USA > Iowa > Tama County > History of Tama County, Iowa, together with sketches of their towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 43
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W. J. Ham is one of the prominent at- torneys of Toledo, and is having good suc- cess in the profession.
II. J. Stiger, of Toledo, was born on the 6th day of June, 1857, in Morrow county, Ohio, and is a son of S. and Abigail ( Jackson ) Stiger. In 1860, he came with his parents to Iowa, where his moth- er died in the summer of 1863, after which he lived with his grand-mother, Mrs. Mary Jackson, at Galion, Ohio, for about two years, at the end of which time he return- ed to Iowa. In 1873, he commenced read- ing law in the office of Appelgate & Kin- ne, where he remained until 1876. At this time he was appointed Deputy Audi- tor, but resigned the appointment in 1878, to accept the appointment of Deputy Treasurer of Tama county, which position he held until 1882. He was admitted to the bar on the 18th day of September, 1880, and on the 1st day of August, 1881, he formed a partnership with L. G. Kinne and G. R. Struble in the real estate and loan busi- ness. He also owns a half interest in the Tama county Democrat. On the 1st day of June, 1882, he was married to Miss Carrie E. Blinn, a daughter of L. B. and Caroline (Seibert) Blinn, of Toledo, lowa. William L. Lamb was born at Hebron,
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Licking county, Ohio, August 5, 1851, and came with his father to Tama county, Iowa, in the spring of 1856. He remained with and worked for his parents on the farm, eight miles east of Toledo, like a faithful and obedient son until the fall of 1871, when he went with his brother to Iowa City to attend school and spent the first year there in the academy, preparing himself for entering the State University. The next fall (1872) he entered the col- legiate department of the university, from which he graduated with a class of 25 in June, 1878, returning home at the close of each school year, and helping his father on the farm during the three months of the summer vacation.
During his collegiate life he remained out of school during the school year of 1875 and 1876, and during the winter taught school four months at Middleburg, Washington comity, Iowa, and in the spring and summer returned and helped his father on the farm. The last of June, 1876 he went to the Centennial Ex- hibition at Philadelphia, spending five weeks there and with relatives in Fairfield county, Ohio. In the fall of 1878 he en- tered the law department of the university at lowa City, from which he graduated in June, 1879, with a class of 126. During the winter of 1879 and 1880 he taught school four months at Buckingham, Tama county, Iowa, and began the practice of law with his brother in the fall of 1880 in Toledo.
W. G. Sears, of the law firm of Merritt & Sears, Toledo, was born in Winslow, Stephenson county, Illinois, on the 19th of November, 1854. When 10 years of age
his parents emigrated to Tama county. Ilis education was principally received in the common schools, but he was a student at the Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa, for one and a half years. In September, 1875, he entered the collegiate department of the State University at Iowa City, and in 1879 entered the law department, grad- uating in June, 1880. In October of the same year he went to Stanton, Nebraska, where he followed his profession for a short time. Ile then came to Toledo, where he formed his present partnership with Mr. Merritt. They are building up a lucrative business.
Wallace B. Louthan, of the law firm of Stivers & Louthan, Toledo, was born De- cember 22, 1851, at Troy, Ohio, his parents being Dr. John B. and Mary M. (Mikesell) Louthan. The family having removed from the "Buckeye State," settled on Richland Creek Valley, Tama county, in March, 1855, where his father, being a physician, practiced medicine and opened up a small farm. In 1860 the family moved to Ilelena, this county, and here they carried on a large stock farm during a period of about twenty-one years. W. B. worked on the farm in summer and at- tended common school in winter, till he was 20 years old, at which age he attended the Tama City high school one year, and afterwards completed the sophomore year of the philosophical course, in the łowa State University. lle has taught in Tama, Marshall and Ida counties, of this State, and one term in Ohio. Hle is of a sandy complexion, about five feet and seven inches high, average weight about 135 pounds .. W. B. early desired to
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make the practice of law his life occupa- tion, and accordingly, in February, 1879, entered the law office of Stivers & Brad- shaw, at Toledo, Iowa, where, after one year's close reading, he was admitted to the bar, February 24, 1880; and on the evening of the same day was married to Miss Lillie V. Stivers, the youngest daughter of William II. Stivers, the senior partner of the firm. Lillie is of a sterling type of American womanhood ; she is in- telligent, practical and in every way an amiable lady and well worthy of her life partner. They have two children, both girls. Mr. Louthan succeeded Mr. Brad- shaw in January, 1881, as a partner of Mr. Stivers in the law business. He is meeting with good success in the profes_ sion.
