USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 17
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In the same year in which Iowa College chose him as professor of mathematics and astronomy to solicit funds, the State Teachers Association elected him to its Vol. II-9
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presidency and he occupied the chair at the meeting of the State Teachers As- sociation held in Council Bluffs the following year. Later he was again chosen as the chief executive of the association but declined the honors. It has been characteristic of the life of Dr. Buck that duty has ever been with him the first consideration. He has refused honors and emoluments to remain with Grinnell College. He was offered the presidency of Talladega College, in Alabama, by the American Missionary Association in 1880 and although this would have meant advancement in honors and salary, he declined in order to remain with Grinnell College, where his interests had so long centered. In 1884. when George F. Magoun, the first president of the college, resigned, Professor Buck was chosen acting president and the work went forward without interruption, gaining in quality and quantity so that at the close of this triennium the attendance had in- creased over forty-three per cent and more money was raised for Grinnell College than during any similar period in its history of nearly six decades. There is per- haps no department of the college that has not been benefited materially and largely by the efforts of Dr. Buck, while in various directions his labors have been of inestimable value. In 1888 the Clark Equatorial telescope was given to the college and Professor Buck, who had been teaching astronomy without in- terruption since 1869, determined to obtain other equipment for the department. The usual success attended him in this undertaking and soon the astronomical department was supplied with a modern equipment for advanced instruction in the science of astronomy. In 1903 the degree of D. D. was bestowed upon Pro- fessor Buck by Tabor College, Iowa. After forty-two years' connection with the school Dr. Buck tendered his resignation, announcing his determination to retire from the active work of teaching, an announcement that was received with deep regret on the part of all who had been connected with the school. He had en- deared himself not only to his associate professors and teachers but also to the students of the college. In his work as a teacher he had always regarded the per- sonal equation and studied the individual needs of the pupil and had adapted his instruction thereto. Moreover, his pupils recognized his strong sympathy and his abiding spirit of helpfulness and therefore his work was an inspiration that prompted them to do their best.
In addition to his regular college work Dr. Buck had made regular weather reports from 1888 as a volunteer observer. He has also filled the office of county surveyor for twenty-one years, in which connection he was never loath to give his students an opportunity to aid him and thus supplement their college instruc- tion not only by practical experience but also by the attainment of funds of which many of them stood in need. An alumnus of Grinnell College, writing the bio- graphy of Dr. Buck, has said: "As one recalls the story of his life and thinks of the part which he has played in the building up, not only of the college and the town of Grinnell, but of the state as well, it is little wonder that he hesitates to point a moral or adorn the tale with words which cannot be more eloquent or force- ful than a statement of the simple facts. Moreover eulogy seems inappropriate here from the fact that Dr. Buck has never been one to court public notice or to desire public praise. But for the alumni of Iowa College who have learned to know this man and, knowing, to love him, the news of his resignation will in- voluntarily call up certain thoughts and lessons which associate themselves nat-
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urally with the story of his life and which it seems well to mention briefly at this time. If there is any one thing more than another which Dr. Buck's life and efforts illustrate it is perhaps the great amount of work which a man can ac- complish simply by living his life conscientiously from day to day and by work- ing patiently, tirelessly, calmly-without unseemly haste or worry. That Dr. Buck's days have been filled with hard, serious toil, none who have known of the various interests of his life will deny. One of his own household recalls many a day in earlier years when, wearied by the trials of a week's hard work, he would shut himself up alone on Saturday in order not to be disturbed while preparing a dis- course for his Chester or Gilman or Toledo congregation the following day. On Sunday morning he would be up and off early for the long drive to his pulpit where he would conduct one, two and often three services and then drive home and cheerfully begin the week's round over again early Monday morning. Yet his life has been characterized by tranquillity and patient reserve-a mark of culture which the much-boasted strenuousness of our present working-day world cares little for and which shames the hasty ways of little men.
