USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 61
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reside. This is one of the most valuable properties in the county, having been well improved and brought to a high state of cultivation by Mr. Grier. The residence, which is a large comfortable house equipped with all modern con- veniences, is situated upon a hill which commands a fine view of all of the surrounding country. The barns and outbuildings are substantially constructed and thoroughly repaired; the grounds, orchard and groves are well cared for ; and the place is stocked with a fine grade of cattle and horses, all of which are in excellent condition. Mr. Grier took much pride in his place and being a progressive agriculturist was always ready to adopt every new theory which to him appeared to be practical in the operation of his land.
Mr. Grier was married on the 6th of March, 1895, to Miss Eliza J. Johnston, a daughter of Joseph C. and Margaret O. (Johnston ) Johnston. Her parents, who were natives of Ireland, emigrated to the United States and located in Powe- shiek county in pioneer days. The father, who was a farmer, was engaged in agricultural pursuits until he retired to Deep River, where he passed away. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Grier, in order of birth as follows: Martha L., who is attending the high school at Deep River; Joseph Benton ; Harlan, who died in infancy; Margaret O .; and Florence. The ehil- dren are all in school with the exception of the youngest daughter, who is not yet old enough.
A republican, Mr. Grier gave his support to the men and measures of that party and served as a trustee and school director in his township. Both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Deep River, where the family still worship. His demise was a great blow not only to his family but the entire community in which he resided and where he was highly regarded. Mr. Grier was a man of excellent business judgment, good principles and with a rare sense of civic responsibilities which qualities would have made him an acquisition to any community.
MELVILLE A. LATHAM.
Melville A. Latham, who is engaged in the cultivation of his farm although residing in Searsboro, was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, on the 27th of December, 1846. He is a son of Amos B. and Caroline ( Loomis) Latham, also natives of Hartford county, the birth of the mother having occurred in Westchester. She held membership in the Congregational church. The parents spent their entire lives in the state of their nativity, where the father followed the carpenter's trade until he passed away. He was twice married and had eight children, six by his first marriage and two by the second, namely: Jane. the widow of Stanley S. Wadsworth, of East Hartford, Connecticut; Betsy M., the deceased wife of William Burland, of Marshall, Michigan; Imogene C., the widow of Hawley Skinner. of East Hampton Connecticut ; William E., of New Britian, Connecticut ; Joel E., a resident of Rogers, Arkansas; Melville A., our subject ; and Charles and Ernest B., both residents of New York city.
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The early years of Melville A. Latham were spent on the New England home where he was born, his education being acquired in the common schools of the district. After laying aside his text-books he remained at home and worked on the farm until he came west. He first located in Marshall, Michigan, where for two years he followed blacksmithing. At the expiration of that time he came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, locating in Searsboro in 1871. Here he en- gaged in the mercantile business with his brother Joel E. for three years, and then, disposing of his interest, he again became identified with the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for sixteen years. In 1890 he withdrew from that occupation and bought a farm, in the cultivation of which he has ever since been continuously engaged.
Mr. Latham was united in marriage on the 26th of October, 1873, to Miss Margaret E. Williams, a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Dumbille Williams. of Grinnell, lowa. Her mother, who was a native of England, came to America when a little girl and died in this county in August, 1904. Mr. Williams was born in Indiana and at the age of seven years removed to Illinois, where he was reared and married, later coming to Iowa. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Eleventh lowa Volunteer Infantry but gave out while on the march with Sherman to the sea and died by the roadside, four miles from Savannah, Geor- gia. In his family were six children: Sarah A., who died at the age of twelve years ; Logan P., who died at the age of five years; Margaret E., now Mrs. Latham; Martha J., wife of L. W. Morgan, of Lincoln, Nebraska ; George T., of Grinnell, Iowa ; and Mary E., wife of Zenas M. Chapman, of Rock Rapids, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Latham were born two sons and a daughter: Arnold B., who is living in Searsboro; Hawley R., who is a resident of Sugar Creek township ; and Maude Adel, deceased.
