USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 55
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On the 14th of February, 1882, Mr. Bagenstos was united in marriage to Miss Clara Kent, a daughter of Hiram and Viretta ( Eirp) Kent, who at that time were residents of Adams county, lowa. Mr. Kent, who was a farmer, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on the 20th of April, 1845. migrating to Iowa with his people when a lad of ten years of age. Mrs. Kent, who was born in Mercer county. Missouri, on the ist of January, 1845, came to lowa with her parents when four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Kent were married in Monte- zuma, this county, in 1863, continuing to reside here until 1882, when they re- moved to Adams county, where they lived for sixteen years and then went to Taylor county, where he continues to reside. Mrs. Kent passed away near Clearfield, Taylor county, on the 30th of November. 1910.
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Mr. Bagenstos is a member of Brooklyn Lodge, No. 114. I. O. O. F., En- campment No. 36 and Canton No. 12, also of Brooklyn, while he and his wife belong to Rebekah Lodge, No. 202. Independent in politics he always gives his support to the man he considers to be best qualified for the office, irrespective of party affiliation. He has never actively participated in township affairs, but served for four years as school director and was also road supervisor for a time. Mr. Bagenstos is meeting with Incrative returns from his ventures and takes great pride in his homestead. which is endeared to him by the associations of a lifetime.
ELMER E. RAYBURN.
Elmer E. Rayburn, the popular and efficient postmaster of Brooklyn, was born in Lynnville, Jasper county, Iowa, on the ist of October, 1861, a son of Dr. Cyrus E. and N. Helen (Conway) Rayburn. The parents were both natives of Ohio and were reared in that state, but at an early day came to lowa, where they were married. They arrived in Poweshiek county before the inauguration of the Civil war and immediately after the cessation of hostilities took up their abode in Brooklyn, where their remaining days were spent. The father, who devoted his entire life to the medical profession, enlisted at the time of the Civil war from Poweshiek county as assistant surgeon of Company H, Fortieth Regi- ment Colored Infantry, and served in that capacity throughout almost the en- tire period of the war. After his arrival in Brooklyn he built a drug store here and was engaged in its operation for a number of years. At different times he was associated with a partner in the drug business, and for several years was also railroad surgeon for the Rock Island system at this point. He manifested much ability in his chosen life work and occupied a prominent position in the commercial circles of this community, where a most substantial patronage was accorded him. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church and also belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and in the teachings and principles of these organizations lay the root of the kindly, humanitarian spirit which ever characterized him. Ile passed away in this city, in 1880, at the early age of forty-five years, and his wife's demise occurred in Grinnell in 1902, when she reached her sixty-fifth year. In their family were four children, of whom El- mer E., of this review, was the eldest. The others are: \lda F .. the wife of J. C. Kibby, of Grinnell : May I., who married R. T. Arnold, cashier of the First National Bank of Newton : and Rose, now Mrs. B. A. Moore, of Tacoma, Wash- ington.
Elmer E. Rayburn was a little lad of four years of age when brought to Brooklyn with his parents, and he has therefore passed almost his entire life in this community. At the usual age he was sent to the public schools in the acquirement of his education, and remained a pupil therein until the death of his father made it necessary for him to seek employment. Thereupon he ac- cepted a position as clerk in a grocery store and thus took his initial step in the business world. He remained in that capacity for a number of years but in the meantime had made it a point to master thoroughly every detail of the business
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so that, when his carefully saved earnings were sufficient to enable him to enter business on his own account, he was well equipped by comprehensive knowledge and experience to meet the responsibilities involved in the conduct of an inde- pendent venture. He embarked in the grocery business and for nine years was most successfully connected with that field of activity, his excellent business ability, careful management and progressive and honorable methods insuring him a substantial and ever increasing patronage. In 1902, however, he with- drew from private business interests to give his time and attention wholly to the duties of postmaster, to which position he had been appointed, and for nine years he has been the efficient and able incumbent of that office. He is a most popular official, for during the forty-six years in which he has resided in Brook- lyn he has become well known to his fellow townsmen, who respect him for his genial qualities, his high moral character and his fine qualities of citizenship.
