History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II, Part 41

Author: Kershaw, W. L
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 656


USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 41


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Mr. Tomlinson is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp of Clarinda and is a trustee of the public library. No project put forth for the benefit of the community fails to receive his endorsement and cooperation, and his efforts along many lines have been extremely helpful. The Methodist Episcopal church finds in him a devoted member and active supporter. He was reared in the atmosphere of a Christian home, early began guiding his life by religious teachings, and for eighteen ycars served as a trustee of his church. He was one of the organizers of the Clarinda Chautauqua Assem- bly, which has been of marked educative value in the community and for many years he was a member of the Clarinda Band, which later was called the C. B. & Q. Band. This was the only band at the inauguration of Presi- dent Garfield that held an honorable position on that occasion and at dif- ferent times they were honored by banquets in Chicago, Burlington and other cities. Mr. Tomlinson does not look at life from the selfish stand- point of getting all he can without rendering anything to others but realizes his obligations to his fellowmen and to his city, state and country. He is, therefore, neglectful of no duty of citizenship, and Clarinda has largely profited by his enterprising and progressive spirit. The name of Tomlinson has long been an honored one here and like his father, Fred N. Tomlinson enjoys the respect, confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated.


CHARLES LEE JONES, M. D.


Charles Lee Jones, physician and surgeon, practicing in Shenandoah, is one of the younger members of the profession but his years do not seem any bar to his practice. He is in touch with the most modern methods and has already won recognition of his ability which is based upon thorough and systematic training.


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He was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, September 23, 18., and is the son of Charles D. and Hattie D. (Dexter) Jones, both of whom were natives of Tama county, Iowa, for the Jones and Dexter families were among the earliest settlers of the central part of the state. The Jones family came from Pennsylvania to Iowa, while the Dexter family had pre- viously been residents of Ohio. The grandfather, Knight Dexter, was for years sheriff of Tama county during the early history of that part of the state. After his marriage Charles D. Jones settled in Marshalltown, Iowa, where he had previously served an apprenticeship to the newspaper business in the office of the Times-Republican. Later he removed to Huron, South Dakota, where he managed and edited the Huronite for some years, making it one of the leading journals of that part of the state. Subsequently he went to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and later became owner and editor of the Argus at Cedar Falls, lowa, publishing that paper until about 1890, when he sold out and returned to the old home in Toledo, Iowa. He then went upon the road, representing a printer's supply house, and later he handled printer's ink exclusively, representing the Ullman- Philpott Manufacturing Company, of Cleveland, Ohio. In this capacity he has become known to every newspaper man in the five central states and is familiarly mentioned as "Jones, the ink man." His cordiality, con- geniality and good business qualifications have made him popular with many patrons. He is still living in Toledo, Iowa, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a consistent and active member of the Methodist Epis- copal church and wherever he has gone has won a host of warm friends.


Dr. Jones, whose name introduces this review, was reared at home, ac- quiring his education in the public and high schools of Toledo and in the Western College of that place prior to entering the Northern Illinois Normal School at Dixon. After leaving that institution he secured a posi- tion as telegraph operator and relief agent with the Chicago & North- western Railway Company, having learned telegraphy in his early man- hood. He was thus employed for three years and on resigning the posi- tion took up the study of medicine, having determined to make its practice his life work. He read under the preceptorship of Dr. C. M. Morford, of Toledo, Iowa, and in the fall of 1902 he entered the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1906 on the completion of the regular four years' course. During the time he attended lectures he also acted as nurse for eighteen months in the nervous department of the Garfield Park Sanitarium. This gave him a keen insight into and knowledge of all nervous diseases and the treatment of insane patients that can only be gained from actual experience. Coming into close contact with such patients he studied the manifestations of the disease. Following his graduation he came to Shenandoah, where he located, and in the three years which have since passed he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice. IIe is a close and earnest student, read- ing broadly and thinking deeply and manifesting marked ability in apply- ing luis knowledge in specific cases.


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Dr. Jones is a member of the Page County Medical Society, of the Iowa State Medical Society and of the American Medical Association and thus keeps in close touch with the work that is being done by his fellow mem- bers of the profession. He belongs to Nishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. W., and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On the 20th of May, 1908, he wedded Miss Maud Jeffers, of Wahoo, Nebraska, and they are now well known and popular in the social circles of Shenandoah.


WILLIAM C. FLYNN.


William C. Flynn has made good use of his opportunities and today is classed among the representative and substantial citizens of Page county, having been connected with its agricultural interests since 1874. A native of Ireland, he was born in County Cavan on the 12th of July, 1844, a son of Owen and Martha (Crawford) Flynn, who were also born in Ireland. The parents came to the United States in 1863, the family honte being es- tablished in Connecticut. The climate, however, did not agree with the father and he returned to his native land in 1864, there passing away three years later. The mother, after her return to Ireland, found it lonesome without her children, who all sought the advantages offered by the new world, and the same year in which she had accompanied her husband on his trip back to the Emerald Isle witnessed her second arrival in the United States. While en route for America, however, she contracted a severe cold. from the effects of which she died a short time later.