The family always attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mrs. Latham holds membership, while fraternally Mr. Latham is iden- tified with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at the present time serving as treasurer of the latter organization. In political matters his views coincide with those of the republican party, for whose candidates he casts his ballot, and he has held the office of constable in his township. Perse- verance and hard work have brought a fair degree of success to Mr. Latham, who is recognized as one of the worthy and upright citizens of his community.
FRANK E. MINTLE.
Poweshiek county numbers among its citizens many enterprising and success- ful agriculturists but none have made more notable progress in the pursuit of their vocation than Frank E. Mintle, who at the age of forty is recognized as one of the substantial farmers and stockmen of the county. He was born in Woodhull, Illinois ; on the 11th of August, 1870, and is a son of Philip and Susan ( Maxwell) Mintle, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Texas. The father's birth occurred in the vicinity of Dayton on the 12th of August, 1837. In his early manhood he removed to Illinois, locating in Woodhull, where he
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engaged in the grocery business and he also owned a livery stable. He con- tinued to reside there for eight years, at the expiration of which period he and his family removed to Iowa, settling upon a farm in Malcom township, Powe- shiek county, in 1871. He rented land during the first four years of his resi- dence here but at the end of that time he bought one hundred and sixty acres in the same township, continuing to lease a similar amount, however. Later he traded his quarter section for eighty acres located elsewhere in the township. After operating this for several years he purchased one hundred and sixty acres. He disposed of his interests in 1896 and retired to Grinnell, where he and his wife continue to reside.
Frank E. Mintle was only a babe of eight months when his parents settled in Poweshiek county, where he was reared, acquiring his education in the district schools. He remained a member of the parental home until he had attained his majority, devoting his entire attention, after laying aside his school books, to agricultural pursuits, having decided upon that for his life vocation. The first year he worked for himself he farmed as a renter, during which time he ac- quired the means to enable him to become a property holder, purchasing forty acres of land in Malcom township in 1892. The year afterward he added another forty to his tract and having cultivated this for a year he disposed of his eighty acres and rented a farm of four hundred and twenty-seven acres in Sheridan township on equal shares with John Plum. He operated this for three years and then bought another eighty in Malcom township, upon which he resided for six years. He sold this in 1900, and purchased two hundred and eighty-five acres elsewhere in Malcom township, upon which he located the year following. After cultivating it for eight years he sold and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Malcom township, and eighty acres south of Grinnell, making his entire acreage two hundred and forty. In 1909 he removed to Grinnell, where he is now residing but continues to cultivate his farm. He is one of the extensive stockmen and heavy shippers of the county, feeding from nine to ten carloads of cattle and hogs annually, for which purpose he raises the most of the grain. Mr. Mintle's Malcom township land is well improved, thoroughly drained and highly cultivated, being regarded as one of the most valuable properties in the township.
In 1892 Mr. Mintle was united in marriage to Miss Laura Smith, a daughter of Charles and Ellen ( Maxwell) Smith, both of whom were born and reared in Henry county, Illinois. Her father, who was a general merchant, died twenty years ago, but her mother is still living and continues to make her home in Henry county. Mrs. Mintle, who is also a native of Henry county, came to Iowa in 1891. She has become the mother of five children as follows: Harley. who is eighteen years of age; Thomas, sixteen; Earl, fourteen; Hazel, twelve; and Loring, who has passed his tenth year.
Mr. Mintle is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being identified with the lodge at Grinnell, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, his membership in the latter organization being in Lodge No. 312 at Mar- shalltown, Iowa. Independent in politics, he casts his ballot for the candidates he feels are best qualified for the position regardless of party affiliation. Not being an aspirant to public honors he has never actively participated in gov-
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ernmental affairs. At one time he was elected to the office of constable while residing in Malcom township but refused to qualify for the office. Possessed of an abundance of energy and business sagacity, Mr. Mintle has met with more than average success in his ventures and is regarded as one of the competent business men as well as capable agriculturists of Poweshiek county.
ALEXANDER CHARLES LESTER.
