USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 19
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Mr. Morris has always been a warm friend of the cause of education and was president of the township school board and one of the school di- rectors of his district for a number of years. He also filled the office of assessor of Franklin township for twelve years and discharged his duties with promptness and ability during the entire period of his incumbency
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in office. For ten years he has filled the office of justice of the peace, in which connection his decisions are strictly fair and impartial. He has like- wise served as township trustee for a number of years and is ever loyal and faithful to the confidence and trust reposed in him. His political alle- giance has always been given to the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Congregational church of Ames. Dur- ing thirty-six years' residence in Story county he has formed a wide ac- quaintance among the citizens of this part of the state and he is held in high esteem by those who have long known him as well as by his later acquaintances. In manner he is genial and social and wherever he goes wins the high regard of those with whom he is brought in contact.
PETER S. GRIFFITH.
Among the successful farmers and extensive landowners of Union township is Peter S. Griffith, who was born in McDonough county, Illinois, on the 9th of March, 1856, his parents being John M. and Biddy ( Rice) Griffith. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother of Ireland, having come to America as a child with her parents, who settled in High- land county, Ohio. After he had reached manhood John M. Griffith, in company with his brother, went to Highland county and there he met and married the mother of our subject. The first ten years of their married life the young people spent in Ohio and then removed to McDonough county, Illinois, where they continued to live until 1867, when they again set their faces westward, Iowa being their destination. They first settled in Polk county, where they remained but a few months and then bought a farm in Story county, which adjoins their son's homestead on the east and which he now owns, there spending the remainder of their lives. The father passed away on the 19th of November, 1890, but the mother survived until the 24th of December, 1904. Mr. Griffith was a very successful man and owned between six and seven hundred acres of land at the time of his demise. They were both life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they were always active workers.
Peter Griffith's early years differed but in detail from those of many farmer lads. He lived at home and attended the district school, assisted in the work of the farm and indulged in such recreations as appeal to young people. When old enough to lay aside his text-books, he cooperated with his father in the culitvation of the farm, and at length purchased eighty acres of his own land, upon which in 1892 he took up his residence and has since continued to live. After his father's death he bought the old home- stead, containing one hundred and sixty acres, and he also owns one hun-
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dred and twenty acres on section 27, inside of the corporate limits of Cam- bridge, making the aggregate of his real-estate holdings amount to three hundred and sixty acres. His home farm is one of the best in the town- ship. the fiekls are well tilled, the improvements modern and kept in re- pair and the stock of a good breed and well cared for. In fact everything about the place bespeaks thrift. capable management and careful attention to details.
In 1882 Mr. Griffith established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Carrie C. Chamberlain, a native of Union township and a daughter of Oliver Chamberlain, who came to Story county from Ohio about 1856, be- ing one of the pioneers of Union township. He is now deceased. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffith: Genevieve, Carrie B. and John M.
Mr. Griffith is identified with the Masonic fraternity. hokling member- ship in Tabernacle Lodge. No. 452, A. F. & A. M .. while he and his wife belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. While he has never actively par- ticipated in politics he casts a vote at all elections for the republican can- didates, as he considers the fundamental principles of that party are best adapted to serve the majority. He has been very successful as a farmer, which can undoubtedly be largely attributed to his careful management, dis- cretion and progressive ideas and is considered to be one of the substantial citizens of Union township, where during his long residence he has made many friends, whose respect and esteem he has retained.
STEPHEN PARKER O'BRIEN.
The name of Stephen Parker O'Brien deserves to be placed high on the roll of Story county's honored citizens inasmuch as he is a veteran of the Mexican war and of the Civil war and has ever been a loyal and pro- gressive resident of Iowa, cooperating in all measures and movements cal- culated to benefit his home community or the state. In official service and in private life his course has ever commended him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen as he is today one of the most honored as well as one of the most venerable citizens of Story county.
