USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 40
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lie was graduated with the class of 1890. He then took charge of the old home farm, which he continued to cultivate until 1896 and for two winters during that period he also engaged in teaching in the district schools. Desir- ous of improving his own education, in 1896 he entered the Valparaiso Uni- versity, at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he pursued a scientific course and also a special course in mathematics, being graduated from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1897. He next entered the Lin- coln Normal University at Lincoln, Nebraska, and accepted the chair of mathematics, teaching in that institution until the Ist of December, 1898, when the university buildings were destroyed by fire and the school was discontinued.
On the 6th of Jannary, 1899, Mr. Keenan arrived in Shenandoah and the following fall was offered and accepted the chair of mathematics in the Western Normal College in this city, remaining in this position for four years. In 1901 he was chosen vice president of the college and served in that capacity for two years. While thus engaged he was giving all of his leisure time to the study of law under the direction of Attorney Denver L. Wilson. After severing his connection with the college in 1903, he ap- plied himself assiduously to his law studies and in June, 1904, successfully passed the required examination for admission to the bar. Mr. Keenan then formed a law partnership with his former preceptor, Mr. Wilson, with whom he was associated until the Ist of April, 1907, when the partnership was dissolved.
Mr. Keenan has since been practicing independently. He is an able barrister and has built up a large and remunerative clientage. No profes- sion is more open to talent than is that of the law and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough apprecia- tion of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Possessing all of the requisite qualities of the able lawyer, Mr. Keenan carefully manages the legal in- terests entrusted to his care, never failing to recognize the main point at issue and never neglecting to make a thorough preparation. His pleas have been characterized by terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation, rather than flights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will thwart the principles of right and equity involved.
On the 14th of November, 1906, Mr. Keenan was married to Miss Addie E. Culver, a daughter of George A. Culver, then of Clarinda, this county, but now of Beatrice, Nebraska. Unto this marriage has been borne one son, Thomas William.
Mr. Keenan belongs to Juniata Lodge, No. 195. K. P., Nishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. W., and to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is now choir leader in the church and has made its music an attractive feature of its worship. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged, while his ability in his chosen profession is carrying him into important relations with the work of the courts. Although Mr. Keenan is not now
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actively engaged in mathematical work, he was, on September 11, 1909, chosen as a member of the international committee for the investigation of the teaching of mathematics in private institutions of learning. This comes to him unsought and is a fitting recognition of his work both as a mathe- matician and as a teacher of mathematics.
DAVID B. McCALLA.
The birth of David B. McCalla occurred August 28, 1861, on section 23, Harlan township, on a farm adjoining that on which he yet resides. He has always made his home in this neighborhood and, therefore, has a wide acquaintance in the community. As a business man he has made a creditable record and is now the owner and manager of the Orchard Hill Fruit Farm, on which he is extensively engaged in the cultivation of apples and other fruit.
His youthful days were spent in the home of his parents, James and Ann (Bolton) McCalla. both of whom were natives of the north of Ireland but came to America in early life and were married in Philadelphia. The father was a weaver by trade. In the year 1857 he brought his family to Iowa and soon afterward purchased eighty acres of land in Harlan town- ship, Page county. For twenty years he here devoted his attention to gen- eral agricultural pursuits, continuing in the work of the farm until his life's labors were ended in death in 1877, when he was seventy-six years of age. ITis widow survived him for a number of years, passing away in 1886 at the age of fifty-five years. They had a family of seven. children : John, now de- ceased ; Mary, the wife of F. M. Thurman, living in Taylor county, Iowa ; Jane, the wife of I. C. Cox, also of Taylor county ; Samuel A., who makes his home in the same county : David B .: William A., living in Oklahoma ; and James, who resides upon the homestead farm adjoining that occupied by his brother, David.
In the usual manner of farm lads David B. McCalla was reared. being early trained to the work of the fields, while in the public schools he received his mental training and discipline. which have well qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. The occupation to which he was reared he has chosen as a life work and in addition to tilling the soil for the production of corn and other cereals he has also made a specialty of horticultural pur- suits and his place is appropriately termed the Orchard Till Fruit Farm. It comprises eighty acres of land, of which twenty-five acres are devoted to the raising of apples and some small fruit. One-half of his apples are of the Ben Davis variety, one-fourth of the winesap and nearly one-fourth are Jonathans with a few trees of other varieties. All were set out by Mr. Mc- Calla, who takes great and justifiable pride in his fruit, which has been a prize winner at many exhibits of the county fairs and of the Southwestern Iowa Ilorticultural Society. For several years Mr. McCalla has been a di-
ORCHARD OF D. B. M'CALLA
LIZ ADAIKI K L
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rector of the latter, which covers a territory comprised within the fruit belt of the southwest Iowa. He has always made a specialty of apples and his study of horticultural questions has caused his opinions to be largely ac- cepted as authority on the matter of apple cultivation.
