USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 26
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JAMES D. BOYACK.
Eight years ago James D. Boyack came to Poweshiek county and established himself on a farm which he purchased in Grinnell township. He is now the possessor of one of the finest farms in the county and through his industry, per- severance and clear judgment has attained a large measure of prosperity. He is a native of Scotland, and was born April 4, 1850, a son of William and Jane (Doig) Boyack, both of whom were born in Scotland. The parents came to the United States in 1852 and lived for four years at Rockford, Illinois, the father being employed as salesman in a lumber yard. He then removed to In- dependence, Iowa, and entered about three hundred acres of government land, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred in July, 1902, when he had arrived at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The beloved wife and mother was called away January 1, 1889, at the age of sixty-four years. Mr. Boyack, Sr., politically gave his support to the republican party. He was an active factor in local politics and for many years an office holder. He was a man of many sterling characteristics and exerted a strong influence for good wherever he was known.
MR. AND MRS. J. D. BOYACK
HE NEW YORK 1 CLIC LIBRARY
A CR, LENOX AND .JEN OUNDAT
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James D. Boyack was brought to America with his parents in his infancy and grew up under the favorable conditions of country life. He received his educa- tion in the common schools and after arriving at maturity continued with his father, assisting upon the home farm. When he was about twenty-five years of age he began upon his own account by buying one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining his father's place. He cultivated this land to such good advantage that he later became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres, which produced a handsome annual revenue. However, he was attracted to Poweshiek county as a more favorable location, and in 1903 he sold his farm and bought one hun- dred and sixty acres in this county, which he has improved and developed on modern lines, making it a highly desirable property.
On May 14, 1883, Mr. Boyack was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Williams, a daughter of William and Ann ( Minard) Williams, of Herefordshire, England. She came to America with relatives when she was ten years of age and was reared and educated in this country. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyack: Breeze E., a graduate of Grinnell College : George W., who is in the sophomore class of the State Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa ; and Grace L., who is now living at home.
Mr. Boyack is an ardent supporter of the republican party, believing that its principles are essential to the permanency and prosperity of the country. He has served in various offices, both in Buchanan and Poweshiek counties, and for four years served as township trustee in this county. He and his family are mem- bers of the Congregational church. Mrs. Boyack is a lady of unusual intellectual attainments and before her marriage engaged, with marked success, for five years as a school-teacher. The home over which she presides is one of the popu- lar gathering places of the township and is the abode of genuine hospitality and true kindliness.
JAMES S. ROLLINS.
Among the old soldiers of the Civil war now living in honored retirement is James S. Rollins of Grinnell. He engaged successfully in farming and stock- raising in Grinnell township for more than thirty years and for six years past he has been a valued citizen of Grinnell. He was born in Kennebec county, Maine, November 26, 1836, and is a son of Levi and Julia (Smart ) Rollins, who were also natives of Maine. The father, who was a farmer, spent his entire life in the Pine Tree state. In politics he gave his support for many years to the democratic party but later became an earnest adherent of the republi- can party. He died in April, 1882, his beloved wife being called away thirty- two years previously in 1850.
James S. Rollins received his education in the common schools of his native state. In the spring of 1857 he came to Iowa and located in Cedar county, where he engaged in farming. However, the Civil war interfered with his plans and on the 13th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry. The regiment participated in many important battles and lesser en-
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gagements, and Private Rollins took part in the siege and battles of Vicksburg; in the Red River campaign; in the Shenandoah Valley campaign; and in the movements around the city of Savannah. After the close of the war, on July 17. 1865, he was honorably discharged and mustered out of service at Savannah and returned to farming in Cedar county. In 1875 he came to Poweshiek county and located on a farm in Grinnell township, a mile and one-half west of Grin- nell. There he lived for thirty years and one month, at the end of which time he took up his residence in Grinnell.
