USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 38
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THOMAS J. LOUGHIRAN.
By natural talents and education Thomas J. Loughran, of Ames, was adapted for a mercantile career and he early became identified with the drug business, in which he has attained a gratifying measure of success. Hle was born at Des Moines, Iowa, April 30, 1869, and removed in 1885 to Ames with his parents, Edmund and Sarah A. Loughran, both of whom are now residents of that city. The father was born in County Armagh. Ireland, June 30, 1832, and came to the United States when fifteen years of age. After spending a few months in Hampshire county, Virginia, now West Virginia, he went to Wheeling and engaged in the machinery busi- ness until 1855. He then went to New York city and accepted a position with Cox, Richardson & Boynton, stove manufacturers of Westchester county, New York. In 1857 he came to Des Moines, Jowa, where he en- gaged in the manufacturing business. On the 2d of January, 1864, in re- sponse to a call for troops to assist in bringing the rebellion to an end, he enlisted in the First Iowa Battery and participated in the battles of .At- lanta and Resaca and in other important engagements. On the 5th of July. 1865. he was honorably discharged and mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, after which he reentered the manufacturing business. In 1874 he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Jasper county, lowa, which he cultivated for ten years, and then came to Ames, buying the farm im- plement business of Shields & Cook, of which he was at the head for eighteen years. Ile has lived retired since 1902.
On the Oth of February, 1854. Edmund Loughran was married to Miss Sarah A. Bryer, and nine children were born of this union, namely : John
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B., now living at Scott, Kansas; Sarah, who married W. H. Wintersteen and lives at Hartford, South Dakota ; Edmund James, of Madison county, Iowa; one who died in infancy; Stephen L., a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Thomas J., the subject of this review; Jennie E., the wife of F. M. Coulter, of Ames; William B., who died at the age of thirty-six years ; and Mary B., now living at Los Angeles, California. Mr. Loughran and his wife are members of the First United Presbyterian church of Des Moines, while politically he gives his support to the repub- lican party. He is a member of Ellsworth Post, No. 30, G. A. R., of Ames, and is one of the highly honored citizens of this city.
Thomas J. Loughran received his education in the public schools of Ames and Des Moines and pursued the pharmaceutical course at Highland Park College of Des Moines. He has been connected with the drug busi- ness in Ames since 1886 and is now a member of the firm of Loughran & Bauer, one of the leading drug firms in the city. By close and conscien- tious attention to his vocation he has built up an enviable reputation as one of the substantial and representative men of the community.
On the 2d of February, 1895, Mr. Loughran was united in marriage at Shannon, Illinois, to Miss Kathryn Sherwood, and two children have blessed this union, Ella Georganna and Harold Sherwood.
Politically Mr. Loughran supports the candidates and principles of the republican party, and his religious views are indicated by membership in the United Presbyterian church. He became a member of the First church at Des Moines in 1892 while attending college. A gentleman of pleasing address and attractive personality, he possesses business energy and judg- ment that have materially assisted him in the accomplishment of a noble ambition. He and his wife have a wide acquaintance and are held in high regard by a large circle of friends wherever they are known.
JAMES E. HULL.
The name of James E. IIull is well known to cattlemen and farmers in this section of the state as he has been exhibiting his stock at the local fairs for more than ten years. He is the son of James E. and Julia L. (Addis) Hull and was born in the capital city of this state on the 20th of December, 1865. His father was a native of the Empire state and his mother of Indi- ana, but they were married in Des Moines, Iowa, on the 15th of May, 1860, his mother having come to Iowa with her parents, who were among thie early settlers of Des Moines. Mr. Hull, who was a lawyer and a civil engineer, went there with a government surveying party and later opened an office and began the practice of law. He served one term as city clerk, having been elected on the democratic ticket, and later ran for mayor on the same ticket but the election was carried by a large republican plurality.