In 1892 Mr. McCalla was united in marriage to Miss Mary Belle Stoops, who was born in Harlan township in 1865 and is a daughter of William and Martha B. Stoops. The father is now deceased but the mother yet re- sides in Clarinda. Mrs. McCalla passed away November 14, 1902, at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving one child, Anna Belle.
Mr. McCalla is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church and conforms his life to its teachings. He is interested in its work and con- tributes generously to its support. As a business man he is thoroughly reliable under all circumstances, for his integrity is unquestioned and he has never been known to overeach another in any business transaction. He has been a witness of the growth and development of the county for forty- eight years, during which time many notable changes have been made as the wild land has been reclaimed for the purpose of civilization and trans- formed into cultivable fields. While here and there towns and villages have sprung up, supplying the agricultural district with all that it needs from a commercial source.
JAMES McCALLA.
James McCalla, a brother of David B. McCalla, was born March 8, 1865, on the farm in Harlan township upon which he yet makes his home. His youthful days were spent in the home of his parents, James B. and Ann (Bolten) McCalla, who arrived in this county in 1857. Soon afterward the father preempted eighty acres of land, upon which James McCalla now re- sides, and he and his wife spent their remaining days upon the farm which is now owned and occupied by their son James. The father died in January, 1877, at the age of seventy-seven years, while the mother passed away in November, 1886, at the age of fifty-five years, her birth having occurred in 1831. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church and as- sisted in erecting the first house of worship.
In his youthful days James McCalla worked in the fields from the time that he was old enough to reach the plow handles and turn the furrows across the fields. He has continuously resided upon the old homestead and now has eighty acres of well improved land, presenting a neat and attractive appearance because of the care and labor which he bestows upon his fields. He carries on general farming and stock raising and feeds all that he raises on the farm.
On the 17th of October, 1894, Mr. McCalla was united in marriage to Miss Martha Stoops, who was born in Harlan township, Page county, No- vember 12, 1871, and is a daughter of Wilson and Martha B. (McCrory) Stoops. the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Iowa. After the
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death of Mr. Stoops his widow married again and now resides in Cla- rinda. Unto Mr. and Mrs. James McCalla have been born six children : Bessie, Lorena, James Leslie, Mary Lois, Wilson Sloan and Knox Bolton. James McCalla and his family attend the Reformed Presbyterian church of Clarinda, of which he is a member. His life interests are closely confined to the farm for he finds that when he utilizes his land to the best advantage he has little leisure time for other things. He works diligently and per- sistently to cultivate his fields and the place in its neat and well kept appear- ance indicates his careful supervision.
AUSTIN VAN GUNDY.
A well improved farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres. located on section 32, Grant township, is the home of Austin Van Gundy, who in addition to this land owns a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Fre- mont county, thus being numbered among the large landowners and prom- inent citizens of southwestern Iowa. He is a native of Ross county, Ohio, born June 21, 1856, of the marriage of James and Rachel (Ring) Van Gundy, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state, the former born in Ross county and the latter in Pickaway county. They were married in Ross county and made that their home until 1865. when they removed to Atchison county, Missouri, where they spent their remaining days, the mother passing away in 1899 when she was seventy-four years of age, while the father, surviving for a number of years, departed this life in 1907 when he had reached the very advanced age of eighty-three years.
Austin Van Gundy bgan his education in the schools of Ross county, Ohio, and being a little lad of nine years at the time of the parent's removal to Atchison county, Missouri, continued his education in the schools of that place. He was reared on the home farm and was trained by his father in the work of the fields, so that he was well qualified for taking charge of a farm of his own, when, in the spring of 1876, just prior to the twentieth anniversary of his birth, he located on eighty acres of land in Nodaway county. This tract was a portion of a tract of eleven hundred and forty acres which had been entered from the government by the grandfather, John Van Gundy, in 1856. For seven years Austin Van Gundy spent his time in developing and cultivating that property but on the expiration of that period he returned to Atchison county, Missouri, and purchased two hundred acres of land, on which he made his home until 1901. Believing that Iowa offered better opportunities to the farmer, in that year he came to this state and invested his money in two hundred and forty acres in Fre- mont county, his land constituting one of the finest farms in that section of the state. Ile made his home there but a few years, however, when in 1908, lie came to Page county and bought his present home farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres, located on section 32, Grant township. Taking up his abode on this place in the year above mentioned, he has since been en-
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gaged in its cultivation and now has one of the model farms of this section of Page county. Mr. Van Gundy is ever watchful of opportunities point- ing to success and his excellent judgment of land values is indicated in the fine farms which he today owns and which are returning to him a good financial income.
