USA > Iowa > Taylor County > History of Taylor County, Iowa; from the earliest historic times to 1910, biographical sketches of some prominent citizens > Part 49
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FRANCIS M. HAWKINS.
Francis M. Hawkins, living on section 20, Gay township, is the owner of one of the well-developed farm properties in his part of the county, having one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land. Taylor county has been his home since 1894 for he arrived here when a young man of about twenty-three years. He was born near Galesburg in Knox county, Illinois, July 31, 1871, and is descended from an old southern family. His father, Enoch Hawkins, was born in Kentucky and was there reared. Making his way to Illinois, he settled in Knox county and as a young man was married there to Miss Eliza Hendricks, who was born and reared in Indiana. On the removal to Illinois all of the family rode across the country on horseback. Following his marriage Mr. Hawkins opened up a new farm in Knox county, cultivating over five hundred acres of land, which he brought under a high state of improvement. After his farm had been devel- oped for the purposes of raising grain he also turned his attention to the breeding of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He became well known in that
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connection, making large sales of his stock. He continued to reside in Knox county until his death which occurred May 25, 1906, while his wife passed away about 1901. Their family numbered three sons and seven daughters: Thomas, a resident of Abingdon, Illinois; W. B., living in Wyoming; Sarah Jane, the wife of James Ennison, living in Knox county, Illinois ; Rillie, the wife of J. A. Lomax, of Jefferson township, Taylor county, Iowa; Katie, the wife of Nathaniel Swan- son, of Abingdon, Illinois ; Ella, the wife of Frank Hall, living in Macon county, Missouri; Della, the wife of Charles Anderson, a resident of Galesburg, Illinois; Ida, of Abingdon, and Tillie, the deceased wife of Harry Allen, of Hopkins, Missouri.
In the place of his nativity Francis M. Hawkins was reared and acquired his education in the common schools near his father's home and in Abingdon (Illinois) College. Subsequently he returned to the farm and remained in his native state until 1894, when he came to Taylor county, Iowa, and purchased a farm in Jackson township. He commenced here with one hundred and twenty- two and a half acres of land and for about ten years gave his undivided time and attention to the development and improvement of that property. He then traded it for his present farm on section 20, Gay township, and located there in 1905. He is now busily engaged in tilling the soil here and in raising his crops he demon- strates the fact that his methods are practical for he annually gathers good harvests. He also raises high-grade stock and owns some pure-blooded short- horns. He also fattens a large number of hogs each year and for these finds a ready market, because of their size and excellent condition.
Mr. Hawkins was married in Jackson township, this county, on the 17th of February, 1906, to Miss Jessie Grace, who was born in Illinois and came to Iowa with her parents. Her father, Jesse Grace, was a native of Warren county, Illinois, where he was reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane Sigman, a native of that state. In 1880 they went to Worth county, Missouri, and subsequently came to Taylor county, Iowa. Their daughter, Mrs. Hawkins, was largely reared and educated in her native county and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Velma, Vern and Clarion.
Politically Mr. Hawkins is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. His wife belongs to the Baptist church and they are both widely and favorably known in this locality where they have now lived continuously for fifteen years. Their own home is most hospitable and is a favorite resort with their many friends.
JOEL WEEKS.
Joel Weeks, who since 1892 has lived retired in Bedford, was in former years actively and successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Taylor county. His birth occurred in Adams county, Ohio, on the 8th of February, 1851, his parents being Ezekiel and Sarah (Coppel) Weeks, the former a native of Cape May, New Jersey, and the latter of Adams county, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Vincent Weeks, likewise a native of New Jersey, was of English
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and German descent. He followed general farming throughout his active busi- ness career and passed away in Adams county, Ohio, when about eighty years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Risley, also attained a ripe old age. This worthy couple reared a family of seven sons, namely : Ezekiel, John, Risley, Joel, James, Richard and Job. Daniel Coppel, the maternal grand- father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and came of German lineage. He did active duty as a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a farmer by occupa- tion, meeting with a creditable measure of success in his undertakings. He became an early settler of Adams county, Ohio, and there continued to reside until he passed away at the age of eighty-four years, at Havana, Mason county, Illinois. His wife had also attained an advanced age at the time of her demise and they reared a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters, as follows: John; Henry; Fletcher; Sarah, who gave her hand in marriage to Ezekiel Weeks; Hannah, who became the wife of Frank Woods; Dorcas, the wife of William Robinson; Jane, who became the wife of Charles Rogers; and Nancy, the wife of William Naylor.