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lle was an able counselor and his skill in the handling of intricate legal problems, together with his fine personal qualities, brought him to the fore and at the time of his death in 1870, at the age of forty-three years, he was considered one of the prominent citizens of Des Moines. He held mem- bership in the Masonic fraternity. After her husband's death Mrs. Hull became the wife of the Ion. W. K. Wood, then a member of the state legislature, with whom she lived until she too passed away.
At the time of his father's death James E. Hull was only a child and was reared to manhood by his maternal grandmother. Mrs. Abraham Boys, which was her name by her second marriage. He was educated in the public schools of Des Moines, graduating from the high school with the class of 1882, being sixteen years of age and having the distinction of being the youngest student, at that time, ever to have graduated from that school. Ile decided that the printer's trade had more attractions for him than any other and after serving the usual apprenticeship he followed that vocation for twelve years, during which time he worked in almost every state in the U'nion. Being temperate in his habits he was able to save sufficient out of his salary to enable him, after working for a few weeks or months, to go elsewhere, and while such a method is not advisable if one wishes to accu- mulate wealth, he has found that the knowledge thus gleaned is such as can- not be obtained in any educational institution, while the experience has proven of inestimable value. He worked for almost a year at one time on the Nevada democratic paper. The Watchman, which has since gone out of existence. While in Livingstone, Montana, he formed a partnership with a banker by the name of Stebbins, who later became a state senator, in the conduct of a local paper. Mr. Stebbins, not wishing his name to be in any way connected with the venture, was always a silent partner. Mr. Hull having the entire charge and management and being supposedly the owner of the paper. 1Je placed the business on a solid foundation and was making money when he developed lead poison and was forced to give up the trade entirely.
Returning to Jowa Mr. Hull located in Story county where he engaged in farming as a renter, and after two years he began the breeding of Poland China hogs, which venture proving most lucrative he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 21, Indian Creek township, where he continues to reside. He had been breeding registered hogs for five years when he moved to his present location but it was not until the following year that he began raising thoroughbred registered shorthorn cattle, He has been most successful in both of these lines and has achieved quite a reputation as a stockman in this section of the state as he has been ex- hibiting at the various county fairs for years and has taken more first premiums than any other one exhibitor.
Mr. Hull was united in marriage in 1893 to Miss Mary M. Boster, a daughter of Stephen T. and Sarah ( Ingraham) Boster, of Nevada, who came to Story county from Wapello county, lowa, in 1878. They are both
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natives of this state, the father having been born in Lee county and the mother in Wapello county. Mr. Boster has now passed away but his wife is still living and makes her home in Indian Creek township with one of her daughters. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hull : Marie, Marion and Leslie.
They attend the Methodist Episcopal church, where the parents hold membership and of which Mr. Hull is one of the trustees. Although he has never taken an active interest in politics he goes to the polls on election day and casts his vote for the republican candidates, for he feels that the basic principles of that party are best adapted to the requirements of the people. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hull are highly esteemed and popular in the community where they live and he is one of the substantial farmers and cattlemen of the locality.
ELLSWORTH DOWNING.
Ellsworth Downing, who is the owner of a well conducted farm of two hundred acres in Collins township and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Story county, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, October 8, 1864. He is a son of George and Lavina (Van Buskirk) Downing, the former of whom was born in Pike county, Ohio, February II, 1819. Mrs. Downing was also a native of the Buckeye state and was born January 1, 1831. The father successfully engaged in farming in Ohio, but believing that more favorable opportunities were to be found in the west, he made a trip of inspection to Story county, Iowa, and traded his Ohio farm for a place of two hundred acres in Collins township. Return- ing to Ohio, he came west with his family in 1872, driving across the country with two covered wagons. He resided on a farm in Collins town- ship until his children were all grown and married, subsequently taking up his home with the subject of this review, with whom he continued to live for ten years. He passed away September 6, 1904, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. His wife died in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1870. Mr. Downing was a stanch advocate of the republican party and was quite prominent as a political speaker in Story county, also filling various public offices in his township. He served as justice of the peace in Ohio and also in Iowa and was a man of considerable influence wherever he was known. He was not identified with any religious body but was a valued member of the Ma- sonic order.
