USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 56
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
587
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
long and honorable, characterized by a loyalty to the cause for which the Union fought-a record of which he might well be proud and for which the country owes him a debt which can never be repaid.
When his services as a soldier were no longer needed, Mr. Wrider returned to Ashland and later made his way to Zanesville, whence he drove a team to Brooklyn, lowa, arriving in that city on the 11th of October, 1865. He has since resided within the borders of Poweshiek county, and for about thirty years has made his home on his present farm, consisting of eighty acres on section 8, one mile south of the town of Deep River. Ile gives his attention to general farming and stock-raising interests, and in both branches is proving successful, for he is practical, systematic and industrious, and follows progres- sive methods in the conduct of his affairs.
In Brooklyn, Iowa, on the 6th of September, 1866, Mr. Wrider was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Holland, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on the 10th of March, 1849, and as an orphan came to Poweshiek county in the fall of 1865. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wrider have been born the following children, namely : Edward, of Wichita, Kansas ; William, residing at Ashear, lowa : May, the wife of Rev. L. Howe, of Cherokee, Iowa; Blanche, who married John Kirke, of Lincoln township, Poweshiek county ; and Earl, of Rensburg, Cali- fornia. A son, Charles, the eldest of the family, passed away at the age of eigli- teen months.
Mr. Wrider gives his political support to the republican party, although the honors and emoluments of office possess no attraction for him, and his religious faith is that of the Christian church. lle is identified with the Masonic body as a member of Golden Rod Lodge, No. 512, A. F. & A. M., and maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Wise- ner Post, No. 412, G. A. R., at Montezuma, Iowa. He is a man whose career has been inspired by laudable ambition and whose enterprise and aggressiveness have stood him well in the battle of life, won him the prosperity which he en- joys today, and placed him in the foremost rank as a representative citizen of the community.
WILLIAM HALL.
Madison township has a goodly number of enterprising and progressive farmers to whose well directed efforts and business sagacity must be attributed much of the credit for the agricultural development of Poweshiek county. To this class rightfully belongs William Hall, who was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, on the 25th of August. 1858, a son of Robert and Sarah ( Christopher ) Hall, the father a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and the mother of Ontario, Canada. Mr. Hall, who was a farmer, emigrated from his native country to Canada in 1842 and there he passed away in 1864. The mother also died in Canada.
William Hall, who was but a lad of six years of age when his father died, continued to reside in Canada, in the common schools of which country he
588
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
acquired his education, until he had attained his majority. He came to the United States in 1879, locating near Long Grove, Scott county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for six years. In 1885 he migrated to Poweshiek county, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Madison township, upon which he still resides. Success having attended his efforts he was later able to add to his holdings another quarter section which lies just south of his homestead. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres of good land, which is tiled and in a high state of cultivation. He engages in general farming and each year raises one hundred acres of corn, all of which he feeds to the cattle and hogs which he ships to the Chicago market. The improvements on his place are all in good condition, and he keeps a high grade of stock, the general appearance of his farm being indicative of prosperity.
On the IIth of March, 1885, Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Miss Janet R. Lang, their union being solemnized in Scott county. Mrs. Hall is a daughter of John and Margaret (Young) Lang, well known residents of Scott county, where for many years the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Lang was a native of Bothwell, Scotland, and his wife of Linlith. They were married in their native country in 1846, in which year they emigrated to the United States. Upon their arrival in this country they went to Pennsyl- vania where they lived for four years and then came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Scott county. They resided upon this place for thirty-five years, at the ex- piration of which time they retired to Davenport, where they were living at the time of their decease. They both passed away at the age of eighty-five years, the father's demise occurring on the Ist of July, 1909, and that of the mother on the 22d of October, the same year. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born the fol- lowing children : Alice, who married Jesse A. Miller, a farmer residing a mile and a half north of Mr. Hall in Madison township, and who is the mother of one child, Esther, now in her second year ; Harry, Margaret, Hazel and Glenn, all of whom are at home.
