USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 16
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vived her husband for thirteen years and on the 6th of January, 1906, she, too, passed away. Both were members of the Presbyterian church.
The boyhood and youth of William Marion Gamble was very similar to that of the average young man reared on the farm. His education was obtained in the common schools. The task of the schoolroom and the work of the farm were relieved by the healthy sports and diversions enjoyed by young people. He was only eighteen years of age when his father died and thus the duties and responsibilities of manhood early devolved upon him, as he and his brother, Charles S. Gamble, operated the farm together. This cooperative plan of work was followed for nine years, then in June, 1902, Charles was married and the November following the brothers de- cided to divide the farm and work independently. William remained upon the home place and Charles removed to the farm where he now resides, which was a portion of the homestead. Our subject's farm contains two hundred and fifty acres of well tilled land, improved by modern buildings, which are at all times kept in excellent repair.
On the 19th of November, 1902, Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to Rosa Ray, a daughter of John and Mary ( McCord) Ray, of Maxwell. They are both members of the Presbyterian church. Ever since age con- ferred upon him the right of suffrage Mr. Gamble has cast his ballot for the democratic candidates, and although he has never sought political favor he nevertheless takes a keen interest in all political issues. Fraternally he is identified with the Yeomen of America. He is one of the well known and highly esteemed young men of Indian Creek township, and both he and his wife are very popular in both church and social circles in the com- munity where they live.
HERMAN KNAPP.
Herman Knapp, treasurer and registrar of the Iowa State College at Ames, was born at Poultney, Rutland county, Vermont, December 28, 1863. He is the son of the late Dr. Seaman A. Knapp and Maria Hotch- kiss Knapp, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The Knapps trace to the family of Josiah Knapp, who came as a colonist to Massachusetts in 1644.
The subject of this sketch came with his parents to Vinton, Iowa, in 1866, where his father lived for a time on a farm and later served as principal of the Iowa College for the Blind. In 1879 his father having been elected to the professorship of agriculture in the Iowa State College, he entered upon his college course, graduating with honors in 1883. He be- came at once deputy treasurer of the college and the following year was elected assistant professor of agriculture. He had full charge of the de- partment during 1886. In 1887, upon the death of General James L.
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Geddes, he became treasurer and registrar of the college, which position he now occupies.
The mere enumeration of the duties which have fallen upon his shoulders during these years shows how intimately he has been identified with the college in its every interest. Outside of college circles he is recognized as a leading citizen, having been honored by many positions of trust in city affairs, at present as a member of the library board. He is adjutant general of the First Brigade of the Jowa National Guard with the rank of major. He has also been honored with the state presidency of the Jowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
In 1885 Professor Knapp was married to Miss Mary W. McDonald, of Mount Pleasant, Jowa, who was also a graduate of the State College in the class of 1883. They have a beautiful home upon the campus of the college and have a happy family of four children, namely: Seaman A., of the class of 1909, now connected with the Valley National Bank of Des Moines. Iowa; Marian Hermine, Jeanette Margaret and Byron McDonald. the last three being students of the college or the Ames schools.
The "Bomb" of 1907 was dedicated to Professor Knapp in the follow- ing appropriate words: "To Herman Knapp, a common, big-hearted, lov- able man, who disregarding fame and fortune, and place and power, has given the richest years of his unselfish life in loving labor to the upbuilding and advancing of our alma mater, we as a token of our esteem and admira- tion dedicate this volume." The Class of 1907.
JOSEPH C. SAWTELL.
Although seventy-four years of age Joseph C. Sawtell. a well known and prosperous farmer of New Albany township, still continues to take an active interest in business affairs. He has been a resident of the township for more than forty years and is honored as one of its most valued citizens. Born in Lapeer county, Michigan, April 14, 1837, he is the son of Levi and Mary Ann (Canfield) Sawtell, the former born near the Kennebec river in Maine, January 21, 1810, and the latter in the same state in 1815. The mother was of German descent and removed to Michigan in 1836. The father, who was a carpenter and builder by trade, removed from Michigan to La Harpe, a small town near Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1844. The troubles with the Mormons soon created intense excitement throughout that part of the state. Joseph Smith, the Mormon leader, was killed June 27, 1844, while attempting to escape from jail, and soon afterward on ac- count of the disturbed condition of the community Mr. Sawtell returned to Lapeer county, Michigan, where he resumed work at his trade. He passed away in 1887. He was twice married, his second wife being Amanda M. Tripp, a daughter of S. Tripp, of Lapeer county.
