USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 69
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John A. Maxwell, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Henry county, Illinois, on the 9th of January, 1848, and there the first twenty years of his life were passed. He spent the winter of 1867 in Missouri, and again in 1872 went to that state. In September, 1875, he arrived in Malcom township, Poweshiek county, within whose borders he has since made his home. Reared
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to rural life, he early chose as his life's vocation that occupation which George Washington once designated as the "most useful as well as the most honorable" work a man could do, and for more than a half century, or for fifty-four con- secutive years, he has engaged in general agricultural pursuits, during which period he has taken a place among the most progressive, substantial and pros- perous farmers of the county. Upon entering business circles on his own ac- count he rented large tracts of land, which he continued to operate in that capacity until about three years ago, when he purchased his present home, con- sisting of seventy acres adjoining the town of Malcom. This place, which is highly improved, its value being greatly enhanced by the fine buildings which stand within the corporation limits of the town, is one of the desirable properties of the community. Aside from the care which he bestows upon his fields he gives a great share of his time and attention to his stock-raising interests, sell- ing over a thousand dollars' worth of hogs each year. All of the grain raised upon his farm is fed to his stock and he has never had occasion to buy corn or other produce. He has always handled a high grade of stock, which has com- manded for him ready sales and good prices upon the market, and his care- fully managed business interests have proved a source of most substantial and gratifying annual revenue.
Although his private affairs have demanded a large portion of his attention, he has nevertheless found time to participate in the public life of the com- munity and has ever taken a deep and helpful interest in its welfare and growth. He gives stalwart allegiance to the democratic party and has been called upon at times to fill various public offices. For three terms he served as justice of the peace. He has been assessor for a number of terms and has held school offices throughout almost the entire period of his residence in Poweshiek county. His fellow citizens in recognition of his high personal worth and his public- spirited citizenship, have bestowed upon him the highest honor in their power to give, electing him to the office of mayor of the town in April, 1910. In the capacity of chief executive he is giving the community a business-like, pro- gressive and beneficial administration, in which he has inaugurated many needed reforms and improvements, and he has performed the duties of his office with an efficiency which indicates that the choice for the position was weil made. Malcom is fortunate in having for its mayor a progressive, liberal-minded man whose life, whether in political, business or private relations, has ever been actuated by high principles and noble purposes.
On the 10th of January. 1869, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Louise Bick, who was born in Ohio on the 27th of January. 1850, and when but three years of age went to Illinois with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Bick. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have been born five children, as fol- lows: Catherine, the wife of George Pierce, of Washington township; Charles M., of Grinnell : Jennie J., the wife of Verner Brown, of Walla Walla, Wash- ington : Athelia, who married Andrew Schultz, of Malcom township; and Cora L., the wife of Forest Rector, of Perry, Iowa. They have also reared an adopted son. W. W. Luellen, now residing with them.
In fraternal circles Mr. Maxwell is identified with the Masonic order at Grinnell and with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Malcom. He and his wife
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are very popular in the social circles of Malcom and their attractive home is the center of a large circle of congenial friends.
AMOS L. FALKINBURG.
Amos L. Falkinburg, now living retired in Malcom, is one of Poweshiek county's native sons, his entire life being spent within its boundaries. His birth occurred about three miles southwest of Malcom, in Pleasant township, on the 19th of January, 1868, a son of James and Isabelle (Smalley) Falkin- burg.
The father, who was born in Germany on the 26th of April. 1823. came to the United States with his parents when eight years of age, the family home being established in Kentucky. Later he removed to Ohio and was there mar- ried, in Brown county, to Miss Isabelle Smalley, who was born in Virginia in 1827. In 1859 they came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and here the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, being the owner of a good farm of two hundred acres located in Pleasant township. In the fall of 1906 he removed to Nebraska, and there he passed away in April of the fol- lowing year. His wife's death occurred in this county in August, 1893. In their family were five children, namely: Harry, of Clay Center, Nebraska ; Della, the wife of L. H. Nutting. of Davenport, Iowa ; Eugene, who passed away in March, 1887, at the age of thirty-one years, leaving a widow and one child ; J. W., of Lebanon, Kansas; and Amos L., of this review.
