USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 8
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Joseph D. Carpenter, whose name introduces this review, spent his early life in Princeton and Bureau county, Illinois, and in 1877 came to Poweshiek county, where he has since maintained his residence. His home place consists of half of section 3, Pleasant township, about two and a half miles southwest of Malcom, and is one of the finely improved and valuable properties of this section. In its midst stands the beautiful residence which Mr. Carpenter erected in 1907, containing fifteen rooms, all equipped with the most modern
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improvements. In the rear are substantial buildings and on the place is found every convenience for facilitating farm labor. In addition to the cultivation of this property Mr. Carpenter gives considerable attention to his extensive live-stock interests, being one of the heaviest stock-feeders and shippers in the county. He ships an average of ten carloads of stock annually and has also shipped as high as one hundred carloads a year. Prosperity has attended him in the conduct of his affairs, for he possesses in large measure those qualities which are positive forces in the acquirement of financial independence, and as success has come to him he has purchased more land, being now the owner of three valuable farms aside from his home place. His wife also possesses con- siderable property in her own right and, together with their children, they now own about one thousand acres of good land in Poweshiek county.
Mr. Carpenter was married, on the 10th of June, 1875, at Princeton, Illinois, to Miss Minerva E. Judd, who was born in that city on the 27th of October, 1852. She is a daughter of Eli P. Judd, now deceased, a very wealthy man of whom mention is made on another page in this volume. Unto this union have been born nine children as follows: Sarah A., who has filled the office of county superintendent of schools since January 1, 19H1 ; David Eli, of Pleasant township; Flora, the wife of William C. Stimson, of Scott township; Rey- nolds R., also of that township: Joseph L., of Pleasant township; Forest D., still under the parental roof ; Vera, a teacher residing at home ; Lodi, at home : and Hazel, who is engaged in teaching.
Mr. Carpenter is a member of the Masonic order, holding membership in Lily Lodge, No. 54, A. F. & A. M., at Malcom, and in politics is a republican. The honors and emoluments of office, however, have never possessed any at- traction for him, for he has desired to concentrate his energies upon his per- sonal business affairs. Substantial and enviable success has come to him as the legitimate and logical result of his well directed efforts, for with him per- severance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life, bringing him to the honorable and prominent position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens, among whom he has so long lived and labored.
EDWIN E. HARRIS, M. D.
Dr. Edwin E. Harris, physician and surgeon, who in the practice of med- icine gives evidence of his comprehensive understanding of the principles upon which his work is based and whose ability is further attested in the large practice that is accorded him, was born in Fremont county, Iowa, January 2, 1867. His parents were Jared J. and Mary E. (Ewell) Harris, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Iowa, and they were married in Fremont county, Iowa. The father was reared in his native state and there enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of the Seventeenth Ohio Infantry. He was with that command for less than a year when he was dis- charged on account of illness, after which he came west for his health. Later
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he reenlisted in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and served until the close of the war. Following the cessation of hostilities he was married and took up his abode in Fremont county, Iowa. In early life he had studied pharmacy and for some years practiced his profession. After the war he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar, practicing for eight or nine years in Sidney, Iowa. In 1876 he went to California, where he entered upon the work of the ministry, preaching the gospel for about seven years in the Methodist Episcopal church. About 1882 he returned to Fremont county and turned his attention to edu- cational work. After teaching school for a short period he was elected county superintendent of schools, in which position he served for three terms, or six years. On the expiration of his third term of office he retired from active life and five years later again went to California, where his death occurred in 1903. His wife is still living on the Pacific coast, her home being in Berkeley, California.
Dr. Harris was reared under the parental roof and became a student in Tabor College, being graduated therefrom on the completion of the English course with the class of 1891. Prior to this time he had taken up teaching as a profession and in 1891 and 1892 was principal of the schools of Elliott, lowa, but resigned his position to enter upon preparation for the practice of medicine. He pursued his studies in both Columbia University and in the Howard University Medical School at Washington, D. C., and in both in- stitutions he acted also as teacher of chemistry. He received his degree from Howard University in 1895 and then came west, settling first in Tabor, Iowa. Both he and his wife were graduates of the same school and in 1908 they went abroad, returning the following year. While in Europe Dr. Harris pursued a special course of study in London and in Vienna and in the latter city he received his zeugnis, or diploma. On his return in 1909 he took post-graduate work at the Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore, Maryland. Later he lo- cated in Grinnell. He had also done special work in Rome and in Paris. He dlevotes a portion of almost every summer to post-graduate study either in Chicago or New York and is one of the best equipped physicians and surgeons of this section of the west. His knowledge is most accurate and comprehensive and wide experience as well as research has made him a man of pronounced ability.