Ezekiel Weeks, the father of Joel Weeks, was a miller by trade and on leaving his native state took up his abode in Ohio, passing away on his farm near Ben- tonville, Adams county, that state, as the age of forty-one years. His wife, long surviving him, came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1871, locating in Holt township, where she made her home until a short time prior to her death. Her demise oc- curred in Lenox on the 25th of December, 1905, and had she survived for but six days longer she would have lived to celebrate her ninety-third birthday. Like her husband, she was a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist church and was highly esteemed for her many good traits of heart and mind, winning the kindly regard and friendship of all with whom she came in contact. She was the mother of two children: Joel, of this review; and Henry, who died at the age of eleven years.
Joel Weeks spent the first seventeen years of his life in the state of his nativ- ity, being reared on the home farm and obtaining his education in the district schools. Removing to Havana, Mason county, Illinois, he there continued to reside until 1871, when he came to Taylor county, Iowa, settling in Holt town- ship, where he purchased a farm of eighty-six acres. To the cultivation and improvement of that property he devoted his time and energies until 1876, when he took up his abode on a farm of one hundred and ten acres in Marshall town- ship. There he energetically and industriously carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years, winning a gratifying and well-deserved measure of pros- perity by reason of his untiring labor and capable management. In 1892, having accumulated a handsome competence, he put aside the active work of the fields and purchased a fine home in Bedford, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. In addition to his farm of one hun- dred and ten acres in Marshall township he likewise owns a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Cheyenne county, Kansas, and is widely recognized as a most substantial, progressive and representative citizen of the community.
On the 16th of December, 1874, Mr. Weeks was united in marriage to Miss Almira Gordon, a daughter of Uriah and Leva Ann (Babbington) Gordon, who were natives of Pennsylvania but became early settlers of Mason county, Illi-
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nois. Uriah Gordon was called to his final rest in 1863, when he had attained the age of fifty-three years, while his wife, who long survived him, passed away in 1899 at the age of seventy-eight years. Their family numbered five children : George, a resident of Havana, Illinois; Albert, also living at that place; Mrs. Weeks; Charlotte, the deceased wife of Daniel McClung; and Ann Maria, who was seventeen years of age when called to the home beyond. Mrs. Weeks was born, reared and married on the same farm in Mason county, Illinois, and still owns an interest in the property. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weeks were born two sons, George and Horace, whom they lost at the ages of twelve and ten years respectively, both meeting death at the same time by drowning. Their sudden and tragic end came as a deep and almost irreparable blow to the parents.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Weeks has cast his bal- lot in support of the men and measures of the democracy. In religious faith he is a Methodist and both he and his wife are consistent members of the church of that denomination in Bedford. The period of their residence in this county covers more than a third of a century and they are widely and favorably known within its borders, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
E. S. ROWE, JR.
There have been many theories advanced concerning success but unpreju- diced investigation into the cause of prosperity shows that in almost every instance it follows earnest, persistent and honorable effort when well directed by sound judgment. The record of Mr. Rowe is proof of this, for he has worked diligently and untiringly to gain his present position as one of the progressive and prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Jackson township. He here owns one hundred and twenty acres in the home place and also one hundred and twenty-two acres to the south, across the boundary line in Missouri. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred upon the farm where he now resides on the 29th of September, 1868. He is a son of E. S. Rowe, Sr., of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His youthful days were spent upon his father's farm, where he early received thorough training in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, while lessons of industry were strongly impressed upon his mind. To the public-school system of the county he is in- debted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He assisted in carrying on the home farm and remained with his father until twenty-six years of age and his experi- ence in that period of his life well qualified him for the onerous duties which he assumed when he began farming on his own account.
Mr. Rowe was married in Bedford, Iowa, on the 13th of November, 1895, to Miss Edith Risser, a native of Colorado and a sister of Senator Risser, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Rowe was reared and educated in Nodaway county, Missouri, and after their marriage the young couple located upon a farm where his birth had occurred and where his youthful
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days had been passed. Mr Rowe commenced here with one hundred and eighty acres of land, diligently accomplishing the tasks of plowing, planting and har- vesting. Desirous of making this a well-improved property, he erected thereon a good large barn and double crib. He also put up a commodious two-story resi- dence, built in modern style of architecture and supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories. The house is piped with water, has a fine bathroom and every facility for making life comfortable. The system of water-works upon the place is particularly fine and altogether the farm presents a splendid appear- ance, constituting one of the attractive features in the landscape. As his financial resources have increased Mr. Rowe has purchased more land from time to time and is now busily employed in tilling the fields and in raising and feeding hogs and cattle, fattening and shipping from two to four carloads annually. In his business affairs he is prospering, owing to his capable management and judi- cious investment.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe has been blessed with five children: Orlie, Rex, Oakley, Ellis and Otis. The family occupies a prominent position in the social circles of the county, the members of the household having many warm friends. Politically Mr. Rowe is independent, nor has he ever sought or desired office, yet he is not neglectful of the duties of citizenship and gives to many movements for the general good his earnest support. He has witnessed much of the growth and development of the county for in his early days it was largely an undeveloped region and he herded cattle over the prairies and the ridge. The entire countryside was unclaimed and uncultivated and the few settlers turned their stock to graze out at will. As the years have passed, however, farm after farm has been taken up until almost every acre of Taylor county's soil is culti- vated and constitutes one of the richest agricultural sections in the state. Mr. Rowe has contributed to this result and is now numbered among the more suc- cessful business men and agriculturists of this section.