In 1897 Mr. Rayburn was united in marriage to Miss Nellie R. Blanchard, who was born in New England, August 7, 1860, a daughter of Elijah and Mary A. (Rice) Blanchard. Her parents brought their family to Iowa in 1864 and in Brooklyn the father passed away. The mother, however, still survives and makes her home here with her children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rayburn have been born five children, but the second son, Lawrence, passed away in infancy. The surviving members are: Alphonso, Ralph, Clarence and Helen.
Since age bestowed upon him the right of franchise and he proudly cast his first vote Mr. Rayburn has never swerved in his support of the republican party and has ever kept well informed on the vital questions and issues of the day, although he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He finds inspiration for the faithful performance of each day's duties through his mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he has been affiliated since a lad of fifteen years, and he is now serving on the official board of the church. Ordering his life according to honorable and manly principles he is proving himself a valuable citizen both in private and public relations, and has the esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.
EDWIN GRANVIL LINSTED.
Edwin Granvil Linsted, who is engaged in the cultivation of the old family homestead in Sugar Creek township, was born in Gardner, Maine, on the 11th of April, 1855. He is a son of the late Alfred P. and Mary (Comstock) Lin- sted, the father a native of Boston and the mother of Great Barrington, Massa- chusetts. The father, who was a papermaker by trade, worked in the mills of Gardner, Maine, until 1857. The year previous he had purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land from the government in Sugar Creek township, Powe- shiek county, upon which he and his family settled in 1857. He immediately began improving his homestead, continuing its cultivation until a few years prior to his death, when he retired. The mother passed away on the 15th of April, 1892, but the father survived her until the 12th of August, 1900. Mr. Linsted always voted with the democratic party and he served his township in the capac-
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ity of trustee and justice of the peace. He was also a member of the Grange and Mrs. Linsted affiliated with the United Brethren church. To them were born six children in the following order of birth: John, who is deceased ; Sylvester, a resident of Sugar Creek township; Edwin Granvil, our subject; Anna M., who married Romain Northcutt, of Jasper county, Iowa; Alfred H., a resident of Sugar Creek township ; and Harriet, the wife of William Lowry, of Sugar Creck township.
As he was only a lad of two years of age when his parents settled in Sugar Creek township Edwin Granvil Linsted has spent practically his entire life in the vicinity where he is now residing. His education was obtained in the district schools in the vicinity of the homestead, which he attended until it was considered that he had sufficient knowledge of the common branches to enable him to pursue his vocation. During his school days and after completing his studies he assisted in the cultivation of the home farm, remaining a member of the parental household until he was thirty years of age. In 1885 he purchased a farm in Sugar Creek township and began in life for himself. Later he bought the old family home- stcad of one hundred and forty acres. He has made quite extensive improve- ments in this property during the period of his ownership, having erected several new buildings. He follows general farming and is meeting with success, realiz- ing very satisfactory returns from the sale of his crops. He is also a director of the Taintor Savings Bank, located at Taintor, Iowa.
In national and state elections Mr. Linsted gives his support to the men and measures of the democratic party, but in local affairs he always casts an inde- pendent ballot, voting for the men he deems best qualified for the offices. He has capably served his constituency in the capacity of assessor and township clerk, while for one term he filled the office of constable and acted as road super- visor for eight or ten years. Fraternally he affiliates with the Masonic order, being a member of Lebanon Lodge, No. 227, Lynnville, Jasper county, Iowa. Mr. Linsted is one of the widely known and highly regarded men of the town- ship, and counts among his close friends many of the comrades of his boyhood, which is a most favorable tribute to his character.
JOHN PATRICK FORD.
John Patrick Ford has always devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits since his earliest youth. He was born in Washington township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, on the 14th of June, 1866, and is a son of James and Catharine E. (Riley) Ford. The father emigrated from Ireland to the United States in early inan- hood and upon his arrival in this country first located at Joliet, 'Illinois, becom- ing a resident of that city in 1853. It was there he met and subsequently mar- ried Miss Riley, and soon thereafter they migrated to Iowa, settling on a farm in Washington township. Poweshiek county. The cultivation of this engaged the attention of Mr. Ford until his demise in 1874. His wife survived him for ten years, her death occurring in 1884. There were born ten children in their family, five sons and five daughters. The majority were very delicate and died
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while still quite young, but three are still living, as follows: James F., Jr., Turnie E. and John Patrick.