At eight years of age Ellsworth Downing came to Story county with his father, growing up under the influences of the home that prepared himn well for the struggle of life. He was educated in the district schools and at the age of eighteen years, while assisting his father upon the home farm, also engaged modestly, as opportunity permitted, in farming on his own
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account. At twenty-six years of age he was married and located upon the farm where he now lives. This place comprises forty acres but he also owns one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead. thus being the possessor of some of the most desirable properties in the township. He makes a specialty of cattle feeding, in which he has been very successful.
On the 25th of March. 1890. Mr. Downing was united in marriage to Miss Laura Brown, a daughter of Levi Brown, who came to Story county from Fulton county, Illinois, about 1864 and settled in Collins township. lle passed away in 1903 after a long and honorable career. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Downing: Crescy E., a graduate of the Collins high school and now a popular district school teacher: Ethel G., who is attending high school: Ica G .. also a student in the high school ; George L., who is attending the district school ; and Esther B., at home.
Mr. Downing is a strong friend of education and as an active, progres- sive member of the community is always ready to assist in any worthy movement aiming to promote the general welfare. He has from his boy- hood been industrious and enterprising and now enjoys the results of his self-denial in earlier years. He gives his allegiance to the republican party and the confidence of his neighbors in his judgment is indicated by the fact that for ten years past he has served as township assessor. Frater- nally he is identified with Crescent Camp No. 2358, M. W. A. Mrs. Down- ing and her daughters are valued members of the United Brethren church. They are well known socially and have the warm regard of a large circle of friends.
DANIEL B. LEWIS.
Two years ago Daniel B. Lewis was made cashier and business man- ager of the Farmers Savings Bank of Iluxley. It was his first practical experience in the field of business but he was well prepared for the re- sponsibility and has performed his duties in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of directors and officers of the institution. He was born in Union township, Story county. December 22. 1884. son of Erasmus and Ane (Bryne) Lewis, both natives of Norway. They came to the United States after reaching manhood and womanhood and were married in Wis- consin, locating in Union township. Story county, lowa, in 1864. Mr. Lewis became highly successful as a farmer and acquired extensive land holdings but has disposed of all of his property except the old home farm of two hundred acres and is now living retired. Politically he has been con- nected with the republican party and although his attention was mainly given to his private affairs, he served for a number of years as township trustee and also in other offices. He and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran church.
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DANIEL B. LEWIS
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Daniel B. Lewis was reared in a peaceful home and acquired his early education in the district schools, later attending the Cambridge high school, from which he was graduated in 1905. After teaching school for several terms he took a course in the Capital City Commercial College at Des Moines, graduating with the class of 1908 and showing a proficiency in his examinations that gave bright promise as to his future. Immediately after leaving the commercial college he was appointed cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank of Huxley, and has since served with great acceptance in that position. He is a member of the Lutheran church of Cambridge and is quite prominently identified with social circles in this region. From the beginning of his active career he has shown an adaptability to his chosen calling, which is a brilliant prophecy of a life of usefulness and honor that cannot fail to reflect credit upon himself and those with whom he is associated.
ANDREW A. OLSON.