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Joseph C. Sawtell received his education in the common schools of Michigan and continued with his father until 1857. At twenty years of age he left his native state, removing to Warren county, Illinois, where he worked upon a farm and became thoroughly acquainted with the busi- ness to which he has devoted many years of his life. In 1862, in response to the call of his country for soldiers, he enlisted for three years in Com- pany F. Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being as- signed to the Army of the Cumberland. He served under General Thomas, participating on the 3d of February, 1863, in the second battle of Fort Donelson, and later he did scout duty. He was a good soldier and was many times exposed to great danger but came through the conflict un- scathed. He received his honorable discharge in the fall of 1865, after serving for three years and two months. Upon being mustered out he returned to Warren county, Illinois, where he continued for three years, and then removed to New Albany township, Story county, Iowa, where he permanently located. As the years passed he became one of the suc- cessful farmers of the locality, acquiring a valuable place, upon which he is now living retired, devoting his attention to the Story County Farmers Insurance Company, of which he was one of the organizers. He is also agent for several other companies.
On the 12th of April, 1866, in Warren county, Illinois, Mr. Sawtell was united in marriage to Mrs. Louisa (McMillian) Edgington, a daughter of John and Harriett (Glaze) McMillian. Four children came to bless this union. Florence V., who was born July 12, 1867, was educated in the common schools and at the Chautauqua School of Nursing at Jamestown, New York, being a graduate of the latter institution. She is now keeping house for her father. William A., born September 20, 1869, was married June 3, 1897, to Catherine Gallantine, of Milburn, Iowa, and is now en- gaged in the real-estate business at that place, being also postmaster of the town. Charles H., born November 11, 1872, was married November II, 1893, on the birthday of himself and wife, to Miss Mary Morgan, of Colo, a daughter of William and Mary (Fox) Morgan. He is now in charge of the family homestead. Joseph A., born April 11, 1875, married Hazel Ritter, of Denver, Colorado, and is now a successful commission man of Denver. The mother of these children was called from earthly scenes April 12, 1875, her death being the greatest sorrow Mr. Sawtell has ever known.
Mr. Sawtell supports the republican party but he is liberal in his political views, often voting for a candidate at local elections irrespective of party affiliations. He has not sought the emoluments of office but has served with recognized ability as justice of the peace of his township and also as a member of the school board. He is a valued member of the United Brethren church of Dalton Corners and is also identified with Lodge No. 238, G. A. R., of Colo. As an old soldier Mr. Sawtell deserves the grati- tude of a generation now enjoying the fruits of a war which cost a vast
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outlay of money and human life. In the great Rebellion he learned the lessons of self-denial and perseverance which he has applied in every day affairs, attracting many friends who recognized in him those attributes which make the true gentleman and loyal citizen.
IRWIN CLAYTON WHITNEY.
Irwin Clayton Whitney had been a resident of Story county but two years at the time of his demise but the period was sufficiently long for him to prove himself to be a man of high principles and sterling worth. He was a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Lorain county on the 17th of June. 1865, his parents being Eli 11. and Mary E. ( llale ) Whitney. He was but five years of age when his people migrated to lowa, settling in Jasper county, where they lived for a time, and then went to Humboldt county and after remaining there for a short time they returned to Jasper county and settled on a farm near Mingo. The latter place continued to be their home until 1889, when they removed to Saybrook, Illinois, where Mr. Whitney passed away on the 20th of May, 1891. and very soon thereafter the widow with her family located in Maxwell. this county. On the 13th of February. 1894. Mrs. Whitney was married to R. R. Thompson, whose death occurred on the 24th of the following June. When a girl of fourteen years Mrs. Thompson was converted and united with the Baptist church, but as there was no church of that denomination in Maxwell she joined the Methodist Episcopal church. She was always an ardent Christian and an active worker in the church. Her death occurred on the 14th of December. 1900.