As he was but eight years of age when his father died and a member of a large family, John Patrick Ford was early compelled to assume his share in the cultivation of the farm. In the acquirement of his education he attended the district schools of Washington township at such times as his services were not required at home. After mastering the common branches he laid aside his text-books and gave his undivided attention to the operation of the fields and care of the stock. Being somewhat stronger than the majority of the family he was very much needed at home, where he remained so long as his services were required.
On the 22d of October, 1889. Mr. Ford established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Marie Marchal, the event occurring at Searsboro, Powe- shiek County. Mrs. Ford is a native of France, from which country she emi- grated with her parents in 1869. To Mr. and Mrs. Ford were born three children, but one son and the daughter died in infancy, so that the only sur- viving member of their family is William Henry, who is unmarried.
Mr. Ford is a stanch adherent of the principles of the democratic party, for whose candidates he always casts his ballot, and both he and his wife are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, to the teachings of which they have ever been most loyal, finding in them the comfort and solace of their spiritual needs.
EBERHART LARSEN.
Many of the most sturdy traits of the Norwegian race have found exem- plification in the life of Eberhart Larsen, a prosperous farmer and stock- raiser of Malcom township. He was born in the land of the midnight sun on the 19th of April. 1846. a son of Louis and Hennana Larsen, lifelong residents of Norway, where they engaged in farming. Their family consisted of four children, as follows: Ole, residing in his native country: Eberhart, of this re- view : Arne, of Minnesota : and Carrie who passed away at the age of fourteen vears.
Fortunate in spending the period of his boyhood and youth amid the wholesome scenes and environment of rural life Eberhart Larsen early learned the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad, and under the capable direc- tion of his father mastered many of the lessons concerning the value of in- dustry, perseverance and thrift. He remained under the parental roof until he was nineteen years of age, but the call of the new world finally became irre- sistible and he 'decided to seek a home and fortune in America. Accordingly he made the journey across the Atlantic in 1865, and upon arriving in the United States made his way at once to Chicago. From that city he went to the timber lands of Michigan, where he was employed for three years, and in 1868 came to Poweshiek county, locating in Malcom township. Here his cousin. Ole Paulson. upon coming from Chicago, had invested in all of the land com- prising section 30. and of this property Mr. Larsen and his brother Arne pur-
MR. AND MRS. EBERHART LARSEN
AUT T 7.
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chased a quarter section. Later he bought out his brother's interest and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres located on section 30, Malcom town- ship. It was raw prairie land when it came into his possession, but through years of well directed efforts, unfaltering enterprise and wise management it has been brought under a high state of cultivation, its well tilled fields yield- ing annually abundant harvests in return for the care and labor bestowed upon them. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and in both di- rections is meeting with well merited success. At one time he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres, but has since sold eighty acres to his son Herman.
On the 7th of March, 1873, Mr. Larsen was united in marriage to Miss Louise Appleby, who was also a native of Norway, her birth occurring there on the 13th of July, 1853. She was called to her final rest on the 21st of April. 1884, and later Mr. Larsen married her sister, Mrs. Martha ( Appleby) Armstrong, who was born in Norway on the 4th of February, 1856. Both of the sisters came to the United States in 1868 with their parents, Christ and Anna ( Knutensen ) Appleby. The parents are now deceased, the father pass- ing away on his farm in Mahaska county, lowa, while the mother spent her last days in the home of Mr. Larsen, In their family were four sons and four daughters.
Unto the first union of Mr. Larsen were born six children, as follows : Hannah Lily, the wife of Charles Bell, of Osceola county ; Carrie, a nurse of Chicago: Clara, who married John Alersen, of Poweshiek county; Herman, of Malcom township; Emma, at home ; and Anna, who passed away in infancy. Unto the second union were born five .children, namely: Anna, who wedded Leonard Halstead, of Grinnell township? Mamie Agnes and Rebecca, all at home; and Karl, who died in infancy.
