USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. II > Part 47
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He arrived in America in 1863, having borrowed the money to pay his passage. For a time he resided in castern Pennsylvania, where he was em- ployed at common labor. He was, however. a carpenter by trade and fol- lowed that pursuit to some extent in the east in connection with other lines of work. His first purchase of land made him owner of the farm which is still his home. As stated, he came to Pottawattamie county in 1876, and has since lived upon this place, although he has in the meantime extended its boundaries. He first became owner of eighty acres and has added to the prop- erty until he now has one hundred and sixty acres of land which is well im- proved.
Mr. Jones was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Ellen Thomas, also a native of Wales. whence she came to America in her girlhood days with her parents, who died in Pennsylvania many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have five children. two of whom were born in the Keystone state and three in this county, namely: Sarah, who is the wife of S. D. McLean, of Grove township, and has seven children: Margaret, the wife of L. Richardson, of
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Missouri, by whom she has four children; Miriam, the wife of Frank Wil- liams, of Montgomery county, Iowa, by whom she has one daughter; Edith, the wife of T. A. Thomas, of Montgomery county, by whom she has two children ; and William, who is operating the home farm.
Politically Mr. Jones is a republiean, and while he discharges the duties of citizenship with a sense of conscientious obligation, he has never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Congrega- tional church and is interested in every department of its work, but is most active perhaps in support of home and foreign missions, contributing very liberally to this cause, which is undenominational .. He is particularly in- terested in the work in China, India and Africa and does what he can for the spread of the gospel in heathen lands. His religious belief is manifest in his daily life, in his honor in business, in his consideration for the rights of others and in his devotion to high ideals.
A. H. SMITH.
A. H. Smith is a self-made man, whose life of activity and well directed labor finds visible evidence in his well improved farm of three hundred and ninety acres in Hazel Dell township. He also owns a beautiful residence at the corner of Locust and Oak streets in Council Bluffs. From the age of eighteen years he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources and such a record should serve to encourage others, showing what can be aceom- plished through intelligently directed labor.
Mr. Smith is a native of Buffalo, Michigan, born July 10, 1853. His father, Anthony Smith, whose birth occurred in Ohio, was a veterinary sur- geon and traveled all over the country. He made the overland trip to Col- orado and about 1861 settled in Council Bluffs. Twenty-five years ago he made a trip to the west and after a few letters home was never heard from again. His wife, Mrs. Margaret Smith, was born in New Jersey and died in Council Bluffs at the age of seventy-six years. Their marriage, which was celebrated in La Porte county, Indiana, was blessed with three children but one is now deceased, the brother of our subject being Alva Smith, a real- estate dealer of Council Bluffs.
A. H. Smith was but eight years of age at the time of the removal of the family to this county and his boyhood days were spent in Council Bluffs, his public-school education being supplemented by a course in Bryant & Stratton Business College of that city. At the age of eighteen years he started out in life on his own account. He had no capital but he possessed the more substantial qualities of industry, energy and determination. He resolved that he would win success if he could do so by consecutive and hon- orable labor. His first purchase of land consisted of eighty acres, to which he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he is now the owner of a valuable property of three hundred and ninety aeres in Hazel Dell township. Here he is successfully carrying on general
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MR. AND MRS. A. II. SMITIL.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATION8.
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farming, his place presenting a neat and attractive appearance, showing the owner to be a man of progressive spirit and a thorough agriculturist. He has also bought residence property in Council Bluffs, having a beautiful house there at the corner of Locust and Oak streets. He has had no assistance save that rendered him by his estimable wife, who has carefully managed the household affairs and thus been of much aid to her husband in his work.
Mrs. Smith bore the maiden name of Emma C. Peterson. She was born in Pottawattamie county and married in Council Bluffs. Her father, Peter Peterson, a farmer of Garner township, is now deceased. She has two sisters living: Mrs. Josephine Woodworth, of Council Bluffs; and Mrs. Christina Smith, who is living in Norwalk township. Unto our subject and his wife were born four children, of whom George W., the eldest, died at the age of eighteen years, while one died in infancy. Clara E. and Howard L. are yet at home.
The parents are members of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints and Mr. Smith is a republican in politics, having been unfaltering support to the party since reaching the age of twenty-one. He has served as township trustee for three years and has done effective service in behalf of the cause of education as a member of the school board. His fellow citi- zens accord him their respect because of what he has accomplished and their trust by reason of the honorable methods that he has ever followed.
JACOB A. HETRICK.