Farming claims the time and attention of Alexander Charles Lester, who now owns one hundred and twenty acres in Deep River township, a part of which constitutes the old homestead. This farm is the place of his birth, his natal day being March 15, 1863. He is the youngest in a family of five children whose parents were Alexander and Ann Jane (Graham) Lester. The father was born near Belfast in County Down, Ireland, in 1816. In 1848 he emigrated to the new world and for a few years worked as a carpet weaver in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania. In 1850 he went to Detroit, Michigan, and for a few years followed farming about sixteen miles north of the city. It was while residing at the lat- ter place that he was married to Mrs. Ann Jane (Graham) Dodds, who was like- wise a native of County Down, Ireland, born May 27, 1828. She was married there to Alexander Dodds, who died on shipboard in 1850, when they were en- route for the United States. The widow with her one son, William John Dodds, who now lives in Michigan, proceeded alone to Detroit, and she was married shortly afterward to Mr. Lester. In 1855 they removed to Mahaska county, Iowa, and five years later, in 1860, came to Poweshiek county, settling on the farm in Deep River township, which is now the home of their son Alexander. In connection with his farming interests Mr. Lester also operated a threshing machine for many years and became a prosperous and influential resident of his section of the county.
His family numbered five children: David, who was born in 1853 and died in 1897, leaving a widow and five children; Jennie Eliza, who was born October 24, 1854, and became the wife of Samuel Conn, passing away on the 16th of June, 1907, leaving four daughters and two sons; Martha, the wife of M. F. Babb, of Montezuma, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Maggie, the wife of Charles Sanders, of Deep River township; and Alexander C., of this review. The father passed away on the home farm, October 18, 1900, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. He had long been a mem- ber of the United Presbyterian church. The mother is still living with her son Alexander C.
Alexander Charles Lester was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, as- sisting in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting through the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he attended the district schools. He is today the owner of the old homestead farm, to which he has added a forty acre tract, now possessing one hundred and twenty acres, situated on sections 29 and 30, Deep River township. His fields are under a high state of cultiva- tion and each year he gathers good crops.
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It was on the 3d of March, 1903, that Mr. Lester was married to Mrs. Nora Sanders, the widow of Horace Wade Sanders and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wolf. She was born in Deep River township, March 14, 1878, and by her first marriage has two children, Ernest E. and Lilly May. By her union with Mr. Lester she has become the mother of three children: Bertha Viola, born January 31, 1904; Hester, born February 22, 1906; and Harry Elsworth, born May 7, 1908.
In politics Mr. Lester is a republican. He is a man of sterling worth and integrity, who conducts his business affairs along the most honorable methods, and his success is well merited.
WILLIAM RALPH RUTHERFORD.
For many years the name of Rutherford has been prominently identified with the agricultural development of Poweshiek county, the family continuing to be most capably represented in the person of William Ralph Rutherford, who is en- gaged in general farming in Grinnell township. He is a native of this county, having been born in Chester township in July. 1885, and is a son of George and Elvina ( Harpster ) Rutherford, the father a native of New York and the mother of Pennsylvania. George Rutherford, the father, was born in Madrid, St. Law- rence county, New York, on the 14th of September, 1837, his family having mi- grated from Scotland a few years previously. He was reared and educated in his native state. After attaining manhood he went to Boston, where he remained a year, going from there to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he spent three years, and thence to Missouri for a year. Coming to Poweshiek county in 1870 he felt that he would be content to make this his home, and so bought a farm in Chester town- ship, where he continued to reside for many years. In 1884 Mr. Rutherford was married to Miss Elvina Harpster, who passed away on the 7th of June, 1896. Two children were born of this marriage : William Ralph and Mary Helen. The family attended the Congregational church, with which Mr. Rutherford united by letter when he first located here, which was during the pastorate of Professor S. J. Buck. In 1899 Mr. Rutherford moved to Grinnell, where he continued to reside until September, 1907, when, accompanied by his daughter, he went to Pasadena, California, hoping to find relief from an ailment of the heart which had developed in the previous June, but he contracted pneumonia and passed away on the 15th of November, 1907, being at the time, aged seventy years and two months. His remains were brought back to his old home and laid beside those of his wife. During the long period of his residence here Mr. Rutherford had made many friends. He possessed a rare personality which attracted people, and by means of his fine mental qualities and kindly nature he retained their regard. An earnest, consistent and conscientious Christian, he endeavored by his every act to exemplify Him whom he elected to follow. Success crowned his efforts, and he acquired considerable property and a comfortable competence. which was the result of honest effort and never entailed the sacrifice of personal integrity or another's interests.