In 1894 Dr. Harris was married to Miss Louise A. Fairfield, of Washing- ton, D. C., a daughter of the Rev. F. W. Fairfield, D. D., professor of Greek in Tabor University, who later held the same position in Howard University in Washington, D C., becoming acting president of the latter institution. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Harris have been born three children, of whom two are living: Frederick F., who is a graduate of the Grinnell high school; and Eleanor F. The parents are members of the Congregational church and Dr. Harris is now president of the choir. He belongs to Herman Lodge, No. 273. A. F. & A. M. The duties and demands of his profession leave him little time for social pleasures, but his friends and his patients find him a congenial, courteous gen- tleman of hopeful nature and of cordial disposition. He is a member of the county, state and national medical societies and for years has served as sec- retary of the county society. Words of commendation are spoken concerning
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him not only by the general public but by the profession as well, for his fellow practitioners recognize his superior worth and ability in a calling where ad- vancement depends entirely upon individual merit.
ERNEST EDWIN LINCOLN.
At the early age of four years Ernest Edwin Lincoln arrived in America with his parents from England. He has, perhaps, but a faint recollection of the green fields and crowded cities of the British Isles. In Poweshiek county he has spent about forty-five years of his life. He is now one of the honored citizens of Washington township and the owner of one of its highly productive farms.
He was born on Isle Sheppy, fifty miles east of London, in the Thames river, November 8, 1849, a son of Edward and Amy ( Mapstead) Lincoln. The father was born at Chillham, a suburb of London, and the mother at Charing Cross. They were married in the old country and came to the United States in 1853, taking up their residence near Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Lin- coln rented a farm for twelve years. He then came to Washington township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres upon which he established his family homestead. He died June 9, 1882, the inother being called away on the 4th of March, 1884. They were both baptized in the faith of the Episcopal church and the father gave his political support to the republican party. There were nine children in their family : John F. and George. both of whom are deceased; Mary Ann, who married George Simmons, of Grinnell: Edward, living in Washington, this county: Ilenry W., who is now living near Columbus, Ohio; Jane and Charles, both of whom are deceased ; Ernest Edwin, of this review, and Amy, also deceased.
Ernest Edwin Lincoln was educated in the public schools of Ohio and as he grew to manhood assisted his father in the work upon the home farm. He came to Poweshiek county with his parents and inherited forty acres of the family estate, to which he added one hundred and sixty acres by purchase. Subsequently he disposed of his land and acquired his present farm of four hundred acres. He also owned sixty acres in the west side of the township, which he has sold his son. He erected the buildings, which are substantial and sightly, and has made many other improvements, the place being one of the valuable properties of the township. His business interests are well managed and he is a man of energy and determination, the reward he received as the result of his efforts being well merited.
On the 26th of December, 1876, Mr. Lincoln was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in Mercer county, Illinois, May 4, 1858, a daughter of Alexander and Mary ( Robson) Thompson. The father was born near Belfast, Ireland, and the mother also at the same place. They were mar- ried in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, having come to the United States in 1851. After their marriage they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, where Mr. Thompson purchased a farm. Subsequently he disposed of his property and
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came to lowa, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in Jasper county, and applied himself with such diligence that he became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of good land. He is now retired from active labor and has reached the age of eighty-four years. The beloved wife and mother died April 14, 1909, being then eighty-two years of age. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, and in politics he gives his allegiance to the democratic party. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, namely : Alexander, of Washington township, who is married and has two children, Elsie Elizabeth and Alice Mary : Ernest, also of Washington township, who is married and has two children, Frances Elizabeth and Roy Ernest ; David, of Washington township, who is married and has five children ; Emma May, Albert Ernest, Grace Susan, William David and Harry Ralph ; Charles, of Washington township, who is married and has two children, George Edwin and Ross Arthur ; Susan Mary, who married B. N. Whittaker, of Wash- ington township, and has one child, Ona Elizabeth ; Jolin E., deceased; and Francis Henry and George Edward, both of whom are at home.
In politics Mr. Lincoln is independent, preferring to cast his ballot for the man rather than in support of any party organization. He is active in local affairs and has held most of the township offices, including those of trustee and road supervisor. He is greatly interested in education and for twenty-five years past has served as a member of the school board. He has an intimate knowl- edge of the development of l'oweshiek county and through his genial character- istics has gained many warm friends, who regard him as one of the most capable and useful men in the township.
ROBERT A. MORTLAND.
Among the native sons of Montezuma Robert A. Mortland is numbered. He is now well known in journalistic circles in Poweshiek county as editor of the Palladium and is a partner of his father, R. L. Mortland, in the ownership of the paper. He has always remained a resident of his native city and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the graded schools he became a high school student and was graduated in 1891. In the years 1894 and 1895 he was a student in the state university, after which he became associated with his father in newspaper publication, assuming the management of the Powe- shiek County Palladium, having been in control of this paper since its estab- lishment in 1895. In its publication he keeps in touch with the most advanced ideas of progressive journalism and gives to the public a readable journal, which because of its large and growing circulation is also an excellent advertising medium and has secured a good support in that connection.
