USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 33
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The children of his first marriage were: Silas, who enlisted in Company F, Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and was killed at the battle of Champion's Hill, Mississippi, May 16, 1863; Alanson; John M., who enlisted from this county. January 1, 1864, as a member of Company B, Fortieth lowa Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded at Fort Smith, Arkansas, his death re- sulting from his injuries; William A., a retired farmer of Montezuma: and Mrs. Elma I. McCoy, now deceased. After losing his first wife Neri Bryan married Margaret Kirk and they had three children: Charles D., of Union township; Mrs. Lucy R. Dalbey, of Mason City, Iowa; and Mrs. Mary E. Fleanor, of Reasnor, Iowa.
Alanson Bryan, whose name introduces this review, came with his parents to this state almost two-thirds of a century ago and in January, 1850, arrived in Montezuma, where he has since lived. Like his father he has engaged in agricultural pursuits, in the manufacture of brick and in carpentry and has led a busy and useful life. But his labors were interrupted at the time of the Civil war for with patriotic ardor he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting on the 22d of August, 1862, as a member of Company B, Fortieth lowa Infantry. He was mustered out at Fort Gibson, in the Cherokee Nation, Indian territory. August 16, 1865, having taken part in all the engagements of his regiment, which was assigned to duty with the Army of the West.
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It was not long after his return from the war that Mr. Bryan was married, the wedding being celebrated February 15, 1866, when Sarah P. Ewing became his wife. She was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1844, and was brought to Poweshiek county by her parents, Samuel and Prudence Ewing, in the '50s. She died March 3, 1873, leaving a daughter, Florence L., now the wife of A. U. Dalbey, of Barnes City, Iowa, by whom she had seven chil- dren, four of whom are living.
After his return from the war Mr. Bryan carried on business pursuits until about ten years ago when he retired and is now enjoying a well earned rest made possible by the fruits of his former toil. He is a republican but has never sought or desired office. Fraternally he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He has always been true and loyal in matters of citizenship, display- ing the same fidelity in times of pcace that he manifested when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battlefields.
JOHN H. PATTON.
John H. Patton, one of the most prominent lawyers of Poweshiek county, whose connection with the bar is characterized not only by marked ability in the preparation and presentation of his cause, but also in fidelity to a high standard of commercial ethics, was born in Curwensville, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1856, a son of Edward B. and Esther A. ( Mason) Patton, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. Following their marriage they located in Curwensville. The Patton family for generations have been prominent in the public life of Pennsylvania. The great-grandfather, John Patton, was a member of Washington's staff in the Revolutionary war and an uncle. John Patton, brother of Edward B. Patton, was a member of congress from his district and his son, Jack, was United States senator from Michigan by appointment of Governor Trowbridge. At the expiration of that term he refused to become a candidate for the regular election, although it was con- ceded that he could have the position for the asking. Other members have been prominent in public life. Edward B. Patton, the father, was a contractor and builder, who remained always a resident of Curwensville, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1908, at the venerable age of eighty-one years. His wife passed away on the morning of July 4, 1861, and so greatly was she esteemed and beloved in hier town that all patriotic demonstrations were suspended and not an unnecessary sound was heard there during the day through respect to her memory.
John H. Patton was reared under the parental roof. He was only five years of age at the time of his mother's death and he is largely a self-educated as well as self-made man. He naturally enjoyed the advantages of the district schools and, as the Pattons were a family of affluence in Pennsylvania, he could have had a course in Yale, but he chose the independent plan and has
J. II. PATTON-MAYOR OF GRINNELL
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depended upon life's experiences and his own exertions for a higher education. At the early age of nineteen years he was a newspaper editor and publisher, editing the Curwensville Times. While thus engaged during the Hayes and Tikden campaign of 1876 he published a criticism of J. Blake Walters, which was taken up and copied broadly by the Philadelphia papers and resulted in the defeat of Walters, who started a suit against Mr. Patton for libel, but the latter's statement was readily proven.
