USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 66
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
leading factor in business circles in the town of Acworth, New Hampshire, where he managed a saw and gristmill and also conducted a store. Subse- quently he turned his attention to manufacturing interests and continued a resident of Acworth until his life's labors were ended in death. Amos Clark, the father of Charles R. Clark, was born in Acworth, where he acquired his education and spent his childhood days. After leaving school he assisted his father in the conduct and management of various business interests but event- ually removed to Plymouth, New Hampshire, where he made his home through- out his remaining days. In the early times, when military training was a feature in the life of almost every citizen, he became a captain in the New Hampshire state militia. He married Laura Hall, who was born in Windham county, Vermont, and was a daughter of Justus Hall, a farmer and cabinet- maker of that county. Mr. Clark died at the age of seventy-nine years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-nine, survived by three of their five children.
Under the parental roof Charles R. Clark spent his youthful days, devoting his time largely to farm work until about seventeen years of age, when he became a student in the academy at New Hampton and by a thorough course of study there supplemented the early educational privileges which he had enjoyed. Later he became a student in the Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, New Hampshire, and was graduated from that institution with the class of 1863. After teaching for several terms in the old Granite state and in Massachusetts, he came west, settling at Janesville, Wisconsin, and on the Ist of January, 1866, he entered upon the duties of principal of a school in Le Claire, Scott county, lowa. In the fall of the same year he came to Montezuma and edu- cational interests of this city were greatly promoted through his practical efforts to embody the high ideals which he cherished in relation to school work. Dur- ing twelve years he remained at the head of the school system of this city and under his guidance the system of public education was thoroughly organized and improved and the schools raised to a high standard. He resigned to enter upon the practice of law, having in the meantime prepared himself for admission to the bar by reading and studying during his leisure hours.
In April, 1878, Mr. Clark was admitted to practice in the state courts and at once entered into partnership with Judge W. R. Lewis, a relation that was maintained until 1881, when his partner was elected to the bench. Mr. Clark then became associated in practice with Thomas A. Cheshire, this firm being dissolved in 1887 upon Mr. Cheshire's removal to Des Moines. Mr. Clark has since been alone and has made the conduct of real-estate operations a feature of his work. He has also a large law practice and is regarded as a strong and able advocate before the court and as a wise counsellor. The records show that he has been connected with the defense or prosecution of many of the leading cases tried in the courts of this district. Commercial and industrial interests have also felt the stimulus of his cooperation and have profited by his sound and discriminating judgment. In September, 1888, he assisted in organiz- ing the electric light company, capitalized for six thousand dollars. He re- mained as secretary for a number of years and during that period the plant was enlarged from time to time to meet the demands of the growing patronage.
690
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
He is known in financial circles as a director of the First National Bank of this city. He is also a stockholder in the Grinnell and Montezuma Railroad which was opened in 1876.
In 1869, in Davenport, lowa, occurred the marriage of Mr. Clark and Miss A. E. Townsley, a native of Massachusetts, who was reared and educated in that state. Their only child, Charles W., after pursuing a course in Iowa College became his father's associate in the practice of law under the firm style of Clark & Clark.
Mr. Clark is widely known in fraternal circles. In the lowa Legion of Honor he has been a member of the executive or finance committee since 1881. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party but he has ever preferred that his public service should be done as a private citizen rather than as an official. His religious faith is evidenced in his active member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is completing his fourth year as Sunday-school superintendent, while in other branches of the church work he has also taken a helpful interest.
JOHN FRANK TALBOTT.