Mr. O'Brien was born in Union township. Brown county, Ohio, De- cember 24. 1825. a son of Enoch and Naomi ( Parker ) O'Brien. The father was probably born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1800, and the mother's birth occurred in Virginia. October 22, 1798. In the winter seasons Enoch O'Brien followed the profession of school teaching and in the summer months worked at the stone-cutter's trade. He was married in the Buck- eye state to Naomi Parker, who had removed with her parents from Vir- ginia. In October, 1831. Enoch and Naomi ( Parker ) O'Brien took their family to Hancock county, Indiana, where his remaining days were passed,
MR. AND MRS. S. P. O'BRIEN
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his death there occurring in 1835. His widow long survived him, passing away in Indiana at the age of seventy-eight years. He was of Scotch-Irish lineage, while the Parkers were of one of the old families of Virginia. Five children were born to Enoch and Naomi O'Brien: George W., who was born February 24. 1823. and now resides at Corwith, Hancock county, Iowa; Stephen P., of this review; Nancy, the deceased wife of Benjamin Deal; Sarah, the deceased wife of Elmoth Jeffery; and Salina, the wife of Eli Deal, a brother of Benjamin.
Following the death of his father Stephen P. O'Brien, when sixteen years of age, removed with his mother to Clay county, Indiana, and there resided until after his marriage, when he came to Iowa. He reached the present site of the town of Ames on the 27th of October, 1852, and secured a squatter's claim on the southeast quarter of section 35, Franklin town- ship. He was in Indiana for eight years after the Civil war but always regarded this place as his home. In his early manhood he was busily em- ployed at the work of the farm on his mother's behalf until his patriotic spirit was aroused by the outbreak of the Mexican war and he enlisted for active service on the 15th of June, 1846, as a member of Company C. Second Indiana Infantry, under Captain John Osborne. He was on active duty under General Taylor in the battle of Buena Vista and served for one year, after which he was honorably discharged at New Orleans and arrived home on the 4th of July, 1847. He afterward engaged in teaching school for nearly two years.
Mr. O'Brien made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 19th of July, 1849, to Sarah E. Hiestand, who was born in Harrison county, Indiana, June 24, 1831. They were married in Clay county, that state, after which Mr. O'Brien engaged in farming and teach- ing school in Indiana until his removal to Iowa in 1852. Here he again gave his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits until the tocsin of war again called him to the scene of battle. When differences over the slavery question brought on hostilities between the north and the south he enlisted at Ames as a member of Company A, Twenty-third Iowa Volun- teer Infantry, under Captain L. R. Houston, on the 4th of August, 1862. He was elected first sergeant of the company, afterward promoted to sec- ond lieutenant and later became first lieutenant of the same company, with which rank he was honorably discharged at Matagorda island, Texas, on the IIth of April, 1864. He was with the Army of the Mississippi and participated in the battles of Fort Gibson. Raymond, Jackson, Black River and the siege of Vicksburg. At Black River on the 17th of May, 1863. he was wounded through the left arm and also sustained a slight scalp wound, together with a slight wound in the stomach. He took part in the charge at Milliken's Bend on the 7th of June, 1863, and during the balance of the time was in the ditches in the rear of Vicksburg, where he contracted rheumatism that, growing worse with the passing years, now renders his lower limbs wholly helpless. His mind. however, is as clear and bright as Vol. II-11
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a man in the prime of life and, going about in a wheel chair, he meets with his old friends and discusses the questions and issues of the day, keeping in closer touch with the things of the present than many of much younger age.
Mr. O'Brien has always been deeply, actively and helpfully interested in public affairs and questions relative to the progress and improvement of his community. He was present at the organization and first election of Story county but lacked a few days of being old enough to vote. He was appointed by County Judge E. C. Evans as the first assessor of Story county and filled the position for a year. At the next election he was chosen school fund commissioner of the county and also served as con- stable for two terms, while for eight terms, or sixteen years, he filled the office of justice of the peace of Ames. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon comprehensive knowledge of the law and the correct application of its principles. In May, 1864, he was admitted to the bar under District Judge J. C. McFarland, but has practiced only in the justice courts. Ilis political support was originally given to the whig party until the organization of the republican party, when he supported John C. Fremont for the presidency and has since been a stalwart advo- cate of that party's principles. His first presidential vote was given Zach- ary Taylor, on which occasion he walked forty miles in order to exercise his right of franchise. That was a proud day in his life as it is to most young men casting their first vote. Mr. O'Brien not only served as jus- tice of the peace but has also been notary public and pension attorney at Ames for many years, in which connection he has secured more than one hundred pensions for old soldiers. He has likewise conducted a real-estate and insurance office and has led a busy and useful life.