The following year Mr. Patton sought a honie in the west, coming to Grin- nell, Iowa, and during the succeeding three years was connected, a part of the time, with the Grinnell Herald and a part of the time with the Citizens' Bank. In 1880 he took charge of the Grinnell Independent, publishing this as a semi- weekly republican newspaper. During the period of his connection with the paper as its editor he brought forth an editorial on the Tilden and Hayes cam- paign, giving his reasons for his belief that Samuel J. Tilden was at that time elected president. This editorial came to the attention of Charles A. Dana, of the New York Sun, and was copied in his paper-rather an unusual occur- rence for a distinguished editor of a metropolitan journal to copy from a rural newspaper. Mr. Patton continued to dictate the policy of the Grinnell In- dependent until 1887. He was a forceful writer, clear and cogent in the state- ment of his opinions and in the defense of his position, and his editorials at- tracted wide attention.
In the general election of 1886 Mr. Patton was elected district clerk and entered upon the duties of the office in January, 1887, removing to Montezuma, where he continued to fill the position for three terms, his reelections being in- controvertible proof of the recognition of his'ability and trustworthiness on the part of his fellow townsmen. In his" Carly" manhood Mr. Patton had formed the habit of night study and for years there was not an evening passed that he did not read until twelve o'clock! This habit became so fixed with him that it seemed as necessary as his daily meals. -- In 1877 he determined to learn some- thing ahout law and he took up as his evening course of reading a number of text-books on law, not, however, with the intention of practicing. By the year 1880, however, he had progressed sufficiently in his studies to pass an examina- tion and was admitted to the bar. Even then he did not intend to become a practitioner, but after serving for three terms in the district clerk's office he resolved to enter upon the practice of law and, in 1893, passed the required examination before the supreme court and was admitted to the bar. On his return to Grinnell he received a letter from C. T. Jones, clerk of the supreme court, telling him that he had passed with the high grade of ninety-two per cent and that very few applicants for admission, possibly not more than a half-dozen. had ever received so high a grade before the supreme court on examination. Yet Mr. Patton had never attended a law school and his prepara- tion was made entirely independently through his night study.
Opening an office in Grinnell in January, 1893, Mr. Patton has since been continuously connected with the Poweshiek county bar, and through the inter- vening period of eighteen years has made marked progress in his practice, being today regarded as one of the most capable and prominent lawyers of this part of the state. His reading has covered a wide range and not only does Vol. II-17
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he possess comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, but also the ability to accurately apply its principles.
On the 15th of January, 1879, Mr. Patton was married to Miss Mary J. Worcester, of Grinnell, a daughter of Justice Worcester, who came to Iowa in an early day, settling in Marshall county, whence he afterward removed to Grinnell. He was a cousin of the compiler of Worcester's dictionary. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Patton have been born six children: John H., Jr., a traveling salesman representing the Grinnell Glove Factory; Homer E., manager of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company, of Des Moines, and president of the Iowa Corporation of that company; Edward C., a graduate of the Grinnell high school; Mary E., a graduate of the high school class of 1911; Esther Ann, a freshman in the Grinnell high school ; and Paul W., who has not yet completed the work of the grades.
In politics Mr. Patton is a stalwart republican, has served as city attorney, and was elected mayor of Grinnell in the city election of March, 1911. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. Nature endowed him with strong mentality, but beyond this he has had no assistance in life and his progress represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and the recognition of his opportunities. His fidelity to the interests of his clients is proverbial ; yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. His diligence and energy in the preparation of his cases as well as the earnest- ness, tenacity and courage with which he defends the right, as he under- stands it, challenges the highest admiration of his associates. He invariably seeks to present his argument in the strong clear light of common reason and sound logical principles.
