USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 2
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Four years after the death of his first wife Professor Stanton was mar- ried, on the 21st of December, 1899, to Miss Julia A. Wentch, of Traer, Iowa. She was graduated from the Iowa State College in 1888, was in- structor in mathematics in the Beatrice (Neb.) high school from 1889 until 1903, and instructor in mathematics in Iowa State College from 1893 until 1896 and again in 1898-9. In 1896-7 she was a post-graduate student in the Chicago University. She is very prominent in the club and social life of the college and city and has been president of the Ames library board from 1905 to the present time. The only child of this marriage is Barbara Stanton, born October 15, 1904.
Professor Stanton has always given his political allegiance to the re- publican party but has never been an aspirant for office. He belongs to the Congregational church and labors earnestly to promote its growth and extend its influence. At this point it would be almost tautological to enter into any series of statements as showing him to be a man of broad intelli- gence and genuine public spirit, for these have been shadowed forth be- tween the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality, he never lacks the courage of his convictions but there are as dominating elements in his individuality a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity which, as taken in connection with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained for him the respect and confidence of men. The
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Iowa State College is in considerable measure a monument to his life work. but greater than even this is the monument that he has builded in the lives of those pupils who have been influenced by his instruction and stimulated and inspired by the example which every teacher consciously or uncon- sciously sets before his pupils.
SEVERT J. SEVERSON.
To few men are given the pleasure and gratification of looking back over half a century of their lives spent upon the place of their birth and reflecting that by their individual efforts they have contributed in no undue measure to the development and growth of the community in which they reside. and the history of Union township. Story county, would be incomplete without a record of the life work of Severt J. Severson, who was born March 15, 1855. a son of John and Betsy ( Aspoland) Severson, both of whom were natives of Norway. They came to this country while in their youth, locating in Illinois, where they were married and resided until 1855. In the spring of that year they removed to Story county, lowa. and upon his arrival Mr. Severson entered five quarter sections of government land, two quarters of which were in Palestine township and three in Union township. On the lat- ter property he built a log cabin, located on the farm where his son now re- sides. Here he carried on the pursuit of agriculture until the time of his death, which occurred in 1877 in England while he was returning from a visit to Norway. The faithful wife and mother survived him for eight years and then she too passed away.
Severt J. Severson was reared on the home farm, where he has spent his entire life, obtaining his early education in the district schools, which at that time were exceedingly limited in their facilities. Being naturally ambi- tious, however, he acquired enough book knowledge to enable him to adapt it to the pursuit of every day life. Possessed of the sterling qualities of thrift and industry which characterized his father, he, when but twenty years old, bought the home farm, of which he had been previously in charge. In conjunction with his brother John J., he purchased three quarter sec- tions, and later bought forty acres, which he added this to his other property. From time to time he acquired additional land in North Dakota, his first purchase there having been made in 1903. in Cavalier county, his holdings in that state now amounting to eight hundred acres. At the present time he owns three hundred acres in Union township, this county, one hundred acres of which is located two miles east of the home farm. Mr. Severson has con- tributed to the welfare of his township, always having its interest at heart. Although at first giving his attention to general agriculture, he subsequently made a specialty of raising hogs, and, having unusual knowledge in this branch of farming, he has met with unqualified success.
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On November 2, 1876, Mr. Severson was united in marriage to Miss Arabella Sheldahl, a daughter of Eric and Betsy ( Ness) Sheldahl, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father emigrated to the United States in 1845, the mother arriving two years later and both locating in Kendall county, Illinois, where they were married. In 1856 they came to Story county. Iowa, and here Mr. Sheldahl entered one hundred and twenty acres of government land, to which he later added by purchasing forty acres of adjoining land. Owing to his splendid business ability and years of well directed labor he is now enabled to live in retirement, which he has done for the past ten years, making his home in Roland, Story county. He re- signed the management of the farm to his sons, who are conducting it in the same capable manner as did their father. To Mr. and Mrs. Severson were born seven children, namely: Edwin, a lawyer in Stanley, North Dakota, is married and has one son, Edgar. Bertha is the wife of Jans Igland, a farmer residing in North Dakota, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, and they have two daughters, Anna and Sylvia. Oscar, Mar- tin and Arthur own about eleven hundred acres of land in North Dakota, upon which they now reside. Bessie is the wife of Hlenry Scala, a carpen- ter of Story county, and they have two children, Wilfred and Arnold. El- mer is at home with his parents.