Daniel Reamer, of Toledo, was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, l'a., on the 18th of January, 1855. Ile is a son of Daniel and Mary M. (Crooks) Reamer, who were parents of three sons and one ‹laughter. Daniel is a graduate of Otter- bein University, at Westerville, Ohio,. where he graduated in June, 1878. In 1879 he entered the law office of Mc- Affee & Atkinson, of Greenburg, Pa. There he remained until March, 1881, then came to Toledo, Tama county, where lie was admitted to the bar during the same year, by the district court.
A. M. Moore is another of Toledo's law- yers. He is having a comparatively fair practice, and is making a good lawyer.
O. II. Mills, of the law firm of Mills & Guernsey, Tama City, was born in Kala- mazoo, Michigan, on the 14th day of Au- gust, 1845. He is a son of F. G. and Ad-
eline (Powers) Mills. Ten years after his birth his father and family came to Iowa, aud settled on a farm in Buchanan county. The subject of our sketch spent his early life on the farm, and received a good com- mon school education, which enabled him to teach at the age of sixteen. In 1865 he began the study of law at Marion - Linn county, under Thomas Corbett, with whom he also completed his studies, and in 1867 was admitted to the bar of that county. Mr. Mills soon after located in Grand Traverse county, Michigan, where he practiced law until he came to Tama City in 1868. Ile immediately opened a law office here, and soon after associated himself with C. E. Hibbard, under the firm name of Ifibbard & Mills. At the end of two years they dissolved. Mr. Mills then associated himself with, first, E. Harmon, and later, G. W. Stinson. These partnerships lasted two years each. During 1878 he entered into a partnership with A. W. Guernsey, with whom he has since been associated. Mr. Mills is re- garded as one of the ablest attorneys in Tama county, and also as one of the most successful. In politics he is a Republican, and has twice been elected to the office of mayor of Tama City. He is the present master of Hiram of Tyra Lodge, and oc- cupies the position of high priest in Doric chapter, No. 54 R. A. M. Mr. Mills is al- so a member of St. Bernard Commandery No. 14, of Belle Plaine. In April, 1863, he was married to Miss Mary J. Stinson, a native of Iowa. Six children have been born to them, four of whom are now liv- ing-Frank, Charles, Mertie and Larry .
Probably one of the best read attorneys
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
in Tama county is the subject of this sketch-W. H. H. Tiffany. He is a native of New York, being born in Wayne coun- ty, May 5, 1828. His parents were Chan- dler and Lydia (Perkins) Tiffany. During- Mr. Tiffany's early life he attended the common schools near his home, and later, the public schools of Adrian, Michigan; during which time he began reading law with Judge A. R. Tiffany, who was noted as a writer on criminal law; and also studied under F. C. Beaman, a member of Congress from that district. In his youth- ful days, the subject of this sketch had made a vow that he would some day be a lawyer, therefore, as soon as old enough, he began fulfilling his promise. In 1854 he graduated from the Michigan Univer- sity at Ann Arbor, in both the classical and law departments. Upon completing his education, Mr. Tiffany began the prae- tice of his chosen profession at Toledo, Ohio, where he remained about eight years, and then removed to Syracuse, New York, where, in 1863, he was admitted to all the courts of the state. After practicing in that city three years, he turned his steps westward, and first located at Montezuma, Iowa, being admitted to all the courts of lowa shortly after his settlement there. In April, 1870, he removed to Tama City, where he has since gained the reputation of being one of the ablest lawyers of cen- tral Iowa. In politics he is a staunch Re- publican; has held several of the local offices, among others that of mayor of Tama City. On the 3rd day of Decem- ber, 1869, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Snyder, widow of Dr. Snyder, who was once president of the Cincinnati Medical College. She settled in Tama
county in 1859.