"But the characteristic which we think most prominently associates itself with Dr. Buck in the minds of those who have been his students is his unfailing kind- ness and gentleness. He has always tried to be just and while holding up high ideals to others he has never been one to demand of others what he did not re- quire of himself. Like Chaucer's good priest, 'Christ's lore and His apostles twelve he taught, but first he followed it himselve.' Another conspicuous fea- ture in the life of this man has been the respect and high regard which he has always maintained for his calling. Whether preaching or teaching he has felt that he was doing God's good work and he has done it with a befitting dignity. Yet this dignity and self-respect could never be mistaken for bigotry or intoler- ance towards the views or acts of others. Being by nature conservative, he has held conservative views and was never accused of unorthodoxy, but he has been broad-minded enough to have respect for the opinions of others. In fact one may say he has been as a rule very reserved in expressing his own views except when he thought the time imperatively demanded it. On one such occasion at least he took a firm and decided stand when others questioned and hesitated, only to see his position justified by time. He possesses a real and keen sense of humor which has always found ready expression and this humor has been as unfailing as his kindness and his bright, cheerful manner has been a tonic and a lesson for those who have come in contact with him. Generosity has ever been another of his traits-a generosity which has led him to give to college, church, town and public interests far in excess of his means or his share, particularly in the early days of town and college. In regard to him a prominent graduate of the college ex- presses the common sentiment when he writes, 'He is one of the Pioneers of the college, a true friend to all students, and a kind Providence has found him so useful in the institution that two score years of labor have been measured out to him. It is a rare record ; one vouchsafed to but few persons. He ought to be proud of it and every son and daughter of Grinnell College is proud of Dr. Buck.' He has been in a very true sense a connecting link between the old and the new in our college life, for he has shared the privileges and helped bear the burdens of both. Young in spirit and in faith, he is old in service and rich in experience.
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Though by no means the last by whom the new has been tried he has never been the first to throw the old aside. Thus he has been a constant reminder of old ideals at the same time that he has been a conservative adopter of new ideas. If, as President Eliot has said, 'It is the greatest of human rewards to be enfolded as years advance in an atmosphere of honor, gratitude and love,' Dr. Buck has come as near realizing this supreme happiness as perhaps any one could. He has been blessed for over half a century with a wife in sympathy with all his aspira- tions, who 'wears the pure flower of a blameless life' and who has borne her full share of her husband's burdens as she has been joint participant in his joys. He has seen the college, whose success has been his ambition and care, grow from a weakling to its present state and has been allotted a prominent part in bringing about this development. He has won the respect and affection of all those who have had the interests of the college in their hearts and he has been in the truest sense 'the student's friend.'"
On November 17, 1909, the golden wedding of Dr. Buck and his wife was celebrated. At this time all their children now living were present. Edith C. Buck, professor in the Iowa Teachers College at Cedar Falls; Dr. Samuel C. Buck, a physician of Grinnell, and family ; and Irving J. Buck, a business man of St. Louis, Missouri, and family. Many friends called during the afternoon and evening to offer their congratulations. During the evening two songs written especially for the occasion were sung, one being composed by a college classmate, the other by two former pupils. Letters to the number of one hundred and fifty were received from acquaintances of note, from college classmates, from teachers in other institutions, from former pupils and from relatives, extending hearty con- gratulations and paying high tribute to the work accomplished in the world by Dr. Buck and his wife, and to their noble and useful lives. On this occasion, the house was filled with flowers, the gifts of friends and neighbors.
When names were selected for the Phi Beta Kappa chapter of Oberlin College, members of classes of years ago were chosen by vote of the surviving classmates and Dr. Buck was one of four of his class of 1858 to receive this mark of high attainment.
WILLIAM McDOWELL.