In politics Mr. Severson has always given his support to the republican party and has devoted his spare time to the welfare of his township, having served as road supervisor and a member of the school board for several years. Not only has he reached a conspicuous position among thie business men of Story county-he has shown what splendid success can be attained as the result of well directed efforts and determination and he stands today one of the most highly esteemed and honored citizens of Union township.
CHARLES A. COOPER.
Charles A. Cooper, one of the successful and enterprising agriculturists of Collins township is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land comprising the northwest quarter of section 5. His birth occurred in Lee county, Illinois, on the 12th of December, 1857, his parents being John and Charlotte ( Black) Cooper, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Soon after their marriage they emigrated to the United States, locating in l.ee county, Illinois, where the father passed away in June, 1870. The mother subsequently wedded Thurman Collins, likewise a native of the Emerald isle. whose demise occurred about ten years ago. Mrs. Collins still survives and yet makes her home in Lee county, Illinois.
Charles A. Cooper was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education but his opportunities in this direction were somewhat limited. He lost his father when little more
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than twelve years of age and, being the second oldest in a family of seven children, was obliged to assist in the support of his younger sisters and brothers. He remained with his mother until twenty-three years of age and in the spring of 1881 launched his ship on the sea of life, coming west to Iowa and arriving in Colo, Story county, with but five cents in his pocket. Immediately making preparations to follow an agricultural career, he began the operation of a rented farm in New Albany township the following sum- mer and was thus actively engaged in the work of the fields there for a period of fifteen years. In the spring of 1890 he bought eighty acres of his present farm and two years later purchased an adjoining tract of similar size, taking up his abode thereon in the spring of 1895. The farm embraces the northwest quarter of section 5. Collins township, and has remained his place of residence for the past sixteen years. The property was unimproved when it came into his possession and all of the buildings thereon stand as monuments to his enterprise and industry. Mr. Cooper makes a specialty of raising Duroc Jersey hogs and for several years past has been feeding at least one carload each of cattle and hogs. He is widely recognized as one of the substantial agriculturists of the community and his success is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it is attributable entirely to his own efforts.
On the 4th of March, 1883, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Ilattie Black, of Lee county. Illinois, her parents being James and Sarah (Wynn) Black, both natives of Ireland. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, four of whom are still living, as follows: Edith, the wife of Jesse Fry, who cultivates eighty acres of her father's farm; and Hattie, Fern and Leo, all at home.
In politics Mr. Cooper is a republican, while fraternally he is identified with Crescent Camp, No. 2358. M. W. A. Both he and his wife belong to Sunbeam Lodge, No. 181, Mystic Workers of the World. During his resi- dence in Story county he has made an excellent record for upright manhood and honorable citizenship and may well be classed with the representative men of the community.
CHARLES D. BARKER.
Charles D. Barker, a prominent and wealthy agriculturist of Union town- ship, is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of Story county's most valuable land. Ilis birth occurred in the state of New York on the 7th of August, 1855, his father being Jesse Barker, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. He was reared at home and in the common schools acquired his education. When about twenty-three years of age he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating rented land for a short time. About 1880 he purchased eighty acres of his present home
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farm, paying but fifteen hundred dollars for the tract. He has since placed many substantial improvements on the property, including a modern and at- tractive residence and other necessary buildings. As his financial resources have increased he has added to his holdings until they now embrace three hundred and twenty acres of very valuable and productive land. His farm is well drained, for he recently laid fifteen thousand tile. Following pro- gressive and practical methods in the conduct of his agricultural interests, he has won a gratifying measure of success and is widely recognized as a prosperous and leading resident of the community.
Mr. Barker has traveled a great deal, having made extended trips. almost yearly and visiting nearly every state in the Union as well as Mexico, Can- ada, Cuba and British Columbia. In the winter of 1910-1I he visited the isthmus of Panama. Being a keen observer, he has greatly benefited by his sojourns in different parts of America and possesses that knowledge and cul- ture which only travel can bring. He is an expert with the camera and has many interesting views of the countries through which he has traveled. While away from home he has been a regular contributor to the local papers and his articles have attracted wide and favorable attention.
On the 3Ist of August, 1878, Mr. Barker was united in marriage to Miss Emily Eastman, of Union township, Story county, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Jane ( Ball) Eastman. Her father was killed at New Orleans during the Civil war. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children, six of whom are yet living, as follows: Ada May, the wife of Frank Ray, of Indian Creek township, this county; Angie Ordell; Arthur Clinton ; Leslie; Jesse ; and Alta V. G.