On the 23d of August, 1906, Mr. Mortland was married to Miss Katharine Harden, who was born in Montezuma, a daughter of T. J. Harden. They now have one child, Ruth Elizabeth. In his fraternal relations Mr. Mortland is a Knight of Pythias and an Odd Fellow. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of fran-
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chise and he has served on the county and congressional committees and at the present writing is filling the office of town clerk, which position he has occupied since 1897, or for a period of fourteen years. His long retention in this office stands as incontrovertible proof of his ability and fidelity. The consensus of pub- lic opinion places Robert A. Mortland in a prominent position as one of the lead]- ing and influential men of his native city and as one whose labors have been effective and far-reaching forces for the general good.
JOHN HENRY STANLEY.
John Henry Stanley, who is now living retired in Searsboro, was born in Miami county, Ohio, on the 21st of July. 1838, and is a son of John T. and Mary (Barber) Stanley. The parents were both natives of Virginia, the father having been born in Halifax county on the 25th of July, 1806, and the mother in Vermont county on the 12th of August, 1811. They were reared and educated in their native state, where they were also married. Subsequently they migrated to Ohio, locating on a farm which they rented in Miami county in 1833. They continued to reside in the Buckeye state until 1851, when they came to Poweshiek county and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sugar Creek township. Later Mr. Stanley purchased eighty acres of school land, which he cleared and improved, continuing to engage in general farming until about three years prior to his demise, when he retired. He passed away on the 26th of March, 1888, and his wife in August, 1890. He voted with the democratic party and served for several years as township trustee, while both he and his wife held membership in the Baptist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stanley were born eight children: Martha J., who is deceased: Julia A., the wife of John Baker, a resident of Poweshiek county; Mary E., the wife of John English, of Sugar Creek township; John Henry, our subject ; James T .. who is living in Mahaska county ; Granville M., who is deceased ; Lawson M .. also a resident of Mahaska county ; and William, who is deceased.
The district schools of Sugar Creek township provided John Henry Stanley with his educational advantages. After laying aside his text-books he gave his entire time and attention to the work of the farm until he had attained his ma- jority. He subsequently bought forty acres of land from his father, which he cultivated for a time and then disposing of it he went to Kansas, locating in Norton county. At the end of a year he returned to Sugar Creek township where he bought eighty acres of land; selling this, later he purchased fifty acres elsewhere in the township. Five years thereafter he bought the old homestead which he retained until 1898, when he traded it to B. T. Vestal for a stock of general merchandise in Searsboro. After conducting the store for eighteen months he traded it for a farm in Sugar Creek township, which he sold later, and once more bought the old homestead. He operated this for two years and then came to Searsboro, where he erected a building and again en- gaged in the mercantile business, being associated with his son, Robert H. in the conduct of same. Two years later he sold this business to 1. S. Saunders
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and bought a livery stable, which he conducted for three years, but he is now renting it. At the present time Mr. Stanley is practically living a retired life in Searsboro, where he owns a very comfortable residence.
On the 11th of March, 1860, Mr. Stanley was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Reed, a daughter of William and Eliza (Reed) Reed, of Sugar Creek township. The parents were born in North Carolina in 1814, and there the father engaged in farming until his demise. Mrs. Stanley is also a native of North Carolina her birth having occurred in Perquimans county on the 16th of May, 1840. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Reed removed with her family to Indiana, locating in the vicinity of Richmond, where she later married Philip Reed. In 1854 the family came to Poweshiek county and settled on an eighty acre farm in Sugar Creek township which Mr. Reed bought. Here the mother passed away in March, 1865. He went to California later and there engaged in farming until his death. He was a republican in politics and both Mr. and Mrs. Reed affiliated with the United Brethren church. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley there were born seven children : Charles L., who is a resident of Malcom township; Mary F., who married John Stilwell, of South Dakota : Emma E., the wife of David Miller, of New Sharon, Mahaska county, Iowa ; Ella E., who married Jefferson Gordon, of Oskaloosa ; Robert H., who is living in Searsboro; Minnie M., who married Clarence Main, of Sugar Creek township; and Ellen, who died in infancy.
Fraternally Mr. Stanley is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, having been a member of Searsboro Lodge, No. 335, for thirty-three years, during which time he has held the various chairs, while Mrs. Stanley is a member of the Society of Friends. Mr. Stanley's political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and he lias served two years as township trustee, while for ten years he was a member of the school board, during six of which he was secretary, and at the present time he is serving his third term as clerk of the township. Nearly the entire life of Mr. Stanley has been spent in Poweshiek county, where he has made many friends whose regard he still retains.
FREDERICK ELLIOTT SPAULDING.