F. L. ABEL.
Some men are well adapted for business life and from the start give evi- dence of an interest in their work and a judgment in affairs which are clear prophecies of success. F. L. Abel, who is at the head of a flourishing vehicle establishment at Grinnell, early showed the zeal and persistence so necessary to success in this age of strong competition and for ten years past he has been carrying on business on his own account with excellent results. He was born in Pleasant township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, November 2, 1874, a son of Frank and Anna (Rainey) Abel. The parents were natives of New York state and were reared and married there. In 1866 they came to Iowa, locating in Pleasant township, Poweshiek county, where Mr. Abel bought a farm and engaged in agriculture and stock-raising for ten years. He then sold his place and removed to Grinnell, where he has since lived retired.
F. L. Abel received his preliminary education in the public schools and later matriculated at Grinnell College, in which he continued for two years. After leaving college he entered the employ of the H. W. Spaulding Manufacturing Company and was employed in the factory of the company for two years. Having acquired a good general knowledge of the business he was sent out
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upon the road and represented the firm in various parts of the country for five years. In 1901, having decided to engage in business for himself, he became a member of the firm of Mason & Abel. They sold buggies and carriages in the western states, employing the system of trailing-taking vehicles through the country to the doors of their prospective customers. In 1906 the firm was dis- solved and Mr. Abel became associated with his brother B. A. under the style of F. 1 .. Abel & Company, the senior member looking after the office business and the junior covering the field. They have developed a lucrative patronage, which under capable management is steadily growing. F. L. Abel is also identi- fied with other enterprises and is a director of the Grinnell Savings Bank.
In 1900 he was happily united in marriage to Miss Violet Naysmith Blow, a daughter of Mahlan Blow, a farmer of Poweshiek county, now deceased. By this union one child, Maxine Anna, has been born. Socially, Mr. Abel is identified with Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., and is a sincere believer in the beneficent teachings of the order. He is an adherent of the re- publican party, whose principles he heartily espouses, but he has never sought the honors of political office, preferring to devote his abilities to his private affairs. As a result of his diligence and good judgment he has prospered and is recognized as one of the substantial business men of Grinnell.
HARRY THOMPSON.
By means of diligence and application Harry Thompson, who is engaged in stock-raising, has become one of the extensive landowners of Union township. His birth occurred in Jersey county, Illinois, on the 13th of August, 1865, his parents being Charles N. and Martha (Chapman) Thompson, natives of Lick- ing county, Ohio, where they were married. The father, who was born on the 9th of January, 1837, migrated with his wife, in the early years of their married life, to Illinois. He there engaged in farming until 1880, when he again started westward, lowa being his destination. They first located in Jasper county, where a little later he purchased a small farm, which he cultivated until 1910, when he removed to Union township, Poweshiek county, where he is now residing. He has always been an ardent republican, and his wife was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. She passed away in Jasper county, in September, 1881. Unto them were born the following children: Minnie, the wife of C. S. Wall, of Newton, Iowa; Harry, our subject ; Emma, deceased ; Leonard, who is a resident of Estherville, Iowa; Charles Nathan, who is living in the state of Washington; Hattie, the wife of George Jacobs, of West Bend, Iowa; and Thomas, who is living in Colfax, Iowa.
Harry Thompson, who was a youth of fifteen years when the family settled in lowa, acquired his education in the district schools of his native state. He remained a member of the parental household until he was nineteen, assisting his father in operating the farm. He subsequently worked as a farm hand until he had accumulated sufficient money to enable him to begin farming for himself, when he rented land in Jasper connty. Perseverance, combined with
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diligence and the intelligent direction of his affairs, enabled him to make a success of his ventures, and in 1908 he bought his present farm, which con- tains three hundred and twenty-eight acres of land. Here he engages in breed- ing and raising shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, both of which, under his capable supervision, are proving to be very lucrative.
In February, 1888, Mr. Thompson and Miss Estella Rayi were united in marriage. Mrs. Thompson is a daughter of Himelus and Sarah Jane (Macy) Rayl, residents of Sugar Creek township. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, the order of their birth being as follows: Don, How- ard, Delima, Luvilla, Chalmer, Dwight, Vough and Colyne.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are both ardent members of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon and clerk, and he is also affiliated with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. In politics he is a republican but never takes an active part in public affairs. He has always worked persistently and unfalteringly, so judiciously administering his affairs that he has became recognized as one of the successful and prosperous stockmen and agriculturists of Union township.
