USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 13
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sold out. For some years prior to that time he had been dealing in real estate and in August, 1907, established the firm of James McCoy & Son for the conduct of a real-estate and insurance business. He has secured a good clientage in this connection and has negotiated a number of im- portant realty transfers, being thoroughly familiar with the value of prop- erty and the opportunity for sale or purchase.
On the 24th of November, 1881, Mr. McCoy was united in marriage to Miss Sarah O'Donnell, a native of England. Her father, Martin O'Don- nell, who was born in Ireland, is now a resident of Colo, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have two children, namely: Martin R., who is a partner of his father in the firm of James McCoy & Son; and Mary A., the wife of H. R. Wilson, of Hope, Kansas.
Mr. McCoy is a democrat in politics and for many years served as a member of the school board. He is a faithful communicant of the Cath- olic church and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus and Logan Camp, No. 1591, M. W. A. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Colo and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement intended to benefit this section of the country or promote the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted county.
CHARLES CARMODY.
As a breeder of Norman and Percheron horses Charles Carmody has demonstrated an ability which receives recognition from many who are interested in the improvement of horses and other farm animals. He is also a successful farmer and has a beautiful place, which includes three hundred and twenty acres in Sherman township, as a visible evidence of the deep interest he takes in the work with which he has been connected since his earliest recollection.
Born in Jersey county, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1865, he is the son of Patrick and Mary ( Moroney) Carmody, both natives of Ireland. They came to America in 1862 and after spending a few years in Pennsylvania removed to Illinois, settling in Sherman township, Story county, Iowa, in April, 1882, where Mr. Carmody engaged with a goodly measure of suc- cess in farming. In 1900 the parents took up their residence in the town of Nevada and nine years later made their home with a daughter in Ne- vada township. The father was called away November 1, 1909, and the mother January 4. 1910.
Charles Carmody received his education in the public schools of Illi- nois and Iowa, coming to this state with his parents at seventeen years of age. Even as a boy he showed special adaptability to the pursuits of agri- culture and stock-raising and after reaching manhood he applied himself with such diligence that he became the owner of one of the most valuable
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farms of Sherman township. For a number of years he has paid special attention to the breeding of horses, and as he uses sound judgment and has a thorough understanding of market conditions, he generally succeeds in receiving a fair price for animals raised upon his farm. Since coming into possession of his place he has made many improvements, crecting new buildings and fences, tiling the land and adding many modern accessories and equipments, so that his farm is now one of the attractive features of the landscape in Sherman township.
On the 12th of February, 1890, Mr. Carmody was united in marriage at Colo to Miss Margaret Moroney, a daughter of John and Mary ( Moloney ) Moroney both of whom were natives of Ireland. Mrs. Car- mody was born in England, March 25, 1862, and was brought by her parents to America in 1863. The family lived for a number of years in Illinois and the father became connected with the railroad business but later engaged in farming. Ile moved to Iowa in 1887 and settled in Ne- vada township. Story county. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Carmody: John P., who was born October 23, 1891. and is now attending business college at Des Moines; Patrick Joseph, who was born February 1. 1893, and is now living on the old homestead in Story county : Delia, who was born June 16, 1895, and died June 3. 1896; and Mary Kathryn, born September 16, 1896, now a pupil in the public schools.
Mr. Carmody is a public-spirited and patriotic citizen. ever ready to extend his assistance to any worthy cause that aims to develop his part of the county or to increase the neighborly feeling of the people. lle be- longs to the liberal element of the democratic party and in local affairs often votes irrespective of party lines. He is now serving as township trustee, a position for which he is well qualified, being thoroughly ac- quainted with the needs of the township, and for four years he has been a member of the school board. In religious belief he follows the faith of his ancestors and gives his sincere adherence to the Catholic church.
MATTHEW C. REAGAN.