Spending the period of his boyhood and youth amid the scenes and environ- ment of rural life, the last named early became familiar with the tasks that usually fall to the lot of the country lad, learning the best methods of plowing. planting and harvesting. Upon attaining his majority he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, and he followed farming in his native township until 1896, in the spring of which year he took up his abode in Bear Creek township, on a farm northeast of Malcom. There he carried on agricultural pursuits for twelve years, during which time his success was continuous and substantial. He was an extensive stock-breeder, making a specialty of thoroughbred hogs, and raised as high as six hundred head of hogs per year. This branch of his interests proved remunerative and he became widely known throughout this and adjoining counties as a raiser of high grade stock. Subsequently the degree of prosperity which he had attained made it possible for him to withdraw from the arduous work of the farm and since February 17, 1908, he has made his home in Malcom, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former years of toil. He still retains the ownership of his farm, however, and in connection with his wife owns four hundred and eighty- six acres of well improved land, the rental from which proves a gratifying source of revenue.
In 1895 Mr. Falkinburg was united in marriage to Miss Emma Francis, a na- tive of Bear Creek township, where her birth occurred on the 19th of October. 1872. Her parents were James L. and Margaret (Cochran) Francis, both of
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whom were born in Adams county, Ohio, the former on the 13th of August, 1826, and the latter on the 26th of July, 1829. Both removed to Illinois with their parents in early life, and in La Salle county, that state, were united in marriage. In February, 1867, they came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where their home was maintained throughout their remaining years. Mr. Francis followed the occupation of tanner in early life, but during his later years gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, owning at one time the farm which is now the property of our subject. He was killed by a runaway horse while on a visit to California, his death occurring on the 4th of April, 1903, he having for a number of years survived his wife, who passed away in Poweshiek county January 19, 1894. Their family numbered nine children, as follows: John W., of Victor; Thomas M., of St. Joseph, Missouri ; Moses C., of Bear Creek town- ship; Edward D., deceased; Mrs. Dellah M. Coleman, also deceased; Mrs. Keturah E. Tinker, also residing in Bear Creek township; Sam S., of Newell; Mrs. Dora A. Roby, of Malcom township; and Mrs. Falkinburg.
In politics Mr. Falkinburg is identified with the independent movement which refuses to be bound by any party ties or governed by machine rule, and since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has never voted a straight ticket, casting his influence ever on the side of the best men and most desirable measures. He is now serving as a member of the city council of Malcom and in this capacity is laboring earnestly for the public welfare, being actuated at all times by public-spirited and helpful motives. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic body, being identified with the blue lodge and the Royal Arch Masons, and he also holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and also the Pythian Sisters. Having passed his entire life within the borders of Poweshiek county, he has acquired a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and that many who have known him the longest are numbered among his stanchest friends is indicative of the fact that his life has ever been governed by honorable and upright principles.
THOMAS HARRIS.
Among the pioneer settlers of Poweshiek county none occupied a more prominent place in the estimation of the people than Thomas Harris, now de- ceased. A man of marked business ability and sterling personal worth he as- sisted materially in upbuilding the county and left the world better for his having lived in it.