A. W. Guernsey, partner of O. H. Mills, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Tioga county, of that State on the 14th day of May 1834. He is a sou of Joseph and Ann ( Brewster ) Guernsey. The first fifteen years of his life were spent at home, attending the district schools and helping with the farm work. Ile then spent three years on a whaling expedition, and upon leaving the ocean, followed rail- roading until the beginning of our late re- bellion, at which time he enlisted in com- pany D. 16th Pennsylvania cavalry. At the battle of Getteysburg, he was promoted to the second lieutenancy and on the 6th day of September, was made 1st lienten- ant ; in which rank he served until his resignation in January 1865. Mr. Guern- sey participated in many battles ; among others, were Getteysburg, Mine Run, The Wilderness, Shepardstown, Yellow Tav- ern, Travillion Station and Petersburg. At the close of the war, he resumed rail- roading, which occupation he continued to follow until 1867, when he was com- pelled, on account of failing health to abandon that work, as well as all other requiring manual labor. He therefore be- gan the study of law and in 1869 came to Tama City. From the time of his settle- ment here until 1870, he prosecuted his studies, and was admitted to the bar of Tama county, in September of that year. June 7th 1876 he was admitted to practice before the United States court, and two days later was admitted to practice before the Supreme court of Iowa. Soon after, Mr. Guernsey entered into partnership with E. Harmon, which partnership lasted until 1878, since which time he has been
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associated with O. H. Mills. In politics, Mr. Guernsey is a democrat, and has held various offices of trust within the gift of the people. He was Secretary of the school board for several years and has always taken an active part in educational matters in Tama City. Mr. Guernsey was elected Mayor of Tama City, Iowa, March 5, 1883. He has taken the 32nd degree in Masonry, is a member of the A. O. U. W. and I. O. O. F. Fraternities. In 1856, he was married to Miss Harriett J. Cran- dall, a native of Tioga county, Pennsyl- vania. They have been blessed with two children-Clara M., now the wife of Frank Gadbury of Tama City, and Wal- lace C.
F. J M. Wonser, who is postmaster at Tama City, was born at Ellisville, Fulton county, Illinois, May 5, 1838. His paternal ancestors were Hollanders ; on his moth- er's side he comes of a long and famous line of English nobility and military dis- tinction, she being a direct descendant of Sir John Churchill, duke of Marl- borough. Mileden G. Wonser, his father, was a pioneer of Illinois, and contributed his share to the hardships and privations common in the history of her dauntless corps of settlers. Ilis mother's maiden name was Ruth M. Churchill. Mr. Wonser took his preparatory course of in- struction in the log school house of his native county, "passing" thence to the frame structure of more pretensions, but with practically the same course of study. He made excellent use of his priv- ileges, and from the age of 17 to 21 spent the winter seasons in teaching, and worked on a farm summers. The date of his mar- ri ge is recorded as January 1, 1859, when
Miss Julia C. Weaver became his wife. Mr. Wonser decided on the profession of law as one likely to suit his ambition and taste, and he matriculated in the law de- partment of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he graduated in the class of 1865. In August, 1865, he settled at Iuka, now Tama City, Iowa, where he entered upon the practice of his profes- sion. After a few years he was compelled to relinquish his business, by a bronchial difficulty, which precluded his perform- ance of the duties of an advocate, and he decided to change his vocation. October 8, 1875, he purchased the office and in- terests of the Tuma Citizen, which he merged into that of the Tama Herald and immediately entered upon the publi- cation of the latter named journal. Its existence is still maintained, and its busi- ness relations are managed by his son, who is present proprietor. Mr. Wonser is still editorially connected with the paper. Ile is earne-tly interested in all issues in- volving moral reforms, and realizing the power to be wielded, even by compara- tively small journalistic enterprises, he de- termined that the Tuma Herald, while under his control, should rank as an out and out temperance periodical. If any problem was to be demonstrated by the venture, so to speak, he is quite satisfied with the solution he reached. Ile has served as postmaster at Tama on an earlier appointment, continuing eight years and expiring April, 1879. Ile was re-commis- sioned to the same position March 1, 1883. Mr. Wonser belongs to a class pre-eminent in every western community- cultured without ostentation, genial without loss of dignity, and popular with-
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out sacrifice of manliness. He is
efficient in his relations with the public, warmly interested in the progress and stability of the state of his adoption, and possesses traits that render him a valu- able citizen. Of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wonser, two died in infan- ey. Those surviving are-Wm. W., an attorney at Tama City ; Charles J., pro- prietor of the Tuma Herald; Flora, Celestia, Ella, Fred and Vera. Mr. Won- ser belongs to the Prohibition element, and, on all occasions when his abilities or influence could be brought to bear on the issues of the movement in his vicinity, he has been foremost in the work.