The record of John Frank Talbott, judge of the sixth judicial district of Iowa, is in contradistinction to the old adage that "A prophet is never without honor save in his own country," for he was born and reared near Brooklyn and has been accorded a foremost place in the legal profession of Poweshiek county. His birth occurred on the 9th of October, 1855, a son of Robert and Hannah (Butterworth ) Talbott. The father, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio. in 1824. accompanied his parents, John J. and Mary ( Maxwell) Talbott, on their removal to Washington county, Iowa, in 1845, and in 1846 the family home was established in Poweshiek county, on a farm in Bear Creek township. Robert Talbott was a carpenter by trade and followed that occupation through- out his active career. He was married in Ohio, in 1850, to Miss Hannalı Butter- worth, a native of England, who came with an uncle to the United States when thirteen years of age, the journey across the Atlantic, which was made in a sailing vessel. requiring thirteen weeks. She continued to make her home with her uncle in Ohio until her marriage in 1850. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Talbott removed to California, and there the latter passed away in 1906. Her husband survived her for only three weeks, both having reached a ripe old age. In their families were six children, namely: Mary, residing in Santa Ana, Cali- fornia, who was formerly a school teacher of lowa, having taught for twenty- seven consecutive years in one room at Dexter : Adah, who married Charles H. Starkweather and died in California in 1892: John Frank, of this review ; Josephine, who became the wife of E. B. Smith, a jeweler, of Santa Ana, California : Zetilla, residing with her sister Mary in Santa Ana, California ; and Joseph G., a wholesale jeweler of Los Angeles, California.
691
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for John Frank Talbott during the period of his early boyhood and youth, which was passed on the home farm near Brooklyn. His education was acquired in the public schools, continuing a pupil therein until his graduation from the Brooklyn high school. He was only a lad of eleven years when the responsibility of carrying on his father's farm devolved upon him, and he continued in its operation until admitted to the bar. In the meantime, however, desirous of becoming a member of the legal profession, he read law with the late Judge John T. Scott and was one of four to study under the direction of that gentle- man who were destined to fill the office of district judge. During that period Mr. Talbott was also engaged in teaching school for one year, 1874-5.
In 1877 he was admitted to the bar and immediately afterward was elected justice of the peace, serving in that capacity for one term. In the fall of 1877 he opened an office for practice in Brooklyn, continuing here for ten years, and from almost the very first met with gratifying success. From 1880 until 1885 he was a member of the law firm of Talbott & Gaynor, the junior partner being Frank R. Gaynor, who for the past sixteen years has served as judge of the fourth judicial district and has recently been reelected for another term of four years. In 1887 Mr. Talbott went to Santa Ana, California, and there resided for three years, after which, in 1890. he removed to Omaha, Nebraska, and was there employed as attorney for the Home Fire Insurance Company of Omaha, having charge of their legal work for a number of years.
In 1895 he returned to Brooklyn and again opened an office for the private practice of his profession in this city. He thus continued until his election, in 1900, to the office of county attorney, which he capably filled for two terms, of two years cach, and in 1910. he was chosen judge of the sixth judicial district, comprising Poweshiek, Jasper, Mahaska, Keokuk and Washington counties. While he was well grounded in the principles of common law when admitted to the bar, he has continued through the whole of his professional life a diligent student of those elementary principles that constitute the basis of legal science. His mind is naturally analytical, logical and inductive, and with a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of law he combines a familiarity with statutory law and a sober. clear judgment which makes him a formidable adversary and a capable jurist. Aside from his professional activity Judge Talbott has also had extensive farming interests, although he has since withdrawn from that connection.
In 1879 Judge Talbott was united in marriage to Miss Nellie H. Brown, who was born in Ohio, in 1855. She is a daughter of Judge George F. Brown, who at one time was judge of the supreme court of Mississippi. He passed away in Omaha in 1893. Unto this union have been born four children. Frank R. Talbott, the eldest, was born in 1880, was a pupil in the common and high schools and read law in the office of his father. He was admitted to the bar in 1904 and practiced his profession in partnership with his father until the latter's election to the bench since which time he has practiced in connection with his brother. He is active in politics and is secretary and treasurer of the county central committee. He was married, on December 16. 1903, to Miss Lelia Mansur, of Santa Ana, California, and they have two children : Mary E.