On January 3. 1860, Mr. Rollins was united in marriage in Cedar county to Miss Matilda J. Fuller, who was born in Ohio. She is a daughter of Spencer S. Fuller, who came to lowa with his family in 1853 and located on a farm in Cedar county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rollins, namely : John S., who is a graduate of the Grinnell high school and is now married and engaged in farming in Grinnell township; and Ann, also a graduate of the high school, who is now Mrs. Buchanan, her husband being a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Montour, lowa.
Politically Mr. Rollins ever since reaching manhood has given his support to the republican party. He cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln for presi- dent of the United States, an act of which he has always been very proud. He has served as school director and also most acceptably as assessor of Grinnell township. Fraternally, he holds membership in Gordon Granger Post. No. 64. of Grinnell. He is now in the seventy-fifth year of his age and the repose he enjoys is well earned as he has bravely endeavored to perform his duty and therefore deserves the good-will of all right-minded and liberty loving people.
ALBERT LIVEZEY.
Albert Livezey, now in a hospital at Mount Pleasant, lowa, was for many years prominently identified with the agricultural development of Poweshiek county. He was connected with farming, a vocation for which he was eminently fitted by natural taste and training, and he was known as one of the most suc- cessful farmers in his section of the county.
He was born at Newcastle, Henry county, Indiana, November 17, 1850, a son of Ezekiel and Eliza ( Hughes) Livezey, both of whom were natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The father learned the blacksmith's trade in Penn- sylvania and removed to Indiana, where he engaged in farming. Subsequently he came with his family to Poweshiek county and here both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. In politics he was a supporter of the republi- can party and in religious views was in hearty sympathy with the doctrines and usages of the Society of Friends. There were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Livezey: George, deceased; Albert; and Emily, who is now the wife of Monroe Efner, of Nebraska.
Albert Livezey was educated in the public schools of Newcastle, Indiana, and as a boy gave evidence of many generous and noble traits of character. He came to Poweshiek county with his parents and engaged in farming with
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such success that in 1883 he was enabled to purchase one hundred and twenty acres, which became the family homestead. He improved his place by the erec- tion of buildings and fences and by drainage and the rotation of crops, so that it became highly productive and his labors were abundantly rewarded. He followed general farming and stock-raising.
On the 24th of December, 1878, Mr. Livezey was married in Washington township to Miss Mary E. Murphy, a daughter of James and Nancy (Jenkins) Murphy, both of whom were born in Morgan county, Virginia. The father was a blacksmith and carpenter and also engaged in farming. He took up his resi- dence in Brown county, Indiana, where he became a man of considerable promi- nence, continuing to reside in that county until his death. The mother subse- quently came to Iowa and died at Lucas. Politically Mr. Murphy gave his support to the democratic party and served as road supervisor of his township. He was an earnest member of the Baptist church in which he filled the office of deacon.
By a former marriage Mr. Livezey had one child, William P., now a resi- dent of Wisconsin. There were six children born to him by his marriage to Miss Mary E. Murphy, namely: Gertrude M., now the wife of Joseph Dexter, of Washington township, this county ; George W. and James A., at home; Aly F., the wife of Dr. Louis Allen ; Eliza H., wife of Glen Boget, of Sugar Creek township; and Mary Elizabeth, at home.
Mr. Livezey belonged to that class of men who come to the front in any undertaking that enlists their interest. He was a man who never broke his word and never deserted a friend. Politically he adhered to the democratic party. He was a member of the school board and his religious belief was in- dicated by membership in the Methodist church.
A. C. HARRIMAN.
A faithful public officer and an obliging friend and neighbor. A. C. Harri- man, city clerk of Grinnell, may be truly named as one of the leading and popular men of the community. He is a native of Searsport, Maine, born December 5, 1852. and is a son of James T. and Rebecca (Chase) Harriman, both of whom were born in Bangor, Maine. After their marriage they took up their residence in Searsport, where the father became prominent as a builder and contractor. In 1856, seeking for a wider field, he came to Grinnell and two years later brought his family to this place, then a struggling village with good prospects for the future. He continued as a contractor during his entire bus- iness life and passed away in 1906 at the age of seventy-nine years. Politically he gave his support to the republican party but he was liberal in his views and often voted irrespective of party lines. He was a man of high character and generous nature and had many friends in this county. Mrs. Harriman died at the age of sixty-three in 1890. She was an earnest member of the Congrega- tional church and a worker who never tired in advancing its interests.