Irwin Clayton Whitney's boyhood and youth were not unlike that of most boys who live in the country. He remained at home until he had acquired such education as the common schools afforded, but being an am- bitious youth, he laid away his text-books and carly began his business ca- reer. Ile was married on the 30th of June. 1885, shortly after the twen- tieth anniversary of his birth, to Miss Mary Dickey, a daughter of Solomon and Rebecca (Barker ) Dickey. Her father was a native of Athens county, Ohio, born on the 30th of March, 1828. He came to Jowa in 1854. locating in Jasper county, and there he was married on the 12th of September of the same year to Rebecca Jane Barker. He acquired some land, every acre of which was unbroken prairie, and upon this the young people began their life together, but unremitting toil and careful cultivation in time trans- formed it into a valuable farm, which remained their home until 1897, when they removed to Mingo. Mr. Dickey passed away in 1905. He had been a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church and always led an upright, consistent Christian life, his high principles and incorruptible in- tegrity gaining him the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in
MR. AND MRS. IRWIN C. WHITNEY
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contact. For many years of her life Mrs. Dickey was practically an in- valid, owing to injuries which she received in the Valeria cyclone and from which she never recovered. Although she suffered greatly at times she never complained, being sustained at all times by her strong faith in the ever- lasting arms. She passed away on the 26th of May, 1902. at the age of sixty-two years, having been born in La Grange county, Indiana, on the 25th of December, 1839.
After his marriage Mr. Whitney located on a farm which he rented near Mingo and after living there for a year he removed to another farm in Jasper county, where he also remained but one year and then rented a farm near the one where he had first lived. He remained on the latter place about eighteen months and then went to Saybrook, Illinois, and after living there about the same length of time he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hardin county, Iowa, where he continued to live for eight years. In 1899 he sold his farm and bought eighty acres in Story county, upon which he was living at the time of his death and where his widow continues to reside.
Mr. and Mrs. Whitney were the parents of six children, who are as follows: Berton Leroy, a farmer of Carroll township, this county; Carl Jason, at home ; Jennie May, the wife of Roy Bell of Indian Creek town- ship, this county ; Ethel Pearl, the wife of Glen Bell, of Jasper county ; and Clarence Irwin and Elsie Mary, both at home.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mrs. Whit- ney holds membership. Mr. Whitney was a stanch supporter of the repub- lican party, feeling its principles were best adapted to protect the rights of the majority. He never was an office seeker nor did he at any time aspire to political honors, preferring to devote his energies to the development of his private interests. He was ever a most loyal and devoted husband, gen- erous and affectionate father and charitable neighbor, the loss of whom was most keenly felt not only in the family circle but in the community where he had lived.
CLARENCE E. MARKLAND.
Clarence E. Markland, one of the most extensive stock-shippers of this section of Iowa, the owner of valuable farm property in Story county and the director of the First National Bank of Nevada, was born in Mc- Lean county, Illinois, October 20, 1869. His parents, Daniel F. and Hannah (Miller) Markland, were natives of Ohio, born near Hamilton. They were reared and married in the Buckeye state and soon afterward removed west- ward to Illinois, being now located in Pontiac, Illinois. In their family were seven children of whom Clarence was the third in order of birth. The record is as follows: Laura, now the wife of W. E. New, of Richland
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township; John, who died in infancy; Clarence E .: Effie May, who died at the age of eighteen years; Muzetta, the wife of Maurice l'earl, of Okla- homa : Lucian, of Illinois : and Walter, of North Dakota.