William C. Flynn, who was a young man of nineteen years when he arrived in the United States, remained for a time in Connecticut, holding a position in a drug store in Naugatuck for four or five years, and then he found employment in the woolen mills at Beacon Falls, that state. He was thus connected for seven or eight years when, his health failing him, he was compelled to give up his work along this line. He removed to St. Louis, where for a couple of years he assisted a brother, James C. Flynn, a contractor and builder of that city.


The year 1874 witnessed his arrival in Page county, Iowa, and also witnessed the beginning of his career as a farmer. For about six years he operated a farm as a renter, and then, feeling that his experience and economy warranted his investing in a farm of his own, in 1881 he pur- chased a tract of eighty acres, which forms the nucleus of his present hold- ings. He directed his efforts to general agricultural pursuits and with the passing of the years he became very successful. In 1891 he bought another tract of eighty acres adjoining his original purchase, so that his home farm now consists of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land located on section 19. Pierce township, and in 1902 he became the owner of one hun- dred and fifty-four acres in Fremont township, this county. That his de- cision to make farming his life work was a wise one is indicated by the fact that. although when he came here he was compelled to borrow sufficient


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money with which to pay his way from St. Louis, he ranks today among the substantial farmers and extensive landowners of his section of the county.


Mr. Flynn was united in marriage, on January 2, 1880, to Miss Alice McAllister, of St. Louis, Missouri, where she was born and reared, and this union has been blessed with four children, namely: Joseph A., farming in Pierce township; Fisk. H., making his home in Oklahoma; Ralph W., liv- ing at home; and William C., following farming near Clarinda, Iowa.


In politics Mr. Flynn gives his allegiance to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, prefer- ring, as he does, to direct his entire time and attention to the conduct of his private business interests. A man of strong integrity and purpose, he ranks high in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen, not only because of the gratifying degree of prosperity which he has attained but also by reason of excellent traits of character and his honorable and upright manhood.


RUFUS ELMORE LEE.


Of marked activity, energetic, honest, far-seeing and public-spirited, Rufus Elmore Lee las operated continuously in lines of business leading to success and by the stimulus of his exertions has aroused the enterprise of others. IJe deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, having been both the architect and builder of his own fortune. He is now the sec- retary, treasurer and general manager of the Lee Electric Light Company, an enterprise of marked value in the thriving city of Clarinda. He is still a young man, his birth having occurred March 23, 1874, in Wahoo, Ne- braska. His father, James M. Lee, was a general merchant who, in 1855, removed westward to Nebraska, becoming one of the pioneer residents of that state. Ile acted as the first postmaster at Wahoo, erected the first store building there and continued in active connection with its business enter- prise from 1869 until 1896. He died in Clarinda, August 16, 1909. He married Sarah M. Johnson, who survives him.


Reared in the place of his nativity, Rufus Elmore Lee acquired his educa- tion in the public schools and when he entered the field of business it was to acquaint himself with the electrical line, and the interests of telephone build- ing and operation. He started out at the meager salary of six dollars per month, spending one year in Chicago, during which time he gained com- prehensive knowledge of electrical work. He then began business for him- self, obtaining a franchise for an electric light plant at Superior, Nebraska. He erected the plant in 1894, put it in successful operation and continued its management until 1902. He and his brothers are still owners of the plant and business there. He also installed the plant of the Rufus E. Lee Tele- phone Company, of which he was the president, but after a year he sold out to the Nebraska Telephone Company. However, he was retained as local and district manager for some time, conducting that line of work in con- nection with the management of the Superior Electric Light Plant until


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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


1901, when he came to Clarinda and secured a franchise for a lighting plant here in 1902. He was associated in this enterprise with his brother and they built and carried on the plant, the partnership being between Rufus Lee and J. Ren Lee. This relation existed until February, 1905, when they in- corporated the business, a new franchise being granted them in that year. Since that time they have operated under the name of Lee Electric Light Company with J. Ren Lee as president of the company, L. W. Lewis as vice president and Rufus E. Lee secretary, treasurer and general man- ager. The last named built and operated the plant and is conducting a profitable business. The company now has many subscribers and its pa- tronage is constantly increasing because of the excellence of service rendered to the public.


In Superior, Nebraska, on the 4tli of November, 1895, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Helen Madolyn Collette, of that place, a daugh- ter of Eli and Louise Collette, the former a farmer and merchant. In 1902 Mr. and Mrs. Lee removed to Clarinda, where they now occupy a pleasant home, together with their two daughters, Beatrice Sadie and Helen Madolyn.