William McDowell, whose farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres in Washington township is proof of his business sagacity and who is at the head of one of the promising families in the township, is a native of Ireland. He was born in County Antrim, February 25, 1859, a son of David and Eliza ( Jam- eson) McDowell, both of whom were natives of County Antrim. The father was a laborer and resided during his entire life on the Emerald isle. The mother came to America in 1894 and took up her home at Oak Grove, Iowa. She passed away October 10, 1907, having then reached the age of seventy-six years and six months. Both she and her husband were sincere members of the Presbyterian church. In their family were four children: Robert, who is now
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living in New Zealand; William, of this review : David. deceased ; and Agnes, the wife of Dan McMullin, of Philadelphia.
William McDowell received his early education in the national schools of Ireland. Even as a boy he was taught the value and importance of labor and hired out by the month until he had reached maturity, coming to America when he was twenty-three years of age. Hle located in Washington township, Pow- eshiek county, and in 1904 purchased the farm upon which he has since lived. It consists of two hundred and thirty-six acres and the general air of neat- ness and order that prevails about the place indicates a goodly measure of prosperity. He uses practical and progressive methods, which have gained for him the success he has richly merited.
On the 25th of December, 1889, Mr. McDowell was married to Miss Mary D. Heacock, who was born in Washington township November 4, 1871, a daughter of Alfred W. and Sarah E. ( De Bord) Heacock, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Ten children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. McDowell, nine of whom are now living at home: Fred R., who was born November 12, 1890: David John, deceased : William M., born March 21. 1893; Charles E., born March 29, 1895 : Bertha E., born May 2, 1897: Leslie A., born February 28. 1890: Arthur O., born June 22, 1902; Earle E., born April 16. 1904: Carl R., born June 1, 1907 ; and Paul R., born July 7, 1909.
Mr. MeDowell is a member of the Society of Friends, whose teachings of brotherhood he has ever made the guiding principles of his life. In politics he adheres to the republican party. He has served as township trustee for one term and as member of the school board for two terms, displaving the same interest in his duties as a public officer that he evinces in private affairs. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell are rearing their children to lives of usefulness and un- selfishness, and the family has many well wishers in a community where its members are highly popular and most favorably known.
GEORGE W. WILTSE.
The public record of George W. Wiltse is most creditable. Since 1903 he has filled the position of postmaster at Montezuma and his administration of the duties of office has been characterized by singleness of purpose, by promptness and loyalty whereby he has won the high commendation of all concerned. He has ever been classed as a progressive citizen, manifesting the same faithfulness to his country in times of peace that he did when he defended her interests upon the southern battlefields in times of war. He was born in Clayton county, Iowa, February 17, 1845, his parents being Leonard and Jane (Smith) Wiltse, the former a native of Ontario, Canada, and the latter of Pennsylvania. In 1838 the father arrived in Delaware county, Iowa, and three years later Jane Smith took up her abode there, having accompanied her parents on their westward removal. They were married in Delaware county and spent many years in Clayton county, but after retiring from active business life the father became a resident of Rawlins county, Kansas, where his death occurred. His widow
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still resides there and was eighty-six years of age on the 11th of January, 1911. Leonard Wiltse had devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits save when engaged in military duty. He served as a soldier in the Mexican war and also aided in subduing the Indians in Iowa and Minnesota when the white race were first making a settlement in these states.