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A. C. Harriman came to Grinnell at the age of five years and has ever since made his home in this city. He received his education in the public schools, later attending the Grinnell high school and Grinnell College, being a student in the latter institution for several years. Under his father he learned the contracting business, in which he continued for a number of years, then taking charge of a planing mill which he operated for six years. Afterward he entered the general mercantile business in Grinnell but after twelve years' experience in that line he sold out and took a vacation, making an extensive trip through the west. Upon returning home he accepted a position in the build- ing and loan office of J. F. Wilson, formerly city clerk for a short time, and in 1907 was made city clerk succeeding his brother-in-law, Willis Davis, deceased. At the first election following his appointment he was regularly elected to the office which he now fills with marked ability.
In 1874 Mr. Harriman was united in marriage to Miss Kate MI. Davis, of Jasper county, Iowa, and by this union five children were born, three of whom survive, namely : Jessie H., who is the widow of David S. Schuyler and is now living with her parents : Raymond D., a graduate of Grinnell College and now a teacher in the Muscatine high school; and Rebecca P., a student in the high school.
Mr. Harriman politically is independent, preferring to vote for the man rather than the party. He served for six years as member of the school board and for three years in the town council. He has ever since arriving at manhood been industrious and persevering in everything he has undertaken, and his acknowledged honesty and reliability have given him an established standing in the city. He is efficiently filling his present office and well deserves the confidence and respect of the people.
OLIVER W. PARK.
A well known retired farmer of Chester township is Oliver W. Park, who continues to live on the homestead in the cultivation of which he was for so many years engaged. He was born in Searsport, Maine, on the 7th of June, 1849, being a son of Captain Oliver C. and Catherine E. ( Park) Park, natives of the same place. They are descended from Richard Parke of England, who was born in 1602. The first member of the family to take up his residence in America was the Rev. Joseph Park, who was a missionary to the Indians in Rhode Island. The majority of them were agriculturists and the land where Harvard University is now located was cultivated by some of the ancestors of Oliver W. Park. Other members of the family followed the sea, and among those who engaged in the latter vocation was Captain Oliver C. Park, who died when he was forty-five years of age.
After completing his elementary education, which was acquired in the com- mon schools of his native town. Oliver W. Park entered the Bucksport Academy of Bucksport, Maine. At the age of fourteen years he went to sea with his father, where he remained for three years, following which he attended school
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for another thirce terms. In June, 1872, just after passing his twenty-third birthday, he came to Grinnell to visit some relatives. He decided to remain here and for five years worked on a farm. At the expiration of that time he went to Nebraska, where he remained for a similar period, returning to Grin- nell in 1882. Mr. Park is now living retired on his homestead, which contains one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Chester township.
In January, 1878, Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Carrie R. Beaton, a daughter of William and Loretta M. (Hubbard) Beaton. Mrs. Park was born in Grinnell on the 27th of September, 1857, and has spent the greater part of her life in Poweshiek county. After graduating from the high school in the class of 1875, she attended Jowa College. She also received a musical education and taught music for a time. She officiated as organist in the church in Hokah, Minnesota, where she resided for two years.
William Beaton, the father of Mrs. Park, was of Scotch parentage, and was born on the 10th of February, 1829, in St. Andrews, Canada. At the age of nine years he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, and five years later he took a position in an organ factory. In 1849 he went to Hudson, Ohio, where he entered Western Reserve University, from which he was graduated six years later, having worked his way through. From his earliest youth he had given evidence of possessing unusual musical ability and had always studied music when it was possible for him to do so. While in college he trained a glee club of one hundred and thirty-two voices, was director of the music in the Con- gregational and Episcopal churches and was also conductor of the Handel So- ciety. A feliow student. Henry Hamilton, urged him to come to Grinnell which he did on his wedding journey in 1855. Having decided to remain here he established a singing school, which was the first ever held in the town. Dur- ing the early years of his residence he followed the carpenter trade and he was also at one time principal of the public schools. When the call came for vol- unteers he responded and went to the front with the Fourth Iowa Infantry, where he remained for three years. Mr. Beaton was also a teacher of the violin as well as of voice.