C. E. Markland spent the period of his minority in his native state, and during much of the time was upon his father's farm working in the fields through the summer months and acquiring his education in the country schools in the winter season. He came alone to Nevada in February, 1892, when in his twenty-third year, and here established a grocery store which he conducted for about a year and then sold out. On the expiration of that period he rented land and for eight years engaged in the cultivation of the soil, during which time he bought and sold a number of tracts of land, realizing a good profit on most of them. Thus he gradually worked his way upward financially and in 1901 removed to Nevada, where for four years he engaged in real estate business, handling much valuable property and negotiating many important realty transfers. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the live stock business in which he has since engaged. He buys, feeds and ships stock to Chicago and is the most extensive shipper in Nevada, making his shipments not only from there but also from other points. He sends about two hundred carloads of horses, cattle and hogs annually to the state markets. Being an excellent judge of stock he shows wisdom in his purchases and in his sales which result profitably. Moreover, he has made judicious investments in real estate and is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land in this county, being divided in three different tracts and located in Grant and Richland. lle is likewise interested in Dakota lands and owns town property in Nevada and in Ames and a business block in McCallsburg. He is a stockholder of the Story County Mutual Telephone Company and is a director of the First National Bank. Ile is notably prompt, energetic and reliable and in the conduet of his business affairs allows no obstacle or difficulty to brook his path if it can be overcome by earnest and honorable effort.
In March, 1893, Mr. Markland was married to Miss Ifattie M. Daw- son, who was born in MeLean county, Illinois, February 16, 1870, and in 1890 came to Story county with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James M. Dawson. Her mother is now deceased and her father resides with his daughter. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Markland have been born two children, Hazel and Frene. In 1909 Mr. Markland purchased his present home, a fine brick residence which is richly and tastefully furnished.
In politics he is a republican who takes only a citizen's interest in political affairs, never seeking nor desiring office for himself. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They are well known socially and their home is most attractive by reason of its warm-hearted and cordial hospi- tality. Mr. Markland came to Story county empty-handed. nor had he enjoyed any special advantages in his youth. In the intervening years he
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has made continuous progress in business lines and is now one of the sub- stantial citizens of the community. With a genius for devising and execut- ing the right thing at the right time, joined to everyday common sense, he has worked his way upward, utilizing all the advantages that have come to him and proving at the same time that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
JOHN TWEDT.
John Twedt is now living retired in Roland, where he erected his pres- ent residence in 1910. He is still connected with the agricultural interests of the county, however, as the owner of two valuable farms in Howard township, each comprising one hundred and sixty acres. Both are well improved and from the property he derives a substantial income. He has lived in Storey county continuously for about forty-five years, having ar- rived here in 1866. He was at that time a young man of twenty-one years, his birth having occurred at the old family homestead of Twedt, on the west coast of Norway, March 10, 1845. His parents were John J. and Carrie (Oldsdatter) Twedt. The mother died in Norway when the son was twenty years of age and the father afterward came to America with the subject of this review, spending his last days in Story county. He was eighty-six years of age when he passed away at the home of his son Ole A. Twedt, who at that time was a resident of Warren township. The family numbered five sons and two daughters who came to the United States, of whom three sons and one daughter, Mrs. A. Helvig are still living.