Mr. Barker is a republican in politics but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. During a long residence in this county he has become widely known and is a man of many friends. His life history proves what may be accomplished by determined and honorable purpose. He has based his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and industry and thus he has gained his pres- ent enviable position in the ranks of the leading citizens of Story county.
WILLIAM W. POPE.
William W. Pope, who opened a modern and well appointed drug store at Cambridge in 1907, has since built up an extensive and lucrative trade in this connection. His birth occurred in Knoxville, Marion county, Iowa, on the 21st of May, 1880, his parents being William W. and Laura (Jenkins) Pope, natives of Indiana. The father came to Iowa in early manhood, soon after the close of the Civil war, while the mother came to this state as a child with her parents in the '4os, the family home being established in Marion county. William W. Pope, Sr., became one of Warren county's
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successful agriculturists and was also engaged in the grain business for ser- eral years. At the present time he is living retired in Indianola.
William W. Pope was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in Simpson College. Sub- sequently he spent a year in the State University of Oregon and after re- turning to lowa took a course in pharmacy at Highland Park College, being graduated from that institution with the class of 1905. He was then em- ployed as a pharmacist at Des Moines for two years and in 1907 embarked in business on his own account, opening a drug store in Cambridge. Dur- ing the past four years he has maintained a well equipped establishment of this character, his stock being tastefully arranged, while his honorable busi- ness methods and earnest desire to please his patrons have brought to him a gratifying trade.
On the 5th of August, 1908. Mr. Pope was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Schneider, of Fennimore, Wisconsin, by whom he has one child. John William. Mr. Pope gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Cam- bridge Lodge No. 319, in which he is filling the chair of chancellor con- mander. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Pope has attained a creditable measure of pros- perity for one of his years, occupying a position among the representative and enterprising business men of Story county.
DAVID W. BROWN.
In the list of Story county's honored dead is to be found the name of David W. Brown, a highly successful farmer, who passed his entire life in this county and was intimately identified with its development. Born on the home farm July 16, 1866, he was the son of Levi and Louisa ( Fancher ) Brown, the former of whom was born at Hannibal. Oswego county, New York, and the latter in Tompkins county, New York. The father when seven years of age removed with his parents to Union county, Ohio, and in 1844 came to Lee county, lowa, subsequently taking up his residence in Fulton county, Illinois, In 1865 he returned to lowa and located in Story county, where he engaged with marked success in farming until his death. which took place September 6, 1892. He was an energetic man of practical business judgment and became the owner of three hundred and eighty acres of good land in this county.
David W. Brown received his education in the district schools and as he grew up devoted his attention to various duties about the house and farm with an interest which gave bright promise as to his future. At the age of seventeen years he took charge of the home place, which he cultivated on
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THE NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
his own account, and also purchased one hundred and twenty acres a mile south of the home farm, which he owned for fifteen years and then sold, acquiring one hundred and twenty acres immediately adjoining the home- stead. Upon the death of his father he received his share of the estate- the old home and eighty acres of land, making his entire farm holdings amount to two hundred acres.
On the 31st of January, 1890, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Elva G. Evans, a daughter of Thomas P. and Emma M. (Day) Evans, both natives of Indiana. The father removed from Indiana to Illinois with his parents in early childhood. He grew up in that state and at the time of the Civil war served in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, continuing through the entire rebellion. In 1866 he located in Story county, Iowa, and on December 18, 1870, was married to Miss Emma M. Day, who passed away June 7, 1890. Mr. Evans continued to make his home upon his farm until the last year of his life, when he took up his residence with his daughter. Mrs. Brown, being called away October 12, 1909. He was one of the highly successful farmers of Collins township and was a man of unblemished character, very highly respected by the entire community. Po- litically he adhered to the democratic party and socially was identified with Amity Lodge No. 361. I. O. O. F. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown, three of whom are now living, William Ray, Emma Blanche and Cloyd Myrl, all of whom are students in the public schools.
Mr. Brown from the time of arriving at voting age gave his support to the democratic party. He was not connected with any religious denomina- tion, but Mrs. Brown is a valued member of the United Brethren church. He was for many years a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and had many warm friends in that organization. Straightforward in busi- ness affairs and genial in manner, he readily made acquaintances, awakening in a remarkable degree the good-will of those with whom he came into con- tact. In all of the relations of life he was broad-minded and his aim was to be entirely just. He departed this life September 27, 1908. Mrs. Brown survives her husband and is living on the family homestead, devoting her time and energy to the interests of her children.
CHARLES A. ROBISON.