The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Lee was at one time a trustee. In his business he is known for his enterprise and unfaltering integrity and his well defined labor has brought him substan- tial success. An analyzation of his life work indicates the possession of many sterling traits of character which have commended him to the con- fidence, trust and good will of his fellowmen. In business life he repre- sents an important modern feature that is figuring most largely in trade, manufacture and transportation as well as in illumination, and his progres- sive spirit has enabled him to give to the public valuable service, while at the same time he is promoting his individual prosperity.


EDWARD LUKE, M. D.


Dr. Edward Luke, one of the leading physicians of Page county, lias been successfully engaged in practice at Coin since the Ist of March, 1905. His birth occurred at Danville, Illinois, on the 10th of December, 1874, his parents being Charles and Caroline (Kohler) Luke, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former born in Berlin and the latter in Saxony. Their marriage was celebrated in the United States, however. The father carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, meeting with a gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings. His family numbered five children, namely: Charles F., now a resident of Seneca, Missouri; Henry and George, both of whom live in Danville, Illinois; Mary, the wife of David Williams, of Olathe, Colorado ; and Edward, of this review.


The last named obtained his early education in the district schools of his native city, then spent four years in the Danville high school and sub- sequently pursued a select course in the Illinois State Normal School, giving


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special attention to all studies bearing upon the science of medicine. He afterward entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, Illinois, and after receiving his diploma served for one year as externe in the Augustana Hospital at Chicago. He then spent a year at the Soldiers National Home in Danville, Illinois, and on the Ist of March, 1905. located for practice at Coin, Iowa, where he has remained continuously since, his skill and ability in the line of his chosen profession having won him an extensive and lucrative practice.


On the 26th of April, 1905, Dr. Luke was united in marriage to Miss Delia Johnson, a daughter of Henry and Anna Johnson, of Monroe City, Missouri, where the father is a well known contractor. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have four children : Ralph. Carl, May and Delia. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Luke has been born a son, Charles Daniel, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 4th of October, 1907.


Dr. Luke gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and is at present serving as health officer of Lincoln town- ship. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the Modern Woodmen of America at Coin, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at that place, with which his wife is also identified He is conscientious and faithful in the discharge of his professional duties and in his practice con- forms closely to a high standard of professional ethics.


THOMAS G. H. PORTER.


Thomas G. H. Porter, who owns a valuable farm on section 32, Pierce township, is numbered among the native sons of Page county, Iowa, his birth occurring in Grant township on the '2d of April, 1867. He is a son of John F. M. and Sarah Jane (Jordan) Porter, the former a native of Cabell county, West Virginia, and the latter of Tippecanoe county, In- diana. The father, who was born on the 20th of January, 1832, was one of the extensive and well known landowners of Page county, where he still makes his home, being one of the oldest residents of this county. He has now reached the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and is still well preserved. Extended mention of him is made on another page of this volume. Our subject is one of a family of five children, the others being : Julia C., the wife of George Maxwell, of Grant township; John C., also of Grant township; William, who resides in Essex, Page county ; and one who has passed away.


Thomas G. II. Porter was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the common schools, receiving good training in the various branches of English learning. He remained at home, assisting his father, until he had almost attained his majority, when he removed to the farm upon which he now resides, consisting of two hundred and forty acres on section 32, Pierce township, which had been deeded to him by his father in 1885.


THOMAS G. H. PORTER AND FAMILY


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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


It is an excellent piece of property, naturally rich and fertile, and upon the place Mr. Porter has introduced all of the modern conveniences and ac- cessories that go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. The fields are highly cultivated and each autumn return golden harvests which are a source of gratifying remuneration. For a period of several years, however. Mr. Porter rented his farm though he continued to live thereon, but is now engaged in its operation.


For a few years after his removal to his present place Mr. Porter re- sided upon his farm alone, and then, on the Ist of June, 1894, he chose as a companion and helpmeet Miss Jessie Porter, of Wamic, Oregon, whose acquaintance he had made while on one of his trips to that state. Unto this union have been born two children, Dewey D. and Dora E. Mr. Por- ter has also taken into his home three children of his wife's sister, whose guardian he has been appointed, namely : Cyril, Wesley and Fount Goff, and he has but recently returned from Oregon with four children of another sister of his wife.


Republican in his politics, Mr. Porter gives stalwart allegiance to that party, doing all in his power to further its influence in the community, although he is not a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is serving his third term as a member of the school board, the cause of education find- ing in liim a warm champion, and he gives his influence to all matters which have for their object the improvement, progress and upbuilding of the com- munity. Having spent his entire life in Page county, he has gained an ex- tensive circle of friends, and that he is most liked and respected where best known is indicative of the fact that his salient characteristics are such as have won the honor, esteem and good will of his fellowmen, while the pros- perity which he today enjoys ranks liim among the substantial and success- ful agriculturists of Pierce township.