Among the retired farmers who are now engaged in business in Max- well is Matthew C. Reagan, a native of the Keystone state, having been born in Fayette county on the 17th of February, 1847, a son of James and Rachel (Shaffer ) Reagan, who were also both natives of Pennsylvania. where they were reared and married. The parents migrated to Iowa in 1856, locating on a farm of eighty acres in Jasper county, which the father had acquired through a land warrant as a soldier in the war of 1812. The winter of 1856-7 was a very severe one and in the spring he was forced to trade his farm for a forty acre piece and a team of horses.
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as he had lost everything he had. A few months after locating on his new place, on the 7th of June, 1867, his wife passed away, her death be- ing caused by fright at the sight of a runaway team in charge of her son, whom she supposed had been killed. Shortly after her demise the father went to live with his daughter, with whom he made his home until his death, which occurred seven years later and on the same day of the month as that of his wife.
The early years of Matthew C. Reagan were spent under the paternal roof, and at such times as his services were not required in the work of the farm he attended the district schools, where he acquired his education. The most of his schooling was obtained in the old Center school in Clay Creek township, Jasper county. At the age of twenty-three years he started to work for himself, hiring out as a farm hand, but after a short time he became ill and was compelled to return home, where he remained until the following spring, when he began farming as a renter on eighty acres of land in Jasper county, which belonged to his father-in-law, re- maining there for five years. At the end of that period he leased a place in Collins township, Story county, which he cultivated for three years, and then returned to Jasper county and after remaining there for one year again removed to Story county, settling upon eighty acres of raw prairie, which he had bought in Collins township. This he improved and culti- vated for two years and then sold it, purchasing another eighty acres of unimproved land in the same township, which he also disposed of at the end of three years. Following this he bought eighty acres of improved land, also in Collins township, and after living there for four years he sold it and removed to Marshall county. After two years' residence in the latter place he again returned to Story county for a few years and subsequently bought a hotel in Rolfe, Pocahontas county, but soon disposed of this, buying a farm in the same county, where he resided for a time and then moved to Union county, where he lived for four years. At the end of that time he returned to Story county, where he has since resided. He gave up farming in 1906 and removed to Nevada, Iowa, and then in October, 1910, he purchased the livery stable in Maxwell with which he is still identified.
On the 7th of February, 1870, Mr. Reagan was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Plumb, of Jasper county, but a native of Licking county, Ohio. Eight children were born of this union, five of whom survive: Rachel, who is the wife of John Hardin, proprietor of the electric light plant at State Center; Belle, the wife of W. T. Norris, of Nevada; An- drew George, a farmer of Shipley, Iowa; John H .. a resident of Clyde, North Dakota; and Grover C., farmer, Grant township, this county. The mother passed away on the 6th of October 1908, and after her death Mr. Reagan made his home with his son at Shipley until he located in Max- well.
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Although he has never taken an active interest in politics to the extent of aspiring to public office, Mr. Reagan always votes for the candidates of the democratic party. He is a member of the Christian church and is one of the esteemed citizens and highly regarded business men of Maxwell.
THERON W. BLACKMAN.
Among the prosperous business men of Nevada, Blackman Brothers, vegetable gardeners, are recognized as leaders in their line, their business each year showing a handsome increase, and the reputation of the firm now extends over a wide territory in central Iowa. This enviable pros- perity they have attained through their own exertions and the exercise of sound business principles and strictly honorable methods.
Theron W. Blackman, senior member of the firm, was born in Roch- ester, New York, in 1858. His father, James Blackman, was born in Eng- land and came to the United States with his parents, the grandfather being also named James. The family settled on a farm near Rochester, New York, in 1827. There the father grew to manhood and became identified with farming interests. He came to lowa in 1864, locating in Benton county, where he remained for eight years, at the end of which time he removed to Nevada and his death occurred there in March. 1907. He gave his adherence to the republican party except during the last few years of his life, when he was identified with the cause of prohibition. He was a stanch believer in the Bible and held membership in the Methodist church. Our subject's mother, who bore the maiden name of Belinda Ann Allen, was born near Rochester, New York, in 1836. She was of German and English descent and, like her husband, was a faithful member of the Meth- odist church. She departed this life in February, 1907. Two children were born to them: Theron W .. our subject; and Allen L., who was born in Benton county, Iowa, in 1864 and is now identified with his brother in business.