He was born at Barnstable, Massachusetts, October 14, 1832. His father was Thomas Harris. a sea captain, and after the son reached manhood he fol- lowed sea life for several years. He yielded to the excitement aroused by the California gold discovery and visited the Pacific coast, going via Cape Horn. After spending two years in the gold fields he returned home and was married and in 1856 landed in Iowa City, Iowa, and for almost fifty years from that time was a citizen of this state. It is interesting to note that he came on foot to what was then known as Dresden, in Poweshiek county, and later bought one
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hundred and sixty acres of land in Deep River township on which he estab- lished his home. He broke the prairie with the aid of an ox team and disposed of his produce in the early days at the nearest market point, which was lowa City. He was a man of industrious habits and good judgment and he was soon acknowledged as a leader in the community, becoming one of its most prosperous members. In 1876, while still living on his farm, he and his brother Charles entered the grain and lumber business as T. Harris & Company, with which he was prominently identified during the remainder of his life, also being ex- tensively interested in farms and ranches in various parts of the west. From 1881 he lived in Montezuma. He was president of the First National Bank of Montezuma and in all the relations of life discharged his responsibilities in a manner that indicated a constant desire to perform his duties in accordance with the principles of truth and justice.
On October 15, 1854, Mr. Harris was united in marriage at Hampden, Maine, to Miss Maria S. Mayo, and to this union three children were born : Samuel, who died in infancy; N. M., whose record appears elsewhere in this work; and Sarah E., who became the wife of John McDonald. The mother of these children having passed away March 2, 1867, Mr. Harris was again married November 5, 1868, to Miss Sarah Dodds, of Washington, Iowa. Six children were born of this union, all of whom are now living except Wilber, who died February 28, 1885.
Politically Mr. Harris was identified with the republican party and for many years was a prominent factor in its local councils. He served in various town- ship offices and also for two terms as county supervisor. In 1902 he was elected as a member of the state legislature and soon acquired a high standing in that body as a man of ability and honor. In religious belief he affiliated with the Methodist church, of which he became a member in 1857. He served for many years as trustee of the church and was always a liberal contributor toward its support. He was a conscientious and consistent follower of the great Master.
After a lingering illness from cancer of the stomach Mr. Harris was called from earthly scenes October 5. 1904, having then arrived at the age of seventy- one years, eleven months and twenty-one days. He died as a Christian, with an undimmed faith in immortality, one of his last expressions being: "All is well and I am resigned to the will of my Father."
A newspaper of Poweshiek county in commenting upon the life and character of Mr. Harris said : "Were we called upon to pronounce a eulogy upon the life and character of Thomas Harris we would say that he was a man of such push, perseverance, and indomitable will, as to overcome obstacles and to remove ob- structions to progress. He was a man who had the courage to sail round Cape Horn nearly one-half a century before the Oregon made her famous trip. He had the courage to dare the wilds of the frontier in '56, and build for himself a home on the outposts of civilization. He conquered the prairie sod and laid low the native timber from which the joists and other dimension stuff of the old portion of our courthouse was constructed. His thrift and industry was seen in everything he touched. In his maturer years, having conquered want and won a competency, he became interested in various industries. He was a man of quick perception and clear discernment and his interests broadened until he was
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doing a large and diversified volume of business. His elevators in lowa and Nebraska were busy. His stock ranches in Nebraska, Kansas and Texas were carefully managed and yielded him rich returns. His lumber business in Mon- teztima and elsewhere was safely handled, while his large banking interests were well looked after. With all these cares, he was ever a willing and attentive listener when the most humble of his friends had anything to say. He was an ardent Methodist, a trustee for years, a liberal giver, but never a complainer. His daily walk and conversation stamped him as a man. At the time of his death he was a member of the thirtieth general assembly and always represented the better element in society. He was a standing exponent of reform. Well has he done his life work, and well for us if we follow his example. Space forbids us to say more and we could not have said less, concerning this public man who lived above the fog in public duty and in private thinking.' "
GEORGE W. BINEGAR.
Poweshiek county has been signally favored in the class of men who have filled her public offices, for on the whole they are those to whom the word citi- zenship is no mere idle term. They have been faithful to the duties and obliga- tions devolving upon them and of this class George W. Binegar is a representa- tive, faithfully and fearlessly discharging the duties of the office of sheriff.