The family hold membership in the Christian church of Madison township and his political allegiance Mr. Hall gives to the republican party. He has never been an office seeker, however, always having preferred to concentrate his attention on the development of his personal affairs, in which he is meeting with an enviable degree of success.
JOHN HANSON THOMAS MAIN.
John Hanson Thomas Main, president of Grinnell College and for twenty years past identified prominently with the educational interests of the state, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Toledo, April 2, 1859, a son of Hezekiah Best and Margaret (Costello) Main. After securing the rudiments of an edu- cation in the public schools he matriculated in the literary department of Moores Hill College, Indiana, and was graduated in 1880 with the degree of A. B., re- ceiving the degree of A. M. from his alma mater in 1883. Later he pursued a post-graduate course at Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore, Maryland,
J. H. T. MAIN
1
591
HISTORY OF POWESINIEK COUNTY
receiving the degree of Ph. D. in 1892. The honorary degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Oberlin College in 1911 in recognition of his distinguished services as an educator ..
Having decided early to devote his life to teaching, Mr. Main accepted the position of professor of ancient languages at Moores Hill College in 1880 and continued with that institution for nine years, during which time he assisted materially in adding to its reputation. From 1890 to 1891 he served as assistant in Greek and Latin at the Woman's College of Baltimore, Maryland, and dur- ing the year following was senior fellow in Greek at Johns Hopkins University. His reputation as a classical scholar attracted the attention of the authorities of Iowa College and in 1892 he was invited to fill the chair of Carter, professor of Greek language and literature at this college. Fortunately for the college as events have proved he accepted the offer and has ever since been at the head of the Greek department at Iowa College. He also served as acting president from 1900 to 1902 and as dean of the faculty from 1902 to 1906. Since January, 1906, he has filled the office of president of the college, dis- charging his duties with a judgment and ability which have redounded greatly to the credit of the college and largely increased its usefulness.
On June 18, 1881, Mr. Main was united in marriage to Miss Emma Myers of Jeffersonville, Indiana. Religiously he is identified with the Congregational church and since 1907 has been president of the Congregational Brotherhood of America, one of the important growing organizations of the church. As a linguist he is widely known and holds membership in the American Philological Association, being also a valued member of the Archaeological Society of America. Socially he is connected with the Grant Club of Des Moines and the University Club of Chicago, Illinois. As a writer he has contributed articles of special interest on educational subjects to various magazines of America and Europe, and articles from his pen are to be found in transactions of educational associations. He is a fluent and instructive speaker and is much in demand upon the platform, where his services are greatly appreciated. In executive ability he occupies the front rank among educators of the west. Few men are better acquainted with the educational needs of Iowa and few of his age have contributed in a more important degree toward the upbuilding of the best interests of the state. His courage and enthusiasm have awakened many young men and women to a realization of their personal responsibility and started them on the road to achievement.
CHARLES T. CRAVER.
A successful agriculturist and stockman of Sugar Creek township is Charles T. Craver, who owns three hundred and fifty-nine acres of land, all under cul- tivation in Poweshiek county. His birth occurred in the township where he is now residing on the 18th of August, 1862, his parents being Joseph A. and Susan (Givens) Craver. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the
592
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
mother of Indiana, their marriage being solemnized in the latter state. Mr. Craver, who was a carpenter, followed his trade in Indiana and in Montezuma. lowa, where the family first located upon their arrival here. He subsequently purchased a farm in Sugar Creek township, however, which he cultivated until he retired to New Sharon, lowa. There he passed away on the 12th of October, 1893, at the age of seventy-one years ; the mother, however, survived until the 22d of January, 1896, her demise occurring at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. Craver was a democrat and served as supervisor and school director, and both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends. Seven children were born of their imion: Clara, who is deceased ; Jane, the wife of William Fisher, a resident of Searsboro: Joseph A., who is living in Wichita, Kansas; Frances, the wife of M. A. Miller, of New Sharon, Mahaska county, Iowa : Linneus F. and Leonidas H., twins, the former a resident of Taintor, Iowa, and the latter of Sugar Creek township: and Charles T., our subject.
