USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 2
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JACOB SCHULTZ.
The largest and finest home in Malcom township stands as a monument to the energy, industry and determination, successfully directed along agricultural lines, of Jacob Schultz, one of the most prominent and substantial citizens of this locality.
He was born in Bureau county, Illinois, on the 16th of October, 1857, a son of John and Mary ( Piel) Schultz, both natives of Prussia, Germany. The father's birth occurred on the 19th of March, 1820, and the mother's on the 2d of February of that year. They were married in the fatherland and came to the United States in 1854, locating first in Bureau county, Illinois. Ten years later they came to Poweshiek county. Iowa, and here cast in their lot with the early settlers of this district. The father, who was a ship contractor in his native country, took up the occupation of farming upon his arrival in the United States and was therein engaged until the time of his demise. The old homestead upon which he located on coming to Malcom township was all unbroken prairie land when it came into his possession, and he and his son were the only white men who have had any part in its cultivation and development. He was unusually successful in his agricultural undertaking and at one time owned one thousand acres of land in Malcom and Sheridan townships which, however, was all dis-
Jacob Schuty
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posed of to his children cither before or after his demise. He was a stanch dem- ocrat in politics and in religious faith was a member of the Lutheran church. He donated a portion of the old homestead as a site for that church and until the end remained one of its loyal and substantial supporters. He was the eldest in a family of eight children, all of whom came to the United States with the ex- ception of a sister. They were as follows: John; Christ, Charles, Gust and Henry, all deceased ; Fred, of Grinnell; Henrietta, who married John Ahrnes, and is now deceased; and a sister who passed away in Germany.
In the family of John and Mary ( Piel) Schultz there were six children, namely: Charles, deceased; Lena, who passed away in childhood; Fredericka, who married Lawrence Liedke, of Malcom; Minnie, the wife of Louis Puls, who is mentioned at length on another page of this volume; Jacob, of this re- view ; and Fred, of Malcom township. The parents of this family are now de- ceased, the father passing away on the 25th of October, 1884, and the mother on the 11th of April, 1891. their remaining days being spent in the home of our subject.
Spending the first seven years of his life in his native county, Jacob Schultz, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents in 1864 on their removal to Poweshiek county, and he has since resided on the homestead farm here which his father purchased at the time of his arrival. His education was acquired in the country schools and he received a thorough practical training in the home fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He continued to give his assistance to his father until the lat- ter's death, since which time he has carried on agricultural pursuits independ- ently upon the portion of his father's estate which he inherited. This farm con- sists of two hundred and eighty-three acres located on the northwest quarter of section 3, Malcom township, and is one of the best equipped and most valuable properties in this section. Here Mr. Schultz has introduced all of the con- veniences and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century and upon it are to be found twelve substantial outbuildings, all topped by good shingle roofs, and all, with the exception of one barn, were erected by him.
In 1910 he built a beautiful thirteen-room residence, thirty-two by sixty feet, with two stories and a basement, frame and finished in hard pine. It is cquipped with every modern improvement to be found in a city home, including a lighting, heating and water plant, and is the largest and finest home in Malcom township. Mr. Schultz carries eleven thousand, five hundred dollars insurance on his build- ings, and the splendid condition of his farm speaks in no uncertain terms of the substantial degree of success which has come to him. He engages in general farming, but a large portion of his time and attention is devoted to his stock- feeding interests, fattening from eighty to one hundred head of cattle per year and raising from one to two hundred head of hogs yearly. He ships all of his stock to the Chicago market and this branch of his business interests yields large financial returns. He is a stockholder in the Malcom Savings Bank and also in the Malcom Garage Company, and is well known to agricultural circles through- out Poweshiek county as a stockholder in both the Grinnell and Malcom fairs, a director of the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Association and of the Malcom fair.