W. W. Wonser, of Tama City, is a son of F. J. M. and Julia C. ( Weaver ) Wonser; was born in Whiteside county, Illinois, December 21, 1859. In 1866 the family removed to Tama county, lowa, where Mr. Wonser's father became one of the prominent attorneys of Tama City. The subject of our sketch received his education in the Tama City High school ; and during 1878-9, he attended the law department of the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor. Subsequently be read law two years with Struble & Kinne, of Tolo do. Hle was admitted to the bar in Feb- ruary, 1881, before Judge Shane, and im- mediately began the practice of law in Tama City. In June, 1882, he became editor of the Tama Herald, which posi- tion he still fills. Mr. Wonser was married September 7, 1881, to Miss Bertie Lamb, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one child-Ferne, born July 28, 1882.
Robert E. Austin, of Tama City, ex- Sheriff of Tama county, is, despite his own modest disclaimer, justly rated as among the
most reliable citizens of .Tama county. Born and bred in one of the best sections of New York, his character has retained all the sturdy integrity and fixedness of principle, fostered by the influences under which he grew to manhood. Since his residenee in Tama county, his business re- lations have been broad and extended, and the public confidence he has won quietly and without effort, is as substantial as that of any other man in the community. The facts pertaining to his political record since he began his career in the State of Jowa, sufficiently attest the estimate in which he is generally held. A Democrat,he carried a strongly Republican county for Sheriff three times by more than 500 ma- jority, a fact seldom paralleled even in the non-conservative West. llis personal traits are strongly marked-reticent, ob- serving, discriminating, faithful in his friendships and lenient in his opinions, he exercises an influence which is more felt than perceived, and, notwithstanding his nature is so retiring as to amount nearly to diffidence, he holds a position in the genial esteem second to none. HI & nom- ination as Democratie candidate for Con- gress from the Fifth Iowa District gives evidence that he is honored beyond the limits of his own county, his party elearly perceiving its opportunity in his distinct- ion at home. Mr. Austin was born April 2, 1827, in Broome county, New York. His father, J. A. S. Austin, was a native of Connecticut and was a soldier of the war of 1812; he died in 1866. Mr. Aus- tin's mother, Tamson (Baker) Austin, was born in New York, where she is stili liv- ing in Broome county. Four of her chil-
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
dren rejoice in her hale old age-Robert E., Lydia, Carrie (Mrs. Harry Martin of Colesville, Brown county) and W. H. Aus- tin resident at Clarkville, Merrick county, Nebraska. The latter was a soklier of the civil war from its inception to its end, honoring his heritage of patriotism from his grand-sires, both of whom fought in the Revolution. Mr. Austin was married December 31, 1849 to Mary Wilcox, of Broome county, New York. Their family of nine children are all living. Winfield S., is a graduate of Middlebury College, Vermont, and is now a practicing attorney at Seattle, on Puget Sound, Washington Territory. The second and third sons, Clifford C. and Frank, are engaged in land and timber operations at the same place. The six remaining children are- Carrie (Mrs. U. Stoner of Toledo), Metta, (Mrs. W. D. Reedy of Monticello), George H., Belle, Arthur E. and Robert E. Mr. Austin came to Linn county, Iowa, in the spring of 1856, and operated there eight years as a carpenter and house builder. In 1864 he moved to Tama and was occupied with his trade and farming until 1874, when he was elected Sheriff of Tama county and served six years. In 1880 he was admitted to the bar to practice law but has never had leisure from business engagements to enter the profession. He is a member of the Masonic Order.
E. Harmon, Justice of the Peace of Tama City, was born in the State of Ver- mont, March 12, 1826, and is a son of Jared and Clara (Harmon) Harmon. Soon after his birth, the family removed to Otsego county, New York, where he grew to manhood and obtained a liberal com-
mon school education. He was reared on a farm, but after reaching his majority, engaged in the lumber business and also followed mercantile pursuits. In 1855 he removed to Tama county, Iowa, locating in Toledo, where he soon became engaged in general merchandise. In 1862 he set- tled in Tama City, since which time he has done more or less insurance business. In 1875 he was admitted to the Tama county Bar, having studied law during his leisure hours for a number of years pre- vious. In politics he is a Republican. Has held the office of Justice of the Peace for the past ten years, and at the election of 1882 was re-elected for another term of two years. In 1871 he built the "Har- mon " House, which was totally destroyed by fire, October 6, 1882. By its destrue- tion, he, its owner and proprietor, lost at least ten thousand dollars. Mr. Harmon held the office of Mayor of Tama City two years. He was married in 1854, to Miss Kitty M. Browning.