In 1864 Mr. O'Brien was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 24th of May of that year. They were the parents of six children: Mary Ellen, now the wife of W. J. Zenor. of Ames ; Samuel Webster, of Jefferson, Iowa; Mrs. Naomi Ann Phillips, who is living in Lewiston, Montana; Nancy Alice, the wife of J. P. Jackson, of Sullivan county, Indiana ; George W., of Ames ; and Viola L., who became the wife of Charles H. Gidden and after his death married Fred Thomas, of Des Moines.
Twenty years after the death of his first wife Mr. O'Brien was mar- ried on the 24th of December, 1884, to Mrs. Sarah R. Ilestand, the widow of H. J. liestand and a daughter of Judge E. C. Evans. Mr. Iliestand was a brother of Mr. O'Brien's first wife and was one of the recruits that served under Mr. O'Brien in Company A, Twenty-third lowa Infantry, during the Civil war. He died in the service of wounds re- ceived at Port Gibson. Mrs. O'Brien was born in Bloomington, Melcan county. Illinois, January 23, 1837. and with her parents came to Story county in October. 1852, since which time she has lived in this county. Her parents were Judge Evan C. and Elizabeth D. ( Blankenship) Evans.
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The mother was a native of Virginia and was reared in Ohio. Her father was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and there resided until twenty- three years of age. Both went to Bloomington, Illinois, with their re- spective parents and were married soon after becoming acquainted there. They resided in Story county from 1852 until 1883 and then went to South Dakota to live with a daughter. Judge Evans owned a homestead in that state. He died. however, in Story county but his wife passed away in South Dakota. He was for nine years county judge of Story county and made an excellent record on the bench as a fair and impartial jurist and one thoroughly conversant with the law. In the carly days of his resi- dence in Iowa he entered land here and at different times bought and sold several farms. His family numbered nine children of whom Mrs. O'Brien is the eldest. Her brother. William C. Evans, who enlisted in August, 1863, in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, was killed in service. By her first mar- riage Mrs. O'Brien had three children: Samuel E .; Alonzo B .; and Leo- nora, now the widow of Albert Park.
Mr. O'Brien belongs to the First Church of Christ of Ames, of which he is a charter member. He is also a charter member of Ames Lodge No. 309. I. O. O. F., and of Ellsworth Post, G. A. R. He is the only Mexican war veteran in this county and so far as is known is the only one living in Iowa. His life indeed covers a notable period in the history of the country. He has witnessed the introduction of telegraph and telephone. There was scarcely a railroad in the country at the time of his arrival here but he has lived to see this wide domain crossed and recrossed by lines that connect the Atlantic with the Pacific. He came to Story county when it was largely wild and unsettled, when its prairies were covered with their native grasses and its streams were unbridged. Here he has lived for fifty-nine years watching a notable transformation and at all times bearing his part in the work of general progress.
HERBERT PEASE, M. D.
Less than seven years ago Dr. Herbert Pease began practice at Slater and he has applied himself with such capability and diligence that today his name is well known throughout this section of the state. He was born near Sandwich, Illinois, November 10, 1871, son of George W., and Adri- anna (Stockholm) Pease. The father was born in Kendall county, Illinois, July 23. 1841, and the mother in the village of Fishkill. Dutchess county, New York, November 16, 1841. For some years after his marriage the father lived on a farm in La Salle county, Illinois, coming in 1881 to Col- lins township, Story county, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land and established himself as one of the prosperous farmers of the county. He has lived retired at Collins since 1909.
