural interests and has won a degree of prosperity that entitles him to recognition among the substantial and representative citizens of the community.
337
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On the 23rd of December, 1898, Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Ferris, a resident of Clarinda, Iowa, and a daughter of George Ferris, who is a retired agriculturist of that city. Mr. and Mrs. King now have two children, Earl J. and Darline.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. King has given his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. In November, 1908, he was elected a member of the board of trustees of Tarkio township and is prov- ing a capable incumbent in the office. His wife is a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county in which he has resided from his birth to the present time and well merits the confidence and good will which are uniformly accorded him.
TIM C. JACKSON.
On the honor-roll of those who have been prominent in the upbuilding of the prosperous little city of Shenandoah, Iowa, the name of Tim C. Jack- son, the druggist, deserves a place among the first, for though he did not own this city as his home until his early manhood, he has been un- swerving in his devotion to its interests in the years since he engaged in the drug business within its boundaries. He was born on February 4, 1875, in Knox county, Ohio, where his father and mother, Bruce E. and Mary (Ross) Jackson, were born, reared and married. In 1879 Mrs. Jackson died, and the following year Mr. Bruce Jackson came to Red Oak, lowa. In 1895, however, he removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he now resides and where merchandising claims his time and interest now as they have in the past.
After his mother's death Tim C. Jackson was cared for by his paternal grandparents until his eighth year, when he was taken by his step-mother's parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Crawford of Red Oak. Under their guidance he grew to manhood, supplementing the education received in the public schools of Red Oak by a course in the Western Normal College of Shenan- doalı. After leaving school he secured a position with F. A. Dickson of this city in his drug store, and though the business has been conducted by different men, Mr. Jackson has remained through all vicissitudes, conducting his business today in the same room he entered years before as a clerk. He remained as pharmacist when Mr. Dickson sold his store to N. R. Hender- son, and then on January 1, 1900, he and Dr. T. L. Putnam bought the busi- ness, which for eight years they conducted in partnership. The interval be- tween January and November, 1908, was the only period during which he has not had the reigns in his hands. He is now again the proprietor and it is hoped that he will not soon see the necessity of relinquishing his cares to another.
338
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
In the two formal organizations that look toward the development of Shenandoah and in three of the fraternal societies that cultivate a healthful spirit of brotherhood Mr. Jackson is active. Of the latter Juniata Lodge, No. 295, K. P., Mishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. W., and Shenandoah Lodge, No. 1122, B. P. O. E., claim him as a member. The Commercial Club has its name on their roll-call, and the Home Building & Loan Asso- ciation, which has been all powerful in building up this enterprising little city, looks to him, as one of its directors, for guidance in its progressive policy. In 1905 the republican citizens here showed their appreciation of Mr. Jackson's public spirit by electing him a member of the city council, and it is only justice to say that they have had no reason to regret the placing of this trust.
On the 19th of October, 1898, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Maud Trophagen, of Waterloo, Iowa, and two children, Dorothy M. and Robert L., have been born of this union. Mrs. Jackson is a member of the Women's P. O. organization of the Shenandoah Baptist church, which she and her husband attend and support.
JEROME YEAROUS.
Jerome Yearous, living on section 17, Nodaway township. is one of the thrifty and prosperous farmers and stock raisers of this township. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Clayton county on the 25th of May, 1856, a son of Charles and Catharine (Peters) Yearous. The former, a native of Baden, Germany, was born January 9, 1834, and came to the United States with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Yearous. when only three years of age. They located in Cleveland, Ohio, where Charles Yearous was reared. He passed away, however, in Clayton county, Iowa, on the 7th of January, 1906. His wife, who was born in May. 1833. in Ohio. still survives and makes her home on the old farm in Clayton county, Iowa. In their fam- ily were nine children, namely : Aaron, of Eagle Grove, lowa ; Jacob S., re- siding in West Union, Iowa ; Jerome, of this review ; Martha Jane, the wife of Frank Kimpston, of Fayette, Iowa ; Christ, of Fayette county ; Charles, residing in South Dakota ; William, making his home in Clayton county ; John, residing in Fayette county ; and Andrew, a resident of Clayton county.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.