Mr. Van Gundy was married on the 18th of April, 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Gray, a daughter of John L. and Lucinda (Runyan) Gray, residents of Atchison county, Missouri. Two sons and three daughters grace this marriage, namely: Pearl, who acts as house- keeper for her brother Fred, a farmer of Pierce township, he being the second in order of birth in the family; Bryson, who operates his father's farm in Monroe township, Fremont county ; and Sallie and Ruth, both at home.
Mr. Van Gundy gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party but has never been active as an office seeker, as his private business interests have always made full demand upon his time and attention. His fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Wood- men of America. Mrs. Van Gundy and her three daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Although the family have resided in Page county for but a brief period, they have already gained many warm friends, who receive a cordial welcome at their hospitable home. In bus- iness dealings Mr. Van Gundy displays sound judgment and may well be classed among the successful men of the state.
THOMAS VAN SWERINGEN.
Thomas Van Sweringen is the owner of a valuable farm of two hun- dred and forty acres on section 34, Grant township. He became the pos- sessor of this through two purchases, making investment in one hundred and sixty acres in 1894, while the adjoining eighty acre tract was acquired four or five years later. The farm presents a neat and attractive appear- ance, indicating the careful supervision of a progressive owner.
Mr. Van Sweringen was born in Honey Grove, Juniata county, Penn- sylvania, on the 21st of April, 1856, his parents being William and Rachel (Sweringen ) Van Sweringen, who were likewise natives of Juniata county, where they were reared and married and continued their residence until called to the home beyond. The father was a farmer, merchant and miller and a general business man of Honey Grove, whose enterprise and careful manipulation of his business affairs brought him substantial and well mer- ited success. He died when about eighty-one years of age and his wife was sixty-seven years old at the time of her demise. In community affairs, aside from business, Mr. Van Sweringen was quite active and influential and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to various offices, including that of county commissioner, in which he served for two or three terms. His loyalty in public affairs and his tangible ef-
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forts for the general good made him one of the representative men of Juniata county.
Thomas Van Sweringen was reared under the parental roof and his educational opportunities were those offered by the common schools of his native town. In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Ben- nett, of Gettysburg. Pennsylvania. The following summer he engaged in farming a portion of the old home place but in February, 1881, with his young wife, he came west to Iowa and for two years thereafter engaged in the cultivation of a rented farm in Grant township, Page county. On the expiration of that period he removed to Gage county, Nebraska, where he rented land and carried on general farming for three years. Then he returned to Page county and for eight years rented and cultivated the McCulloch farm in Grant township. During these years he carefully saved his earnings until his economical expenditure enabled him to make invest- ment in land. As previously stated he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm in 1894 and four or five years afterward ex- tended its boundaries by the purchase of an additional tract of eighty acres. so that now he has a valuable place of two hundred and forty acres, upon which he has made many substantial improvements. He has good build- ings, modern farm machinery and good grades of stock, and the fields are highly cultivated, bringing forth large crops annually.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Sweringen have been born four children: John, a farmer living in Grant township; Grace, at home; and Helen and Louise, twins, also at home. Mrs. Van Sweringen is a member of the Presbyterian church and a lady whose estimable qualities have gained her many friends in this locality. Mr. Van Sweringen is widely and favor- ably known and his record is one which awakens admiration, for he came to Iowa a poor man, his only capital being ambition and energy. Today he is one of the substantial citizens of his part of the county and his life record stands in incontrovertible proof of what may be accomplished through determination. diligence and business honesty.
THOMAS TOMLINSON.
Thomas Tomlinson, who for a long period was closely associated with the business interests of Clarinda, having for more than a third of a cen- tury resided here. belonged to that class of representative men who came from foreign lands to enjoy the broader business opportunities of the new world. He realized that success is not a matter of genius as held by some but is rather the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable energy and throughout his life diligence and persistency of purpose con- stituted strong forces in his advancement.
He was born in Yorkshire, England, May 31, 1828, and was his fath- er's namesake. In early life he learned the tanner's trade, to which he served a regular apprenticeship and afterward worked along that line for
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nine and a half years. He began his trade in York, England, and continued in active connection with tanning interests of that country until he came to America. He remained in York for five years and then removed to Hull, England, where he established business as a tanner and currier, con- ducting his enterprise for seven years. Free trade in England, however, limited success in his chosen field of labor, and, having seen glowing ac- counts of a place called Amity, now College Springs, Iowa, he decided that he would cross the Atlantic and seek his fortune in that eldorado of the middle west.
Mr. Tomlinson had previously wedded Miss Mary Newham, who was a milliner of Hull, England, the marriage being celebrated September 18, 1855. They were the parents of four children, of whom three are still living: Fred N., a resident of Clarinda; Emily Mary, now the wife of C. N. Morris, living at Santa Barbara, California ; Henry Earnest, whose home is in Newmarket, Iowa; and Herbert K., who died in 1908.