DAVID CLARK.
There have been some people that have contested that success is a matter of genius while others have said that it is the outcome of fortunate circumstances or propitious environment, but to such carping criticism or lack of appreciation it may be said that the laws of cause and effect hold as truly in business life as in any other condition and perseverance and diligence constitute the basis of at- tainment in any line of commercial, industrial or agricultural enterprise. Mr. Clark is numbered among those who have worked persistently for their success. He owns and cultivates a farm of eighty acres which is situated on section IO, Platte township, within two miles of Lenox, and he is also the owner of one hun- dred and sixty acres one and a half miles south of the home place.
Mr. Clark is numbered among the older settlers of the state for he took up his abode in Benton county in 1860. He was born near Toronto, Canada, July 12. 1855. and is a son of T. W. Clark, a native of Scotland, in which country he was reared and married, Miss Margaret Andrews becoming his wife. She, too,
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was born in the land of hills and heather. Mr. Clark was a farmer in his native country and six children were born unto him and his wife ere they left for the new world. Crossing the Atlantic, they settled in Canada in 1855 and there Mr. Clark followed farming until 1860, when he came to Iowa and located in Benton county. As he had no money to purchase property he rented land and thus en- gaged in farming for eight years. Subsequently he removed to Linn county and took up his abode near Cedar Rapids, where he made investment in one hundred and sixty acres of raw land. It was entirely destitute of improvements but he at once began to till the fields and converted the land into a productive farm. On this place he reared his family and spent his last years, his death occurring there about 1905. His wife had died only two months before and both were buried in the neighborhood.
David Clark is the oldest of a family of three sons and two daughters who are yet living. The others are : George D. and John O., both of whom are residents of Linn county ; Maggie, the wife of Albert H. Rogers of the state of Wash- ington ; Jennie I., the wife of Samuel H. Bassett of Corning, Iowa; James .A., who after his marriage became a resident of Benton county, lowa, where his death occurred ; Alex, who died in Linn county at the age of twenty-eight years ; Thomas, who died in Linn county, where he left a wife and two sons ; and Robert A., who at his death also left a wife and two children.
David Clark was reared on the old homestead farm in Linn county, spending his boyhood and youth with his parents and assisting in the arduous and difficult task of opening up and developing a new farm, thus practical experience well qualifying him for a general agricultural pursuit when he started out in life on his own account. He was married in Linn county, February 26, 1880, to Miss Martha Malinda Rogers, who was born and reared in that county and was a daughter of Robert Rogers, a native of Ohio, whence he went to Linn county in an early day in its development. After Mr. Clark married he removed to Greene county, where he rented a farm for two years and then purchased two hundred acres of partially improved land. This he farmed and further improved, building thereon a large residence, a good barn and other outbuildings necessary for the shelter of grain and stock. Year by year his work was carefully and systemati- cally conducted and each fall he harvested good crops for which he found a ready sale on the market. He persistently and energetically carried on general farming until 1902, when he sold out and removed to Taylor county, purchasing the place which he now owns. In its midst he has erected a commodious and comfortable residence in modern style of architecture and has built a good barn, which is the second one on the place. He has also set out fruit and he has a neat and at- tractive property that is lacking in none of the accessories and equipments of a model farm of the twentieth century. In addition to this property he has bought one hundred and sixty acres a mile and a half south of the home place and also has a good residence, barn and other improvements on that land. This farm is occupied by his nephew. Alpha Clark, and they are partners in the raising of shorthorn cattle.
Both Mr. and Mrs. David Clark hold membership in the Lenox Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. His public-spirited citizenship is manifest in his cooperation in every movement
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for the public good. He has lived in Iowa since a youth of five years and has helped to improve and develop two farms, his business enterprise constituting the forceful factor in his success, while his business integrity has won for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.
HON. DENNIS HAMBLIN.