692
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
and Robert C. Mabel, the eldest daughter of Judge Talbott, was born in 1882 and is now the wife of Dr. F. E. Simeral, of Brooklyn. John E. Talbott, an attorney, was born in 1887 and in 1910 was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Mathews, of Cherokee, Iowa. After his graduation from high school he attended the college at Grinnell for two years and in 1910 graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University. He was admitted to the bar and on January 1, 1911, entered into a partnership with his brother, Frank R. Talbott, under the firm style of Talbott & Talbott. Jennie, who completes the family, was born on the 9th of October, 1888, on the thirty-third anniversary of her father's birth. She is now the wife of F. W. Schmitz, an attorney of Townsend, Montana.
Judge Talbott is an earnest and devoted member of the Episcopal church, while fraternally he is a Master Mason and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His professional relations are with the Iowa State Bar Association. Politically he is a republican and has served his party as delegate to various state conventions and also as chairman and secretary of the county central committee. In 1896 he was elected a member of the school board and served in that capacity for twelve years. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and he has also been deeply interested in other matters of public moment, readily advocating any project or measure which tends towards the material, political, moral and intellectual development of the community. In his professional capacity he has ever upheld the dignity of his position and has won the approval of both the bench and bar as an earnest, capable minister in the temple of justice.
H. W. HATTER.
The list of the leading citizens of Deep River contains no more prominent name than that of H. W. Hatter, one of the representative and well known citizens of Poweshick county. In business, financial and public circles he has played a most important part, and in every instance his course has been such as to command the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact. One of Iowa's native sons he was born in Keokuk county on the 18th of October, 1852, a son of Mathias and Malinda ( Adams) Hatter. . The parents, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, were married in the latter state and came to Iowa in 1844, locating in Keokuk county, where the father carried on farming and shoemaking in the pursuit of a livelihood. Both passed away during the early childhood of our subject, who was but two years of age at the time of his father's demise and but nine years old when his mother passed away.
The youngest of ten children, four sons and six daughters, H. W. Hatter was reared by an elder brother, John V., and when eighteen years of age entered business on his own account, in a small way, as a general merchant, also acting as postmaster for his brother at Millersburg. He remained in that
II W. HATTER
1
NYTER MARY !
OVA AND
AT N8.
695
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
city from 1866 to 1882, with the exception of a year and a half spent at Malcom, Poweshiek county, during which time he was engaged in the drug business. In the latter year he went to Keswick, where he conducted a general store for three years, and in 1885 arrived in Deep River, here establishing a gen- eral mercantile business in connection with his father-in-law under the firm style of Hatter & Wilson. Shortly afterward the firm became Hatter, Wilson & Company, thus continuing for two or three years, when Mr. Hatter and Horace Phelps bought out the interests of Mr. Wilson and the other partner and operated the enterprise for a number of years as Hatter & Phelps. Subse- quently another change in partnership was made when they purchased a creamery here, which they at once rebuilt. Shortly afterward they gave up the mer- chandising business to devote their entire attention to their creamery interests, conducting a branch at Brooklyn and at Guernsey.
In 1906 the Deep River Creamery Company was organized and Mr. Hatter, retaining his stock in the enterprise, became treasurer and manager. Previous to this he had become identified with the financial circles of Deep River as cashier of the State Bank of this city, accepting that position in 1895 and re- maining the incumbent until 1903. In the latter year he assisted in the or- ganization of the First National Bank of Deep River and has been cashier of that institution since that time, his connection with financial interests ex- tending over a period of sixteen years. He is the owner of the Deep River Opera House and his successful conduct of his various interests has brought him to a position of prominence among the leading business men of Deep River township.
Mr. Hatter was married. in 1877. to Miss. Florence W. Wilson, who was born in Iowa county, near Millersburg, on the 14th of October, 1858, a daughter of William M. and Margaret A. ( Morrison) Wilson. Unto this union have been born five children, as follows: Maude A., now deceased ; Ralph E., who passed away in infancy ; Eva M., assistant cashier of the First National Bank; Letha, the wife of James W. Light, of Deep River; and Russell E., a clerk in the First National Bank. The two eldest daughters were graduates of the Deep River high school, while the youngest son entered Grinnell College, being required to give up his studies there, however, in his junior year because of poor health. He is now a student of law at State University.