George W. Wiltse is the eldest in a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom one son and one daughter are now deceased. He resided at the place of his birth on the old home farm in Clayton county until he enlisted for active service in the Civil war, in August, 1862, when a youth of but seventeen years. He joined Company D, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and continued with his command for three years, or until mustered out at the close of the war. The regiment left Dubuque for Montrose, Iowa, thence went to St. Louis and after being in camp until January, 1863, a detach- ment of the Twenty-first was sent to Springfield, Missouri, which was threat- ened by the rebel forces under General Marmaduke. In February the regiment went to Cape Girardeau and subsequently moved on to Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, and afterward to Richmond with a view to engaging in the Vicksburg cam- paign. Mr. Wiltse on account of illness was left at Young's Point but on con- valescing rejoined his regiment at Richmond. In quick succession the bloody battles of Champion's Hill and Black River Bridge were fought after which the command assisted in building fortifications and in making the assault on Vicks- burg. Mr. Wiltse was wounded in the charge and was sent to a hospital but rejoined his command after ten days. On August 13, the Twenty-first Iowa left Vicksburg and was on camp and picket duty at Bayou Boeuff until the order to take part in the Teche expedition. After a brief period spent at New Orleans the command came to proceed to the coast of Texas and the regiment landed at Matagorda Island. In January, 1864, they proceeded to Indianola, Texas, and on the 17th of May received orders to join General Banks in his Red River expedition, leaving New Orleans on the 14th of May. They went into camp at Thibodeaux and remained there on provost duty until July 9 when they returned to Algiers. The next move took them to Morganza Bend and later to Natchez, opposite Vicksburg. Subsequently a camp was built at the mouth of the White River in Arkansas and expeditions were made up the river as far as Duvall's Bluff where the regiment engaged in picket duty for some time. Early in December they started to assist in the operations against Hood who was besieging Nashville, and on the ist of January, 1865, returned to Memphis and embarked for New Orleans. Later orders caused them to join in the Mobile campaign under General Canby and on the 12th of April the city of Mobile surrendered. There the troops learned of Lee's surrender and the collapse of the Confederacy, and in June the Twenty-first Iowa was mustered out, returning up the Mississippi and disbanding at Clinton, Iowa.
When the war was over Mr. Wiltse again became a resident of Clayton county where he followed farming until 1877, when he took up his abode upon a tract of land a mile south of Montezuma. Here he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1883 when he entered the dray and coal business in Montezuma, being thus prominently connected with the mercantile interests of the city for twenty years, or until his appointment to the position of postmaster, in 1903.
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This position he has since filled and during his eight years' service has made a most creditable record in office.
In July, 1870, in Colesburg, Iowa, Mr. Wiltse was married to Miss Emily J. Twombly who died in Montezuma. They had five children: D. O., who died at the age of four years; Frank, a resident of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Lottie, the wife of Fred Wiegant, of Clayton county ; Maude, the deceased wife of Richard Pierce ; and William, of Waterloo, Iowa. On the 12th of May, 1889, Mr. Wiltse was again married, his second union being with Miss Tillie F. Myers, of Monte- zuma, and they have one child, Lois.
Mr. Wiltse has been a lifelong republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the party and its principles. He served as deputy sheriff of Poweshiek county for four years and in that position, as in the office of postmaster, made a creditable record. Fraternally he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In every relation of life he has been as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag upon the southern battlefields and won his right to be classed with the honored veterans of the Civil war.
ARTHUR C. NORRIS.
Arthur C. Norris, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Grinnell, is ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of postmaster. His birth occurred in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, on the 27th of May, 1868, his parents being Moses L. and Anna (Joy) Norris, who were born, reared and married in Pittsfield. In 1870 they came west to Poweshiek county, Iowa, re- siding on a farm a mile east of Grinnell for one year. On the expiration of that period Mr. Norris purchased a farm of two hundred acres in Rock Creek township, six miles southwest of Grinnell, paying ten dollars an acre for the property. He made his home thereon until 1887 and then took up his abode in Grinnell, where he engaged in the hardware business, being thus identified with mercantile interests for ten years. Since 1898 he has lived in honorable retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. In 1903 lie removed to Greeley, Colorado, where he has since made his home. He owns a farm there but is not actively engaged in its operation. His political alle- giance is given to the democracy, while in religious faith both he and his wife are Baptists. While a resident of Rock Creek township Mr. Norris was a leader in the local ranks of his party, holding the various township offices.