Jacob A. Hetrick, living on section 36. York township, was born in Scott county, lowa, April 13, 1870, and when but six years of age was brought 10 Pottawattamie county by his parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Auman) Het- riek. The father. a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1833, and was reared and married there, his wife, however, being a native of Ohio. Removing westward to Towa they settled near Davenport, where the father followed farming for a few years. Then in 1876 he brought his family to Potta- wattamie county, establishing his home upon a farm in York township, which he purchased. There he secured one hundred and sixty acres of land and afterward added to this place until he owned three hundred and sixty aeres, divided into three farms. His remaining days were passed in this county, where for long years he was classed with the representative and leading agri- culturists. He died in 1895, having for five years survived his wife, who passed away in 1890. In their family were four sons and three daughters, all of whom are yet living.
Jacob A. Hetrick was largely reared on the old home farm amid the conditions and environments of pioneer life. The common schools afforded him his educational advantages, his studies being pursued during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked at farm labor, continuing to aid his father in the development and cultivation of the fields until after he had attained his majority.
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On the 22d of October, 1892, occurred an important event in his life- his marriage to Miss Anna Stewart, who was born and reared in this county and engaged in teaching prior to her marriage. Subsequent to this event Mr. and Mrs. Hetrick located on the farm where they now reside, commencing with an eighty acre tract of land. Later he built the residence which he now occupies-a large two-story dwelling, attractive in its style of architec- ture, comfortable in its arrangement and in its furnishings. Not far distant stands a good barn and there is a windpump and feedmill on his place. The latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the work of the fields, and, in fact, everything about the farm indicates practical, progressive methods. The fields are well fenced and in addition to cultivating the crops he also raises some fruit. He likewise makes a business of raising, feeding and fattening stock, shipping from three to four carloads of cattle and about a hundred head of hogs annually. He is a successful business man and stock-feeder, owing to his unfaltering perseverance and the sound judgment which is brought to bear in the management of his business interests.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hetrick have been born three children: Ivan, and Velma and Thelma, twins. In the community the parents are much esteemed as people of genuine worth. Mr. Hetrick is connected with Oakfield lodge of the Modern Woodmen, and he votes with the republican party. He has been a delegate to county conventions and does everything in his power to promote the success of his party and extend its influence. He is recognized as a public-spirited man who had the best interests of the community at heart, as is manifest by his tangible efforts for the public good and the active co-operation which he gives to many measures which are advanced for the promotion of its material, social, political and intellectual interests.
THOMAS KEAST.
Thomas Keast, who dated his residence in this county from 1877, was a self-made man, who came empty-handed from England to the new world to enjoy in its better business conditions the broader opportunities which were to lead him to success. He followed farming on section 31, Macedonia township. His birth occurred in Cornwall, England, August 9, 1844, and of that country his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Talling) Keast, were also natives .. The father died in 1848, but the mother is still living at the very advanced age of ninety-one years and is yet hale and hearty. She resided alone for a number of years, doing her own housework, but about a year ago she went to live with a grandchild.
Thomas Keast was reared in the land of his birth, and in early life was connected with the occupation of farming, but afterward turned his attention to mining. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Eliza Grace Oliver, whom he wedded March 3, 1865. She was born in Corn- wall, England. April 27, 1846, and was a schoolmate of Mr. Keast in their
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childhood days. Her parents were William and Elizabeth (Matthews) Oliver.
Four years after their marriage the young couple sailed for the United States, taking passage on a vessel which weighed anchor at Liverpool and sailed for New York. They did not tarry in the east, however, but proceeded into the interior of the country, spending one year at Rockford, Winnebago county. They then took up their abode upon a farm at New Milford, where they lived for four years and afterward removed to the vicinity of Linnville, Ogle county, Illinois, where they made their home until 1877. That year witnessed their arrival in Pottawattamie county, and Mr. Keast purchased eighty acres of the home farm, whereon he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred June 9, 1895. He had prospered in his undertakings and left an estate of three hundred and eighty acres, all in one body. Of this eighty acres was on section 36. Silver Creek township, and the remainder in Macedonia township, the home standing on section 31. Almost his entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he followed no other occupation after coming to Pottawattamie county. In addition to tilling the soil he engaged quite extensively in raising stock and both branches of his business proved profitable. In February preceding his death he removed into the present fine residence which stands upon the farm and which he had just completed. It is now a monument to his thrift and enterprise. The greater part of his place was unbroken prairie when it came into his posses- sion, but he converted it into rich and productive fields, which he brought into a high state of fertility. He set out a grove and made many other mod- ern improvements and in the course of years the farm became one of the valuable properties of the neighborhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Keast became the parents of seven children, of whom the eldest two were born in England. Emma is the wife of D. D. Clark, of Gregory, South Dakota, and has six children: Charles, Nettie, Frank, Flor- ence, Morris and Janey. Samuel is married and has three children, Earl, Evelyn and a baby unnamed. William operates the home farm for his mother. John, living at Huntley, Harlan county, Nebraska, is married and has a daughter, Rena Grace. Elizabeth is the wife of Walter Casson, of Silver Creek township. and has six children: Charles, Ernest, Oda, Roy, Chester and Allen. Frank, living in Macedonia township, has four children : Roy, Gladys, Marian and Fay. Charles, the youngest of the family, resides upon a part of the old home farm and is married and has three sons: Edgar, Walter and Lawrence.