GEORGE RUTHERFORD
THENLY PUBLIC LILMÁRY
ASTOR LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
William Ralph Rutherford was reared upon the old homestead amid the re- fining influences of a pleasant environment, acquiring his education in the com- mon schools. Early having decided to follow the vocation of farming, upon the completion of his education he assisted his father, later locating upon his home- stead, which contains one hundred and eighty acres of fertile land adjacent to Grinnell. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising and is meeting with gratifying returns from both sources. His is one of the attractive places of the vicinity, the general appearance of the property being given most careful at- tention, while the residence is one of the best in the county. Mr. Rutherford is an energetic young man, who concentrates his entire time and attention upon the development of his interests, realizing that success in any vocation is the result only of persistent and well directed effort.
In February, 1907, Mr. Rutherford was united in marriage to Miss Minnie M. Nichols, a daughter of Robert Nichols a well known and prosperous farmer of Jasper county, and who, although he is well along in years, is still hale and hearty. Two children have been born of this union : Donakl George and Elvina Jewel. The family affiliate with the Presbyterian church and Mr. Rutherford accords his political support to the candidates of the republican party. During the brief period of his active career he has given strong evidence of possessing his father's excellent principles, as well as his business sagacity, and ganging his future by his past it would seem to be most promising.
ANDREW LOUIS COON. 1.
On the list of Poweshiek county's honored dead appears the name of Andrew Louis Coon, who for many years was actively connected with business and agri- cultural interests here, his success therein enabling him to spend his last years in well merited retirement. He was a native of Ohio, born in Bellefontaine, Logan county, on the Ist of April, 1836. His parents, Jacob and Malinda ( Wall ) Coon, were born near Fincastle, Virginia, and were there married. Later they removed to Ohio and thence to Indiana, where they passed away in Grant county. He was a farmer by occupation and was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving under Commodore Perry. in whose honor he named his first grandson, Oliver Perry Coon, the eldest son of Andrew Louis Coon. He was a very extensive reader, was especially well posted on the political questions and issues of the day and was an unusually bright and well informed man for his period.
Andrew Louis Coon, who was one of a family of ten children, passed the first ten years of -his life in the place of his nativity and then, about 1846, re- moved with his parents to Grant county, Indiana. He resided on a farm with his parents until 1853, when he went to Lagro. Indiana, and there learned the trade of saddle and harnessmaker. He followed that occupation in Indiana for a num- ber of years and was there married. In 1861 he brought his wife and two chil- dren to Brooklyn, making the entire journey with a team and wagon. Upon his arrival here he established a harness shop and continued successfully in business until 1868. devoting the entire period to working at his trade with the exception
Vol. 11-31
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of one year, when he was engaged in the operation of a hotel which he had purchased. In 1868, however, he sold the hotel and purchased a farm one mile north of Brooklyn, consisting of one hundred acres, and thereupon he took up his abode. For forty years he gave his entire time and attention to the improve- ment of that tract, cultivating the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate. He practiced rotation of crops, employed progressive methods in the conduct of his affairs and by wise and judicious management brought his fields to a high state of development. As the years passed he prospered and his well directed efforts were potent forces in the acquirement of a competency which made it possible, in 1908, for him to retire from the farm. In that year he removed to Brooklyn and purchased the comfortable dwelling which is still the family home. He was not long permitted, however, to enjoy the rest which he had so well merited, for two years later he was called from this life, his death occurring on the Ist of December, 1910.