The religious belief of Mr. Larsen is that of the Lutheran church, the teach- ings of which have been the guiding influence of his life. He gives his sup- port to the republican party, and although he has never sought to figure in the public eye he has nevertheless ever been loyal and public-spirited in his citizenship, being numbered among the county's respected and valued adopted sons. Though born across the water he is thoroughly American in thought and feeling and is patriotic and sincere in his love for the stars and stripes.
SAMUEL PRESTON TISH.
Iowa is constantly attracting a class of progressive citizens who recognize the opportunities here offered and ulitize them for the advancement of their in- dividual prosperity. AAlmost three decades have passed since Samuel Preston Tish came to Poweshiek county, and during the intervening period he has gained a prominent place among the progressive, enterprising and prosperous farmers of this locality.
One of Ohio's native sons he was born in Knox county on the 26th of Au- gust, 1857, his parents being James and Harriett ( Ray) Tish, whose births also ¥ol. IT-28
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"occurred in Ohio, the former's in Knox county and the latter's in Coshocton county. The father carried on agricultural pursuits on a farm near Frederick- town for a number of years prior to his demise and served for several terms as constable. He was a democrat in politics and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both passed away in Knox county, Ohio. In their family were eight children, as follows: Jane, the wife of Henry Sells, of Mount Vernon, Ohio: Mary, deceased ; Samuel Preston, of this re- view ; Henry, a resident of Mount Vernon, Ohio; Velaningham, Edward and Isaac, all deceased ; and John, of Mount Vernon.
Samuel Preston Tish is indebted to the district schools of his native county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed during the period of his boy- hood and youth, and the home farm was the training ground upon which he received his preparation for life's practical duties. He assisted his father in the cultivation of the fields for a time, and then was employed by others until he was twenty-six years of age. In 1882 he came to Iowa, first locating on a farm near Searsboro in Washington township, Poweshiek county, which he rented for five years, after which he spent a similar period in New Sharon, Mahaska county, Iowa. Returning to Poweshiek county, he took up his abode in Sugar Creek town- ship, purchasing a farm of eighty acres which has since remained the scene of his activities. He has greatly enhanced the value of the property since it came into his possession, for he has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and has introduced upon the place all of the modern inventions in farm machinery with which to successfully carry on his occupation. He is engaged in general farming and his well directed efforts and close application are meeting with sub- stantial success, his annual harvest enabling him to place himself in comfortable circumstances.
Mr. Tish was married, in 1884, to Miss Annie Watson, a daughter of Simon and Susan Watson, both natives of Owen county, Indiana, where the father's birth occurred on the IIth of March, 1835, and the mother's on the 6th of June. 1845. The father, a farmer by occupation, came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, in 1856, locating on a farm in Sugar Creek township, while later he purchased the place upon which Mr. Tish now resides, and upon which his death occurred on the 4th of April, 1908. The mother still survives, however, and resides with her children. Like her husband, she holds membership in the Society of Friends. In his political belief Mr. Watson was a democrat. In their family were seven children, as follows: Mrs. Tish, who was born in Sugar Creek township on the 9th of August, 1863 : Belle, the wife of Jesse Rivers, residing in Washing- ton township, Poweshiek county; George, a resident of Marshalltown, Iowa : Walter, deceased; Fred, of this township: Winslow, who has also passed away : and Elmer, of Union township. Mr. and Mrs. Tish have been blessed with three children, as follows: Edward E., born December 11, 1892, at Washington township : Martha, deceased; and Marie, born November 29, 1896, at New Sharon, Mahaska county, Iowa. They also have one adopted son, Fred, who was born on the 28th of March, 1890, at Searsboro, Iowa.
Mr. Tish's religious belief is that of the Christian church, while in politics he casts an independent ballot, unhampered by party ties or machine rule. He votes for the best men and most desirable measures, and his influence is ever cast upon
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the side of those issues which have for their object the development and im- provement of the community. Upright character and sterling worth have gained him a favorable place in the regard of many friends, and Sugar Creek town- ship numbers him among her valued and representative citizens.
JOHN C. SANDERS.