He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, June 20, 1844, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Farmer) Binegar, both of whom were natives of Ohio, where they resided until they came to Iowa in 1849, driving across the country in wagons drawn by three teams. They settled at Forest Home, Union township. Poweshiek county, where the father entered land, but died of fever here in the first summer after his arrival, and one of the sons of the family passed away about the same time. The mother long survived and departed this life in Scott township in 1895, when eighty-five years of age. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven reached adult age, while four are yet living.
George W. Binegar may well be numbered among the pioneers of Powe- shiek county, for he has resided within its borders continuously since 1849. or for sixty-two years. In the early days he shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations which come to those who establish homes on the fron- tier. He aided in the arduous task of developing and cultivating new land and continued to follow farming until September, 1861. when, in response to the country's call for troops, he joined Company I. of the Thirteenth lowa Volun- teer Infantry. After serving for a year he was honorably discharged but enlisted again in February. 1863, when he became a member of Company C. Twenty- eighth lowa Volunteer Infantry, continuing with that regiment until October 19, 1864, when he was wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia, a minie ball piercing his left shoulder. Two or three months later he was sent home. He had participated in the battles of Shiloh, Cedar Creek, Winchester, Fisher's Hill and the Red River campaign, besides others of minor importance.
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When the war was over Mr. Binegar resumed active connection with farm- ing interests and made his home most of the time in Sugar Creek township until his removal to Scott township. There he followed farming for six years, after which he came to Montezuma, following his election to the office of sheriff in 1897. He filled the position for nine years, including four regular terms and one extra year, owing to a change in the law. He also served for four years as deputy under his son, George Edward Binegar, whose second term expired on the Ist of January, 1911. The father has filled other offices, including that of constable and township trustee. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he has served as one of its local committeemen.
In 1865 Mr. Binegar was married to Miss Hulda Sheley, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1850, and when but a few years old came to Iowa with her parents, Samuel and Margaret (Cessler) Sheley, who were natives of the Buckeye state and became early residents of Poweshiek county, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Binegar were born eleven children: Charles Irwin, now living in Montezuma ; Jennie, the wife of Frank Dunlap, of Knoxville, Iowa; Maggie, who died at the age of sixteen years; George Edward, who was sheriff of the county; James, who died at the age of twenty-six years ; Russia, the wife of Jacob Neely, of Des Moines ; Louise, the wife of Joseph Adams, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Viola, of Minneapolis ; Matthew, a resident of Des Moines; Eva, who also makes her home in Min- neapolis ; and Addie Gertrude, who died at the age of fourteen months.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which faith they reared their family, and Mr. Binegar belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He has made a creditable record in business and in office and is as true and loyal to his country today as when he followed the nation's starry banner upon the battlefields of the south.
ALEXANDER McBLAIN.
From the beautiful hills and vales of Scotland have come many of the most respected citizens of Iowa and in this number should be named Alexander Mc- Blain, who established his home in Grinnell thirty years ago. Ever since his ar- rival in Iowa he has been closely identified with the advancement of the inter- ests of the state and he is now serving with general acceptance as a member of the city council. He was born December 17, 1838, and is the son of David and Mary McBlain, both of whom passed their entire lives in Scotland.
Alexander McBlain received his education in the common schools of his native land and at the age of thirteen years and six months was apprenticed to the carpenter and joiner's trade. He completed his apprenticeship in four years and then began working as a journeyman. In 1881, believing that more favor- able opportunities were presented in America, he came to the United States and located at Grinnell, Iowa, where he followed his trade for nearly ten years. About 1890 he turned his attention to vegetable and fruit-raising, but having acquired a competency, has not been active in business for the past five years.