Charles A. Robison, who devotes his time and energies to general agri- cultural pursuits, is the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of two hundred and seventy acres in Indian Creek township. His birth oc- curred in that township on the 7th of October, 1864, his father being Robert A. Robison. More extended mention of the family is made in connection with the sketch of E. R. Robison, a brother of C. A. Robison, which may be found on another page of this volume.
Vol. II-2
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Charles A. Robison was reared under the parental roof, acquiring his education in the public schools. In the summer of 1888 he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating a portion of the home farm. The following fall he was married and established a home of his own, locating on one of his father's farms in Indian Creek township and residing thereon for six years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on the place where he has made his home continuously since and which he has developed into one of the highly improved farms of Indian Creek township. He built a modern, substantial residence and in fact his property is lacking in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. It comprises two hundred and seventy acres of valuable and productive land and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them.
On the 19th of October, 1888, Mr. Robison was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Emery, of lowa Center. Story county. Her father, Dr. John Allen Emery, who was a native of Pennsylvania, came to this county in 1855. A few months later his parents also came to Story county and at the end of two years removed to Elkhart, lowa. Dr. Emery served in the army during the period of hostilities between the north and the south, was wounded by an exploding shell and experienced many of the hardships, rigors and dangers of war. He was captured in the siege of Vicksburg and was confined in Andersonville prison for eight months, and while with Sherman on his march to the sea he saw much arduous service. After re- turning home, his wound incapacitating him for manual labor. he took up the study of medicine and was graduated from the Keokuk Medical Col- lege with the class of 1873. Locating for practice in Elkhart, Iowa, he there remained until 1881, when he went to Boone and was made practicing physician for the miners at that place, having an average of three or four hundred men under his care. He was an able representative of his calling, being remarkably successful in solving the intricate problems which con- tinually confront the physician.
After removing to Boone he purchased a farm in New Albany town- ship. Story county, on which he located his family and to which he was preparing to retire when the accident occurred that resulted in his death on the 30th of November. 1884. His demise was occasioned by a runaway accident one day when he was out driving in company with the owners of the mine.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Miss Dorothy Venneman, was a daughter of Lemuel Venneman, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of his son, L. J. Venneman, which appears on another page of this work. Mrs. Emery was an artist of no mean note, having pursued a three years' course in art at the Highland Park College. For some years following she gave private lessons in Des Moines, having a large class. Many of her paintings on china and canvas now adorn the home of our
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subject. She was called to her final rest on the 6th of October, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Robison have one child, Hazel Dorothy, who is a graduate of the Nevada high school and also pursued the full musical course at Simp- son College near Des Moines.
Mr. Robison is a republican in politics and has served as a member of the school board for several years. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to lodge No. 104 at Nevada, while his wife and daughter are faithful members of the United Evangeli- cal church. He has remained in Story county from his birth to the present time and that his has been an honorable and upright life is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood.
CLAUDE G. DICKEY, M. D.
Dr. Claude G. Dickey, a well known and successful physician and sur- geon of Cambridge, has enjoyed a steadily growing and most lucrative prac- tice during the five years of his residence here. His birth occurred in Corning, Adams county, Iowa, on the 6th of September, 1876, his parents being Charles H. and Mercy (Sherman) Dickey, who are natives of west- ern New York and Cleveland, Ohio, respectively. Charles H. Dickey was brought to this state by his parents when a boy, the family home being es- tablished in Delaware county, where he grew to manhood. He was a student in Lennox University at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and in 1863 enlisted for service in the Union army. When his term of enlistment had expired he returned to Iowa and eventually located in Adams county, where he became identified with general agricultural pursuits. In the fall of 1883 he took up his abode at Maxwell, Story county, and was there successfully engaged in merchandising for a number of years. For the past four years he has lived retired, making his home with his wife and son Claude in Cambridge. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and he is a worthy exemplar of the craft. The period of his residence in this county covers more than a quarter of a century and he enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders.
Claude G. Dickey was reared under the parental roof, pursuing his studies in the Maxwell high school and later at Iowa College of Grinnell, Iowa, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Phil- osophy in 1900. In the fall of that year he took up the study of medicine, entering Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1903. Because of his scientific course at Grinnell he had been enabled to complete four years' work in three years and three months. Lo- cating at Garden City, Hardin county, Iowa, he there followed his profes- sion for two years and then came to Cambridge to take the practice of Dr.
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M. C. Keith, who removed to Casper, Wyoming. In the intervening five years he has built up an extensive and remunerative patronage, having dem- onstrated his skill and ability in coping with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and pro- long life.
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