With his wife and the four children, Mr. Tomlinson set sail for the new world and after arriving in America five children were added to the house- hold, all born in Clarinda, namely: George W. and Charles S., who are residents of Santa Barbara, California; Anna Maud, the wife of M. A. Meagher, of Washington ; Frank R., living in San Francisco, California ; and Bertha A., now the wife of Arthur Burson, of Santa Barbara, Cali- fornia.
It was in September, 1864, that the family sailed for the new world and in October reached America. They landed first at Quebec and thence made their way to Detroit and Chicago. At both the latter places Mr. Tomlinson was robbed in the customs. He afterward made his way to St. Joseph, Missouri, and at that place he and another man were taken for rebel spies and could find no place where they might shelter their families. At length they found accommodation for a day, for which a charge of one hundred and eight dollars was made. Mr. Tomlinson crossed the country to Amity, now College Springs, Iowa, but he did not feel that the little town came up to the representations which he had seen on paper. He found that it contained only a few houses and a store or two. His disappointment was great as he had used nearly all of his means in reaching his destination. However, he turned liis attention to farming but after a brief period re- moved to Clarinda. Mrs. Tomlinson here proved herself a most devoted wife and mother. She had previously learned the milliner's trade in England and she opened a millinery shop in Clarinda, conducting business along that line for twenty-five years. She also carefully reared her family, which be- came a credit and honor to her name.
Mr. Tomlinson, after reaching Clarinda, worked at the tanner's trade for some years and subsequently purchased a tannery which he conducted for fifteen years. It was in 1866 that they came to Clarinda and, while conducting a tannery, he also established a harness shop and on the ex- piration of a period of fifteen years he took charge of his shop, which he managed from 1882 until 1889. He then began purchasing wool, carrying on business in that direction until 1894, when he removed to California and
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retired. His last days were spent in that state, where he died in January, 1903. His widow still survives and resides in California at the age of seventy-five years.
Mr. Tomlinson was a great singer and an ardent church man, be- longing to the Methodist church. Ile sang at all gatherings of importance in his community. In politics he became a republican and his musical talent was greatly appreciated in campaign work throughout southwestern Iowa. His influence was felt by all with whom he came in contact and through his labors he did good at all times. As his business interests were extended, bringing him into contact with more people his labors continued to be an important source of good throughout the community and he is yet remem- bered by many as one whose work largely promoted the moral progress. He stood ever for those things which are right, just and true, and his name is honored wherever he was known but most of all where he was best known. He was a man of extremely liberal spirit, generous almost to a fault, but of him it might be said as it was of Goldsmith's village preacher "and e'en his failings leaned to virtue's side." He was one of those who gave most liberally to the Nodaway & Brownsville Branch Railroad and was one of the most generous in his donations to the Methodist Episcopal church. Viewed from the standpoint of worldly success, he perhaps did not give wisely for he sacrificed his own interests for the public welfare but the phil- osopher has said, "not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success," and judged by this standard Thomas Tomlinson was a most successful man.
FRED N. TOMLINSON.
From an early period in the development of Page county the name of Tomlinson has been well known here. Fred N. Tomlinson is now numbered among the wide-awake, alert and determined business men of Clarinda, where he is engaged in dealing in harness and saddlery and also handles hides, furs and wool in season. He is a native of Hull, England, who in his youthful days was brought to the new world by his parents, whose sketch is given above. Ile pursued his studies in the public schools and in Clar- inda he also learned the harnessmaker's trade, which he has followed to the present time. His father was the owner of a harness shop liere and the son received thorough and ample training when he qualified for his present work. When his father gave up the wool business he took up the same line of work and has been purchasing continually since. This branch of his business brings to him a substantial return for he is an excellent judge of good fleece.
In 1882 Mr. Tomlinson took up land in South Dakota, near Woonsocket, and spent six years there for the benefit of his health, devoting his time during that period to the improvement of his property. He then returned to Clarinda and has a two-story brick business block, which is twenty-four
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by one hundzed feet. He also owns a warehouse, which is built of brick and is twenty-four by thirty-two feet. The latter is used for storing hides, furs and wool, while the former is occupied by his harness store, in which he carries a large line of well made goods, his sales reaching a gratifying figure annually.
On the 26th of February, 1884, Mr. Tomlinson was married to Miss Mary Davison, of College Springs, Iowa, a daughter of George Davison, a native of Ireland and a florist by occupation. In 1872 he came to Page county, where he conducted a farm and is still residing in this county as one of its respected, loyal and upright citizens. He is also a leader in the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. F. N. Tomlinson have been born three children: Annie M., now the wife of O. R. Lucas, an in- surance man of St. Joseph, Missouri ; Pearl A., residing in Lincoln, Ne- braska ; and George Thomas, who is a graduate of the Clarinda high school, now at home. He has also spent one year in college.
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