James Fowler, of Traer, is a native of Kentucky, born near New Castle, in Oe- tober, 1832. His father died in 1838, and soon after his mother removed with her family to Southern Indiana. In 1852 Mr. Fowler went to the northern part of Ili. nois, where he was married to Sarah Green, a native of Indiana. In 1856, they came to this county, and Mr. Fowler engaged alternately in farming and the mercantile business, at Toledo and Tama City, until the town of Traer came into existence, and, as it promised to be an important point, he took up his abode there. Mr Fowler at once turned his attention to the tudy of law, and has been in practice S
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
since the spring of 1874. Though he did not begin his praetiee until late in life, yet by patient study and natural adaptation to the profession, he has attained to consid- erable prominence among his brother law- yers. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have three children-Mary, wife of W. W. Blancli- ard, Cordelia A. and Louise.
E. T. Langley, attorney and postmaster, came to Traer in March, 1876. He was born in Ohio in 1843 ; his father, J. E. Langley, came to lowa with his family in 1855, and settled in Linn county. Henow lives in Kansas. Mr. Langley enlisted in 1861 in the 14th regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. Ile was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh and was held prisoner about six months. He was admitted to the bar in Benton county in 1872. Ile is engaged in the practice of his profession ; also in attending to his duties as postmaster. His wife was Lavancia E. Bloodgood, born in Walworth county, Wisconsin. They have one son-Charles C., born in October, 1867.
Orson T. Brainerd of Traer, is a native of Lewis county, New York, born in 1831. His parents, Hezekiah and Lovica Brain- erd, removed to Geauga county, Ohio, when Orson was a child. Orson was brought up near the old home of Gen. Garfield, and was a school-mate of Presi- dent Garfield for several terms at Geanga Seminary. Mr. Brainerd came to Tama county in August. 1855, and entered a quarter seetion of land in York township, where he lived and improved his farm un- til 1864. At this time, on account of ill health, he left the farm and removed to Tama City, where he engaged in the jew- elry business. He was also located for
three years at Rockford, Floyd county. Mr. Brainerd came to Traer in the fall of 1875, and in 1876 was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has since held. He was also Justice of the Peace at Rock- ford. While acting in the capacity of Justice, he has devoted himself to the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1878. Mrs. Brainerd was formerly Miss Orissa A. McGee, born in New Hampshire. They have seven chil- dren-Arthur T., Charles E., Flora A., Laura, Welman S., Clarence A. and Loe M. Mr. Brainerd's father was a resident of Toledo, this county, from 1856 to 1867, when he returned to Ohio. He is eighty- seven years of age and is a pensioner of the war of 1812.
R. G. MeIntire was one of the lawyers at Traer for several years prior to his elec- tion as county Auditor, in 1877. Ile has been twice re-elected to this office and is the present incumbent. He was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, November 14, 1830. When thirteen years old, his par- ents emigrated to Clinton county, Iowa, where his father took up a large traet of land, opened up a farm and remained un- til his death, which occurred June 15, 1877. Ilis mother died in 1868. They were among the early settlers of Clinton county. In early life the parents joined the Congregational church, but after com- ing to lowa they united with the Metho- dists. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and in Knox College, Ils. In 1852, he went to California in search of a fortune. Ile spent eight years mining and prospecting for gold and then turned his attention to the practice of law and was admitted to
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
the bar in 1860. In 1864 he enlisted in the 2nd California Cavalry and remained in the service until April 1866, when he returned to Iowa. In the fall of 1867 lie purchased land in Tama county, and the following year began farming. In 1873 he removed to Traer where he purchased the first bill of lumber used in building that prosperous town. In the fall of 1877, he was elected to the office of county Audi- tor, which office he has since held with credit to himself and to his con- stituents. Mr. McIntire was mar- ried in Tama county, in 1868, to Miss Harriet Beatty, daughter of Henry Beatty, an old settler of the county. Three children bless this union-William H., Mattie P. and Edwin G. Mr. MeIntire is a member of the 1. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and the Legion of Honor.
The first attorney to locate at Dysart was Abraham Brannaman, who came from Traer in 1875 and remained until 1880.
In the spring of 1883 the legal profes- sion in Dysart was represented by N. C. Rice, and F. C. and W. H. Wood.
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