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Mr. Schultz has been married twice. In the year 1882 he wedded Miss Ame- lia Baum, who was born in Germany in 1858, and when twenty-four years of age came alone to this country. She passed away on the 24th of May, 1901. Unto this union were born seven children, as follows: Emma, the wife of W. L. Lamb, of Malcom township : Minnie, Alvena and John, all at home; George, who passed away when five years old; and Elmer and May, who are also still under the parental roof. On the 12th of December, 1910, Mr. Schultz was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Deffenbaugh, who was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on the 25th of February, 1869.
Mr. Schultz is a member of the German Lutheran church, the site of which was donated by his father and of which he is a helpful and interested worker and a substantial supporter. He is a republican in politics and has filled vari- ous school and road offices, while for the past seven years he has served as town- ship trustee. Probably few men are better known in agricultural circles through- out this district than Mr. Schultz, whose efforts to stimulate the interests of his fellowmen toward progress and advancement along agricultural and stock-raising lines have been far-reaching and beneficial. In his public capacity, too, he has ever sought the good of the community, casting the weight of his influence on the side of advancement along material, political, intellectual and moral lines. and in every relation of life he has been found loyal and public-spirited, his own success never for a moment causing him to forget his duties as a citizen.
FRANCIS W. JOHNSTON.
A farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 27. Scott town- ship, claims the time and attention of Francis W. Johnston, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, in September, 1858. His parents, Joseph and Eliza Jane ( Johnston) Johnston, were both natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married, and soon after that event in their lives they emigrated to the new world. They first located in Rock Island county. Illinois, where four of their six children were born. In 1868 the father removed with his family to Poweshiek county and here engaged in farming throughout his remaining years. He died at a comparatively early age, passing away when only thirty- five years old, at his home in Jackson township. The mother still survives and now makes her home in Montezuma. Their children were: Francis W., of this review; John, who resides in Jackson township: Mrs. Eliza Smith, deceased : Mrs. Mary Moshier, who has also departed this life; Matilda, the wife of William Rempp. of Montezuma ; and Josephine, the wife of Joseph Johnston. also of Montezuma.
Francis W. Johnston was reared, to the age of ten years in Rock Island county, Illinois, and at that age accompanied his parents on their removal to Poweshiek county. He has made farming his life work and is today the owner of a well improved farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Scott township. He has made many improvements on the place since it came into his possession and now has a valuable farm property, the fields
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annually yielding rich and abundant harvests as a reward for the care and iabor which he bestows upon them.
Mr. Johnston was married March 9, 1880, to Miss Maggie Hall, who was born in Ireland, October 31, 1858, and was but three years of age when, in 1861, her parents, John and Eliza ( Mckeever) Hall, emigrated to the United States, while she was a little maiden of nine years at the time the family home was established in Poweshiek county. Her father was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. December 28, 1829, and was married in that country, in 1854, to Miss Mckeever. Three daughters were added to the household, Mary Jane, Margaret (now Mrs. Johnston), and Eliza, ere the emigration of the family to the new world. They first located in Rock Island county, Illinois, where three other children were born, these being Susan, Samuel and Rachel. In 1867 Mr. Hall removed with his family to Poweshiek county, Iowa, settling on a farm seven miles northeast of Montezuma, where many years were devoted to general farming. He was reared in the faith of the Episcopal church and died in that faith on the 29th of January, 1910, when more than eighty years of age. His wife died about thirteen years ago.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston has been blessed with five daughters, namely : Eliza, the wife of Joshua Johnston, of Scott township; Mary, who be- came the wife of James Johnston but departed this life January 4, 1911 ; Ethel, the wife of Joseph Hutchinson, a resident of Rock Island county, Illinois ; and Ella and Maggie, at home.
Mr. Johnston is a stanch supporter of the republican party but is not active as an office seeker. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the U'nited Presbyterian church of Scott township. He is a man whom to know is to respect and honor, for his life is lived in harmony with his professions and his sterling traits of character have won him a host of warm friends.
ESTHER B. MACGUGIN.