Andrew A. Olson, a member of one of the well known families of Roland, was born in Howard township, Story county, on the 16th of Sep- tember, 1863, a son of Abel and Jorena Olson. The father was born in Norway and on coming to the United States located in Chicago, where he followed the life of a sailor on Lake Michigan, serving for seven years as first mate of a vessel. In 1854 he came to Story county, Iowa, and, buying forty acres of land, engaged in farming. He later sold that tract and bought eighty acres, which he soon disposed of, and then purchased another eighty on section 16, Howard township, where he continued to live up to the time of his death. He was a persevering and industrious man and had accumulated six hundred and eighty acres of land in Story county at the time of his demise. He was for many years identified with the business interests of Roland, being one of the first men to engage in general merchandising there. In connection with Jona Duey, Paul Thomp- son and John Evenson, he conducted what was called the Granger store, but later withdrew and embarked in the general merchandise business on his own account, with which he was connected at the time of his death. He was a member of the republican party and always took an active in- terest in all local political issues. He was justice of the peace for twenty years, which fact alone is assurance of his capable as well as faithful discharge of the duties of the office. He was also one of the first assessors of Howard township and was for many years regarded as the political leader in that township. He was one of the organizers of the Lutheran church of Roland, contributing liberally toward the founding and main- tenance of the same. He married Jorena Olson, and unto them were born four children, all of whom are still living : Ole, who resides in Minnesota;
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George, living in Howard township, Story county ; Carl, a resident of Cali- fornia; and Andrew A. The father passed away in 1898, having resided for forty-four years in Story county, upon which he left the impress of his strong personality and worthy character. The mother still lives in Roland.
Andrew A. Olson attended the district schools of Story county and on laying aside his school books he worked for his father until he was twenty years of age, at which time he started out in life for himself. Ile had de- cided to follow agriculture, feeling that it offered better and more certain opportunities than almost any other line. In addition to his farming he has been a feeder of stock, in which he has met with reasonable success.
Mr. Olson has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Berth Barka, and they became the parents of five children: Ella, who married I. M. Cole; Josie: Abel; Orville; and Arthur. The mother of these chil- dren passed away in 1901. For his second wife Mr. Olson chose Miss Julia Johnson and unto them has been born one child. Viola.
The family worship in the Lutheran church, with which denomination the parents are identified by membership. Since reaching his majority Mr. Olson has voted the republican ticket and he takes an active .interest in politics.
JOHN A. SCOTT.
Near the top in the list of progressive and enterprising farmers of Story county stands the name of John A. Scott, who since 1894 has been a resident of Indian Creek township. He was born in Jones county, this state, on the 17th of December. 1869, being the son of Prior and Jane (Ferguson) Scott. His father was a native of Indiana but came to lowa with his parents when a child, the grandfather, Prior Scott, Sr., being among the first settlers in Cedar county. Our subject's mother was from Pennsylvania and came to lowa with her brother, Claude Ferguson, also locating in Cedar county, where she met and married Prior Scott. Im- mediately after their marriage the young couple removed to Jones county, locating on one hundred and sixty acres of land which had been given them by Mr. Scott's father. This continued to be their home up to the time of Mr. Scott's death in 1871. Later Mrs. Scott married Asa Lindsey and re- turned to Cedar county, where she still resides.
John .A. Scott made his home with his mother and stepfather until he was fourteen years of age, when he left the parental roof and went to the western part of the state, thus starting out in life for himself when still but a boy. For nine years he worked as a farm hand until, by means of hard work and thrift, he had acquired a small capital.
In 1892 he married Miss Kate Smith, of Story county, a daughter of William V. Smith, of Maxwell. Shortly after marriage they removed to
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Jones county, where they settled on a farm, a portion of which had come to MIr. Scott in the settlement of his father's estate. They lived there for two years, then sold out and bought their present homestead in Indian Creek township, Story county. The present farm contains ninety-seven acres of well tilled and valuable land and is one of the best equipped and best kept farms in the township. Mr. Scott has always been a strong ad- vocate of diversified farming. He keeps a good grade of cattle and hogs, and by means of study and the pursuit of scientific methods and care and discretion in the breeding and raising of stock has been one of the most successful men of the community.
Two daughters and one son have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott, all of whom are still at home: Sylvia Pearl, Emmett Raymond and Lulu Belle. The two former are attending the high school at Maxwell. The family attend the Evangelical church, of which the parents are members, Mr. Scott also serving as a trustee of the church.
