History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II, Part 47

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 47


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medicine under the preceptorship of Drs. Humphrey and Kauffman of Lake City, lowa, pursuing his studies during his leisure hours, while at the same time he retained his position with the railroad company. In 1901 he entered the medical department of the Iowa State University, graduating from that institution with the class of 1905.


Having thus carefully prepared for his profession he went to Liscomb, Iowa, where he remained for one year in charge of the practice of a physi- cian at that piace. In 1906, however, he came to Essex and although he has been here but three years he has already become widely known and his services are in demand not only in this city but in the surrounding districts as well. He keeps in touch with the progress that is made by the medical fraternity through his membership in the Iowa State Medical Society and in the American Institute of Homeopathy.


Dr. Okerlin was married in 1905 to Miss Sue Denne, of Atlantic, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with two daughters, Amy and Ruth. The Doctor gives his political support to the republican party, while his fraternal relations are with Mountain Lodge, No. 360, A. F. & A. M., and with Essex Camp, No. 3297, M. W. A., and he is acting as medical examiner of both these organizations. He is also identified with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a college fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are hospitable young people, enjoying the warm regard of many friends, and if the present professional standing of the Doctor is any criterion to go by, no doubt the future holds still greater success for him.


EDWARD S. WELCH.


Edward S. Welch is proprietor and sole owner of the Mount Arbor nurseries of Shenandoah and his business career has been marked by steady progress resulting from his close application and unfaltering energy, to- gether with an intelligent recognition and use of the opportunities that have been presented. He was born near Williamsburg, Sangamon county, Illinois, February 8, 1869, and is a son of Ebenezer Hillis and Keziah (Yowell) Welch, both of whom were natives of Indiana and removed to Illinois with their respective parents. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion and in 1869 formed one of the vanguard of pioneers to southwestern lowa. He located at that time in Fremont county, where he purchased a tract of land and made his home until 1879. Ile then sold out and removed to western Kansas but remained for only two years in that state. Return- ing to Iowa in the fall of 1881, he spent the winter in Sidney and in March, 1882, came to Page county, settling in Shenandoah, where he passed his remaining years in quiet retirement from business, enjoying rest which he had truly earned and richly deserved. He died October 26, 1886, at the age of fifty-two years, while his wife survives at the age of sixty-six years and resides in Shenandoah.


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Edward S. Welch was reared under the parental roof, accompanying his parents on their removal to Iowa in his infancy. His entire life, therefore, has been passed in this state save for the brief period spent in Kansas, and his education has been acquired in the district schools, in the public schools of Shenandoah and in the Western Normal College of this city. As early as his twelfth year he worked at farmi labor, hiring out by the month, and his life record has at all times been one of diligence, perseverance and industry.


On coming to Shenandoah-he was then thirteen years of age-he se- cured work in the nurseries of D. S. Lake and there laid the foundation for his subsequent successful business career. While thus employed he learned every detail of tree culture. He remained in the service of Mr. Lake for the greater part of nine years and while thus engaged-in 1887-he began growing nursery stock on his own account. He remained, however, with Mr. Lake until 1891, when he left his employ and in connection with E. F. Martin, now of Red Lands, California, purchased of the firm of Howard & Latimer the Mount Arbor nurseries, which had been established by T. E. B. Mason in 1875. For a year thereafter the business was conducted under the firm name of Martin & Welch, but in 1892 Mr. Welch purchased his part- ner's interest and has since been sole proprietor. Under his capable manage- ment and wise guidance the business has been built up to its present magni- tude. The first year's business under Martin & Welch amounted to eight thousand dollars and today the sales reach one hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually-the result of the business ability and careful direction of Mr. Welch. In the first place he resolved to furnish high grade nursery stock, knowing that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. As liis patronage increased he enlarged his nurseries until today his plant is one of the best equipped in the United States. He has commodious buildings for the handling of the stock and a railway track has been built by the side of the buildings so that shipments are most casily made. He has seven hundred acres of land in use for the cultivation of his nursery stock and today his name is known in this connection throughout the entire country for he has built up an extensive and profitable business.


In addition to his other interests he is a stockholder and director in the Shenandoah National Bank and in the Shenandoah Brick & Tile Company. I Fis associates recognize in him one of the leading business men of the city, alert and enterprising. He never regards any position as final but rather as the starting point for still further accomplishment. He manifests rare ability in discriminating between the essential and the non-essential and also in the coordinating of force, into a uniform and harmonious whole.


Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Welch was married in December, 1891, to Miss Ida A. Boydstun of Abingdon, Illinois, and to them has been born one child, Gertrude F., who is attending high school. They have re- cently adopted a son, Wayne N. They are widely and favorably known socially and the generous hospitality of their own home makes it a favorite resort with many friends. They hold membership in the Congregational church, in the work of which they are much interested, Mr. Welch serving as a member of the board of trustees. Ile is likewise a member of the Shen-


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andoah library board and is interested in the various movements and measures that relate to the city's progress and advancement along many lines. His fraternal relations are with Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, F. & A. M .; Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M. : and the Eastern Star. He is also connected with Page Camp, No. 1049, M. W. A., and with Three Oaks Camp, No. 52, of the Royal Neighbors.


His political allegiance is given to the republican party where national questions are involved but at local elections he votes independently. For twelve years he has served as a member of the Shenandoah school board and his advocacy of public education is manifest in his earnest efforts to secure competent teachers and to advance the interests of the schools. He stands today as a splendid example of the self-made man who recognizes and uses his opportunities to the best advantage, placing his dependence ever upon indefatigable energy and unfaltering diligence.


JOHN L. MOORE.


A considerable percentage of the county's successful business and pro- fessional men are numbered among her native sons, for the growth and development of southwestern Jowa, with its enlarging possibilities and opportunities, have afforded scope for the labors and ambitions of those who have grown to manhood here. John L. Moore was born in Page county, March 27, 1872, his parents being William J. and Mary E. (Leonard) Moore. Although for many years the father followed the occupation of farming in providing for the support of himself and family, he is now living retired in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence which was the reward of his previous labors. He makes his home in Braddyville, Page county.


As a public-school student John I. Moore mastered the common branches of learning and continued his education at Amity College in College Springs, Iowa. He started out in business life as a farmer, first purchasing forty acres of land, to which he has added from time to time as his financial re- sources have increased until now he is the owner of four hundred acres of valuable farm property. His realty possessions also include two residences in Clarinda. As the years went by he carefully tilled the soil, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and carrying on his farm work along most progressive lines. Year by year his agricultural interests were care- fully and successfully conducted until 1904, when he put aside the work of the fields and removed to Clarinda. In addition to his realty interests in Iowa he also owns land in Colorado. After taking up his abode in the city he conducted the Farmers Feed Yard, which covers a half block. This he sold out sometime later and in 1906 concentrated his energies exclusively on the real-estate business, having for two years before engaged quite largely in buying and selling property. He handles farm lands mostly and is thoroughly conversant with realty values and the possibilities for profitable


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investment. In 1908 he entered into partnership with William E. Whitta- ker, under the firm name of Moore & Whittaker, and they now handle a large amount of the real estate business in Clarinda and also have an ex- tensive clientage in the insurance business, both branches being now profit- ably managed and conducted.


Mr. Moore was married to Miss Mary S. Young, of Clarinda, a daughter of George W. Young, who was a brick mason and auctioneer. The wedding was celebrated on the 12th of October, 1898, and now there are four children in the household: Floyd D., Ethel A., Laura M. and LeRoy L.


Mr. Moore exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party, believing that its principles are best cal- culated to conserve good government. In his fraternal relations he is con- nected with the Odd Fellows and with the Knights of Pythias. He has not only made friends but holds them to him with the compelling power of genuine sympathy and helpfulness.


AMOS BEERY.


Amos Beery, who for many years was identified with agricultural in- terests in this part of Iowa, is now living retired in Shambaugh in the en- joyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 5. 1850, but was only six months of age at the time of the removal of his parents to Adams county. Indiana. Ile is the son of Daniel and Magdalene (Hamm) Beery, the former a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and the latter of Germany. She was brought to the United States when but six months old. Following the removal of the family to Indiana, the father died in Adams county about 1856 and ten years later the mother came to Page county, where she continued to reside until her demise. In their family were four children: Amos; Noah, who is living in Missouri; Amanda, the wife of Abe Stemen, a resident farmer of Amity township; and Daniel, who was born after his father's death and is now deceased.


Amos Beery lost his father when only six years of age. He continued a resident of Adams county. Indiana, until sixteen and then came with his mother to Page county, Iowa, in 1866. Ilis education was largely acquired in the former state, for after coming to Page county his time and energies were largely devoted to the task of providing for his own living. He re- mained here until his marriage, when he went to Neosha county, Kansas, where he lived for five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Page county, where he has since made his home. He has been a lifelong farmer and is now the owner of a valuable property comprising three hun- dred and eighteen acres of rich and arable land included within two farms. He also owns two good lots in the town of Shambaugh, where he resides, and a substantial brick residence at the south edge of the village. Of his farm land, eighty acres is situated on section 12, Amity township, while the remainder is on section 6, Buchanan township. He removed from the farm


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in Amity township to Shambangh about three years ago and is now prac- tically living retired, save for the supervision which he gives to his invest- ments and general agricultural interests. He has always made a specialty of raising cattle and hogs and has also fed considerable stock. In his busi- ness affairs he displays sound judgment and indefatigable energy and what- ever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion.


Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Beery was married in 1871 to Miss Laura Woods, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, January 1, 1854, and was brought to Page county in 1865 by her parents, Enoch and Nancy (Washburn) Woods, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. Her father died in Kansas, and her mother now resides in Neosha county, that state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beery have been born twelve chil- dren: Noah E., a farmer of Amity township; Enoch, who is living in Cler- mont, Missouri ; Nora, who died at the age of nine months ; Nancy, the wife of Abe Wolf, of Shambaugh ; Bessie, the wife of Scott McClarnen, of Amity ; Jennie, the wife of Burt C. Hoskins, of Buchanan township; Jesse A. L., of East River township: Lulu, who is living in Omaha, Nebraska ; Melvin, at home ; Leona, who died February 14, 1908, at the age of sixteen years ; Gertrude and Myrtle, twins. Mr. and Mrs. Beery also have thirteen grand- children.


Mr. Beery is a member of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ church of Shambaugh, in which he is serving as deacon. His influence is always given on the side of morality, truth and righteousness. He is also a stalwart ad- vocate of the cause of temperance and votes as he prays, giving his alle- giance to the prohibition party. He not only advocates but does that which is right and his sterling honesty and integrity of character have gained him the trust, respect and good will of his fellowmen.


GEORGE G. LONG.


George G. Long, a resident of Shambaugh, largely devotes his time and energies to the purchase and sale of farms, although in former years he was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits. His life record began on the 9th of November, 1849, at the parental home about eight miles east of Columbus, Ohio. He was one of a family of seven children born unto Edward and Katharine (Reid) Long. The father was a native of Frank- lin county, Ohio, born in 1820, while the mother's birth occurred in Picka- way county, Ohio, in 1819. Edward Long was a blacksmith by trade and conducted a smithy and carriage-making shop in Ohio, where he continued to live until about 1855, when he removed westward to Eddyville, Lee county, Iowa. In the spring of 1856 he took up his abode in Clarinda, at which time the town contained only five houses. He bought out the first blacksmith shop in the village and conducted it for a few years, after which he rented it to the firm of Harrold & Chamberlin. He then removed to a farm two and a half miles west of Shambaugh, taking up his abode on a


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half section of land in Amity township, which he had entered from the gov- ernment in 1853. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place, but with characteristic energy he began its development and converted it into rich and productive fields. There lie resided until the spring of 1863, after which he removed to a farm about two miles southcast of Clarinda. Upon that place he resided until his death, which occurred in November, 1864. His widow long survived him, passing away on the 8th of May, 1907, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. She was then living in Loup City, Nebraska. Both were active members of the Methodist Epis- copal church throughout their entire lives. In their family were seven chil- dren, of whom two died in infancy, the others being : Hannah, who died at the age of sixteen years ; George G., of this review ; Ella R., a resident of Chicago; Elmer Ellsworth, who died at the age of thirty years ; and John W., of Loup City, Nebraska.


George G. Long was a little lad of but six summers when his parents came to lowa and was not yet seven years of age at the time of the removal to Page county, where he has since made his home. He was a youth of about fifteen years when his father died. At that time the family removed to Clarinda, where they lived for a few years, after which they returned to the farm. In 1872 George G. Long was married and resided on the home farm for a year, after which he purchased eighty acres of land in East River township and made his home thereon for seventeen years. At the expiration of that period he sold his property and removed to a place a half mile south- west of Shambaugh, purchasing eighty acres, on which he continued to re- side for fourteen years. During that period he transformed the tract into rich and arable fields, from which he annually gathered large harvests. As the years passed he prospered and in 1906 lie erected a pleasant home in Shambangh, a house of nine rooms, which is one of the finest in the village. Here he now lives and for some time he has given his attention to the pur- chase and sale of farms, handling farm property in Iowa and Missouri but mostly in the latter state. His sound judgment and discrimination enable him to make judicious investments and profitable sales and his business is now a most satisfactory one.


As previously stated Mr. Long was married in 1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Molly F. Marshall, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in May, 1852. Unto them were born two children, but the son, Edward, died in infancy. The daughter, Gladys M., is now the wife of William R. Hill, who is living a mile and a half south of Shambaugh, and they have four children: Gertrude Marie, Marry, Gerald and Kenneth Reid.


Mr. and Mrs. Long are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they take a deep interest. They contribute liber- ally to its support and do all in their power to promote its various activities, Mr. Long serving as superintendent of the Sunday school for the past twelve years, while in other ways he has been officially connected with the church and its work. ITis political allegiance is given to the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to the office of mayor. He does not seck office, however, but desires rather to


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perform his public services as a private citizen, aiding in public measures by his influence and cooperation. His life has been actuated by laudable ambition and characterized by unfaltering diligence and perseverance, and his history proves that success is ambition's answer.


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J. W. ORME.