The value of the local newspaper in the upbuilding of the best interests of any community is universally conceded. The press has not only recorded the history of advancement, but has also ever been the leader in the work of progress and improvement. In molding public opinion the power of the newspaper cannot be estimated but, at all events, its influence is greater than that of any other single agency. Poweshiek county has every reason to be proud of the character of its press, for it has many enterprising and progressive journals, and prominent among these is the Montezuma Republican, one of the oldest news- papers of the county. Esther B. MacGugin, who was in April, 1910, appointed managing editor of this journal, has rightly been accorded a foremost place among the leading newspaper women of Iowa, her native state.
Hler birth occurred in Washington, Washington county, on the 23d of August. 1881, and she is the eldest daughter of Robert Lyle and Minnie (Dickson) MacGugin. Her father came to Iowa from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1875, and for a time was located at Davenport. Being of a me-
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chanical turn of mind he accepted a position with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company. His connection with this institution has continued for thirty-seven years, and at present he is one of the oldest men in its employ. Her mother, who attended the public schools of Washington, and later studied in the academy, was engaged in teaching school prior to her marriage. Rep- resentatives of the name in Pennsylvania have long been identified with agri- cultural pursuits, in the conduct of which they have proven uniformly suc- cessful. Inheriting a fondness for the free, independent life of the country, they have as a rule become well-to-do farmers,-well improved farms, large families and a competency, with contentment, being characteristic of a large portion of them. A goodly number, however, have sought fortune in other channels, entering the commercial field and the various professions, in which they have attained success and prosperity. Among the distant relatives of our sub- ject is numbered Hon. Joseph R. Reed, who for many years served on the supreme court bench of lowa.
Esther B. MacGugin was reared in the town of her nativity, and at the usual age was sent as a student to the public school. Upon completing the course therein taught she entered Washington high school, from which she was graduated in 1898, and later received the benefit of a year's work in Parsons College. With a strong literary inclination and a ready aptitude for writing, she turned toward the journalistic field as a life work, and for more than twelve years has been identified with newspaper work, her uninterrupted rise therein in the meantime being rapid and well merited.
She began her career as a correspondent from Valley Junction for a Des Moines paper, was later given a position as reporter on the staff of one of the papers of the capital and subsequently became connected with the Washing- ton (Iowa) Journal. She resigned the latter position, however, to enter the University of California, where she pursued a special course in journalism.
Being thus well equipped for further advancement in her chosen vocation she accepted a position with the Joplin (Missouri) Daily Globe, a large publica- tion in the south, and succeeded Mrs. Baker, one of the best known news- paper women in the United States, who has written for over a quarter of a century under the nom de plume of "Becky Sharp." Miss MacGugin edited the woman's department of this large daily for two years, and also contributed stories to the magazine section.
She also at that time wrote some very original, logical and impressive articles under the pen name of Esther Belle. About four years ago she became iden- tified with the Needham syndicate of newspapers, and since her connection therewith her career has been unusually successful. Her excellent journalistic ability won well merited recognition when, about a year ago, she was appointed to the office of managing editor of the Montezuma Republican, to succeed J. R. Williams. This paper, which belongs to the syndicate, is one of the oldest and best known journals of the locality, and is the oldest republican news- paper in the county. At its best, or at its worst, a newspaper is the expression of the personality of the single individual at its head, and . thus the present flourishing condition of the Republican is a logical indication of the rare business acumen and excellent executive ability of its managing
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editor. She is also a writer of considerable ability, and in the columns of her paper appear many evidences of her attractive and pleasing style.
Miss MacGugin is a member of the Northern Press syndicate and of the Burrell Newspaper syndicate of New York, and she has contributed largely to various metropolitan papers of Iowa. One paper, the Davenport Democrat and Leader, states of her: "Her experiences have been sufficiently varied to enable her to be among the premiers of journalism."