John Twedt made his home at the place of his nativity until he sailed for the new world. As a boy he worked on a farm with his father and later spent four years as a sailor. In 1866 he made the voyage across the Atlantic to the United States and for a brief period lived in Chicago, being occupied as a sailor on the lakes, and on the 24th of July of that year ar- rived in Story county, where he has since made his home. He had no capital at that time and, being dependent upon his own resources for a living, he secured work as a farm hand, receiving one hundred and twenty- five dollars for a year's labor. He was ambitious, however, to engage in farming on his own account, and as soon as possible he rented land on the present site of Roland. This was in 1868 and he cultivated the tract for five years. In 1873 he purchased a farm in Howard township comprising one hundred and sixty acres and resided thereon until 1910, when he re- tired from business and erected his present home which is one of the com- fortable and attractive dwellings of Roland. In the meantime he had added to his landed possessions, having become the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable farm property in Howard town- ship, divided into two farms, both of which were well improved. Year
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after year he worked diligently and persistently until his labors had brought him a measure of success that enabled him to put aside active business cares and live retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
In 1868 Mr. Twedt was married to Miss Anna X. Erickson, who was born in Norway in 1848 and came to the United States with her parents when a year and a half old. The family settled first in Illinois but in 1856 came to Story county where the father took up land from the government where the town of Roland now stands. Mrs. Twedt was a daughter of Jacob and Ellen ( Michaelson ) Erickson, both of whom died in Roland. Unto our subject and wife have been born eight children: Joseph, who is now proprietor of a hardware store in Roland; Jacob, living in Milford township; Albert, who is engaged in clerking for his brother Joseph in Ro- land; Ellen, the wife of Thomas Sampson, of Milford township; Carrie, the wife of P. J. Peterson, of Milford township; Hannah, the wife of Ed- ward Grove, of Howard township ; Lizzie, the wife of J. A. Rutherford, of California ; and Clara, the wife of Eher Highland, of Howard township.
Since becoming an American citizen Mr. Twedt has given his political support to the republican party which finds in him an earnest and stalwart advocate of its principles. He has been called to serve in several local offices including that of county supervisor, and reelection continued him upon the board for six years. He also served as school director for about ten years and did much to further the interests of public education. He likewise be- longs to the Bergen Lutheran church and in its teachings he finds the prin- ciples which have governed his conduct in all of his relations with the pub- lic and with his fellowmen. He deserves much credit for what he has ac- complished in the business world, for when he left the land of the midnight sun his only capital was his determination and his indefatigable industry. Upon those qualities he has builded his success and never has he taken ad- vantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in the conduct of his business dealings.
SAMUEL SWINBANK.
Among the honored citizens of Story county who have passed away after having bravely performed their duty in life, should be named Samuel Swinbank, who was a resident of this county for seventeen years and died April 12, 1894. in the height of his usefulness, at the age of fifty-one years. He was born in Westmoreland, England. October 2, 1843, a son of Joseph and Jennie ( Taylor ) Swinbank, both of whom spent their entire lives in England, the father devoting his attention to farming.
Samuel Swinbank received his education in the common schools of his native land and after arriving at a suitable age was apprenticed to the ma- chinist's trade, in which he became highly proficient. At twenty-six years
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of age, believing that more favorable conditions existed in America than were to be found in a thickly settled country of the old world, he emi- grated to the United States, going direct to Kane county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm of forty acres and began to carve his way to fortune. He cultivated the land for eight years and then, seeking still wider opportuni- ties, removed to Story county in 1877, acquiring land on section 25, New Albany township, upon which he established the family home. He was of industrious habits and by his unremitting diligence he transformed his farm into one of the valuable properties of the township.
On the 16th of February, 1869, in Westmoreland, England, Mr. Swin- bank was united in marriage to Miss Martha Martindale, a daughter of William and Martha (Hastwell) Martindale. She was one of a family of fourteen children and was born January 24, 1844, coming to America with her husband shortly after their marriage. Five children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Swinbank, namely: Joseph William, now living on a farm in Story county, who was born in Kane county, Illinois, February 12, 1871, and married Miss Emma Walters, of Story county; Ada O., who was born in Kane county, July 26, 1877, and married Charles Graves, of Oregon ; John S., now living on the family homestead. who was born in Story county, September 1, 1879, and married Miss Agnes M. Bullock; Jennie T., who was born September 5, 1883, and is now living on the old homestead; and George M., who was born December 29, i886, and is also living at home.
Mr. Swinbank was a consistent member of the United Brethren church of Dalton's Corners. Politically he gave his support to the republican party, being an earnest advocate of its principles. He served most acceptably as a member of the school board and also for many years as roadmaster of his township. In England he was a member of the Amalgamation of Engin- eers. Mrs. Swinbank is now living with several of her children on the home farm of one hundred and twenty acres. She is greatly respected by her neighbors and friends in the community where she lives, all of whom have a good word to say of her.
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