Arthur C. Norris, who was but two years of age when brought to Poweshiek county by his parents, has made his home within its borders continuously since. He was reared on the home farm and obtained his early education in the com- mon schools, while subsequently he attended Iowa College. In early manhood he entered his father's hardware store as an assistant and there learned the tinner's trade, remaining in the store until his father's disposal of the same in 1898. For several years prior to that time he had been associated with the Iowa National Guards as captain of the Grinnell company, which was known
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as Company K, Second lowa Infantry. The company volunteered for service at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, enlisting on the 26th of April and being mustered in as Company K and assigned to the Fiftieth Regiment on the 17th of May following. Mr. Norris was sent to Jacksonville, Florida, in command of his company and on the 30th of November was discharged from the service. On returning home he accepted a position as bookkeeper in the hardware store of G. L. Miles, being thus employed for three years. In the spring of 1902, being advised by his physician to recuperate his strength by spending more time out-of-doors, he took a position as rural mail carrier, hold- ing the same for nine months. He then spent a few months in the hardware store and on the ist of July, 1903, entered the Grinnell postoffice as substitute clerk, while on the 15th of November following he was appointed a regular clerk. In the latter capacity he served until a special election was called that the people might choose a successor to WV. G. Ray, the retiring postmaster. Mr. Norris was elected by a majority of three hundred and sixty-one votes over six other candidates for the office. He has proven a capable, genial and popular official and enjoys the friendship and confidence of the public at large.
Mr. Norris has been married twice. In 1890 he wedded Miss Nellie L. Raffety, of Grinnell, Iowa, by whom he had two children, Renna and Wendell. The wife and mother died of typhoid fever at St. Louis, in 1898, while return- ing from a visit to her husband, who had been stricken with the fever and was lying in the hospital at Jacksonville. While there she contracted the disease and was advised by her physician to go north at once. She began the journey but was taken off the train at St. Louis, where her demise occurred. On the 4th of June, 1901, Mr. Norris was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie V. Raffety, a sister of his first wife.
Mr. Norris is a stanch republican in politics, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, to which his wife also be- longs. Fraternally he is identified with Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M. : Hardy Camp, No. 291, Modern Woodmen; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a sterling, upright and conscientious citizen, true to a lofty ideal of manhood in all the relations of life and eminently worthy of the high esteem in which he is held.
BEDY BRYAN.
Bedy Bryan is now living retired in Montezuma, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was very successful in his business operations, conducting farming along extensive lines. At one time he owned six hundred acres and is still the possessor of a valuable property of one hundred and seventy-three acres, which returns to him a gratifying annual income. His birth occurred in Greene county, Ohio, near Jamestown, February 28, 1834, his parents being Alanson and Easter ( Mendenhall) Bryan. The Bryan family came from Ireland. Bryan as a surname originated in Ireland in most instances with descendants of Brian Boru, king of Ireland, from 1002 to 1014. The
MR. AND MRS. BEDY BRYAN
HE NEW PUBLIC LIBRARI
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDAT ONS 1
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first form of the name was O'Brien, from which Bryan and many other varia- tions are derived. From King Brian descended a line of chiefs and princes who, with their adherents, defended their national independence for centuries in Thomond, called O'Brien's country, with fierce contests against the Anglo, Norman and British settlers.
Sir Francis Bryan was a prominent man in Ireland about the middle of the sixteenth century and probably became president of Munster. It is thought that he was the ancestor of the following Bryan line. William Smith Bryan was a landholder in Ireland at the time of the English invasion under Cromwell and for championing the cause of the Irish was transported as a rebellious subject in 1650 to the American colonies. He settled in Gloucester county, Virginia. He had eleven sons, of whom Morgan Bryan of Norfolk county, was probably one. It is believed that William Bryan, born in 1685, was another son. He and his wife, Margaret, lived at Ballyroney, County Down Ireland, and one day sent their little son John to the woods to cut a stick to make a handle for a hook used in weaving. The boy was arrested for poaching. After much trouble and expense the father secured his release and immediately sailed for America, where, as he said, timber was free and there were no constables. This was in 1718 and he settled first in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Their son John wedded Mary Morrison and to them was born a son, Andrew Morrison Bryan, April 25, 1748. He wedded Mary Akers and their son Morrison married Rhoda Johnson and removed from Virgiya to Highland county, Ohio, in 1807.
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