Starting out in the business world empty-handed, J. W. Orme has grad- ually worked his way upward until today he stands among the substantial citizens and wealthy landowners of Page county owning five hundred and forty acres of land in Valley township, this county, and one hundred acres in Taylor county, Iowa. He is a native of the Buckeye state, born in Knox county May 25, 1845, and is one of a family of seven children whose par- ents were William and Elizabeth (Dum) Orme. The father was born in Maryland and the mother in Ohio, where they made their home until 1854, in which year they came westward to Iowa, entering land from the govern- ment in Page county. Here they spent their remaining years, the father passing away in 1874, while the mother survived for several years and died May 16, 1888.


J. W. Orme is the younger of the two surviving children of the father's family, and his brother is also a resident of Valley township. J. W. Orme remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty- four years, during which time he assisted his father in the work of the fields, plowing, planting and harvesting, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the common schools. When he started out to face the responsi- bilities of life he choose the occupation to which he had been reared and for three years operated rented land. He then bought eighty acres of the farm which is now his home. He improved this property with a substantial farin dwelling and many outbuildings, and from time to time, as his finan- cial condition permitted, he added to his holdings until his place now com- prises a section of land, situated in Valley township. He carries on general farming but gives his time more particularly to the raising of stock, keeping high grade animals, and this has proved a very gratifying source of income to him.


On December 6, 1881, Mr. Orme was married to Miss Ada A. Tice in Page county, and their home has been blessed with five children, three sons and two daughters: Albert, Della, Frank and Nellie, the other son having died in infancy.


The parents are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Mr. Orme gives his political endorsement to the republican party but aside from serving as school director has never held public office, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his private business interests, which have now assumed extensive proportions. The ideals of men like Mr. Orme, their personality, the history of their lives and their profound sense of integrity could be made the text of a lesson from which


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the young men of today could study success, for starting out in life with no capital save his ambition and determination, he has steadily forged his way to the front until he is now one of the wealthy and large landowners of Page county. His success, however, has been acquired only through the most honorable methods.


DAVID S. LAKE.


As civilization advances on the frontier agriculture becomes the first department of business to which the pioneer directs his energies. From the soil must be produced those foods which sustain life and constitute a mar- ketable commodity that other necessities may be secured. With the set- tlement of a district, however, business interests become more diversified and complex and not only is attention directed to the tilling of the soil for the production of cereals but interest is also awakened in the possibilities of raising fruit and of cultivating trees and shrubs. Thus there is a demand for nursery stock and the pioneer in the development of a business of this character in Page county was David S. Lake, now proprietor of the Shen- andoah Nursery.


A native of New Hampshire, he was born in Merrimack county, Janu- ary 27. 1845, a son of David and Julia B. (Sanborn) Lake. Both the Lake and Sanborn families were established in the Old Granite state in pioneer times and Robert Lake, the grandfather, traced his ancestry be- yond the seas to English origin. The Sanborn family produced many able men especially famed in educational circles. Professor E. D. Sanborn, of Dartmouth College and Dyer 11. Sanborn, a celebrated educator of New Hampshire, were brothers of Mrs. Lake, and John R. Sanborn was an en- fluential member of the Canadian parliament.


David S. Lake was the third in order of birth in a family of five chil- dren and upon the old New England farm he remained until sixteen years of age, after which he pursued a thorough course at l'ittsfield Academy, wherein he continued his studies to the age of nineteen. Attracted by the unfolding opportunities of the growing west he then sojourned for a brief period in Wisconsin but soon took up the profession of teaching in Illinois. He was thus engaged for five years, when he turned his atten- tion to the nursery business as an employe at Prairie City, Illinois, whence he removed to Iowa in 1870. Here he established the Shenandoah Nur- sery, investing a limited capital of about four hundred dollars. He planted ten acres of rented land to nursery stock and, increasing his business as his financial resources have permitted, he has enjoyed a constantly growing patronage. It has been his policy to make every order, however small, perfectly satisfactory and this won him a most desirable reputation and led to the increase of his trade until he was obliged to give his entire attention to the wholesale department of his business. His enterprise has kept abreast with the growth of the city and the development of this part of the


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country, being today one of the largest nurseries in the west. Something of its development is indicated by the fact that over four hundred acres are now devoted exclusively to growing its stock and over one hundred acres are planted in stock annually. The north packing shed covers an acre of ground, is built of brick and is a fire-proof and frost-proof structure. Mr. Lake has trained his two sons, A. F. and Ralph Lake, to the business and they have taken up the responsibilities of the enterprise and are proving worthy and valuable assistants to their father. The company now em- ploys one hundred and fifty people and their nursery plant embraces build- ing after building erected in the most approved manner in which all of the different things are done to perfect the trees and shrubs for market. Their stock includes goods imported from France and other foreign countries but their specialty is apple seedlings and the company supplies the market with this product.




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