In his political views Mr. Keast was a republican from the time when he became a naturalized American citizen. He was not prominent in politi- cal circles, however, preferring to devote his time to his family, and he de- rived his greatest happiness from providing for the welfare and comfort of his wife and children. His financial condition at the time of his death was in marked contrast to his position when he arrived in the new world. He had to borrow money in order to come to the United States, and started here, therefore, in debt. When he settled upon the home farm in Macedonia town- ship there was only a small four-room house on the place. That he lived
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a life of activity and energy is indicated by the fine appearance of the farin, in the midst of which stands a commodious and attractive residence built in modern style of architecture. Mr. Keast, however, did not get to enjoy his new home for any length of time, as death claimed him and he passed from earthly toil to the rest beyond. His diligence and perseverance in former years enabled him to leave his family in comfortable financial cir- cumstances.
JAMES HADFIELD.
James Hadfield is numbered among the leading farmers and has also for a long period been a resident of the county, taking up his abode here in 1881. He settled in Neola township, where he now owns five hundred and forty acres of rich land that in its productiveness annually returns rich harvests, making Mr. Hadfield one of the successful agriculturists of this part of the state. He is of English birth and parentage, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in Chestershire, England, January 31, 1838. There he was reared, and when but eight years of age went to the coal mines, where he was continuously employed until he attained his majority. His educational advantages were necessarily limited and he had practically no opportunities in other directions, but his youth of strenuous toil did not crush out his ambition, while on the contrary the conditions of the old country served to stimulate him to a search for something better. The favorable reports which he heard concerning America and her interests and advantages led him to take passage on a sailing vessel which in April, 1859, weighed anchor in the harbor of Liverpool.
In the meantime Mr. Hadfield had been married in England to Miss Mary Ormson, a native of that country. When twenty-one years of age he made the voyage across the briny deep and went to St. Clair county, Illinois, where he followed mining from 1859 until 1879, being foreman at the St. Clair coal mines during the last five years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Tipton, Moniteau county, Missouri, where he followed farm- ing. He arrived in Pottawattamie county in 1881, but afterward returned to Missouri, where he again engaged in farming for a year. Selling out on the expiration of that period, he once more came to Pottawattamie county in 1882, and has since lived within its borders, his time and energies being given to general agricultural pursuits.
By his first marriage Mr. Hadfield had four children, of whom two are now living, the elder being Sarah Carlson, the wife of Oscar Carlson, a farmer of Neola township, by whom she has four children, Alvin, Ralph, Mary and Alfred. William O., the surviving son, married Kate Bateman, by whom he has two children, William and Ruth. His attention is given to farming at Neola. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Hadfield was married in St. Louis, Missouri, June 13, 1874, his second union being with Anna Handbury, a native of England, who came to America in early womanhood. Unto this
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marriage have been born six sons, but they lost the second in infancy. The others are: James E., at home; Joseph P., who married Martha Dewey and lives on his father's farm; Frank, who wedded Nettie Wittmore, by whom he has one daughter, Hazel, and also lives on his father's farm; George A., a farmer of Neola; and John H.
Following his removal to Pottawattamie county Mr. Hadfield rented land for two years. Careful expenditure and untiring industry during that period brought him capital sufficient to enable him to make purchase of one hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which he began farming on his own account, subsequently adding another one hundred and twenty acres to the original tract. He improved the first place, putting good buildings upon it and later he bought one hundred and sixty acres. His next purchase brought him forty acres adjoining the home place and still later he added one hundred acres, all of his land being now well improved. His possessions have thus been increased from time to time until he has five hundred and forty acres in Neola township, making him one of its large landowners and prosperous citizens. He has been feeding cattle for ten years, shipping an- nually from two to three carloads and also a carload of hogs. To some extent he has made a specialty of Durham cattle. For nineteen years he lived upon the farm and then removed to Neola in 1901, building there a good home. From his property he derives a gratifying annual income that sup- plies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
In polities Mr. Hadfield is independent, voting for men and measures rather than for party ties. He has served as road supervisor and as school director, but the honors and emoluments of office have had little attraction for him. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his life has exemplified many sterling traits of character. not the least of which are his diligence and fair dealing in all business relations. He early realized the value of persistent labor and the fact that all success rests thereon. To this end he put forth earnest and consecutive effort which. guided by sound judgment, keen -agacity and business discernment, have gained him a place among the prosperous residents of the county, enabling him now to rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
HENRY PARKER.