On the 21st of June, 1855, occurred the marriage of Mr. Beaton and Miss Loretta M. Hubbard, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and the following children were born of this union: Carrie R., now Mrs. Park: Isabella, of Cleveland ; and William H. and Henry Adam, who died in infancy. Mrs. Beaton died on the Ist of January, 1887, and he subsequently was united to Mrs. Maggie Tichnor, who only survived a few years. In 1893 he married Miss Ella M. Asay of Philadelphia, who is still living. He passed away in Grinnell on the 16th of January, 1907.
The younger daughter born of the union of Mr. Beaton and his first wife, Isabella Beaton, is a musician of uncommon ability. She was born in 1870 at the family home in Grinnell, and at the age of four years began the study of music. When she was nine years old, having studied for five years, she was admitted to the conservatory of Iowa College. She studied there under Prof. Willard Kimball for ten years, and Prof. L. A. Phelps, early recognizing her ability, devoted his summer vacations to perfecting her technic and interpreta- tion. She gave her first public recital when she was twelve, her repertoire at
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that time containing many of the best compositions of the leading masters, which were interpreted with remarkable skill for one of her years. Soon thereafter she was afflicted with eye trouble and for a year and a half she was unable to see, but nothing daunted this ambitious girl, and despite her handicap she managed to pass her examinations at school. She spent five years in Europe, being in Berlin three years and in Paris two, during which time she played for some of the members of royalty. She was graduated from Western Reserve University with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and at the present time she has the chair of musical history and theory in the Cleveland School of Music, where she is also giving a series of recitals. That she is a performer of unusual skill and ability is fully attested by the fact that Moritz Mozkowski, her teacher for five years, gave her unstinted praise. She has recently incor- porated the Beaton School of Music of Cleveland, of which Mrs. Park is one of the trustees.
To Mr. and Mrs. Park have been born two daughters and a son, the order of their birth being as follows: Louise P., who was graduated from lowa Col- lege with the class of 1902, and is now the wife of J. L. Carpenter, a farmer of Malcom; Hubbard Beaton, who is ranching near Tacoma, Washington, grad- uate of Grinnell high school, class of 1903; and Ada C., who graduated from high school and Grinnell College, and also resides in Grinnell.
The family all affiliate with the Congregational church. His political sup- port Mr. Park accords to the republican party. He has never taken a prominent part in politics and the only official position he ever held was that of treasurer of the school board while residing in Nebraska. Mr. Park is one of the sub- stantial citizens of Chester township and both he and his family are held in high esteem by all who know them.
GEORGE SAMPSON.
The possibilities under the favoring influences of the republic for ambitious and deserving young inen from foreign lands are clearly illustrated in the career of George Sampson, now a leading contractor of Grinnell. He was born in Nor- way, November 5, 1849, the son of Sigard and Anna Sampson, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father was a miner and died when the subject of this review was a child of four years. The mother came to America in 1867 and settled at Spring Valley, Minnesota, where she lived until her death, which occurred on the 4th of March, 1876.
George Sampson possessed limited opportunities of education in the common schools of his native land and was early set to work herding cattle. At twelve years of age he secured employment on a stage route in Norway and continued for four years, after which he worked upon a farm. In 1869 he crossed the ocean to the new world and for two years applied himself to farming in Spring Valley. Minnesota. Having decided to take up government land he went west for that purpose, but not being able to find a desirable location he returned to Minne- sota, in 1871, and went to Mankato, where he worked for wages on a farm
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and attended school for three months. At Mankato he became acquainted with William Roberts, a mason, and under Mr. Roberts he learned the mason's trade. In 1873 he began as a contractor at Spring Valley and three years later, on July 7, 1876, arrived at Grinnell, Iowa, where he readily secured work at his trade. He went to Omaha for a short time, but believing Grinnell to be a more favorable location he returned to this city and on September 1, 1877, began as contractor in stone and brick work. Since that time he has extended his opera- tions, and he now does general contracting in the city and surrounding towns. He has applied himself to such good purpose that he is now at the head of a large and growing concern and one which has erected many of the substantial buildings in this part of the county.