Few men have been more prominent and active in the public life of the community than Mr. Hatter. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a stalwart supporter of republican principles, doing all in his power to further the interests of the party, and as a result of his public- spirited citizenship his fellowmen have called him to various offices of trust and importance. He was postmaster of Deep River for ten years, being appointed to that office in 1897 and serving under Presidents Mckinley and Roosevelt. His daughter, Maude E., served as deputy during his incumbency. For two years he also acted as justice of the peace. He has served as school director and notary public since the administration of Governor Kirkwood, was city re- corder for two years, while for about sixteen years he acted as treasurer of the town and also as school treasurer for six years. His fellow citizens also conferred upon him the highest gift in their power by electing him to the
696
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
office of mayor, which he filled for two terms, his service in that office proving that their choice had been well made and their trust well placed.
Indeed, in every official relation his capability and efficiency were recognized and throughout the long period in which he was closely identified with public affairs his career was ever such as to inspire confidence and trust in his fellow- men, and today he ranks among the most prominent and representative cit- izens of Deep River township. In fraternal circles he belongs to the Masonic body, being a charter member of Golden Rod Lodge, No. 512, A. F. & A. M., and also a member of Excelsior Chapter No. 109, R. A. M., at What Cheer. He likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America camp at Deep River.
ARTHUR L. CHILD.
Arthur L. Child, a successful and esteemed resident of Grinnell, has devoted his attention to photography throughout his entire business career and now owns one of the most up-to-date studios of the west. His birth occurred in Bath, New Hampshire, on the 8th of November. 1854. his parents being Jonathan and Martha ( Walker) Child, who were likewise natives of that place. Benjamin Child. the first representative of the family to emigrate to America, came from Great Britain in 1630. The family was prominently represented in the Revolutionary war and also in the conflict between the North and the South. Benjamin Child was patriarchal in the best sense. having been earnest in character and in the promotion of that Puritan stamp of piety for which the Massachusetts settlers were especially distinguished. Legal manuscripts carefully preserved at the present time attest his familiarity with public affairs and his prominence in the community.
Jonathan Child, the father of Arthur L. Child, was an agriculturist by occupation and was likewise interested in the starch factory at Bath. New Hampshire. In 1868 he brought his family to Grinnell, Iowa, where he resided for twenty-five years, being engaged in the livery business and other pursuits and acting as a director of the First National Bank of Grinnell. Professor Parker said of him: "In his days of active business he oppressed no man and as bank director he never desired to have a creditor needlessly embarrassed. He was glad to help an honest man in need to get on his feet and walk more firmly " When he passed away in 1905 the community mourned the loss of one of its most substantial and respected citizens. His wife was called to her final rest in 1900.
Arthur L. Child supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the common schools, by a course of study in Grinnell College. After putting aside his text-books he began working as an assistant to his uncle. C. L. Walker. who at that time owned the business which is now in possession of our sub- ject. In 1881 he bought the studio of Mr. Walker and the following year pur- chased the location which he now occupies. In 1884 he rebuilt his studio and occupied the second floor until 1900, when he established himself in his present quarters on the ground floor. Subsequently the scope of his activities
·
697
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
were enlarged by adding an art and photo supply department. In 1907 his stock and fixtures were largely destroyed by fire but he immediately repaired the damage and now has one of the most modern studios of the west. . \ skillful artist, Mr. Child closely observes the effects of light and shade in bringing out the characteristics which every conscientious photographer attempts to portray in transferring to paper the living likeness of his patrons. He is one of the directors of the People's Gas Company and is a prosperous and . representative resident of the community.