John C. Sanders is living retired in a pleasant home in Deep River, surrounded with friends and with all the comforts that go to make life worth living. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, June 2, 1848, a son of George E. and Mariah (Scott) Sanders, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born July 7, 1809. and the latter born in Maryland, June 13, 1813. The parents were married in 1833, after which they removed to Ohio. The father came to Poweshiek county in 1854 and here entered a half section of land, located two miles north of Deep River. He then returned to his home in Ohio and after ten years, in 1864, returned with his family to Poweshiek county, here establishing a per- manent home. He was a millwright by trade, following that pursuit in his early life, but engaged in farming during his later years. He was one of two chil- dren, his elder brother being Benjamin. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sanders were born ten children, namely : Robert K., who died in 1867; Thomas S., who served in the Civil war with an Ohio regiment and is now residing in Steubenville, that state: Nancy A., the widow of George Frederick, a resident of Albia, Iowa ; Mrs. Mary J. Gricr, deceased : Levi D., who departed this life in Ohio ; James E., who served for four years in the Civil war as a member of Company G .. Fifty- second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and now makes his home near Guernsey, Iowa: George E., who died in Iowa in 1869: John C., of this review : Mrs. Martha E. Saunders, who died in Iowa ; and Benjamin W., a resident of Des Moines. The father was a stanch republican in his political views and died in the faith of the United Presbyterian church March 10, 1902, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-three years. His wife preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring March 14, 1896, when she was eighty-three years of age.
John C. Sanders was reared in the state of his nativity to the age of six- teen years, when in 1864, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Powe- shiek county. He assisted his father in the development and operation of a new farm and continued farming until 1881, when he removed to Deep River and opened a drug store, which he conducted for eighteen years. His store was then destroyed by fire and since that time he has lived retired. Mrs. Sanders conducted a millinery establishment in Deep River from 1881 until 1905. this being the only concern of the kind here, and she built up an extensive trade.
On the 5th of October, 1872, Mr. Sanders was married to Miss Harriet H. Van Fossen, who was born in Morgan county, Ohio, September 19, 1846, and there resided until the time of her marriage. She is a daughter of Amos and Margaret A. (Burnside) Van Fossen, who were natives of Maryland but died in Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sanders have been born four children : Margaret
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M., the wife of W. C. White, a resident of Des Moines; Mary E., the wife of E. C. Cochran, of Fort Collins, Colorado ; Marquis L., who wedded Miss Florence Holmes and makes his home in Benson, Minnesota ; and Aquilla B., who wedded Maude Cranston, and resides in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Mr. Sanders has always followed in the political footsteps of his father. giving stanch support to the republican party. He has served as justice of the peace for the past ten years, his continuance in office being proof of his cap- ability and trustworthiness. He is also a notary public. His fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Broth- erhood of America. He possesses all the elements of what in this country we term a "square" man-one in whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any emergency. His easy dignity, his frankness and cordiality of address, indicate a man who is ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that come of conscious personal ability, a right con- ception of things and an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of hu- man activities.
GEORGE WRIDER.
George Wrider, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Deep River town- ship. is entitled to special mention in this volume as an honored veteran of the Civil war, being numbered among those who early responded to his country's call in her hour of need. He was born at Canal Dover, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 12th of July, 1844.
George Wrider was reared by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Catharine Wilson, remaining in the county of his nativity until he was eleven years of age. He then removed with her to Ashland county, Ohio, locating on a farm a mile west of Ashland, and that remained his place of residence until the outbreak of the Civil war. Responding to his country's call for troops, although but six- teen years of age, Mr. Wrider enlisted for service on the 27th of October, 1861. as a soldier of Company K. Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the entire remainder of the war. He did valiant service in the ranks until July 20, 1863, when he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and thus continued until the close of hostilities. He took part in all of the engagements of his regiment with the exception of Wauhatchie Creek, at which time he was a prisoner. The list of battles in which he participated included that at Mc- Dowell, Virginia; Cross Keys, in the Shenandoah valley; Culpeper Court House ; the second engagement at Bull Run; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ; Chattanooga ; and Missionary Ridge. He went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea, taking part in all of the engagements of that campaign. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, Virginia, on the 3d of May, 1863, receiving a gunshot in the right leg, and was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the third day of the battle, but at the end of thirty-three days was released on parole at Rich- mond, Virginia. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and was honor- ably discharged on the 27th of July. 1865. at Columbus, Ohio, after participat- ing in the grand review held at Washington, D. C. His military record was
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