On the 15th day of November, 1876, Mr. Sampson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Stowe of Grinnell, daughter of Luther Watson and Phebe R. (Allen) Stowe, the father being a native of Massachusetts and the mother of New York. They came west in 1856 and located at Oak Grove, Iowa, where they lived for twenty years. In 1876 the family moved to Grinnell. The father was born in 1819 and is now living in this city, having reached the age of ninety- two years. The mother is deceased. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sampson, namely: Cora B., wife of Samuel M. Pegram, of Lincoln, Illinois, who is engaged in the dry goods business at Muskogee, Oklahoma ; and Louis J., who is married and is engaged in the mason's trade at Rockford, Illinois.
Mr. Sampson gives his support to the republican party and holds member- ship in the Methodist church of Grinnell. He is identified prominently with the Masonic order, being a member of Grinnell Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., of Grinnell, Palestine Chapter, No. 101, R. A. M. of Grinnell, and of the com- mandery and shrine, being also connected with the Odd Fellows.
Coming to this country as a young man he started at the very foundation by learning the language and gradually forged his way through obstacles until he became established in a permanent and lucrative business. It required pluck, zeal and unswerving perseverance, but he was liberally endowed with all of these necessary qualities and he is today one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Poweshiek county. His life may truly be designated as active and useful, and in all his business transactions he has been entirely honorable and trustworthy, and he possesses the esteem and confidence of all with whom his relations, socially or in business, have brought him in contact.
OMMUND PEDERSEN.
Ommund Pedersen, who lives in Chester township, came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, from Norway twenty-nine years ago and has ever since applied himself to farming. He was born at Stavanger, January 13, 1858, and is a son of Peder and Olena (Olson) Pedersen, both of whom were born in Norway. The father was a sailor and fisherman. He came to America with his wife in 1891 and they made their home with Ommund Pedersen, the son, and sub-
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ject of this review. The father died in July, 1910, the mother having passed away in December, 1905.
Ommund Pedersen possessed but limited advantages of education in his native land and early began assisting his father in fishing, continuing in that occupation until after he arrived at his majority. In 1882 he arrived in the new world and took up his residence in Poweshiek county, Iowa. For a num- ber of years he worked for wages and later rented land, which he cultivated industriously and with good judgment, thus acquiring capital with which he purchased land on his own account. In 1897 he acquired one hundred and sixty acres, and he also rents eighty acres. He raises the cereals, but devotes his attention principally to raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs for the market.
In July, 1890, Mr. Pedersen was maried to Miss Lena Olson, of Roland, Story county, Iowa, a daughter of Ole Olson, a farmer of Norway. He passed his entire life in the old country. Mrs. Lena Pedersen died in September, 1892, and Mr. Pedersen was again married August, 1894, his second union being with Miss Bertha Tokle, a daughter of Ole Tokle, of Norway. Seven children have blessed this union: Paran, who is now attending the high school; and Orville, Leonard, Edwin, Lawrence, Anna and William. Mr. Pedersen is not connected with any of the old political parties, preferring to cast his ballot in behalf of the prohibition cause. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Grinnell and has aimed, in his life, to follow the teachings of the great book on which the church is founded. He represents the class of stalwart and brave- hearted men who do not hesitate to make personal sacrifices if necessary in order to provide for the welfare of their families or friends. As a young man he sought to establish a home among strangers and he succeeded, being now one of the flourishing farmers of Poweshiek county. He fully deserves the respect in which he is held as a good citizen and head of one of the promising families of Chester township.
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