It was in the schools of New Sharon that Charles T. Craver began his edu- cation, which was later completed in the schools of Sugar Creek township. By that time he had a very good knowledge of agricultural methods, having been accustomed to assisting his father in the work of the farm during vacations and at such times as he was not engaged with his studies. After leaving school he gave his undivided attention to the work of the farm under the direction of his father until he was twenty-nine years of age. He then began his independent career as an agriculturist by engaging in the cultivation of an eighty acre tract. After the demise of his father he inherited seventy-nine acres of the old home- stead, since which he has purchased an additional two hundred acres. In con- nection with the cultivation of his extensive fields Mr. Craver raises stock, mak- ing a specialty of hogs.
Mr. Craver was united in marriage on the 23d of April, 1891. to Miss Lova Jane Knight, a daughter of Archibald and Adeline Knight, residents of Sugar Creek township at that time. Her father was born in Illinois on the 18th of July, 1840, while her mother was a native of Indiana, her natal day being the 1Ith of October, 1848. Mr. Knight settled on a farm in Sugar Creek township about 1881, but later moved to Missouri; where he passed away in April, 1903. Mr. Knight engaged in farming and he also preached a part of the time, being a minister of the Christian Union church. He served for four years and three months as a private in Company G, Second lowa Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war. On the 10th of September, 1865, Mr. Knight was married to Miss Adeline Williams, and they became the parents of four daughters: Ida, the wife of William Kirkham, of Trenton, Missouri : Lova Jane, now Mrs. Craver, who was born in Putnam county, Missouri, on the 3d of October, 1868; Maggie, who married Till Wilcox, of Princeton, Missouri; and Minnie, the wife of Homer Taylor, of St. Joseph, Missouri. The mother still survives and now makes her home in Princeton, Missouri. Mr. Knight was a republican and a member of the G. A. R., while both he and his wife affiliated with the Christian Union church.
Unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Craver there have been born two children : Arno L., who was born on the 26th of November, 1895: and Earl M., whose birth occurred on the Ist of September, 1899.
593
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Craver has given his political support to the candidates of the democratic party, but he has never been an office seeker. Although he takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community his own interests have always absorbed his attention to the ex- clusion of everything else.
ROSS B. WORK.
Commercial interests in Grinnell find a worthy representative in Ross B. Work, who is now conducting a well appointed shoe store in this city. He has been connected with the trade here for sixteen years, always in his present estab- lishment, of which he has been manager since 1902.
He was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1871, a son of Alexander and Mary A. ( Ross) Work, both of whom were natives of that county, where they were reared and married and still reside. The father is one of the well known and substantial farmers and stockmen of that, section and has been extensively engaged in buying and selling fine horses and cattle, having on hand at all times some of the best stock to be found, not only in his county, but in that part of the state. He displays excellent business ability in the conduct of his in- terests and has won gratifying success. In politics he has been a lifelong repub- lican and while his fellow townsmen have elected him to various local offices he has never been an aspirant for political preferment. In matters of citizenship, however, he is always loyal and at the time of the Civil war he manifested his allegiance to the Union by enlisting for three years' service in the Sixty-first Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded twice, once at the battle of An- tietam and again at Bull Run. IIe never faltered in the performance of his duty and returned to his home at the close of the war with a most creditable military record. Both he and his wife are active and faithful members of the United Presbyterian church.
Ross B. Work was reared upon the home farm and the common schools of his native county afforded him his educational privileges. When twenty years of age he left the parental roof and sought a fortune in the west, going to the iron region in the upper peninsula of Michigan. There he was first employed as a clerk in a general store at Crystal Falls and later became its manager, remaining at that place for four years. He then continued his westward journey to Iowa, arriving in Grinnell in the fall of 1895. At that time he secured a position in the shoe store of which he is now proprietor, but which was then owned by his uncle. R. C. Ross, in whose employ he remained for seven years, when, in 1902, he pur- chased an interest in the business which he has since carefully, systematically and successfully conducted. The store is thoroughly modern in its appointment and equipment and the trade has been largely increased under his capable management.