Theron W. Blackman was reared as a farmer boy and early acquired a love of nature, which has been one of the prevailing characteristics of his life. He gained his preliminary education in the country schools and later became a student in the Nevada high school, where he gained the foundation of a good education. As he advanced in years he showed evi- dences of possessing a practical mind and as soon as opportunity pre- sented he purchased a tract of land just west of Nevada, where he estab- lished a truck farm, the nucleus of one hundred and ten acres which the firm now owns. The demand for the products of the farm has grown steadily and in 1898 the firm erected a greenhouse twenty-two by one hun- dred feet in size for the propagation of plants to be used on the farm or disposed of to patrons. A ready market is found for all the produce that
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is raised and there is every indication that the demand will continue to increase as the years pass. The success of Blackman Brothers is due to their industry, perseverance and good judgment. The brothers are identi- fied with the Methodist church and both are active prohibitionists, believ- ing that the saloon is the greatest enemy of society.
ADELBERT B. MAXWELL, M. D.
Dr. Adelbert B. Maxwell, a member of the medical profession in Ames and president of the Story County Medical Society, was born in DuPage county, Illinois, on the Ioth of February, 1863. He is the son of David N. and Altha (Bartholomew) Maxwell, the father also being a native of DuPage county, where he always lived until the family removed to Story county, Iowa, in 1867. He is no longer engaged in active business. Of the three children of the family only one is now living, Adelbert B.
Dr. Adelbert B. Maxwell was only four years of age when his parents located in Story county, so that almost his entire life, with the exception of the years he was away studying for his profession, have been spent in this immediate locality. His boyhood and youth were very similar to those of the majority of men. He attended the district schools, performed such tasks as were assigned by parental authority and occupied his leisure hours in the diversions which appeal to every boy who lives in the rural districts. After he had completed the work of the common schools he entered the Iowa State College, where he studied for two years. Later he went to Iowa City and matriculated in the medical department of the Iowa State University, remaining there for a similar period, but finished his medical course in the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College of Chicago, Illinois, being identified with that institution until his graduation, at which time he received the degree of M. D. He was a very ambitious young man, how- ever, having always been a diligent student, and unlike most young physi- cians, felt that instead of having completed the study of medicine he had just begun it and so entered Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital, Chicago, in order to continue his research in the healing art.
After the completion of his post-graduate course Dr. Maxwell returned to Ames and began the practice of medicine and surgery, in both of which lines he has proven himself to be most capable and skillful. Later he took up the special practice of eye and ear. One of his strongest assets in all probability has been his personality which never fails to soothe and cheer the patient, while at the same time it inspires confidence in the efficacy of his art. He also possesses that most essential of all powers to the medical man acuteness in the diagnosis of disease, as well as the gentle touch and positive hand of the competent surgeon. He always makes friends in the sick room as is attested by his large and growing practice.
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Dr. Maxwell has never permitted his professional duties to absorb him to the extent of releasing him from all of his responsibilities as a public citizen. Ile has always voted the republican ticket and takes a keen in- terest in all municipal affairs, and that his constituency and the general com- munity regard him favorably is indicated by the fact that he has been city clerk since 1889; no man ever held an office, however insignificant it might be, continuously for twenty years unless he held the respect and confidence of the community.
Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, his local affiliation being with Arcadia Lodge, No. 249. A. F. & .A. M., he is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Modern Woodmen of America, Ames Camp. No. 458, the basic principles of which organizations serve to guide his life.
JACOB D. SCOTT.