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
Ilerbert Pease came with his parents to Story county when ten years of age and acquired his preliminary education in the public schools, later attending the Collins high school. Drake University and the State Normal College at Cedar Falls, Iowa. In 1890 he began teaching and continued in that vocation for ten years, during the last three years of which he served as principal of the Collins schools. He gained a reputation as one of the most accomplished teachers in the county. Having decided to devote his attention to medicine he matriculated in the medical department of the State University in the fall of 1900, and while taking the regular course of instruction spent his vacations reading under Dr. N. W. Knepper, of Col- lins. In 1904 he was graduated from the university with the degree of M. D. and has since practiced at Slater, being from the start unusually successful. He keeps thoroughly in touch with the latest discoveries and advances in medicine, as is indicated by his large and well selected library and also by post-graduate work at the Chicago Polyclinic in 1907 and the Philadelphia Polyclinic in 1909. He is a valued member of the Story County Medical Society and of the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
On the 17th of January, 1906, Dr. Pease was united in marriage to Miss Lois Felshaw, a daughter of John S. Felshaw, a well known attorney of Collins, and to this union two children have been born: Adrianna and Evelyn. Dr. Pease fraternally is identified with Slater Camp, No. 7971. M. W. A., and socially is one of the leaders in the community. He early acquired habits of close study and careful observation, which he has applied in his professional career, being on this account more than ordinarily suc- cessful. A man of good judgment, high ideals, force and determination of character, he is held in great esteem by his fellowmen and meets in his chosen calling with the rewards which are due to wisely directed effort.
CHARLES S. GAMBLE.
One of the best known men in agricultural circles in Story county is Charles S. Gamble, of Indian Creek township, who was born in this county on the 26th of September. 1872, a son of John D. and Elizabeth (Mullen ) Gamble. His parents came to lowa from Indiana in 1856, locating on the farm where they continued to reside until their deaths. The father was born in Tennessee on the 7th of May, 1830, but when he was seven years of age his family removed to Indiana, where he met and married Elizabeth Mullen, who was a native of Indiana, born in that state on the 8th of June. 1835. In 1856 they came to lowa and settled in Story county, where Mr. Gamble entered from the government a portion of the farm now occupied by his son, William Marion Gamble. Upon this worthy couple devolved all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. The prairie had to be
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broken, the forests cleared and roads made. Modern conveniences and machinery which are available to the residents of the country today were then unknown, the work of the farmer and his wife at that time being lit- tle more than drudgery. But despite the backsets and discouragements, drouths and wet seasons, John Gamble never faltered and at the time of his death was accounted one of the men of affluence in the community where he lived. He had added to his holdings piece by piece until at that time he was the owner of six hundred acres of well tilled and valuable farm land, every acre of which he had acquired by thrift, an unflinching pur- pose and indomitable energy. That he was ever highly esteemed and re- spected in the community where he lived for nearly forty years is indicated by his large circle of friends. He was a stanch democrat and the esteem in which he was held by his party is attested by his election to various township offices, in all of which he served to the general satisfaction of the community. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Gamble passed away on the 27th of June, 1893, at the age of sixty-three years, but Mrs. Gamble lived until the 6th of January, 1906.
Charles S. Gamble was reared at home, acquiring his education in the common schools and assisting his father on the farm. His time was pretty equally divided between the tasks of the school-room, work of the farm and such sports and amusements as are usually indulged in by young people. His life has never been remarkable in any way, in fact it has been very similar to those of other energetic, ambitious young men who have made the best of every opportunity afforded them of becoming good. substan- tial citizens. After his father's death Mr. Gamble cooperated with his brother William in the management of the farm. This partnership con- tinued until November, 1902, when they divided the property, William re- maining on the old home farm and Charles S. taking up his residence on his present farm, where he has ever since lived. His farm embraces two hundred and fifty-five acres of well tilled and valuable land and is con- sidered to be one of the best farms in Story county.
Mr. Gamble makes a specialty of feeding cattle, preparing from six to eight carloads for the market each year. He is now feeding one hundred and twenty head. He also feeds six or seven carloads of hogs every year.