The policy of the democratic party has always appealed to Mr. Scott as being the one best adapted to protect the interests of the general public and he therefore casts his ballot for its candidates. He has never taken a prominent or active part in politics, but at the same time he is now and has been for some time a member of the school board. He is secretary and treasurer of the Iowa Center Telephone Company and is also a di- rector of the Farmers Grain Company of Maxwell. He has ever since his residence here been prominent in all public matters pertaining to the in- terest of the agricultural community and is known as one of the pros- perous men of the township where he lives, being highly esteemed and respected by all who know him.
JUDGE CHAUCER G. LEE.
In a history relating to the substantial and progressive citizens of Story county adequate mention should be made of members of the bar, prominent among whom are the gentlemen who occupy the judicial positions. For four years past Chaucer G. Lee has filled the office of district judge and in that time has greatly enhanced the reputation he had previously acquired as a practicing attorney.
Born on a farm in Kellogg township, Jasper county, Iowa, August 7, 1869, he is the son of James and Sarah ( Whitcomb) Lee, the former of whom was born in Massachusetts and the latter in Indiana. At an early day the father settled in Jasper county, Iowa, and became one of its suc- cessful farmers.
Chaucer G. Lee received his early education in the district schools, later attending Hazel Dell Academy at Newton, Jowa, from which he was graduated in 1891. Matriculating in the Iowa State College at Ames hie
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pursued his studies further and was graduated in 1894 with a degree of B. S. Ile next entered the law department of Drake University at Des Moines, and in 1895. having completed the regular law course, received the degree of LL. B. While acquiring his education he taught at various times in the country schools, showing an ability that gave bright promise as to his future. On February 2, 1895. he located at Ames and at once entered upon his life vocation, attracting almost from the very start a lucrative clientage. He served for eight years as city attorney at Ames and proved a strong advocate before a jury and a speaker who readily gained the ear of the court, winning many cases in which he was pitted against some of the ablest lawyers in this part of the state. Since the Ist of January. 1907. he has occupied the bench of the district court, displaying a fairness and impartiality which invites even the most humble to look with confidence for unbiased justice.
On the 23d of September, 1896, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Emma McCarthy, a daughter of Daniel and Mary Mccarthy, of Ames. One daughter, Norma, has blessed this union. Judge Lee gives his adherence to the republican party, with which he has been identified ever since reaching manhood. Socially he and his estimable wife are prominent in the community. He is regarded as a man of the strictest integrity and of unflinching devotion to what he believes to be his duty. A deep student, he is seldom at a loss in determining as regards any difficult point of law. Throughout his entire career he has demonstrated that he possesses a well balanced mind, and he is eminently worthy of the respect and confidence in which he is held by all who know him. Just entering upon the most important period of life, being now forty-two years of age and possessing every requisite for a long and useful career, there is every reason to predict for him still greater successes in years to come than any he has yet known.
OLIVER HILL.
To the industrious farmer who adds intelligence to his chosen vocation success is assured. Oliver Ilill was born in Norway, September 29, 1848. a son of Toris and Martha ( Berhaw) Hill, who emigrated to the United States in 1849, landing at New York on July 2d of that year. They came west, locating in Kendall county, Illinois, where they resided until 1876, at which time they came to Story county and took up their residence with their son, the subject of this sketch. Here they both died, the father on December 7. 1887, and the mother March 18, 1902.
Oliver Hill spent his childhood at home, acquiring his education in the public schools in his district. School facilities were at that time very limited, however, and he secured his book knowledge at intervals between working on the farm. Notwithstanding this fact, being a very industrious
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youth and ambitious as well, he managed to overcome all difficulties and when twenty years old began teaching school, which line of work he fol- lowed for ten years in connection with farming. During this time he taught for nineteen terms. In the spring of 1875 he came to Story county, Iowa, making his residence with Ole Berhaw, whom he had known when living in Kendall county, Illinois. This was the farm on which he now resides and which he later purchased. In the meantime he went to Polk county and spent the winter there, returning the following spring to the Berhaw farm, where he has since resided.
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