One of the best known stockmen in this section of the state was the late Jacob D. Scott. who for twenty-eight years was a resident of Indian Creek township, Story county. The son of Robert M. and Mary (Drake) Scott. he was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of March, 1854. his parents also being natives of the Keystone state. In 1867 they came west, settling on a farm near Keokuk, lowa, where they remained, however, but for one year, at the end of that time removing to Jasper county. They were residents of the latter county for ten years and in 1874 they bought a farm one-half mile north of Elwell in Indian Creek township, this county, which is now owned by O. N. Jory, and here they continued to live until Mr. Scott retired in 1890. when they removed to Maxwell. Mrs. Scott passed away on the 13th of March, 1904, and since that time he has made his home with his children. He is now living with his youngest son in Greene county, Missouri.
The boyhood and youth of Jacob D. Scott were very similar to those of most boys who are reared in the country. He attended the district school when not occupied in performing his share of the farm work, and indulged during his leisure in such sports as are usually enjoyed by young people. At the usual age he laid aside his text-books and assumed the responsibili- ties and duties of manhood. Deciding to follow the vocation of farming. he rented land in the vicinity of his home, where he continued to live until he was thirty years of age.
On the 21st of August. 1884, Mr. Scott was joined in marriage to Miss Cynthia Elizabeth Olinger, a daughter of James M. and Rebecca J. (John) Olinger. Her father came to Story county from Indiana in 1854 and con- tinned to live in this state until he passed away on the 8th of April. 1907.
After his marriage Mr. Scott rented land in Polk county, which he farmed for two years. Having purchased. in the meantime. eighty acres
MR. AND MRS. J. D. SCOTT
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near where he was renting he removed thereon and continued to reside there until 1900, at which time he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Story county, upon which he lived until called to his final rest on the 6th of August, 1910. His death was very sudden and a great shock to his family and friends.
Eleven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Scott, all of whom are living at home with their mother, with the exception of Lisle G., who is married and living on a farm near Elwell in this county, the others being Cecil E., Glen M., Forrest A., J. Burness, Anna Laura, Marion and Marie, twins, Alice L., Dale John and Arnold R. The family all attend the Chris- tian church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Scott were members.
Mr. Scott was a stanch republican, feeling that party's policy of pro- tection was essential to the best interest of home industries. Although he always cast his ballot at each election he never sought political honors or public office. His active interest in educational matters caused him to serve as school director in this district for several years. He was a liberal, broad-minded, public-spirited man, at all times doing his utmost to pro- mote every movement for the betterment of the community in which he lived. Thoughtful and kind to the friendless, aiding the needy, always striving to bring into the lives of the unfortunate a little cheer, hen was ever highly esteemed and respected.
Mrs. Scott, who was a teacher before her marriage, is a woman of un- usual culture and refinement, and her home has always been one which stood for the highest and best, the family occupying an influential position in the social life of the community.
ADELBERT LEE KENNEDY.
In the list of useful and lucrative occupations of Story county agricul- ture and stock-raising occupy the premier place. It is to these pursuits that the county owes its high standing in the state, and few sections of Iowa can boast of more carefully cultivated fields or of better grades of live stock. Among the well kept farms is that of Adelbert Lee Kennedy. who was born near Laporte, Marshall county, Indiana, February 3. 1854, a son of Emerson and Louisa ( Bixby) Kennedy, the former a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and the latter of Steuben county, New York. They were married in Ohio, to which state the mother had removed as a child with her parents, and after their marriage went to Marshall county, Indiana, coming to Iowa in 1857. After spending eleven years in Black Hawk county, Iowa, Mr. Kennedy purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, Collins township, Story county, upon which he settled. In 1894 he retired from active life and took up his home with a daughter in Pocahontas county, Iowa, subsequently removing to Oklahoma, Vol. II-8
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where he resided with another daughter. He passed away in 1902, and the mother of our subject departed this life in 1887.
Adelbert Lee Kennedy came to Iowa with his parents and after re- ceiving his education in the district schools continued upon the home farm until twenty years of age, when he began life upon his own account. At the age of twenty-seven years, having married. he established his home upon eighty acres of land which he purchased in Collins township and to which he has added as his resources permitted until he now owns a beau- tiful farm of one hundred and sixty acres which yields a handsome reve- nue. He was for a number of years prominently identified with the breed- ing of thoroughbred Aberdeen Angus cattle, but during recent years has devoted his attention to cattle feeding, in which he has been highly suc- cessful.