On the 4th of June, 1902, Mr. Gamble was married to Miss Maud Sutherland, a daughter of James W. and Adelaide ( Bailey) Sutherland, residents of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Mrs. Gamble completed her education in the high school of Baraboo and after graduation taught for two terms prior to her marriage. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gamble, Ruth G., Elizabeth L., and James Derrett.
Mr. Gamble is a democrat and although he does not take an active part in politics, each election sees him discharge his responsibility as a citizen by the casting of a ballot in support of the candidates of his party. He is a member of Social Lodge, No. 463, I. O. O. F., and also of the Yeomen of America. The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which the pa-
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
rents are members. Mr. Gamble is accounted one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of which his township has cause to be proud. Both he and his wife have hosts of friends and their home is one of the social centers of the community.
O. M. GROVE.
O. M. Grove is numbered among the native sons of Story county, his birth having occurred on the 12th of October, 1871. about a mile south of Roland. He is now living in that town, with the mercantile interests of which he was formerly closely associated, while at the present writing he is serving as cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank. Hle is a son of M. C. and Anna (Sheldahl) Grove. The father, who was born in Voss, Nor- way, in 1830, died May 22, 1903. in Roland, and the mother, a native of Etne, Norway, is still living in Roland. She came to the United States with her parents, Rasmus and Ingebord Sheldahl, both natives of Norway, when a little maiden of five years, the family living in Illinois until 1856, when a removal was made to Story county, where Mrs. Grove has since re- sided, having now for fifty-five years made her home in central Jowa. She is therefore familiar with its development and progress and has been an interested witness of what has been accomplished as the years have passed by. Her husband came direct to Story county in 1858 and spent his remaining days here, successfully following the occupation of farming until 1896, when he retired and took up his abode in Roland. Unto this worthy and highly respected couple were born six children: Martin N .. who is living in Roland; Lorenda, living at home with her mother ; Oscar M., of this review: Edward R., who occupies the old homestead south of the town; Mary, the wife of K. P. Teig, of Howard township, living about three miles southeast of Roland; and Emma, who for the past three years has engaged in teaching school at Collins.
Oscar M. Grove has been a lifelong resident of this county and in his youthful days devoted his time to the work of the schoolroom, the pleas- ures of the playground and the duties assigned to him by parental author- ity. In 1889, when a young man of about eighteen years, he left the farm and turned his attention to commercial pursuits, securing a clerkship in a hardware store in Roland. He was thus employed for eight years, during which time he thoroughly mastered the business and on the expiration of that period he purchased an interest in the store, becoming a partner in 1897. The enterprise was then conducted under the firm style of Grove Brothers, his partner being Martin N. Grove. For seven years the busi- ness was continued, and in the spring of 1904 they sold their hardware stock and have continued to deal in agricultural implements since that time under the same name, the store being managed by Martin N. Grove.
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On the Ist of December, 1905, O. M. Grove entered the Farmers Savings Bank of Roland and a month later was elected cashier, which position he has since filled, his business ability and enterprising spirit contributing much to the success of the institution. He has also been one of the bank directors since 1902 and has been the owner of real estate interests in this county and also in northern Iowa, near Forest City.
On the 7th of July, 1905, Mr. Grove was married to Miss Malinda Eggland, who was born in Milford township in August, 1865, and is a daughter of Ingebrit and Julia Eggland, both of whom were born in the land of the midnight sun. They were married, however, in the United States and are now residents of Roland.
Mr. and Mrs. Grove are well known in Roland, occupying a prominent position in the social circles of the city, and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended them. Mr. Grove belongs to Kohinoor Lodge, No. 576, A. F. & A. M., of Story City, and has been a member of Trinity Lutheran church of Roland since its organization. In business he is re- sourceful and enterprising, readily recognizes opportunity and utilizes it. His success has been won through earnest, persistent effort, intelligently directed, and he stands today among the successful and progressive resi- dents of Roland, his labors, contributing to public progress as well as to individual prosperity.
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