Henry Parker arrived in Malvern, Iowa, with a cash capital of twenty- five cents, in which his brother was jointly interested. Today he is one of the leading stock breeders, raisers and shippers of Pottawattamie county, and those who read between the lines will learn the story of his elose application. determined purpose and unfaltering industry, whereby he has steadily ad- vanced from a most humble financial position to one of affluence.
He was born in Lincolnshire. England, December 4, 1848. and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Beet) Parker. The father arrived in Towa in 1883, and spent his last days in Mills county. His first wife died in
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England, and he crossed the Atlantic to the new world that he might marry his brother's widow, which was contrary to the laws of his native country. Henry Parker is one of a family of six sons: George, now deceased; Hon. Jolın Parker, of Mills county, who for two terms represented that county in the state legislature; James, of Mills county; Henry, of this review; Joseph, who is living near Oakland; and Philip, who died at the age of four years. There were also several sisters who died in early childhood.
The days of his boyhood and youth were . quietly passed by Henry Parker in the land of his nativity, where he remained until twenty-one years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic, hoping to enjoy better business oppor- tunities in the new world. He made his way to Malvern, Iowa, in 1870 in company with a brother, Joseph, and they resided in Mills county for ten years, after which Henry Parker removed to the farm in Silver Creek town- ship, Pottawattamie county, upon which he has since made his home. In England he worked as a farm hand save during the last six months of his residence in that country, when he was employed in a foundry. The favor- able reports which he heard concerning the United States, its business con- ditions and its opportunities, determined him to seek his fortune in the new world. He and his brother, however, had but twenty-five cents between them when they left the train at Malvern, Iowa, and both went to work on a farm by the month, having already two brothers, George and John Parker, who were thus employed in Iowa.
Henry Parker of this review worked by the month for two years and eight months, and then wishing that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he rented land, which he cultivated for seven years. He then made his first purchase of property, becoming owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 25, Silver Creek township, where he now lives. Upon the place was a small board shanty, but as the years have gone by he has se- cured modern equipments and facilities upon the farm, has erected sub- stantial buildings and now has a well improved place. He raises stock in addition to grain and has made a specialty of Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle. Five years ago he purchased a Percheron stallion, Dawson No. 27937, which was raised in Illinois and registered by M. L. Ayers, of Shenandoah, Iowa, who is widely known as a prominent importer. His live-stock interests both as a breeder and raiser of fine stock have con- tributed substantially to his success and his opinions are largely regarded as authority upon the matter of raising live-stock.
On the 14th of January, 1873, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wriggs, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Joseph Foxworthy, who now resides near Malvern at the venerable age of eighty- three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parker were born ten children: Louisa, now the wife of Zelma Hughes, of Mills county; Minnie Estella, the wife of Elton Lawson, of Silver Creek township; James Henry, living in Randolph. Nebraska; Fred William, of Silver Creek township; Bertha, the wife of Frank Keast, of this county; Robert Lincoln, of Silver Creek township; Elva May, the wife of Marcus L. Moats, of Randolph, Nebraska; John Sherman and Millie, both at home; and Marvin Merritt, who died at the age of two years.
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In his political views Mr. Parker is an earnest republican and for one term was township trustee. He also held a number of school offices, and the cause of education has found in him a warm and stalwart friend. He is particularly helpful in the Methodist Episcopal church in' which both he and his wife hold membership, aided in the erection of the house of worship, and is now serving as one of the church trustees. His father was a Methodist preacher engaged in regular pastoral work for about six years, while through- out the remainder of his life he was a local preacher. His son, Henry, has known him to walk twenty-six miles on Sunday and preach three sermons, after which he would take up the regular work of the farm on Monday morning. As the years have gone by Henry Parker has made substantial progress in a business way, and when one examines into his life record to find the secret of his success, it will be found in his close application and unfaltering diligence.
SAMUEL R. READ.
Samuel R. Read. who has departed this life, was classed with the sub- stantial citizens of Carson township, where he owned and cultivated one hun- dred and sixty acres of land on section 36. He made this a valuable property, owing to the excellent improvements which he placed upon it, and in con- nection with tilling the soil he likewise engaged in breeding fine stock. A native son of Indiana, he was born October 12, 1850, his parents being Na- than and Malinda (Van Scoy) Read, the former born in Virginia and the latter in Ohio. Their family numbered five sons and two daughters, of whom Samuel R. Read was the fourth child, the others being: Charles W., of Staples, Minnesota; William, who was killed in the Civil war; Smith, who is living at Tacoma, Washington; and Jesse. One sister, Nettie, became the wife of George George and died in Los Angeles, California, October 12, 1906. The other members of the family were half-sisters, born of the father's sec- ond marriage-Cora Bowles, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Phoebe, of Mason City. Towa. The mother died when her son, Samuel, was only twelve years of age, passing away in Illinois, and the father is now living in Staples, Minnesota. with his eldest son, at the age of eighty-five years.
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