On the 21st of September. 1881. Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Dawes, of Decatur county, Iowa, a daughter of John and Mary (Van Dorn) Dawes, the former of whom was born at Thomaston, Lincoln county, Maine, and the latter at Vans Valley, Delaware county, Ohio. Mr. Dawes in his early manhood removed to Delaware county and after his marriage was engaged in the mercantile business at Alexandria, Licking county, Ohio, for twenty years. Subsequently he took up his residence on the old Van Dorn homestead at Vans Valley, where he was engaged in farming for twenty years. He passed away in 1876. and in 1877 Mrs. Dawes came with her children to Decatur county, Iowa. but later removed to Bonhomme county, South Dakota, where she died in 1896. Mrs. Kennedy's grandfather, William Dawes, was one of three brothers who came to America from England. James locating in Pennsyl- vania, Edward in Virginia and William at Thomaston. Maine. The last named became United States revenue collector for the port of Thomaston and was known as one of the leading citizens of the place.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy six children have been born, five of whom are now living: Mary L., now the wife of F. M. Hanson, state secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association at Des Moines. Iowa ; Magda- lene, the wife of R. F. Balthis, a member of the United States government forest service, now located at Alamogordo. New Mexico; Maud O .. the wife of 1. O. Schaub, head of the department of agronomy of the State Agricultural College at Raleigh, North Carolina; Laura D., who is now attending the conservatory of music of the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois; and Bert L., a farmer of Collins township. Mr. Han- son and Mr. Balthis are both graduates of the lowa State Agricultural College at Ames, and Professor Schaub is a graduate of a college in Ten- nessee.
Mr. Kennedy gives his adherence to the republican party and has served for a number of years in various township offices. He is a true friend of education and was for fifteen years a member of the school board, being treasurer of the board for twelve years. Mrs. Kennedy is also greatly
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interested in education. She is a lady of unusual intellectual qualifications and received her training at the Granville (Ohio) Female College. Mr. Kennedy is a member of Crescent Camp, No. 1358. M. W. A .; Fervent Lodge. No. 513. A. F. & A. M .; and of the Order of the Eastern Star. his wife being also a member of the latter organization. He is not identi- fied with any religious denomination, but Mrs. Kennedy is a faithful mem- ber of the Presbyterian church. They have many friends in Story county and possess in an unusual degree the confidence and respect of all with whom they come in contact.
LON G. HARDIN.
Lon G. Hardin, editor of the Ames Times and well known as a repre- sentative of progressive journalism in Iowa, was born in Fairfield, Jeffer- son county, this state, on the 5th of December, 1861, his parents being Anderson G. and Sarah Jane (McConnell ) Hardin, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa in childhood days with their respective parents, were married in this state and now re- side in Spencer, Clay county, where the father follows merchandising. Their family numbers four daughters and two sons.
Lon G. Hardin, the third in order of birth, resided at the place of his nativity until 1870, when the family removed to Spencer where he re- mained until 1884. He acquired his education in the public schools of the two towns and in 1880 began learning the printer's trade which he followed in Spencer until 1884, when he went to Plankinton, South Dakota, where he was employed at his trade for a year. He afterward engaged in the printing business in Webster City, Iowa, until 1892, when in the month of May he came to Ames and here established the Ames Times, which he has since published, being sole owner and manager of the paper which he has made one of the leading country journals of the state. Its editorials are interesting and indicate wide knowledge of the subject under discussion. Much attention is paid to the appearance of the paper, and its tasteful ar- rangement indicates a thorough understanding of the mechanical side of the art preservative. He well merits the liberal subscription and adver- tising patronage which is accorded him and which indicates the popularity of the paper in Ames and throughout the surrounding country.
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