FREDERICK F. LEE.
Frederick F. Lee has lived for thirty years in Poweshiek county and is now retired from active labor, having turned over the work of the farm to his sons. His memory carries him back many years, as he has now reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years and in the course of a long and useful life has passed through many interesting experiences. He was born in Rutland county, Vermont, November 6, 1823, and is a son of Thomas and Phoebe (Eastman) Lee, both of whom were natives of the same place. The father learned the cooper's trade, but devoted his attention to farming. in 1836 he moved with his family to Canada and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in that country. They were people of sterling characteristics and devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Frederick F. Lee was the eldest child in a family consisting of three sons and two daughters. He received his early education in the district schools and went with his parents to Canada, continuing at home until he was sixteen years of age. He then became clerk in a store and retained that position for seven years, at the end of which time he began farming in Canada, remaining there until 1881. Believing that conditions were more favorable west of the Mississ- ippi river, he removed with his family to this state and rented land in Pow- eshiek county. Later he purchased eighty acres in Grinnell township and en- gaged in general farming. specializing in the raising of fine horses, cattle and hogs. in which he attained a goodly measure of success.
On the 2d of March, 1845, Mr. Lee was married, in Canada, to Miss Clara Mallory, a daughter of David and Hulda (Keeler) Mallory, and there were three children born to this union: Lucy, who was married and became the mother of four children: John. Fred, Clara and Anna, and is now deceased : Sarah, who married James Austin. of Knapp, Wisconsin : and William F., also
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deceased. The mother of these children died in 1853 and Mr. Lee was married later to Miss Delilah Adams, a daughter of Orrin B. and Elizabeth (Mallory ) Adamis, of Canada. Two children have blessed this union: Herman F. and Malcomn C., both of whom are living at home.
Mr. Lee, as a farmer, has aided in the work which has produced so won- derful a transformation throughout the country and made life vastly morc agreeable to the millions living in the agricultural regions. By his prompt and honorable methods in business he has won the deserved confidence of his neighbors and set an example well worthy of imitation. He served as post- master at Mallorytown. Canada, but has never sought the honors or emolu- ments of public office in Iowa, preferring to devote his energy to his farm. Politically he has given his support to the republican party. In religious faith he has been for many years identified with the Methodist church.
JAMES S. McKEE.
Agricultural pursuits have characterized the efforts of James S. McKee throughout his entire active career, and in the cultivation of a good farm in Malcom township he is meeting with creditable success.
He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Muscatine county on the 15th of December, 1866. His parents, William J. and Sarah (Corrough) McKee, were both natives of County Down, Ireland, where they were reared and married. They came to Iowa in 1854, residing in Scott county about two or three years, after which they removed to Muscatine county. Later they came to Poweshiek county and established the family home on the farm which is now the property of our subject. Mrs. McKee passed away in Mal- com township in 1891, at the age of fifty-six years, being survived for almost twenty years by her husband. His life record covered more than the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, extending from the Ioth of May, 1832, until his death, at Grinnell, on the 5th of January, 1910. Their family consisted of seven children, namely: Margaret, the wife of Thomas McKee, of Grinnell; Mary, also of Grinnell; John, of Pomona, California ; Agnes, of Grinnell : Sarah, the wife of G. H. Pyle, of Malcom township: Elizabeth, who married Gordon Duffus, of Canada ; and James S., of this review.
Spending the period of his boyhood in the county of his nativity, James S. McKee came to Poweshiek county with his parents in 1880, and he has since continued to reside on the old home farm in Malcom township. He now gives his attention to the operation of this tract, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres located on section 34, and also cultivates another farm of one hundred and sixty acres for his sister. He is the owner of another farm of forty acres located on section 3, Grinnell township, about a mile northeast of the college. The home farm is well improved and equipped with a good house and sub- stantial barns and outbuildings, which were erected by the father of Mr. McKee. He has also made some changes about the place which have served to enhance
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its value. He is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and is also a stockholder in the Malcolm garage at Malcolm.