C. G. PETERSON.


Each race has its own characteristics and throughout the world the sons of Sweden are known as men of industry and reliability. From that land came C. G. Peterson, now living on section 8, Tarkio township. He was born in Sweden, July 28, 1855, a son of Peter J. and Anna Skar- strom. The parents came to the United States in 1873 and took up their abode on section 28, Fremont township, Page county, Iowa, the father at that time purchasing forty acres of land to which he afterward added a tract of similar extent as his financial resources made further invest- ment possible. He then carried on his farm work upon that place until his life's labors were ended in death, about 1897. His wife survived him for more than a decade, passing away in the spring of 1908.


C. G. Peterson, whose name introduces this record, was educated in the schools of Sweden and was eighteen years of age when the family crossed the briny deep. The following year he started out to earn his own liveli-


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hood, being employed the first year as a farm hand at a wage of seventeen dollars a month. He devoted ten years to farm labor and then began farming on his own account, renting land. For two years he cultivated the Russell farm in Fremont township and in the fall of 1885 he purchased eighty acres of his present farm. In the spring of 1886 he removed to this place and has since purchased two other forty acre tracts, so that he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. This farm he has care- fully cultivated until it is now a valuable property, well equipped with modern conveniences, while the latest improved machinery is used to facili- tate the work of the fields. That he is prosperous is indicated in the fact that in 1908 he made further investment in property, becoming owner of two hundred and forty acres of land in Kingsbury county, South Dakota. He carried on general farming and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates that his labors are so directed that he is meeting with sub- stantial success.


On the 3d of November, 1886, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Selma C. Strom, who was then living in Tarkio township. She had been brought to this country from Sweden when four years of age by her parents and had been carefully trained in the duties of the house- hold through her girlhood days, so that she was well equipped to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have been born four children, of whom three are living: Herbert F., who is attending the Western Normal College at Shenandoah ; Martin and Gilbert. The sons are all at home and assist in the cultivation of the farm. Their father's example may well serve as a stimulus to them, showing what may be accomplished by persistent, earnest effort.


Mr. Peterson is a republican and, keeping well informed on the ques- tions and issues of the day, is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He has served as road supervisor and favors the care and im- provement of the public highways. He has also been school director and is a champion of progressive cducation He appreciates the opportunities which the new world afforded him for advancement and is loyal in his allegiance to his adopted land where, unhampered by caste or class labor and energy may win its legitimate reward.


ED HAKES.


Ed Hakes is one of the extensive farmers of Page county, engaged in the cultivation of nine hundred and sixty acres of land, most of which lies in Nebraska township. In all of his business affairs he displays keen discern- ment and undaunted enterprise, combined with the spirit of determination which ultimately overcomes all obstacles and leads to success.


Ile is one of the county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Noda- way township, November 27, 1860. His parents were Henry Harrison and Anna ( Palmer) Hakes, and the father, now a retired farmer of Clarinda,


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was one of the pioneer settlers of the county. He was born in Onondaga county, New York, June 25, 1830, and was a son of Nathan Hakes, a native of Albany, New York, and a grandson of Albert Hakes, a native of England. Coming to this country he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and his son, Nathan Hakes, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The latter mar- ried Margaret Bush, who was born at Greenbush, New York, about four miles from Albany, and was of German lineage. Unto Nathan Hakes and his wife were born ten children, of whom Henry was the youngest. He was a lad of four years when the family became residents of Delaware county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. His mother died when he was twelve years of age and Nathan Hakes passed away in Seneca county, Ohio, at the age of seventy-two years.


Henry H. Hakes was reared to farm life, receiving ample training in the work of the fields, although his educational opportunities were limited to three months attendance at school. Experience, however, has brought him many valuable lessons, and reading in his leisure moments has also greatly broadened his knowledge. During the period of his youth Dela- ware county, Ohio, was a wild and unsettled region, in which the residents had to employ every available means at hand to secure the comforts of life that were not purchasable as there were no near-by markets nor would the financial resources of the family have permitted their obtaining such by purchase. He therefore learned to best employ his time, his talents and his opportunities and thus qualify for the experiences of pioneer life in Iowa. He was married November 27, 1852, to Anna Palmer, a native of Rich- land county, Ohio, and a daughter of William P. Palmer, a native of Eng- land. Her mother bore the maiden name of Hannah Rose and she, too, was of English birth. They came to America on a sailing ship, which was nine weeks and five days in completing the voyage. Through adverse winds it drifted to Cuba but finally landed in New York. They had three children who were born in the old country and one, an infant, died while on ship- board. Four others were added to the family here. The children were: Mary, Elizabeth, Katharine, Louisa, Sarah and Anna, all of whom mar- ried, reared families and became well-to-do. All established homes in Iowa in the '50s.




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