On the 9th of April, 1857, in Indiana, Mr. Coon was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Parke, who was born in Washington, Warren county, New Jer- sey, on the 18th of December, 1838. She was there reared and later removed to Indiana with her widowed mother and brother and sister. Her parents were E. M. and Rachel (Hunter) Parke, natives of New Jersey, where the father's death occurred. Elizabeth W. Parke, a sister of Mrs. Coon, was also married in Indiana, becoming the wife of William Forbes, and came to Brooklyn in 1857. Mrs. Parke, with her son John Parke, arrived in Brooklyn in 1861 in company with her daughter Mrs. Coon, in whose home the mother passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Louis Coon celebrated their golden wedding in 1907. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom were born in Brooklyn with the exception of the two eldest, whose births occurred in Indiana. The children are as follows: Oliver Perry is a clothing merchant of Audubon, Iowa. George is a contractor and carpenter of Brooklyn. John F. is engaged in fence building in this city. Louis G. is an inventor of St. Louis. Mary Elizabeth is at home. Charles E. purchased and is now operating the old homestead. Estelle is mentioned below. Dr. Fred Forest, engaged in the practice of osteo- pathy in Niles, Michigan, served in the Fifty-second Regiment band during the Spanish-American war, leaving his high-school position to enlist. He was re- elected to the same position after returning home and taught for several years. Albert Deacon, a former highschool teacher, is now practicing osteopathy in South Bend, Indiana. Roy E. is studying at the Iowa State University prep- aratory to becoming a Presbyterian minister. Miss Estelle Coon, to whom we are indebted for the history of her father, is recognized as one of the foremost figures in educational circles of Poweshiek county, within whose borders her en- tire life has been spent. Her education was received in the pulbic schools of Brooklyn, graduating from the high school in 1891, and for seven years there- after she was engaged in teaching in District No. 1, Bear Creek township. For a year and a half she was the teacher of District No. 7, this township. after which she taught for six years in the Brooklyn graded school. She resigned from that position, however, upon her election on the democratic ticket to the office of county superintendent of schools in November, 1906. She served in that capacity for two terms, or until January 1, 1911, when she was the demo-
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cratic candidate for a third term but was defeated by only forty-nine votes. She was the only democratic candidate who ever held the office of county super- intendent of Poweshiek county, where the republican party has a majority of thirteen hundred, a fact which speaks in strong terms for her ability and the position which she occupies in the regard and esteem of her fellow citizens.
Mr. Coon was a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church, to which his family also belonged, and was a member of the Legion of Honor and the Iowa Workmen. He was a democrat in politics, giving stanch allegiance to the prin- ciples of that party and doing all in his power to further its interests in the community, although he never sought nor desired public office as a reward for party fealty. He was a man whose personality commanded the good-will and confidence of his fellowman, and at his death the community lost one of its valued and respected citizens.
JACOB R. GWIN.
Nature has been lavish in her gifts to many sections of this great country. In some districts she has provided great forests, permitting of the successful conduct of extensive lumber industries. In other regions her mining resources are extensive and valuable, while in still other sections splendid opportunity is offered to the farmer and stock-raiser. Statistics show that Iowa is one of the greatest agricultural states of the Union, and among those who are actively engaged in farming is Jacob R. Gwin, the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land on section 24, Warren township, Poweshiek county.
His birth occurred in that township on the 13th of August, 1854, his parents being Arnold and Martha (Wilhite) Gwin, who were natives of Holmes county, Ohio, and Fountain county, Indiana, respectively, the former born on the 22d of August, 1822, and the latter on the 10th of September, 1837. Arnold Gwin, a gentleman of German and Welsh descent, followed farming throughout his active business career. He came to Iowa in 1848, locating near Dubuque, where for two years he was employed by the month as a farm hand. Returning to Ohio, he there remained for a year and then located in Washington county, Iowa, where he was married in October, 1853. Subsequently he took up his abode in Warren township, Poweshiek county, here devoting his attention to the operation of his farm, having purchased eighty acres of timber land on section 27. On selling that place in 1855, he purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 25. Warren township, but disposed of the property at the end of two years and bought the farm of eighty acres on section 24 which is now in possession of our subject. Thereon he made his home until called to his final rest on the 12th of January, 1895. When fifty years of age he suffered a paralytic stroke which dis- abled him for further active labor. The demise of his wife occurred on the 18th of February, 1900. In their family were six children, namely: Jacob R., Louisa J., James M., Phoebe A., Samuel D. and Levina F.
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