On the 13th of October, 1885, Mr. Child was united in marriage to Miss Ella Stone Worsham, a native of Muscatine, Iowa, and a daughter of William Green Worsham, who was one of the old settlers of eastern Iowa and estab- lished the stage line between Keokuk and Dubuque. Mr. and Mrs. Child have two children. Maud was married in 1907 to O. B. Mathews, whom she met while they were students in Grinnell College. Mr. Mathews installed the gas plant in Grinnell and is the manager of the People's Light & Heat Company and a heavy stockholder of the concern. Arthur Leon Child, Jr., is now attend- ing school. The family attend the Congregational church of Grinnell. Those who have regard for the true worth and value of character give to Arthur L. Child their entire respect and accord him a position of prominence in public regard in Grinnell.
J. H. SKEELS.
J. H. Skeels, who is a leading farrier of Poweshiek county and for sixteen years past has been proprietor of a well known blacksmith shop at Grinnell, was born in this county, March 20, 1863, a son of L. W. and Jane E. (Cole) Skeels, who arrived in Poweshiek county shortly after J. B. Grinnell founded the town of Grinnell. The father entered government land and began farming but after the close of the Civil war went to California, where he spent two years. He then returned to Poweshiek county and removed his family to Kan- sas, living in that state about twelve years. Once more he took up his residence in this county and here he passed the remainder of his life. He died in 1909 at the advanced age of ninety-one years. He was a republican in politics, and he and his wife were both consistent members of the Methodist church and were greatly esteemed by their neighbors and friends.
J. H. Skeels acquired his education in the common schools. He early showed that he possessed mechanical ability of an unusual order and before he reached his seventeenth year he apprenticed himself to the blacksmith's trade under Barnes Brothers in Grinnell. After finishing his apprenticeship he worked for the firm as journeyman for three years and then went to Lynnville. Iowa, where he conducted a shop on his own account for a year. He next came to Grinnell and worked for seven years for N. Vanderveer, acquiring sufficient capital so that in May, 1895, he purchased the business from his employer and has ever since conducted the shop in his own name. He is today one of the best known and most prosperous blacksmiths in Poweshiek county. He makes a specialty
698
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
of horseshoeing and general jobbing and as he has studied horseshoeing scien- tifically and in every detail, he is recognized as one of the most expert work- men in that line in this part of the state.
In 1880 MIr. Skeels was united in marriage to Miss Ida May Case, of Grin- nell, and four children were born to them, three of whom survive, namely : Will- iam R., who is now wire chief of the Postal Telegraph Company, of Chicago, Illinois ; Ethel May, the wife of W. L. Cooley, of What Cheer, Iowa; and Pearl J., who is living at home.
Mr. Skeels is in politics a progressive republican. He takes a great interest in public affairs and has served as a member of the city council from the second ward and also as a member of the board of education. He is an active worker in the Masonic order and holds membership in Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., and Palestine Chapter, No. 101, R. A. M., both of Grinnell. From his boyhood he has been ambitious, energetic, industrious and highly efficient in his work, and he now enjoys the reward of his uninterrupted labors. He is esteemed by his friends and neighbors and has acquired a competency which he earned through honest labor.
CHARLES E. BOSSLER.
Much credit is due Charles E. Bossler for attaining the position he holds in the agricultural community of Poweshiek county, as he has been entirely de- pendent upon his own resources since he was a mere lad. He was born in the vicinity of Davenport on the 8th of July, 1865, is a son of Samuel K. and Mary (Barnacle) Bossler, the father of German and the mother of German and Irish descent. The parents were born and reared in the vicinity of Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, and they were also married in the Keystone state. They came to Iowa at an early day, locating in Scott county, nine miles north of Davenport, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. They resided there until 1867, in which year they removed to the farm of Mr. Bossler's sister Sarah, southeast of Malcom. After cultivating this for ten years they decided to try life still farther west and so removed to Nebraska, where they filed upon a homestead. Disposing of this in 1887 they migrated to southeastern Kansas, settling in the vicinity of Oswego, where Mr. Bossler passed away. His wife died in the western part of the state.
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.