Frederick Elliott Spaulding, a prominent vehicle manufacturer of Grinnell, is associated in business with H. W. and E. H. Spaulding. He is also a director of the Ohio Valley Bending Company, the Mercer Wheel Company and the Moline Pole and Shaft Company. His birth occurred in Grinnell, Iowa, on the 29th of November, 1877, his parents being Henry W. and Miriam Jane (Lull) Spaulding. He supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in Grinnell College, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1899, while the following year he won the same degree from Princeton University of Princeton, New Jersey. On starting out in business life he joined his father in the manufacture of vehicles and in 1900 his brother, E. H. Spaulding, also became a member of the firm.
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On the 3d of October, 1900, at Sibley, Iowa, Mr. Spaulding was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Morse Brown, a daughter of Charles E. Brown of that place. Unto them has been born one child, Elizabeth Jane Spaulding.
Mr. Spaulding gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church of Grinnell. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he also belongs to the Poweshiek Club. His entire life has been spent in Grinnell and he has won an envable reputation as a successful business man and respected citizen.
ALFRED W. HEACOCK.
A residence of more than forty years in Iowa has given Alfred W. Heacock an opportunity of becoming well acquainted with the agricultural resources of the state and also of acquiring a valuable farm which he owns in Poweshiek county. He is a native of Henry county, Indiana, born August 8, 1844, and is a son of Salathial and Anna (Weeks) Heacock. The father was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and the mother near Rochester, New York. They were married in Henry county, Indiana. Salathial Heacock received his education in Bucks county and after laying his books aside worked as a cabinet-maker but later removed to Henry county, Indiana, where he became identified with agri- cultural interests, continuing there during the remainder of his life. His wife died at Spiceland, Henry county. He was a member of the Society of Friends and politically gave his support to the republican party. He never was an office seeker but served acceptably as a member of the school board. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Heacock, namely: Alfred W., Mary. now the widow of Peter Rifner, of Spiceland, Henry county, Indiana ; Lydia Ann, of Easthaven, Wayne county, Indiana : John, of Spiceland; and Charles, deceased.
Alfred W. Heacock was educated in the public schools of Henry county and later attended Spiceland Academy and the Sullivan Teachers Normal School at Sullivan, Indiana. He taught school in Henry county and later in Sullivan county, but being attracted to agricultural pursuits, gave up teaching and began farming in Henry county. In 1870 he came to Iowa and located in Washing- ton township, Poweshiek county, where he now lives. He began farming in this county upon a place of fifty acres, but as his resources increased he purchased more land until he now has two hundred and twenty-five acres. By diligence and systematic application he has greatly increased the productive capacity of the fields, and he has also erected buildings and improved the farm until it is one of the pleasing features of the landscape. He receives abundant annual returns from the labor and capital expended. all of which is the result of his wisely applied energies.
On the 8th of September. 1869, Mr. Heacock was married to Miss Sarah E. De Bord, who was born in Hawkins county, Tennessee, January 9. 1852. a daughter of John and Jemima ( Heron) De Bord, both of whom were natives of
Deacordo
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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West Virginia. The father was a farmer and fruit-grower and took up his resi- dence in Henry county, Indiana, in 1853. Later he removed to Hancock county, Indiana, where he and his wife lived for twenty years. They died near Green- field after having journeyed together in loving companionship for fifty-six years. They were both earnest members of the Baptist church and he was an ordained minister of that denomination. Politically he gave his support to the republican party.
Eleven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Heacock: Bertha, who married Edgar Williams, of Jasper county, Iowa; Mary, the wife of Will- iam McDowell, of Oak Grove, Poweshiek county, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this review ; John Orla, of South Dakota, who was married February 27, 1900, to Genie Thompson, of Kellogg, Iowa; Louie Pearl, deceased; Mabel, who became the wife of Enos Norman, of Grinnell township; Ella, the wife of Henry Marshall, of Jasper county; Lizzie, who became the wife of John Poots, of Jasper county ; Clifford, deceased; Arthur, at home, who married Alice Godfrey ; Reppie, deceased; and Olivett, who married Nellie Thorp and is living at home.
In political belief Mr. Heacock is a prohibitionist, as he is firmly of the opin- ion that the saloon is the greatest evil in the country. The estimate in which he is held by the voters of the township is shown in the fact that he filled the re- sponsible office of justice of the peace for eight years. He has also served as a member of the school board and is always ready to assist in promoting the wel- fare of this section. Religiously he adheres to the Society of Friends, and his life has in an important measure been controlled by the simple faith of that organization. He was an officer and overseer in the church for many years. He ranks as one of the leaders in Poweshiek county and is a man who conscien- tiously strives to follow in the footsteps of the Master.
(Mr. Heacock passed away April 9, 1911, after the above biography was written. On the opposite page is a steel portrait of Mr. Heacock, arranged for by his widow.)
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