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In March, 1859, Mr. McBlain was united in marriage in Scotland to Miss Elizabeth Murphy, who was born in Ireland but removed to Scotland with her mother during the '50s. Twelve children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. McBlain, nine of whom are now living, namely: Hugh, who makes his home in Scotland; David, now an engineer in the waterworks at Grinnell; Mary, who married Herman Heesch, of Davenport, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of Cor- nelius Powell, of Grinnell; Alexander, Jr., who is now a minister of the Meth- odist Episcopal church at Birmingham, Iowa; Nellie, the wife of George Moss, of Young, Saskatchewan, Canada; Agnes, who married Robert Bass, of Ute, Iowa; Jean, now the wife of Joseph Punnell, of Madison, Wisconsin ; and John, of Grinnell.
Mr. McBlain has reached the seventy-second milestone on life's journey and looks back on many years of activity and usefulness. He and his estimable wife have reared a large and interesting family and they are valued members of the community. Politically he gives his support to the republican party but is liberal in his views, often voting for the man irrespective of party lines. In the spring of 1909 he was elected a member of the city council and now occupies that posi- tion. In public and private affairs he has shown a capacity and a fidelity to a sense of duty which are the characteristics of a high-minded gentleman. He is greatly respected, not only by his associates, but by all with whom he comes into contact.
JOSEPH BABB.
Joseph Babb, who passed away in Montezuma on the 8th of January. 1910. had there lived in honorable retirement for a number of years prior to his demise, having accumulated a handsome competence as an agriculturist. His birth occurred in St. Clairsville, Ohio, on the 9th of November, 1826, his parents being Jacob and Ann ( Rogers) Babb, who were natives of Virginia and Maryland respectively. The father, who was an agriculturist by occupation. came to Poweshiek county, lowa, about 1870, locating on a farm in Deep River. where he spent the remainder of his life. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and was a Baptist in religious faith. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth.
Joseph Babb obtained his education in the schools of Ohio and Illinois and worked with his father until he became of age. On attaining his majority he went to California, where he spent fifteen months as a gold miner. Subse- quently he located on a farm in Bureau county, Illinois, but after disposing of the property removed to Henry county, that state, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Northfield, Minnesota, where he made his home for ten years before returning to Henry County, Illi- nois, in June, 1866. In 1869 he came to Montezuma, Iowa, purchasing and locat- ing on a farm of four hundred acres in Jackson township, Poweshiek county, in the cultivation of which he was actively and successfully engaged for twenty years. Hle then put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode
MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH BABB
FK
LIF ARY
ASTOR, LEN X AND T LDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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in Montezuma, where he lived retired until called to his final rest on the 8th of Jannary, 1910. At the time of the Civil war he joined the army in defense of the Union, enlisting in the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, but at the end of ten months was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Sub- sequently he became identified with the Grand Army of the Republic at Montezuma.
On the 16th of June, 1853. Mr. Babb was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Jane Marple, a daughter of Franklin and Jane (Ayers) Marple, of Peoria, Illinois, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. Franklin Marple removed westward to Illinois, where he was married and followed farming as a means of livelihood. His demise occurred in Minnesota in 1873. while his wife passed away in Illinois in 1844. Mr. Marple gave his political allegiance to the republican party and both he and his wife were devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their children were seven in number, as follows: Richard, Ezekiel and Mary, all of whom are deceased; Mrs. Babb, who was born in Bureau county. Illinois, on the 29th of May, 1835; Abigail, who is the widow of Samuel Madison and resides in Northfield, Minnesota ; Sarah, who is the widow of a Mr. Tripp and makes her home in St. Paul, Minnesota ; and Caroline, who is deceased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Babb were born eight children, namely : Milford, who is a resident of Jackson township, Poweshiek county ; Mary, the wife of Samuel Jacobs, of Galesburg. Illinois; Willis, who has, passed away; George, living in Jackson township; Ilarvey, of Shannon City, Iowa; Fred, who is deceased ; Della, the wife of Alva Ellison; and Cynthia, the wife of Fred C. Ludeman, of Chicago, Illinois. Joseph Babb was. a stanch republican in politics, while his religious faith was indicated by- his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was upright and honorable in all the relations of life and when he passed away the community mourned the loss of one of its most substantial and esteemed citizens.
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