V. S. WILCOX, M. D.
The medical fraternity finds a worthy representative in Dr. V. S. Wilcox, who has made Malcom the scene of his activity throughout his connection with the medical profession. He was born in Homer, Licking county, Ohio, on tlie IIth of October, 1848, a son of J. P. and Mary (Stark) Wilcox, natives of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. In the Keystone state the parents were reared and married and at an early day went to Ohio. The mother passed away in Tiskilwa, Bureau county, Illinois, and later the father came to Iowa with his son, Dr. Wilcox. He engaged in merchandising at one time, although the greater part of his life was devoted to farming. His death occurred at Aurora, Nebraska. His family consisted of three children, of whom our subject is the eldest, the others being: Louisa, the wife of Jasper Weimer, of North English, Iowa county, Iowa; and Ella, residing in Aurora, Nebraska.
Dr. Wilcox was but seven years of age when he came with his father to lowa, locating first in Washington county, and in that and Iowa county he spent the intervening period until twenty-two years of age. At the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools, continuing therein until his graduation from the high school, and for one year pursued a literary course at the Iowa State University. He then became a student in the medical department of that institution, from which he was graduated three years later, in 1874, when the M. D. degree was conferred upon him. Immediately after his graduation he came to Malcom and here he has since continued in the practice of his profes- sion. From the first he was highly successful, impressing all with whom he came in contact with his trustworthy character, his earnestness, zeal and scrupu- lous regard for the ethics of his profession. He is skilful in diagnosis, sure in prescription, thoughtful and tactful in attendance, and prompt and efficacious in emergency. Aside from a large practice, which is distinctively representa- tive and lucrative, he is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres a mile from town, which returns him a most substantial annual income.
In 1871 Dr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Hamilton, who was born in Tiffin, Johnson county, Iowa, in July, 1851, a daughter of Hezekiah Hamilton. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Wilcox have been born three children, as follows: Delano, a graduate of the literary department of the Iowa State University, also of Rush Medical College of Chicago, and who is now practicing medicine in connection with his father; Mabel F., the wife of Oscar Bowers,
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of Malcom; and Nellie G., who married Henry Wickman, now operating Dr. Wilcox's farm in Malcom township.
Dr. Wilcox's professional relations are with the Poweshiek County Medical Society and the lowa State Medical Society. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and also belongs to Oriental Commandery, No. 22, K. T., of Newton, while he is likewise a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and was a member of the board of education for thirty years, during which time he served on the building committee of the Malcom high school. For a period of thirty-seven years Dr. Wilcox has practiced continuously in Malcom-a period character- ized by seli-sacrifice and kindly ministrations to others-and during that time he has become the loved family physician in many households. He has ever had the interest of the community deeply at heart and few deserve a more prominent position among the town's most representative and valued citizens.
C. WILLIAM PEARCE.
A member of a well known family of Poweshiek county, C. William Pearce is now living retired at Grinnell, having reached the age of seventy-two years. He has been a resident of this county for sixty-three years and ranks among the pioneers of a section that is now one of the most productive and prosperous parts of the state. He was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, November 22, 1839, and is a son of Peter S. and Margaret ( Prosser) Pearce, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother of Pennsylvania. Peter S. Pearce, who was a carpenter and builder by trade, removed from Ohio to Indiana in 1836 and seven years later took up his residence in Illinois. In 1848 he came to Poweshiek county and settled on government land in Grinnell township, where he established the fam- ily on a farm of two hundred acres, which he developed from its wild state until it became a valuable property. He was a man of influence and responsi- bility. whose name was accepted as a synonym for industry and integrity. In poli- tics he adhered to the democratic party and was elected justice of the peace an office which he filled with marked ability for a number of years. Fraternally he was connected with Herman Lodge, No. 273. A. F. & A. M., of Grinnell. He was called to his reward while still residing on the old homestead in 1877, his wife having died ten years earlier. On the maternal side the family record has been traced back for over one hundred years, our subject's grandfather Prosser hav- ing served in the war of 1812.