In 1899 Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Miss Marie Antoinette Royce, who was born in Pleasant township on the 2d of January, 1869, a daughter of Horace B. and Mary A. (Okey) Royce. The parents were natives of Vermont and England respectively, the father being born in 1832 and the mother in 1843. They were married in Bureau county, Illinois, and in 1866 came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where both passed away, the former in 1896 and the latter in 1903. In their family were seven children, as follows: Sydney L., of Malcom ; Marie Antoinette, who became the wife of Mr. McKee; Ada F., who wedded A. M. Gross, of Creston, Iowa; Horace J., of Malcom township; Edna O., the wife of George Cooper, of Long Beach, California; May B., who married the Rev. Victor West, of Adele, Iowa ; and Carrie, who passed away in 1880 at the age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. McKee became the parents of three sons, Kenneth D., James Patil and Donald Royce.
The religious faith of Mr. McKee is that of the Presbyterian church, while fraternally he holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he gives his support to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, preferring to give his entire time and attention to the conduct of his personal affairs which, carefully man- aged, are proving a source of gratifying annual returns.
JACOB HASLEY.
One of the energetic sons of Germany who have been successfully identified with the agricultural development of Poweshiek county is Jacob Hasley, who is now living retired but for many years was engaged in the cultivation of his farm in Sugar Creek township. He was born in the province of Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 4th of February, 1834, a son of John and Elizabeth Hasley. His parents spent their entire lives in the old country, where the father was a gardener. Five children were born to them, of whom Jacob is the third in the order of birth.
The education of Jacob Hasley was obtained in the common schools of his native land, where he spent the first eighteen years of his life. In 1852 he took passage for America to seek his fortune and put to the test the marvelous tales he had heard regarding the wealth and opportunities afforded ambitious young men in the United States. Upon his arrival in this country he first located in Philadelphia, where he followed the trade of wagonmaking for a time. From there he went to New Jersey, where he remained for thirteen years. In 1865 he came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, locating in Sugar Creek township, where he bought a farm, which he cultivated for many years. He is now retired and living with a daughter, Mrs. Henry Barnhart. Unusual success attended the efforts of Mr. Hasley and at one time lie owned a thousand acres of farm land in Poweshiek county.
MR. AND MRS. JACOB HASLEY
JAI . S.
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Mr. Hlasley first married Elizabeth Garrison, who passed away in December, 1870. They became the parents of seven children: James, who is a resident of Sugar Creek township: Wilbert, who lives in Abingdon, Illinois : Martha Ann, the wife of Henry Barnhart, of Sugar Creek township; George D., who is deceased : Frank, a resident of Searsboro, lowa : Henry, who is living in Sugar Creek township; and Elizabeth, who is deceased. In 1875 Mr. Hasley married Mrs. Wymer, who died in March, 1907.
In politics Mr. Hasley is a democrat and has served both as a school di- rector and township trustee. He now affiliates. with the Society of Friends but while living in the old country he belonged to the Lutheran church. He is one of those whose success in life is all the more commendable because of the fact that it was achieved amid the handicaps and obstacles which always con- front the foreigner, whose only asset is energy, perseverance and determina- tion. He is the only survivor of the charter members of the Searsboro lodge of Odd Fellows.
Henry Barnhart, who is engaged in farming in Sugar Creek township, was born in Indiana on the 9th of April, 1857, and when a lad of eight years he came to Poweshiek county with his parents, completing his education in the common schools of this county. After laying aside his studies he engaged in general farming and stock-raising, with which activities he continues to be identified. He is a democrat in politics and is serving in the capacity of school director and road supervisor. Fraternally he is a charter member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, being identified with the lodge at Searsboro, and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
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