In 1900 Mr. Work was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Pollock, of In- diana county, Pennsylvania, who was one of his schoolmates in his youthful days. She is also a graduate of the State Normal College of Pennsylvania and after completing her course there was engaged in teaching. Subsequently she became a
594
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
teacher in the denominational school at Selma, Alabama, but put aside the duties of the schoolroom to take up the affairs of her own household, which she capably managed until death claimed her in July, 1906.
Mr. Work is a member of Grinnell Lodge, No. 175, K. P., and gives his politi- cal support to the republican party. He never desires office as a reward for party fealty. He holds membership in the Congregational church and for some years has served as chief usher and as superintendent of one of the departments of the Sunday school. He belongs to the Merchants' Association of Grinnell and co- operates in its various movements for the business development of this city. In fact he is the champion of material, intellectual and moral progress, recognizing that each has its place in the scheme of the world, and his labors have been an element of growth along all those lines during the period of his residence in Grinnell.
GEORGE BAUSTIAN.
The business and agricultural interests of Poweshiek county find a worthy representative in George Baustian, whose farm is one of the attractive features of the landscape in Sheridan township. He is a native of Henry county, Illi- nois, where he was born in 1862, a son of George and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Baustian. The father was born in Pashinn, Germany, October 11, 1830. He came to America and took up his residence in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He was married in 1858 to Elizabeth Schmidt, and later they removed to Henry county, Illinois. He began his business career by working out by the day and after a few years rented land, coming with his family in 1866 to Jasper county, Iowa, where he farmed for five years near Kellogg. In 1871 he arrived in Pow- eshiek county and settled in Chester township. He died in Sheridan township, however, in 1907.
George Baustian assisted his father in farm work as a boy, attending the district schools in the winter. Later he began farming on his own account and, in 1893, he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 25, Sheridan township, which is now his home place. It is one of the highly improved farms of the township and the well cultivated fields and substantial buildings and fences indicate that he gives to his work his best thought. He raises and feeds stock upon an extensive scale. He is also the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land near Fillmore, Canada, and six hundred and ninety-two acres in Faulk county, South Dakota. Aside from his agri- cultural and stock-raising interests he is a member of the board of directors of the Malcom Savings Bank, the Malcom Telephone Company, and also of the Malcom Agricultural Society.
In 1887 Mr. Baustian was united in marriage to Miss Philippina Eisele, a daughter of Andrew and Philippina (Wentzel) Eisele, who at the time of their daughter's marriage were living on a farm three miles northwest of Malcom. The father of Mrs. Banstian was born in Germany, emigrating to this country, and making his home in Poweshiek county from 1868 until the time of his death. The mother was born in Baden, Germany, February 10, 1833. She came
-
G
-
GEORGE BAUSTIAN AND FAMILY
δΈ€
XN
597
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
to America in 1855 and made her home in Philadelphia. In her latter years she lived with the subject of this review and was called from earthly scenes March 24, 1906. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Baustian : Elmer, who was born May 24, 1889 ; Stella, born December 12, 1892; and Ben., born May 13, 1894.
Mr. Baustian is identified with the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment and the Rebekahs at Malcom, and his wife and daughter are also members of the Rebekahs. The son Elmer, who has reached his majority, holds member- ship in the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment and the Rebekahs at Malcom, and also in the lodge of the Woodmen of the World at Sheridan. The daughter, Stella, belongs to the Royal Neighbors at Sheridan. Mr. Baustian gives his support to the republican party and is now serving as school director of Dis- trict No. 7. Sheridan township, having also filled the office of township trustee for seven years. He has been unusually successful in business and during his residence in Sheridan township has been closely identified wtih its develop- ment. His prosperity is due to his application, good judgment and perseverance and today he enjoys the fruits of his, well directed endeavors.
LEONIDAS HAMILTON CRAVER.