C. William Pearce has been a resident of lowa since he was nine years of age. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and remained on the home farm until 1001, since which time he has been an honored resident of Grinnell. He still owns two hundred and fourteen acres of land in Grinnell township and his residence in the city. He was married in January, 1864, to Miss Matilda G. Brown, who was born in Somersetshire. England, October 23, 1828, and was a daughter of John and Maria ( Grant) Brown. She came with her parents to America in 1850, the family living for several years in Wisconsin. In 1854 they
VATI DA G PEARCE c W
PEARCE
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arrived in Poweshiek county, six months after the first settlement was made at Grinnell. After a happy married life of more than forty years Mrs. Pearce died at Grinnell in 1907. She was a woman of many admirable traits of mind and heart and a consistent member of the Congregational church. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Pearce were the following children : George G., who is now mar- ried and lives in Washington township; Frank H., who is also married and lives in Grinnell township; Nellie M., who married James R. Rutherford, a farmer of Idaho; Seth J., who is married and lives in Grinnell township; and Mary C., who married J. R. Nicholl and lives in Jasper county.
Mlr. Pearce set a worthy example for his children and today they are useful and honorable members of society, each performing his or her work in the pro- motion of the general welfare. His political allegiance is given to the demo- cratic party and while he has not sought public office he has ever been a consistent advocate of honest government administered in accordance with practical business principles. The excellent qualities he has manifested as a citizen, as a business man and in private life fully entitle him to the respect in which he is universally held.
S. W. GRAY.
In his early boyhood S. W. Gray came with his parents to Poweshiek county and ever since that time he has been a resident of this county. He is now a prosperous farmer of Washington township who, by his upright char- acter, well applied industry and sound business judgment, has gained the respect of the entire community.
He is a native of Davenport, Iowa, and was born October 8, 1870, a son of Herman C. and Almeda (Booth) Gray. The father was born in Holmes county, Ohio, May 30, 1822, and the mother in one of the eastern states. They were married at Valparaiso, Indiana. At the time of the Civil War Mr. Gray served faithfully in behalf of the Union. He was discharged at Davenport, following which he engaged in teaming for a number of years. In the spring of 1877 he came with his family to Poweshiek county and purchased the farm upon which his son, S. W., now lives. He died April 10, 1902, having previously retired from active labors. The mother is now living at Grinnell. Mr. Gray was a man of exceptional character, who exercised a good influence upon all with whom he came in contact. Politically he was an ardent supporter of the republican party. He took an active part in politics and served as town- ship trustee and also as school director. In religious belief he adhered to the Methodist church and for a number of years filled very acceptably the offices of trustee and steward in the church. There were eight children in the family and Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Gray, namely ; Josie, who is deceased; Ella, the wife of Tilman Vestal, of Lynnville, lowa; Herbert, who lives at Grinnell ; Carrie, also deceased: Alfred and Ida, twins, the former now living in Mon- tana and the later with her mother ; S. W., our subject : and Bert, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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S. W. Gray arrived in Poweshiek county with his parents when he was seven years of age and received his education in the public schools of Washington township. He assisted his father upon the home farm until attaining his ma- jority, when he rented a farm for two years on his own account. He then pur- chased eighty acres in Washington township, which he cultivated to good advantage for five years and then disposed of, buying the old homestead of two hundred acres upon which he is now well established. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser, paying special attention to the raising of horses and cattle, for which he has a rare aptitude.
On the 25th of June, 1893, Mr. Gray was married at Searsboro, to Miss Clara Spillman, a daughter of J. A. and Sarah ( Vestal) Spillman, of Washing- ton township. Mrs. Gray was born in Washington township, September 15. 1870. Her parents are both natives of North Carolina. The father settled in Poweshiek county about fifty years ago and is now living retired. The mother died about 1900. Mr. Spillman has for many years been identified with the Masonic order. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gray, namely : Grace, who is deceased; and Farrell Ray, Robert and Addie, all of whom are at home.
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