The list of the leading men of Taylor county contains the name of Hon. Dennis Hamblin, one of the representative and honored citizens of this section of the state. His record as a soldier, as a legislator and as a business man has been so honorable that he has gained the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
Born in Summer Hill, Cayuga county, New York, March 28, 1836, he was there reared to farm life and attended the district schools to some extent, al- though he is largely a self-educated man .. In 1857, when a young man of twenty-one years, he came west to Taylor county and he and a brother ran a breaking plow one summer, using five yoke of oxen for this purpose. He then returned to the Empire State and assisted his father on the home farm and also worked for others at farm labor, at ten dollars per month. After a time however, he once more came to Taylor county and engaged in breaking prairie. In the fall of 1861 he sold his team and went to Chicago to offer his services to the government, for it was about this time that the Civil war was inaugurated.
His name was enrolled on the 7th of December, 1861, as a member of Com- pany G, Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the company being organized at Camp Douglas. After being well trained, the company was sent south in February, 1862, and went as far as Fort Donelson, being first under fire in that memorable battle. He was next sent with General Prentiss' division to Shiloh, where the major portion of the regiment was captured. Later Mr. Hamblin participated in the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, and many of the Union sol- diers were here taken prisoners. On being exchanged they were sent back to Springfield, where the command was recruited and reorganized. Mr. Hamblin with the other members of his company was sent from the latter place to Cairo and thence to Paducah, Kentucky, where he spent the summer of 1863.
In the winter of 1863-4 he went south with Sherman as far as Vicksburg, where he participated in the Meridian campaign in February, 1864, while still later he was with Banks on the Red River expedition. Besides taking part in many important battles he was in many skirmishes. At Pleasant Hill while holding the rank of orderly sergeant but acting as captain, his command covered the rear of Banks' expedition to the mouth of the Red River, where a big battle ensued between his company and Loring's Confederate cavalry. Mr. Hamblin had the misfortune to receive a gunshot wound in the left elbow and was sent north to a hospital at Cairo, Illinois. After two or three months he rejoined his regiment at Memphis and was there promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Going up the river to St. Louis from that place, he assisted in chasing Price's army all over Missouri, and later on their return to St. Louis, the regiment proceeded down
DENNIS HAMBLIN
MRS. DENNIS HAMBLIN
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the Mississippi and up the Cumberland rivers to Nashville, where they joined General Thomas and drove Hood out of that city. The Civil war discharge of Mr. Hamblin bears the following endorsement: "This soldier was in the fol- lowing engagements : Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Iuka, Fort DeRussey, Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou and Nashville." He was always found at his post of duty and returned home with a most enviable military record.
During the progress of the war Mr. Hamblin had been home on a furlough and was then married, March 5, 1863, to Miss Eliza McWilliams, of St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois. She was born, however in the north of Ireland, but was reared in Kane county, Illinois. After returning home from the war Mr. Hamblin procured a team and covered wagon and journeyed from that county to Taylor county, Iowa, reaching his destination on the 3d of May, 1865. He first rented land, which he cultivated for several years, and later became the owner of forty acres which was partly improved. On this tract he built a log house fourteen by sixteen feet, in which he made his home several years. As the time passed and he prospered, he added to his possessions until he eventually became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres in Marshall township, Taylor county. On this farm he erected a good country residence, a substantial barn and other outbuildings and engaged in general farming until 1900. In that year he disposed of his farm and took up his abode in Sharpsburg, erecting a nice home in the village, in which he has since lived. In January, 1901, he was ap- pointed inspector of the rural free delivery mail service and in this connection was given free transportation over all railroad and steamship lines in the United States. He had to report at Chicago each week and from that point his service demanded him to touch St. Paul, St. Louis, Omaha and Denver. He capably served in this position until 1906, ever discharging his duties with credit to himself as well as to the satisfaction of those under whom he served.
Mr. Hamblin is a republican in his political views and on that ticket has been elected to important offices. In 1883 he served in the legislature as a member of the twentieth general assembly. He did duty on various important committees and his course received the approval of all concerned. He has also served his township as trustee and assessor and in every official capacity has been faithful to the trusts reposed in him.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hamblin has been blessed with four children. William Winslow, the eldest, died October 15, 1888, at the age of twenty-one years. A. Laura is the wife of Charles H. Smith, station agent at Norwich, Iowa. Maggie E. is the wife of E. L. West, of Sharpsburg. Clarissa Eliza is the wife of W. T. Brown, a resident farmer of Marshall township.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Hamblin is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Conway and to the chapter at Bedford. He is also a member of Sedgwick Post, G. A. R., at Bedford. For fifty-two years Mr. Hamblin has been an interested witness of the growth and development of Taylor county, and he has not only been a witness but has been an active partici- pant in much of the work that has brought this district to its present prosperous and well-developed state. The county has been and is signally favored in the class of men who have controlled its affairs in official capacity, and in this con- nection Mr. Hamblin demands representation as one who has served the county
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faithfully and well in every position of trust and responsibility to which he has been called. His military record, too, was most honorable, and a social, genial nature has endeared him to a wide circle of friends.
H. M. LONG.
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