One of the practical and progressive farmers of Sugar Creek township is Leonidas Hamilton Craver, who owns a fine homestead of two hundred and fifty acres which he is operating. 'He was born in Sugar Creek township, Pow- eshiek county, on the 30th of April, 1860, a son of Joseph A. and Susan (Giv- ens) Craver, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana respectively.
The father followed the carpenter's trade during the period of his residence in Indiana, in which state he was married, and while living in Montezuma, Iowa. Later he purchased a farm in Sugar Creek township from which time until his retirement to New Sharon he followed general farming and stock-raising. He passed away on the 12th of October, 1893, at the age of seventy-one years, and the mother died on the 22d of January, 1896, after having passed the sixty- fifth anniversary of her birth. Their family numbered seven children, the order of their birth being as follows: Clara, who is deceased: Jane, the wife of Wil- liam Fisher, of Scarsboro; Joseph A., a resident of Wichita, Kansas; Frances, who married M. A. Miller, of New Sharon, Mahaska county ; Linneus F. and Leonidas H., twins, the former a resident of Taintor, Iowa, and the latter our subject ; and Charles T., an agriculturist of Poweshiek county. His political support Mr. Craver always accorded the democratic candidates and he served his township in the capacity of school director and supervisor. In matters re- ligious the views of Mr. and Mrs. Craver accorded with the belief of the So- ciety of Friends, with which church they were affiliated ..
The early years in the life of Leonidas Hamilton Craver were spent in Sugar Creek township on the old homestead, where he acquired his preliminary education. This was later supplemented by the public schools of New Sharon, which he attended for a time. After completing his studies he gave a large
598
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
portion of his time and attention to the work of the homestead until he attained his majority. He then rented a farm from his father which he operated for four years, during which time he managed to save the necessary capital to enable him to purchase his present homestead. During the long period of his residence here he has made quite extensive improvements in the property, hav- ing erected some fine buildings and effected some minor changes which have materially added to the general appearance of the place. llis fields are well fenced and highly cultivated, the grounds and buildings carefully kept, and he carries a good grade of stock.
The marriage of Mr. Craver and Miss Lizzie Tener was solemnized on the Ist of September, 1889. Mrs. Craver is a daughter of David B. and Ellen ( Riggs ) Tener, natives of Ohio. They many years ago moved to Kansas where AIr. Tener, who was a farmer, followed his vocation until he passed away in 1903. The mother is still surviving and continues to make her home in Kansas. In politics he was a democrat and fraternally a member of the Masonic order. and he was also a veteran of the Civil war. Their religious views Mr. and Mrs. Tener demonstrated by uniting with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she is still a member. Mrs. Craver was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on the 12th of May, 1862.
Mr. and Mrs. Craver are the parents of six children, as follows : Pearl Susan, who died on the 22d of March, 1892, aged two years and five months : Ray, who was born on the 12th of January, 1892, and died on the 27th of September, 1892 ; Frances Maryland, born on the 20 of September, 1895; Ivry, who was born on the 8th of October, 1898, and died on the 4th of October, 1800 : Leonidas H., born on the 26th of July, 1899; and Fern Emmeline, who was born on the 18th of January. 1902.
In his political allegiance Mr. Craver is always true to the principles of democracy, but does not actively participate in township affairs. He is one of the widely known and highly esteemed citizens of Sugar Creek township, where many of his stanchest friends have known him since his boyhood.
J. S. BURGETT.
There is perhaps no more familiar figure on the streets of Deep River than J. S. Burgett, and few families in Poweshiek county are more honored than that of which he is a representative. His entire life has been spent within the borders of Deep River township, where his birth occurred on a farm a mile and a half south of the town of Deep River, on the 19th of September, 1868.
His father, P. B. Burgett, was one of the early settlers of this county, taking up his abode here when lowa was still a frontier district and much of her land unclaimed and uncultivated. He belonged to that type of hardy pioneers who subdued the forests and conquered the plains, and laid broad and strong the foundations on which the state and nation have grown to greatness. He left an impress on the history of the county-for it cannot be written without taking into account those sturdy pioneers who conquered its virgin soil and gave to the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.